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Monday 10 February 2014 10 Rabial II 1435 - Volume 18 Number 5971 Price: QR2

Woqod New Zealand International win first Test to expand in a thriller

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www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 Ashghal using Industrial Area fire mobile labs to ensure quality Project sites under close scrutiny

DOHA: The Public Works sub-contractors. Ashghal recently Authority (Ashghal) is set to suspended the approval of a lab launch mobile laboratories pending improvement in its qual- to conduct on-the-spot qual- ity systems and full compliance ity checks at its project sites. with its requirements. The state-of-the-art labs will Ashghal believes that the new be equipped with cutting-edge system will help ensure the quality technologies to ensure that of its projects in a foolproof man- materials used for the projects ner. The mobile team will be led adhere to quality standards set by Ashghal’s quality and safety by Ashghal. department inspection team. In the run-up to the 2022 FIFA The mobile units are equipped World Cup, Ashghal is involved in with apparatus to test soil, aggre- multi-billion riyal projects. The gate, concrete, roads and pave- idea behind launching the mobile ments, and fire resistance. It can laboratories is to make sure, in a also carry out geotechnical and Vehicles of emergency services near the scene of a major fire at a warehouse on Street No. 24 in the Industrial Area yesterday. It took Civil Defence better and more efficient manner, environmental tests. The road personnel more than five hours to bring the blaze under control. According to locals, the fire started at around 6.30 am. No one was injured in the that all its projects are strictly fol- testing equipment in the mobile incident. However, the entire warehouse was gutted. More pictures on page 10 SALIM MATRAMKOT lowing quality guidelines set by the laboratory can check the quality country. of the asphalt mixture and even “The labs will be equipped assess the lifespan of the road. with advanced apparatus capable It can test the density and tem- of conducting all sorts of tests, perature of the asphalt and deter- including chemical and geological mine the thickness and density of Iran to cooperate in UN N-bomb probe tests. The labs will make sure the bitumen. projects are strictly following the “The test to reconfirm the qual- VIENNA/DUBAI: The UN the West fears that Iran wants to with the IAEA meant to help development of Exploding Bridge quality, safety and environmental ity of the asphalt mixture is the nuclear agency said yesterday develop atomic arms. allay concern about the nuclear Wire detonators”. Although such standards being set by the coun- first of its kind to be launched in that Iran had agreed to start The deal could also send a pos- programme. fast-functioning detonators have try”, an Arabic daily reported. the region. The lab has the facility addressing suspicions that it itive signal to separate negotia- For the first time, one of them some non-nuclear uses, they can Currently, over a dozen pri- to assess the quality of the treated may have worked on designing tions between Iran and six world specifically dealt with an issue also help set off an atomic device. vate laboratories authorised by water being used to make the mix- an atomic weapon, a potential powers which are due to start on that is part of the UN nuclear “It is an important issue and it Ashghal conduct quality checks ture”, the daily reported. breakthrough in a long-stalled February 18 in Vienna, aimed at agency’s inquiry into what it calls is good that the agency can now on construction material used in In the event of the mobile labo- investigation into Tehran’s reaching a broader diplomatic the possible military dimensions tackle it,” former chief IAEA its projects. As per the existing ratories finding that a contractor atomic activities. settlement with the Islamic state. to Iran’s atomic activities. Iran inspector Herman Nackaerts practice, it is the responsibility of had compromised with quality The development — although The International Atomic has repeatedly denied any such said. But he made clear that the engineers and consultants to standards, Ashghal will get its limited for now — marked a step Energy Agency said Iran had ambitions. much work remained in order ensure that materials testing labo- results checked by internation- forward in an international push agreed during talks in Tehran to It said Iran would provide to fully clarify the IAEA’s con- ratories proposed by the contrac- ally competent labs to reconfirm to settle a decade-old dispute take seven new practical meas- “information and explanations cerns: “It is a first step in a long tor are totally independent and in the findings. over Iran’s nuclear programme. ures within three months under for the agency to assess Iran’s process.” no way related to the contractor or THE PENINSULA Tehran says this is peaceful, while a November transparency deal stated need or application for the REUTERS

Bizarre accident

Snowden used simple A CELEBRATION1 OF software to mine data LOS ANGELES: The National The unusual activity triggered Security Agency whistle-blower a brief challenge from agency offi- Edward Snowden used inexpen- cials but Snowden persuaded them sive and widely available soft- it was legitimate and continued ware to plunder the agency’s mining data. networks, it has been reported, “We do not believe this was an raising further questions about individual sitting at a machine and TOMORROW’S why he was not detected. downloading this much material in EDITION OF Intelligence officials investigat- sequence,” an unnamed official told THE PENINSULA ing the former contractor, who the Times. The process, the official WILL INCLUDE leaked thousands of documents said, was “quite automated”. to media outlets last year, deter- Web crawlers move from web- A 24-PAGE SPECIAL mined that he used web crawler site to website, following links SUPPLEMENT ON software designed to search, index embedded in each document, NATIONAL and back up websites to “scrape” and can copy everything they highly classified files, the New York encounter. SPORT DAY In a bizarre accident, a moving car split into two near Umm Al Afai on Al Shahaniya Road yesterday, Al Sharq Times reported yesterday. THE GUARDIAN reports. The paper cited unusually high speed as the cause of the accident. No further details were available. Climb to better health, SCH urges employees

DOHA: The Supreme Council stickers and posters highlighting encourage healthy habits among This is the easiest and most of Health (SCH) has launched a the importance of physical exer- the staff, such as simple physical effective physical exercise in daily campaign at its offices to mark cise and the health benefits of exercises at the office and outside, life since it does not require any National Sport Day, encour- climbing steps. a healthy way of sitting in the equipment and no need to go to aging its employees to use the “Your are about to burn five office and quitting smoking. a gym. It can be practiced while stairs instead of the elevator as times more calories than using Dr Sheikha Al Anoud bint coming to the office or while going a simple way to a healthy life. the elevators” reads a poster. Mohammed Al Thani, head of the back and at other places,” said Al The campaign will begin tomor- Employees can calculate how Health Promotion and Non com- Anoud. She said the first phase row, on National Sport Day, and much calories they have burned municable Diseases Department of the campaign involved collect- continue in the months to come. while climbing every floor. “4th at the SCH, said that the new ing health data of the employees Jassim Ibrahim Fakhroo, direc- floor. 17. 5 calories burned from move was a very important step through a questionnaire to identify tor of Media and Public Relations first floor,” reads another poster. towards improving modern life- their heath condition and health at the SCH, said yesterday that Fakhroo said the initiative was styles, which provide no room for requirements. The survey con- some of the elevators at the SCH part of an ongoing campaign called regular physical activity. ducted through email has evoked headquarters will be stopped as “Healthy workplace” launched by “Climbing steps will help burn a tremendous response among the part of the campaign. Staircases the SCH for its employees early calories, stimulate the brain cells employees. A message on the lift urging people to use the stairs. have been decorated with this year. This campaign aims to and improve blood circulation. THE PENINSULA

MONDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2014 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 Airport parking facility not ‘user-friendly’ Visitors complain about lack of space and lifts to move luggage to first floor of arrivals terminal BY SACHIN KUMAR then locating them is another challenge as parking sections do not have any DOHA: The temporary double-deck number or identification marks. parking facility at the arrivals ter- “All sections are alike which makes it minal of Doha International Airport difficult for me to find my car. Usually I is not ‘user-friendly’, according to remember the face of a security person passengers. standing in the section to locate it,” said Lack of space and some basic facili- a Qatari woman who had come to receive ties are among complaints about the new relatives. parking structure. The metal-structured facility also One passenger said there were no ele- makes passengers worry about safety vators or lifts and due to lack of space, it as they use parking facilities built with becomes difficult for motorists to move brick and mortar elsewhere which give and park, especially during peak hours them a feeling of comfort and safety. at the double-deck facility, which was It is also difficult for people to take the built last year and can accommodate help of guards in the facility because offi- maximum of 650 vehicles. cially they are not allowed to intervene. Due to the absence of elevators, pas- Helping passengers with their luggage sengers are left with two options. and locating their cars will divert our First is to lift the luggage to the first attention from our actual work and will floor of the parking structure and the create chaos in the facility, one guard second is to wait for their vehicles near said. the terminal. Most passengers like to park their “There is not enough space in the vehicles in the new facility because of its parking area. Most passengers come in proximity to the terminal. When guards four-wheelers while parking slots are for request them to park at a nearby facility A section of the new parking facility near the arrivals terminal of the airport. ABDUL BASIT average sized cars. It takes a lot of time they insist on parking in the new area. for a driver to fit his car in a slot,” an “Parking space is not sufficient, espe- employee working at the facility said, cially for big cars and the absence of wishing anonymity because he was not elevators to carry luggage to the first authorised to speak to the media. floor irritates passengers,” said Ahmad “We have witnessed cases of cars hit- Al Jolo, Chairman, Qatar Society of ting side poles as motorists try to park. Engineers. We are under more pressure during “Authorities should keep these things peak hours when the number of visitors in mind while making new parking facili- rises significantly,” he said. ties and ensure that they are equipped Once passengers park their vehicles, with facilities.” THE PENINSULA

Weight loss main motive for people to do physical exercise: Ministry survey DOHA: Weight loss is the main above. The ratio is even higher among motive driving people in Qatar to do Qatari women at 66 percent. physical exercise, shows an online Walking and jogging are most favour- survey conducted by the Ministry of ite sports for university degree holders- Development Planning and Statistics 64 percent of Qataris and 47 percent on the occasion of National Sport Day. of non-Qataris practising sport. Forty- The survey also found a slight increase nine percent of Qataris spend less than in the number of people engaging in QR1,000 on sports activity, whereas physical exercise compared to last year. those who spend between QR1,000 and A total of 1,006 people took part in QR5,000 account for 18 percent, and 2 the survey, 33 percent of them Qataris. percent spend between QR5,000 and Results show that 74 percent of the QR10,000, and one percent spend more respondents were sport practitioners, than 10,000. Thirty percent do not spend up by two percent compared to last year, at all on exercising. As for non-Qataris, and 72 percent of the Qatari participants 58 percent spend less than QR1,000 play sport. while 7 percent spend between QR5,000 Of the Qatari practitioners of sport, and QR10,000. 41 percent wish to lose weight, followed The survey results show that 64 per- by those who seek to stay in shape at 32 cent of the participants played sport percent. Among non-Qataris, 46 percent on the previous National Sport Day wish to reduce weight through physical (February 2013), and 27 percent par- activity while 27 percent want to stay ticipated in the organisational works of fit. In general, more women seek weight the Sport Day celebrations. 66 percent loss (45 percent of total female sports of Qataris played sport on the Sport practitioners) followed by those seeking Day, and 23 percent took part in the weight control (30 percent). organisational works of the Sport Day The highest number of sports prac- celebrations. titioners (36 percent) in Qatar fall in Thirty three percent of respondents the 30-39 age group. Among Qataris, the have an excellent impression of the pre- highest - 33 percent- of the respondents vious Sport Day (2013). Thirty percent practicing sports were in the 20-29 years of respondents were also impressed age group about the organisational aspects. In Walking and jogging are the most addition, 29 percent see that companies practiced sports among Qataris and non- participation is excellent, and 36 percent Qataris, accounting for 59 percent and see it very good. As for the community 45 percent, respectively. participation, 57.9 percent said that it The survey indicates that 78 percent is “excellent” and “very good” whereas of the sports practitioners have a uni- 70.8 percent see that media coverage is versity degree and above and 61 percent excellent and very good. of Qataris hold a university diploma and THE PENINSULA

US experts take up Sidra posts DOHA: Sidra Medical and Research Centre yesterday announced two new appointments to its expanding senior management team. Dr Julio Silva joins the innovative medi- cal and research facility for women and children as its Division Chief of Health Informatics and Dr Timothy B McDonald Dr Julio Silva and Dr Timothy B McDonald as Service Chief for Anaesthesiology. Dr McDonald is also Sidra, he was chief safety Centre in Chicago, Illinois, Medical Director of and risk officer for health where he helped build, Quality and Safety and affairs at the University manage and improve the Chair of Anaesthesiology of Illinois, professor of enterprise-wide elec- at Weill Cornell Medical anaesthesiology and pae- tronic health system and College in Qatar. diatrics at the University served as co-principal Both will report College of Medicine in investigator on a US directly to Chief Medical Chicago and adjunct pro- Department of Defence- Officer Dr Edward Ogata. fessor of law at Loyola funded research project Dr McDonald is a pae- University Law School. in biosurveillance and bio- diatric anaesthesiolo- Dr Silva worked at the terrorism preparedness. gist and prior to joining Rush University Medical THE PENINSULA MONDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2014 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Qatar gears up to mark National Sport Day Government organisations and private companies line up activities across the country

DOHA: Government organisations and private welcomed thousands of visitors to its huge line-up celebrations, Aspire, The Pearl Qatar, Souq Waqif 3am the next day. They include a family marathon relay companies are set for biggest National Sport of sport, health and entertainment activities since and Katara will also witness sport-related activi- race, yoga for women, squash, soccer and tennis, among Day (NSD) celebration tomorrow. it opened to the public on Thursday. ties. Katara will host over 83 activities for all ages, others. The Ministry of Transport and its stakeholders While most companies have geared up for a big Highlights of tomorrow’s events are a sport walk in cooperation with sports federations and other will come together for a day of activities for children and bash, others started sport activities last week in on the Corniche and traditional Al Shawahef row- entities, General Manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim adults such as beach volleyball, relay race and sack race, the run-up to the main event. ing championship with a prize of QR4m. Al Sulaiti told a press conference yesterday. among others. Qatar Olympic Committee’s (QOC) Sport Zone While the Sport Zone is the main hub of Events will start at 7am tomorrow and run until Qatar Foundation is hosting activities at six venues in the Education City, including Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Awsaj Recreation Centre, Community Venue, Recreation Centre, Al Shaqab and Cricket Ground. The Qatar University Student Activities Department’s Sport and Recreation Section will hold sporting and fit- ness events at Katara and QU campus. Events include boat races, endurance games and gliding. Georgetown University in Qatar will celebrate the day in the morning with a run/walk circuit, barbecue break- fast, miniature golf, 10-pin bowling croquet, tug-of-war and a fun for all football match on an inflatable pitch. Activities to spread awareness about the importance of sports and their role in the community will be organ- ised by Primary Health Care Corporation at Aspire Park tomorrow, attended by its health centres and departments. Total will hold the finals of tennis competitions in men, women and kids categories as part of Total Cup, an annual sports tourney which gathers the company’s employees and their families. Qatar Petroleum and ExxonMobil Qatar will again mark the day at the QP’s Al Ghazal Club and the RAA Boat and Beach Club from 7am to 5pm. Joint activities include fitness workouts, basketball shooting, walking marathons for men and women, and football matches, among others. Oryx GTL is inviting the community to take part in its Weight Loss Campaign in which participants can have their BMI measured and come back after two months to measure it again. Two football pitches at the Kharatiyat Football Club will be the venue of sport and fun activities for the entire family. Under the umbrella of Action on Diabetes, Maersk Oil Qatar is organising events at Aspire Zone with five-a- side football, volleyball, basketball and aerobics as well as diabetes screening and awareness campaign. Over 4,000 people are expected to participate in activi- ties lined up by Qatar Petrochemical Company (Qapco) and its sister company Qatofin. The day’s events at Qapco Club include an attempt to break the World Guinness Record for ‘the most consecutive football passes’ set 12 years ago in Hong Kong. Grand Heritage Doha Hotel is introducing a new con- cept, with the Sports Family of the Year competition for its employees and their families. In groups of fam- ily members and relatives, participants will compete in sports and challenges and the family that gathers the most points will be declared Sports Family of the Year.’ THE PENINSULA

MONDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2014 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME High quality, subsidy main reasons for diesel smuggling Broadcasting ‘independence’ of BY MOHAMMAD SHOEB are getting it at the same price. This is to protect interests of DOHA: High quality and heavy people and local companies. But Qatar to boost after Es’hail II price subsidy are two impor- from big foreign companies, we tant reasons for diesel smug- charge international price as die- gling, said H E Abdullah bin sel is highly subsidised here.” Second satellite will be launched by 2016 or early 2017: Al Kuwari Hamad Al Attiyah, Chairman He said Qatar Petroleum of Woqod. (QP) buys diesel at international DOHA: Qatar will achieve more “Fuel prices, especially diesel prices, including from its own broadcasting independence prices, in Qatar are one of the refineries, and resell it at heavily when Es’hail II, the country’s lowest in the world,” he said on subsidised prices for the benefit second satellite, is launched by the sidelines of a ceremony to of citizens and residents. “It is 2016 or early 2017. inaugurate the Woqod Tower in not possible to buy diesel at high “I believe with Es’hail 1 we can West Bay. international prices and sell it at achieve partial independence for Al Attiyah, also President of cheaper rates to big international some of our local stakeholders. Qatar Administrative Control companies. I see no economics in Definitely with Eshail 2, we will and Transparency Authority, that.” have more independence by hav- said: “Smuggling is a worldwide Referring to recent reports ing more capacity, more security phenomenon. It can be mini- of diesel smuggling, he said: and more features in the future,” mised with effective surveillance, “The ministry, in cooperation Ali Ahmed Al Kuwari, Chief and Woqod is working with the with Woqod, has captured many Executive Officer, Es’hailsat, the Ministry of Interior to address smugglers, and I believe the Qatar Satellite Company, told a the problem.” problem will be eliminated in the press conference yesterday. Asked if the discriminatory near future. Al Kuwari was speaking prior to pricing policy for local and for- Asked about poor services a reception to celebrate the start eign companies is the main at other gas stations, he said: of service of Es’hail 1. reason for black marketing of “They are private businesses; I “Es’hail 1 is operated by diesel, he said price discrimina- have nothing to say about private Eutelsat, however, we still have Ali Ahmed Al Kuwari, Chief Executive Officer, Es'hailsat, (right) with John Celli, President, SSL, during the press tion cannot be the main reason, individual businesses. But as far control centre like the capacity conference yesterday. ABDUL BASIT because it was found that most as Woqod is concerned, for us as management centre for quality diesel bought illegally is exported a corporate entity, safety, pres- monitoring for our customers. Es’hail 1 is an SSL 1300 satel- they followed Es’hail 1 through over 55 years’ experience and (smuggled) to other countries.” tige and quality of service are our But Es’hail 2 will be fully oper- lite — a decades-proven, modular design, manufacture, test and 2,000 satellite years on orbit has He argued that there was no main goals.” ated from Doha,” he said. platform with high power capabil- launch. become an important partner for discriminatory pricing in Qatar On the issue of metal gas cyl- “Es’hail 2 will have more capac- ity and flexibility for a broad range John Celli, President of SSL the Es’haiiSat programme. and said state subsidy on diesel inders (cooking) supposed to be ity and local, regional channels of applications. With its features, said: “On behalf of SSL I would We would like to thank them cannot be extended to big foreign phased out from the market, he and global channels. The process Al Kuwari said Es’hail 1 is the best like to congratulate Es’hailSat for their valuable contributions in companies. said: “The company is working on has started and it will be launched satellite in the region. and the four Es’hailSat internship the provision of our first satellite “I see no discriminatory price the plan, and they will be phased by end of 2016 or early 2017.” “We are trying to differentiate graduates on the commencement and empowering local Qataris to of diesel in Qatar because all peo- out over three to four years.” Es’hail 1 was launched on ourselves from our competitors by of service of Es’hail 1. It has been develop their understanding of all ple, including local companies, THE PENINSULA August 29 last year and follow- having quality service and offer- an honour for SSL to team with aspects of the technical and com- ing a series of in-orbit tests and ing features like what we are doing Es’hailSat to help build a satellite mercial satellite industry,” said Al manoeuvres, the satellite officially with Es’hail 1,” he said. industry for Qatar that adds a new Kuwari. entered service on Qatar National Es’hail 1 was a product of dimension to the country’s diver- The reception at Grand Day last year. It will help meet teamwork between world lead- sifying economy.” Hyatt Doha was attended by Al Attiyah International the rapidly growing communica- ing satellite manufacturer SSL “The entry into service of the Minister of Information and tions needs in the region and is and Es’hailSat. The partnership Es’hail 1 on National Day, marked Communications Technology, Es’hailSat’s first step towards included the provision of an inten- an important achievement in Dr Hessa Sultan Al Jaber, US Energy Awards on April 8 becoming a centre of excellence in sive two-year satellite engineering providing Qatar with broadcast- Ambassador Susan L Ziadeh and the region, developing a sustain- internship which helped train four ing independence, quality service senior executives from satellite DOHA: The second annual engaging with the global energy able national satellite industry, Qatari engineers to become the and wide geographical coverage operators and service providers ‘Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah industry. and contributing to the success of country’s first satellite operator for video, enterprise and govern- in the Mena region. International Energy Awards “The 2014 Awards will recog- Qatar Nation Vision 2030. engineers. Under SSL’s guidance, ment communications. SSL, with THE PENINSULA for Lifetime Achievement’ will nize individuals from all over the be held on April 8 at Museum of world for an outstanding record Islamic Art. of accomplishment through the The Secretary General of the whole of a career and the distin- Warehouse damaged by fire Organization of Organisation guished members of the selec- of the Petroleum Exporting tion committee have been invited Countries, Abdalla Salem El Badri, to deploy their wisdom in this along with Dr Daniel Yergin, role as they themselves are well author of The Prize, will lead an respected internationally for their independent selection committee vast achievements,“ said Abdulaziz of individuals tasked with choosing Al Malki, Vice-Chairman of The the winners of the second annual Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah ‘Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah Foundation. International Energy Awards for The awards, which were estab- Lifetime Achievement’, said a lished to celebrate the legacy of statement yesterday. Qatar’s former energy minister, The seven-member volun- are set in five categories that teer selection committee, which emulate Al Attiyah’s 40 years also includes Dr Aldo Flores- of contribution to the sector – Quiroga, Secretary-General of the Qatar Energy Industry; Energy International Energy Forum, and Producer-Consumer Dialogue; Nasser Al Jaidah, CEO of Qatar OPEC; Future Energy Leaders Petroleum International, has over Education; Energy Journalism. 200 years of aggregated experience THE PENINSULA A major fire broke out in a warehouse in Industrial Area on Street No. 24. It took more than five hours for civil defence to douse the blaze. No one was hurt. SALIM MATRAMKOT Tarsheed achieves success QA to display Boeing 787 Dreamliner at Singapore Airshow DOHA: Qatar Airways yester- our guests the opportunity to Airways will be improved on the award-winning iTouch touch con- in power, water conservation day said it will take part in the experience the distinctiveness of 787 with features such as cleaner trol unit, offering access to more DOHA: Kahramaa has announced that the National Programme Singapore Airshow. our inflight product,” said Akbar cabin air, dimmable windows, and than 1,000 movies, programming for Conservation and Energy Efficiency ‘Tarsheed’ achieved a great The airline will have its Boeing Al Baker, Chief Executive Officer. a more spacious seating configura- and audio entertainment options, progress in terms of electricity and water conservation in 2013. 787 Dreamliner aircraft on static “Asia is a very important mar- tion. Qatar Airways’ 787 aircraft an iPort, USB port, remote data Electricity per capita consumption deceased by 10 percent and water display from February 11 to 14 at ket for Qatar Airways, and there features 254 seats in a two-class outlet and luxurious personal consumption by 6 percent compared to 2012. the Changi Exhibition Centre. is no better arena in the region configuration. In Business Class cabin storage space - all availa- “This is a remarkable success by the Conservation and Energy This is also the first time any than the Singapore Airshow for there are 22 seats in a 1-2-1 con- ble to passengers in both Business Efficiency Department to achieve Tarsheed objectives which aim at airline will be showcasing the 787 us to present what we believe figuration, which convert into and Economy classes. decreasing electricity and water per capita consumption by 35 percent aircraft at the airshow. to be one of the best and most fully flat horizontal beds, and a Qatar Airways currently has and 20 percent by 2016, Engineer Ali Mohamed Al Ali, Conservation “We are delighted and proud to advanced offerings in the air 232 seating capacity in Economy nine Boeing 787 Dreamliners in and Energy Efficiency Manager, said in a press release yesterday. showcase Qatar Airways’ new 787 travel market.” Class in a 3-3-3 layout. its fleet of aircraft, with 51 more QNA aircraft in Singapore and offer Flying long-haul with Qatar Qatar Airways’ 787s feature the on order. THE PENINSULA

H4D campaign urges early detection of renal diseases Italian architect to speak on DOHA: focusQATAR, the Abdul Qadar, Nunooj Yusuf, expat youth organisation, has Tajuddeen Mullaveedan, Zanjabeel sustainability, biodiversity conducted three free camps for Misri, Saheer Muhammed early detection of renal diseases Rayaroth, Safwan P and Riyas DOHA: Italian architect by trees superimposed on each in Al Khor, Doha and Industrial Vanimel led a 100-member vol- Stefano Boeri will speak other, according to a plan that Area on the same day. unteers team from focusQATAR about sustainability and bio- allows the growth of trees. The camps were part of its and Malabar Gold & Diamonds. A diversity in Doha 2030 at Stefano Boeri will talk about one-month H4D (Health in 4 large number of doctors, medical Doha Architecture Forum at his acupunctural approach to Dimensions) awareness campaign and paramedical staff attended Msheireb Enrichment Centre urbanism, as increasing biodiver- in association with Supreme the camps. tonight at 6pm. sity in a metropolis today means Council of Health. Other programmes to be held Boeri is in charge as signature working by injection, by insert- Ooredoo and Malabar Gold & as part of the campaign include architect for Qatar Emiri Naval ing plant variety, wildlife, culture, Diamonds are sponsors of the visits to labour camps for health Forces base for the New Port within a context that is affected campaign. Hundreds of expat assessment with the help of medi- Project in Al Wakra. He has been by planning policies and construc- employees and families benefit- cal professionals and volunteers. practicing contemporary archi- tion strategies of inhabited space. ted from the camps. Officials inaugurating one of the three camps. Talks will also be conducted tecture with a focus on Urban In his new concept for Doha The Aster Medical Centre at various locations and booklets Biodiversity and Sustainability 2030, accorded to the fourth pil- camp in the Industrial Area was Head, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, on time. Education and regular on H4D messages in various lan- on many projects. lar of Qatar National Vision based inaugurated by Dr Sameer Moope, and P Safeer, General Manager, assessment of health conditions guages distributed to the public His famous Vertical Forest, on environmental development, the camp at Lifeline Medical Al Safa Polyclinic. are key to managing lifestyle dis- at malls and other public places. two sustainable residential tow- Boeri includes new artificial Centre, Al Khor, by Dr Sarjas Organisers highlighted the fact eases, they said. Scholars from India and Qatar ers based on urban biodiversity islands as innovative environ- Olakara from the centre and that the majority of health issues focusQATAR CEO, Muneer will attend the closing ceremony in Milan, will be completed this ments that will present different Askar Rahman, Administration are linked to lifestyle. Kidney Ahmed, Programme Manager, of the campaign at Qatar Sports year. It consists of two towers of habitats: Mediterranean, desert, Manager, focus, and the camp in failure cases could be averted Imtyas Anachi, Healthcare Acting Club on February 21 evening. 80 and 110 meters of apartments tropical, aquatic. Doha by Santhosh T V, Regional if proper medical care is given Manager, Shahir M T, Najmuddin THE PENINSULA surrounded by terraces bounded THE PENINSULA MONDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2014 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11

Jurassic-era rocks contain 98pc of A successful dig into Doha’s past Qatar’s oil: QU DOHA: Jurassic-era rocks found in Qatar contain most QMA archaeologists discover items providing information about the founders of city economic accumulations of oil, a study by Qatar University’s DOHA: A team of archae- Environmental Studies Centre ologists from Qatar Museums (ESC) reveals. Authority (QMA) is unearth- Accumulations amount to 98 ing Doha’s historic past in a percent of all Qatar’s oil pro- large area of the city before the duction and lie underground at land is used for a Doha Metro 13,000 to 17,000 feet, the study station. found, with the most important Since December, archaeologists inshore fields in Dukhan and off- under the supervision of Faisal shore in Idd El Shargi and Bul. Al Naimi, Head of Archaeology ESC Acting Director Dr Section, and Dr Ferhan Hamad Al Saad Al Kuwari Sakal, Head of Archaeological presented the results of the Operations, have been excavating research at the 9th International the area between Souq Waqif and Conference of the Jurassic Qubib Mosque. Period in Jaipur, India. The area is one of the oldest His paper titled ‘Startigraphic parts of the city, now designated and facies analysis of the Upper by Qatar Rail for Doha Metro Jurassic Arab ‘C’ in Qatar’ station. included research on the clas- Important discoveries about sification of different layers the country’s history have been and faunal content of the Arab made through the findings Dr Ferhan Sakal, Head of ‘C’ considered one of the most already uncovered, from painted Archaeological Operations important layers of petroleum architectural elements to coins reservoirs. and pottery. About the results of the University College London in built them,” said Dr Sakal. research, he said, “The study Qatar (UCL-Q) is assisting with Findings include shards of por- highlights the level of the the project and supporting docu- celain and pottery, animal bones, research being conducted by mentation of the findings. and jewellery, providing precious the centre to identify, docu- First results show in many information about the founders A f ragment of a painted architectural decoration and (BELOW) a huge oyster with cut marks. ment and preserve Qatar’s nat- places up to two metres of occu- of Doha. ural resources. It will present pation deposits and architectural “Animal bones give clues about that there are ancient rock carv- important answers for archae- remains. their diet and other findings tell ings in the heart of the city. We ology and geology students, sci- The thickness of the deposits is about their daily life. plan to undertake further projects entists, and researchers in Qatar related to the duration and inten- “A glass marble was maybe lost to document and illustrate the and beyond.” sity of human occupation on the by playing children while a stash archaeology of Doha. At the quadrennial confer- same spot. of coins was perhaps hidden in “Unfortunately, the places ence, over 100 researchers dis- “Through excavation we are days of danger and a rare metal where we can explore the city’s cussed topics on the Jurassic preserving an important part of weight was maybe used by mer- past in an extensive area like this period that dates back 144 mil- Doha’s heritage and answering chants to weigh precious pearls one are disappearing at a fast lion years and lasted 60m years. questions about our rich history. from the Arabian Gulf. pace.” The conference also high- “Investigation helps us learn “Every piece has its own story, Excavations continue until lighted the economic aspects of about when Doha was first but they are also pieces in the February 15 and discoveries will Jurassic rocks in various coun- founded, what materials were puzzle of a big picture. be studied by the team from tries such as oil, fossils and min- used by its inhabitants, what they “Doha is archaeologically not QMA and UCL-Q over the com- erals. QNA cooked, what they ate, which kind as poor as some believe. For ing months. of houses they lived in and how instance, almost no one knows THE PENINSULA HMC holds trauma care education day DOHA: The importance Trauma Critical Care at of teamwork among HMC, and Dr Alasdair multidisciplinary pro- Conn, Medical Director fessionals providing of Massachusetts General care to severely injured Hospital’s Inpatient Access patients was highlighted and Transfer Centre and at the first Trauma Chief Emeritus of MGH Multidisciplinary Critical Emergency Services. Care Educational Day “In Qatar where trauma held by the Trauma is a leading cause of death, Centre at Hamad Medical the centre has gained Corporation. international recognition It provided an oppor- for its role in improving tunity for about 70 pro- care for severely injured fessionals to discuss people,” Dr Al Thani said international best prac- in his welcome remarks. tices in the care of severely “A trauma centre – injured patients and learn appropriately equipped from experts such as Dr and staffed and linked to Hassan Al Thani, Head an organised pre-hospital of Trauma and Vascular system – can lead to a sig- Surgery, Dr Ahmad Zarour, nificant decrease in deaths Dr Hassan Al Thani, Head of Trauma and Vascular Surgery, addressing the event. Consultant General/ in severe traumatic injury,” Trauma and Critical Care said Dr Conn. Surgeon and Director of THE PENINSULA ictQatar finalises new radio spectrum licensing framework DOHA: ictQATAR has cancelled and will no longer finalised the new radio remain effective from the spectrum licensing cut-off date of June 30. framework following a They will be replaced with public consultation proc- new licenses in accordance ess in August 2013. with the new spectrum It includes general terms licensing framework. The and conditions for radio new spectrum licensing spectrum licensing and framework is an amend- radio spectrum license ment of the existing licens- templates along with spe- ing scheme, therefore, the cific terms and conditions replacement of spectrum applicable to the particu- licenses is considered as a lar type of spectrum use consequential process fol- and associated technical lowing the amendments. schedules. The new spec- The mapping of most of trum licensing framework the current Radio Station was developed to have Licences to the newly more flexibility in using developed respective Radio licensing tools for regulat- Spectrum Licenses will be ing the spectrum use, for carried out by default with ensuring efficient use of additional terms and con- radio spectrum, to reduce ditions applicable as per the administrative burden, the new spectrum licens- to increase transparency ing framework. There may regarding the regulatory be changes in the spectrum framework and to ensure fees for which Spectrum easy accessibility to neces- Affairs Department should sary information for spec- be consulted. However, trum users. there are a few exceptions The framework is where licensees will have intended to be in place by more than one licensing 1st July 2014. The current option to choose from. spectrum licences will be THE PENINSULA MONDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2014 12 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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A humanitarian gesture Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

