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Monday 31 December 2012 18 Safar 1434 - Volume 17 Number 5565 Price: QR2

Qatar’s GDP Gasquet grows by targets 3.9 percent Doha final

Business | 17 Sport | 27

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Ibrahimovic joins PSG training in Doha Egypt court to Rent contracts rule on legality of Upper House major hurdle CAIRO: Egypt’s highest court is to examine the legiti- macy of the upper house of parliament, a case likely to increase the legal uncertainty for family visas of the country’s political tran- sition and leave it without a legislature. The Supreme Constitutional Municipality attestation mandatory Court has already forced the lower house to dissolve under DOHA: An increasing number salary of QR10,000 to be eligible a June ruling that said an elec- of expatriates eligible to apply for a family visa get independent toral law used to elect both for a family visa say the biggest accommodation. chambers - and which resulted hurdle they face is producing a Rents of independent residen- in an Islamist dominated par- municipality-attested copy of tial units normally begin from liament - was unfair. their house rent contract. QR4,500, and have of late been At its first session yester- The above document is hard to going up, so most such expatriates day since going on strike over get, say expatriates, explaining prefer to stay in sublet accom- President Mohammed Mursi’s that a rent contract must first modation in large apartments or decision to expand his powers, be registered with the munici- partitioned villas. the court set January 15 as the pality of the area concerned for “How do we get separate hous- date for the first hearing. it to be attested. ing if our gross monthly pay It will also examine the legiti- And for the registration, the packet is just QR10,000 or even macy of the Islamist-dominated landlord of the rented house QR11,000?,” asks an expatriate assembly that wrote the consti- must approach the municipality who yesterday collected a list of tution that Mursi fast-tracked with ownership documents and, documents to be produced with Paris Saint-Germain’s Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic (third right) has his photo taken by a fan after a to approval at a referendum on top of it, pay at least one per his residency visa application for training session at the Aspire Academy of Sports Excellence, in Doha yesterday. PSG will play a friendly this month. See also page 7 cent of the annual rent as reg- his wife and one child. soccer match against Lekhwiya on Wednesday. istration fee. He said he lived in a small The Ministry of Municipality unit carved out of a big villa in and Urban Planning says a rent Abu Hamour and paid a rent contract that is not registered of QR2,800. “My salary is just with a municipality is not to be QR10,000, so I can hardly afford attested at any cost. “Surely, we to take an independent apart- don’t attest a rent agreement if it ment on rent. That would cost Ministry to ease norms for hiring single women is not registered with a munici- me half my salary,” said the pality,” confirmed a senior minis- expatriate. DOHA: The Ministry of at ensuring their safety and agencies, the minister said the owner of a manpower agency try official. Subletting homes is illegal, Labour has set up a task force betterment. he would soon remove this was heading a committee that “A registered rent agreement is said Al Fuhaid, adding that the to study the job market and The task force, he said, was discrepancy. is part of the ministry and is in a legal document, and only then ministry can initiate legal action recommend measures to ease studying loopholes in the pro- The ministry, he said, had charge of manpower agencies, and can we attest it,” Mohamed Al against violators if there are spe- visa procedures for young sin- cedures for issuing work visas asked manpower agencies to this allowed him to manipulate Fuhaid, assistant legal advisor at cific complaints or suspicions. So gle women. to women and it would give its explore bringing in maids from things to his benefit. the ministry, told The Peninsula the question of municipal attesta- Although procedures to issue recommendations. several newly-opened markets. The minister simply replied yesterday. tion doesn’t arise for such tenants. visas to single foreign women are The minister also hinted that Talking about work visas issued that all manpower agencies An attested rent contract is Such attestation is normally already in place, they could be men working in outlets that cater to companies so that they can hire were registered with the Qatar one of the 11 documents the immi- required for Qatari government simplified on the recommenda- exclusively to women, like lingerie foreign workers, Al Humaidi said Chamber, the representative body gration department demands employees living in rented accom- tions of the above task force. shops, would be replaced as more less than one percent, or about of the private sector, and they had from an expatriate applying for modation so they can claim a The Acting Minister for and more visas are issued to sin- 500 private companies out of appointed the said person as head residency visas for his wife and housing allowance, said Al Fuhaid. Labour and Minister for gle foreign women. about 80,000, were having prob- of the committee. children. Or, one needs an attested rent Social Affairs, H E Nasser When told that Qatari man- lems in getting work visas. He, however, added that the However, due to rising house contract when taking a dispute bin Abdullah Al Humaidi, told power agencies were allowed to A team from the Ministry of labour ministry took decisions rents and a shortage of afford- with a tenant or landlord to local Arabic daily Al Watan in deal with only two recruitment Labour is visiting these compa- that affect manpower agencies able residential units, not many a civic rent dispute resolution an interview yesterday that agencies in the Philippines, but nies to find out their problems after meeting representatives expatriates in middle-income committee. restrictions on hiring young Filipino agencies were free to and solve them immediately. from all manpower agencies. jobs who have the minimum THE PENINSULA single women were aimed deal with all Qatari manpower The daily told the minister that THE PENINSULA

Recep, Tayyip and Erdogan Cairo daily Egyptians amass dollars criticises before travelling home DOHA: There is a sudden expatriates in Qatar, accord- surge in demand for dollar ing to sources at the Egyptian Qaradawi bills from Egyptians travel- embassy here. ling home as the Egyptian More and more Egyptians DOHA: Egypt’s famed Arabic pound hit a record low to 6.24 traveling home on vacation have daily Al Ahram has attacked against the greenback yester- been carrying dollar bills with Doha-based eminent Islamic day, making the black market them, with foreign exchange scholar Dr Yusuf Al Qaradawi. active back home where one market sources confirming that Abdula Nasser Salama, Al dollar was fetching close to the demand for dollar in cash Ahram’s editor-in-chief, in his seven pounds. had indeed soared a bit. column on December 29, severely The fall in the pound’s value “Yes, most dollar buyers criticised Dr Al Qaradawi, who was 1.8 percent in a single day today have been Egyptians,” is head of the International yesterday, smashing through a said an official of an exchange Union of Islamic Scholars, and previous low witnessed during house. Dr Mohammed El Baradei, late 2004. According to a Doha-based Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his wife Emine Erdogan pose with Syrian refugee triplet former head of International “We expect the rate on Egyptian journalist, the pound’s brothers whose names are Recep, Tayyip and Erdogan as they visit a refugee camp near Akcakale border Atomic Energy Agency, and the black market to go up to fall was linked to perceptions crossing on the Turkish-Syrian border, southern Sanliurfa province, yesterday. See also page 6 said they were destabilising the 7.5 or even eight pounds per that Cairo’s talks with the country and implementing for- dollar as the demand for the International Monetary Fund eign agenda. US currency is likely to keep (IMP) for a $4.8bn loan to shore “These two elderly leaders have going up,” said an Egyptian up the economy and support come from abroad with different expatriate. the depreciating currency were agendas. One is calling (refer- The official pound-dollar collapsing. UN chief urges India to protect women ring to El Baradei) for abolition rate hovered at around 6.24 He said the surging rate of of the constitution endorsed by yesterday, while a Qatari riyal the dollar on the black market NEW DELHI: UN Secretary- bring perpetrators to justice”. and 745 arrests in Delhi this year, the public in a recent referen- fetched 1.685 pounds. at home was due to the restric- General Ban Ki-moon has urged The intervention of the UN there has been only one convic- dum without respect for peo- This was the rate on average tions put by the government on the Indian government to take takes the fallout from the inci- tion. The government has said it ple while the other (referring quoted by exchange houses and the amount (in dollar) one can action to protect women after dent to a new level and underlines will bring in fast-track courts to to Al Qaradawi) said he led banks here. take abroad. a 23-year-old student died of the damage it has done to India’s accelerate the legal process. a demonstration in Al Azhar Exchange houses, however, “I think the maximum cap injuries sustained during a gang international image. The body of Over the past 24 hours other University against Syria.” said remittances to Egypt has been now fixed at $10,000. rape here. the victim was cremated accord- reported incidents have included Syria is facing a sectar- were not affected by the depre- In other words, you cannot “Every girl and woman has ing to Hindu rites in Delhi shortly women attempting to take their ian conflict and not people’s ciating pound. “The remit- remit or carry more than the right to be respected, val- after dawn yesterday. Friends said own lives after being gang raped, revolution by any means. The tance flows to Egypt haven’t $10,000 overseas. And this ued and protected,” Ban said in she was planning to marry the the attempted murder of a rape demonstration amounts to changed” said Adil Lari, of is making the black market a statement in which he wel- 28-year-old male friend she was victim in Rajasthan and an infant dragging Egypt into interven- Lari Exchange. active,” said the scribe. comed efforts by the government with when the attack took place. dying after a rape in Gujarat. ing in others’ internal affairs’ There are an estimated THE PENINSULA but called for “further steps and Figures revealed yesterday that THE GUARDIAN said Salama in his column. 130,000 and 150,000 Egyptian See also page 7 reforms to deter such crimes and despite 635 reported cases of rape See also page 15 Continued on page 5 MONDAY 31 DECEMBER 2012 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Sheikha Moza named honorary president of QU Alumni Association

DOHA: The Alumni Association at Qatar University (QU) has announced H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser as the Honorary President of the Association, which was estab- lished recently in line with QU’s strategy to maintain an open line of communication with From left: Dr Izzuddeen Bushaykhi, Head of the Training Committee, Dr Haya Mohammad Al Dirham, Head of the graduates as successful alumni. The Alumni Association Jury Bench of ‘The Promising Poet’, Dr Hind Al Muftah, General Manager of Childhood Cultural Centre, and Amal recently held its first meeting Abdul Malik, Head of the Supervising Committee of ‘The Promising Poet’ initiative during a press conference at of the board of directors in the ABDUL BASIT Katara yesterday. presence of QU President Prof Sheikha Abdullah Al Misnad, the Chairman of the Board of Directors Dr Saif Ali Al Hajari and Board members. Attendees selected 24 distin- Initiative to hone poetry guished and high-profile gradu- ates as association members to participate in achieving the Members of the Qatar University Alumni Association posing for a picture Association’s goals and objectives. after the inaugural meeting. skills of young Arabs The members are well known social figures who have contrib- each other and to QU through overall local community.” Dr Al uted significantly to the university information, events and spe- Hajari expressed his honour to or to the community and to soci- cial projects. In her remarks, be a graduate of QU and appre- Childhood Cultural Centre launches ‘The promising poet’ ety’s development and improve- QU President Prof Sheikha Al ciated the university’s efforts to ment. Seven famous female Misnad outlined the Association’s maintain its relationships with DOHA: The Childhood Under the programme, stu- write in local dialects rather than leaders from the fields of educa- role, plans and objectives summa- the graduates. Cultural Centre yesterday dents will be taught poetry writ- the official language in Qatar, the tion, communication and commu- rised in nurturing and sustain- During the meeting, members launched “The promising poet” ing, criticism and recitation skills Gulf or the Arab region,” she said. nity service were nominated to be ing relations with the University’s discussed their views on relevant initiative aimed at promoting and their Arabic literature legacy She added: “Our centre, whose part of the representative board. alumni. issues such as Association agenda, poetry and creating a new gen- expected to strengthen patriot- main concern is the development All QU alumni as members will The Chairman of the Board budget and annual meetings, eration who can preserve the ism and Arab identity and boost of children aged till 18, aims at engage in a wide range of activi- of Directors, Dr Al Hajari, said: events and activities. Arabic language. Arabic language creativity in enhancing their cultural capaci- ties to build a solid social network “This initiative will raise the vis- QU Alumni Association The initiative would hone schools. As the initiative pre- ties and encouraging creative of graduates with a shared loyalty ibility of the institution by bridg- includes national figures from young Arab poetry talents aged pares students to perform well in young talents.” and affinity to their alma mater. ing the relationships between various institutions and sectors 14 to 18 through training work- poetry nights and cultural festi- Amal Abdulmalik, coordinator Such activities will enhance QU and its alumni. No doubt, in Qatar who were selected to join shops and competitions. This is vals, the students would enhance of the initiative and head of the collaboration with the university the association’s endeavours will 16 chapters in the Association. in line with Qatar’s strategy to self-confidence to stand in front contest committee said: “The con- and keep graduates connected to be reflected positively on the THE PENINSULA preserve its official language. Last of a large audience. test for ‘The Promising Poet’ is a April, Qatar hosted the Arabic Students who wish to join pioneering initiative launched by Language Forum. “The promising poet” initiative the Childhood Centre in order to Apart from discovering and should have a previous experience revive the Arabic language. Our Owners given three days to remove boats from Doha old port developing poetry talents among in Arabic writing as well as the young generation uses foreign schoolchildren and allowing ambition and desire to carry on languages in daily life ignoring DOHA: The Ministry of 6.30am yesterday, a local Arabic practical to shift the boats on skilled ones to showcase their the literary path. their mother tongue which is also Municipality and Urban daily reported yesterday. a daily basis,” a Qatari fishing capacities, the programme Hind Al Muftah, General the language of the Holy Quran. Planning has issued a warn- The decision has irked many boat owner was quoted as say- would nurture existing talents Manager of the Childhood The contest goes in line with the ing to boat owners to remove boat owners, who complain that ing by the daily. to develop them professionally Cultural Centre said: “The Arabic centre’s strategy that develops their boats anchored in the the Ministry has issued the Some boat owners called for in the future. language is facing multiple obsta- activities and programmes for old port in Doha with imme- warning without providing any monitoring the sale of fish in The campaign is set to encour- cles. The domination of foreign children. It also discovers new diate effect. alternatives. the area saying some vendors age poetry writing in Arabic and languages is weakening Arabic in talents and enhances children’s The owners have been asked “The port is very narrow are selling old fish, mixing it create competitive spirit among our daily life.” capacities to preserve the Arabic to take their boats out of the and we have no other place with the new ones. students in the country showcas- “Poetry is facing similar prob- language and identity.” area in three days beginning to anchor our boats. It is not THE PENINSULA ing their best skills. lems. Contemporary poets tend to THE PENINSULA MONDAY 31 DECEMBER 2012 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 Over a million visit Museum of Islamic Art Over 200,000 people visited museum this year, taking the number of visitors since it opened in 2008 to one million