YRIA’S government delegation arrived in Geneva yesterday for a fresh round of talks with the opposition representatives. Meanwhile in Syria, Ssix hundred people left the besieged central Homs, escaping more than a year of hunger and deprivation UK must lose imperial swagger caused by one of the bloodiest conflicts in the region. The evacuees were mainly women, children and old men. They were brought out by the United Nations and Syrian Red to do business with India, China Crescent on the third day of an operation during which the aid convoys came under fire and were briefly trapped BY CHRIS HUHNE in the city. States founding fathers, Mahatma On one estimate, the number of Chinese Expectations are extremely low about the prospects of Gandhi, Eamonn de Valera and Jomo opium addicts increased by more than talks being held in Geneva. There are more disagreements RITAIN may have lost an Kenyatta was to blacken Britain. You 100 million during the 40 years after the than agreements, and both sides are stubborn on some of empire – but not its baggage. cannot fight a campaign – even a non- first opium war. The Chinese remember the positions they have taken. President Bashar Al Assad Sixty years on so many coun- violent one – without decrying your a “century of humiliation”. will not agree on any deal that involves his removal from Btries with which we now seek opponents. The Foreign Office is aware of these friendly trading relations have historic That is what makes some of the global sensitivities, having finally turned power, and the rebels will not agree to anything that will reasons for suspicion, and their elites recent mistakes of British foreign policy up 8,800 secret files that were – cock-up, see a continuation of his rule. Still both sides are desperate usually remember. so insensitive. How could Robin Cook, not conspiracy, we are assured – found to find a way out of this stalemate. The fighters are human Last week, outraged Sikhs discov- as foreign secretary, have imagined in a government facility in breach of the beings and no human beings will be able to take the kind ered that in 1984 Britain had advised that Britain could have been a welcome 30-year rule, let alone requests under of blows which this battle is dealing them. the Delhi government before the Indian mediator between Pakistan and India on the Freedom of Information Act and Amid all the pessimism and bloodbath, it will be wrong army’s storming of Amritsar’s Golden Kashmir? This was, after all, the colonial for legal disclosure. Those papers were Temple, which resulted in hundreds of power that had aggravated the divisions directly relevant to the shameful man- to say that the Geneva talks are a complete failure. At deaths. As the foreign secretary, William of Muslim from Hindu in India, the bet- ner in which Britain put down Kenya’s least the six hundred people, including children, women Hague, defensively pointed out, it was ter to rule both. This was the power that Mau Mau rebellion and sold out the and the elderly, who escaped from the besieged Homs will a minor matter and probably of little was therefore complicit in Indian eyes in Chagos islanders over Diego Garcia. thank the United Nations and influence. the million deaths that accompanied the We have been slow to face up to Syrian talks both Assad and the rebels for This was a post-imperial favour, bloody partition of British India. the way others see us, and to develop giving back their lives to them. but it reminded How too can David Cameron really some humility. Too many British people in Geneva may Indians of one of think Britain and India have a “new spe- regard the empire with pride, measuring Their evacuation and delivery the key events – cial relationship”? Indian goods imports national success by the extent of past not succeed, of aid was the first concrete, by unfortunate from Germany are nearly double those conquest or its present psychological but hundreds though modest, result of talks coincidence also from Britain. And Britain recently lost a substitute, nuclear destructive power. launched two weeks ago in The sins of in Amritsar – of big combat aircraft contract to France. For India, China and the US, we are of people who Switzerland to try to end the their struggle for India is important: 1.2 billion people, a influential not because of bombs but independence: middle class of 200 million,153,000 dollar our membership of the European Union. civil war. Also, hundreds and empire are still were evacuated the butchery in millionaires and 61 billionaires. Arcelor The soft power of ideas is ultimately perhaps thousands of people etched in the 1919 of up to 1,000 Mittal steel and Jaguar Landrover are more persuasive than the gun. The pen from Homs will benefit from the delivery of civilians atJal- owned by Indians. But Britain imposes is mightier than the sword (though it yesterday are the aid. minds of many lianwala Bagh strict visa requirements that obstruct may be no match for the accountant). beneficiaries of Syria’s conflict has so far of the UK’s on the orders service exports from Indian IT compa- The real national achievement is how killed more than 130,000 people, of a reactionary nies, and this is one of the biggest hurdles a small European country with half these talks. global partners. British general, to an EU-India free trade agreement. the population of France, as it was in driven millions from their Reginald Dyer. India is not yet in the same super- 1800, came to pioneer prosperity and homes and devastated whole Our soft power The Amritsar growth league as China – which, at its globalisation. city districts -- particularly in massacre made current rate, will become the largest There is progress. The Imperial Homs, a centre of protest when the 2011 uprising against is the best the repression economy in the world by 2020. But there Institute in London first became the 40 years of Assad family rule first erupted. There is no antidote. of Dublin’s 1916 is historic baggage here too. I was one of Commonwealth Institute, and its build- end in sight to the conflict and those who have arrived in Easter Rising the four ministers who accompanied the ing is to be reopened this year as the new look mild, and had prime minister to Bejjing in November Design Museum. Our strengths are our Geneva have done so with least hope. While the regime similarly radical- 2010, and we stood in the Great Hall language, literature, law, industry, cul- insists that the talks focus on fighting ‘terrorism, a term ising effects. of the People as regiments of honour ture, inventiveness, civil society, science, it has been using right from beginning to characterize this The romantics back home, brought guards wheeled around us. I reflected architecture and the arts. They should uprising, the opposition is demanding that the priority up on Rudyard Kipling’s rose-tinted that, by population, Britain would be the source of pride, just as they can in Geneva must be on an agreement on a transition that view of empire, tend to forget that the rankeighth largest of the 33 Chinese be a source of soft power. freedom movements of our former colo- provinces. The Americans lost the Vietnam war. excludes Bashar Al Assad. nies – starting with the Americans back We continued to wear our poppies But I noticed, on a recent visit there, While progress on any major contentious point is in 1776 – inevitably defined themselves ahead of Remembrance Day, even though bestselling Vietnamese translations of very difficult, both sides need to focus on smaller things. against British rule. Their identity was poppies unfortunately evoke something books on or by Warren Buffett, Donald More Syrians must be provided aid and evacuated from not to be British. else in China. The British prosecuted Trump and Steve Jobs. The Americans the battle zones. They need to explore the possibility of Far from remembering their colonial two opium wars in the cause of freedom are winning the war that matters. announcing a ceasefire. Even a week’s ceasefire can make a governors as wise and altruistic, the nec- to export and sell the produce of the Without a shot being fired. essary political interest of the United East India Company’s Bengal factories. THE GUARDIAN huge difference to the lives of Syrians. The other side Quote of Let peace begin the day

T WOULD be churlish to make a have been doing down the centuries a presidential pardon to jailed former economy and spruce up infrastructure fuss about the technical glitch at despite a few glitches here and there. Yukos boss Mikhail Khodorkovsky. instead of rattling the nationalistic sabre the opening ceremony when one She would no doubt receive more than With a meeting being reported in with China and South Korea so that his Iof the five Olympic rings failed her come-uppance from other socia Sochi between Russian President successors have a beneficial legacy to Any Egyptian who to open. It would also be not worth media buff. The American stand on Vladimir Putin and his counterpart in go to the Olympics with. wants to express the while to pay heed to the racist, upholding human rights at the Olympics Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovich, it is hoped But perhaps, for now, the hopes doctored photo posted by a Russian is a principled one and it should be that Putin would suggest more humane would be for this Olympic to take his opinion is afraid figure skater on her Twitter account, noted that thanks to the outside measures to Yanukovich to deal with place in peace and fraternity without depicting US President Barack Obama world insisting on these principles protesters in Ukraine, which would go any untoward incidents. Though the that he will be and his wife Michelle as being lured with the Sochi Olympics was preceded by with the Olympic spirit. It is also hoped organisers have assured that Sochi bananas held out by a White hand. moves by the Russian government to that other governments which are get- is probably one of the safest places harmed, detained, Irina Rodnina, who paradoxically also rectify some of the anti-human rights ting ready to host the Games, that bring on Earth, at least during the Games, that his house will participated in lighting the Olympic measures taken in the past. These prestige and rejuvenate the economy, knowing the ingenuity and doggedness be stormed, or a Abdel Moneim torch, obviously has no grounding include releasing the two members would also learn to be humane. In 2020, of people who love to disrupt, nothing Abu Al Fatuh in the sentiments of camaraderie, of the Pussy Riot punk band and the torch goes to Tokyo. Japanese can be taken for granted till the Games case against him nobleness and sportsmanship that the Greenpeace activists who had taken Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s efforts come to a close. Former Egyptian Games were meant to promote and part in a protest as well as granting should be to give a leg-up to the flailing Khaleej Times will be fabricated. Presidential Candidate MONDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2014 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 Poverty, joblessness behind Bosnia riots

Karac, a construction worker in his 40s Foreign investors are reluctant to who was among the protesters in Tuzla. Social scientist Miodrag Zivanovic said the public dissatisfaction is not come to Bosnia because of its poor surprising. “These are protests of hungry peo- infrastructure and cumbersome ple with years of accumulated anger against all the decision-makers who have brought us here,” Zivanovic told administrative procedures, as well the FENA news agency on Saturday. Foreign investors are reluctant to as a complex political system. come to Bosnia because of its poor infra- structure and cumbersome administra- tive procedures, as well as a complex political system that requires businesses he failure of Bosnia’s political One in five Bosnians live below the to deal with authorities at three or four leaders to address grinding poverty line, and at least one in five levels. poverty and growing unemploy- workers are thought to be engaged in After the war, power was shared Tment has prompted the first the so-called grey economy. among Bosnia’s three ethnic communi- violent protests since the 1992-95 war, Although macroeconomic data showed ties — Serbs, Croats and Muslims — and with dire warnings of worse to come. the economy made a fragile recovery of persistent inter-ethnic disputes have Starting in the northeastern indus- 1.0 percent in 2013 after shrinking 0.5 undermined reform efforts. trial hub of Tuzla last week, the protests percent in 2012, Bosnia’s 3.8 million peo- Foreign investment in 2013 totalled spread across the country, turning into ple have felt scant improvement in their just €252m ($343m), Central Bank gov- riots that left hundreds injured and gov- everyday lives. ernor Kemal Kozaric said. ernment buildings in flames. “More and more people live in mis- The IMF, which in September 2012 The international High Representative ery and poverty. They are hungry,” said awarded Bosnia a two-year standby for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Valentin political analyst Vahid Sehic. arrangement worth €384m, approved Inzko, even raised the prospect of send- Bosnia’s citizens are among the poor- its fifth instalment last week. ing in European Union soldiers if the est in Europe, with an average monthly But it warned that despite progress unrest intensified. salary of €420 ($570). “more remains to be done to improve the “If the situation escalates, we will A shadow economy, endemic corrup- business environment and the function- possibly have to think about EU troops. tion and a complex post-war political ing of the labour market”. But not right now,” he told the Austrian structure that enables squabbling politi- “In this regard, it will be particularly Kurier newspaper yesterday. cians to block reforms are seen as key critical to put in place new labour mar- With unemployment ranging from the impediments to improving the economy. ket legislation that will contribute to a central bank estimate of 27.5 percent to Moreover, hasty privatisations that lasting reduction in unemployment.” the statistical agency’s 44 percent, the enabled tycoons to shut down dozens Economic analyst Svetlana Cenic said Balkan country’s unemployment rate is of companies and make quick profits political consistency and discipline would easily among the highest in Europe. by selling their assets before declaring be required to resolve the crisis. Joblessness of more than 25 percent bankruptcy have left hundreds of people But she warned against expect- among Bosnia’s young adults is a “stun- jobless and in despair. ing significant reforms ahead of elec- ning and problematic” figure, the World Local media have widely reported that tions in October. “The authorities will Bank’s director for southeastern Europe new owners often failed to comply with be occupied with electoral engineering Ellen Goldstein said last month. privatisation contracts and failed to pay and power-sharing issues and not with “High unemployment and low labour workers for up to two years. the economy,” Cenic said in a recent force participation continue to pose interview. a threat and need to be addressed to ‘PEOPLE ARE HUNGRY’ Bosnia started accession talks with ensure a peaceful and prosperous future “People protest because they are hungry, the European Union in 2012, trailing Bosnian policemen try to hold off protesters trying to storm a local government building for Bosnia,” Goldstein told a World Bank because they don’t have jobs. We demand behind other Balkan countries. in the capital, Sarajevo, last Friday. conference. the government resign,” said Nihad AFP Journalism that makes a difference BY DR MOHAMED KIRAT elected to public office. Journalists should con- Looting a way of life for stantly ask whether such people are keeping their any observers thought that the Arab election promises. Politicians and others who are Spring would bring about a new kind not keeping their promises may try to hide the of journalism that will make a dif- fact; journalists should try to expose it. C Africa’s lost generation Mference. Journalism that will reflect Journalists should be able to expose abuse, the aspirations of Bouazizi and others who took to corruption and criminal activities in all fields of eprived of schooling by the streets deploring injustice, nepotism, corrup- public life. Companies, for instance, may break years of inept leader- tion, and maladministration. Journalism different the law and should be exposed. Companies like ship, the forsaken youth from what they had been used to for decades, to keep their activities secret for other reasons. Dof the Central African since their countries gained independence. People Perhaps they have made a mistake or lost money. Republic see raiding and plunder- in the Arab region were expecting responsible, Perhaps they do not want competitors to steal ing as the only career their coun- accountable and engaged journalism: investigative their secrets, or they do not want people to oppose try has to offer. journalism, watchdog journalism. Unfortunately, a development they are planning. However, even There are looters among the not much of this happened, and investigative private companies have some responsibility Seleka rebels, looters among the journalism remains a dream that doesn’t want towards the public. Companies are a part of soci- Christian vigilantes fighting them to come true, in the Arab Spring countries, in ety. They usually make use of natural resources, and “freelance” looters — all vying particular, and the Middle East in general. take money from customers and shareholders, for the meagre spoils of the year- “In the service of the public Interest, our pur- provide jobs to people and use services provided old sectarian conflict. pose is to uncover corruption, injustice, malad- by the government. Where their activities affect It was already one of the world’s ministration and lies. As a duty to readers and the rest of the community, the community has a poorest nations before last year’s viewers as well as self-protection in a hostile legal right to know what they are doing. coup but now the Central African environment, investigative journalism seeks above Although governments and companies can be Republic is plundering itself into all to tell the documented truth in depth and corrupt sometimes, criminals make their living extinction. without fear or favour. It is to provide a voice from breaking the law. They act like leeches on Jean-Gabriel Alaba, a computer for those without one and to hold the power- the community, so readers and listeners have the scientist who lives with his fam- Pupils attend a class in a tent, used as a temporary classroom, on the Saint- ful to account. It’s to comfort the afflicted and right to know about them. ily in the capital Bangui, said it Marc Grand Seminary site in Bimbo, southwest of Bangui, which houses afflict the comfortable”. This is the definition of There are, of course, all sorts of other indi- should not come as a surprise that 15,300 internally displaced people. investigative journalism adopted by the notorious viduals and organisations that like to hide things youngsters bite the hands that Center for Investigative Journalism at London that affect the public. A private clinic may try to failed to feed them. City University. Investigative journalism is not hide the fact that it is cheating insurance com- “Central Africa has sacrificed operation France launched two children are halfwits. They have daily reporting, reporting leaks, single-source panies by overbilling patients or by inflating fees. the future of its young generation months ago. The aim was to pre- an unfair handicap,” said Jean reporting, misuse of information, or paparazzi A football club might be lying to its fans about on the altar of political gamesman- vent its former colony from sink- Zato, a Bangui carpenter. journalism. It is watchdog journalism; exposing the money it spent on recruiting a new football ship. The future of our children is ing even deeper into chaos but the “All this needs to stop, for how laws and regulations are violated, and mak- star. A real estate developer may promise his getting ever darker,” he said. violence has continued to escalate. Christ’s sake, our children have a ing the powerful accountable. clients villas of a certain style to be completed “What is happening now — The Central African Republic’s lot of catching up to do,” he said. Investigative journalism is finding, reporting in two years’ time, collect money from them and young people committing mas- generation of looters is the prod- On January 20, the day she and presenting news which other people try to disappear. All these things need to be reported sacres, pillaging, raping, stealing uct of a failing educational system. was picked as interim president, hide. It is similar to standard news reporting, and brought to the attention of the public so that — was predictable. It’s because The list of so-called “blank” aca- Catherine Samba Panza stressed except that the people at the centre of the story it can be aware of what’s going on in society and school never gave them anything.” demic years that were not com- that all the fighters and looters will usually not help you and may even try to what actions should be taken to protect citizens In recent months, scenes of pleted or declared invalid speaks should be considered “children” stop you doing your job. The job of journalists is from criminals and wrongdoers. plundering by marauding armed for itself: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, of Central Africa. to let people know what is going on in the com- Readers care about watchdog reporting and groups or frenzied local youths 2005, 2008, 2012 and 2013. She replaced Michel Djotodia, munity, society and the world. Journalists do this believe it is important for a news organisation to have been a daily feature in the In a country where 40 percent the ex-Seleka boss who had been by finding out facts and reporting them to readers investigate community issues and provide citizens riverside capital and other cities. of the 4.6 million inhabitants are reluctantly accepted by the inter- or listeners. the information they want. It was soon after the mainly under 14, an insolvent school sys- national community after ousting Throughout the world, though, there are still In the digital era, fewer people are turning to Muslim Seleka rebel coalition tem in ruins has had devastating Bozize but was eventually side- a lot of things happening which people want to their local newspaper to find out what happened entered Bangui and toppled then consequences. lined by his regional peers when keep secret. In many other cases, governments, yesterday. Most news has become a commod- president Francois Bozize in The gaps in the academic calen- his inability to contain the chaos companies and individuals try to keep secret ity supplied by a number of sources — all read- March 2013 that rogue insurgents dar mirror the endless mutinies, became evident. decisions or events which affect other people. ily accessible on the computer or cellphone. To began looting. rebellions and coups that have The administration is still When a journalist tries to report on matters that thrive, news organizations should focus on unique In February 2014, nearly a year stunted the development of state mostly paralysed, however, and someone wants to keep secret, it is investigative content that readers consider valuable. on, foreign military contingents institutions and kept most of the many schools have yet to reopen. journalism. If readers see a newspaper as one that provides have moved in and ex-Seleka country in dire poverty. “These days, if you don’t leave Arab countries need investigative journalism them content they can’t get elsewhere, and as a warlords are on the back foot, but The landlocked nation’s vast the country to study, you don’t for several reasons. People have a right to know watchdog that is on their side when it comes to Christian vigilantes have taken mineral reserves have remained stand a chance,” said Emery about the society they live in. They have a right taking on powerful interests, they will welcome over the pillaging. largely untapped, and infrastruc- Danzou, a high school student who to know about decisions that may affect them, it in their living room. In their wake, loose gag- ture is often non-existent. Only has been at loose ends for months. even if people in power want to keep them secret. Arab countries badly need investigative jour- gles of local youths scavenge for around five percent of the popula- “But not all parents can afford People in power — whether in government, busi- nalism that reflects the concerns, problems and unclaimed and often worthless tion has access to electricity. that. We lot, well... we have to live ness, or any other group in society — can abuse aspirations of the people and uncovers corrup- loot, venting their rage by destroy- Even before the turn of the with it,” he said. that power. They can be dishonest, corrupt, steal tion, injustice, maladministration, nepotism and ing everything they cannot take century, successive cash-strapped His friend Arlette Ndetie hopes money, break laws and do all sorts of things that despotism. However, this new journalism, which with them. governments chronically failed to join the school exodus. “All my harm other people and society in general. They makes a difference, needs separation of powers For some of them, it is the clos- to pay salaries to their civil serv- friends have gone abroad, because might just be incompetent, unprofessional, and between state institutions, a strong civic society, est thing to a job. ants, teachers included, leading to we just can’t take it here any- unable to perform their duties properly. They will and an engaged media that provides a voice to “It’s outrageous, Sangaris is pre- strikes that further deprived stu- more,” she said. usually try to keep all this secret. Journalists try those who don’t have one. venting us from looting,” an indig- dents of learning time. “I’m looking hard for a way to expose this. (The author is a professor of Public Relations and nant looter said, giving his name “Because of the ‘blank years’ of of getting to Senegal or Benin. Journalists also have a duty to watch how peo- Mass Communication at the College of Arts and only as Benjamin. the nineties and political instabil- Leaving is the only solution.” ple in power perform their jobs, especially those Sciences, Qatar University.) He was referring to the military ity of the following decade, all our AFP MONDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2014 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST

Kuwaiti MP ‘Egypt becomes republic of fear’ proposes Saudi-style Country is not on path to democracy as government claims: Former presidential candidate anti-terror law CAIRO: A moderate Islamist after Mursi’s overthrow. Abu Al who came fourth in Egypt’s Fotouh said: “There is no demo- KUWAIT CITY: A Kuwaiti MP 2012 presidential election won cratic path in Egypt”. yesterday proposed a draft law by the Muslim Brotherhood’s Abu Al Fotouh pointed to what that would impose jail terms of Mohamed Mursi, accused the he said were 21,000 jailed activ- up to 30 years on Kuwaiti jihad- army-backed authorities yes- ists and said a hotel manager had ists fighting abroad, nearly a terday of creating a “republic of turned down a request to host week after Saudi Arabia intro- fear”. yesterday’s news conference not duced similar penalties. Abdel Moneim Abu Al Fotouh, because of instructions from the The bill, submitted by pro- 62, one of the few Islamists left in authorities but because of his own government legislator Nabeel public life after a crackdown on fears. Al Fadhl, stipulates jail terms the Brotherhood and its Islamist “Any Egyptian who wants to of between five and 20 years for allies after Mursi was ousted by express his opinion is afraid that Kuwaitis who travel abroad to the army, said Egypt was not on a he will be harmed, detained, that fight, as well as those who encour- path to democracy as the govern- his house will be stormed, or a age or support such activities in ment says. case against him will be fabri- any way. “Our conscience does not let cated, or it will be said that ‘you The same penalty would apply us participate in an are insulting to members of religious and operation to deceive the judiciary’,” extremist groups that have been the Egyptian people he said. classified as “terrorist” locally, and act like there Abu Al regionally or by Arab countries, are elections when Fotouh was a the draft legislation says. there are not,” Abu senior mem- Fadhl, a strong critic of Islamist Al Fotouh said, con- ber of the groups, said in his proposal the firming his decision Brotherhood penalty will become between 10 not to run for presi- until 2011, and 30 years in jail if the con- dent this year. when the move- victs are members of the army, Although he has ment expelled national guard or police. not yet confirmed him after he The proposal must be passed by he will run, army decided to stage parliament, which is dominated chief Field Marshal an independ- by pro-government MPs but also Abdel Fattah Al Sisi ent bid for the includes several Islamists, and is expected to win presidency. then accepted by the government after the army said A doctor to become law. it would back him. who was jailed Local media reported a number He has wide sup- under deposed of Kuwaitis have travelled to Syria port among many President Hosni Former Egyptian presidential candidate and head of the Masr Al Qawia Party (the strong Egypt party) Abdel to fight in the uprising against Egyptians who were Mubarak, Abu Moneim Abu Al Fotouh during a press conference in Cairo yesterday. President Bashar al-Assad’s relieved to see an Al Fotouh was government. end to Mursi’s rule, fiercely criti- Last week, the Custodian of the but is reviled by Leftist politician Hamdeen cal of Mursi Two Holy Mosque King Abdullah Mursi sympathis- Sabahi, who came third in the during his one- bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia ers as the leader of year presidency Muslim Brotherhood has issued a decree stipulating up to 2012 election, became the first a coup. and called for 20 years in jail for Saudis who are politician to announce he would Sisi deposed early presiden- members of “terrorist groups” Mursi on July 3 run for presidential bid. tial elections and join fighting abroad. after mass protests before the formed military wing: Govt Meanwhile, a parliamentary against his rule. army’s decision investigation into a Kuwait Supporters of Mursi’s removal to remove him on July 3. CAIRO: Egypt has accused dead five policemen last month violence, accuses Sisi of stag- Airways plan to buy and lease say it was a revolution. Activists from Abu Al the Muslim Brotherhood of in the province of Beni Suef. ing a coup and undermining aircraft from Airbus will not “This is a republic of fear,” Abu Fotouh’s Strong Egypt party creating a military wing to Egyptian authorities have democracy. affect the deal, the state carrier’s Al Fotouh told a news conference were detained while campaign- attack security forces, a move been cracking down hard on the State television aired what chairwoman told a local news- convened to declare his final deci- ing against a new constitution likely to increase pressure Brotherhood since army chief it said was a confession by one paper in comments published sion on whether he would run in approved in a referendum in on the group already facing a Field Marshal Abdel Fattah Al the military wing’s members. He yesterday. Kuwait’s parliament the election that could happen as January. massive crackdown. Sisi toppled Islamist president recalled meeting a man who he voted on Wednesday to investi- soon as April. “Egyptians will not live in this The Interior Ministry’s Mohamed Mursi in July. said had offered to teach him and gate all contracts signed by state- Popular leftist politician republic of fear after January spokesman appeared on televi- It has been branded a terrorist others how to use weapons. owned Kuwait Airways, which is Hamdeen Sabahi, who came third 25,” he said, referring to the 2011 sion to announce that the mili- group, and security forces have Human rights groups accuse attempting its biggest overhaul in the 2012 election, on Saturday uprising that led to Mubarak’s tary unit had been discovered, killed about 1,000 of its members the army-backed government of since the 1990 Iraqi invasion. became the first politician to downfall. “The nations that have and named 12 people who he said in the streets. widespread human rights abuses The National Assembly often clearly state he would run. broken the fear barrier will not were members. The Muslim Brotherhood, and stifling dissent. question large government The government says it has again surrender (to it),” he said. He said the group had shot which says it is opposed to REUTERS projects and have delayed or scup- charted a course to democracy REUTERS pered them in the past. AFP

Yemen Shia Algeria court detains 10 rebels, tribes over sectarian violence agree truce ALGIERS: A court in the Algerian desert city of Ghardaia yes- terday detained 10 people for their alleged involvement in sectarian SANA’A: Shia rebels and clashes in the area that killed five people. Yemeni tribesmen agreed a The city of 90,000 inhabitants has been rocked since December by ceasefire yesterday after deadly clashes between the Chaamba community of Arab origin and the major- clashes between the two sides in ity Mozabites, indigenous Berbers belonging to the Ibadi Muslim sect. the Arhab district near the cap- The 10 people were caught “red handed” and another 16 were released ital Sana’a, state news agency on bail, Algerian news agency APS reported. Saba said. It did not say whether those arrested were from the Chaamba or Shia rebels from the Ansarullah Mozabite community. group, also known as Huthis, have Authorities have also launched an investigation into the events that been advancing from their moun- led to the deaths, APS quoted a security source as saying. tain strongholds in the far north The latest violence between youths from the two communities to other Zaidi Shia-majority areas erupted on Tuesday when a Mozabite teaching centre was torched. nearer Sanaa in a bid to expand A young Berber died of his wounds two days later, bringing the their hoped-for autonomous zone number of dead from the Mozabite community to four. in a future Yemen. Policemen stand by a car damaged by a bomb blast in Sana’a yesterday. At least three people were wounded in Local press reports said a fifth person died of hi injuries in January. Yesterday’s truce is part of an the incident. agreement signed by the two sides committing them to an “imme- fighters who do not come from 150 people dead and overrunning ground ahead of the demarca- diate’ ceasefire and to reopening the Arhab area will be pulled the home base of the Al Ahmar tion of provinces for the creation Morocco bans judges’ protest roads in the area. back. clan which heads the powerful of a federal Yemen, as agreed in RABAT: Moroccan authorities banned a sit-in by hundreds of The deal will also see the army In early February, Shia rebels Hashid tribal confederation. a national dialogue which con- judges who want greater independence for the judiciary, deploying deployed to positions evacuated seized areas in the northern prov- Political sources have said the cluded in late January. dozens of riot police to central Rabat and closing off streets around by rebels and tribesmen, and all ince of Omran, leaving more than rivals had been seeking to gain AFP the Justice Ministry. Nearly three years after protests inspired by the Arab Spring prompted King Mohamed to undertake limited reforms and propelled an Islamist party to power, his government is now re-asserting its authority in what rights groups describe as a step backwards. Since independence in 1956, Morocco’s justice system has been seen by critics as largely under the control of the North African country’s Nine killed in brutal Iraq assassinations powerful monarchy. The reforms introduced by the king in 2011 did award the judiciary BAGHDAD: Nine people were the grievances of the disaffected died at hospital, and according to In a separate incident in Baiji, more autonomy, but the opposition says it is still not fully independent. found dead in two brutal inci- Sunni community, but with elec- a local Tuz official, said that the the decapitated heads of three The sit-in in Rabat was called by the Judges’ Club, an independent dents in Iraq yesterday — one tions due on April 30, political insurgents had attempted to find men were found in a town mar- organisation formed by Moroccan magistrates during the 2011 protests. where militants forced Shia leaders have been loathe to com- out if the policemen were Sunni ket yesterday morning, two police It was to be only their second demonstration, the first having passed policemen to pray before kill- promise. The two incidents both or Shia before killing them. officers in the town said. peacefully in 2012. Morocco’s Interior Ministry announced late on ing them, and another where took place in Salaheddin province, The militants asked them The men — an anti-Qaeda mili- Friday that it had banned the protest. decapitated heads were left in a north of Baghdad, leaving nine which sect they belonged to and tia chief, his son and his cousin — market. dead in all, security and medical the policemen, who were Shia were kidnapped late on Thursday The violence is among the most officials said. Turkmen, initially said they near provincial capital Tikrit. Ultra-Orthodox man stabbed in Jerusalem shocking in Iraq’s worst prolonged In Tuz Khurmatu, an ethni- were Sunni in an effort to save The militiamen, known as the period of unrest since it emerged cally-mixed town that has been themselves, the town official Sahwa, joined forces with the US JERUSALEM: A knife-wielding assailant, apparently an Arab, in 2008 from a Sunni-Shia sectar- hit by regular attacks, militants said, speaking on condition of military against their co-religion- stabbed and wounded an ultra-Orthodox Jewish man yesterday in ian war, and comes with security surrounded a police encampment anonymity. ists in Al Qaeda from late-2006 Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem, police said. forces also battling anti-govern- protecting a stadium construction But because prayer rituals of onwards, helping turn the tide of The attack took place near the Old City’s Damascus Gate and “the ment fighters in western Anbar site and gathered the six police- Sunnis and Shias differ in cer- Iraq’s violent insurgency. assailant was apparently an Arab man” a police spokesman said, add- province. men as a group and shot them all tain key aspects, the victims were But, as a result, they are ing that an investigation was under way. Analysts and diplomats have dead, two security officials and a forced to pray as a group and their regarded as traitors by Sunni The victim was slightly wounded, he said, but no other details were urged the Shia-led authorities doctor at the local hospital said. efforts to mask their confessional militants and often targeted in immediately available. to pursue reforms and address One of the six, however, only background were undone. attacks. AFP AGENCIES MONDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2014 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15 600 Syrians flee besieged Old Homs Regime team arrives in Geneva for peace talks

BEIRUT: Six hundred people police and judicial authorities and me say that even though it’s a left the besieged ruins of rebel- could win their freedom through significant amount of medical held central Homs yesterday, amnesty. and nutritional aid, it’s still just escaping more than a year of Authorities suspect all men of a drop,” he said. “But let’s start hunger and deprivation caused fighting age to be part of rebel with this drop.” by one of the most protracted forces fighting to overthrow On Friday, the first of the blockades of Syria’s devastating President Bashar Al Assad. planned three-day humanitarian conflict. Assad’s authorities and rebel operation in Homs, 83 women, The evacuees, mainly women, fighters have traded accusations children and elderly men were children and old men, were of responsibility for attacks on evacuated, significantly fewer brought out by the United Nations Saturday which stranded the than the 200 which the city gover- and Syrian Red Crescent on the joint United Nations and Red nor had predicted. Many showed third day of an operation during Crescent team in central Old signs of malnutrition, the United which the aid convoys came under Homs for several hours after Nations said. fire and were briefly trapped dark on Saturday. themselves in the city. The convoy was targeted as the BARREL BOMBS IN ALEPPO Video footage from inside Homs relief workers were handing over Syria’s conflict has killed showed scores of residents, car- food and medical supplies in the 130,000 people, driven millions rying a few bags of possesions, district where the United Nations from their homes and devastated rushing across an open expanse says 2,500 people had been whole city districts - particularly of no-man’s land towards 10 stranded by an ever-tightening in Homs, a centre of protest when white vehicles with UN markings. military siege since the mid-2012. the 2011 uprising against 40 years Gunshots could be heard as they The Red Crescent said one of Assad family rule first erupted. Civilians wait to be evacuated from the besieged district of the central Syrian city of Homs by United Nations (UN) raced to the cars. driver was lightly wounded but The evacuation of civilians staff to a safer location, yesterday. “The last vehicle has arrived the rest of the team eventually and delivery of aid was the first and the total is 611 people,” left safely. concrete, though modest, result internecine rebel fighting, clashes months ago but had been hit by with opposition representatives. Homs governor Talal Barazi told Video footage released by activ- of talks launched two weeks ago with Assad’s forces and govern- delays, while several Homs activ- Members of the opposition del- regional Arab broadcaster Al ists showed the team, led by UN in Switzerland to try to end the ment bombardment — has esca- ists - angered by a second day of egation also arrived in the Swiss Mayadeen at a meeting point for humanitarian coordinator in civil war. lated since the delegates held bombardment which killed five city, a source close to the National evacuees outside the city. Syria Yacoub el Hillo, taking ref- At the Geneva peace talks, their first face-to-face meeting people - bitterly criticised the Coalition said. The Red Crescent confirmed uge on Saturday in a basement which resume today, interna- just over a fortnight ago. Geneva negotiations. A source close to the govern- that around 600 people were evac- while explosions rocked the rub- tional mediator Lakhdar Brahimi The Syrian Observatory for “Today we have five martyrs ment delegation said that repre- uated and said 60 food parcels and ble-strewn, devastated streets has been pushing for agreement Human Rights, an anti-Assad and yesterday we had five,” one sentatives of the regime entered more than a tonne of flour were above them. on aid deliveries and prisoner monitoring group, said that 304 activist said, pointing to a row of the Hotel de la Paix in Geneva delivered to the Old City. In another video filmed inside releases, hoping progress on those people were killed across the corpses being prepared for wrap- from a back door and made no Barazi and Red Crescent offi- Homs on Saturday, Hillo said the issues could build momentum to country on Saturday, including ping in burial shrouds. “Every statements to reporters. cials said they were working to aid supplies, including food par- address the far more contentious more than 100 civilians. day the world sees this regime’s The government delegation extend the operation beyond cels, medicines and hygiene kits, question of political transition. And in a sign of deep scepticism crimes and it remains silent.” is headed by Foreign Minister Sunday, the final day of a fragile were just a drop in the ocean Assad’s government has towards peace talks shared by the Yesterday, activists reported Walid Muallem, as was the case and frequently violated three-day when set against the conditions rejected out of hand any surren- opposing parties inside Syria, nei- at least 11 people were killed in for the first round of the so-called ceasefire in the city. endured by people trapped for der of power in Geneva, and on ther the authorities nor the activ- the northern city of Aleppo when Geneva 2 process 10 days ago. Some of those who came out months on end. the ground his forces have made ists in Homs credited the Geneva helicopters dropped barrel bombs That round ended without any were men of fighting age who “When I look around me and gains while rival rebel forces bat- talks for the weekend evacuations on rebel-held neighbourhoods. concrete agreement on Syria’s were not originally eligible to see the level of need, and suffer- tle each other in the north and and aid deliveries. Syria’s government delega- raging war, which in nearly three leave, Barazi said, but they had ing of all - especially the children, east of the country. If anything Homs governor Barazi said tion arrived in Geneva yesterday years has killed more than 136,000 agreed to hand themselves over to the women and the elderly - let the scale of violence — including the operation had been planned for a fresh round of peace talks people. AGENCIES