DOHA: A total of 203,504 people visited the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) this year, taking the number of visitors since it opened in 2008 past the one million mark. The I M Pei-designed museum’s extensive collection along with Mathaf’s was introduced to a wider audience around the world through Qatar Museums Authority’s (QMA) involvement on the Google Art Project, one of the many achievements of QMA for the year. Through the project, people from around the world are now able to access high-resolution images of objects at the MIA and Mathaf in addition to a virtual view of the museums. With 151 partners in 40 countries, Google Art Project has a repository of clear images of more than 30,000 works of art from various museums. This year, MIA added the 280,000-square metre Museum of Islamic Art Park to the list of must-see tourist destinations in the country. The park includes restaurants, a play area and a souvenir shop. A number of exhibitions were hosted at the MIA including the 1001 Inventions — a travelling expo which has already reached over 50 million audience in various cities in different countries across the world includ- ing London, New York, Los Angeles, Washington and Istanbul, focusing on the golden era of Islamic civilisation and scientific innovation. Another QMA achievement was the week-long Ferjaan; Qatar in Tokyo which served as a highlight of Qatar Japan 2012, celebrating the 40th anniversary of relations between the two countries. For five days over 22,000 people visited the exhibition while over 6,000 fol- lowed the event on Facebook. The Qatar Japan 2012 website received the Best Web- Design Award (under the Governmental Organizations Category) while the QMA Facebook page bagged the Best Interactive Award from the Pan-Arab Web Awards An aerial view shows the iconic Museum of Islamic Art with the Doha old port and the Emiri Diwan in the background. KAMMUTTY VP Academy this year. THE PENINSULA

Jan 1 holiday for financial institutions Interpol seeks Qatari help to nab thief DOHA: Qatar Central Bank (QCB) yesterday January 1, 2013. The financial institutions will announced that all financial institutions oper- be closed to finalise preparation of the closing DOHA: Interpol is coordinat- surveillance cameras. The video The recording showed a person ating in Qatar, including banks, investment and accounts for fiscal year 2012, QCB said, adding ing with Qatari Police to locate was viewed by the police following entering the shop and allowed the finance companies as well as exchange compa- that they will reopen on Wednesday, January 2, a man accused of stealing a complaint from an owner of one police to follow up until the thief nies, will be closed to the public on Tuesday, 2013. QNA QR100,000 from several shops the stores. left the market. Further investi- in Lulua Island, Al Raya daily The investigation team began gations have revealed that after newspaper reported yesterday. inquires immediately after the taking the money, the man had The Qatari Police and Interpol receiving the notice. They went left the country. Consequently, have joined forces to intensify the over to the store, listened to the legal action was taken and the search of the alleged thief who is testimonies of those affected and collaboration with Interpol to Katara gets ISO 9001:2008 certification known to have fled the country. checked the surveillance camera catch the thief began. The man was caught on tape by in the surrounding area. THE PENINSULA DOHA: Katara recently received ISO 9001:2008 certificate for Quality Management Systems in Cultural Affairs. The certificate was awarded based on Katara’s implementation of standard quality man- agement which meets the standards and guidelines of ISO 9001:2008. The Cultural Village received this recognition by MS Certification Company, one of the companies adopted internationally in the field of application of quality management standards for admin- Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, General Manager of Katara, receiving the certificate istrative and financial at Katara’s headquarters from Sherif Taher, General Manager of MS Certification world. and Omar Al Mannai. The certificate was received by Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, General Manager of Katara at Katara’s head- quarters in the pres- ence of Sherif Taher, General Manager of MS Certification and Omar Al Mannai, Representative of General Manager’s Office of Katara. “This is an achieve- ment that we are extremely proud of at Katara. This recognition reinforces Katara’s abil- ity to build integrated system of processes that would raise the level of performance and improve the operations of internal and external communica- tions. As our eyes remain firmly fixed at the future, we remain focused on constantly enhancing our quality standards which is key to Katara’s success story,” said Dr Al Sulaiti. “Katara has truly earned the ISO certifi- cate for its outstanding quality management of Cultural Affairs, and this goes back to the contin- ued hard efforts of the Katara team. Katara has achieved the highest standards that ISO certif- icate requires in order to be eligible to receive this award. We are delighted to grant Katara this cer- tificate which highlights its’ leadership in Cultural Affairs management,” said Taher. THE PENINSULA MONDAY 31 DECEMBER 2012 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Call to stop men working at women’s stores Citizens seek implementation of law which bans salesmen from working at stores selling clothes for women

DOHA: Several citizens have Business and Trade in November commercial activities should not “Only about 70 percent of take actions to shut down such Ali Al Asahi, a shopper said, urged full implementation of the 2011, issued a notice to all shops disturb social and religious values. shops have implemented the law shops. “Even if there is no such law pre- law which prevents salesmen and shopping malls not to employ Abdul Qassim, Director of Souq while others continue to ignore it. Salah Al Hazba, CMC member venting male shop assistants sell- working in shops selling clothes male sales assistants at shops sell- Al Jabir said, “It is not conven- Consumer Protection Department said: “Implementing the law only ing female clothes, its about our for women. ing clothes for females. It gave a ient for females to come to a shop officials do inspect shops, but they 60 percent or 70 percent is not culture and values that women They have asked shopkeepers grace period of three months to where only males work and buy cant actually find the violators of enough. The Consumer Protection don’t mix with males. to obey the law and culture of implement the rule. clothes, it’s a violation of their the law as shops have male and Department should take strict “Male sales assistants should the country, Al Sharq reported The notice was issued under law privacy. More over it is a viola- female workers,” he further said. action against shopkeepers who be banned from working at shops yesterday. No. 8: 2008 concerning consumer tion of the law. The shopkeepers A request has been also made to fail to obey the law. Such shops or sections of the shops selling The Consumer Protection protection and giving the right were given enough time to imple- take strict actions against shop- challenging the law should be shut clothes for females.” Department of the Ministry of of privacy to the customer and ment it.” keepers who violate the rule and down.” THE PENINSULA

Emir sends Ras Abu Fontas, QSTP to open doors for technical visits condolence to Kazakh DOHA: Ras Abu Fontas Power ANNUAL MEET president and Desalination Plant and Qatar Science and Technology Park Under the patronage DOHA: The Emir (QSTP) will open their doors to of the Minister of Energy H H Sheikh Hamad technical tours on February 4, as and Industry H E Dr bin Khalifa Al part of the upcoming POWER- Thani and the Heir GEN Middle East 2013 conference Mohammed bin Saleh Apparent H H Sheikh and exhibition. Al Sada, the 11th annual Tamim bin Hamad The tours will provide a rare POWER-GEN Al Thani have sent behind the scenes view of Ras Abu Middle East 2013 will cables to President Fontas and QSTP’s facilities and the explore new venture of Kazakhstan various research and commercial Nursultan Nazarbayev technologies employed. Highlights investments, intellectual condoling him over the will include presentations by Ras property, enhanced victims of the Kazakh Abu Fontas plant management technology solutions, aeroplane accident. and QSTP’s leading research cen- management skills and The Prime Minister tres such as ConocoPhillips Water and Foreign Minister Sustainablility Centre, Chevron innovative new products H E Sheikh Hamad bin Centre for Sustainable Energy as it returns to Qatar Jassem bin Jabor Al Efficiency, ExxonMobil Research National Convention Thani has also sent a Qatar and Qatar Shell Research Centre. similar cable to presi- Centre. Both tours are optional and dent of Kazakhstan. open to registered delegates at a cost QNA of €80 (Ras Abu Fontas) and QSTP. H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Under the patronage of the Sada, the 11th annual POWER-GEN Minister of Minister of Energy and Industry Middle East 2013 will explore new Education returns from Tunis meet The Ras Abu Fontas Power and Desalination Plant. DOHA: The Minister of Education and venture investments, intellec- present innovative thinking for region over the next five years to Higher Education and tual property, enhanced technol- discussion, debate and delibera- meet regional electricity demand Secretary General ogy solutions, management skills tion about business, technology growth. of the Supreme and innovative new products and financial challenges required Over the course of three days, Education Council, as it returns to Qatar National for energy efficient development, topics such as The Challenges and H E Saad bin Ibrahim Convention Centre, Doha, from investments and partnerships.” Opportunities for Power Project Al Mahmoud returned February 4 to 6. Significant energy-related Development, Maximising Today’s to Doha after taking Debbie Stanford-Kristiansen, projects as part of the 200 planned Grid Potential and Tomorrow’s part in the 21st general International Events Director, and announced valued between Alternatives, Renewable Energy conference of the Arab PennWell Corporation – Middle $100m and $20bn will also be Technologies and Integration and League Educational, East said, “We expect a very suc- major points of discussion as a Operation and Maintenance will Cultural and Scientific cessful event as our esteemed total of $250bn is expected to be be presented by more than 60 dis- Organisation international speakers from the pumped into the power sector in tinguished speakers from over 20 (ALECSO) held GCC region and around the world the Middle East and North Africa countries. THE PENINSULA in Tunis. The 21st General Conference elected Dr Abdullah Hamad Mhareb, of Kuwait, as ALECSO Director General. In its final recom- mendations, the confer- ence urged upgrading the educational systems of the Arab countries particularly those of Somalia and Palestine. The Conference was held under the patronage of the Tunisian President Dr. Mohammed Al Moncef Al Marzouki. QNA Qaradawi meets Grand Sheikh of Al Azhar

CAIRO: Grand Sheikh of Al Azhar Ahmed Al Tayeb met yesterday President of the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) Yousuf Al Qaradawi, where they discussed the role of Al Azhar. Al Qaradawi became a member Al Azhar Islamic Research Council in a recent shake up that took place across all of Al Azhar institutes. Al Tayeb said after the meeting that Al Azhar was currently undergoing its biggest reform process in its history. He said that reform was focused in particular on develop- ing the syllabi, which sees Al Azhar return more to its roots. QNA MONDAY 31 DECEMBER 2012 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05

Qatari cities vie for honours at Arab Town Organisations Award

DOHA: The total number of nominations for the 11th Arab Towns Organisation Awards reached 53, with 16 in the archi- tectural field and 37 in the beautification of cities. The jury will meet at the organ- isation’s headquarters in Doha on February 12 for three days, after which they will announce the winners. The cities nominated for the architectural awards are nine: Dubai (UAE), Aswan (Egypt), Al Daayen (Qatar), Manama (Bahrain), Khartoum (Sudan), Kuwait and Aqaba (Jordan). In the architectural field, four cities are nominated: Algiers, Halhul (Palestine), Al Mathnab and Damam (Saudi Arabia). An artist’s impression of the sprawling 8.5km Barwa Commercial Avenue, considered as Qatar’s ultimate retail and residential destination. QNA

Criticism triggers Barwa cuts Commercial Avenue rents strong reaction Continued from page 1 Experts say new rates will help attract investments as previous rates were economically unviable He also accused Dr Al Qaradawi of influencing simple-minded DOHA: Barwa Commercial Arab as saying: “The old rents transforming Qatar into a diver- future for the project. Naeemi by frequent traffic jams, high Egyptians with his concerns Avenue (BCA) on the road to were very high and beyond the sified economy. The high rents further said that shops should rental space and low customers over Sunni–Shia conflict, and the Industrial Area has reduced reach of many investors. Since were at the expense of consum- have a private road and several coming to the complex.” described him as suffering from the rents for commercial space the company has received the ers’ welfare as at the end of the entrances and exits to ensure He added that investors will ‘dementia and hallucinations’ and from QR125 per square metres land from the government free day businesses shift the burden smooth traffic flow. monitor the situation closely he called upon the two “elders” Al (sq m) to QR39 per sq m. of cost, the rents for space should on customers. Naeemi added: “Investors are before investing in the BCA, Baradae and Al Qaradawi to go The iconic mixed-use commer- not have been so high.” “The sharp decline in the rents discouraged because the streets hinting for the possibility of fur- back from where they had come. cial street, which stretches over He added: “There are high of BCA spaces is the result of suffer with heavy traffic conges- ther developments in the rents Meanwhile, Salama’s writing an impressive 8.5km, is well on demands for commercial prop- supply side effects. As the street tion and investors anticipate and commercial activities. has triggered strong reaction track to become Qatar’s ultimate erties at Salwa Road, Ahmed often remains crowded due to that with the completion of the Comprising five distinct yet from political parties and sup- retail and residential destination. bin Ali Road and Al Sadd Road. high traffic jams, investors are ongoing project of 7,000 residen- interconnected zones — Jeera, porters of Dr Qaradawi as they People were taken with sur- While the demand for proper- reluctant to invest in the area. tial units behind the BCA, it will Safwa, Joud Mall, Arkan and feel he has insulted the eminent prise when they received a text ties at other places in Doha Surplus supply of commercial cause further traffic jams in the Sayer, BCA offers 908,000 sq m of cleric. message (SMS) about the new is balanced, but the recently spaces coupled with lukewarm vicinity. The situation will not state-of-the-art facilities, a mix The Supreme Council for rents announced by the company announced new rents by BCA response from the investors have improve unless more high streets of residential, commercial, and Islamic Affairs in Cairo has issued with a sharp decline in rents. will encourage businesses to pushed the rents down,” Mansoor are built in the area.” retail offerings, and an advanced a statement yesterday signed by Experts suggest that the new investment at the commercial Al Naeemi, another real estate He said due to these problems infrastructure network. Facilities Dr Saleh Din Sultan calling for rates will encourage and attract complex.” expert was quoted by the daily many investors have already can- include 640 retail stores, a medi- legal action against Salama. investments as the old rates were He further added that the as saying. celled their contracts with the cal centre, entertainment ven- Some other scholars and high and economically unviable. rents should not have been He said that the owners of com- company. ues, food and beverage outlets, experts also have called for legal Faisal Meshal Al Dosari, that high as the company has panies who have booked shops Ahmad Al Jallu, Chairman of 730 offices, 540 residential units, action against Salama through General Manager of United a social obligation toward pri- and galleries in the BCA have Qatari Engineers’ Association, and 12,000 parking spaces. social networks and other media. Properties was quoted by the Al vate businesses to support them predicted a bright commercial said: “Investors are still deterred THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA For many, it’s a long wait to get original car spare parts