Suspect in murder of Hamas and Fatah agree to Tunisian MP arrested resume talks

TUNIS: Tunisian security other suspects. GAZA: Hamas, the ruling forces arrested a suspect in the The announcement came after authority in the Gaza Strip, murder of opposition politician the government said last Tuesday agreed yesterday to intensify Mohamed Brahmi after a fierce that the suspected Islamist assas- discussions with the Fatah gunbattle during an overnight sin of opposition politician Chokri movement in an effort to pro- raid on a militant hideout, the Belaid had been killed in a police mote reconciliation between the interior ministry’s spokesman raid. Gunmen killed Belaid on two Palestinian groups. said yesterday. February 6 and Brahmi on July Following a meeting with a Brahimi was the second of two 25, both of them outside their visiting senior Fatah delegation opposition politicians to have homes. in Gaza City, Hamas and Fatah been assassinated last year by Authorities blamed the mur- leaders announced that they will suspected militants as Islamist ders on the Ansar Al Sharia, a work jointly to prepare a recon- violence rocked the North African jihadist outfit accused of links to ciliation deal that will end their country, which was the birth- Al Qaeda, but the group never seven- year political division. place of the Arab Spring revolu- claimed responsibility for those Nabil Shaath, a member of tions in 2011. The security forces or any other attacks. Fatah’s central committee, told A view of a destroyed cafe and restaurant after an explosion at the port of Benghazi, yesterday. There were no “surrounded a house (near the Belaid was a charismatic left- reporters after the meeting that casualties, according to a witness, and police are investigating the incident. capital Tunis) where a terrorist ist politician and virulent critic ending the split by forming a group had holed up. Following a of the Islamist party Ennahda unity government and holding fair sustained exchange of fire, four then in power. His murder trig- elections is a necessity for many Libya’s ex-prosecutor general shot dead elements were arrested,” interior gered massive anti-government Palestinians. ministry spokesman Mohamed protests and a crisis from which He also urged Palestinians to Ali Aroui said. Tunisia has only recently started make national unity a reality BENGHAZI: Libya’s former Minister Salah Al Marghani said. autocratic regime, Libya has been “Among them is Hmed Al to emerge. on the ground, reported Xinhua prosecutor general was shot Hasadi, who was widely con- plagued by violence, including a Melki, alias ‘Somali,’ one of the The two political assassina- news agency. Fatah and Hamas dead by unknown attackers in sidered to be an Islamist, was string of killings targeting top elements implicated in the assas- tions eventually forced Ennahda have reached two reconciliation the eastern city of Derna, the the first prosecutor general army and security officials as well sination of the martyr Mohamed to relinquish power in January in agreements in 2011 and 2012. But justice minister said, the latest appointed after longtime dic- as judges. Libyan news agency Brahmi,” he said, adding weapons the face of accusations from the both deals have been unimple- in a series of assassinations that tator Muammar Gaddafi was Lana reported that another army were seized during the raid. mainly secular opposition that mented so far due to differences have plagued the country. toppled and killed in the 2011 officer was shot dead on Saturday “The interior ministry stresses it had failed to tackle a surge over security and restructuring Abdelaziz Al Hasadi was gunned uprising. Hasadi resigned from in the eastern city of Benghazi, that it was a successful opera- of Islamist extremism since the the Fatah-dominated Palestinian down while visiting relatives in the post in March 2013. which has also been hit by unrest tion,” the spokesman said with- Arab Spring revolution of 2011. Liberation Organization. his hometown of Derna, Justice Since the collapse of Gaddafi’s since 2011. AFP out revealing the identities of the AFP QNA Israel slams Iran move to send ships towards US

JERUSALEM: Israel yes- Fars news agency. Iranian media against Iran by the international concerns about it. In September near South Africa”, Fars reported. own backyard and believes it has terday denounced an Iranian reported that two ships — a community has not caused Iran 2012, Iran said it was planning to Fars said the plan was part of a legitimate interest in expanding announcement that it was destroyer and a helicopter trans- to moderate its international send naval forces to the Atlantic “Iran’s response to Washington’s its influence there. sending naval ships towards port vessel — had been dispatched aggression — the complete oppo- to deploy along US marine bor- beefed up naval presence in the Iranian officials have often the United States as fur- on January 21. site has occurred,” Netanyahu ders to counter a beefed up US Persian Gulf”. said Iran could block the Strait ther evidence that loosen- It was not clear how close the told the weekly cabinet meeting naval presence in the Persian The Fars report, which carried of Hormuz, at the mouth of the ing sanctions on Tehran was ships would travel towards the in remarks relayed by his office. Gulf, Fars reported, with the navy no details of the vessels, could not Gulf, if it came under military counterproductive. US maritime border or when they Israel, the region’s sole if unde- chief saying the buildup would be confirmed independently. attack over its disputed nuclear The move to send warships to would arrive. clared nuclear-armed state, has begin within several years. The United States and its allies programme, and the Western war the Atlantic was announced by But Israeli Prime Minister long viewed Iran’s controversial In December, the Pentagon regularly stage naval exercises games are seen in the region as an the commander of Iran’s north- Benjamin Netanyahu said the dis- atomic programme as a threat to said it was not planning to scale in the Gulf, saying they want to attempt to deter any such move. ern naval fleet on Saturday, who patch of the warships was clear its existence and has not ruled out back its vast military presence in ensure freedom of navigation in Fars said the Iranian navy had described it as a “message.” evidence of Iran’s “aggression” military action to prevent Iran the Gulf despite the six-month the waterway through which 40 been developing its presence in The ships “have already started and proof it had not moderated its from gaining a nuclear weapon. interim nuclear deal. percent of the world’s seaborne international waters since 2010, their voyage towards the Atlantic policies following a landmark deal Iran has always insisted its Haddad, described as com- oil exports passes. regularly launching vessels in Ocean via the waters near South with world powers to roll back its nuclear programme is entirely mander of the Iranian navy’s US military facilities in the the Indian Ocean and the Gulf Africa,” said Admiral Afshin nuclear programme in exchange peaceful, and President Hassan northern fleet, said the vessels region include a base for its Fifth of Aden to protect Iranian ships Rezayee Haddad, in remarks for sanctions relief. Rouhani, a moderate elected last had started their voyage towards Fleet in the Gulf Arab kingdom of from Somali pirates operating in quoted by Iran’s semi-official “The easing of sanctions year, has vowed to allay Western the Atlantic Ocean via “waters Bahrain. Iran sees the Gulf as its the area. AGENCIES MONDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2014 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL Swiss vote to curb immigration by EU citizens 50.3pc of voters back ‘Stop Mass Immigration’ proposal

GENEVA: Switzerland voted over coming weeks how to “recast a return to the annual sector-by- yesterday to impose curbs on relations between Switzerland sector limits on work permits for immigration by European Union and the EU”, underlining that foreigners in force in the past. citizens, in a nail-bitingly close the current rules would remain in It leaves it up to the authorities referendum that threatened to force until a new version has been to set the numbers. Opponents, ignite a row with Brussels. drawn up. The measure binds the also including lobby groups from Final results showed that 50.3 government to renegotiate within across the economy, have said it percent of voters had backed the three years a deal with Brussels would be foolhardy to revive the “Stop Mass Immigration” pro- that since 2007 has given most EU bureaucratic hurdles of the past. posal pushed by right-wing popu- citizens free access to the coun- They say restricting the hir- lists, even though it could mean try’s labour market. ing of EU citizens would act as the demise of a raft of deals signed It also means that Switzerland a brake on the wealthy Swiss in 1999 with the EU including on will add a clause to its constitu- economy, which enjoys virtually the economic front. tion stating migration must serve full employment but has an ageing “This is a turning point in the nation’s economic interests. population, and could also hurt our immigration policy,” said The SVP, which is hawkish trade with a disgruntled EU. Toni Brunner, head of the Swiss about Swiss sovereignty, claims Brussels warns that People’s Party (SVP), which the country has been swamped by Switzerland cannot pick and piloted the referendum campaign migrants. choose from the binding package in a country that has steadfastly It says that with 80,000 EU cit- of deals negotiated painstakingly resisted joining the EU. izens arriving per year — rather in the 1990s, seen as a way for the Switzerland’s seven-member than the 8,000 predicted before country to enjoy the benefits of multiparty government, the the rules were liberalised — it is access to the EU market without Federal Council, in which the SVP time for the nation of eight mil- membership. has one cabinet post, had opposed lion people to rein things in. But the vote has also been the measure on the grounds that Proponents argued that EU cit- watched closely by eurosceptics it could hit the economy and izens undercut Swiss workers, and within the EU who want to rein undermine the country’s cred- that overpopulation has driven up in immigration among its mem- Politicians of the Swiss People’s Party (SVP) cheer after the results in Berne, Switzerland, yesterday. ibility as a negotiating partner. rents, stretched the health and ber states, notably from eastern However in Switzerland, the education systems, overloaded the to western Europe. the EU in 1999 after five years of ex-communist member states. from around one-fifth of the pop- people have the last word on a road and rail networks, and eaten “A signal from Switzerland talks, approved by Swiss voters in But the quota clause expires this ulation to roughly a quarter. The huge range of issues in refer- into the landscape due to housing is clearly going to be welcome,” 2000 and phased in. year. Immigration and national majority of recent immigrants are endums, and the government construction. SVP politician Oskar Freysinger Critics of the migration con- identity are traditional political from neighbouring Germany, Italy acknowledged that. In a nod towards such con- told public broadcaster RTS. trol plan underline that the themes in a country with a long and France, as well as Portugal. “The Federal Council will with- cerns, the government recently Switzerland is ringed by EU treaty with the EU already history of drawing foreign work- There was a clear division in the out delay begin the work needed adopted measures making it member countries and does the allowed Switzerland to reimpose ers and some of Europe’s toughest vote, with Switzerland’s German- to implement the decision of the harder for newly-arrived EU bulk of its trade with the bloc. temporary quotas — something rules for obtaining citizenship. and Italian-speaking cantons, people,” it said in a statement. citizens to apply for Swiss social The labour market accord is it has deployed to control num- But over recent years, the pro- in favour, and French-speaking It added that it would examine security. The measure will mean part of a raft of deals signed with bers of workers from the EU’s portion of foreigners has risen regions voting against. AFP

Zuma’s son being Bosnia ruling investigated over 70,000 rally in Kiev in show of force parties call fatal car crash KIEV: An estimated 70,000 said Igor Lutsenko, an activist and spread to other parts of the on the podium. We need early pro-Western Ukrainians who survived a severe beating country. presidential elections and a new for snap poll JOHANNESBURG: South thronged the heart of Kiev yes- after reportedly being abducted After initially ignoring pro- constitution,” Anna Rebenok, a African President Jacob Zuma’s terday vowing never to give up from hospital during deadly testers’ demands, Yanukovich young secretary, said. SARAJEVO: Two parties in son, Duduzane, is being inves- their drive to oust President unrest in January. has recently yielded ground by The protest is the 10th major Bosnia’s ruling coalition yes- tigated for culpable homicide Viktor Yanukovich for his alli- The ex-Soviet nation of 46 dismissing the government. But demonstration since November, terday called for early polls to after his Porsche 911 sports ance with old master Russia. million people has been in chaos he also has to appease Russia, and the size of the crowds Sunday defuse mounting anger over car ploughed into a minivan in Wearing blue and yellow since November when Yanukovich which has effectively frozen a roughly equalled the turnout last corruption and unemployment Johannesburg, killing one per- ribbons — the colours of both ditched an historic EU trade and sorely-needed $15bn bailout until weekend, although it was mark- that has sparked violence not son and critically injuring two, Ukraine and the European political pact in favour of closer the situation clears up. Moscow edly lower than at the end of seen since the 1992-1995 war. media said yesterday. Union — the crowd received a ties with Moscow, stunning pro- has so far issued only one $3bn January, when violence left sev- The move came as 1,000 peo- The crash happened late on religious blessing before oppo- EU parts of the population and instalment of the loan, which it eral people dead. Protesters have ple gathered in front of Bosnia’s the evening of February 1 during sition leaders took to a podium sparking violent protests. promised to Yanukovich after he set up row upon row of manned, tripartite presidency building in heavy rain but was only linked to on Independence Square in a Since then, what started out rejected the EU pact. grimy barricades on all four roads downtown Sarajevo, demanding Duduzane this weekend, just one bid to ratchet up pressure on as a localised, domestic bout of “People must stay on the leading to the square, turning it the resignation of rulers they day after his father announced a Yanukovich to appoint a new unrest has snowballed into a streets until the end, otherwise into a pro-Western fortress that blame for their economic woes. general election on May 7. pro-Western government. titanic tussle for Ukraine’s future there will be reprisals. And the leaves riot police on the outside. The Social Democratic Party If Duduzane is found to have “None of the kidnappings and between Russia and the West, opposition must be more resolved, On an upmarket avenue near said in a statement it was neces- been driving recklessly, the inci- tortures have yielded any results,” as demonstrations continued not limit themselves to speeches the square, protesters and curious sary “to stop the violence, restore dent will be another embarrass- onlookers had clambered onto one security for citizens and urgently ment to Zuma, who is already of these barricades made slippery organise early elections.” fighting a scandal over a 206m by melting snow, facing off with Bakir Izetbegovic, one of the rand ($18.6m) state-funded secu- dozens of riot police as a line of nation’s three presidents and rity upgrade to his private home. burnt vehicles stood in between. leader of the Party of Democratic Police confirmed the details of One woman wore high-heels, Action, joined the call for polls to the accident but declined to name the other carried her baby up, take place before the scheduled the driver or victims, in line with and many took pictures with their October date. common practice in South Africa. smartphones. Nearby, a man in “I believe that people want a “One person died and two are army fatigues read Dan Brown’s change of power. I believe that still in hospital. We are inves- “Angels & Demons”. within three months we should tigating culpable homicide,” But this light atmosphere was offer citizens a chance to choose Johannesburg police spokesman darkened by the presence of men who they trust, because it’s obvi- Neville Malila said. The investi- wearing bullet-proof vests, helmets ous that this isn’t working any- gation might take two to three and carrying batons—members of more,” he told a local television. weeks to complete, he added. self-defence groups patrolling an Protesters took to the streets The Sunday Times newspa- avenue that was the scene of vio- for the fifth day running yes- per named the dead person lent clashes in January. terday but the gatherings were as 30-year-old Zimbabwean People also stopped to take peaceful. In Sarajevo, the protest- Phumzile Dube. It quoted her photos of a bullet hole in a build- ers blamed their leadership for husband, Themba, criticising ing not far away, which activists grinding poverty and demanded Duduzane for not contacting the say was fired during the clashes. change across the board. AFP family or offering to help pay for Alex Brideau, an analyst for her funeral. political risk consultancy Eurasia Clashes in Bangui “Zuma killed my wife and I Group, said the protesters’ actions want justice,” Dube told the news- were a “key wildcard in the political leave 10 dead paper. “It doesn’t matter whether standoff”, noting that their “con- he is the president’s son - justice tinued frustration with the lack of BANGUI: A weekend of vio- doesn’t have eyes. Everybody is progress on their demands” was a lence and looting in the Central equal before the law.” major factor behind the January African capital has left at least Demonstrators take part in a mass rally on Independence Square in Kiev yesterday. AFP violence. AFP 10 people dead, witnesses and a humanitarian official said yesterday , including two more gruesome lynchings of minority Muslims. Fighting broke out Saturday evening between Christian vigi- Gunman kills nun, parishioner in Russian church lantes and Muslims in the west of Bangui where many buildings MOSCOW: A machine-gun wielding Archpriest Viktor Gorbach said the nun who protect cash-in-transit vehicles. in a so-called “ring of steel” around Sochi. were torched, they said. man killed an elderly nun and a parish- managed to save several lives by attract- Such rampages are highly unusual in Some analysts note that the added protec- A resident said that the Muslim ioner while wounding six others when he ing the gunman’s attention while church a country where private gun ownership tion awarded to Sochi may have left Russia killer of a Christian woman was opened fire during a Sunday prayer serv- attendants fled for the exit in panic. remains low. Russia’s previous major inci- dangerously exposed in other parts of the lynched and killed before his body ice in a cathedral in Russia’s Far East. “The man burst into the cathedral when dent came in April when an assailant killed country. was burned and deposited in front Russia’s second mass shooting in less there was a fairly large number of people six outside a hunting store in the south- But Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill — of the local town hall. than a week struck despite extraordinary inside,” Gorbach told Russia’s Life News western city of Belgorod. viewed as one of the most authoritative but A suspected Christian militia- security measures being taken across the television. “This shows that the problem of But the country has been on heightened also conservative figures in Russia — blamed man killed another Muslim civil- vast country out of concern for possible faith and prosecution against the Church security alert since 34 people were killed in the violence on what he called the growing ian, and was about to burn the attacks during the ongoing Winter Olympic is still relevant today,” he said. two December suicide strikes in the south- prosecution of religion by a society whose body when Rwandan soldiers of the Games in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. The shooting occurred in the main ern hub city of Volgograd that were later morals are becoming increasingly lax. African peacekeeping force MISCA A 15-year-old student shot dead a cathedral of the South Sakhalin and Kuril claimed by guerrillas from Dagestan. “They died as heroes — like soldiers on shot him dead, a witness who teacher and a policeman in Moscow on Islands Archdiocese. The impoverished Militants who want to carve out their the front line,” the patriarch said after gave his name as Innocent said. Monday in a school hostage drama that Pacific region was seized by Soviet forces own state in the North Caucasus region leading prayers at the Kremlin’s ancient The shooting prompted an angry also left several officers injured. from Japan at the end of World War II near Sochi have threatened to disrupt the Cathedral of the Dormition. “It is possi- crowd to shout slogans against Eye-witnesses to yesterday’s shooting and remains a point of intense diplomatic Games with attacks aimed at embarrassing ble that (the gunman) was of an unsound the Rwandan soldiers, whom they told Russian media that the gunman had contention bewteen Tokyo and Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin. mind. Or perhaps he simply listened too mistakenly believed to be Muslim. two crosses on his chest when he opened a Russian investigators identified the gun- The Games officially kicked off on Friday closely to all the negative things being said “Death to the Rwandans,” one hail of indiscriminate fire at both parish- man as a 24-year-old worker at a private following the unprecedented deployment about the Church today,” said the patriarch. shouted, according to Innocent. ioners and the church’s icons. security firm that issued weapons to guards of 37,000 paramilitary troops and police AFP AFP MONDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2014 INTERNATIONAL www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 17

US eases rules State pension on immigrants with limited service in UK terrorist links

WASHINGTON: The Obama to be privatised administration has eased the rules for would-be asylum-seek- ers, refugees and others who DWP facing reform challenge hope to come to or stay in the US and who gave “limited” sup- LONDON: The government department pursuing all possible port to terrorists or terrorist is considering saving money avenues for efficiencies. To deliver groups. The change is one of US by privatising the delivery of anything greater, the department President Barack Obama’s first the state pension, according to needs to look more fundamentally actions on immigration since he Whitehall documents seen by at how it delivers its business, pledged during his State of the the Guardian. and consider some more stra- Union address last month to use In an effort to make up bil- tegic shifts.” Currently the gov- more executive directives. lions more in austerity savings, ernment runs 10 pension centres The Department of Homeland the Department for Work and around the country including in Security and the State Department Pensions (DWP) has initiated a Dundee, Newcastle, Swansea and now say that people considered to review of how it issues 4.5m pen- Blackpool. The service employs have provided “limited material sion statements each year and the 7,000 staff who help administer support” to terrorists or terrorist administration of £100bn in public £80bn in state pensions, £7.7bn in groups are no longer automatically money to millions of pensioners pension credits, £2.8bn in other barred from the US. in the UK and around the world. pensioner benefits to people living A post-September 11 provi- The review — which is entitled in the UK and a further 1.2m to Two people are rescued by the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue service during continued flooding at sion in immigrant law, known as DWP Efficiency Review, runs pensioners around the globe. Burrowbridge in southwest England yesterday. “terrorism related inadmissibil- to over 80 pages and is marked The review will also examine if ity grounds”, had affected anyone “restricted” — also considers how the “Tell us Once” bereavement considered to have given support. to make cost savings in the way service – which helps people report With little exception, the provi- the department handles three deaths and the termination of Severe weather cuts off rail sion has been applied rigidly to quarters of a million phone calls social security payments – could be those trying to enter the US and and the distribution of £98bn in run more efficiently if it was out- those already here but wanting to benefits and tax credits. sourced. The chair of the Commons change their immigration status. Whitehall’s biggest department work and pensions committee, links to southwest England The Homeland Security is facing an “unprecedented reform Labour’s Dame Anne Begg, said she Department said in a statement challenge”, says the document, would not want to see the service BURROWBRIDGE, and maintenance. He is due to of water were being pumped out that the rule change, which was which was distributed to senior tendered out to private companies ENGLAND: Severe flooding chair a meeting of the govern- every day. announced last week and not civil servants in January. By 2016 and pointed out that 93 percent of and landslips cut off rail links ment’s emergency committee. Earlier in the week, high tides made in concert with Congress, the work and pensions secretary, pensioners were satisfied or very to large parts of southwest But Environment Agency and stormy seas destroyed a large gives the government more dis- Iain Duncan Smith, will have his satisfied with the current model. England for more than 24 hours chairman Chris Smith, who section of sea wall at Dawlish in cretion, but will not open the operational budget slashed by 34 “The pension service is one of at the weekend as the govern- received a frosty reception when Devon, washing a stretch of rail- country to terrorists or their percent to £6.3bn from £9bn in the success stories of the DWP. ment came under pressure for he visited flood-hit areas this way track into the sea. Further sympathisers. People seeking 2009-10. Almost £2bn of those sav- There is a very high satisfaction its handling of storms battering week, has faced calls to step down. flooding and landslips cut off all refugee status, asylum and visas, ings will need to be made in the rate and very few complaints about Britain. Yesterday, the government’s rail links to Devon and Cornwall including those already in the next two financial years. it. [So] if it’s a success story and it Some areas have been under- communities minister Eric on Saturday. United States, will still be checked The documents say ministers ain’t broke I’m not sure why they water for over a month in the Pickles, who took over responsi- Network Rail, Britain’s rail to make sure they do not pose a and civil servants now need to would want to upset that. wettest January on record, with bility for the flood response after network operator, said one route threat to national security or pub- “consider some more strategic “If you’re saving money, it’s angry residents criticising the the environment minister was had now reopened for a limited lic safety, the department said. shifts” such as looking at how the coming from somewhere. And if government for not doing enough taken ill, apologised. “We made service, with trains running at a In the past, the provision has been state pension and other benefits you end up with a poorer serv- to prevent flooding or reacting a mistake, there’s no doubt about reduced speed. Low cost airline criticised for allowing few exemp- for over-65s are managed in order ice as a result then it’s not good quickly enough to help those that, and we perhaps have relied Flybe has said it will double the tions beyond providing medical to meet demands by the chancel- value for the taxpayer.” The pen- affected by the devastation. too much on the Environment number of flights it runs on week- care or acting under duress. The lor, George Osborne, to drasti- sions expert Ros Altmann said The military have been brought Agency’s advice,” he told the days from Newquay in Cornwall change now allows officials to con- cally cut their overheads. “This she was seriously concerned by in to help build flood defences and BBC, saying the government now to London to help alleviate trans- sider whether the support was not includes a review of the pension the idea that firms such as Capita, evacuate properties. Britain’s realised rivers should have been port problems. only limited but potentially part of service’s current delivery model Serco or G4S could be brought in Met Office said several weather dredged to help prevent flooding. Nigel Farage, the leader of “routine commercial transactions or and alternative delivery models,” to administer £100bn in public warnings remained in place for “I’ll apologise unreservedly and Britain’s anti-European Union routine social transactions”. the document says. money to millions of pensioners. the coming days, with more I’m really sorry that we took the party UKIP, has called for some The change does not specifically In a frank assessment the doc- Altmann said an outside com- heavy rain and gale force winds advice,” he said. “We thought we of the overseas aid budget to address “freedom fighters” who ument says: “Opportunities to go pany could feasibly save money in expected. were dealing with experts.” be diverted to help tackle the may have fought against an estab- further [with savings] are limited two main ways – by reducing the Prime Minister David In the Somerset Levels, where flooding. Speaking to the BBC, lished government, including mem- … [as] much of the ‘low hanging pay and conditions of staff or by Cameron, who visited the region muddy brown water stretched off he described the government’s bers of rebel groups who have led fruit’ has already gone. reducing the quality of the service. on Friday, has announced extra in all directions as far as the eye response as “Too little, too late”. revolts in Arab Spring uprisings. “This is largely a result of the THE GUARDIAN funding for flood defence repairs could see, nearly 3 million tonnes REUTERS THE GUARDIAN

Beckham at NY Fashion Week Economy matters Charles, William urge end most in Scottish independence to illegal wildlife trade LONDON: Britain’s Prince William sit alongside each other, vote, finds poll Charles and Prince William made both wearing suits. a father-and-son appeal yesterday William, 31, says in the nine- LONDON: The economy is for an end to the illegal wildlife minute video: “Despite the ter- the most important issue to trade, ahead of a major interna- rible crisis that we now face, we Scottish voters ahead of a ref- tional conference in London. both continue to be optimistic erendum for independence later Charles, the heir to Queen that the tide can be reversed.” this year, according to a poll Elizabeth II, and his eldest child The recording ends with two published yesterday. William released a video message royals saying the phrase “Let’s Scots will decide on September warning of the “grave threat” to unite for wildlife!” in Arabic, 18 whether their nation, which some of the world’s most treas- Vietnamese, Swahili, Spanish and has a population of just over 5 ured species. The royals are Mandarin, in what palace officials million and is a source of North attending a series of conserva- said was a bid to reach countries Sea oil, should end its 307-year- tion events this week, including a most affected by the illegal wild- old union with England and leave London Conference on the Illegal life trade. the United Kingdom. Wildlife Trade hosted by the Charles has long been a cham- The poll, carried out in January British government on Thursday. pion of environmental issues, by TNS in more than 1,000 face- “We have come together, as and his eldest son is following in to-face interviews, found voters father and son, to lend our voices his footsteps. William quit the ranked the economy above other to the growing global effort to British military last year to head issues including pensions, welfare, Former England soccer captain David Beckham (right) takes a ‘selfie’ of himself and his children Brooklyn, combat the illegal wildlife trade,” up a new global conservation currency, and immigration when Romeo, Cruz and Harper, before the Victoria Beckham Fall 2014 collection during New York Fashion Week the 65-year-old Charles says in group called United for Wildlife. asked what mattered most to them. yesterday. the recording, in which he and AFP Scottish leader Alex Salmond, who is heading the drive for Scotland to split from Britain, has argued Scots will be better off in charge of their own finances and insists Scotland has a right to its Democrats promote positive message on Obamacare, work hours share of British assets. That would mean it using the WASHINGTON: Democrats sought was responding to a fiscal report from the out the vote of loyal constituencies in Care Act requires most Americans to be pound and central bank, the Bank to turn the latest controversy over nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office November’s off-year election, which will enrolled in health coverage by March 31 of England, as the lender of last Obamacare and the economy into a posi- (CBO) on Tuesday that said President determine who controls the Senate and or pay a penalty. It has already extended resort — an arrangement the tive political message yesterday by cast- Barack Obama’s healthcare law would House of Representatives in the final two health coverage to millions of Americans British government has given no ing an expected decline in American bring about a drop in work hours equal years of the Obama presidency. by offering subsidized private plans and guarantee of accepting. Salmond work hours as a boon to worker freedom to the loss of 2.5 million full-time workers A chief aim of Republicans is to gain con- expanding the Medicaid program for the has warned that without a share and family values. over the next decade. trol of the Senate by using Obamacare’s poor in participating states. of UK assets, an independent In a new partisan tussle over election The change would occur because some unpopularity with voters to discourage sup- The CBO said the subsidies, which help Scotland could walk away from its messaging that is likely to colour this workers, particularly those with lower port for vulnerable Democrats in states people pay health insurance premiums and share of UK liabilities such as its year’s congressional mid-term campaign, wages, would limit their hours to avoid los- with large conservative populations. out-of-pocket costs, would “reduce incen- £1.2 trillion of government debt. Democratic lawmakers said a predicted ing federal subsidies that Obamacare pro- Democrats have emphasized the law’s tives to work” and impose an “implicit tax A separate survey by Panelbase drop in work hours brought about by vides to help pay for health insurance and benefits for people who are sick, near- on working” for those returning to a job for the Sunday Times newspaper Obamacare would mean more family time other healthcare costs, according to CBO. ing retirement, starting a career or try- with health insurance. found 51 percent of respondents for mothers, more study opportunities for Republicans have seized on the CBO ing to finish up college. Obama has also “Any law you pass that discourages peo- believed independence would college students and less job stress for report to help support their own mes- challenged Republicans to come up with ple from working can’t be a good idea. mean higher tax bills to fund older workers. saging campaign for middle-class voters, their own reforms. Republicans, who have Why would we want to do that? Why public services, with 26 percent “The single mom, who’s raising three kids calling its contents evidence that Obama’s voted more than 40 times in the House would we think that was a good thing? expecting there would be no (and) has to keep a job because of health- signature domestic policy achievement will to repeal or defund Obamacare, have How does that allow people to prepare for change. Only 17 percent were in care, can now spend some time raising those reduce full-time employment and hurt the also decided to seek their own cure. But the time when they don’t work?” Senator favour of paying more for better kids. That’s a family value,” Democratic economy unless it is repealed. a single plan for an alternative healthcare Roy Blunt, a Missouri Republican, said on public services, however. Senator Charles Schumer said on NBC’s Both parties are working to craft mes- policy has proved elusive so far. “Fox News Sunday.” REUTERS Sunday programme, “Meet the Press.” He sages on a range of issues that can turn The Patient Protection and Affordable REUTERS MONDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2014 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA Bangla garment factory Heavy snow hits Japan, 11 dead fire: Owners sent to jail Fugitive owners of Tazreen Fashions refused bail