DOHA: Car spare parts spare parts in Qatar are not new. UAE, who promised to provide the are not only expensive in But some customers say that original spare parts at nearly half Qatar but they are also the prices of some original spare the prices,” he said. not easily available, say parts are almost double in Qatar, He said after sales services of many customers. compared to some neighbouring many car dealers are abysmally Vehicle owners have countries. poor. “If you have some problems been forced to wait for “I wanted to buy two axels for my with your car, they will give you an months to get the original car and I was told by the dealers appointment in a one month period spare parts or end up buy- that it will cost more than QR4,000. to fix the problem,” he said. ing a used or counterfeit I made enquiries with a dealer in the THE PENINSULA product. The problem is part of the allegedly poor after sales services of many exclusive car dealers, who are quick to put the blame for the shortage on consignment delays and import bottlenecks. “It is difficult to get many original spare parts in Qatar in a short time. It is also not easy to find a used one in the market. The Consumer Protection Department is not doing anything to address the issue,” a customer named Mohammed Ibrahim Manazil told Al Sharq. Ali Al Baker, a citizen said that many customers were forced to go to the neighbouring countries looking for spare parts because they are either expensive or short in sup- ply in Qatar. “The dealers don’t care to provide the spare parts in time as well as the after sales or proper mainte- nance,” said Al Kuwari. Another citizen, Abdul Aziz Al Emadi, said he had to give orders to a work- shop in the Industrial Area to make a new door for his car, since he could not find one in the market. “When I checked with the dealers, they said it is not available and will take about two months to bring a new one. I searched all spare parts shops, but with no success,” he said. Complaints about the high prices of cars and MONDAY 31 DECEMBER 2012 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST

Bahraini policemen jailed over detainee’s Envoy warns Syria crisis worsening torture and death

DUBAI: A Bahrain court yes- ‘No end to war if sides refuse to talk’ terday jailed two policemen for seven years each after convict- DAMASCUSS/CAIRO: The of small states ... This is not what ing them of torturing to death international peace negotiator will happen. What will happen is a Shia detainee in the wake of for Syria pleaded with outside Somalisation: warlords.” Somalia last year’s crackdown on pro- countries yesterday to push the has been without effective central tests, a local daily said. The warring parties to the table for government since civil war broke Gulf kingdom’s high criminal talks, warning that the coun- out there in 1991. court found the two national try would become a failed state More than 45,000 people have security members guilty of tor- ruled by warlords unless diplo- been killed in Syria’s 21-month turing Abdul Karim Fakhrawi macy is given a chance. war, the longest and deadliest of to death while in detention, Al Lakhdar Brahimi, who inher- the revolts that began sweeping Wasat’s online edition reported. ited the seemingly impossible the Arab world two years ago. The court had in May thrown task of bringing an end to the The rebels are mainly from the out the case against the two war after his predecessor Kofi Sunni Muslim majority, fighting defendants for lack of proof Annan resigned in frustration in against Assad, a member of the and sent it back to the prosecu- July, has launched an intensified Shi’ite-derived Alawite minority tion for further investigation. A diplomatic campaign to win back- sect, giving the war a dangerous number of policemen are being ing for a peace plan. sectarian dimension. investigated or are on trial for He spent five days this week The rebels increasingly believe allegedly torturing detainees in Damascus, where he met that their military successes of after hundreds of Shiites were President Bashar Al Assad. the past half year are bringing rounded up when security forces On Saturday he visited Assad’s victory within reach. But Assad’s in the Sunni-ruled state quelled main international backers in forces still hold the densely-pop- a month-long protest in mid- Moscow, and yesterday he trav- ulated southwest of the country, March 2011. Authorities say elled to Cairo, where President the main north-south highway they are implementing the rec- Mohammed Mursi has emerged and the Mediterranean coast in ommendations of an independ- as one of Assad’s most vocal Arab the northwest. ent commission of inquiry called opponents. The government also holds for by the king that confirmed “The problem is that both sides airbases scattered throughout allegations of excessive use of aren’t speaking to one another,” the country, and has an arsenal Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan waving to supporters with Ahmed Moaz Al Khatib, President of the force by security forces during he said. “This is where help is including jets, helicopters, mis- National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces, near Syrian border in Sanliurfa, Turkey, yesterday. the uprising. needed from outside.” siles and artillery that the fight- Brahimi’s peace plan - inher- ers cannot match. ited from Annan and agreed to Government troops scored a Libya church blast in principle in Geneva in June by victory on Saturday after several Syrian rebirth near: Erdogan countries that both oppose and days of fighting, seizing a Sunni kills two Egyptians support Assad - has the seemingly district in Homs, a central town ISTANBUL: Turkish Prime internationally recognised Syrian both refugees and the rebels. TRIPOLI: An explosion rocked fatal flaw of making no mention of that controls the vital road link- Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan National Coalition opposition, “You have suffered a lot,” Erdogan a Christian Coptic church near whether Assad would leave power. ing Damascus to the coast. told a crowd of thousands of stood at his side. Ankara had said, wearing a scarf in the form the western Libyan city of The Syrian leader’s opponents Opposition activists said yes- Syrian refugees yesterday their previously said it would strug- of the rebel Syrian green-white- Misurata yesterday, killing two - who have seized much of the terday that many people had been country was preparing for a gle to accommodate more than and-black flag. “The cruel Syrian people and wounding two oth- north and east of the country in killed in the Deir Baalbeh district “sacred birth” that would replace 100,000 refugees but has contin- regime, the cruel Assad, has mar- ers, all of them Egyptians, an the past six months - say they after it was captured, although President Bashar Al Assad with ued to accept more without set- tyred nearly 50,000 Syrians so Egyptian diplomat said. “Two will not cease fire or join any it was not immediately possible the will of the Syrian people. ting a limit. Though the camps in far,” he said. Egyptians were killed and two talks unless Assad goes and have to verify claims that a “massa- Refugee camps in Turkey Turkey mostly have facilities such “Every sacred birth is painful, were wounded,” said the diplo- largely dismissed Brahimi’s initia- cre” had taken place. The opposi- host 150,000 Syrians who have as portable electric heaters, and and now Syria is preparing for a mat at the Egyptian embassy in tive. But Brahimi says the plan tion Syrian Network for Human fled the conflict across the bor- refugees receive three hot meals a sacred birth through which the Tripoli who declined to be named. is the only one on the table, and Rights said it documented the der, and Erdogan visited one of day from the Red Crescent, tem- will of all Syrian people will take “The consul went directly to predicts “hell” if countries do not summary execution of 17 men. them yesterday, telling the people peratures can plunge below freez- power,” he told the crowd at the Misurata to find out the details. push both sides to talk. “They were young and old, there they should regard Turkey ing in the rugged border terrain camp in Akcakale in Sanliurfa We still don’t have clear informa- “The situation in Syria is bad, mostly refugees who had fled to as their “second home” and that and rain can be torrential. province. “Maybe we cannot pro- tion,” the diplomat said. very, very bad, and it is getting Deir Baalbeh from central parts help was at hand. Turkey, once close allies with vide you here with the luxury you worse, and the pace of deteriora- of Homs,” it said in a statement. “We can see very clearly that neighbouring Syria, turned have at home, but in these condi- tion is increasing,” Brahimi told Footage taken by activists showed God’s help is close. Don’t for- fiercely against Assad last year tions we tried to do whatever we 24 UAE women reporters. the bodies of eight men with what get victory comes to those who over his violent crackdown on could,” he said to fervent applause “People are talking about appeared to be bullet wounds in are patient,” he told the crowd. anti-government protests and from the crowd in the refugee get NASA training Syria being split into a number the face and head. REUTERS Moaz Alkhatib, head of the has extended strong support to camp at Akcakale. REUTERS ABU DHABI: The UAE’s first all-female team of 24 aspir- ing engineers, researchers and astronauts, between the ages of 12 and 18, has completed an on- site space training at the Nasa Gravediggers have no time to wait for the dead Space Center, Houston. The training was organised and coor- AZAZ, SYRIA: Gravediggers Mediterranean coast. The gov- a green scarf and purple coat dinated by Space Ed-Ventures, a at the cemetery in the north- ernment also holds airbases looked on as her father shoveled UAE-based educational platform ern Syrian town of Azaz no throughout the country, which dirt from the gravesite. The dead and the region’s only space explo- longer wait for bombs to fall troops defend with artillery from the previous day’s attacks ration programme. before they break the ground. and air strikes, outgunning the included friends she recognised The dead come too fast. lightly armed fighters. when their shrouds were pulled A war plane dropped two Azaz lies near one of those back. “Yesterday was the first Kuwait grants bombs that destroyed at least bases, the Menagh military air- time I uncovered blankets to dis- six houses on Saturday. Eleven port, 5-7 km (3-5 miles) away, cover that my friends had died,” $259m to Jordan people were killed, activists say. which rebel fighters have sur- she said, as young children near AMMAN: Kuwait and Jordan Some children were buried two rounded and have been attack- the cemetery played hopscotch signed here yesterday four to a grave to save space. ing for a few weeks, provoking on the streets and kicked stones agreements in which Kuwait Yesterday morning the work- retaliatory strikes on nearby about. would donate around $259.5m ers were back, digging fresh towns. Because they are so close, “I was just about to go visit to Jordan to help the country graves for the next victims, residents have come to expect them about a half hour before develop projects in the health, whoever they may be. “We to be hit. More than 45,000 peo- the strike hit,” she said. “In the education, higher education and know the plane is coming to hit Men measure graves for future casualties, at Sheikh Saeed cemetery in ple have been killed in the war end I visited them when they water-resources sectors. The us, so we’re being prepared,” Azaz city, north of Aleppo. between rebels, mainly drawn were dead.” two countries had signed three said Abu Sulaiman, one of a few from the Sunni Muslim majority, Abu Bahri, a smart 45-year- agreements worth $695m to help men digging at the Sheikh Saad working and digging since 6 in of northern and eastern Syria. and forces loyal to Assad, a mem- old man with a close-cut beard, develop projects in the housing, cemetary. the morning. We’re going to dig Forces loyal to President Bashar ber of the Shia-linked Alawite recounts how the town dug fresh municipal and transportation “Massacres are happening. 10 new graves today,” he said. Al Assad still control the densely minority whose family has ruled graves a few months ago when sectors early this month. We’re putting every two or After 21 months of war, rebel populated southwest, the main Syria for 42 years. the fighting in Aleppo province AGENCIES three bodies together. We’ve been fighters have captured much north-south highway and the Fida, a 15-year-old girl in turned ferocious. REUTERS Israel eases Gaza blockade Barred Arab candidate can run in election: Israel court

JERUSALEM: Israel’s saying Zoabi had been involved in Supreme Court ruled yesterday “expressing solidarity with our an Arab lawmaker could stand enemies”. Zoabi told Israeli Army in elections, overturning her Radio the judges had “avoided giv- disqualification by electoral offi- ing in to the racist right”. cials over her participation in a The Central Elections commit- Gaza-bound aid flotilla in 2010. tee, which authorises parties’ can- The nine-justice court ruled didates ahead of votes, is chaired unanimously Haneen Zoabi (pic- by a Supreme Court justice and tured), “shall be a candidate for made up of legislators from a the Knesset” in a January 22 number of political factions. poll without giving details of its It has tried several times in the reasons. Zoabi drew widespread past to disqualify Arab political criticism in Israel for taking part parties for alleged disloyalty to in an international aid flotilla that Israel, only to be overruled by the challenged the Israeli blockade of 19 to disqualify Zoabi, saying she Supreme Court on appeal. the Gaza Strip, territory ruled by had shown “support for an enemy Zoabi belongs to the tiny Balad Hamas Islamists opposed to the state or terrorist organisation party that believes Israel should existence of the Jewish state. engaged in armed conflict against not be defined as a Jewish state. She was on the Mavi Marmara Israel”. Most of the Arabs who make when Israeli naval commandos Zoabi has said she had no role up about 20 percent of the Israeli raided the Turkish vessel in May in any of the violence on board the population are related to or A member of Hamas security forces checks a truck loaded with gravel at the Kerem Shalom crossing between 2010, killing nine Turks in clashes Mavi Marmara and had tried to descended from Palestinians who Israel and the southern Gaza Strip, yesterday. Israel eased its blockade of Gaza, allowing a shipment of gravel with activists on board. mediate between the sides during fled or were driven away in a 1948 for private construction into the Palestinian territory for the first time since Hamas seized control in 2007. The Central Elections the raid.Environment Minister war over Israel’s establishment. Committee voted on December Gilad Erdan criticised the ruling REUTERS MONDAY 31 DECEMBER 2012 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07

US plane stuck in Court to rule on Egypt’s parliament Iran for repairs DUBAI: A small US com- mercial plane has been stuck Ruling could create legislative vacuum until new elections in Iran for nearly three weeks after making an emer- CAIRO: Egypt’s highest court Yesterday, at its first ses- under the new constitution. which touched off protests by crit- to represent a controlled shift gency landing near the city of is to examine the legitimacy of sion since going on strike over The June ruling said the tran- ics who accused him of a power towards a free float after the Ahvaz, the country’s airports the upper house of parliament, a President Mohammed Mursi’s sitional electoral law - drafted grab. Mursi revoked the decree central bank spent more than director said yesterday. case likely to increase the legal decision to expand his powers, by the generals then ruling post- ahead of the referendum in which $20bn in reserves over the past The plane was forced to land uncertainty of the country’s the court set January 15 as the Mubarak Egypt in consultation the constitution was approved by two years to defend the pound, because of technical problems, political transition and leave it date for the first hearing. It will with political parties - gave too 64 percent of those who voted. according to bankers. Mahmoud Rasoulinejad said, without a legislature. also examine the legitimacy of the much power to parties, at the The new constitution cut the The currency crisis underlines quoted by the Mehr news The Supreme Constitutional Islamist-dominated assembly that expense of independent candi- number of judges who sit in the the scale of the economic chal- agency. “After landing, the Court has already forced the wrote the constitution that Mursi dates. The court had to postpone Supreme Constitutional Court to lenge facing President Mohamed crew travelled on to countries lower house to dissolve under a fast-tracked to approval at a ref- the hearings from early December 11 from 18. One of Mursi’s most Mursi, whose administration has around the Persian Gulf and June ruling that said an electoral erendum this month. due to a protest outside its build- vocal critics was among the judges been grappling with the fall-out the plane is currently being law used to elect both cham- If the court rules against the ing by Islamists. to leave the court. of a political crisis ignited by his repaired,” he said. bers - and which resulted in an upper house - which seems likely “The (court) renews its con- The Egyptian pound hit a move to drive through a constitu- Rasoulinejad did not specify Islamist dominated parliament - as it was elected under the same demnation of those who partici- record low against the dollar tion written by his Islamist allies. who owned the aircraft, where was unfair. law that the court found lacking pated in it, as well as those who yesterday as worried Egyptians The shift to a freer floating it was headed or the nationality The new case once again pits in the lower house case in June remained silent,” the court said shifted their money out of local currency raised fears the pound of the crew members. It would independent lawyers against - Egypt will have a legislative in a statement. currency after the central bank could fall further or the govern- soon be ready to return to the the Islamists that have come to vacuum until new parliamentary Mursi had shielded both the introduced a new currency regime ment could impose more capital skies, he said. Ahvaz lies near power since the downfall of Hosni elections, expected to start in assembly which drafted the con- to protect foreign reserves. controls, prompting Egyptians Iran’s border with Iraq in the Mubarak and who see the court about two months. stitution and the upper house of The new regime, announced on to shift into the dollar when southwest of Iran, an impor- as stuffed with the former presi- The upper house assumed parliament from legal challenges Saturday and which includes reg- the market opened yesterday. tant area for the country’s oil dent’s appointees. legislative powers just last week in a decree he issued in November ular currency auctions, seemed REUTERS industry. Earlier this month Iran trumpeted the capture of a compact US intelligence ScanEagle drone in its airspace, which US officials have denied. In December 2011 Iranian forces announced they had Israel must talk to captured a US RQ-170 recon- naissance drone in eastern Iran which had been reported lost by US forces in neighbouring Abbas, says Peres Afghanistan.

JERUSALEM: President movement towards renewing Jordan rejects Shimon Peres yesterday urged peace talks after Israel’s elections Israel to resume peace talks on January 22. In an interview Saddam party with the Palestinians, say- with the Israeli daily Haaretz, ing their president Mahmoud Abbas said that if such a situation AMMAN: Jordan’s electoral Abbas was a willing partner arose he would hand full responsi- commission has refused to with whom an agreement could bility for the occupied West Bank register an independent list be reached. to the Israeli government. of candidates calling itself Speaking with Israeli diplomats Talks have been on hold “Saddam Hussein” after the at his Jerusalem residence, Peres since September 2010, with the executed Iraqi dictator, the said the only way the Jewish state Palestinians insisting on a set- group’s leader said yesterday. could positively affect the fluctu- tlement freeze before returning “We have filed an appeal ating reality in the region was “to to the negotiating table and the against the electoral commis- complete the peace agreement Israelis insisting on no precon- sion’s rejection of our Saddam with the Palestinians.” ditions. Following last month’s Hussein list,” Faiz Ziyadneh “I know there are different United Nations vote giving the said. The commission gave its opinions,” he said. “This is not a Palestinians upgraded status in Iraqis throw stones after protesters attacked Deputy Premier Saleh Al Mutlak on the outskirts of Ramadi city, approval on Thursday to all matter of ideology, this is a mat- the world body, Israel announced yesterday. would-be candidates for a gen- ter of appraising” the situation. a new spate of settlement-build- eral election called for January “I have known Abu Mazen for ing in the West Bank and east 23, except the Saddam Hussein 30 years, and nobody will change Jerusalem. Protesters attack Iraq deputy PM list, “because it is the name of my opinion of him,” Peres contin- Peres’s remarks elicited a an individual,” the state Petra ued, using Abbas’s nom de guerre. harsh response from Prime news agency reported. “I know there is criticism of Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s RAMADI, IRAQ: Two people addressing the crowds, which and Mutlak was driven off in an The commission said it things Abu Mazen said,” Peres Likud party, which is contesting were wounded when security have numbered in the tens of unmarked civilian car. rejected “any name that could continued, but “there is cur- January 22 elections on a joint list forces opened fire to disperse thousands at their peak over the Two people were wounded by inflame sectarian, religious or rently no other Arab leader who with ex-foreign minister Avigdor protesters who attacked Iraq’s past week, from an elevated plat- the gunfire. The rallies began on racial enmity or affect national is saying he is in favour of peace, Lieberman’s ultra-nationalist deputy premier yesterday, forc- form. But as he began speaking, December 23 after the arrest unity.” Ziyadneh condemned against terror, in favour of a Yisrael Beitenu party. ing him to flee a rally he was demonstrators shouted “Traitor!” three days earlier of Finance the commission’s decision, say- demilitarised state, and of... the “It is very saddening that the addressing, a reporter said. in an apparent reference to his Minister Rafa Al Essawi’s guards ing it had “no legal basis” and Palestinian consensual right of president chose to express a The demonstrators, who have being in the national unity gov- on terrorism charges, prompting that “electoral law does not return.” personal political opinion that blocked a key highway connecting ernment they were protesting the minister to call for Prime stipulate any restrictions on “There is not much time left,” is contrary to the Israeli public’s Iraq to Syria and Jordan for the against, and began throwing bot- Minister Nouri Al Maliki to the name of a list.” he warned. Talks between the stance on Abu Mazen, the peace past week over the alleged target- tles of water at him, a journalist resign or be removed. Ziyadneh said the list was Israel and the Palestinians have refuser,” a statement from the ing of their Sunni Arab minor- said. Demonstrators, who have named after one of the group’s been on hold since September party read. ity by the Shia-led government They then began hurling stones massed in Sunni-majority prov- nine would-be candidates - 2010, with the Palestinians insist- “The prime minister has called in Baghdad, threw water bot- and shoes, at which point Mutlak’s inces such as Anbar, Nineveh and Saddam Hussein Wared Al ing on a settlement freeze before on Abu Mazen to return to the tles, stones and shoes at Saleh Al personal security detail formed a Salaheddin, have said anti-terror Hawamdah - but added it was returning to the negotiating table negotiating table dozens of times,” Mutlak before grabbing and hit- protective ring around him and laws were being used by the Shia- also in memory of the hanged and the Israelis insisting on no it read, saying the Palestinian ting him. Mutlak, who is himself escorted him from the platform, led government to target their Iraqi leader. AFP preconditions. Following last leader “prefers to join forces with Sunni and from Anbar province firing their weapons above the community. AFP month’s historic United Nations Hamas and act against Israel in where the protests have been heads of protesters. vote giving the Palestinians every possible sphere.” staged, managed to escape after But demonstrators fol- upgraded status in the world Netanyahu himself, however, federal police arrived and fired lowed them and broke body, Israel announced a new softened his party’s line a few their weapons into the air. through the security cor- spate of settlement building in the hours later. “I respect the presi- An aide to Mutlak, speaking on don, grabbing Mutlak’s West Bank and Israeli-annexed dent, I value him,” he told Channel condition of anonymity, said the clothes and hitting him in east Jerusalem. 2 television. “There is a variety of deputy premier was all right and the mouth, drawing blood. Abbas, last week had warned opinions, we exchange opinions on was returning to Baghdad. Federal policemen then he will disband his Palestinian topics on the agenda.” Mutlak had arrived at the rally intervened, firing into the Authority if there is no Israeli AGENCIES site earlier on Sunday and began air to disperse the crowd,

Sudanese police block protest

KHARTOUM: Sudanese security forces yesterday blocked activists trying to deliver a petition criti- cising the government to the country’s human rights commission, draw- ing a rare rebuke from the state-appointed body. Sudan has avoided mass “Arab Spring” protests that unseated rulers in Egypt and Tunisia, but President Omar Hassan al- Bashir, who seized power in 1989, has faced dissent over a severe economic cri- sis and corruption. Before the activists arrived, police and plain clothed security agents, some armed with batons, pulled up in cars and spread out at the front gate to bar entry to the commis- sion, witnesses said. “Plain clothed agents beat several activists trying to submit their petition and also jour- nalists covering the pro- test,” a witness said. REUTERS MONDAY 31 DECEMBER 2012 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

Editorial ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN: SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: KHALID AL SAYED Somalisation of Syria E-MAIL: [email protected] ACTING MANAGING EDITOR: HUSSAIN AHMAD E-MAIL: [email protected] The international community must take EDITORIAL: TEL: 44557741 / 44557743 Brahimi’s warning on Syria seriously. FAX: 44557746 / 44557758 P. O. BOX: 3488, DOHA, QATAR. E-MAIL: [email protected] HE international envoy to Syria Lakhdar Brahimi’s warning As 2012 comes to a close, Syrians are staring a bleak future, and ADVERTISING: TEL: 44557837 / 780 FAX: 44557870 that as many as 100,000 people could die next year in Syria what awaits them is a bloody and chaotic end to the uprising. Several CLASSIFIED: E-MAIL: Tif a way cannot be found quickly to end the civil war is the regions in the country are facing poverty and starvation and tens 44557857 [email protected] gravest warning yet about the country. Addressing reporters in Cairo, of thousands of people are prisoners in their homes. According to SUBSCRIPTION / HOME DELIVERY Brahimi made several other warnings. If the crisis continued, he said, unofficial estimates, more than 40,000 people have been killed in the the country would not be divided into states ‘like what happened in 21-month-old war. TEL: 44557809 /839 FAX: 44557819 Yugoslavia’ but would face ‘Somalisation, which means warlords, and Brahimi’s warning speaks of the appalling consequences of non- E-MAIL: [email protected] the Syrian people will be persecuted by those who control their fate”. intervention in Syria. Syria is a unique case among all the Arab Spring SUBSCRIPTION RATES His message should be enough to goad the international community, countries due to the complexities of the crisis and the country’s stra- ANNUAL especially Arabs, into action and take tough measures to find a solu- tegic location. One of the biggest stumbling blocks to international QR 675 tion to the crisis, but unfortunately no serious efforts are being made intervention in Syria is the US policy. Allies of Syrian rebels, including 6 MONTHS QR 340 in this regard. several Arab countries, and allies of Washington like Britain, France The international community seems to have left Syrians to decide and Turkey have watched with growing dismay as the White House their own future, and the rebels to achieve victory on their own instead chose passivity over action. With Russia and China determined to veto of forcing a solution from outside. Brahimi has warned against this any UN Security Council action against Assad, all parties are finding lethargic attitude which will cost the country and the region heavily. themselves in a cul-de-sac and collective action and strong are neces- And this could have been prompted by the latest realities on the ground. sary to escape from this quagmire. The UN peace envoy was in Syria a few days ago to stitch together a Brahimi said that peace and security in the world would be threat- PUBLICATION peace deal and had met President Bashar Al Assad and the opposi- ened directly from Syria if there was no solution in a few months. “I tion. His statement yesterday is an indication that his latest effort warn of what will come. The choice is between a political solution or of hasn’t shown good results. full collapse of the Syrian state.” This is not an empty warning.