DHAKA: Owners of a retailers including Walmart. people in one of the world’s worst Bangladesh garment factory It was not clear why the cou- industrial disasters. Police have were denied bail yesterday after ple, who have been living freely said it was possibly the first time surrendering to a court which in Dhaka despite the warrants, an owner has been charged over sought their arrest over the decided to give themselves up to a fire in the sector, where deadly country’s worst industrial fire the court on Sunday. accidents are common. that killed 111 workers. The pair are among 13 people, Manufacturers are hugely Delwar Hossain and his wife including factory managers and influential in Bangladesh, where Mahmuda Akter handed them- security guards, charged with some flout safety rules for the selves in to the magistrates court arson, culpable homicide not 4,500 garment factories, which almost six weeks after it issued amounting to murder, and death account for up to 80 percent of the warrants for their arrest over by negligence over the tragedy. impoverished country’s exports. the 2012 blaze that gutted the All face a maximum sentence Hossain, who since the trag- Tazreen factory. of life in prison if convicted. The edy has been barred from leav- “The court rejected their bail November 2012 fire, the coun- ing the country, has been accused prayers and sent them to jail,” try’s deadliest at a garment fac- of breaching construction rules prosecutor Anwarul Kabir said, tory, highlighted appalling safety including building unsafe and as more than 100 people protested problems in the sector, a mainstay narrow staircases in the nine-sto- outside the court to demand the of the economy, where about four rey building. Victims of the fire, A woman walks with sticks on a snow covered road in Tokyo yesterday. The heaviest snow in decades in Tokyo couple’s conviction. million workers toil for some of the mostly women who were paid as and other areas of Japan has left at least 11 dead and 1,253 injured across the country. More than 20,000 Although warrants were issued lowest sector wages in the world. little as $37 a month, found them- households were without electricity while airlines cancelled more than 400 domestic flights. on December 31, police have not Bangladesh suffered an even selves overcome by smoke or were arrested Hossain and Akter who greater tragedy just months later forced to jump from windows on have been charged over the trag- in April when the Rana Plaza gar- upper floors, police have said. edy at the factory where work- ment factory complex collapsed Managers and security guards Anger in Indonesia ers stitched clothes for Western in Dhaka’s outskirts, killing 1,135 were charged over their insist- Nepal’s parliament set ence workers return to their duties even though smoke was at parole for billowing from the ground floor where the fire started, according Aussie trafficker to elect veteran as PM to a police investigation report. The factory, in the Ashulia KEROBOKAN: Indonesian KATHMANDU: Veteran Khanal told reporters. “The industrial district, supplied lawmakers and an anti-drugs politician Sushil Koirala was details of the deal will be out soon. clothes to a variety of interna- group expressed anger yes- expected to become Nepal’s Everything will be agreed on a tional brands including US giant terday at Jakarta’s decision to new prime minister after a package. We are also discussing Walmart, Dutch retailer C&A and parole Australian drug traf- rival political party announced the new government’s policy and ENYCE, a label owned by US rap- ficker Schapelle Corby, as she its support on Sunday, ending programme,” Khanal said. per Sean “Diddy” Combs. prepared to leave prison in Bali months of deadlock following Nepal held elections on Bangladesh pledged to clean after nine years behind bars. last year’s elections. November 19 for a constituent up the industry after the Rana The early release for the 36-year- Parliament will convene today to assembly or parliament, charged Plaza disaster and more than 100 old, who has always maintained her vote for a premier, paving the way with writing a constitution aimed top Western retailers have signed innocence since her 2004 arrest for the formation of a government at bringing stability to a country up to new safety agreements to for smuggling marijuana into the charged with ending a prolonged still divided by the legacy of a allow greater scrutiny of their resort island, has been welcomed political crisis that has crippled the decade-long civil war. operations. The government in in Australia, where her case has Himalayan nation’s economy. But a new government was not December raised minimum wages long fascinated the public. Koirala, 75, is expected to formed, amid a row within Nepali for workers by 76 percent and Australian journalists have be the only candidate after his Congress over who should be launched inspections of factories flocked to Bali for her release, which Nepali Congress party—which prime minister. The party finally The owners of Tazreen Fashions, Delwar Hossain and his wife Mahmuda in the wake of mounting criticism could come as soon as Monday topped the polls last November— chose its president Koirala after a Akter, leave court after a hearing in Dhaka yesterday. that authorities were failing to although she will not be allowed secured the backing of the Unified vote of its legislators last month. improve the sector. AFP to leave Indonesia until 2017, and a Marxist-Leninist party (UML), The party had also become bidding war is in full swing for her which came second. bogged down in negotiations with first post-jail interview. UML chairman Jhalanath other parties on forming a coali- But anger has been mount- Khanal said his legislators would tion. The party won 196 seats last ing at the decision in Indonesia, vote for Koirala, a veteran politi- November and the UML secured China decries US where many believe she has cian who, as a young activist, once 175. The Maoists were relegated Ruling party candidate received special treatment due spent three years in jail for his to a humiliating third place with to her high profile in Australia, involvement in the hijacking of a just 80 seats. The Maoists, who comments on with a critical newspaper edito- plane. Khanal said the decision fol- traded their guns for politics after rial this weekend labelling her the lows extensive negotiations within signing a pact to end the civil war South China Sea elected Tokyo governor “Marijuana Queen”. the party and with Nepali Congress in 2006, initially claimed fraud. “Public sentiment is against on Sunday on the make-up of the But they agreed in December to BEIJING: China has accused TOKYO: A candidate backed by Hosokawa came in a close third this,” said lawmaker Eva Kusuma new coalition government. join the assembly after securing a the United States of undermin- Prime Minister Shinzo Abe won after lawyer Kenji Utsunomiya, Sundari, who organised a pro- “Our party has decided to pledge from the other parties for ing peace and development in yesterday’s election for governor of who also opposes nuclear power, test letter signed by eight MPs support Nepali Congress in the an inquiry into their claims. the Asia-Pacific after a senior Tokyo, frustrating a rival’s efforts NHK public TV said. A half-hour against Corby’s release and election for the prime minister,” AFP US official said concern was to make the vote a referendum on before the polls closed, turnout handed to Justice Minister Amir mounting over China’s claims in the Japanese leader’s pro-nuclear was a mere 34 percent, well below Syamsuddin on Thursday. the South China Sea. energy policy nearly three years recent polls, the broadcaster said. “It is not supported by the par- “These actions are not con- after the Fukushima disaster “I will make Tokyo the world’s liament and the public,” added ‘One Billion Rising’ campaign structive”, Hong Lei, a Chinese The widely-expected victory No. 1 city,” Masuzoe told support- the lawmaker, from the opposi- Foreign Ministry spokesman, by former health minister Yoichi ers. “I want to work on social wel- tion Indonesian Democratic Party said in a statement issued late Masuzoe comes as a relief for Abe, fare, disaster preparedness, the of Struggle. “You should not go on Saturday. who had suffered a rare setback in economy and especially to make the against the national anti-drugs “We urge the US to hold a another local election last month. Tokyo 2020 Olympics a success.” agency’s policies”. rational and fair attitude, so as The 65-year-old Masuzoe, Masuzoe had not made energy Indonesia’s anti-drugs laws are to have a constructive role in the backed by Abe’s Liberal policy a prime focus, although some of toughest in the world and peace and development of the Democratic Party, was the winner he said Japan should reduce its include the death penalty in the region, and not the opposite,” Lei by a wide margin, according to dependence on nuclear power in most extreme cases. Bambang said. media exit polls. Even before most the medium to long term. After Soesatyo, an MP from the Golkar US Assistant Secretary of State votes were counted, Masuzoe’s his victory was announced, he Party, told the Jakarta Post: “This for East Asian and Pacific Affairs opponents conceded defeat. reiterated that stance, adding is insensitive to public concerns Danny Russel told a congres- The winner’s most prominent he wanted to raise the share about the rampant circulation of sional testimony on Wednesday rival was former prime minis- of renewable energy sources in illegal drugs in Indonesia.” the United States had “growing ter Morihiro Hosokawa, 76, who Tokyo’s electricity supply. In their letter, MPs also concerns” that China’s maritime came out of retirement to run Public trust in nuclear energy in expressed concern that granting claims were an effort to gain and — with support from char- Japan was battered by the March Corby parole was inappropriate creeping control of oceans in the ismatic ex-premier Junichiro 2011 disaster at Tokyo Electric so soon after revelations emerged region. China’s claims had “cre- Koizumi — had put opposition to Power Co Inc’s Fukushima nuclear Australian spies allegedly tried ated uncertainty, insecurity and atomic energy at the core of his power plant north of Tokyo, trig- to tap the phone of Indonesian instability”, Russel said. platform in the race to lead the gered by an earthquake and tsu- President Susilo Bambang Women dance to the theme song of the “One Billion Rising” campaign REUTERS capital city of 13.3 million people. nami. REUTERS Yudhoyono. AFP in Hong Kong yesterday. “One Billion Rising” is a globally coordinated campaign aimed to call for an end to violence against women and girls. Historic China-Taiwan talks start long road to closer ties TAIPEI: China and Taiwan are gearing fled to Taiwan — officially known as reaping practical outcomes from the stalemate comes after the two sides have representing Taiwan, and the Association up for their first government-to-govern- Republic of China — after losing a civil visit, such as securing economic benefits made cautious steps towards economic for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits ment meeting in more than six decades war to Mao Zedong’s Communists. or security assurances, Jia said, China has reconciliation in recent years. (ARATS), for China — have secured eco- tomorrow — but analysts say renewed Ever since, the island and the main- more of an eye toward long-term integra- Taiwanese president Ma Ying-jeou of nomic progress, they lacked the power to political ties between the former bitter land have been governed separately, both tion of the island. the Beijing-friendly Kuomintang party broach deeper-held differences. rivals may still be a long way off. claiming to be the true government of Beijing views Taiwan as a rebel region came to power in 2008, presiding over Analysts say that only government- The Taiwanese government’s Wang China, only re-establishing contact in the awaiting reunification with the mainland, a marked softening in tone from Taipei level officials can settle the crux of a lin- Yu-chi, who oversees the island’s China 1990s through quasi-official organisations. and has repeatedly refused to renounce towards its giant neighbour and reinstat- gering sovereignty dispute that sees each policy, is scheduled to fly to the mainland When the much-anticipated visit was the possibility of using force to take ing direct flights between the two sides. side claiming to be the sole legitimate on February 11 to meet his counterpart announced at a January press conference, back the island if necessary. “From the In June 2010, Taiwan and China signed government of China. “The two govern- Zhang Zhijun, China’s Taiwan Affairs Taiwan’s Wang said it had “crucial implica- mainland perspective, (China) probably the landmark Economic Cooperation ment units will be authorised to handle Office chief, for talks set to last until tions for further institutionalisation of the attaches more importance to accelerating Framework Agreement, a pact widely policy-oriented affairs, while SEF and February 14. ties between the two sides of the Straits”. the process of economic integration, and characterised as the boldest step yet ARATS could be somewhat weakened in The meeting in Nanjing, in China’s “It has a symbolic meaning. It intro- also with a view to political unification towards reconciliation. their functions,” George Tsai, a politi- eastern Jiangsu province, is the fruit of duces more confidence and trust between in the long run,” Jia said. Taiwan wants Yet despite the much-touted detente, cal science professor at Taipei’s Chinese years of efforts to normalise relations and the two sides,” Jia Qingguo, an inter- to use the visit to raise issues including Taipei and Beijing have still shunned all Culture University said. Analysts will be marks the first official contact between national studies professor at Peking proposed liaison offices, bilateral efforts official contact, and negotiations since watching the meeting closely to see if it sitting governments since the pair’s acri- University said of the meeting, adding on regional economic integration and bet- 2008 when Ma came to power have been could pave the way for talks between Ma monious split in 1949. that it could bring about modest improve- ter healthcare for Taiwanese students carried out through proxies. and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping— That year, two million supporters of ments in cooperation. studying on the mainland. While these proxies — the quasi-offi- although chances of that happening any the nationalist leader Chiang Kai-shek While Taiwan is likely to focus on The political thaw of a decades-long cial Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) time soon are slim. AFP MONDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2014 PHILIPPINES www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19 Manila expects US help in sea row US Navy chief due on Wednesday

MANILA: Malacañang hopes “The visit aims to strengthen the the US will come to the defence ties and interoperability between of the Philippines when China the two navies and further realise becomes more aggressive peace and stability in the region.” in claiming the entire West Greenert and Alano will also Philippine Sea. tour Philippine naval units around In a statement, Presidential the Manila-Cavite area, including Communications Operations Office the Philippine Fleet and the Naval Secretary Herminio Coloma said Sea Systems Command in Cavite the government expects to get the City. Greenert is expected to call same assurance that the US had on Defence Secretary Voltaire in given Japan when faced with a Camp Aguinaldo before visiting similar conflict with China. the Philippine Navy. “We continue to believe that Department of National when the need comes, the US will Defence spokesman Peter Galvez stand by its commitments to our said Gazmin and Greenert might country based on existing agree- meet on Thursday. The US has ments between the US and the vowed to support Philippine Philippines,” he said in Filipino. efforts to modernize its military. Coloma said US Secretary of The US has given the Philippines State John Kerry mentioned the two warships through its excess continued cooperation between the defense articles programme. US and the Philippines when he Last month, Armed Forces visited Manila in October last year. chief Gen Emmanuel Bautista “From our perspective, the US is said the military needs to acquire one of our two strategic partners, about six naval vessels in the face the other is Japan,” he said. of threats to Philippine territory. Adm. Jonathan Greenert, US The Philippines and the US Navy chief of naval operations, are crafting an agreement to will visit Philippine Navy units increase the rotational presence of from February 12 to 15 to boost American troops in the Philippines. defence ties between the US and The agreement is meant to ena- the Philippines. Greenert will ble the Philippines to achieve a meet Philippine Navy chief Vice “minimum credible defence”. The Adm. Jose Luis Alano at the Navy Philippines and the US have com- Headquarters in Manila. pleted five rounds of talks since the US navy ship USS Pinckney, an Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer, docks in Manila Harbor, Philippines. The destroyer is in Manila for a routine In a statement, Navy spokes- negotiations started last August. port call with a crew of 300. man Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said: THE PHILIPPINE STAR

14 Chinese Army chief vows to support anti-insurgency efforts nationals held MANILA: The new chief of the be able to have sustained ground security efforts. after a military command con- Aquino immediately after he 85,000-strong Philippine Army operations,” Iriberri said. When While the AFP claims to ference last January 17. assumed his post Friday. The new yesterday vowed to support asked whether some changes have achieved gains in the fight When asked for the number of Army chief, however, declined to for black sand efforts by field units to curb the would be instituted to improve against communist insurgency, it communist rebels as of last year, reveal what was discussed during decades-long insurgency in the the support provided to the field, has yet to release information on Tutaan said they are still check- the meeting. mining in Bicol country. Iriberri said it would depend on the strength of the New People’s ing their figures, a deviation from “I cannot divulge it but there Army chief Maj. Gen. the “operational design.” Army (NPA) rebels as of the end the AFP’s usual practice of releas- were instructions discussed,” MANILA: Fourteen Chinese Hernando Iriberri said he would “If there are adjustments, we of 2013. Last month, AFP spokes- ing yearend updates during the Iriberri said. The military claims nationals were arrested in a continue to implement the meas- will be supporting it,” he said. man Maj. Gen. Domingo Tutaan first week of January. that more than 800 commu- raid on an alleged illegal black ures begun by his predecessor Iriberri assumed post at a crucial Jr. admitted that communist “We are now assessing our nist rebels surrendered or were sand mining site in Camarines Noel Coballes, who retired from time when the military is seeking insurgency remains a “potent records or our data on the matter arrested or killed as of end-2013. Norte on Thursday, which the service last Friday. to end internal security opera- challenge.” in order to have a good picture, an The strength of the NPA has also resulted in the seizure “The ones who set the opera- tions to shift its focus on territorial “The CPP (Communist Party of accurate picture as far as their remained stagnant in recent of at least P12 million worth tional directive are the unified defense. The Army is the largest the Philippines)-NPA is still the actual strength is concerned. We years, remaining within or near of minerals, heavy equipment commands and the GHQ (general major service in the Armed Forces most potent challenge. It’s a chal- don’t want to have a superficial the 4,000 mark based on military and motor vehicles, officials headquarters). We will support of the Philippines (AFP) and is the lenge to security, internal security assessment on this,” he said. estimates. reported yesterday. it. We will provide the support to most involved in internal peace and and peace efforts,” Tutaan said Iriberri met with President THE PHILIPPINE STAR The raid followed two similar operations in Aparri, Cagayan where authorities dismantled three Chinese-operated illegal Manila Bay black sand mining companies and recovered around P25 mil- MILF not closing doors lion worth of minerals and heavy equipment, according to a report sent to the Presidential Anti- Organized Crime Commission to Kato and followers (PAOCC) chaired by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. COTABATO CITY: The Moro communities. The arrested were turned over Islamic Liberation Front is still Iqbal has also appealed to other to the Bureau of Immigration open to reconciliation if Ustadz sectors opposing the establish- (BI). The raid in the vil- Ameril Ombra Kato and his ment of the Bangsamoro politi- lage of Napaod in Labo town, followers in the Bangsamoro cal entity to support the efforts of Camarines Norte was carried Islamic Freedom Fighters if the MILF and the government to out by members of the Philippine the outlawed group decides to peacefully resolve the decades-old National Police, the Naval return to its fold and support Mindanao “Moro issue”. “There is Intelligence and Security Group, the peace process. no other better option but sup- the BI, the National Bureau of MILF chief negotiator port the peace process,” Iqbal said. Investigation (NBI), the Mines Muhaquer Iqbal announced this Roxas and Deles have assured and Geosciences Bureau of the Saturday in the presence of Local the members of the BTC of Department of Environment Government Secretary Mar President Aquino’s support to the and Natural Resources and the Roxas II and Presidential Adviser creation of the Bangsamoro entity PAOCC. on the Peace Process Teresita to replace the ARMM before the Quintos-Deles during the launch- term of incumbent regional offi- SEIZURES ing of the central office here of the cials ends on June 30, 2016. Seized from the facility report- MILF-led Bangsamoro Transition Hataman said he and his edly owned by the Bohai Top Commission (BTC). constituent-regional officials International Mining Corp were Roxas and Deles were accom- are ready to vacate their posts 500 tonness of processed concen- panied to the BTC office, along and turn over the ARMM gov- trates such as black sand, iron the busy Magallanes Street here, ernment to the joint GPH- copper, silver and gold; seven Children swim at the Manila Bay, Philippines, yesterday. According to authorities from the Department of by Maguindanao Gov. Esmael MILF Transition Authority, backhoes; several bulldozers and Environment and Natural Resources, Manila Bay should be declared off-limits and not fit for bathing or Mangudadatu and Autonomous once Congress enacts the Basic three sport utility vehicles. swimming. Region in Muslim Mindanao Bangsamoro Law (BBL). The The NBI is looking into reports Governor Mujiv Hataman. BBL will legitimize the replace- that some local government offi- Iqbal said the MILF’s leadership ment of the present autonomous cials are involved in the illegal had tried its best to convince Kato to region with a Bangsamoro entity. black sand mining operations in join them again, but failed. “We have “We are most ready to turn Luzon, which residents blamed tried everything. Still, we haven’t cut over everything to the Transition for the incidents of flooding, and Five dead in another bus crash the bridge that can link him (Kato) Authority and step down,” landslides. to the MILF,” Iqbal said. Hataman said. The BTC, which is The MGB has taken custody of MANILA: Five people have remote northern mountain pass nationwide safety audit of all pub- The government’s chief negoti- led by Iqbal, and comprised of seven the confiscated items and equip- been killed in a bus crash in the on Friday. lic transport had been ordered. ator, Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, has representatives each from the gov- ment pending the filing of crimi- northern Philippines, the sec- Fourteen people were killed “We are investigating the road- urged the BIFF to join in the on- ernment and the MILF, will over- nal charges against the suspects ond deadly bus accident in two in that accident, including a worthiness of all types of public going GPH-MILF peace overture see the drafting of the BBL and who were taken to the BI head- days, authorities said yesterday. Canadian man and Dutch woman. transportation, specially buses that could lead to a lasting peace the transition from the ARMM to quarters in Manila. The bus was carrying more The bus which crashed on and public utility vehicles that are and development in the south. a new Bangsamoro entity. The NBI and the MGB said than 30 people when its brakes Friday was headed to the mountain the main mode of transportation Kato, a Saudi-trained Islamic Deles said the government some local government officials malfunctioned and it toppled into town of Bontoc, a popular tourist nationwide,” Coloma said. He said theologian, began as chief of the forces’ pursuit of the BIFF will issued temporary permits to a ditch in the northern province jumping-off point to a rustic moun- initial investigations showed that MILF’s 105th Base Command, continue even as the GPH and a certain Noni Besa of Bohai of Abra Saturday, police said. tain town famed for hanging coffins the bus that killed 14 on Friday was but was booted out in 2010 due MILF panels are close to strik- Top authorizing the company One person died on the spot embedded on the sides of a cliff. not authorised to travel that route. to insubordination and irreconcil- ing a final peace compact. “There to conduct mining operations and four others in hospital, said Also among the dead was a popu- Old buses are the backbone of able differences with the group’s is no ceasefire with the BIFF,” in the area. regional military spokesman lar Filipino comedian and his artist land transport in the Philippines. central leadership. Deles added. Deles said the BIFF Authorities discovered that Superintendent Davy Vicente friends who were supposed to visit But they have been involved in Kato launched in early 2011 is not covered by the July 1997 although mining operations in the Limmong. Twenty-eight others a tribal area. frequent accidents due to poorly- the BIFF, feared for banditry, Agreement on General Cessation region are covered with permits, were injured in the crash, which Presidential spokesman lit and badly-maintained roads and despised for its ruthless- of Hostilities between the govern- these only allow small-scale min- came a day after a tourist bus Herminio Coloma said that in and drivers working long hours. ness. The BIFF has also mulcted ment and the MILF. ing operations plunged into a deep ravine in a the wake of the accidents, a AFP “protection money” from peasant THE PHILIPPINE STAR THE PHILIPPINE STAR MONDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2014 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN Afghanistan moves to prevent poll fraud Measures include training, handling of voting materials; Taliban’s ability to disrupt elections remains a concern

KABUL: Afghanistan has and foreign officials. A sched- improved voting procedures uled run-off that year was can- to ensure April’s presidential celed when Abdullah Abdullah, election is not plagued by the a former foreign minister and complaints of irregularities and current contender, dropped out fraud that marred the last vote due to what he called a lack of a in 2009, a senior official said credible vote. yesterday. In one improvement, Nooristani But Yousof Nooristani, head said, voting materials will not be of Afghanistan’s Independent delivered to some 6,754 polling Election Commission (IEC), said centers across the country until he did worry that violence could shortly before the election to pre- disrupt the voting in the first vent tampering. democratic leadership transition Unlike the last election, when in Afghanistan’s history. “We some voting took place in private have learned good lessons from homes, polling centers will be in past mistakes ... or weaknesses,” government buildings such as Nooristani told Reuters. schools or clinics and votes will “We have adopted a number of be counted on-site. Ballot papers mechanisms to prevent or miti- will be simpler, he said, in part gate fraud. It will not be possible because there are only 11 can- to rule it out, but we will try to didates now compared to 42 mitigate as much as possible,” in 2009. Voters’ fingers will be he said. New measures include marked with two different kinds improved training for electoral of ink to prevent repeat voting. officials to deal with fraud, more Nooristani said he expected secure handling of voting materi- higher turnout this year than in als and simpler ballots, a key issue 2009, when at best half of regis- in a country where just 28 percent tered voters showed up. But other of people are literate. officials doubt Afghanistan, where The polls occur at a delicate many people will brave snow or moment for Afghanistan, as long distances to vote, can pull NATO nations withdraw despite off a credible election. ongoing violence and a standoff Even the country’s electoral continues between Washington complaints board has said it Workers paste election campaign posters of Afghan presidential candidate Zalmai Rassoul onto the rusted remains of a Soviet-era armoured personnel and President Hamid Karzai over fears inadequate funding and staff carrier on the outskirts of Jalalabad in Nangarhar Province yesterday. a pact to permit some U.S. troops could impede its ability to arbi- to stay into next year. trate problems. have been told by their bosses to due to be closed due to insecu- its security deal and make plans in the lead-up to the elections, Officials say they have been Nooristani acknowledged that be more active,” he said. rity, Nooristani said, but the total for a post-2014 troop force. If an unlike in 2009. In a new memoir, working to avoid the problems violence could pose a last-minute On Saturday, the United could change. impasse with Karzai over the deal former US Defence Secretary that married the August 2009 problem, in part because the Nations said that civilian deaths Nooristani said a widely continues, some US officials hope Robert Gates said senior US offi- polls, which brought Karzai a Taliban seem to have foregone increased in 2013 as fighting expected runoff could take place the deal can be signed with his cials clumsily tried to boost Karzai’s second term amid allegations of their usual winter lull in fight- intensified between government in early to mid-June. The tim- successor. successors in that race, ultimately vote-stuffing, intimidation and ing ahead of the vote. “This time forces and insurgents. Some 414 ing is important for Washington, Nuristani said both Karzai and souring bilateral ties. interference from both local they are not hibernating ... They designated voting centres are now which hopes to quickly finalise foreign actors had been ‘hands-off’ REUTERS

Gunmen kill German FM urges Karzai 8 in Karachi to sign US troops deal KARACHI: Gunmen on motor- cycles yesterday shot dead eight KABUL: Germany’s foreign Foreign Minister Frank-Walter people including an eight-year- minister arrived yesterday in Steinmeier told reporters. He was old girl at a faith healer’s house Afghanistan on an unannounced speaking at a joint news confer- here, police and doctors said. visit and urged its president to ence with his Afghan counterpart At least 12 others were also sign a long-delayed security pact Zarar Ahmad Usmani after meet- wounded in the shooting at Baldia with the United States. ing Karzai in Kabul. Town, a low-income neighbour- The Bilateral Security “Because we have our pro- hood, as dozens of people waited for Agreement (BSA) which would grammes for training (the Afghan their turn to see the faith healer. allow some US troops to stay forces) — it is not an easy job,” he “Six gunmen on three motor- in Afghanistan after 2014 was said. Karzai, who has ruled the cycles stormed into the house approved by a loya jirga, or tribal country since the fall of the Taliban and started indiscriminate fir- assembly, last November. But it in 2001, has said that before he ing,” senior police official Irfan hit the buffers when President signs the BSA, the United States Baloch said. “At least eight peo- Hamid Karzai made a surprise must foster a genuine peace proc- ple were killed and 12 others were decision not to sign it. ess with the Taliban. wounded,” Baloch said, adding More than 50,000 combat He has also suggested that a that the dead included an eight- troops from the US-led Nato decision on whether to sign would year-old girl and her father. force are due to pull out by the fall to his successor, to be chosen The assailants fired 9mm pistols, end of this year. But Washington in elections on April 5. “Without a weapon used in a spate of tar- is proposing that around 10,000 doubt, the Afghan president is geted killings in the restive city, he US soldiers are deployed from going to sign the BSA before added. No group has yet claimed 2015 to train and assist Afghan elections if the conditions are ful- responsibility for the attack. security forces in their battle filled,” Afghan Foreign Minister Faith healer Pir Meharban against Taliban militants. Usmani said. Shah, who provides spiritual Nato members and allies con- Most of the 3,000 German Shias chant slogans during a protest against the negotiation between the Pakistani government and Tehreek-e- healing services, received a bullet sidering deploying troops after troops deployed in Afghanistan Taliban Pakistan (TTP), in Karachi yesterday. wound to his abdomen and said he 2014 have been waiting on the are based in the northern city of had not received any threats prior US-Afghan pact to negotiate their Mazar-i-Sharif, which Steinmeier to the attack. own legal arrangements with visited earlier Sunday. The There was a power outage Kabul for their forces. German government decided Peace talks: Pakistan panel in the area when the attackers “It is important that (the last Wednesday to extend by ten entered the house shortly after BSA) be signed immediately” months its military presence in dark and started firing, he added. for the maintenance of German the country until the end of 2014. waiting for TTP response AFP troops in Afghanistan after 2014, AFP ISLAMABAD: The govern- the government agreed to enforce members of the government ment negotiators holding talks Shariah. team. Maulana Samiul Haq, Pro-Musharraf rally with the Taliban are anx- But the government negotia- Professor Mohammad Ibrahim iously waiting for a reply from tor said: “I hope the TTP will not and Maulana Abdul Aziz are the the leadership of the banned come up with a condition which TTP negotiators. Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan to will scuttle the peace process. Meanwhile, Information the conditions set by them. They should and must let its com- Minister Pervaiz Rashid said yes- “We have put two conditions mittee hold negotiations so that terday that the official commit- - talks will be held within the the two sides can find some com- tee had not yet forwarded to the parameters of the Constitution mon ground.” government the Taliban team’s and their scope will be limited In reply to a question, he said request for its meeting with the to insurgency-affected areas of the negotiations could go on if prime minister, the army chief the tribal belt,” a member of the the TTP demanded a ceasefire and the ISI director general. He government’s committee said. and exchange of prisoners, but said he would not speak much on He said now the ball is in the if the Taliban didn’t accept the the issue as both teams had been Taliban’s court and the future of Constitution “the government holding talks. “The committees peace negotiations, which began cannot defend its stand to hold should be given an opportunity to on Thursday, would be deter- talks with the militants”. work for peace in the country.” mined by their response. During the first round of talks, The minister said no timeframe “For us the thing of foremost the TTP committee, besides seek- could be given for conclusion of importance is to uphold the sanc- ing clarification about the juris- the process. “We are striving for tity of the Constitution during diction of the government team, peace and it is our destination,” he the talks.” He said if the militants also demanded meetings with the said. He said the government was refused to accept the Constitution, prime minister, the army chief capable of tackling it if any dead- as explained by Maulana Abdul and the director general of the lock came in the way of the dia- Aziz at a press conference on Inter-Services Intelligence. logue process as it wanted peace. Friday, the situation would put the Irfan Siddiqui, special assistant In reply to a question about for- government in a tight spot. to the prime minister; Rustam eign interference in securing safe Supporters of former military ruler Pervez Musharraf shout slogans during a rally in Karachi yesterday. Lal Masjid cleric Maulana Shah Mohmand, a former ambas- exit for Gen Musharraf, he said Musharraf has been in a military hospital since falling ill with heart trouble while travelling to court on January Abdul Aziz, one of the three sador to Afghanistan; senior enemies of law and the Constitution 2. A court trying Musharraf for treason ordered him to appear on February 18, the latest postponement in members of the TTP negotiating journalist Rahimullah Yousufzai should never be spared and they the long-delayed case. team, had told the media that the and a former ISI operative should be brought to justice. Taliban would hold talks only if retired Major Amir Khan are INTERNEWS MONDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2014 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

Record 263m Delhi CM to quit tonnes foodgrain yield likely: Pawar

NAGPUR: Foodgrain produc- if Lokpal bill tion is likely to touch a new high of 263.2 million tonnes this year, more than the record 259 million tonnes achieved two fails in House years ago, union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said here yesterday. “The country is likely to Home ministry may seek legal view achieve record 263.2 million tonnes foodgrain production NEW DELHI: Holding his “For me, Swaraj bill is impor- this year. This would be about desired Jan Lokpal and Swaraj tant, Jan Lokpal bill is important. 4MT higher than the record of bills more important than any I did not come to (politics to) 259 million tonnes achieved two post, Delhi Chief Minister become chief minister,” he said. years ago,” Pawar said here at the Arvind Kejriwal yesterday “Hundreds of posts of chief agricultural exposition, Krishi threatened to resign if the minister can be sacrificed for the Vasant, that was inaugurated by Congress does not support Jan Lokpal bill,” he said, warning President Pranab Mukherjee. his government in passing the the government will fall if the Jan India has emerged as the legislation. Lokpal and Swaraj bills are not world’s top rice exporter, the sec- Kejriwal, whose Aam Aadmi passed. ond largest exporter of wheat and Party (AAP) government has The AAP government and the cotton, as well as the top producer 27 members in the 70-member Congress Friday seemed headed of milk and horticultural crops, assembly and is propped up by for a showdown over the Jan Pawar said. the Congress’s eight members Lokpal bill, with Kejriwal say- A good monsoon has improved and two others, asserted that he ing the central government’s prospects of a better foodgrain did not join politics to become the okay was not needed, while the production this year. The Central chief minister. Congress reiterated that it would Statistics Office (CSO) has pro- Answering queries at a func- not support the bill as it was jected a 4.6 percent growth in tion here, he said the central “unconstitutional”. A paramilitary soldier stands guard in Srinagar yesterday. agriculture and allied sectors for government’s permission was not The Bharatiya Janata Party the current fiscal, up from 1.4 needed to pass the Jan Lokpal bill. also attacked the AAP govern- percent a year earlier. He said his government ment for trying to push it “in an The five-day agriculture expo- intended to get Jan Lokpal and unconstitutional manner”. Kashmir under curfew on sition, the biggest in the country Swaraj bills passed in the assem- The differences came out in the so far, has been organised jointly bly session, for which dates have open after the Solicitor General by the union agriculture ministry, already been suggested. The latter reportedly told Lt. Governor anniversary of Afzal Guru the Maharashtra state and the aims at decentralisation of power Najeeb Jung that the bill needed Confederation of Indian Industry and provides for the formation of to be referred to the central (CII). empowered “mohalla sabhas”. government. SRINAGAR: Most of Jammu innocent, while protesters in Authorities have been criticised The two bills would be tabled Meanwhile, the federal home and Kashmir was under curfew Kashmir have often accused the for failing to inform the family Banks to go on in the assembly on February 13, ministry is likely to seek opin- yesterday to prevent protests police of framing him. about the execution before he was Kejriwal said, adding that his ion of the law ministry on the to mark the first anniversary Fearing the anniversary will sent to the gallows. strike from today government intended to get the Delhi government’s missive for of the hanging of a local sepa- reignite protests, authorities Groups have also demanded the Jan Lokpal bill passed at the withdrawal of an order requiring ratist, which fanned anger last have shutdown mobile Internet return of the remains of Maqbool NEW DELHI: Banking serv- Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium proposed bills to be sent to the year in the already tense region. services in major populated areas, Bhat, a founder of the Jammu ices in the country would be hit on February 16. central government first, official Shops and other businesses and thousands of police and par- Kashmir Liberation Front, from from today, with staff of both He contended that the consti- sources said yesterday. were shut and traffic was thin amilitary forces were patrolling the same prison. public and private sector banks tution provides that Delhi gov- The AAP government has writ- in the main city of Srinagar most roads, said a senior police The February 11, 1984 anni- planning a two-day strike ernment can pass any law except ten to the home ministry seek- and other towns, as a result of officer, who spoke on condition of versary of the hanging of Bhat against the proposed banking those relating to police, law and ing withdrawal of its 2002 order the curfew and after separatist anonymity. is usually marked by attempts to sector reforms and for immedi- order and land, and there was no which directs the Delhi govern- groups called a strike across the “We were told by patrolling organise large rallies and a gen- ate revision in wages. need to send the Jan Lokpal bill to ment to take approval of the min- region for the anniversary. police officers in the morning to eral strike. Over a million bank employees the central government for prior istry before passage of any bill in Mohammed Afzal Guru, a remain inside,” Abdul Hafeez, a About a dozen rebel groups and officers working in 27 public clearance. the assembly, officials said. Kashmiri Muslim, was executed resident of Srinagar also said. have been fighting Indian forces sector banks, including the State Asked what will he do if the Delhi government officials on February 9 last year and bur- Political groups opposed to since 1989 for independence or Bank of India, and 12 private and Congress does not support the said that Chief Secretary Sanjoy ied inside a prison in Delhi after Indian rule in the Himalayan for merger of the territory with eight foreign banks, will go on a bill, Kejriwal said: “They may not Kumar Srivastava has written to being convicted over a deadly raid region have called for a three- Pakistan. The fighting has left two-day nationwide strike Feb do. If they do not support, I will Home Secretary Anil Goswami on on the Indian parliament in 2001 day strike beginning yesterday to tens of thousands, mostly civil- 10-11, the United Forum of Bank resign. After that, people will the issue. that left ten people dead. press their demand for the return ians, dead. Unions (UFBU) yesterday said. teach them a lesson.” IANS Guru always insisted he was of Guru’s remains to his family. AFP IANS

Delhi govt plans scholarships to Institutional changes needed to curb price rise: President NAGPUR: President Pranab He noted that in the past 10 retailers for developing markets ago, he said. Pawar said the country farmers is catching the eyeballs, 10,000 students Mukherjee yesterday called for years, the country has made tre- under the PPP mode, Mukherjee is now the top exporter of rice and which prompted Pawar to urge institutional changes in agri- mendous progress in agriculture said it would ensure better second top exporter of wheat and other farmers to emulate their NEW DELHI: The AAP gov- cultural marketing to bridge and now it has the capacity to returns for the farmers as well cotton in the world, besides lead- feats and improve their farm out- ernment is planning to give the gap between wholesale and export foodgrain. He emphasised as the industry. ing in milk and horticultural crops. put and prosper. scholarships to 10,000 students retail markets to arrest food that improving farmers’ access The multiple strategies have The five-day-long “Krishi Maharashtra Governor K with what it says is Rs21 crore inflation. to markets is critical to reduce helped generate sufficient sur- Vasant”, a joint initiative of Sankaranarayanan, state Chief lying unutilised for years by “In a scenario of growing grain farm wastage, control inflation plus to meet the commitment the agriculture ministry, the Minister Prithviraj Chavan, union the previous Sheila Dikshit stocks and increasing production and increase incomes. made to over two-thirds of the Maharashtra government and the Industry Minister Praful Patel, state government. of high-value commodities, it is The president expressed hap- countrymen under the National Confederation of Indian Industry Agriculture Minister Radhakrishna Improving the standard of edu- ironical for food inflation to con- piness that the union ministry Food Security Act and cater to (CII), will attract over half a mil- Vikhe-Patil along with his counter- cation in the national capital has tinue for long periods. Loopholes of agriculture has declared 2014 the changing needs of the rap- lion farmers from all over India, parts from other states, farmers, been declared as one of the top have to be identified to streamline as “Year of the Farmer Producer idly growing middle-income while another five million will scientists and industry representa- priorities of the over one-month the supply chains and bridge the Organisation” to enable farm- population, he said. Speaking on view it through live webcasts. tives were also present. old Aam Aadmi Party govern- gap between wholesale and retail ers achieve economies of scale, the occasion, union Agriculture The exhibits include farm The event coincides with ment, led by Chief Minister markets,” he observed. with public-private-partnerships Minister Sharad Pawar said machinery, new crop and animal the birth centenary celebra- Arvind Kejriwal. Mukherjee was speaking at (PPP) helping bridge the infra- the country is likely to harvest varieties and breeds, advances in tions of late Vasantrao Naik, “A lot of money was spent in the inauguration of India’s big- structure gap in the post-harvest a record 263.2 million tonnes farm research, best practices for Maharashtra’s longest-serving the education sector by the previ- gest-ever agricultural fair, the food domain. foodgrain this year. application of inputs like fertilis- chief minister, who steered agri- ous Congress government, but in National Agricultural Expo — Stressing the need to encourage This would be four million ers and seeds, and over 300 live cultural development during the an unplanned manner. I am going “Krishi Vasant” — here yesterday greater investment by organised tonnes more than the record 259 demonstrations. green revolution era. to make an announcement soon afternoon. logistics players, processors and million tonnes achieved two years A stall put up by 92 successful IANS that we will give scholarships to 10,000 students in the higher edu- cation sector,” Delhi Education Minister Manish Sisodia said in Sand tribute to turtles an interview. Sisodia said the earlier gov- E-cigarette ‘smoke’ raises ernment had given scholarships to 100-150 students from poor backgrounds. During a meeting last month ire of health ministry with the department of higher education Sisodia had expressed NEW DELHI: The union side-effects of traditional ciga- displeasure at the state of affairs. health ministry has told the rettes such as tar. The letter high- He had pointed out that while civil aviation ministry and Air lighted that display of e-cigarettes there is provision for scholarships India that the display of elec- is in contravention of section 5 of to underprivileged students which tronic cigarettes in some of its the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco reduces the cost by 50 percent, publications violates the law Products Act of 2003 (COTPA). last year only seven students ben- against tobacco advertising. Further, the health ministry has efited from it. “You have money In separate letters to the min- asked to take all necessary steps to on you but you are not giving it to istry of civil aviation and Air ensure there is no sale or offer for them,” the minister said, without India sent this week, the health sale of any product in the airlines, naming the Congress government ministry said Air India through in a manner that promotes the use which ruled Delhi for 15 consecu- discount booklets “Air Bazaar”, or consumption of cigarettes or tive years. distributed during flights, is sell- any other tobacco products in vio- “In the name of scholarships ing “Electronic Cigarette” with a lation of the provisions of COTPA. an amount of Rs21 crore was picture of a model smoking “Manufacturers are taking lying with the government. There Most e-cigarettes consist of advantage of the absence of a clear- are students who need money,” battery-powered heating ele- cut policy on e-cigarettes. COTPA Sisodia added. The minister said ments and replaceable cartridges does not talk about non-tobacco the previous regime had no plan that contain nicotine or other products. This potentially opens in place to disburse the amount chemicals and an atomiser. the way for tobacco companies to earmarked for scholarships. The atomiser when heated advertise and distribute e-cigarettes “There was no plan for disbursing The carcass of a dead olive ridley turtle (second left) amid a sand sculpture of sea turtles by sand artist vapourises contents of the car- alongside other tobacco products,” the money. I asked the officials to Sudarsan Pattnaik at Puri beach, some 65km from Bhubaneswar, yesterday. The coast of Orissa state is the tridge, delivering a nicotine shot Bhavna Mukhopadhyay of Voluntary draw up a plan,” he said. world’s largest nesting site for these turtles, which are listed as a vulnerable species. that a smoker craves, and without Health Association of India, said. IANS subjecting him to other harmful IANS MONDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2014 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA

Three Europeans Third front’s form to be clear soon: Karat held in Bengal for carrying Parties to meet after parliament session; Modi still in first grade: CPM general secretary satellite phones

KOLKATA: Non-BJP and country will stand divided on Brigade Parade Ground. time for its supremo Mamata said, it would lead West Bengal to SILIGURI: Three Europeans Non-Congress secular parties communal lines,” he said. He ridiculed BJP prime minis- Banerjee to align with the BJP disaster. Bhattacharjee took a dig were yesterday arrested will meet in New Delhi later Accusing the ruling Congress- terial candidate Narendra Modi’s as she has parted ways with the at Modi for his comments at the in northern West Bengal’s this month after the ongoing led United Progressive Alliance dismissal of the Third Front as Congress. Feb 5 Brigade rally that people of Jalpiguri district for carrying parliament session to announce of failing to tackle the communal third grade at the same venue on “It is natural for Modi to the state will have “laddoos” in satellite phones, a police officer the contours of a third alterna- forces or stand up to them, Karat February 5. extend an invitation to her. She both their hands if he ruled at the said. A court sent them to two tive for the coming Lok Sabha said there was a need for non-BJP The Communist Party of India- after all was a union minister centre and Banerjee in the state, days police custody. polls, CPM General Secretary and non-Congress secular par- Marxist (CPM) leader said: “He in the cabinet of prime minister as both would work for the state’s The arrests came a day after Prakash Karat said here ties to come together to present has uttered a truth. Because third Atal Behari Vajpayee from 1999 development. police seized 22 satellite phones yesterday. a third alternative to the people grade is higher than first grade. to 2001. She resigned in 2001, but “Narendra Modi is talking from a group of Europeans stay- Addressing a rally convened by in the coming polls. Narendra Modi is still in the first rejoined the cabinet in 2004 and about two laddoos - one of BJP ing in a hotel at Chalsa in the West Bengal’s Left Front, Karat “All these secular, non-BJP and grade. And Left Front and other fought the Lok Sabha polls with and another of the Trinamool Dooars forests. warned that if the Bharatiya non-Congress parties and left- parties which will form the third the BJP.” Congress. People will have to The arrested persons were from Janata Party (BJP) comes to ists will come together to fight altenative are in the third grade.” “Now she has parted ways with repent if they eat these laddoos,” Belgium, Britain and Germany, power at the centre, neo-liberal the Congress and the BJP. This “When Lok Sabha polls are the Congress, so now it’s time for he said. said Jalpaiguri’s Superintendent policies will be implemented more month itself, after the ongoing held, we will come to know where her to align with the BJP again,” Bhattacharjee said the leftists of Police Kunal Agarwal. vigorously, with the corporates parliament session ends, these Narendra Modi and the BJP he said. would fight the coming polls on They have been charged under earning more profit, and getting non-Congress and non-BJP par- stands in West Bengal, Odisha, Party politburo member and alternative polices. sections of the Indian Penal Code greater scope to loot the country’s ties will hold a meeting and place Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Andhra former state chief minister “Who will be the prime min- and under the Indian Telegraph resources. the contours of a third alternative Pradesh, Kerala and Karnataka.” Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee alleged ister it is not a big issue for us,” Act. At the same time, communal for the Lok Sabha polls,” he said On the state’s ruling Trinamool a tacit understanding between the he added. Following a tip off from the amity will be endangered. “The before a massive turnout at the Congress, Karat said it was now Trinamool and the BJP which, he IANS army, police had aided the hotel and got hold of the phones from a group of 50 foreigners, who included inhabitants of various Congress supporters European nations. The foreigners, who entered Left presents India from Myanmar through the Assam border and then came to ‘charge Jalpaiguri, said they had come to shoot for a reality show, and were sheet’ against unaware that satellite phones cannot be used in India without permission. Mamata govt Agarwal said that as of now, the remaining members of the group KOLKATA: Presenting a can go ahead with the shoot. “charge sheet” against West Bengal’s Trinamool Congress Ten drown as boat government, the Left Front yes- terday accused Chief Minister capsizes in Odisha Mamata Banerjee of running a “totalitarian regime”, failing BHUBANESWAR: At least 10 to give security to women and picnickers drowned and about making a “record of corruption”. 10 others were missing when Communist Party of India- a boat capsized yesterday in Marxist politburo member Surjya the Hirakud Dam reservoir in Kanta Mishra said the govern- Odisha’s Sambalpur district, ment was “anti-farmer”, “anti- police said. poor” and had failed to ensure jobs The boat which went down for the unemployed youth. in the Hirakud Dam, about “You are running a totalitar- 350km from the state capital ian regime in the state. You are Bhubaneswar, was carrying more trying to impose an undeclared than 90 people against a capacity emergency. Don’t you dare to take of 70. Most of the passengers were any further step,” Mishra said at picnickers, police said. a party rally at the sprawling The boat also lacked basic Brigade Parade ground. safety measures, officials said. The leader of opposition in “Rescue operation is under assembly said even the rights of way. Ten bodies have been the opposition were being snatched recovered so far. Number of both inside and outside the assem- people missing could be seven bly. “They don’t care for demo- to 10,” state’s Special Relief cratic norms. The chief minister Commissioner Pradeep Kumar has not even cared to answer two Mohapatra said. and half questions in the assembly Supporters of Congress party attend a rally being addressed by Rahul Gandhi ahead of the 2014 general elections at Cuttack district in Odisha IANS during the past two years and eight yesterday. months. She always tries to find an excuse to skip question hour.” Mishra said the polices being pursued by the government were against the interest of tea garden After infant’s death, Punjab agrees on jobs to EGS teachers workers, teachers, labourers and farmers. “Where are jobs for the youths?” he asked. CHANDIGARH: Days after jobless EGS and other such cate- prevailing cold as police and local freezer at their protest site. The Badal yesterday met the delega- He said the state ranked first the death of the child of a pro- gory teachers. Badal also agreed to authorities took away blankets and EGS and other teachers have been tion of EGS Volunteers Association in atrocities against women and testing teacher, the Punjab hike the consolidated honorarium quilts of the protestors and also did protesting for over four years, led by its President Madan Lal some of the recent rape cases have government yesterday agreed for these teachers from Rs2,000 not allow them to pitch tents. seeking that they be given jobs. here. Bains claimed that the prob- attracted international attention. to revive an old scheme under to Rs5,000 per month. The finan- The state government and However, Bains said that the lem for the EGS teachers had been “This government has made a which the education guarantee cial burden of the decision will be health authorities in Bathinda on “impasse” created by the with- created by the “whimsical and record in corruption. During the scheme (EGS) teachers in the borne by the Punjab government, Saturday denied that the infant drawal by the central government cruel decisions” of the central gov- 34 years we were in power, she state would be given jobs, a sen- said Harcharan Bains, advisor to died due to cold and the apathy of its schemes which resulted in an ernment, “which had floated these was mostly in parties which were ior official said here. the chief minister, here. of the local administration. They agitation by the affected volunteers schemes but had later suddenly in power in the centre. No central Chief Minister Parkash Singh Eknoor, who was 14 months old, claimed that the child died of was brought to “an amicable end” pulled its hands back from them agency has ever found our white Badal, who met leaders of the EGS died on February 6 in Bathinda, malnutrition and other health with the state government agreeing without care or concern for the shirts besmirched with the mud teachers’ union here yesterday, where her mother was part of a complications. The protestors to bear the burden of the concerned future of the affected volunteers of corruption.” agreed to revive centrally spon- protest by EGS teachers. Her par- had refused to cremate the infant schemes as ‘special state funded and children”. IANS sored schemes to give jobs to the ents alleged that she died due to the and had kept her body in a glass schemes’ for a period of two years. IANS

Zee Cine Awards Minister terms Telangana Milan 2014 ends off decision undemocratic Andaman coast HYDERABAD: Union Textiles visit, said he was of the view that PORT BLAIR: The five-day Minister K Sambasiva Rao yes- the state should remain united. biennial international naval terday termed “undemocratic” He said he believed that the exercise ‘Milan 2014’ concluded the central government’s deci- leaders from Telangana brought off Port Blair yesterday with sion to go ahead w ith the bifurca- pressure on the central govern- the passing-off exercise. tion of Andhra Pradesh despite ment, citing lack of develop- The event ended with Andaman the state legislature rejecting ment in the region. Quoting and Nicobar Command chief, Air the state reorganisation bill. Srikrishna Committee report, he Marshal P K Roy, aboard the INS He told reporters at Tanuku in said Telangana witnessed more Saryu, seeing off the 16 ships includ- West Godavari district that his- development than Seemandhra. ing nine foreign vessels that par- tory will not forgive those dividing On the demand for resignation ticipated in the event. Six Indian the state for votes. of all ministers from Seemandhra, ships participated in the passing Rao said he will wait till the Rao said if his resignation could off exercise to send off the foreign last minute and announce his help resolve the issue, he was navy ships. decision on the issue during the ready to quit. Navies from 16 nations includ- voting on the Telangana bill in Union Tourism Minister K. ing Australia, Bangladesh, parliament. He was apparently Chiranjeevi also faced the pro- Indonesia, Myanmar and hinting at voting against the bill. tests during his visit to West Singapore took part in the event He, however, made it clear Godavari district. held at the Andaman coast from that he would continue in the Smaikyandhra activists stopped February 5. Congress. He said he had no his convoy when Chiranjeevi was The Myanmar navy ship after information about Chief Minister returning after unveiling statue participating in the passing off N Kiran Kumar Reddy planning of Telugu actor S V Ranga Rao exercise stayed back as it will to float a new party. in Rajahmudry. The protestors later participate in a joint patrol The central minister, who faced raised slogans and demanded his exercise with the Indian Navy till Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra arriving for the Zee Cine Awards ceremony in Mumbai yesterday. the protests by ‘samaikyandhra’ or resignation. February 15. united Andhra activists during his IANS IANS

MONDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2014 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BREAK

PRAYER TIME Giraffe put down at zoo Fajr (Dawn) 4:55 Shorook (Sunrise) 6:12 despite uproar Zuhr (Noon) 11:48 COPENHAGEN: A perfectly Asr (Afternoon) 3:00 healthy young giraffe was shot dead at Copenhagen zoo yester- Maghrib (Sunset) 5:25 day despite an online petition to Isha (Night) 6:55 save it signed by thousands of animal lovers. Marius, an 18-month-old giraffe, was put down with a bolt gun early WEATHER yesterday, zoo spokesman Tobias Stenbaek Bro confirmed. The body of the giraffe, which Today Tuesday Weather Wednesday Conditions: was killed in a bid to prevent in- Partly cloudy Clear Clear breeding, will be chopped up and Partly cloudy. fed to carnivores at the zoo. “It was put down at 9.20. It went as planned. It’s always the people’s High: 21° High: 19° High: 20° Low: 16° Low: 14° Low: 14° right to protest. But of course we have been surprised,” Stenbaek Bro said. The zoo explained that it had no choice other than to prevent the DOHA - SUN & SEA animal attaining adulthood. Under European Association of SUN TIDE SEA Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) rules, SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND in-breeding between giraffes is to be avoided. Although Marius 06:12 17:25 02:45 & 12:30 10:30 & 19:30 05-15 KT is healthy, his genes are already well represented at the zoo and THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW he cannot be taken in by the 300 other EAZA-affiliated zoos. HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER Castration is considered cruel with “undesirable effects”, while MUSCAT 22/15 Chance of rain 22/16 Partly cloudy releasing him in the wild is KUWAIT 17/08 Clear 17/09 Clear thought unlikely to succeed. BAHRAIN 19/08 Partly cloudy 19/08 Partly cloudy The giraffe’s impending death SANAA 23/08 Chance of rain 22/08 Chance of rain sparked outrage online, with more RIYADH 18/06 Clear 17/07 Clear than 5,000 people signing a “Save DUBAI 22/17 Clear 21/16 Partly cloudy Marius” Facebook petition. More BAGHDAD 17/04 Clear 17/06 Clear than 3,000 people signed a similar Danish-language online petition THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW and nearly 24,000 an English- language version. HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER AFP

ATHENS 17/12 Partly cloudy 18/13 Clear WASHINGTON 00/-7 Partly cloudy -1/-8 Partly cloudy SYDNEY 25/21 Chance of rain 25/20 Chance of rain LONDON 04/00 Rain 04/02 Chance of rain PARIS 09/04 Chance of rain 09/04 Chance of rain ISTANBUL 11/07 Chance of rain 11/08 Partly cloudy MANILA 32/23 Partly cloudy 31/22 Partly cloudy DHAKA 30/17 Partly cloudy 30/17 Clear DELHI 18/09 Partly cloudy 20/08 Clear ISLAMABAD 19/04 Partly cloudy 19/03 Partly cloudy Monday 10 February 2014 10 Rabial II 1435 Volume 18 Number 5971 Price: QR2

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Kuwait surplus Woqod International plans expansion drops as spending Attiyah inaugurates Woqod Tower rises 18 percent KUWAIT CITY: Kuwait’s pro- BY MOHAMMAD SHOEB Transparency Authority, offi- visional budget surplus shrunk cially inaugurated the iconic in the first nine months of this DOHA: Woqod International, tower yesterday. The ceremony fiscal year as spending rose foreign investment arm of was attended by Mohamed Turki 18 percent and income was Woqod (Qatar Fuel) is evalu- Al Sobai, Vice-Chairman and unchanged, according to official ating investment opportuni- Managing Director of Woqod, figures released yesterday. ties to expand its presence in and a number of Woqod board The provisional budget surplus overseas market, both through members, senior officials from of the Opec member dropped 11 acquisition as well as establish- Municipality, Civil Defence and percent to KD14.34bn ($50.7bn) ing new projects, especially in Oryx GTL. at the end of December compared Saudi Arabia and Europe, said Asked if there was any fixed to KD16.1bn in the same period H E Abdullah bin Hamad Al budget for overseas invest- of the previous year, according to Attiyah, Chairman of Woqod, ments, he said: “We have open figures posted on the ministry of Qatar’s leading fuel distribution budget, there is no limit for good finance website. company. opportunities.” Spending in the nine-month “We are exploring a lot of He said that at the same time, period was KD9.64bn compared investment opportunities over- the company will continue to to just KD8.16bn in the same seas, especially acquisitions in expand its local business in dif- period of the previous fiscal year. foreign markets,” said Al Attiyah. ferent areas such as gas stations, Revenues in the first three quar- “We have recently started gas bitumen, marine services and ters of the 2013/2014 fiscal year distribution business in Saudi lubricant business. came in at KD24bn, slightly less Arabia under the brand name “We have started exporting than the KD24.26bn posted in the ‘Woqod’, and looking forward to our lubricants (under the brand same period of the previous year. make more investments in the name Ghaf) to Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Oil income, which makes up country in different areas of busi- Arabia, Oman and the UAE, and H E Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah during the inauguration of Woqod Tower in West Bay. (SHAIVAL DALAL) over 92 percent of total rev- nesses. We are also exploring the looking forward to export the enues, dropped slightly from European market.” product to new markets,” he said. “The building exterior is clad- public awareness messages, social 42,500 square metres of built up KD22.84bn in the 2012-2013 fiscal Al Attiyah was speaking to the Al Sobai said: “Today, we are ded with glass panes, framed by messages and greetings on Qatar’s area, a ground floor Sidra store year to KD22.2bn in the current media on the sidelines of a cer- happy to share with you the inau- energy-efficient LED lights run- special religious and celebratory and lounge and an ATM, a first year. Spending on development emony to inaugurate the newly- guration ceremony of our head- ning along the building to illu- occasions” Al Sobaie added. floor mosque. The building is projects has been hampered by built Woqod Tower located in quarters at the West Bay after minate the skyline at night with Located on a flat site of 3,500 accommodated by 350 car park- political disputes in recent years, West Bay. obtaining all the necessary docu- glamorous and lively colours. At square metres, the172-metre tall ing spaces housed within four but picked up slightly in recent Al Attiyah, who is also ments and fulfilling all the safety the top of the building sets the building comprises of 34 floors, levels of underground basement months with the award of a the Chairman of the Qatar and security requirements which largest three faces LED screen in serviced by eight high-speed floors. number of megaprojects. Administrative Control and took us a quiet long time.” Qatar, which is used to pass on elevators that swiftly serve over THE PENINSULA AFP MONDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2014 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS QInvest, QIB Qatar’s foreign reserves rise to $42.1bn tie-up launches Large current account surpluses enhance international reserves steadily: QNB report Islamic funds

DOHA: Qatar’s international Going forward, QNB Group performance during January up in infrastructure spending in could reverse the slowdown in DOHA: QInvest and Qatar reserves rose by $9bn since expects international reserves to 2014. Dubai’s benchmark index preparation for the 2022 FIFA rent inflation by mid-2014. Islamic Bank have jointly end-2012 to $42.1bn at end- continue rising gradually in 2014. (DFMG) was the top performer, World Cup. QNB Group has anlaysed data launched a range of multi-man- 2013, reflecting a strong cur- On the stock market perform- surging by 11.9 percent month- QNB group forecasts an aver- purely on land transactions in ager funds, as the investment rent account surplus and lower ance, QNB noted: “After a strong on-month. DFMGI was the best age growth in the resident pop- Qatar, based on weekly statis- firm forges closer ties with its capital outflows. The current performance in 2013, Qatar performing regional index in 2013 ulation of 10.1 percent for 2014. tics published by the Ministry of largest shareholder. account surplus is expected to Exchange (QE) index exhibited with a gain of 107.7 percent. The larger population will lead to Justice. Land prices are a funda- The three Shariah-compliant have registered a strong sur- another strong performance in On the population rate in higher economic growth by boost- mental driver of rents in Qatar funds are part of broader plans to plus due to large hydrocar- January 2014. Furthermore, for- January, QNB noted the number ing aggregate demand and invest- with a six-month lag. Falling land launch as many as 30 funds over bon exports offsetting growing eign investors remained bullish. of people in Qatar grew by 5.9 ment in housing and services. prices in the second-half of 2013 the next three years on a man- imports. In the first month of 2014, the percent year-on-year at end- Rent inflation has slowed in are likely to slow rent inflation over aged account platform introduced QNB’s “Qatar Monthly Monitor” QE witnessed net foreign portfo- January 2014 to reach 2.01m. recent months in line with QNB the next few months. However, last year by QInvest, which has noted yesterday that the country’s lio investment inflow of $532.2m. The January figure represents a Group projections, tracking move- this is expected to come to an end around $750m in capital. international reserves have been GCC markets started the slowdown from the double-digit ments in the underlying price of by mid-2014, when rental inflation The open-ended “Shiraa” funds steadily rising over the years on year on a positive note with all population growth reached in land. However, a recovery in land is likely to accelerate again. will be distributed to private and large current-account surpluses. regional indices posting strong 2013, driven up by the large ramp prices in December and January THE PENINSULA wholesale clients of QIB, the Gulf state’s largest Islamic lender by assets, which holds a 47.15 percent stake in QInvest. Multi-manager products are appealing because they can cater Buying interest pushes to investors whose risk appe- tite may change over time, Ataf Ahmed, head of asset manage- ment at QInvest, said. Qatar bourse up 1.02pc “There are three versions, each offering a different return pro- DOHA: Qatari bourse made its United Arab Emirates ahead of file with different levels of risk, biggest one-day gain in recent the pack. which is reflected through the weeks yesterday on the buying Abu Dhabi’s index surged 2.2 asset allocation.” interests of local retail inves- percent and Dubai’s measure was The tie-up is part of a stream- tors. The index climbed the new up 1.1 percent, both aided by prop- lining of QInvest operations, high rising 1.02 percent to close erty and related sectors as well as focusing on its investment bank- 11,305.87 percent. Market capi- small-cap stocks which are popu- ing and asset management busi- talisation rose to QR591bn from lar among retail investors. ness lines while building stronger the previous session’s QR586bn. “Part of it obviously was due ties with QIB. Six out of seven sector to a good lead from the interna- This could boost the distri- indices ended in green, with tional markets,” said Amer Khan, bution capabilites of QInvest, Transportation gaining the most fund manager at Shuaa Asset which also has offices in by 1.38 percent. Rayan, which Management. Global equity mar- Riyadh and Istanbul, and help surged 4.28 percent, lifted the kets surged on Friday as investors tackle a lack of scale that is Banks and Financial Services up set aside any fear of economic soft- common across Islamic fund 1.21 percent. Consumer Goods ness after a weak US jobs report. managers. and Services also advanced 1.21 But the UAE’s bourses are The number of Islamic mutual percent. While Insurance edged also being supported by recent funds globally reached 786 last up by 0.81 percent, Telecom and quarterly earnings reports and a year, but close to half of them had Industrials added 0.67 percent recovery in property prices which less than $10m in assets and only 0.65 percent respectively. Real has enabled local companies to 80 had more than $100m in assets, Estate shed 0.37 percent. revive previously frozen projects a study by Lipper and Thomson Along with Rayan, the top and expand aggressively into new Reuters found. Despite such sta- gainers were General Insurance sectors and foreign markets. tistics, distribution agreements (2.22 percent), Qatar Navigation Dubai builder Arabtec, whose are rare in the sector. (2.47 percent), QNB (0.78 per- shares had already surged ear- QInvest says initial response cent) and QIB (0.78 percent). Al lier this month on news of a from investors to its plan for the Ahli Bank, Islamic Insurance and $6bn contract, gained another The Minister of Energy and Industry and Chairman and Managing Director of QP, H E Dr Mohamed bin Saleh Al new funds has been positive. “We Barwa were among the top losers. three percent yesterday after Sada delivering the opening address at the QP Planning Forum yesterday. have a had a high level of interest Trading value declined to announcing plans to branch out prior to the formal launch and the QR480m from the previous trad- into infrastructure, water, energy intention is not to use seed capi- ing session’s QR595m.Trading vol- and financial services. tal for the Shiraa funds,” Ahmed ume rose to 13million shares from “Earnings in the UAE have QP Planning Forum opens to said. the last session’s 12million shares. been quite supportive of the rally Of the 41 traded companies, 27 that we’ve seen thus far,” Khan Foxconn to invest advanced, 11 declined and 3 closed said, adding that investors expect discuss corporate strategy unchanged. remaining fourth-quarter finan- $1bn in Indonesia QE announced the suspen- cial reports to be positive as well. DOHA: The QP Planning “I am confident that our future HSE Regulations & Enforcement; sion of International Islamic Abu Dhabi’s First Gulf Bank Forum 2014 got off here yes- plans will encompass our strate- and Abdulaziz Abdulla Al-Ansari, TAIPEI: Taiwan technol- shares trading, as it was sched- was among the top gainers on terday with an opening speech gic objective as highlighted by our Director of Industrial Security. ogy giant Foxconn group has uled to hold its Extra-ordinary Sunday, jumping 6.3 percent. It by the Minister of Energy and vision and as dedicated by our role Their presentations focused signed a letter of intent to General Meeting (EGM) yes- announced its highest ever quar- Industry and Chairman and in the development of Qatar,” he on their business plans and the invest up to $1bn in Indonesia terday. Due to lack of quorum, terly profit at the end of January Managing Director of QP, H E added. measures that they will imple- as it seeks to diversify produc- the bank adjourned the EGM to and hiked its annual dividend Dr Mohamed bin Saleh Al Sada. The Minister’s speech was fol- ment to address the challenges tion away from China, officials Wednesday. by 20 percent; last week, it The two-day forum 2014 is lowed by a presentation by Issa faced in their operations. said yesterday. Generous dividend payments by announced plans to build an being attended by top officials Shahin Al Ghanim, Director of The QP Planning Forum 2014 Foxconn, also known by its Qatari firms traditionally attract investment banking business. from the corporation’s various the Strategic Planning & Policy will conclude tomorrow with pres- Taipei-headquartered mother investors during the earnings sea- Saudi Arabia’s index added 0.5 directorates and departments, Directorate, who provided an entations from the Administration company Hon Hai Precision son. Analysts also say Qatar, along percent with gains in most sec- and it serves as a venue for an overview of QP’s corporate busi- Directorate, Finance Directorate, Industry which is the world’s larg- with Oman which gained 0.7 per- tors. However, it remains the in-depth discussion of QP’s corpo- ness plan. Corporate HSE Department, est contract electronics maker, cent yesterday, is popular among Gulf’s laggard with a rise of just rate strategy and business plans This was followed by pres- Downstream Ventures Directorate, said the investments would be local investors who look for safe 3.3 percent so far this year, follow- for the current year. entations on the implementa- Refining Directorate, Industrial in Jakarta province, which has havens after booking profits in ing a crackdown late last year on Dr Al Sada noted: “The year tion of QP’s strategy in their Cities Directorate, Research & better infrastructure than other more volatile markets. illegal immigrants who make up 2014 comes at the heels of a suc- respective directorates by Saad Technology Department, Public regions of the country. Meanwhile, a favourable global a significant part of local work- cessful year during which Qatar Sherida Al Kaabi, Director of Oil Relations & Communications “We plan to come up with backdrop lifted all major stock force. In the short term at least, Petroleum and its affiliates have & Gas Ventures; Said Mubarak Department, Corporate Purchasing detailed investment plans for the markets in the Middle East yes- the crackdown has made finding achieved many milestones. We Al Mohannadi, Director of & Contracts Department, Internal Indonesian and Jakarta authori- terday while strong earnings workers harder for some compa- are planning ahead for future Operations, Saad Rashid Al Audit Department and Legal ties in three months,” a Hon Hai and positive news flow from the nies and driven up their costs. achievements to keep the momen- Muhannadi, Director Technical; Department. official said. property sector put bourses in the THE PENINSULA/REUTERS tum of our success. Saif Saed Al Naimi, Director of THE PENINSULA AGENCIES

Recycling boom in China Russian authorities issue warning Sheikh Khalifa becomes against Bitcoin GCC Chambers chairman MOSCOW: Russian authorities have issued warnings against DOHA: Sheikh Khalifa bin during the period of his chairman- using Bitcoin, saying the vir- Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani ship of the Federation, which will tual currency could be used for received the chairmanship end tomorrow. But he said there money laundering or financing of the Federation of the GCC are economic issues such as the terrorism and that treating it Chambers of Commerce and GCC common market and how as a parallel currency is illegal. Industry from the Federation’s to activate it, the GCC and Arab “Systems for anonymous pay- outgoing Chairman Khalil bin food and water security project, ments and cyber currencies that Abdullah Al Khanji, who is also the Customs Union and how to have gained considerable circulation President of Oman Chamber of address all the obstacles facing it, — including the most well-known, Commerce and Industry, whose as well as the GCC unified tourist Bitcoin — are money substitutes term of office expires tomorrow. visa awaited by GCC citizens and and cannot be used by individu- According to a statement foreign investors during the next als or legal entities,” the Russian issued by the Federation yes- phase and other issues that need Prosecutor General’s Office said. etrday, Al Khanji said the to be followed up, along with other It added that Russian law stip- Federation, as a representative issues that should be followed up ulates that the rouble is the sole of the GCC private sector has to with concerned bodies foremost official currency and that intro- make a tangible progress in the of which being the GCC General ducing any other monetary units future in significant economic Secretariat. or substitutes was illegal. issues through cooperation with Al Khanji pointed out to the Russia’s central bank also said the GCC General Secretariat. importance of promoting investment on January 27 that Bitcoin trade He said during his visit to the in GCC countries through activities was highly speculative. “Citizens headquarters of the Federation that the Federation is keen to organ- and legal entities risk being in Al Khobar his meeting with its ise in GCC countries, especially that drawn into illegal activity, includ- Secretary-General Abdurrahim the private sector is suffering from ing laundering of money obtained Chinese garbage collectors deliver residential waste to a new recycling trash depot, which proudly encour- Hassan Naqi, Secretary-General volatility in the laws that need to through crime, as well as financ- ages residents to recycle, in Beijing yesterday. In the last four years, China has surpassed the US as the and the Federation’s members that be strengthened and supported by ing terrorism,” it warned. world’s largest manufacturer, as well as jumping ahead of Japan as the world’s second-largest economy. the GCC private sector tackled officials in the GCC states. REUTERS many economic issues, especially QNA MONDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2014 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27