The economic environment The other side next year will not be easier, but more difficult, the crisis is a long way Quote of from being beaten. There’s still hope to avoid ‘fiscal cliff’ the day Angela Merkel HE United States is only three days away from going over the German Chancellor “fiscal cliff” — with all the damage that could do to confidence Tin the country’s capacity to manage its basic affairs — and Washington’s leaders still have not agreed on even a stopgap measure to avoid the worst consequences of failing to reach an agreement. But there is a clear way to avert them. Congressional leaders and President Barack Obama conferred at the White House on Friday afternoon, the first such meeting in six weeks. Instead of offering something new, however, Obama reportedly reiter- ated his position that the Bush tax cuts on household income above $250,000 should lapse on Jan. 1. Republicans wanted more from the president. But after the meeting, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and his GOP counterpart, Sen. Mitch McConnell (Ky.), said that they had agreed to attempt to hash out a deal over the weekend that enough Republicans can accept. The task these leaders face is no longer crafting a big restructur- ing of federal taxing and spending. There isn’t enough time for that between now and the end of the year. The goal now, then, is the “bare minimum,” as Obama said Friday evening — merely to stave off a self- inflicted economic shock. It’s clear what such a stopgap must include. The first element is a rise in income tax rates for wealthy Americans. The sting to Republicans might be lessened by an agreement on the estate tax, which is also scheduled to jump Tuesday. But all the focus on tax rates leaves out much else that Congress must address. Lawmakers have essential housekeeping that they must see to before the end of the year, such as preventing a huge cut in Medicare payments to doctors and extending unemployment insurance. The alternative minimum tax (AMT), a scheme intended to ensure that the rich pay income tax, must also be patched. Unless Congress acts to stop it, the AMT will dig deep into the middle class. Delaying a patch until after Jan. 1 could wreak havoc on federal tax collection, affecting perhaps 100 million 2012 tax returns, according to the Internal Revenue Service. Congress must also deal with the “sequester,” about $100 billion in ill-targeted and unwise spending cuts, including to the Pentagon, that will phase in beginning in January. Though destructive measures such as furloughs and layoffs could be put off for a time, if the cuts were allowed to kick in, they would still have immediate bite. Republicans might resist cancelling or delaying the sequester without offsetting spending cuts elsewhere. THE WASHINGTON POST Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate Britain’s hope for 2013: Decisive year for the two-state solution

BY SIR VINCENT FEAN States, which is uniquely able to need to break this vicious circle of powers of leadership. The present revenues to the Palestinian influence both parties to enter absence of talks and lack of trust. impasse benefits only those who Authority, and we ask Arab states E SAY goodbye to 2012 into credible negotiations, with- That will require efforts from all want to build settlements. A com- to fulfil their commitments to without regret. 2012 out preconditions, leading to a sides, including the Palestinian prehensive peace agreement can the PA in this time of need. The Whas been a very dif- permanent agreement, resolving leadership and all of the neigh- end the unsustainable situation in British Ministry of International ficult year for the peace-loving all issues and ending all claims. bours of the Palestinian people. Gaza and the West Bank, which Development will continue to Achieving a two-state people of this region: in Gaza, Achieving a two-state solution In the last 2 years, we have wit- remains our goal. invest more than $150m a year and the West Bank, and in Israel. to the Israeli-Palestinian con- nessed systematic settlement For the people of Gaza and of to help Palestinian development solution to the Israeli- 2013 can be different, if we have flict is one of Britain’s top inter- expansion: - condemned by the Israel in 2013, we wish peace. We in 2013, and beyond. Palestinian conflict the collective political will to national priorities. We support United Kingdom Government support the courageous efforts of For 2013 :- the Palestinian make it so – to make 2013 the a negotiated agreement leading and by the international commu- Egypt to secure a lasting cease- people deserve to enjoy the same is one of Britain’s year of peace. to a safe and secure Israel living nity, since settlements undermine fire. Children in Israel and in rights and dignity as the people of top international For that wish to become alongside a viable and sovereign the foundations of a two state Gaza need to be able to go to any other nation on earth, living reality, we need a new US-led Palestinian state, based on 1967 solution, which is in real and school without fear. We want side by side in peace and security priorities. We peace initiative as soon as pos- borders, with agreed land swaps, present danger. All settlements to see Gaza rebuild its future with all their neighbours : Israel, support a negotiated sible, early in the first year of with Jerusalem as the shared are contrary to International – a future tied indissolubly to Egypt and Jordan. Achieving President Obama’s second term capital of both states and with a Humanitarian Law, and are thus the West Bank, as envisaged by this honourable goal is a shared agreement leading of office. The US President just, fair and agreed settlement illegal. The creation of new set- President Abbas, with free move- responsibility. A heavy responsi- to a safe and secure knows the issues well. His ini- for refugees. That is the only way tlements like Givat Hamatos or ment of goods, services and peo- bility. If progress through nego- tiative will need to be backed to secure a sustainable end to the E1 is contrary to Roadmap com- ple. The Palestinian Authority tiations is not made next year, Israel living alongside strongly by the Europeans and conflict. To achieve it will require mitments. In our view, the best is the legitimate authority in then the two-state solution could a viable and obtain full engagement both by a US led effort on a scale not seen response to such provocative Gaza, as in the West Bank. We become impossible to achieve. the Palestinian leadership and since the Oslo Accords. settlement expansion is to stay firmly support the Palestinian The United Kingdom is prepared sovereign Palestinian the Israeli government formed The impasse in the peace focused on the goal of a negoti- Authority, which has passed the to play its part in 2013, in what state, based on 1967 after the 22 January elections. process over the last 2 years ated, just and lasting agreement, test of carrying out the func- needs to be the decisive year for borders. That will require bold and deci- has harmed the interests of the and once more to offer the hand tions of a state, and deserves and peace in the Middle East. sive leadership from both parties people directly affected by this of peace. We know that President needs to succeed. So we call on THE PENINSULA to this conflict, which has lasted conflict, and the interests of the Abbas is a man of courage, a man the Israeli Government to resume (The Author is British Consul for too long, and from the United international community. We of peace. We respect him and his the transfer of Palestinian tax General in Jerusalem) MONDAY 31 DECEMBER 2012 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 Fight for a famous Afghan artefact Many Afghans worry that if Kandahar slips further into anarchy after the 2014 drawdown, the most famous of symbols could go with it, leaving its protectors at the dangerous intersection of rhetorical and physical battlefields.

BY KEVIN SIEFF

or 250 years, Masood Left: Masood Akhundzada stands in his family’s Kabul home. Above: A photo of Mawali Akhundzada’s family has Akhundzada and the Shrine of the Cloak in Kandahar hangs on the wall of his son’s Kabul protected Afghanistan’s most home. Like several other “guardians of the cloak” in recent years, Mawali Akhundzada sacred artefact: a cloak said was assassinated while guarding the shrine revered in Afghanistan. to have been worn by the FProphet Muhammad (PBUH). Its power a blow to Karzai,” said Khalid Pashtoon, position. Until the president asks for it drew Afghan kings and presidents and according to witnesses. For more than be taken out of Afghanistan — and away a Kandahar parliamentarian. to be unveiled — which he hasn’t since Taliban leaders to a small, blue shrine in two centuries, since the cloak was from perceived anti-Islamic influence — With Karzai’s approval, then-Kan- 2002 — it will remain unseen, even to a city conquered by Alexander the Great brought to Kandahar by Afghan ruler but he refused. dahar Governor Gul Agha Sherzai, its guardian. and contested ever since. Ahmad Shah Durrani, the family allowed This time, though, the problem was Pashtoon and several others slaughtered But everyone, in Kandahar and beyond, By the time Akhundzada inherited the only recognised leaders of Afghanistan to inverted: The new leaders of Afghanistan goats and cows as a sacrifice to the sacred knows the Taliban hasn’t forgotten about guardianship in 2008, it was an honour view it. But given Omar’s massive popu- were Islamist extremists who saw the place and went on to inspect the shrine. the blue shrine and what it contains, even that came at a high price. Five previ- larity in the country’s Pashtun south — cloak as the source of their power. Akhundzada’s brother, Qari Shawali, if the prize remains hidden. ous guardians — his father, brothers and and the army of men who accompanied Suddenly, Akhundzada and his brothers unlocked the three boxes made of wood “It is a place of blessing and impor- cousins — had been assassinated, shot him to the mosque — the guardians felt and cousins found themselves protecting and silver that held the cloak. tance for us,” Taliban spokesman Qari in their offices, in markets and airports. obliged to allow him into the shrine’s fur- their jewel on behalf of the Taliban. “There it was — brown and well-kept Yousef Ahmadi said this week. “When They were hunted, most believed, for thest reaches, unlocking the doors, safes For centuries, regime change in and very beautiful,” said Pashtoon. The Mullah Omar took it out, thousands of their connection to a piece of Islamic and boxes that kept the cloak hidden Afghanistan had been ceaseless. The group prayed and wept, and reported to people gathered to watch it with their history that the insurgency wanted des- from the public. family might hand the cloak to a king Karzai and US officials that the cloak was own eyes.” perately to reclaim. “We couldn’t object,” said Akhundzada. one day and his usurper months later. indeed in the new government’s hands. When the Taliban retake Kandahar, When Akhundzada, a large man with “He was the commander.” Their survival hinged on their neutrality. Not long after that, the Akhundzada Ahmadi said, they will also retake a wild beard and an easy smile, accepted The family didn’t anticipate Omar’s If Akhundzada’s ancestors were seen as family’s luck worsened. The Taliban fled authority of the cloak. He would not the keys to the shrine, he also bought a next move: He carried the cloak to the politically involved — as anything other Kandahar in late 2001, but militants soon comment on whether the Taliban was gun. There’s no law, he said, that prevents roof of a mosque in central Kandahar a than the cloak’s guardians — their lives returned, now an insurgency with a list behind the recent string of Akhundzada a mullah from being armed if his life is week later. As thousands gathered below would be endangered. of new targets, including many former assassinations. in danger. him, he put his wrists into the garment’s As soon as the Taliban took power there allies. The Afghan government has upped its The fight between the Taliban and the short sleeves. Taliban mullahs exclaimed, was cause for concern: Akhundzada’s Akhundzada’s nephew, the leader of security of the shrine and its keepers, Afghan government, which will almost “Amir-ul momineen!” or “Commander of brother, Mohammed Mehadi, a former Kandahar’s top religious council, was posting police officers around the perim- certainly continue beyond America’s mili- the Faithful!” guardian of the cloak, was killed at killed first, in 2005. He was shot in the eter. Akhundzada’s last trip to Kabul tary drawdown, is as much a war over It was seen as a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s Karachi airport. face in his office. included a one-on-one meeting with the symbols as territory. Some of those sym- Omar’s ascent from the poorly educated “That’s when we really got worried,” Then in 2008, assassins killed his minister of defense. bols are copies of the Holy Quran and son of a farmer to leader of Afghanistan Akhundzada said. brother and his cousin, both custodians “We all know why they’re being tar- mosques, stand-ins for the religiosity and protagonist in a global jihad. Months He knew the Taliban would eventu- of the cloak, as they walked through a geted,” said Haji Agha Lalai, the former of warriors on both sides of the battle- after putting on the cloak, Osama bin ally fall. But would Omar attempt to local market. leader of Kandahar’s provincial council. field. Some are more specific and sacred, Laden came to Kandahar to commend take the cloak with him? How would he “We are not political people — we “They’ve lost so many family members like the cloak under Akhundzada’s care, Omar. and his brothers transition from pro- are just keepers of the holy cloak,” said because of the cloak.” whose significance has prompted even The cloak had always been a symbol of tecting the cloak for Omar to keeping Haji Mohammad Osman, a cousin of Still, Akhundzada doesn’t like to American paranoia over its fate. power — the people of Kandahar attribute it from him? Akhundzada and a lower ranking guard- talk publicly about his predicament. Many Afghans worry that if Kandahar their province’s famously delicious fruit That transition happened in December ian. “We don’t know why our family is With so much looming uncertainty in slips further into anarchy after the 2014 to its presence. For years it was unveiled 2001, as dramatic and chaotic as anyone being targeted.” Afghanistan, his family is clinging to the drawdown, the most famous of symbols to quell hysteria in the aftermath of nat- in Kandahar had expected. When it was When the family decided that veil of neutrality. could go with it, leaving its protectors at ural disasters. over, the cloak had a new rightful heir: Akhundzada would become the new offi- They merely hold a few keys, he says, the dangerous intersection of rhetorical But suddenly its image was every- Afghan President Hamid Karzai. cial guardian of the shrine, he was reso- a minor responsibility incommensurate and physical battlefields. where: in foreign newspapers, intelli- “The Shrine of the Cloak is an impor- lute. Weeks later, Akhundzada was nearly with the scale of retribution, whatever Most residents of Kandahar say the gence reports and Taliban propaganda tant place not just for the president, but killed in a suicide bombing. its source. story of the Akhundzada assassinations pamphlets. Akhundzada’s relatives, who for all Afghans and all Muslims,” said “Even if they try to chop my fam- “If we speak about who was behind begins in 1996, when one-eyed Taliban considered themselves neutral protectors Aimal Faizi, Karzai’s spokesman. ily to pieces, I will protect the cloak,” these assassinations, our enemy will tar- leader Mohammad Omar visited the of the sacred, were suddenly thrust into But amid the commotion, some US he said. get us again,” he said. “We do not feel Shrine of the Cloak. The Taliban had Afghanistan’s bloody political arena. officials worried that the Taliban had That declaration contained one safe.” recently taken control of the city and They had some experience in that escaped with the cloak. unmistakable irony: Akhundzada has Special correspondents Sharaf Sharif in was on its way to Kabul. unwanted role. During the Soviet occu- “They needed us to make sure that it never seen the cloak that he is will- Kandahar and Sayed Salahuddin in Kabul, “Here I am. Let me see it,” Omar told pation, Akhundzada’s father was killed was still there. There was a real concern ing to die for. It has remained locked Afghanistan, contributed to this report. Qari Shawali, Akhundzada’s brother, when militants demanded that the cloak that if the cloak was stolen, it would be deep inside the shrine since he took his WP-BLOOMBERG Testing times for third-generation Bhutto famous name into palpable success. and oppressive “establishment”. A gen- Given the rise over the past two years “I will not bank too much on his lead- Analysts say the PPP His mother Benazir Bhutto and grand- eral election is expected in the spring and of cricket legend Imran Khan’s Pakistan ership,” he said. “The Bhutto card will father Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were both after almost five years of PPP-led govern- Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) party, with its continue to play in Sindh but it seems to will aim to capitalise prime ministers, and in his first major ment, ordinary Pakistanis face a host of energetic youth wing, a move by the PPP have no relevance in Punjab and other public speech on Thursday Bilawal miseries on a daily basis: gas shortages, to appeal to younger voters looks like an provinces.” Democratic dynasties are painted himself as the true heir to the incessant power cuts, inflation, pervasive astute tactic. a feature of Asian politics: the Nehru- on Bilawal’s dynasty that has dominated Pakistani corruption and the ever-present threat Several local newspapers noted simi- Gandhi clan has given India three prime democracy for more than 40 years. of terror attacks. larities in looks between Bilawal and his ministers since 1947 and family ties have freshness and “Bhutto is an emotion, a love,” he told The Oxford-educated Bilawal is free mother, though the passion and emotion had a key role in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, 200,000 supporters at the majestic family from the taint of corruption that dogged of his speech seemed to cast further back Thailand and most recently South Korea. mausoleum in the southern province of both his mother and his father, President to the fiery demagoguery for which his Rumi said the phenomenon was partly energy — as well Sindh as he marked the fifth anniversary Asif Ali Zardari. grandfather was famed. a reflection of local culture but also of the of Benazir’s assassination and launched Analysts say the PPP will aim to capi- Political analyst and author Hasan nature of fledgling democracies. as the Bhutto name his own political career. talise on his freshness and energy — as Askari said Bilawal would play the Bhutto “Political systems are evolving, democ- “Every challenge is soaked in blood, but well as the Bhutto name — as they seek to card for all it was worth, but warned it racy as an idea is new, modern political you will be the loser,” he said in a message persuade voters to give the party another would take more than clever speeches to parties are new — it is less than a century — as they seek to to what he called anti-democratic forces. chance. win the public over. old and in between there have been so “However many Bhuttos you kill, more At 24, he will be too young to stand if “The speech was emotionally charged, many military rulers,” he said. persuade voters Bhuttos will emerge from every house.” the poll goes ahead on time, but he has this style works in the crowd,” Askari Bilawal’s other great challenge is Zulfikar, who led Pakistan from 1971 been tipped to spearhead the PPP’s cam- said. “He repeated the ‘roti, kapra aur to avoid the bloody fate that befell his to give the party until he was deposed in a coup in 1977, paign. Neutrality rules bar the head of makan’ (food, clothing and shelter) slo- mother and his grandfather. was hanged in 1979 over the murder of a state, Zardari, from playing a role. gan which his grandfather gave in 1970. The Pakistani Taliban assassi- political opponent. Benazir was killed in Raza Rumi of the Jinnah Institute He invoked the legacy, but gave no idea nated a leading provincial politician another chance. a gun and suicide attack after an election think-tank said the young Bhutto could or vision.” this month and on Friday the group’s rally in 2007. For the Pakistan People’s prove useful in more than just name. Support for political parties in Pakistan leader Hakimullah Mehsud reiterated ilawal Bhutto Zardari’s entry Party (PPP), founded by Zulfikar and “I think the PPP will have to keep him stems from a complex mix of kinship net- his opposition to democracy, calling it into Pakistan’s political arena now at the head of the ruling coalition, at the central stage — partly it needs a works, patronage and ethnic allegiances. “un-Islamic”. continues south Asia’s tradition the dead Bhuttos are martyrs. Its rheto- charismatic leader at the front, but also Analyst Talat Masood questioned how “The freedom to mobilise and cam- Bof dynastic politics, but analysts ric makes much of their struggle to bring remember that in Pakistan the majority much of a draw Bilawal’s name would be paign in peaceful democratic politics is say he faces tough challenges to turn his democracy in the face of an entrenched of the population is young,” Rumi said. beyond the PPP’s heartland in Sindh. the challenge,” said Rumi. AFP MONDAY 31 DECEMBER 2012 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL Monti pushed Flood splash to pick a side for elections Be clear, urges centre-left leader