Deutsche Pakistan economy improving: IMF Bank moving Islamabad meets nearly all of its quantitative markers; reforms broadly on track closer to Kirch settlement DUBAI: The International with the IMF in September to To secure the loan, Pakistan had the country and it has not only government expects inflation to Monetary Fund said yesterday rebuild its reserves after more to commit to changes in the econ- changed the direction of the econ- rise above its current 7.9 percent BERLIN: Deutsche Bank is that Pakistan has met nearly all than two years of depletions and omy designed to increase growth omy... it has put us on the road but that it will not hit double getting closer to settling a long- of its quantitative performance support structural changes aimed and improve financial stability. The of recovery and stability,” he said. digits. running lawsuit with the heirs markers, that its economy is at boosting investment and growth. measures aim to bring down the Despite overall progress in Alongside Pakistan’s economic of late media mogul Leo Kirch showing signs of improvement The IMF loan to Pakistan came deficit, reduce pervasive electricity implementing reforms, IMF’s challenges are constant risks to its who blame Germany’s biggest and that its reform programme less than six years after the coun- shortages and increase the coun- mission chief to Pakistan Jeffrey security. The periodic review and bank for the downfall of his remains broadly on track. try’s last IMF bailout, and the driv- try’s poor rate of tax collection. Franks said in a joint news con- press conference were not held in business, sources with knowl- The nuclear-armed nation of ing need for the money this time “The current trends of the last ference with Dar that pressures Pakistan, but in the United Arab edge of the matter said. 180 million people faces a host of was to repay the institution nearly few months have been very posi- on balance of payments are likely Emirates’ city of Dubai, because Kirch, who died in 2011, obstacles as it tries to restruc- $5bn that Islamabad still owes. tive in Pakistan and prices have to remain in place for months. IMF officials were not permit- sought for years to recoup about ture its economy and buoy its As part of that agreement, the been stable,” Pakistan’s Finance The IMF is also concerned ted to travel to Pakistan after the ¤2bn (£1.6bn) in damages from dangerously low foreign currency IMF conducts periodic reviews Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar that inflation will rebound in the body’s representative in neighbor- Deutsche Bank and its former reserves, which stand at $8.3bn. in order for its executive board told reporters in Dubai. coming months. Franks said the ing Afghanistan was killed in a chairman Rolf Breuer who ques- While trying to reel back expendi- to approve instalments of $550m Dar said the government is IMF encourages the State Bank suicide attack in Kabul last month. tioned the Kirch media group’s tures and reorganize steep subsidy spread out over three years. following “very strict austerity of Pakistan to be “vigilant” in its The IMF expects growth to creditworthiness in a 2002 televi- bills, officials say it is essential Pakistan has already undergone measures” that have not been easy monetary policy to keep inflation reach around 3.1 percent for the sion interview. that economic reforms do not hurt one economic review and received to make. “I think we have taken at a reasonable level. current fiscal year, still less than Deutsche Bank and its officers the millions of Pakistanis who live two installments totalling nearly very painful measures, which were The IMF forecasts that infla- half the rate needed to supply jobs have denied that Breuer’s com- in poverty on less that $2 a day. $1.1bn. The third instalment is up partially politically unpopular, tion in Pakistan will hit 10 per- to Pakistan’s growing population. ments triggered the collapse of Pakistan signed a $6.7bn loan for consideration in late March. but I think they were needed by cent this year. Dar says the AP the Kirch empire. The benefits of a potential out-of- court settlement are being discussed at top level at Deutsche Bank, two Metcalf Power Substation sources familiar with the matter said. Supervisory board chairman Kuwait-Airbus deal on Paul Achleitner is pushing to close the book on the Kirch dispute, one of the sources said. Deutsche Bank declined to comment. track despite probe A settlement could also help avert legal charges against KUWAIT: A parliamentary Kuwait Airways Chairwoman Deutsche Bank’s current Co-Chief investigation into a Kuwait Rasha Al Roumi as saying the Executive, Juergen Fitschen, Airways plan to buy and lease deal would be completed without German magazine Der Spiegel aircraft from Airbus will not being delayed. and daily newspaper Sueddeutsche affect the deal, the state car- In December the loss-making Zeitung reported earlier on rier’s chairwoman told a local airline signed a provisional agree- Saturday, without citing the newspaper in comments pub- ment with Airbus to buy 25 new source of the information. lished yesterday. aircraft in a deal worth $4.4bn at Fitschen was named as a sus- Kuwait’s parliament voted list prices. pect in the dispute by Munich on Wednesday to investi- The order would include the prosecutors last November who gate all contracts signed by purchase of 10 A350-900 and 15 said they were investigating state-owned Kuwait Airways, medium-haul A320neo jets. The whether he gave misleading evi- which is attempting its biggest airline also aims to lease 12 air- dence in the suit. The Kirch law- overhaul since the 1990 Iraqi craft from Airbus pending deliv- suit, one of Germany’s most bitter invasion. ery of the new planes. corporate disputes, led prosecu- Such parliamentary inquiries The two companies are now tors to search Deutsche Bank are common in Kuwait, where going over technical and legal offices in 2012. lawmakers in the Gulf state’s aspects of the deal, Al Anba Fitschen said in late January National Assembly often ques- said. A final contract will only be that the bank, which has already tion large government projects signed when an internal Kuwait built provisions to cover an indem- and have delayed or scuppered Airways commission gives the nity, is aiming to resolve major them in the past. green light, it added. pending legal disputes this year. Al Anba newspaper quoted REUTERS REUTERS

A view of Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s Metcalf Power Substation near San Jose, California.

Saudi Aramco asks firms to bid again US ends Samsung’s use for Jizan plant of essential patents

AL KHOBAR: Saudi Aramco WASHINGTON: The US exclusion order to obtain licensing has asked interested compa- Justice Department will close terms that are more onerous than nies to submit cheaper offers to its investigation into Samsung would be justified by the value of build parts of a complex to sup- Electronics’ use of a special the technology itself,” the Justice ply energy to an oil refinery at class of essential patents to Department said. Jizan, industry sources said. attack rivals but would keep The ITC’s sales ban on Apple A total of 14 companies bid monitoring related patent liti- devices was overturned in August in October for four packages to gation, it said. by the Obama administration, cit- build elements of a 2,400 mega- Samsung had filed a patent ing the effects on US consumers watt (MW) integrated gasifica- infringement complaint against and the economy. tion combined cycle (IGCC) plant Apple Inc at the US International Based on that action, a Justice at the refinery. Trade Commission and won an Department investigation was The bids were higher than the order in June 2013 banning unnecessary, the department said. state-run oil giant had hoped for, the sale of some older iPhones “The Antitrust Division is so it is now inviting lower-cost and iPads in the United States. therefore closing its investiga- bids for three of the four pack- Samsung and Apple are the No. tion into Samsung’s conduct, but ages, one source said. 1 and No. 2 smartphone makers, will continue to monitor further “The original bid price exceeded globally. developments in this area,” the the budget so they are trying to One of the patents involved in division said in a statement. find ways to shrink the cost,” said the case was a so-called stand- Apple, which revolutionised the a second source familiar with the ards-essential patent (SEP), a smartphone, and Samsung, which matter. Saudi Aramco declined to class of patents that ensure dif- makes mobile phones based on comment. ferent devices can work together Google’s Android software, have Aramco has re-tendered three and are expected to be widely fought tooth-and-nail over pat- of the four construction packages, licensed. ents in more than 10 countries, as it is in talks with China’s Sepco The Justice Department and seeking a competitive edge. III over the power plant package, the U S Patent and Trademark Heading into another pat- sources said. The plant will sup- Office have argued that sales ent trial due to start in March, ply the 400,000 barrel per day bans imposed as punishments for Apple’s chief executive, Tim Cook, oil refinery and other consumers infringing on these patents should and his Samsung counterpart, around the industrial port on the be done only in very rare cases. Kwon Oh-hyun, have agreed to a Red Sea coast. Otherwise, patent hold- mediation session by February 19. REUTERS ers “could use the threat of an REUTERS

China urges proper liquidity management

BEIJING: China’s central an explosion of off-balance sheet official figures, stirring concerns bank urged commercial banks and risky lending as cautious gov- that any defaults could trigger a to properly manage liquidity ernment regulators resist speed- financial crisis. while reiterating its prom- ier financial reform that would Beyond the publicly acknowl- ise to keep monetary policy force markets to price risk more edged debt, however, is the ques- stable and to clamp down on realistically. tion of how much more is hidden risky lending, noting that the “We will guide commercial in China’s shadow banking sec- world’s second-largest econ- banks to strengthen liquidity and tor, with its informal loans and omy has yet to find a stable asset liability management,” the so-called wealth management base for growth. PBOC said, to make sure financial products that often promise high In its quarterly monetary pol- institutions are supporting the returns. icy report, the People’s Bank of real economy rather than specu- The recent near-default of a China (PBOC) said it would step lative activity. wealth management product, up oversight of lending in risky Debt is shaping up as a major reportedly prevented by a bail- areas such as the property sec- risk to China’s economy. China’s out from a local government, has tor and industries struggling with local governments had amassed heightened concerns of systemic overcapacity. some $3 trillion in debt as of the risk and moral hazard. The bank is trying to rein in end of June 2013, according to REUTERS MONDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2014 28 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

Lufthansa gets Yahoo shifts Europe tax base to Ireland new chief to Pressure mounts on tax-haven Switzerland to abolish some corporate incentives lead battle on

LONDON/ROME: Yahoo! Inc Macleod-Smith said. Currently, Switzerland offers may not be able to go as low as economies to launch a drive to is shifting its main European However, tax experts said tax rates to companies which Ireland’s 12.5 percent rate. tackle profit shifting. budget carriers tax base to Ireland from it was likely the changes that make their profits outside Barry O’Leary, chief executive In recent months, Yahoo has Switzerland, a Reuters exami- Switzerland is expected to Switzerland that are less than of IDA Ireland, which is respon- published statements on its web- FRANKFURT: Germany’s nation of company statements make to its tax rules, following half the rates imposed on com- sible for attracting inward invest- site and emailed customers to Lufthansa has picked Carsten and accounts shows, as pres- European Union pressure, had panies that operate locally. ment into Ireland, said he was say the terms and conditions for Spohr as its new chief executive, sure mounts on the Alpine some influence over the decision, EU rules require countries not talking to “a handful” of other European customers are chang- naming a company veteran to nation to abolish some corpo- and that other companies could to discriminate between domes- companies about possible reloca- ing. Since November companies lead the battle against low-cost rate tax incentives. follow Yahoo’s lead. “Obviously tax tic and foreign firms in taxation tions from Switzerland to Ireland. which advertise on Yahoo! web- carriers and fast-growing Gulf The internet search group said reasons are part of the reasons and Brussels has told Switzerland “If two or three of them decided sites have entered contracts with airlines. the shift reflected a streamlining they are going out of Switzerland,” that if it wants to enjoy unfet- to relocate that starts a trend,” Yahoo! EMEA Ltd, an Irish- Germany’s largest airline of its European operations and said Frank Marty, head of tax tered access to the bloc’s market, he said. All companies have a registered business. From late has been looking for a new was not motivated by a desire to policy at lobby group Economie it needs to scrap this practice. duty to investors not to pay any March, private users of premium boss since September, when it cut its tax bill, one of the higher Suisse. Switzerland is discussing har- more tax than they need to but mail and other services will be was announced current CEO in the US tech sector. “The tax regimes we have are monizing corporate tax rates at in recent years, revelations that doing business with the Irish Christoph Franz would leave at “Yahoo pays all taxes required very successful (in attracting a lower level than its current companies such as Google and company. Previously, customers in the end of May to become chair- and complies with tax laws in all companies) but there is pressure domestic rate of around 21 per- Apple use complex structures France, Germany, Italy and other man at Swiss pharmaceuticals countries where we operate. We that Switzerland abolishes the cent but Marius Brulhart, profes- to shift profits into tax havens countries contracted directly with company Roche. It said Spohr, take our tax obligations seriously,” current regimes ... The risks are sor of economics at the University have prompted public anger and local Yahoo subsidiaries and paid who has been head of the carrier’s Yahoo spokeswoman Caroline substantial,” he added. of Lausanne, said the country spurred the Group of 20 leading fees to them. REUTERS passenger airline business since 2011 and had been tipped to suc- ceed Franz, will take up the post of CEO on May 1. Protest against austerity in Cyprus “Spohr knows the business. He has shown that he is well-con- nected and can restructure the US sees payment group,” said Ingo Speich, a fund manager at Union Investment, which holds shares in Lufthansa. default after Feb 27 Like other European legacy carriers, Lufthansa is battling competition from budget carri- WASHINGTON: The Obama government debt. Since 2011, ers Ryanair and easyJet as well administration warned lawmakers have regularly balked as Gulf airlines like Emirates, Congress the federal govern- at raising the borrowing ceiling which are expanding rapidly in ment could start missing pay- amid a debate in Washington over the market for lucrative long-haul ments on its bills soon after the government’s long-term fis- customers. February 27, if lawmakers cal health, with Democrats and Spohr, a 47-year-old native do not raise a limit on public Republicans at odds over the need German from Wanne-Eickel in borrowing. for tax hikes versus spending cuts. the country’s industrial heart- In a letter to congressional Gridlock over the debt ceiling land, will take over in the middle leaders, Treasury Secretary Jack several times has left the nation of the SCORE restructuring pro- Lew said accounting measures perilously close to default, riling gramme, which aims to improve aimed at staving off default would financial markets. operating profits to 2.3bn euros only buy about three weeks worth This year, some Republicans ($3.1bn) in 2015, compared with of time. By February 27, when again have vowed to extract pol- 524m euros in 2012. the measures are exhausted, the icy concessions from Democrats “A solution must be found for government anticipates having before allowing the debt limit to how to compete with low-cost car- roughly $50bn in cash and would rise, although Republican party riers. And Lufthansa needs to try rely on this and incoming revenue leaders have appeared undecided to create value for its long-haul to pay its bills. over whether they will indeed business from its route network, The money would not last long, demand conditions. from alliances and mergers,” the letter said. Republicans, who have Union Investment’s Speich said. “Any foreseeable cash balance a majority in the House of Some analysts say Lufthansa would be exhausted quickly,” Lew Representatives but not in the has been slow to react to new said in the letter. It would then Senate, have pencilled in a pos- rivals and enter growth markets, “be impossible for our nation to sible vote on the borrowing cap and will need a more decisive meet all of its obligations,” he for next week in the House. strategy in future. “They should added. In October, Congress and the have looked earlier at growth des- The United States runs administration suspended a tinations, such as India, where budget deficits in a peculiar way. $16.7 trillion cap on borrowing the Middle East carriers are Congress authorizes spending until February 7. The Treasury now big, and they should have but separately approves enough Secretary has said that the end updated their fleet earlier,” said borrowing to pay its obliga- of February is a particularly bad Euromonitor analyst Nadejda tions, which include everything time to start relying on a cash An elderly Cypriot couple sits on the steps of Cyprus’ finance ministry building during a protest against benefit Popova. “If you don’t have a good from Social Security pensions to cushion. cuts in Nicosia. Several hundred people protested in the island’s capital over austerity measures, introduced fleet, how can you penetrate new interest payments on the federal REUTERS as part of a bailout of the island last year. markets?” REUTERS Amazon tests Brazil’s retail mart with Kindle Italy asked to act SAO PAULO: Amazon Inc The world’s largest online Historically Brazilians have not become a promising new fron- started selling its Kindle online retailer launched an Internet been big readers and many house- tier for Internet giants such as in Brazil last week, expanding bookstore in Brazil in 2012, a low- holds have just a tiny number Facebook, Twitter and Amazon. tough on bad loans from ebooks into retail for the risk landing on this $11bn emerg- of books. But the country has a Market research company eBit first time in Latin America’s ing ecommerce market. Up to population of 200 million and a estimates Brazilians spent 28bn biggest and most challenging now, the Kindle was being sold at growing middle class. reais ($11.7bn) online last year, 25 ROME: Bank of Italy Governor but a Bank of Italy spokeswoman ecommerce market. bookshops, appliance stores and According to industry fig- percent more than in 2012. Ignazio Visco backed moves by said he was referring to private By shipping its ereader devices even kiosks in shopping malls. ures, Brazilians bought 435 mil- But Latin America’s biggest some of the country’s lenders to sector initiatives or possible part- across this immense country, “From north to south, from lion books in 2012 worth 4.98bn economy is also known for its get rid of non-performing loans nerships between the public and Amazon will now get a taste of east to west, we are going to be reais ($2bn). Szapiro said ebooks heavy tax burden, high labour on their books and suggested private sector. Brazil’s notorious logistics prob- delivering products across Brazil,” were about three percent of total costs and logistical bottlenecks they could consider “more ambi- Bank of Italy Deputy Governor lems, widely seen as a deterrent said Alex Szapiro, a former Apple Brazilian book sales. that make ecommerce a serious tious” approaches. Salvatore Rossi said Italy’s for a full-fledged retail operation executive hired to command The country has relatively low challenge for newcomers. The comments by Visco and his strained public finances meant it like the one it has in the US. Amazon’s deployment in Brazil. Internet penetration and has REUTERS deputy governor at a Rome con- could not follow Spain’s example ference indicate that while Italy in setting up a publicly-funded cannot afford to set up a public “bad bank” to take over problem- “bad bank” like those adopted in atic loans. Markets in bullish trend Spain and Ireland, its banks are “I think our larger banks can being encouraged to find similar find solutions for bad loans on Dollar crunch: private sector solutions. their own, the others may want Italy’s top two banks, Intesa to consider joint solutions,” Toyota shuts Sanpaolo and UniCredit, are said Unicredit Chief Executive in preliminary talks with US Federico Ghizzoni. Venezuela plant investor KKR about setting up Italy’s longest post-war reces- a fund to hold some of their bad sion has made it tough for com- debts, sources close to the matter panies to keep up loan payments. CARACAS: Toyota is halting have said. UniCredit has already sold production at its only assembly Such a vehicle, the latest move $953m of non-performing loans plant in Venezuela because the by Italian lenders to tackle loans to Anacap Financial Partners and world’s largest automaker lacks that have soured over years 950m euros to private equity fund the hard currency to import of economic stagnation, would Cerberus European Investments. parts due to government con- help clean up balance sheets as Intesa Sanpaolo, Italy’s largest trols, a factory official said. European regulators conduct a retail bank, is working on plans The temporary shutdown of the health check of eurozone lenders. to create an internal “bad bank” Japanese car maker’s operations “The actions under way at for problem loans, according to a in the western city of Cumana is a number of banks to ration- source close to the situation. to begin February 13 and last at alise the management of non- And Mediobanca is study- least six weeks. “We are going to performing loans by creating ing setting up funds for the bad close initially for 45 days in hopes dedicated structures ... go in the loans of smaller banks that may that we will be granted the for- right direction,” Visco said in his not have enough capital to deal eign currency needed to import speech to a gathering of market with the problem by themselves. auto parts,” a source in Toyota participants. Italy has lagged behind Spain Venezuela’s management said. “More ambitious interven- and Ireland in restructuring its Companies such as Toyota must tions, whose compatibility with banks, analysts say, but an asset go through a complex bureau- European rules must be pondered, quality review by the European cratic process to obtain dollars. are not to be ruled out,” he said, Central Bank is stinging lenders Venezuela is only providing dol- noting that Italy has an underde- into action. lars at the official rate of 6.3 boli- veloped market in impaired assets. Non-performing loans at Visitors applaud at the closing bell of the New York Stock Exchange. The Dow Jones Industrial Average vars to the dollar to importers of Visco, who sits on the governing Italian banks, the ones least likely closed up 166 points to end the week at 15,794. designated priority goods such as council of the European Central to ever be repaid, have reached food and medical supplies. AFP Bank, offered no further details, 150bn euros. REUTERS MONDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2014 BUSINESS VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 29

Budget carriers in Asia No fireworks seen when stare at overcapacity BY ANSHUMAN DAGA Yellen makes Fed debut ow-cost carriers are flying high in Southeast Asia on the BY JONATHAN SPICER back of sharp growth in air travel, but as hundreds of new its 100-year history, is expected to calmly as a threat to central bank independence Ljets swarm into the region concerns are rising about its point to a longer-term trend toward from politics. ability to absorb the record numbers of planes on order. anet Yellen’s first test as chair of the improvement in the labour market and to Committee Republicans said they want Southeast Asian carriers have been devouring as many new Federal Reserve comes tomorrow low but stable inflation as reasons for cau- Yellen to give details on how she will balance airplanes as planemakers can sell, gambling that low fares and when she faces US lawmakers, some tious optimism and for steady reductions the Fed’s responsibilities to keep inflation rising disposable incomes will drive the region’s 600 million-strong hostile to the central bank, who will in the stimulus. in check while pushing for full employment. population to keep flying to new destinations. want to know how committed she is Long concerned with the pain the 2007- “I’m sure she’ll be hearing questions on An aircraft buying binge fuelled by cheap interest rates and Jto winding down the Fed’s support for the 2009 recession caused for American workers, the lack of effective monetary policy and the backed by Western export credits shows few signs of halting, with economy. she will also probably stress that near- impact going forward,” said Scott Garrett, Vietnam’s VietJetAir and Thailand’s Nok Air both expected to With the world’s financial markets watch- zero interest rates will not be raised any the Republican chairman of the Financial place orders at the Singapore Airshow this week. ing, Yellen, who succeeded Ben Bernanke time soon. “I don’t think there’s anything Services’ capital markets subcommittee. But after years of explosive growth, the region’s budget carri- last week, will have a chance to set a mostly she’s not going to be ready for,” said Paul Another Republican panel member, ers are now facing fears of overcapacity as deliveries accelerate, upbeat tone and point to signs of steady eco- Ashworth, chief North American economist Shelley Moore Capito, said Yellen must airlines expand into each other’s markets and currency weakness nomic progress, despite some recent bumps at research firm Capital Economics. do more to help senior citizens build safe threatens to puncture economic growth. in the road. “These are sometimes political theatre,” investment returns. “No one can create any “This is the only region in the world where airlines have more The Fed has embarked on perhaps its he added. “It’s a mid-term election year ... wealth with interest rates squashed as they orders than current fleet and there’s more to come,” said Brendan most difficult policy shift after five years of so you are going to get some grandstanding are,” she said. Sobie, chief analyst at industry consultancy CAPA. ultra-easy money. It has begun scaling back from both sides.” For all the criticism, most economists Airlines in Southeast Asia are estimated to have a fleet of 1,800 its bond-buying stimulus, but at a measured Underlining Republican unease with the blame Congress for slowing the US recov- by the end of this year, he said, while their order book is set to pace that could frustrate some Republicans Fed’s aggressive response to the financial ery from recession with cuts to govern- surpass the 2,000 mark. Asia-Pacific planes on order make up 36 who think the programme is reckless. crisis and recession, the House panel invited ment spending, tax increases and a series percent of the world total and the figure is rising, says Airbus. Those concerns will be aired tomorrow, witnesses to react to Yellen’s testimony of budget battles that tested investors’ con- Already last year, available capacity grew faster than passen- when Yellen appears before the Republican- immediately afterward. Three of the four fidence in the United States. ger demand in countries such as Malaysia, the Philippines and controlled House Financial Services are critics of the bond-buying programme, Frustrated with the recovery, the Fed has Singapore, putting pressure on yields or the average revenue per Committee to testify on the Fed’s semi- including Stanford University’s John Taylor. launched three rounds of asset purchases, passenger for every kilometre flown. annual monetary policy report. She testifies Conservatives worry the years of near- swelling its balance sheet to more than $4 That could extend further in 2014 as carriers in Southeast Asia to the Democrat-controlled Senate Banking zero interest rates and trillions of dollars trillion. If the labour market doesn’t stum- take delivery of about 230 aircraft worth over $20bn this year, at Committee on Thursday. in money-printing risk weakening the US ble badly and inflation doesn’t weaken, the a rate close to one new jet every working day. The Fed has trimmed its asset pur- dollar, while setting the stage for asset price Fed aims to shelve the purchases by year One such aircraft is a short-haul Boeing 737 now making its chases twice since December, encouraged bubbles and an explosion in inflation. end and will likely raise rates sometime way to the region and due to reach Singapore’s SilkAir in time by momentum in the economy late last year. Jeb Hensarling, chairman of the House next year. to be shown off at the February 11-16 air show. But two months of weak US jobs growth, a committee, has been holding hearings on The trick for Yellen will be clearly articu- The arrival of the airline’s first Boeing symbolises a price war slump in manufacturing and a recent selloff the asset purchases, which are currently lating this on live television in a pressure- between planemakers generated by Asia’s order boom, after in emerging markets now complicate things running at $65bn per month. In the Senate, filled question-and-answer session that is SilkAir ditched its previous supplier Airbus. for the new Fed chief. fellow Republican Rand Paul wants to estab- likely to cover anything from Wall Street One reason many airlines have been ordering at once is that Yellen, the former Fed vice chair who is lish audits of the Fed’s policy deliberations — regulation to fiscal policy and the gold engine improvements now allow significant fuel savings. the first woman to run the central bank in a notion Bernanke and others have slammed standard. REUTERS Ample liquidity provided by money-printing central banks has also made it easier to fund the relatively small upfront payments needed to place headline-grabbing plane orders. But bankers warn the race to buy efficient aircraft in anticipa- tion of high demand could spell trouble for the sector. “When you run an airline, for reasons which are both economic reasons and prestige, you want a new kit, so you order an aircraft. And if your neighbour orders aircraft, so you order aircraft,” said Bertrand Grabowski who heads German bank DVB’s aviation and land transport finance divisions. “I wouldn’t call it irrational exuberance but clearly everybody in Asia is ordering aircraft more than they really need,” Grabowski said. Most of the aircraft orders come from the region’s two fastest growing airlines — Malaysia’s AirAsia Bhd, run by entrepreneur Tony Fernandes, and Lion Air, co-founded by Indonesian business- man turned politician Rusdi Kirana. Both carriers have placed orders for hundreds of Boeing and Airbus aircraft valued at tens of billions of dollars as they race to get Asians flying in a region set to overtake the United States as the biggest aviation market. Others ordering aircraft include Cebu Pacific, Tiger Airways, 40 percent owned by Singapore Airlines Ltd, Garuda Indonesia’s low-cost unit Citilink, and the Qantas Airways Ltd-owned Jetstar and its affiliates such as Singapore-based Jetstar Asia. In the event that any airline cannot complete an order, there are others waiting in the wings to take their slot. While Fernandes has dismissed speculation of an aircraft order bubble in Asia, AirAsia’s profits have taken a knock due to a gruelling price war in its home market, stoked by Lion affiliate Malindo and competition from Malaysian Airlines. AirAsia has termed competition in Malaysia and Thailand as “irrational”. Kirana, the head of Lion Air which does not disclose profits, believes consolidation in the sector is “inevitable” given the large number of companies in the low-cost market. Recently, Tiger Airways agreed to sell its Philippine operations to dominant carrier, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia’s Philippine unit bought into smaller Zest Air. Such concerns are unlikely to get much of a public airing at this week’s aerospace event, where deals may be signed for between 100 and 200 jets worth $10-20bn — albeit far below the record $200bn seen in Dubai in November. REUTERS Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate ECB inaction, US job data trigger uncertainties in markets

fter the liquidation we had a break in the emerging expected and The hurdle to The accompanying press con- delay behind the US recovery. that hit equities and markets sell off as most curren- a more disap- a “non-taper” ference of the ECB decision on On the inflation matter, he men- currencies, emerg- cies rebounded somewhat by the pointing employ- remains very Thursday albeit was dovish, was tioned that the Euro area was not ing markets on weekend. ment report. The high and would full of uncertainties. So close to the facing deflationary threats: “I’m Tuesday and follow- In the US, the disappoint- change in unem- likely need to zero bound for policy rates, and in saying it as strongly as possible: Aing a rocky Thursday when the ing employment report fuelled ployment rate be evident in a situation where any unconven- the situation has nothing to do European Central Bank left rates investors’ expectations that the to 6.6 percent Weekly Money Market Review weaker monthly tional action would be politically with deflation. The situation isn’t unchanged while Draghi drove the Fed would stop tapering its asset accompanied job reading that sensitive, the ECB has less room normal but it’s not alarming.” On euro to the highest level we have purchases programme, thus send- with a lower participation rate on extend past February. for manoeuvre to accommodate a a different subject, he argued that seen in over a week, the week ing equity markets higher on Friday reinforced the move caus- In a speech given in Florida, policy error. Rather than address- turbulence in emerging markets ended on a quiet tone. Friday’s close. Federal Reserve’s ing the metal to close the week Boston Fed’s Eric Rosengren, a ing the downside risks head-on, is unlikely to affect the euro zone The inaction of the ECB coun- Fisher attempted to calm markets at $1,266. dovish non-FOMC voter, said that the ECB decided to play for time because transmission channels cil on Thursday has caused more by arguing that the job data was The US economy added just the Fed should be “quite patient” and gather more data. were limited. Over the French uncertainties coming into next significantly affected by the bad 113,000 new jobs in January, in removing stimulus. Too much The council did not want to situation, he continued prais- month meeting with many inves- weather in the US in January. according to figures released labour market slack along with pre-empt the new staff forecasts. ing Hollande plan to lower social tors were disappointed by the sta- On the foreign exchange on Friday, fuelling fears that very low inflation calls for highly In an unanticipated move, next charges as the plan may add “sev- tus quo of the bank and the lack of side, markets closed the week the recovery in the jobs mar- accommodative policy. As labour month, the staff will publish 2016 eral hundred thousand jobs” and a surprise drop in interest rates in with a stronger sterling pound. ket appeared to have stalled. markets were far from condi- forecasts, nine months earlier one percent of GDP over two or Europe. Draghi refused to signal a Employment news out of the US Expectations were for the econ- tions that warrant raising rates, than usual. This creates some three years. clear commitment mentioning the pushed the dollar lower while a omy to add around 180,000 jobs. he added that the Fed’s goal was additional ambiguity. If projected Awaiting guidance from the council would await the new ECB short squeeze pushed pound and This is the second month of dis- to avoid repeating Japan mistakes inflation by 2016 remains signifi- inflation report, the Bank of staff projection for the year 2016. dollar higher. After reaching a low appointing jobs news, which last over deflation. He reiterated the cantly below the ECB’s definition England left both rates and asset It seems that the ECB council is of 1.6252 on Tuesday, the pound month surprised investors as the need to see inflation rate closer to of price stability, then the ECB purchases on hold, and gave no deeply divided, with Germany’s ended the week at 1.6411. Euro, on number was just 74,000 jobs in two percent. However, he said Fed would be required to potentially clues as to what to expect from two members resisting any move the other side, behaved in a more December, well below the 200,000 tapering was possible because the accommodate further, but would next week’s inflation report. On that brings the ECB closer to bullish manner. After dropping to markets had been expecting. economy was improving at home. also take the risk of triggering Wednesday, the Bank is likely to quantitative easing. a low of 1.3477 going into the ECB We, however, should keep in Finally yet importantly, he themselves a dis-anchoring in provide an update on guidance On the other side of the world, meeting, the currency closed the mind that non-farm payrolls argued that monetary policy market inflation expectations. given that the unemployment emerging markets remain cau- week at 1.3634. have averaged gains of 187,000 per would not have to be as accom- Member of the governing rate is closing in on the 7 per- tious and the absence of any fur- In the commodity complex, gold month. Even if we have another modative if fiscal policy was so, council of the ECB’s and Bank cent threshold and is likely to go ther shocks has seen global risk continued its attempt to climb weak reading in February, that as the Fed wanted a more normal of France Governor, Christian through it given the strong pace appetite recover slightly after reaching a high of $1,275 after the average monthly gain is likely to balance sheet when that becomes Noyer argued it would be normal of GDP growth. the drop on Tuesday. Indeed, release of slightly lower ADP than remain above 170,000. appropriate. to see euro weaken given their THE PENINSULA MONDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2014 30 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MARKET

QE Indices Summary EXCHANGE QE Index 11,305.87 1.02 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER QE Total Return Index 16,241.41 1.02 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 3,253.72 0.99 % RATE QE All Share Index 2,803.86 0.92 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 2,719.56 1.21 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 5147.355 58.636 1.15 5383.4 5072.7 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 6,200.32 1.21 % QR148.1125 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 Services Cac 40 Index/D 4168.34 50.55 1.23 4351.21 4080.6 QE All Share Industrials 3,697.05 0.65 % SILVER UK ...... QR 5.8999 QR 5.9821 QE All Share Insurance 2,713.11 0.81 % Dj Indu Average 15440.23 -5.01 -0.03 16588.3 13784 Euro ...... QR 4.8935 QR 4.9615 QE All Share Real Estate 1,987.83 0.37 % QR 2.3637 CA$ ...... QR 3.2555 QR 3.3201 QE All Share Telecoms 1,580.07 0.67 % Egypt Cma Gn Idx 1026.29 32.57 3.28 999.95 312.38 QE All Share Transportation 1,966.55 1.38 % Swiss Fr ...... QR 4.0031 QR 4.0602 Hang Seng Inde/D 21423.13 153.75 0.72 23469.33 21197.78 Yen ...... QR 0.0356 QR 0.0363 QE Market Summary Comparison Aus$ ...... QR 3.2356 QR 3.3002 Today Previous day Iseq Overall/D 4749.47 54.85 1.17 4873.52 4522.4 CRUDE OIL 09-02-2014 06-02-2014 Ind Re ...... QR 0.0579 QR 0.0590 Index 11,305.87 11,192.21 Karachi 100 In/D 26862.51 111.06 0.42 27213.21 25273.11 Pak Re ...... QR 0.0343 QR 0.0349 Change 113.66 57.51 BRENT Nikkei 225 Index 14155.12 -25.26 -0.18 16164.01 13995.86 Peso ...... QR 0.0800 QR 0.0816 % 1.02 0.52 $ 106.32 SL Re ...... QR 0.0276 QR 0.0282 YTD% 8.92 7.83 S&P 500 Index/D 1751.64 -3.56 -0.2 1850.84 1485.01 Taka ...... QR 0.0464 QR 0.0475 Volume 13,066,700 12,042,639 DUBAI Nep Re ...... QR 0.0362 QR 0.0369 Value (QAR) 580,164,067.00 893,148,982.58 Straits Times/D 2988.27 28.18 0.95 3187.8 2953.01 SA Rand ...... QR 0.3235 QR 0.3328 Trades 4,611 5,417 Straits Times/D 2971.47 22.7 0.77 3035.78 2657.77 $ 102.61 Up 28 | Down 11 | Unchanged 03

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 09-02-2014

Agriculture sector helps deliver strong start to February

HE commodity sec- at a time of rising supply for this Arabica Coffee did receive most US which has begun to reduce tor witnessed a strong key industrial metal. US economic Weekly Commodity Update of the attention within the soft stockpiles at Cushing, Oklahoma, beginning to February data continue to improve while sector as it rose by more than the delivery hub for WTI crude

Twith most of the gains Shanghai copper rose after trad- 10 percent thereby continuing traded on NYMEX. As a result being driven by the grains and ers returned from a week long BY OLE HANSEN to build on the change in senti- much of the activity has been softs sectors while both metal New Year holiday. Stockpiles of (Head of Commodity ment witnessed since the news related to the arbitrage between sectors also made a positive con- copper in warehouses monitored Strategy, Saxo Bank) about crop damage caused by the the two benchmarks and as a tribution. Global stock markets by the London Metal Exchange adverse weather in Brazil began result of the better WTI crude stabilised after a very weak begin- also provided some support as to emerge. After reaching a nine- performance, the spread has ning to 2014 not least assisted by they continue to shrink. Inventory is similar to the support that has in the price. month high, the price retraced on stayed below $10/barrel for the improved US economic data and levels have fallen to 308,000 been witnessed in the energy sec- Both Arabica coffee and sugar news that rain could reach the past week. after emerging market curren- tonnes, the lowest in 13 months tor where demand for natural gas received a strong boost from region later this February, but Recently we have seen weaker- cies found a bid after recent heavy and less than half of the June and distillates has been running the very dry weather conditions the realisation that more than than-expected PMI data from losses. 2013 peak at 678,000 tonnes. The well above normal levels this past currently sweeping through the one month of drought will have China and this combined with Weather-related issues were cost of taking immediate delivery month. The freezing tempera- southern regions of Brazil. Sugar caused some damage lend support the recent turmoil in many of the main contributor to the big- has also been rising which nor- tures are now showing signs of reached 16.38 cents/lb before into the weekend. After reaching the emerging economies could gest gains as a cold snap in North mally signals limited or reduced causing damage to the winter retracing on profit taking after a seven-year low at 100 cents per see demand growth being nega- America and very dry conditions availability of supply. The High crop after the US Department of posting the longest rally in four pound last November the price tively impacted over the coming in South America lent support Grade Copper futures contract Agriculture in report on February months on the back of worries had slowly begun to recover only months. This would further help especially to Arabica coffee and for March delivery has bounced 3 reduced the percentage of the that crop yields in Brazil could to accelerate over the past week to limit the upside potentials for CBOT wheat. As a result, posi- from a two-month low at USD crop in Kansas likely to be in a be reduced as a result of the cur- and the price could now be target- both crude oils over the coming tive momentum as seen through 3.175/lb and could now make a good condition from 58 to just rent heatwave. Bloomberg has ing the 150 cents per pound level. weeks and months considering an the DJ-UBS Agriculture index move towards 3.27 or possible 3.30 35 percent. The outlook for a reported that Brazil had the hot- Brent crude has spent most of expected strong rise in non-OPEC returned to the agriculture sec- before resistance once again will bumper global wheat stockpile test January ever and the least the past five weeks within a two production in 2014. Domestic tor for the first time since early make further advances difficult had up until January 28 triggered rain in 20 years. Hedge funds dollar range while WTI crude US demand will also be nega- December. to achieve. a buildup of a major net-short have been a significant driver oil has moved higher buoyed by tively impacted by the refinery- Copper posted its first weekly CBOT wheat received a boost position in CBOT wheat of 62,500 behind the rally after changing strong domestic demand related turnaround season during which gain this year on optimism that from the cold temperatures cur- futures contracts and the closing their position from a net long of to the coldest winter in many time refinery demand normally developments especially in US rently sweeping through the key of many of these short positions 200,000 contracts in October to a years and the recently improved reached the lowest level of the will continue to support demand production areas of the US. This helped drive the five percent gain net short of 58,657 on January 28. pipeline infrastructure within the year. THE PENINSULA MONDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 31 India set to return to Olympic fold New officials elected in bid to overturn IOC ban

NEW DELHI: The suspended Russia’s Julia Lipnitskaia smiles after performing in the Women’s Figure Indian Olympic Association Skating Team Free Programme at the Iceberg Skating Palace during (IOA) elected a new set of offi- the Sochi Winter Olympics in Sochi, yesterday. cials yesterday hoping to over- turn an Olympic ban on the world’s second most populous nation. Plushenko, Lipnitskaia The IOA was suspended for going ahead with its December 2012 election in which Lalit lead Russia to first gold Bhanot, who spent 11 months in jail on corruption charges, was voted in as secretary general. SOCHI, RUSSIA: National competition to take gold with 75 The International Olympic idol Yevgeny Plushenko and ris- points. Canada took silver with Committee (IOC) subsequently ing star Julia Lipnitskaia got 65 with the United States bronze offered a lifeline for the dither- hosts Russia off the mark yes- medallists with 60. ing IOA to bar all tainted officials terday sealing gold in the inau- “I’m 31 years and this means from contesting its elections and gural team figure skating event everything to me. It’s so much elect new ones. at the Sochi Olympics. history,” said 2006 Olympic cham- “To the best of our knowl- It was a fourth Olympic medal pion and two-time silver medallist edge, the IOC observer team is for the 31-year-old Plushenko but Plushenko. He joins Swede Gillis completely satisfied with the his achievement was almost over- Grafstroem as the only skater to conduct and the fairness of the shadowed by Lipnitskaia, who win four figure skating medals — election,” new IOA president N sealed gold at the age of just 15 to three in gold — between 1920 and Ramachandran told reporters euphoria at the Iceberg Skating 1932. “To repeat the same results after the election. Palace. in new times is different. But I “The house has urged them Watched by President Vladimir don’t want to put him higher than to take their report back to the Putin, Russia took a precious gold Grafstroem,” said Plushenko’s IOC executive board and try and on home soil even before the final coach Alexei Mishin. make sure the athletes walk round — the ice dance free dance. Plushenko landed a quad but beneath the Indian tri-colour at Ice dancers Elena Ilinykh and went away from his planned the earliest.” World Squash Federation President N Ramachandran (second right), who has been elected unopposed as Nikita Katsalapov then stepped programme to “The Best of World Squash Federation president of IOA, with the representatives of IOC after the result was declared, in New Delhi yesterday. up and placed third behind Plushenko” made up of frag- president Ramachandran, whose Americans Meryl Davis and ments of his performances over brother N Srinivasan heads the Charlie White and Canadians the years to music by violinist Indian cricket board, and Kho forced luge athlete Shiva Keshavan “We will be leaving to go back said. “They will take the neces- Tessa virtue and Scott Moir. Edvin Morton. Kho federation president Rajeev and alpine skiers Himanshu to Sochi for the IOC executive sary actions and hopefully the Putin later joined the skaters He scored 168.20 for the free Mehta, the new secretary general Thakur and Nadeem Iqbal to board meeting and personally outcome expected of today’s rinkside wearing the team col- skate with Kevin Reynold achiev- of the body, were both elected compete as independent athletes report on today’s proceedings,” meeting will be announced very ours. The hosts won five of the ing 167.92 and Japan’s Tatsuki unopposed. under the Olympic flag at the cur- Robin Mitchell, the head of the soon.” eight sections over three days of Machida 165.85. AFP India’s Olympic suspension rent Winter Games in Sochi. IOC delegation at the election, REUTERS Tarasenko, Williams lifts Jazz past Heat Oshie lift SALT LAKE CITY: Forward Marvin Williams tied his season high with 23 points and rookie Blues past point guard Trey Burke hit a late clutch jumper as the Utah Jazz stunned the Miami Heat 94-89 Jets, 4-3 in their National Basketball Association games yesterday. ST LOUIS: Right wings T.J. Williams hit five of eight three- Oshie and Vladimir Tarasenko pointers, including back-to-back scored in the shootout to give shots late in the fourth quarter the St Louis Blues a 4-3 win to give the Jazz (17-33) a 10-point over the Winnipeg Jets and lift lead. Miami missed its final four the Blues into first place in the shots as its three-game winning Central Division. streak was snapped. Goalie Brian Elliott stopped Guard Dwyane Wade led the shots by center Bryan Little and Vladimir Tarasenko (91) of the St Louis Blues controls the puck against Heat (35-14) with 19 points and left wing Andrew Ladd in the the Winnipeg Jets in their NHL match at the Scottrade Centre in St forwards LeBron James and Chris shootout for the Blues. Louis, Missouri, yesterday. Bosh scored just 13 points apiece. The win gave the Blues 84 Guard Patty Mills came off the points, the same total as the bench to score a season-high 32 Chicago Blackhawks, but the games than Chicago. A power- home games and 23-6-2 at home points, including 18 in the fourth Blues (39-12-6) have more wins play goal by Jets defenceman overall this season. quarter, and the San Antonio and have played three fewer Dustin Byfuglien tied the game Bergeron also had an assist Spurs pulled away down the at 3-3 at 13:43 of the third period. while Chris Kelly, Jarome Iginla, stretch for a 104-100 victory over Miami Heat small forward Shane Battier (right) defends against Utah The Bruins have hit the Milan Lucic, Brad Marchand and the Charlotte Bobcats. Jazz power forward Marvin Williams during the first half of their NBA NHL Results Olympic break as the hottest Carl Soderberg also scored for the Memphis forward Zach game in Salt Lake City yesterday. Washington 3 New Jersey 0 team in the NHL as center Bruins. Randolph scored 20 points, lead- Patrice Bergeron, a member of Centers Brayden Schenn and ing the Grizzlies to a come-from- Nashville 2 Anaheim 5 Team Canada, scored two goals Scott Hartnell scored goals and behind 79-76 win over the sloppy 35 points and made 12 assists to Dallas 2 Phoenix 1 to power Boston to a 7-2 pasting goaltender Ray Emery made 32 Atlanta Hawks. Memphis beat lead the Detroit Pistons to their NBA Results Tampa Bay 4 Detroit 2 of the Ottawa Senators. saves to lead the Philadelphia Atlanta for the second time this sea- biggest offensive output this sea- Milwaukee 95 Houston 101 NY Islanders 2 Colorado 5 The Bruins were missing cap- Flyers to a 2-1 win over the son despite getting only eight points son in a 126-109 victory over the Atlanta 76 Memphis 79 Toronto 3 Vancouver 1 tain Zdeno Chara, who left for the Calgary Flames. from center Marc Gasol and despite Denver Nuggets. Detroit 126 Denver 109 Olympics early to carry the flag The Flyers (30-23-6) have attempting only one free throw. Forward Josh Smith had 30 Carolina 1 Montréal 4 Phoenix 122 Golden State 109 Boston 7 Ottawa 2 for Slovakia at the opening cer- won four straight games and are The Grizzlies took control in points, 10 rebounds and eight emony in Sochi, but still improved among the top eight teams in the third quarter, outscoring the assists for Detroit (21-29), which Utah 94 Miami 89 St Louis 4 Winnipeg 3 to 8-1-2 in their last 11 games. Eastern Conference going into the Hawks 24-11. Point guard Brandon snapped a six-game losing streak Minnesota 110 Portland 117 Philadelphia 2 Calgary 1 They are 20-3-2 in their last 25 Olympic break. REUTERS Jennings scored a season-high to the Nuggets. REUTERS Charlotte 100 San Antonio 104 Langdon starts strong at Pomona POMONA, CALIFORNIA: Champion, made a brilliant run Antron Brown, moved past the team will definitely be ready to Shawn Langdon and Khalid in the first qualifying session Al Anabi team and into the No. race today.” alBalooshi both made stellar setting the early pace with a 1 position; Langdon is the No. 2 AlBalooshi also started his runs to kick off the 2014 season 3.746-second effort at nearly 329 qualifier after the second of four season with a beautiful effort. for the Qatar Al Anabi Racing mph — the fastest speed of the qualifying sessions. The Dubai native recorded a Top Fuel team, the three-time weekend so far — and was No. 1 “We were going for the No. 1 3.788-second run at nearly 323 and defending NHRA Mello after the first session. After sev- qualifier position but just over- mph and was fourth after the Yello Top Fuel World Champions eral lengthy delays, the second powered the race track a little first run. In the evening round, owned by Sheikh Khalid Bin qualifying session was pushed bit,” Langdon said. with the cool air and chilly track, Hamad Al Thani. Langdon is into the evening making both “The Al Anabi car launched alBalooshi’s gold Al Anabi drag- second, and alBalooshi is sev- the air and the racing surface hard, and if it stuck to the track, ster left the starting line in fine enth at the mid-point of quali- quite cold. we were going to make a really form, but like Langdon, over- fying for the Circle K NHRA Langdon’s car launched bril- excellent run. We made a great powered the racing surface and Winternationals, the first of 24 liantly in the evening session run in the first session so we’re in smoked the tires. Three other events making up the United and recorded early times quicker a good position, and we have two teams outran alBalooshi’s earlier Qatar Al Anabi Racing Top Fuel driver Khalid alBalooshi performs his States’ 2014 NHRA Mello Yello than its afternoon run, but the more chances to try to get that run moving the third-year driver pre-run burnout prior to his first official run of the 2014 NHRA Mello Drag Racing Series season. car later overpowered the race No. 1 qualifier. Thanks to Sheikh back the seventh with two rounds Yello Drag Racing Series season in Pomona, California. Langdon, the 2013 NHRA track and smoked the tires. One Khalid and everyone in Qatar for of qualifying remaining.” Mello Yello Top Fuel World driver, 2012 World Champion supporting us — the Al Anabi THE PENINSULA MONDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2014 32 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Woods’ niece wins Cheyenne Woods of the USA celebrates Australian winning the Australian Ladies Masters golf tournament Masters at the Royal Pines Resort on BRISBANE, Australia: Tiger the Gold Coast, Woods’ niece stepped out of her Queensland, superstar uncle’s shadow yes- Australia, terday by winning the biggest Qatar Squash Federation (QSF) Board Member, Mohammed Al Khulaifi tournament of her career at the (left) addressing a press conference at InterContinental Hotel Doha Australian Ladies Masters. yesterday. Also seen are Technical Secretary of QSF, Gamal Rasmi Cheyenne Woods, who is the (centre) and Resident Manager at InterContinental Doha, Giles Nicolas. daughter of Tiger’s half-brother PICTURE BY: QASSIM RAHMATULLAH Earl Dennison Woods, held off a strong challenge by Australian amateur Minjee Lee (278) to card a final-round four-under-par 69 and complete a 16-under 276 total for victory. InterCon Squash While Woods, 23, won a minor Coetzee clinches event early in her professional career in the United States, Sunday’s victory on the Ladies begins on Feb 12 European Tour at Royal Pines on the Gold Coast was easily her most significant so far. DOHA: The 13th edition of Resident Manager at Joburg Open win The American, whose grandfa- the InterContinental Squash InterContinental Doha, Giles ther Earl Woods -- Tiger’s father tournament will begin from Nicolas said they are happy to -- was her first coach, was rock- February 12, it was announced tie-up with QSF to host the tour- South African qualifies for British Open solid throughout her final round, here yesterday. nament and disclosed that they firing five birdies and just one This year’s edition to be in the process of upgrading their bogey, and she choked back tears played simultaneously at the sports facilities. JOHANNESBURG: South for the British Open at Hoylake during her victory speech. Khalifa International Tennis and “We are building two more Africa’s George Coetzee claimed in July. Joburg Open Scores “This is a huge accomplishment Squash Complex courts and at squash courts and an equal his first European Tour title, He birdied all three par fives for me,” said the world number InterContinental Hotel will see a number of tennis courts, besides winning the $1.77m Joburg Open on the front nine, including a ten- 363, adding that she hopes her record number of players taking expanding the sport facilities for at the Royal Johannesburg and footer at the fourth, going out in 268 George Coetzee (South Africa) 65 68 breakthrough will move the part, the organisers of the event guests. The next edition in 2015 69 66 Kensington Golf Club yesterday 33. conversation beyond merely her said. will be played on four squash by three shots. The 27-year-old took the lead 271 Tyrrell Hatton (Britain) 67 69 69 66; surname. “Around 166 players, both men courts at the InterContinental Coetzee, who started the final for the first time at the tenth. Jeong Jin (South Korea) 65 69 66 71; “I’ve been pro for two years and women, will take part in the Doha,” said Nicolas. Justin Walters (South Africa) 64 70 round fours shots off the lead, His victory was confirmed by a and, for the majority of it, people championship. The tournament “Sport is an important and 64 73 closed with a 66 for a 19-under slice of luck at the 15th. just think of me as Tiger Woods’ will be held in 13 categories. Every integral part of the activities car- 272 Andy Sullivan (Britain) 66 72 69 65; winning total. Coetzee’s drive was heading niece so now I have a game of my year the tournament is growing ried out by Intercontinental Doha Alvaro Quiros (Spain) 69 68 69 66; Three shots back and in a towards a stream when it hit a own and I have a title now, a win, in stature and in a few years time and we want to be part of the Thomas Aiken (South Africa) 70 65 share for second place were Justin tree and ricocheted back onto the 63 74; Matthew Baldwin (Britain) 68 which is exciting,” she said. it grow bigger and better,” said various activities carried by the Walters of South Africa (73) fairway. He then birdied the hole. 69 68 67 “It’s nice now to say to peo- Qatar Squash Federation (QSF) communities in Doha,” he added. Tyrrell Hatton of England (66) Three pars at the final three ple that I can play and I’m not Board Member, Mohammed Al Nicolas said he was amazed 273 Danie Van Tonder (South Africa) 65 72 and South Korean Jeong Jin (71). holes left him waiting on com- 69 67 just a name. Growing up with Khulaifi while addressing a press that Qatar has set one day aside Coetzee, who had finished in patriot Walters, who needed an the last name of Woods, there’s conference here yesterday. for sports. the top 10 on the European tour eagle on the 18th, but he ended a lot of expectations and pres- The six-day tournament is held “I have been worked in dif- on 24 previous occasions, said he up posting a bogey. Pebble Beach sure and spotlight on you but under the patronage of QSF and ferent countries for the last was “lost for words”. Coetzee, who received a win- I always knew that I was able sponsored by InterContinental 15 years, but I never found one “I’ve been waiting a while and ner’s cheque of 206,050 euros, is Pro-Am Scores to win. Doha and will end on February 17. country which has given one day I started doubting, so I am very the sixth South African to tri- 202 Jimmy Walker 66-69-67 “I always knew I’d be able to Technical Secretary of QSF, off for the entire population to do happy,” he said. umph in the eighth staging of the compete with these ladies so Gamal Rasmi, said the tourna- sport, which is a fantastic thing 208 Tim Wilkinson (NZL) 67-72-69, Hunter “I get to share this with my Joburg Open. now it’s kind of a weight off my ment will be held at two venues. and InterContinental Doha staff Mahan 68-68-72 family and friends and my caddy. The top three players automat- shoulders because now everybody “The preliminary rounds of will be joining the celebrations,’ “It was my mum’s birthday yes- ically earned qualification for the 209 Richard Lee 65-72-72 knows not just me.” Under-9, Under-11, Under-13, Nicolas said. terday and I wanted to win it for British Open, with the unlucky 210 Phil Mickelson 66-73-71, Blake The win earned her a two-year Under-15 and Under-17 will be Most of the top players from her because I forgot to get her a Hatton missing out to Jeong and Adams 69-69-72, Kevin Na 72-68- exemption into Ladies European held at the Khalifa International Qatar are taking part in the event present.” Walters, because of his lower 70, Ryan Palmer 72-66-72, Pat Perez Tour events. Tennis and Squash Complex which is sponsored by Sportwell The win also qualifies Coetzee world ranking. AFP 69-70-71, Jim Renner 65-73-72 AFP courts. The semi-final and the and Go Sport. final will held at InterContinental The tournament is open to all Doha. All other matches will start residents of Qatar. at InterContinental from day Last year, Abdulrahman Al Walker takes command at Pebble Beach one,” said Rasmi. Malki defeated Syed Azlan “With every passing year the Amjad to clinch the top place PEBBLE BEACH, United 20 minutes, play ended at sunset is why you play golf and work Richard Lee was fourth on 209 number of players taking part is in the Professional category. In States: American Jimmy with 12 golfers being forced to fin- hard to be in this position.” while four-time Pebble Beach increasing. so this year we had to the Men’s Level A final, Ahmed Walker, seeking his third US ish their third round on Sunday New Zealand’s Tim Wilkinson, champion Phil Mickelson in a add one more day to the schedule Noor overcame Umair Zaman to PGA title in eight starts this morning. the only non-US player in the top pack on 210. so it now a six day event. win the top spot. In the Men’s season, fired a four-under par Walker sank five birdies against 17, fired a 69 on the same layout to On a day when severe winds The tournament will be held in Level B, Abdel Wahab Al Ishaq 67 yesterday to seize a six- a lone bogey, his first of the event, share second with Hunter Mahan halted play for two hours and the following categories: Under- set aside the challenge of Sadam stroke lead at the Pebble Beach at Monterey Peninsula to stand on 208 at the $6.6m event played 20 minutes, play ended at sunset 9, Under-11, Under-13, Under-15, Mehawesh. Mayar El Saka topped National Pro-Am. on 13-under 202 after 54 holes. over three courses in the first with 12 golfers being forced to fin- Under-17, Men’s Level B, Men’s in the Ladies category while Hana On a day when severe winds “I’m excited to be here, to be in three rounds before today’s fin- ish their third round today morn- Level A, Men’s over 45, Ladies Alaa El Lethy came second. halted play for two hours and this position,” Walker said. “This ish at Pebble Beach. ing. REUTERS and Men’s Professional. THE PENINSULA Top shooters head to Doha for Qatar Open Shotgun DOHA: Salu Makela Nummela QATAR OPEN SHOTGUN QSAA Assistant Secretary- of Finland, gold medallist at the General Ali Al Kuwari said the 2012 London Olympic Games Feb 13: Official Training Skeet, Men timing of the championship leads a galaxy of Olympic and and Women makes it Qatar an ideal destina- world champions who will be Feb 14: Skeet for Women, 75 tion for the shooters to begin the seen in action at this year’s Targets new season. Qatar Open Shotgun, it was Skeet for Men, 50 Targets “The championship is taking announced here yesterday. Finals Skeet for Women place at that time of the year Nummela, winner in the Trap when Europe is in the grip of a Feb 15: Skeet for Men, 75 Targets women’s 75 targets category, winter, so the conditions are ideal Finals Skeet Men will be joined by another former for the shooters to train and par- Olympic champion Jessica Rossi Feb 16: Official Training: Double ticipate here.” of Italy, winner of the gold medal Trap The other top shooters who will at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Feb 17: Double Trap: 150 Targets be in action in the championship Games in the same category. Finals: Double Trap which begins on February 13 with Organisers of the event, Qatar the Skeet training are Hakan Shooting and Archery Association Feb 18: Official Training Trap for Men Dahlby of Sweden, Vasily Mosin (QSAA) officials informed that and Women of Russia, Danka Bartekova of shooters from 28 countries will Feb 19: Trap for Women: 75 Targets, Slovakia, Vitaly Fokeev of Russia, be taking part at the Qatar Open Trap for Men, 50 Targets Daniele Di Spigno of Italy, Albano this year. Finals: Trap for Women Pera of Italy, Tore Brovold of “Every year the number of Norway, Anthony Terras of Feb 20: Trap for Men, 75 Targets participants has been in creas- France, Massimo Fabbrizi of Italy Finals: Trap M ing. Last year we had some 155 and Giovanni Pellielo of Italy. shooters taking part, the number Venue: Lusail Shooting Complex Qatar’s challenge at the cham- has increased to 300 this year,” pionship will be lead by Nasser said QSAA Secretary-General Bartolomei. “This is the fourth Al Attiyah, bronze medallist at Abdulla Ali Al Hammadi, while year we are hosting the event and the 2012 London Games in Trap Qatar Shooting and Archery Association (QSAA) Secretary-General Abdulla Ali Al Hammadi (second left), speak- addressing a press conference at we are offering the highest prize event. ing during the press conference at Losail Shooting Complex yesterday. Also seen are Competition Director Losail Shooting Range yesterday. money for the Olympic events Nasser is part of the 55-mem- and Losail Shooting Club Manager, Antonella Bartolomei (second right), Referee’s Chief, Saud Al Qahtani (right) “Many former world champi- which are part of the Qatar Open ber Qatar squad which is taking and Board Member of QSAA, Fatima Salem Al Jassiman. PICTURE BY: SHAIVAL DALAL ons, current world champions and Shotgun schedule. Most of the part in the event. 13 Olympic Games medal winners European shooters will be begin- “Some of the junior shooters are taking part. The best shooters ning the new season with the will be taking part in the event, for some of our junior shooters,” Kazakhistan, Kuwait, Lebanon, and Board Member and Media will be here and the competition Qatar Open,” she added. although there is no junior cat- said Al Hammadi. Malta, Norway, Oman, Qatar, chief of Qatar Open in Shotgun will be tough. We are honoured Shooters from Oman, egory. It’s a golden opportunity for Shooters from Australia, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, Fatima Salem Al Jassiman were and proud to have so many top Azerbaijan, Kazakhistan, and the juniors to brush shoulder and Azerbaijan, Canada, Finland, Slovakia, Thailand, Turkey, UAE also present for the press briefing. shooters for this event,” said Italy are already in Doha for the compete side-by-side with some France, Great Britain, Georgia, and United States of America are The championship ends on Competition Director and Losail championship and other will fol- of the champion shooters. So this Greece, India, Indonesia, Islamic taking part in the championship. February 20. Shooting Club Manager Antonella low suit, she said. will be a nice learning experience Republic of Iran, Ireland, Italy, Referee’s Chief Saud Al Qahtani THE PENINSULA MONDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 33 Bale on target as Real go top Welshman compensates for the absence of suspended Ronaldo; Atletico lose

MADRID: Gareth Bale com- Atletico were dealt an early Bale’s contribution in Ronaldo’s Villarreal were back in the pensated for the absence of the blow as goalkeeper Thibaut absence. game three minutes before suspended Cristiano Ronaldo Courtois missed out due to injury “The absence of Cristiano gives half-time in spectacular style with a goal and an assist as Real and the Belgian’s absence was to more motivation to everyone. He as right-back Mario surged for- Madrid went top of La Liga prove vital as his deputy Daniel is an indispensible player so eve- ward to unleash an unstoppable Real Madrid’s with a 4-2 win over Villarreal, Aranzubia endured a nightmare ryone else has to work harder,” drive high into Diego Lopez’s top Welsh winger whilst Atletico Madrid lost 2-0 evening. After a keenly con- said the Italian. right-hand corner. Angel di Maria Gareth Bale at Almeria on Saturday night. tested first-half short on clear- “Bale played well, like the whole nearly restored Madrid’s two-goal (centre) cel- The Welshman took advantage cut chances, Atletico had started team did. It wasn’t an easy game, cushion just before the break with ebrates with of an error from Chechu Dorado the second period strong as Diego after the effort we made against a dipping effort Asenjo was forced his teammates to chip home the opener before Ribas flashed a shot just wide. Atletico on Wednesday it wasn’t to turn over, whilst Dani Carvajal after scoring setting up Karim Benzema to put However, disaster struck for easy to prepare for this match. also came close when he shot just the opening Madrid on the road to victory. Diego Simeone’s men 10 min- “He scored a good goal, made past the post 10 minutes after the goal during A wonder strike from Villarreal utes from time when Aranzubia the second goal and general level restart from another Bale pass. the Spanish right-back Mario Gaspar gave flapped at Verza’s overhit cross of his overall performance was Jese did finally get the third goal Primera Villarreal hope before half-time, and the ball flew into the far good.” for the hosts when he nudged the Division but the in-form Jese Rodriguez corner. Bale had missed Real’s previous ball past Asenjo with the outside made it 3-1 just after the hour Things got even worse for three games due to a calf injury, of his right foot for his fourth goal match against mark with a lovely deft finish. the former Deportivo la Coruna but he announced his return in in as many games from Di Maria’s Villarreal CF Giovani Dos Santos’ free-kick keeper six minutes later when style just seven minutes in as he through ball. at Santiago halved the deficit once more he was harshly adjudged to have robbed Dorado before dinking the Another stunning strike cut Bernabeu before Benzema’s second of the brought down Jonathan Zongo ball over Sergio Asenjo for his the deficit for Villarreal six min- Stadium in game sealed the points 15 minutes inside the area and was shown a 11th goal of the season. utes later when Dos Santos curled Madrid, Spain, from time. red card. The former Tottenham Hotspur home a free-kick from 25 yards. on Saturday Los Blancos are now ahead of Having made all three substitu- man turned provider 14 minutes However, Real definitively night. Atletico on goal difference after tions, midfielder Gabi had to go in later with a right-footed cross sewed the game up when a flowing they lost for just the second time goal and Verza converted from the that Benzema stabbed home at counter-attack involved Sergio in the league this season as two spot with ease. the near post. And he then tried Ramos, Jese and Benzema ended late goals from Verza handed rel- It was a far happier evening for his luck from distance moments with the Frenchman side-footing egation threatened Almeria an Real at the Santiago Bernabeu later, but his sweetly struck shot home his 15th goal of the season. unlikely win. and boss Carlo Ancelotti hailed was too close to Asenjo. AFP Lennon takes players to task as Celtic lose hold on Cup

GLASGOW: Celtic manager Neil the match. Hoops back in November and buoyed by sent a superb angled shot past Forster “We wanted to defend the cup - it’s in Lennon said there were no excuses for But the holders’ hopes of completing a their League Cup semi-final win over St in the 49th minute. The Dons held on our DNA as a club - and to go out so early his side’s shock 2-1 defeat to Aberdeen second successive league and cup double Johnstone last weekend. to book a place in the last eight as they in both competitions is hugely disappoint- in their fifth round Scottish Cup tie at ended as Aberdeen inflicted their first Adam Rooney diverted an Andrew joined Morton, who knocked Celtic out ing,” the Hoops boss said. Parkhead. domestic defeat since September. Considine header on to the bar before of the League Cup at the same venue in “I can factor in the League Cup as The Hoops have been almost unstop- Anthony Stokes fired Celtic into a Russell Anderson ended Forster’s run of September, as the only teams to have at the time we were in the Champions pable this season with ‘keeper Fraser ninth minute lead as he showed good con- 19 hours and 23 minutes without con- defeated the Hoops domestically this League and I made some changes for that Forster setting a new club record of 13 trol and skill to fire past Jamie Langfield. ceding a goal. Celtic then found them- season. Celtic manager Lennon couldn’t game, but there are no excuses for today clean sheets in a row as Neil Lennon’s However, the Dons arrived in Glasgow selves trailing in a game for the first time hide his disappointment at his side’s poor as that was a poor performance. side won 14 consecutive games going into as the last side to score against the since November 2 when Peter Pawlett performance. AFP Lille snap Qatargas Beach Soccer drought, Marseille boost action kicks off today Euro prospects