ROME: Italian centre-left technocrat government last year leader Pier Luigi Bersani called to save Italy from financial crisis on Mario Monti yesterday to after Berlusconi stepped down as pick which side he was on politi- prime minister. cally after the outgoing prime While Monti has won the minister unveiled plans this backing of investors, the busi- week to lead a broad centrist ness community and the Catholic alliance in February elections. Church, many Italians have Monti said on Friday that he become increasingly tired of the wanted his alliance to go beyond tax hikes and spending cuts he traditional political boundaries has imposed to shore up battered and unite a coalition of factions public finances. and civil society groups around a Opinion polls suggest the PD reform agenda aimed at tackling will win a comfortable lower Italy’s economic woes. house majority but may have to His announcement ended weeks agree a deal with centrist forces of speculation over whether he in the Senate, where the centre would run for a second term and left has struggled to gain control pits him against Bersani’s cen- in past elections. tre-left Democratic Party (PD) The PD, which has pledged to and Silvio Berlusconi’s People of maintain Monti’s broad reform Freedom (PDL) group. course while putting more A car drives over a flooded street in Unlingen, southern Germany, yesterday. But Bersani urged the former emphasis on growth and jobs, has European Commissioner to be been politely sceptical about his clearer about whether he supports candidacy, while Berlusconi has a left or right-leaning agenda and launched an angry media blitz outline the choices he would make against the 69-year-old econom- on issues such as civil rights. ics professor. Defective brakes cited in Moscow crash “This centrist alliance needs to Monti, whose status as senator explain exactly where they stand,” for life means he does not have to MOSCOW: Russian investiga- likely, the cause was defective Britain — said the jet had recently down quickly upon touchdown. Bersani told reporters. “Does Monti stand for a seat, said on Friday his tors yesterday blamed a defec- reverse engines or brakes.” Red passed a meticulous check. “Plane The russianplanes.net avia- and the centre not think that the grouping could win a “significant tive brake system for a Moscow Wings said a flight attendant died number 47 had accumulated 8,500 tion website said the very same bipolar political system is working? result” in the election, but there airport crash that killed five of her injuries yesterday to bring flight hours and underwent its jet had suffered an engine fail- Do they want to dismantle it? If have also been fears it could lead crew members when a liner the toll to five. Three others were last thorough check on November ure and was forced to make an not, then which side are they on?” to a less stable parliament. skidded off the runway and recovering in stable condition. 23,” Lebedev said on his Twitter emergency landing in June 2009. He repeated that the centre left Meanwhile, Bersani is favourite smashed into a highway. Greater loss of life was averted feed. Smoke could be seen coming out would be open to discussing a pos- among Italians to lead the next Rescue workers recovered only because the 210-seat liner He also suggested that traf- of the Tupolev’s right engine after sible alliance with Monti once his government, with Monti second the flight recorders from the was empty except for the eight fic controllers’ initial refusal to Saturday’s incident. position was clearer. most popular and Berlusconi com- four-year-old Tu-204 of tycoon crew returning from a charter authorise landing—requiring the Russianplanes.net said Lebedev’s Bersani’s demands come after ing a close third, a poll showed. Alexander Lebedev’s Red Wings flight to the Czech Republic. plane to complete several circles airline had in fact decided not to Berlusconi attacked Monti on Bersani scored 36.2 per- airlines late on Saturday as Cell phone footage of the acci- over Vnukovo in bad weather—may order any more Tu-204 planes Saturday, accusing him of strik- cent, Monti 23.3 percent and Russia began mourning its latest dent posted online showed chunks have been a contributing factor. after the 2009 incident because ing a hidden deal with the left to Berlusconi 21.8 percent, the poll, post-Soviet crash fatalities. of debris hurtling over the high- “All machinery has its limits, even of the engine problems. The lat- help them secure power after the conducted by the CISE electoral “The plane touched down in the way and crashing into cars whose when it is new,” Lebedev wrote. est line of Tupolev jets was devel- February 24-25 elections. research institute for Il Sole 24 proper landing area but for some drivers had to swerve and make Russian media said the oped in the late Soviet era as the Pier Ferdinando Casini, head of Ore daily, found. reason was unable to stop on the emergency stops. The jet split authorities had concerns about preferred replacement for the Italy’s oldest and largest centrist Whoever wins the elections will strip,” Federal Air Transport into three pieces and required the Tu-204 jet’s ability to stop workhorse Tu-154 liner that still party, the UDC, which is back- have to tackle a deep recession Agency chief Alexander Neradko the temporary shutdown of both in various weather conditions dominates Russian skies. ing Monti, has denied that any and rising unemployment in the said in televised remarks. the Kiev Highway and Vnukovo even before Saturday’s crash But only 50 or so of the more secret accord has been struck euro zone’s third largest economy “According to preliminary data, — Moscow’s third largest airport landing. They cited a letter sent modern versions of Tupolev are in and quickly rebuffed Bersani’s as well as keeping strained public the pilots used all the brake sys- and the site of a special terminal by the state aviation watchdog operation because of slow orders demands. “The PD does not want finances under control. tems available on the plane,” an for Kremlin officials. Rosaviatsya to the jet’s maker and continuing efforts to modern- a competitive and uncomfortable The UDC, Italy’s largest cen- unidentified investigator told the Red Wings owner Lebedev — a on Friday asking about an inci- ise the jet’s engines. The planes centrist grouping because they trist party which is among those Interfax news agency. billionaire famous for his criti- dent last week in which the that do fly are most often used by prefer the old and eternal fight backing Monti, came in fourth “But for some reason, the air- cal view of the Kremlin and his engines failed to fire into reverse charter companies — both private with Berlusconi,” he said. place with 6.4 percent. craft failed to stop and continued ownership of the London Evening on landing. The manoeuvre is and those belonging to the state. Monti was appointed to head a REUTERS moving” down the runway. “Most Standard and The Independent in required for the plane to slow AFP

Nobel scientist Merkel challenger flayed Levi Montalcini for ‘underpaid’ remark dies aged 103 BERLIN: Chancellor candidate conservatives by 10 points in Peer Steinbrueck was widely opinion polls, but, with its Greens ROME: Rita Levi Montalcini, criticised yesterday, even by his allies, it does have a chance of joint winner of the Nobel Prize own centre-left Social Democrats winning power in September for Medicine and an Italian (SPD), for saying German lead- because of the prolonged weak- Senator for Life, died yesterday ers were underpaid. ness of Merkel’s Free Democrat at the age of 103, her family said. Steinbrueck has struggled to (FDP) coalition partners. The first Nobel laureate to gain ground against Chancellor Steinbrueck, whose blunt talk reach 100 years of age, she won Angela Merkel ahead of next makes him popular among some the prize in 1986 with American September’s election, in part due voters despite him never win- Stanley Cohen for their discovery to lingering criticism over him ning a major election and him of nerve growth factor (NGF), a earning ¤1.25m ($1.65m) as an being defeated as state premier protein that makes developing after-dinner speaker in the past in North Rhine-Westphalia in cells grow by stimulating sur- three years. 2005, said there were times in his rounding nerve tissue. The remarks from the former career when he was not as well Her research helped in the finance minister about what he off and admitted he was now a treatment of spinal cord injuries called the inadequate compen- “wealthy Social Democrat”. The President of the Central African Republic, Francois Bozize (third left), arrives at the airport in Bangui yesterday and has increased understand- sation for the chancellor drew Schroeder, chancellor from 1998 to meet the president of the African Union, the President of Benin, for talks over the current crisis. ing of cardiovascular diseases, speedy rebukes across the coun- to 2005, has endorsed Steinbrueck Alzheimer’s and conditions such try’s political spectrum, includ- to lead his party against Merkel as dementia and autism. ing from the last SPD chancellor but distanced himself from CAR president keen to share power One of twins born to a Gerhard Schroeder. Steinbrueck’s views on pay. Jewish family in Turin in 1909, “A German chancellor does not “In my view politicians in BANGUI: Central African organised by regional leaders in and self-fulfillment,” he said. Montalcini was the oldest living earn enough based on the perform- Germany are adequately com- Republic’s embattled President Libreville, Gabon, “without condi- Seleka, an alliance of three armed recipient of the prize. ance that is required of her or him pensated,” Schroeder told Bild am Francois Bozize said yester- tion and without delay”. groups, accuses Bozize of failing to During World War Two, the compared with the jobs of others Sonntag newspaper. “I was cer- day that he was ready to share It was unclear if the offer would honour a 2007 deal under which Allies’ bombing of Turin forced who have far less responsibility tainly always able to live off the power with the leaders of a defuse a crisis that has posed the members who laid down their guns her to flee to the countryside and far more pay,” Steinbrueck, pay. And anyone who doesn’t feel rebellion that has swept aside biggest threat to Bozize’s nearly were meant to be paid. It claims where she established a mini- 65, was quoted by the Frankfurter it’s enough pay can always look government defences to within 10 years in charge of the country, to have a force of more than 3,000 laboratory. She fled to Florence Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung news- for another job.” striking distance of the capital. nestled in the midst of a turbu- men and to have positions within after the German invasion of paper saying. Other SPD leaders indirectly The three-week old onslaught lent region known for wars and 75km of Bangui. Italy and lived in hiding there for “Nearly every savings bank direc- criticised Steinbrueck. Dieter by the rebel alliance Seleka has haunted by armed groups. The last time rebels reached a while, later working as a doctor tor in North Rhine-Westphalia Wiefelspuetz, a top SPD member highlighted the instability of the A spokesman for the rebels said Bangui was in 2003 during the in a refugee camp. earns more than the chancellor of parliament, said politicians landlocked former French colony, the group would consider Bozize’s insurgency that swept Bozize to After the war she moved to does,” Steinbrueck said of his home were misguided if they compared which remains one of the least offer, but added its aim was not power. Residents in the ram- St. Louis in the United States to state. Merkel’s pay is set to rise by their wages to private industry. developed nations on the planet to join the existing government. shackle riverside capital have work at Washington University, ¤930 per month to ¤17,106 in 2013 “To serve as chancellor is a fas- despite its rich deposits of ura- “I take note of his proposals. We either fled or stockpiled food and where she went on to make her along with pay rises for her min- cinating job and the pay is defi- nium, gold and diamonds. need to meet to study them,” water in their homes in prepara- groundbreaking NGF discoveries. isters and members of parliament, nitely not shabby,” he said. “I am ready to form a gov- Seleka spokesman Eric Massi told tion for a rebel attack. She also set up a research unit increases that have been criticised Steinbrueck was once seen ernment of national unity with France 24 television. He said the The streets of the city were in Rome and in 1975 became the by some for sending the wrong signal as the centre left’s best hope of Seleka to run the country together, rebels also wanted to see what largely deserted save for military first woman to be made a full in an era of austerity. winning back the chancellor- because I am a democrat,” Bozize guarantees would be made to them. patrols and a trickle of church- member of the Vatican’s Pontifical “Some of the debates kicked up ship. He was popular as the no- told a news conference following “Know that Seleka’s aim today goers. Youths carrying machetes Academy of Sciences in 1975. She by the ‘guardians of public vir- nonsense finance minister and a meeting with African Union is not to enter into a government had set up makeshift barricades won several other awards for her tue’ are grotesque and are harm- the SPD hoped he would siphon Chairman Thomas Yayi Boni here. but to allow the people of Central along main roads during a driving contributions to medical and sci- ful for anyone considering getting centrist voters away from the He added that he was ready to African Republic to be able to drive ban imposed overnight. entific research. involved in politics,” Steinbrueck conservatives. attend peace talks that are being the country towards development REUTERS REUTERS said. The SPD trails Merkel’s REUTERS MONDAY 31 DECEMBER 2012 INTERNATIONAL www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 Obama touts Grappling with snow Hagel as next Defence chief Concerns over Hagel’s Israel record

WASHINGTON: US President experience to manage a very large Barack Obama offered strong organisation like the Pentagon,” support for former Republican Coburn said on CBS’ “Face the Senator Chuck Hagel as the Nation.” “If there’s a place that potential next US defence sec- we need great management it’s retary but said in remarks aired the Pentagon.” yesterday that he had not yet Senator Richard Durbin, a decided on a nominee for the Democrat from Illinois, said on Pentagon post. the same television show that Hagel is considered a lead- Hagel deserved “respect for the ing candidate to replace outgo- service he’s given our country in ing Secretary of Defence Leon the military and in the Senate” Panetta, but the former Nebraska and should be given consideration. lawmaker has come under criti- “He at least deserves a hearing cism for his record on Israel and an opportunity,” he said. and for a comment that being of Obama said he had seen noth- unconventional sexual orientation ing that would disqualify Hagel. was an inhibiting factor for being The president said Hagel had an ambassador. apologised for his comments “I’ve served with Chuck Hagel. related to unconventional sex- I know him. He is a patriot. He is ual orientation, referred to by somebody who has done extraor- NBC’s David Gregory in the dinary work both in the United interview. States Senate, somebody who “With respect to the particu- served this country with valour lar comment that you quoted, he Daniel Champagne clears snow off the roof of his home in Montreal yesterday. The Canadian city is still clearing out snow after a record snowfall in in Vietnam,” Obama told NBC’s apologised for it,” Obama said. the city on Thursday. “Meet the Press” in an interview “And I think it’s a testimony to taped on Saturday and broadcast what has been a positive change yesterday. over the last decade in terms of Any nomination for defence people’s attitudes about gays and secretary must be approved by lesbians serving our country. And the Senate where some lawmak- that’s something that I’m very Britain headed in the right direction: PM ers have voiced criticism about proud to have led,” he said. their former colleague. Obama came out in favour of LONDON: Prime Minister will take until 2017 before it falls quick fixes and I wouldn’t claim He made no mention of “I think a lot of Republicans unconventional marriage in the David Cameron said yesterday below 3 percent and the govern- otherwise. Britain’s place in the European and Democrats are very con- middle of his re-election bid this Britain was heading in the right ment manages to run a surplus “But we can be optimistic too Union, an issue which many ana- cerned about Chuck Hagel’s year. Earlier in his term he pre- direction on all its major issues on cyclically adjusted non-invest- because we are making tangible lysts believe will be high on the positions on Iran sanctions, his sided over the end of the “don’t and could look forward to 2013 ment spending. progress. political agenda in 2013 and on views toward Israel, Hamas and ask, don’t tell” policy that prohib- with realism and optimism. Finance minister George Cameron said Britain was which he is due to make a long- Hezbollah, and that there is wide ited people of unconventional sex- In a New Year video message, Osborne had originally planned heading in the right direction. delayed keynote speech in the and deep concern about his poli- ual orientation men and women Cameron said the country had to meet this goal by the next elec- The budget deficit was forecast to New Year. cies. All of us like him as a per- from serving openly in the U.S. made progress on cutting its tion in 2015, but slow growth over be a quarter smaller at the New Trailing in opinion polls and son,” Republican Senator Lindsey military. budget deficit, reforming welfare the last two years now makes that Year than it was in 2010 and that under pressure from an anti-EU Graham said. Hagel, who left the Senate in and improving school standards. look impossible. almost half a million more people group within his Conservative “There would be very little 2008, has faced questions about Deficit reduction and preserv- Cameron said his adminis- were in work since then. party, Cameron wants to take Republican support for his nomi- his record on Israel. ing Britain’s credit rating have tration was “a government in a “Britain is in a global race to advantage of the euro zone crisis nation, at the end of the day, there Some of Israel’s leading US been goals for the coalition of hurry” which would not give in to succeed today. It is a race with to renegotiate Britain’s relation- will be very few votes,” Graham supporters contend that Hagel at Cameron’s Conservatives and pressure to slow the pace of defi- countries like China, India and ship with Brussels and win more said on Fox News Sunday. times opposed Israel’s interests, Liberal Democrats, which came cit reduction or rein in reforms Indonesia: a race for the jobs and opt-outs from its rules. . Republican Senator Tom voting several times against US to power in June 2010 just after to welfare and education. opportunities of the future. But his pro-EU Liberal Coburn from Oklahoma said sanctions on Iran, and made dis- the budget deficit peaked at 11.2 “We can look to the future with “So when people say we can Democrat partners, including bluntly: “I cannot vote for Chuck paraging remarks about the influ- percent of GDP. realism and optimism. Realism, slow down on cutting our debts, Deputy prime Minister Nick Hagel.” ence of what he called a “Jewish Last year, it was down to 8 per- because you can’t cure prob- we are saying ‘no.’ We can’t win in Clegg, say talk of a referendum Aside from his controversial lobby” in Washington. cent of GDP but the government’s lems that were decades in the this world with a great millstone is premature until the euro crisis statements, “he does not have the REUTERS own budget watchdog forecasts it making overnight. There are no of debt round our necks. is resolved. REUTERS

Robbery at gem cutting plant Attempt to kill Northern Ireland Hope for stinking policeman foiled BELFAST: An attempt by lagoon in Rio militant nationalists to kill a Northern Irish policeman was foiled when a booby trap bomb RIO DE JANEIRO: Near floating in the fetid waters. was found under his car, police Rio’s future 2016 Olympic vil- In early December, four said yesterday. lage the Marapendi lagoon tons of fish died in the lagoon The attack was the latest by emits a foul stench from waters because of the pollution and the splinter groups of Irish republi- that have been turned into a heatwave that has brought 40 cans opposed to British rule of cesspool by unfiltered sew- degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) the province and a 1998 peace age from surrounding upscale temperatures to the Southern agreement that ended 30 years condominiums. Hemisphere this summer, of sectarian conflict. Brazil has pledged the athletes Moscatelli explained. It came two months after the will see a much different sight The lagoon has also shrunk first murder of a prison officer when they descend on the coun- considerably. In some areas, the in almost 20 years and followed try for the Summer Games in waters measure only a few cen- two weeks of rioting by pro-Brit- four years. timeters deep, where it used to ish loyalists protesting against The government pledged to have 12-meter (40-foot) depth. restrictions on the flying of clean-up the decades of pollution Waste sedimentation impedes Britain’s union flag from Belfast in its bid to host the Olympics, navigation, and, in addition to City Hall. in a two-year project estimated killing fish, the lack of oxygen The bomb was discovered to cost $300m and slated to start threatens other species such as under the policeman’s car near early next year. herons, ducks, cabybaras and the Northern Irish parliament in The municipality has also caimans who flee pollution. east Belfast. His home and those vowed to build four sewage treat- And wildlife aren’t the only of his neighbours were evacuated ment stations in local rivers at a ones to suffer from the lagoon’s while army bomb disposal experts Workers try to put things in order after a robbery at a gem-cutting plant in Cotipora, Rio Grande do Sul, southern cost of $68m. ruin. “The lagoon is my lifeline,” defused the device. REUTERS Brazil, yesterday. Three of the assailants died while others fled with nine hostages into a wooded area with But it will be an uphill battle. said Ricardo Herdy, owner of the police in cars and helicopters in pursuit. Waste from area lagoons could EcoBalsas company, which shut- fill Rio’s iconic Maracana sta- tles local residents, as well as dium seven times over, according offers aquatic sports classes as to experts. well as educational and ecological “The sewage dumped into the tours. “I cannot develop projects Romney didn’t want to run for president, says son lagoon comes from the residences as nobody wants to cruise dirty of the wealthy who do not provide waters reeking of rotten fish,” he proper treatment,” fumed biolo- complained. WASHINGTON: No one told his family he would not run love the attention,” his son said. turn them out to vote,” Romney gist Mario Moscatelli during a He confessed that he has con- wanted to be president less again and had to be persuaded to Romney, a former said during a call with campaign dawn tour of the area. sidered closing down his business. than Mitt Romney, his son said enter the 2012 White House race Massachusetts governor and donors in mid-November that Until five years ago, untreated But local residents remember in an interview out yesterday by his wife Ann and son Tagg. multi-millionaire businessman, represented his first public reac- sewage was dumped directly into happier days for this ecosystem that raises new questions about “He wanted to be president has been widely criticised for tion to his election loss. the water system. in the densely populated western the candidacy of the losing less than anyone I’ve met in my blaming his loss in the November The Globe story sought to look A treatment network has since Barra da Tijuca district. Republican nominee. life. He had no desire... to run,” 6 election on President Barack beyond that narrative and exam- been implemented and been made “Up until 1985, I would fish in In an interview with the Boston Tagg Romney said. “If he could Obama’s “gifts” to Latinos, women ine what really went wrong. mandatory, but today the water this lagoon. There were plenty Globe examining what went wrong have found someone else to take and the poor. It focused on the fact that utility network still only covers of fish and shrimp. You did not with the Romney campaign, his his place... he would have been “What the president’s cam- Romney was unhappy that one 60 percent of area homes. have to go out to sea,” said Sergio eldest son Tagg explains that his ecstatic to step aside.” paign did was focus on certain of his most trusted advisers, Mike “Some object because it requires Borel, who has been fishing in the father had been a reluctant can- Mitt Romney “is a very private members of his base coalition, Murphy — the architect of his costly work,” conceded Marlene area for 40 years.“I hope that one didate from the start. person who loves his family deeply give them extraordinary financial successful 2002 run for governor Ramos, president of the Rio de day I will be able to fish shrimp After failing to win the 2008 and wants to be with them. He gifts from the government, and of Massachusetts — did not join Janeiro Environment Institute. here again,” Borel said. Republican nomination, Romney loves his country, but he doesn’t then work very aggressively to the campaign. AFP Today, dead fish can be seen AFP MONDAY 31 DECEMBER 2012 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA / PHILIPPINES Philippines on Biting the travel bullet alert for new year revelry Aquino expresses concern

MANILA: The Philippines victims this year are children. It braced yesterday for its annual said some were being poisoned orgy of New Year’s Eve merry- after eating the fireworks. making which every year leaves Manila police chiefs ceremoni- hundreds maimed by firecrack- ally taped the muzzles of the serv- ers or hit by bullets fired in the ice firearms of the capital’s 17,000 air by armed revellers. officers on Saturday and vowed to A total of 171 people have prosecute those caught firing in been injured by fireworks since the air on New Year’s Eve. the Christmas weekend, one The police laboratory will test was poisoned eating them, the weapons for gunpowder resi- while another was wounded by due after the celebrations. a stray bullet, Assistant Health At the televised meeting yes- Secretary Eric Tayag said in an terday, Aquino expressed con- updated toll. cern at the sale of oversized President Benigno Aquino firecrackers, and chastised offi- interrupted his holidays to meet cials for failing to shut down fac- emergency services officials about tories and retailers making and government preparations for selling them. mass casualties, fires and other “If you tossed that onto the potential mayhem from the often road, would it damage the road An N-700 Shinkansen bullet train leaves a platform for western Japan as travellers returning to their home regions for the new year form a queue at drunken revelry. as well?” he asked, halting a JR Tokyo Station in Tokyo, Japan, yesterday. It is expected that about 30 million Japanese people will travel at home and abroad during the end of “The President called this slide show on banned firecrack- the year and New Year holidays. About 10 million Japanese people will travel by rail. meeting because he wanted to ers including a giant 58-square- emphasise that he’s quite seri- centimetre (nine-square-inch) ous about these things, that we one called “Goodbye Philippines”. need to learn and not ignore Aquino was told that it would. the law an hour before midnight Individual fireworks contain- Rumpus at Hong Kong pro-democracy march on December 31,” said Cabinet ing not more than 0.2 grammes Secretary Rene Almendras. (0.007 ounces) of explosive mate- Filipino families celebrate rial are allowed by law. But police HONG KONG: Scuffles broke by a pro-Beijing election commit- began at the city’s Victoria Park at the event said, referring to Christmas and New Year by buy- told the meeting they had seized out yesterday as thousands tee, promising to improve govern- and ended at the government increasingly vocal pro-democracy ing and setting off large quantities illegal fireworks worth 11.9 million marched in support of Hong ance and uphold the rule of law in headquarters. groups. of fireworks on their own, instead pesos ($290,000). Kong’s scandal-plagued leader the former British colony of seven But scuffles erupted mid way Pro-democracy campaigners of watching public displays as in “Please direct the (local gov- Leung Chun-ying, ahead of million people. between pro-Leung supporters plan to hold a rally on January 1 to some other countries. ernment units) to explain how a mass pro-democracy rally But in his first sixth months in and anti-government campaign- demand the resignation of Leung The government reported such a store can be selling regu- planned for New Year’s day. power, Leung has seen his popu- ers who arrived carrying colonial and ask for universal suffrage, 454 firecracker-related injuries lated items without the necessary Around 2,500 people took to larity ratings slide and faced a Hong Kong flags. with organisers saying they hope as 2012 was welcomed in. Many permits,” an apparently irritated the cold and windy streets wav- no-confidence vote in the city’s Some participants were also to see 100,000 people at the rally. of those hurt were children or Aquino said. ing Chinese flags and shouting legislature. seen punching two reporters from Hong Kong returned to China in drunk adults, while some of those The president also urged the slogans in favour of Leung, who “We welcome people to support a local television station, accord- 1997 as a semi-autonomous ter- accused of indiscriminately fir- public to use social media to dis- faces possible impeachment pro- the government and to support ing to a photographer. ritory with its own political and ing their guns were soldiers and close abuses, including posting ceedings over illegal alterations to the stability and prosperity of “I am not comfortable with the legal system that guarantees civil police officers. video clips of people firing off his luxury home. Hong Kong citizens,” said Caring increasing power of groups that liberties not seen on the main- The health department said celebratory rounds. Leung was chosen to lead the Hong Kong Power, the organis- create turmoil in Hong Kong,” land, including freedom of speech more than 40 percent of the AFP southern Chinese city in March ers of yesterday’s march which Stan Ngan, a 63-year-old retiree and association. AFP