DOHA: Qatar Football of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), their families. It’s an opportunity PARIS: Champions League Association (QFA) and Qatargas our support to this tournament for the staff to enjoy their time hopefuls Lille snapped a five announced at a press conference and hosting employees of QFA away from work atmosphere and match winless run on Saturday yesterday that the 1st Qatargas and their families at the Qatargas strengthen their interpersonal night as they beat lowly Sochaux Beach Soccer Tournament is set winter camp stems from our cor- relations.” 2-0, while Marseille helped their to be held today and tomorrow. porate social responsibility initia- Abdullah Al Mohannadi, European prospects by easing Organised by Qatargas and tives to support sports and related Chairman of Futsal and Beach past Bastia 3-0 in Ligue 1. the Qatari football governing activities as well as our commit- Soccer Committee at QFA said: Eighteen-year-old Divock Origi body QFA, the first edition of the ment towards social development “We greatly thank Qatargas for stabbed home amidst a goalmouth Qatargas Beach Soccer tourna- in the local community. I extend their sponsorship of this tour- scramble after just three minutes ment is being held in Qatargas’ sincere thanks to QFA for pro- nament. The Futsal and Beach at the Stade Pierre Mauroy before winter camp in the sealine area, viding us the opportunity to par- Soccer Committee, Qatargas, Ryan Mendes added a second goal and will witness the participation ticipate effectively in the State of and QFA Marketing and in second-half stoppage time to of 12 local teams. Qatar’s efforts to host and sup- Communications Directorate strengthen Lille’s grip on third “Qatargas is very pleased port global sporting events.” he worked tirelessly to ensure the place. For Belgian youth interna- to support this tournament as added. tournament is organised to the tional Origi it was his first goal part of our ongoing collabora- Commenting on the occasion, highest of standards.” since the opening weekend of the tion with the QFA. This further Khalid Mubarak Al Kuwari, He added: “The champions of season, while Cape Verde striker strengthens our existing part- Director of Marketing and the tournament will receive cash Mendes rounded off a clinical nership with QFA as Qatargas Communications of QFA said: prize money of QR30,000, while counterattack to belatedly get his is currently the title sponsor of “There is no doubt that this new the runner up will be granted campaign up and running as Rene the Qatargas League. We also partnership with Qatargas is an QR20,000, and third place will Girard’s men moved three points sponsored the prize money for important milestone in QFA’s2021 receive QR15,000. Top Scorer, clear of Saint-Etienne. the top three teams at the 8th vision. This partnership consti- Best Goalkeeper, Best Coach, Earlier, Marseille gave their West Asian Football Federation tutes the strong relationship we Best Player, Most Promising European aspirations a timely Championship held recently in have with Qatargas which we are Player and Best Manager will also boost as they cruised to a 3-0 Doha. Qatargas looks forward to proud of. We intend to build on receive QR 15, 000 each. home win over Bastia. continuing its fruitful partner- this relationship by implement- Participating teams include Al Dimitri Payet struck twice in ship with QFA and support the ing many joint initiatives in the Gharafa, Al Shamal, Al Arabi, Al Argentinian forward of SSC Napoli Gonzalo Higuain (right) celebrates the first half before Andre-Pierre further development of football in future that would benefit the foot- Sadd, Al Rayyan, Al Ahli, Umm with team-mates after scoring against AC Milan during the Italian Serie Gignac added his 11th of the cam- Qatar,” Qatargas Public Relations ball sector in Qatar.” Slal, Al Wakrah, Al Khor, Al A match at San Paolo Stadium in Naples, Italy, on Saturday night. paign after the break to keep Manager Mansoor Rashid Al He added: “In conjunction with Shahaniya, Al Khraitiyat, and Marseille fifth, five points adrift Naimi, said. the tournament, QFA is organis- Qatargas. of Lille. With Marseille out of “As the world’s largest producer ing a family day for the staff and THE PENINSULA both domestic cup competitions, the league represents the only Napoli outclass AC avenue to European football next term for Jose Anigo’s side, who appear to be trending upwards after a third win in five. Milan in Serie A “We mastered our subject. We did what we needed to do by scor- ing very quickly and then killing MILAN: Gonzalo Higuain Taarabt scored a fine individual off the match with the second scored his 11th and 12th goals of effort seven minutes into his goal,” said Gignac afterwards. the season as Napoli outclassed debut. However a Gokhan Inler “We scored three goals with- AC Milan 3-1 at the San Paolo shot was deflected into Christian out conceding any, that’s the most to grab their first Serie A win in Abbiati’s net barely four minutes important thing. four games on Saturday night. later and as the Rossoneri failed “Since the end of December, Napoli succumbed 3-2 to Roma to fire the hosts turned on the we have scored an average of two in the first leg of the Italian Cup class to see Higuain strike in the goals per match. It’s good and semi-final in midweek and wel- 56th and 82nd minutes. today we also kept a clean sheet.” comed an apparently resurgent Napoli coach Rafael Benitez Successive victories had seen Milan side hoping to return to offered his praise to Higuain but Bastia looking to break into winning ways after two succes- told Sky Sport Italia: “I have to the top half of the table at the sive draws and a 3-0 defeat to compliment the whole side... of Stade Velodrome but the visi- Atalanta last week. course Higuain is a player that tors fell behind on 13 minutes However any fears that Milan can make the difference, but he as Payet exchanged passes with would cause an upset were still needs his teammates. Gignac before scuffing a shot dashed by a commanding home “It was a quality perform- that deceived goalkeeper Mickael performance which left striker ance from us and we had the Landreau. There was little the Mario Balotelli in tears after he right intensity.” Napoli’s 14th league’s record appearance maker Khalid Mubarak Al Kuwari, Director of Marketing and Communications of Qatar Football Association (QFA was replaced with 20 minutes win restored their three-point could do about Payet’s second speaking at the 1st Qatargas Beach Soccer Tournament press conference in Doha yesterday. Mansour Rashid remaining. Milan, unbeaten in lead over Fiorentina, who beat though as the winger curled in a Al Naimi, Qatargas Public Relations Manager and Abdullah Al Mohannadi, Chairman of Futsal and Beach three league games since Clarence Atalanta 2-0 earlier, although sumptuous long-range effort on Soccer Committee at QFA were also present at the press conference. Seedorf took the helm, stunned Rafael Benitez’s side are 12 points 25 minutes to take his season’s the hosts when Moroccan Adel behind leaders Juventus. AFP tally to seven. AFP MONDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2014 34 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Order Of Play in Doha Today CENTRE COURT In-form Li Na out to build starts at 3:30 pm S Peng (CHN) vs (Q) N Petrova (RUS) Not Before 5:30pm V Williams (USA) vs (Q) P Martic (CRO) on Melbourne success (Q) T Pironkova (BUL) vs (11) R Vinci (ITA) Not Before 8:00pm (Q) P Cetkovska (CZE) vs (14) The Australian Open winner is the top seed at this week’s Qatar Open S Stephens (USA) COURT 1 starts at 3:30pm DOHA: Li Na (pictured) looks “I really wasn’t prepared for M Barthel (GER) vs A Beck certain to build on last month’s that,” Li admits. “Now it’s differ- (GER) Australian Open triumph by ent because I really prepared to (Q) S Hsieh (TPE) vs F reaching a career-high world win this Grand Slam. Pennetta (ITA) number two next week - and “This time I was thinking about V Lepchenko (USA)/A Panova could go on to become Serena if I win or if I lose, what kind of (RUS) vs (WC) J Jankovic Williams’ nearest rival. life I will have, so for sure it’s dif- (SRB)/A Kleybanova (RUS) The Chinese player is the unex- ferent than last time.” pected top seed at the Qatar Open For a while now Li has appeared V Dushevina (RUS)/A Parra Santonja (ESP) vs starting here today, after a foot better organised, more focussed, (PR) I Buryachok (UKR)/V inflammation caused Victoria and more confident, and she has Diatchenko (RUS) Azarenka’s withdrawal and a per- given much of the credit for this COURT 2 starts at 3:30pm sistently troublesome back forced to her coach Carlos Rodriguez, Williams to pull out too. with whom she began working in (WC) F Al Nabhani (OMA)/M It means that Azarenka, the 2012. Honcova (SVK) vs K Pliskova current world number two, will “Carlos has a lot of experience (CZE)/K Pliskova (CZE) lose all the 900 ranking points because before me he was coach- she gained after ing Justine Henin beating Williams (seven times Murray in last year’s a Grand Slam remarkable winner),” said Li. final, and that “We have talked makes late Li needs a mere about what we nine points to should do next, climb above the of course.” entry into Belarussian. She could A more debat- have a quarter- Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic arrives at the Doha International Rotterdam able issue is final with Ana Airport yesterday. Seeded third, Kvitova is one of eight players to get whether Li can Ivanovic, the a bye in the first round of this week’s $2.5m Qatar Open. Kvitova is ROTTERDAM, maintain the former world the 2011 Wimbledon champion. NETHERLANDS: Andy improvements number one from Murray will try and carry his which have Serbia who upset winning Davis Cup momentum brought her Serena Williams into the ATP winter indoor sea- best sequence at the Australian Russia’s Petrova Russia’s Nadia son when he plays as second of success at an Open, although Petrova is seed at the Rotterdam World age when many the biggest threat in contention for seen with the Tennis starting today. players start to to Li appears Diamond Ball The number eight Scot, who led decline. to be Agnieszka Diamond Ball trophy trophy in this file Britain past the United States for Despite being Radwanska, photo taken in a Davis Cup quarter-final place a 32 this month Li continues to the thoughtfully skilful former DOHA: Russia’s Nadia Petrova has Doha. week ago, will be seeded to face combine an ability to peak well Wimbledon finalist from Poland. qualified for the main draw of the holder Juan Martin del Potro, with an enduring physical resil- Radwanska ended Azarenka’s Qatar Total Open and is in conten- after the top seed got a medical ience and an impressive capacity Australian Open defence last tion to win the Diamond Ball trophy OK to play from his doctors. for striking the ball flat and hard. month before falling in the semi- which is given to a player who wins The ATP number four won the Even though Williams has final, but now is seeded to go all the event three times. trophy in 2013 after losing the almost twice as many ranking the way to a final with Li. Petrova won the Qatar Total Open 2012 final to Roger Federer. points as Li, the woman from She has a potential quarter- title twice in the same year, in two dif- Del Potro, a second-round loser Wuhan may create significant final with Caroline Wozniacki, the ferent cities. at the Australian Open, travelled momentum if she captures former world number one from In 2006, Petrova won the Doha to the US to see wrist specialists another title in her first outing Denmark. event by defeating France’s Amelie after he began having pain. since her Melbourne miracle. Another former world number Mauresmo 6-3, 7-5 in the final. Despite a confident face from Much may depend on how one, Jelena Jankovic, should face Three months later, Petrova played tournament director Richard Li has handled the Australian Radwanska’s Melbourne con- in the Berlin tournament – also the Krajicek about the appearance of euphoria and the subsequent queror, Dominika Cibulkova, in Qatar Total Open (which was owned the South American draw card, return to earth. She claims she is last 16, while Petra Kvitova, the by the Qatar Tennis Federation) – and Del Potro’s presence was only better prepared for dealing with a former Wimbledon champion who won the title with her 4-6, 6-4, 7-5 win completely assured by a medical Grand Slam aftermath this time is seeded for a semi-final with Li, over Justine Henin of Belgium. statement from his camp. than after winning the French could also have a say in the des- The $2.5m Qatar Open starts today. “The wrist (recovery) evolved Open in 2011. tination of the title. AFP THE PENINSULA according to Doctor Richard Berger’s forecast. After a gradual return to full practice, Del Potro The Doubles Draw What’s at stake in Doha this week Australia storm into Fed Cup can confirm his participation at Qatar Open % There’s plenty at stake for the Doha field this week: The winner in the Rotterdam tournament DOHA: Here’s the first-round in Doha not only pockets a whopping $441,000 as the top prize semis with Russia win where he will defend the title,” draw of the women’s doubles but also collects 900 points in the rankings race on the WTA the statement read. event at this week’s $2.5m Tour. HOBART: Australia stormed into the Fed Cup semi-finals yester- The 2009 US Open winner has Qatar Open which begins % The losing finalist will get richer by $220,200 and gets 620 points day for the first time in 21 years with a commanding 4-0 perform- been bothered over the years by today. while the losing semi-finalists each take home $110,100 in cash ance led by two Samantha Stosur wins and a comprehensive doubles problems in both of his wrists and First Round prize and 395 points. display. underwent surgery on his right (1) S Errani (ITA) / R Vinci % The four players who exit at the quarter-finals stage get $50,700 Stosur, the world number 16 and 2011 US Open champion, saw off one four years ago. (ITA) d Bye and 225 points each. 158-ranked teenager Victoria Kan in exactly an hour, with a straight Del Potro opens at the Ahoy J Husarova (SVK) / A sets 6-2, 6-3 win over the 18-year-old Fed Cup debutante to secure an stadium against Frenchman Gael Rosolska (POL) vs L Raymond unassailable 3-0 lead over Russia. Monfils, while Murray begins (USA) / S Zhang (CHN) BELOW: : “I’m very, very happy. She (Kan) can do a lot of different things, she his campaign with a first-round V Lepchenko (USA) / A Doha-bound Stosur wins Australian does everything nicely and when she gets older and a little bit more match against Edouard Roger- Panova (RUS) vs (WC) team players strong I’m sure that will all come together,” said Stosur. Vasselin of France with the Scot J Jankovic (SRB) / A “We’re still in it, so we have a chance to win it,” she added of the owning a 2-0 record in the series. Kleybanova (RUS) Australia’s (from left) Storm Fed Cup. Murray took up a late wild card M Barthel (GER) / M Samantha Stosur returns the ball to Sanders, Ashleigh Barty and Casey Dellacqua sealed a clean sweep of the offer and his presence will go a Moulton-Levy (USA) vs (6) R Russians with an emphatic 6-1, 6-3 doubles win over Irina Khromacheva long way towards easing the injury Kops-Jones (USA) / A Spears Russia’s Victoria Casey and Valeria Solovyeva. withdrawal of Australian Open (USA) Kan during their Dellacqua, Dellacqua said she and Barty had both had a “great week”. champion Stanislas Wawrinka of (3) K Peschke (CZE) / K 2014 Fed Cup Ashleigh Srebotnik (SLO) d Bye “We are going to play a lot together. Last year she was only a baby, Switzerland, who is missing with World Group first Barty, but she’s 18 soon, she’s becoming an adult and we’re going to play a lot a thigh injury. K Barrois (GER) / L Thorpe round tie yesterday. Samantha together and hopefully continue to improve on what we did last year.” World number 11 Milos Raonic (FRA) vs C Garcia (FRA) / O Stosur, the 2011 US Stosur and Kalashnikova (GEO) Australia last made the Fed Cup semi finals in 1993, and they haven’t of Canada withdrew with the Open champion, Alicia Molik beaten Russia since 1983. ankle injury which has plagued D Jurak (CRO) / A Klepac celebrate (SLO) vs (WC) K Flipkens will feature in this They will meet either Germany or the Slovak Republic, with the him since Melbourne and has now (BEL) / F Schiavone (ITA) week’s Qatar Open. their wins Germans currently holding a 2-0 advantage in their tie in Bratislava. forced him from Davis Cup and A Kudryavtseva (RUS) / during the Australia team captain Alicia Molik was delighted with the result. ATP dates in Montpellier and A Rodionova (AUS) vs (5) 2014 Fed Cup “The Fed Cup is always a week to get the best out of each other. The Rotterdam. A Hlavackova (CZE) / L World Group support the players give each other has been fantastic this week and The event features five top 10 Safarova (CZE) first round I want the girls to continue like this for the rest of the year,” she said. players: Del Potro, Murray, Tomas (7) A Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) tie between Australia went into yesterday with a commanding 2-0 lead after Berdych, Richard Gasquet and / N Petrova (RUS) vs (WC) Australia and Dellacqua downed Irina Khromacheva, the only one of the four Russians Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Y Beygelzimer (UKR) / O who has competed in the world team event before, in straight sets. Murray won the Dutch title Savchuk (UKR) Russia at the Domain Stosur then dispatched little-known 16-year-old Veronika in 2009 over Rafael Nadal. He is M Erakovic (NZL) / P Martic Tennis Centre Kudermetova, ranked 650th in the world, 6-4, 6-0. playing here for the fourth time (CRO) vs A Groenefeld (GER) She had been due to meet Khromacheva yesterday, but Russia after first-round losses in 2008 / M Lucic-Baroni (CRO) in Hobart. reshuffled its line-up to send and 2011. (WC) F Al Nabhani (OMA) top-ranked Kan in against the “For the past week I’ve been in / M Honcova (SVK) vs K dominant Australian. contact with Murray’s manage- Pliskova (CZE) / K Pliskova (CZE) Russia, last year’s losing ment,” said Krajicek, the 1996 finalists, are without their Wimbledon champion. (4) C Black (ZIM) / S Mirza (IND) d Bye big names for the clash at “Because he had no tourna- the Domain Tennis Centre in ment in the schedule between the (8) K Mladenovic (FRA) / F Pennetta (ITA) vs M Niculescu Hobart, missing their 13 top Australian Open and Acapulco (ROU) / K Zakopalova (CZE) players. (February 24) it seemed like H Chan (TPE) / L Huber Maria Sharapova is cur- a good idea that he come to (USA) vs S Klemenschits rently in Sochi for the Winter Rotterdam.” (AUT) / I Olaru (ROU) Olympics and the new cap- German Tommy Haas, the V Dushevina (RUS) / A Parra tain, former world number two number 12, takes the sixth seed- Santonja (ESP) vs I Buryachok Anastasia Myskina, opted for ing ahead of Mikhail Youzhny (UKR) / V Diatchenko (RUS) four almost unknown players, and Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, (2) S Hsieh (TPE) / S Peng the highest-ranked of whom a semi-finalist against Del Potro (CHN) d Bye was Kan. a year ago. REUTERS MONDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 35 Italian Modolo The starting pack on day one of Tour of wins Palma Qatar takes a bend after Trophy exiting Al Wakrah Beach MADRID: Lampre-Merida’s yesterday. Italian rider Sacha Modolo The riders claimed victory in the Palma finished the Trophy on the first day of the four-stage series of races in 135.5km stage the Mallorca challenge event in Dukhan yesterday. yesterday After 10 laps of a 11.6km route PICTURES: SYED around the Island’s capital, OMAR Modolo was followed home by Belgian Jens Debusschere (Lotto Belisol) and Holland’s Dylan Groenewegen (De Rijke) in sec- ond and third respectively. Sky’s Bradley Wiggins didn’t take part yesterday, but the 2012 Tour de France winner is expected to get his season under- way in the Campos Trophy today. OPQ riders draw first blood REUTERS Palma Results MADRID: Results from the Palma Trophy, a 116km ride around Palma, Mallorca as Terpstra wins stage one yesterday: 1. Sacha Modolo (ITA/Lampre Merida) 2h 22min 12secs 2. Jens Debusschere (BEL/Lotto Tour of Qatar: Dutch rider impresses in opening stage of six-day race Belisol) same time. 3. Dylan Groenewegen (NED/ De Rijke) s.t. DOHA: Niki Terpstra yes- LEFT: Dutch rider Niki Terpstra of Omega Pharma 4. Gianni Meersman (BEL/ terday helped top side Omega Quick Step crosses the finish line in Dukhan Pharma Quick-Step (OPQ) Omega Pharma-Quick-Step) yesterday. Terpstra won the first stage of Tour s.t. draw first blood as the Dutch of Qatar ahead of Belgium’s Jurgen Roelandts rider clinched the first stage at of Lotto-Belisol and Swiss rider Michael Schar 5. Adrien Petit (FRA/Cofidis) Tour of Qatar with a convincing of BMC. BELOW: Football coach of Qatar Stars s.t. finish in Dukhan. 6. Jon Aberasturi (ESP/ Terpstra topped the 135.5km League (QSL) side Lekhwiya Eric Gerets joins Euskadi) s.t. stage ahead of Belgium’s Jurgen stage winner and yellow jersey owner Terpstra. Roelandts and Switzerland’s Sheikh Khalid bin Ali Al Thani, President of Qatar 7. Michael Matthews (AUS/ Michael Schar in a time of 3 Cycling Federation (QCF) was also present. Orica GreenEdge) s.t. hours 13 minutes and 42 seconds. The second stage will start today at 8. Andrea Peron (ITA/Novo Four-time Qatar champion Nordisk) s.t. Tom Boonen, also of OPQ, was Camel Race Track in Al Shahaniya and sixth fastest on a day when howl- 9. Davide Vigano (ITA/Caja ends in Al Khor Corniche after the riders Rural) s.t. ing winds greeted the riders at complete a distance of 160.5kms. the start in Al Wakra Beach. 10. Yoeri Havik (NED/De Rijke) Boonen, who has won 20 s.t. stages in Qatar, finished behind Swiss pair of Martin Elmiger and Guillaume Van Keirsbulck (OPQ). Tour of Qatar Dutch rider Barry Markus, Frenchman Arnaud Demare, of Qatar by the sea in Al Wakra. Eventually, the different groups Results Belgium’s Michael Van Staeyen A total of 152 riders took off at bunched up together again at the DUKHAN BEACH: Results and Germany’s Marcel Sieberg 1:06pm for a 135.5-kilometre ride 95-km mark. Another decisive from first stage of the Tour of completed the group of top-10 all the way to Dukhan beach on move occurred just before the Qatar cycling race yesterday, riders yesterday. the west coast of Qatar. second bonus sprint (Umm Bab, the 135.5kms ride on Dukhan “In the end, I still had enough The pace was impressively fast km 107.5) when Terpstra took off Beach: energy to do the sprint and it straight from the start (over on his own. worked out well,” Terpstra said 70km/h). He went on to win that sprint Stage: after picking up the golden jersey. Lieeuwe Westra (AST) was with a five-second lead over 1. Niki Terpstra (NED/Omega “I’m just really happy that the first to manage a significant Roelandts and Schar (BMC). Pharma) 3hr 13min 42sec, 2. Guillaume Van Keirsbulck was break at the 9-km mark, enjoying These three men continued Jurgen Roelandts (BEL) at in the front group with me. He a 20-second lead but he was soon their efforts and were joined by 1sec, 3. Michael Schär (SUI) rode really hard and gave me gobbled up by the chasing pack at Guillaume Van Kersbulck (OPQ) 1, 4. Martin Elmiger (SUI) 1, some motivation.” the 18-km mark. and Martin Elmiger (IAM), 5. Guillaume Van Keirsbulck Like a year ago, in Dukhan, The first intermediate sprint already a key actor of last year’s (BEL) 7, 6. Tom Boonen (BEL) when Brent Bookwalter cap- (Mesaieed, 20-km mark) was final breakaway on stage one. 7, 7. Barry Markus (NED) 7, tured the first stage, clear from claimed by Terpstra ahead of The front five riders had a 8. Arnaud Demare (FRA) 7, 9. the pack of sprinters, Terpstra Alexander Kristoff (KAT) and 25-second lead with 25 kilometres Michael Van Staeyen (BEL) 7, made the best of his breakaway Sam Bennett (TNE) while the to go and that advantage grew to 10. Marcel Sieberg (GER) 7. to clinch his first win. pack remained bunched together. 32-second in the last 5kms. Overall: With just under 30kms to Under the influence of the Despite strong efforts from the go, the Dutchman from Omega crosswind and while some of sprinting teams but not Omega 1. Niki Terpstra (NED/Omega Pharma Quick-Step who had been the big guns of the Tour pushed Pharma-Quickstep, the escapees Pharma) 3hr 13min 26sec, 2. extremely active all along the day, harder on their pedals, the pack at the front kept a decent enough Jurgen Roelandts (BEL) at 9sec, managed to break away, taking broke up into several groups after lead to consider stage victory on 3. Michael Schär (SUI) 12, 4. with him four other men. the 32-km mark. the last straight along Dukhan Martin Elmiger (SUI) 17, 5. Sam He eventually out-sprinted his A total of 21 riders managed Beach. Bennet (IRL) 22, 6. Guillaume rivals. to break away including Boonen, Ever present all along the day, Van Keirsbulck (BEL) 23, 7. After rain showers hit Qatar Fabian Cancellara (TFR), Andre Terpstra powered to the line Tom Boonen (BEL) 23, 8. Barry during the morning, the skies Greipel (LTB) and Philippe to win his first individual stage the overall leader’s golden jersey Bennett (TNE) claimed the Markus (NED) 23, 9. Arnaud miraculously cleared for the start Gilbert (BMC). They caught the in Qatar. Thanks to his 12th as well as the leadership in the ‘Pearl white jersey’ for the best Demare (FRA) 23, 10. Michael of the first stage of the men’s Tour front five at the 59-km mark. career win, Terpstra captured points’ classification. young rider. THE PENINSULA Van Staeyen (BEL) 23.

Tennis: Monfils triumphs in Montpellier for a second time

MONTPELLIER, FRANCE: Gael Monfils won his second Open Sud ATP event, beating his fellow Frenchman Richard Gasquet in straight sets in yesterday’s final. Monfils, who won the event in Montpellier for the first time in 2010 and was a losing finalist in 2012, overpowered the defending champion Gasquet 6-4, 6-4. It was the fifth title of Monfils’s career. The strong-serving 27-year-old dominated throughout. Monfils did not face a break point in the entire game, hit nine aces to zero and twice as many as winners -- 34 to 17 -- as his opponent. The win also maintains his good start to the season, as he looks to reignite a career blighted by injury. Monfils took the first set in 32 minutes, breaking Gasquet in the seventh game and then held his serve to go one up. The second set followed a similar pattern to the first with Monfils breaking this time in the ninth game, having squandered three break points in the first. Monfils, currently ranked 30th in the world from a career high of seventh, took time to thank “medical staff” for his victory. “Basically, I did not think I was going to play in this tournament and it is strange that I have ended up the winner,” said the Parisian. Gasquet, who hails from the town of Beziers close to Montpellier, is the current French number one and has Spain’s Sergi Bruguera as his new coach, said he could not put his opponent under any pressure. Serbia’s Jelena Jankovic (left) and India’s Sania Mirza are seen during their training “Obviously I am disappointed to have lost but Gael played well.” sessions at Khalifa Tennis Complex in Doha yesterday. PICTURES: SALIM MATRAMKOT Monfils and Gasquet, the current world number nine, have now met ten times with Monfils winning on six occasions. REUTERS Monday 10 February 2014 10 Rabial II 1435 Volume 18 Number 5971 Sport Price: QR2

India set to Dutch rider return to impresses in Olympic fold opening stage

Sport | 31 Sport | 35

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 New Zealand win in a thriller Neil Wagner strikes blows as hosts beat India by 40 runs in first Test

AUCKLAND: Neil Wagner On a riveting fourth day of the on New Zealand. But the gamble was the toast of New Zealand David and Goliath clash between did not pay off. Boult ended their yesterday as they pulled off a the eighth-ranked New Zealand slogfest by sending Jadeja packing dramatic 40-run win in the first and second-ranked India, the for a rapid 26 off 21 deliveries. Test against India at Eden Park. outcome was settled in the final “We got quite a few runs but Wagner, New Zealand’s go-to session when India lost their last we needed maybe 20 runs more man, twice turned the game with five wickets for 98 runs. and then we could have changed quick wickets to wrest control Wagner made the crucial gears,” Dhoni said. away from India in a match that breakthroughs, earning high “Maybe that was one shot too see-sawed throughout. praise from captain Brendon many but we got close to the tar- New Zealand, with innings of McCullum whose own double- get because of that period.” 503 and 105, had set India (first century provided the backbone Zaheer Khan joined Dhoni in a innings 202) a winning target of of New Zealand’s huge first 25-run stand, forcing McCullum 407 and had them all out for 366. innings. to spell his senior bowler Southee “Neil Wagner, in particular, was and go back to Wagner. He Scoreboard the standout for me today. He instantly broke the partnership epitomised everything we want to reduce India to 349-8. New Zealand (I innings): ...... 503 to be known for as a team and he With Dhoni left to try to get his India (I innings): ...... 202 did it in a clutch moment as well,” side home Wagner struck again, New Zealand (II innings): ...... 105 McCullum said. bowling the Indian captain for India (II innings): “I can’t talk highly enough of 39. Boult ended the innings when M Vijay c Watling b Southee ...... 13 him. Obviously Trent (Boult) and Ishant Sharma was caught behind S Dhawan c Watling b Wagner ...... 115 Tim (Southee) are our spear- for four. C Pujara c Watling b Southee ...... 23 heads but Neil Wagner is such an The dismissal gave B J Watling V Kohli c Watling b Wagner ...... 67 important piece of the puzzle for his sixth catch of the innings, R Sharma c Watling b Southee ...... 19 us.” At tea on Sunday, with four a world record fourth innings A Rahane lbw Boult ...... 18 sessions remaining, India needed performance by a wicketkeeper. M Dhoni b Wagner ...... 39 137 to win while New Zealand He equalled McCullum’s New R Jadeja c Sodhi b Boult ...... 26 needed five wickets. Zealand record of nine for the Z Khan c Taylor b Wagner ...... 17 As the target narrowed and match. Wagner ended the innings I Sharma c Watling b Boult ...... 4 wickets fell, rival skippers with four for 62 while Southee M Shami (not out) ...... 0 McCullum and Mahendra Singh and Boult took three apiece. Extras (B-12, LB-7, W-2, NB-4) ...... 25 Dhoni were forced to rethink Earlier, India were cruising Total (all out) ...... 366 their strategies. at lunch after resuming on 87-1 New Zealand’s Neil Wagner celebrates the wicket of India’s Zaheer Khan during day four of first cricket Test Fall of wickets: 1-36, 2-96, 3-222, 4-248, When the first over after tea and getting through the morn- match at Eden Park in Auckland yesterday. 5-268, 6-270, 7-324, 8-349, 9-362. saw the removal of Rohit Sharma ing session for the loss of only Bowling: Boult 23.3-2-86-3 (2nb), Southee for 19, India opted to go on all-out Cheteshwar Pujara (23) to be 23-4-81-3, Wagner 25-8-62-4 (2nb), Ander- attack. 180-2. Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli remove the opener for 115. with the first delivery of the new son 7-1-22-0 (2w), Sodhi 15-2-78-0, Wil- Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja New Zealand regained control who had eased their way to 222-2. New Zealand were fortunate ball in the last over before tea. liamson 3-0-18-0. belted 54 in under seven overs in after lunch when Wagner pro- He had Kohli caught low down to claim their third wicket of Replays showed the in-swinger Result: New Zealand by 40 runs. what Dhoni described as deliber- duced his first magic spell, toil- by wicketkeeper Watling for 67 the session when Boult rapped hit the bat first. ate “risky cricket” to put pressure ing with the old ball to remove before nicking Dhawan’s glove to Ajinkya Rahane (18) on the pads AFP

New Pakistan Fulham restrict Manchester United coach will not

LONDON: Darren Bent scored into the air and Bent nodded in be foreigner a dramatic 94th-minute equal- the rebound to earn Fulham a iser as the Premier League’s vital point. KARACHI: The Pakistan bottom club Fulham under- The draw left United nine Cricket Board has ruled out mined Manchester United’s points adrift of Liverpool, who appointing a foreign coach for Champions League hopes in occupy the fourth and final the national team. a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford Champions League place, while Former test captains Intikhab yesterday. Fulham inched to within four Alam and Wasim Akram, who are Fulham had taken a shock lead points of safety at the foot of the on the four-member committee through Steve Sidwell in the 19th table. Fulham manager Rene formed to evaluate and recom- minute, but quick-fire goals from Meulensteen, a former United mend the new coaching team, said Robin van Persie and Michael coach, had seen his side elimi- none of the shortlisted candidates Carrick in the final 12 minutes nated by third-tier Sheffield were foreigners. appeared to have set United on United in the FA Cup in mid- “We received a total of 25 appli- course for victory. week, but after weathering early cations and after evaluation we There was one final twist in the pressure, his side took a shock have shortlisted some candidates tale, however, as deep into stop- lead. and none are foreigners,” Alam page time David de Gea could only As Fulham attacked down told a news conference in Lahore push a Kieran Richardson shot the left, Sidwell drifted into the yesterday. The PCB is due to box undetected and when Lewis appoint a new head coach, bat- Holtby picked him out with a ting coach and fielding coach for English Premier lofted pass, the former Chelsea the national side today. midfielder slid in to tuck a side- Australian Dav Whatmore did League Results foot volley past De Gea. not extend his two-year contract Manchester United 2 (Van Persie 78, Carrick United were not slow to this month and fielding coach 80) Fulham 2 (Sidwell 19, Bent 90+4) react, Van Persie, Ashley Young Julian Fountain also left. Tottenham Hotspur 1 and Carrick going close, but Former captains Waqar Younis (Adebayor 65) Everton 0 Richardson should have doubled and Moin Khan are among the Played Saturday: Fulham’s lead in the 37th minute Manchester United’s English midfielder Michael Carrick (right) shoots to score their second goal during their favourites to get the top coaching when he shot over with only De English Premier League football match against Fulham at Old Trafford in Manchester yesterday. job. Moin Khan, who was recently Aston Villa 0 West Ham United 2 (Nolan Gea to beat. United resumed sacked as the manager of the 46, 48) control, with Fulham goalkeeper national side, has emerged as a Chelsea 3 (Hazard 27, 34, 63-pen) Maarten Stekelenburg saving Carrick beat Stekelenburg with Adebayor settled the game in the goal well. We are delighted with strong candidate to be appointed Newcastle United 0 from Carrick and Nemanja Vidic a deflected shot from the edge of 65th minute, chesting down a the result. Yes, the performance head coach. Crystal Palace 3 (Ince 15, Ledley 27, before producing a stunning reflex the box. quick free-kick from Kyle Walker can be better, but it’s about char- According to PCB sources, Chamakh 69-pen) West Bromwich Albion 1 stop to thwart Wayne Rooney Moyes celebrated with scarcely and resisting the attentions of acter and grinding it out.” Akram has recommended Moin’s (Thievy 46) early in the second half. disguised relief, but in the penul- Seamus Coleman before drilling a Sherwood’s side now trail name to the board to appoint him Liverpool 5 (Skrtel 1, 10, Sterling 16, 52, United manager David Moyes timate minute of stoppage time low shot past Everton goalkeeper fourth-place Liverpool by three as head coach for the upcoming Sturridge 20) Arsenal 1 (Arteta 69-pen) introduced Adnan Januzaj, Bent scored to complete another Tim Howard. points, with Everton two points Asia Cup and World T20 Cup in Norwich 0 Manchester City 0 Antonio Valencia and Javier day of despair for the champions. “Our game plan was to put back in sixth place. Bangladesh. “Akram is a strong Southampton 2 (Lambert 6, Davis 41) Stoke Hernandez as United laid siege to United now find themselves pressure on high up the field and “In football, you want to be supporter of Moin but wants the City 2 (Odemwingie 38, Crouch 44) the visitors’ goal and the pressure six points behind fifth-place we didn’t do that in the first half, perfect,” said Everton manager Board to only appoint him for a finally told in the 78th minute Tottenham Hotspur, who stole but second half we adjusted and Roberto Martinez. four month period since there Sunderland 0 Hull City 2 when Van Persie tucked in a vol- a march on Everton with a 1-0 had the ascendency and they “We switched off on a free kick is no international commit- (Long 16, Jelavic 62) leyed cross from Juan Mata. victory over their Champions didn’t open us up once,” said half-way inside our half and that ment of the Pakistan team until Swansea City 3 (Routledge 47, Dyer 79, Less than two minutes later League qualification rivals at Spurs manager Tim Sherwood. should never end up in the back next October,” the source said. Bony 85) Cardiff 0 the turnaround was complete as White Hart Lane. Emmanuel “Emmanuel Adebayor took his of the net.” AFP AGENCIES