Clapping with the ruler Some Chinese regions may Nepalese seeks damages ease curbs on for wrongful imprisonment school admissions TOKYO: A Nepalese man rate of between 1,000 and 12,500 BEIJING: Three populous acquitted last month of mur- yen ($12-145) per day, the Japan Chinese regions plan to relax dering a woman involved in Times reported. restrictions on the children of vice trade after serving 15 years He is seeking the maximum workers from rural areas try- in a Japanese jail is seeking rate — totalling some 68 million ing to enter university-track $790,000 in compensation for yen for 15 years — and may also high schools, China National his time behind bars, according file a lawsuit for damages, the Radio reported yesterday, in an to a press report yesterday. report said. apparent response to protests Govinda Prasad Mainali, 46, In 2000, after he had already over discriminatory practices. was freed and sent back to Nepal spent three years behind bars The planned changes come in June after his request for a for the killing, the Tokyo court too late to help a teenager whose retrial was approved. found Mainali guilty of murder- plight has become a cause cele- He was tried and cleared of ing the 39-year-old and sentenced bre among activists pressing for murder in his absence by the him to life in prison, overturn- reform of China’s household reg- Tokyo District Court last month, ing a lower court’s earlier verdict istration, or hukou, regime. after a DNA test indicated of not guilty. After his release Chinese high school students another man was responsible he told reporters in Nepal that can only take university entrance for killing a businesswoman who Japan’s justice system had over- exams where they are registered, worked at night as a prostitute, looked crucial evidence, includ- a stipulation that effectively locks in Tokyo in 1997. ing DNA from semen found inside out the children of migrant work- Mainali filed the request for the dead woman and of biological ers in cities. compensation with the court on samples taken from under her Hundreds of millions of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un (centre) sharing a light moment with scientists and technicians who con- Friday under a law which allows fingernails. No one else has been Chinese have moved to cities tributed to the successful launch of the second version of the satellite Kwangmyongsong-3 during a photo a person to seek compensation arrested in connection with from rural areas over the past session. North Korea launched a three-stage Unha-3 rocket on December 12, insisting it was a purely scientific for wrongful imprisonment at a the murder. AFP three decades, but most migrants mission aimed at putting a polar-orbiting satellite in space. are still treated as second-class citizens without the same access to education, housing or health insurance as registered urban residents. Reformists had seized on China’s Chengdu aims to be next Silicon Valley the case of Zhan Haite, 15, the daughter of migrants who had CHENGDU, CHINA: computer giant Intel makes up developed for pre-schoolers become networking hotspots for Texas Instruments, Intel, Fujitsu, been raised in Shanghai but was Entrepreneurs in China’s to half of its chips in the city. between one and three years software programmers. IBM, Hewlett Packard, Microsoft, ineligible to attend a university- southwest are dreaming of Far from the booming coastal old, the age at which children in “The best reason (to come to Sun, SAP, Ubisoft, Siemens, track high school there. Her case turning the city of Chengdu into regions, Chengdu can offer perks Chengdu begin to toy with com- Chengdu) is the education envi- Motorola, Nokia, Ericsson, Alcatel triggered protests in Beijing and the world’s next Silicon Valley through the government’s “Go puter technology. ronment. The region has great and Dell. Shanghai this month, while her as the government encourages West” development programme, Founded in 2009, the startup universities,” Xiong Jie, the direc- Chengdu highlights the chang- father was detained for several more investment outside the with incentives for startups such employs 32 people and has seen tor of Thoughtworks, which runs ing nature of the technology scene days for campaigning to secure booming coastal regions. as one-year interest-free loans. strong growth in the gaming mar- an Internet site for a group of in China, where Beijing, Shanghai education rights in Shanghai. Small startups as well as big- So far it has attracted ket, with most of its applications Australian insurance companies, and the metropolis of Shenzhen The rules as announced still do name western companies have about 29,000 companies to its used on mobile telephones. said. near Hong Kong have long been not treat the children of migrants flocked to the metropolis of 14 130-square-kilometre (50-square- “In July 2009, we had about “Only China and India have this the centre for the country’s IT as equals of city residents with million people, attracted by cheap mile) “hi-tech development zone”, five downloads a day, today we talent pool. We have grown very industry. legal registration. labour costs and favourable gov- including about 1,000 foreign have more than 100,000 a day for fast, we started with zero people Multinationals have tradition- “It’s not ideal. They have ernment investment policies and enterprises. each game. We are confident in in April and now we have 50.” ally set up in those areas, initially just made the regulations more hoping to tap into China’s rapidly Chengdu is also developing a the market,” Liu Jia, a GoodTeam The company plans to add at making products for export but detailed, not changed the under- expanding consumer market. nearby “Software Park” as the manager, said. least 30 more workers in 2013 and increasingly tapping into the lying situation,” Zhan said from And the Silicon Valley dream city aims to go beyond manufac- “Since we started we have sur- all will likely be aged under 30, country’s lucrative domestic her home in Shanghai. The new is becoming reality as the city, turing and become a centre of vived three crises but it has been he said. markets. criteria were so strict that she, already a hi-tech manufacturing innovation. the hi-tech zone that has sus- The zone boasts Chinese tech- Sales revenue for Chengdu’s and others like her, would still be hub, seeks increasingly to become At Chinese startup GoodTeam, tained us by allowing us to bor- nology companies like Lenovo, information technology sector ineligible, she said. a magnet for software develop- a software engineer shows off his row money.” Huawei, ZTE and the Taiwan neared ¤36bn ($47.6bn) in 2011, “I bet only 5 percent of ment and innovation. latest creation: a game in which With five nearby universities electronics giant Foxconn, as well with 20 million computers pro- the kids would meet the new Between one-third to one-half players try to place a bottle into focusing on science and technol- as Internet portals Tencent and duced and production capacity requirements.” of the iPads sold worldwide are the mouth of a baby. ogy, cafes and restaurants around Alibaba. four times that. REUTERS assembled in Chengdu, while The application is being the development zone have Foreign companies include AFP MONDAY 31 DECEMBER 2012 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 19 pilgrims, 21 troops killed in Pakistan Remotely-triggered bomb hits three buses carrying Shia pilgrims to Iran; cops hunt for troops’ killers

QUETTA, PAKISTAN: A car bomb killed at least 19 Shia Muslim pilgrims in southwest Pakistan yesterday as security forces searched for the killers of 21 kidnapped troops in the trou- bled northwest, officials said. The remotely-triggered bomb hit a convoy of three buses car- rying about 180 pilgrims to Iran and set one of the buses ablaze in Mastung district, they said. “At least 19 people have been killed and 25 injured,” said Tufail Baluch, a senior district govern- ment official. “All of them were Shia pilgrims.” Most of those killed were burnt to death, he said. “The bomb was planted in a car. The condition of some of the injured is critical.” The injured included four women and some children but medics were having trouble iden- tifying the dead bodies, many of which were burnt beyond recog- nition, said Akbar Harifal, a top official in the area. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the bombing at Mastung, some 30km south of Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province. Investigators recovered broken parts of a car and were investigat- ing the possible involvement of a suicide bomber, Harifal said. The province has become an A Pakistani security official stands guard beside a destroyed Shia Muslim pilgrims bus at the site of a car bomb attack in Mastung, some 30km south of Quetta, yesterday. RIGHT: An injured increasing flashpoint for sectar- ian violence between Pakistan’s Shia Muslim pilgrim waits for treatment in a hospital following the car bomb attack yesterday. majority Sunni Muslims and minority Shias, who account for of 21 security personnel whose others — one wounded and one while another managed to escape The Taliban have not yet com- Bashir Bilour, the second top pol- around a fifth of the country’s 180 bodies were discovered not far unhurt — were also found. unhurt.” mented on the killings. itician in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa million people. from two camps outside Peshawar Peshawar is the main city in The bodies were handed over In August, the Pakistani province. Balochistan is also rife with where they had been kidnapped northwest Pakistan and close to to families for burial as security Taliban released a video showing The Pakistani Taliban claimed Islamist militancy and home to a by the Pakistani Taliban. the restive tribal areas bordering forces cordoned off areas around what appeared to be the severed responsibility for that attack, say- regional insurgency which began Around 200 militants, armed Afghanistan, which are regarded Peshawar and began a search. heads of a dozen soldiers, after ing Bilour, an outspoken critic of in 2004. The insurgents demand with heavy weapons including as havens for Taliban and Akbar said the troops were the military said 15 troops had the militants, was assassinated in political autonomy and a greater mortars and rocket launchers, Al Qaeda-linked militants. killed after the breakdown of gone missing following fighting revenge for the death of one of the share of profits from oil and gas stormed the government para- “We found 21 bullet-riddled negotiations between a local coun- with militants in the Bajaur tribal movement’s “elders”. resources. military camps before dawn on bodies of security personnel... in cil of tribal elders and Taliban district. In a separate incident yester- It was the country’s second Thursday, killing two security an uninhabited area,” local gov- militants. There has been a surge in day, a roadside bomb killed two mass killing to be reported in less personnel and kidnapping 23. ernment official Naveed Akbar Mohammad Afridi, a Taliban attacks in northwest Pakistan soldiers in Pakistan’s lawless than a day. Officials said yesterday the 21 said early yesterday. spokesman from the tribal town of in the past two weeks, including tribal zone near the Afghan bor- In the northwest, security men had their hands tied with “One was found alive but Darra Adam Khel, earlier claimed a suicide bombing on a political der, security officials said. forces were hunting the killers rope before they were shot. Two wounded and admitted to hospital responsibility for the kidnappings. meeting in Peshawar that killed AFP

Missing Georgian Trap reveals how Afghan insider attacks work trooper’s

KABUL: The Taliban believed who gave him clearance to con- closely. We told Weyaar to coop- and head into Pakistan, which where they killed four of his Beyar Khan Weyaar was the tinue meeting the insurgents to erate with them and be care- borders Paktika. sleeping colleagues and in Kabul body found in perfect candidate to prepare an gain intelligence. ful to not give himself away,” Police let the plan unfold until a female police officer shot dead insider attack on Afghan police, He then got a telephone call Mohibullah Samim, the governor just before the suicide attack was a US advisor. Afghanistan but instead he set a daring trap from a leader of the Taliban- of Paktika, said. set to be launched — a potentially The thwarted attack in Paktika that has given a rare insight linked Haqqani group offering “He is a true warrior and he huge strike in the strategically provided valuable information on KANDAHAR, into suicide bombing tactics. him a luxury house in Pakistan if was not worried about his own important province. how militants try to recruit insid- AFGHANISTAN: A Georgian Weyaar, a low-ranking police he helped bombers infiltrate the security. We trusted him, and Commanding officers, who had ers and how they plan attacks soldier who went missing in officer in the eastern province Paktika provincial headquarters he proved himself to be a brave positioned reinforcements in hid- weeks or months in advance. Afghanistan earlier this month of Paktika, was approached in where the governor and police patriot.” ing spots, sprung the trap, and US special forces in September was found dead in an abandoned November by a man who offered chief work. About a month later, police swooped in to arrest all six suspended training for around mud house with multiple bullets him the chance to get rich if he Though impossible to verify, Mohammed returned to launch men as they gathered near the 1,000 Afghan local police recruits to his body, local officials said met a local insurgent commander. Weyaar and government officials the attack. He was with two more compound, without a shot being to investigate current members yesterday. “I thought he was joking,” believe the caller was Sirajuddin people, a pick-up truck packed fired. for insurgent links -- though most Police searching for Sergeant Weyaar said after collecting Haqqani, chief of the Haqqani net- with explosives, and had 60 hand Realising he had been tricked, attacks are thought to be driven Giorgi Kikadze found his body in a hero’s medal from Interior work, a group close to Al Qaeda grenades, six machine guns and Mohammed shouted at Weyaar: by personal animosity. a village compound in the Musa Minister Mujtaba Patang in that is blamed for some of the six suicide vests. “Now that you deceived us, why Weyaar’s tale of trickery and Qala district of Helmand prov- Kabul on December 25. most deadly insurgent attacks. “I asked him about the sixth don’t you just shoot me your- nerve has been corroborated by ince, district governor Nemat “But the commander, who said “He said he would give me 2.5 suicide bomber that he had told self?” He was then led away in the Interior Ministry in Kabul, Khan said. he was called Mohammed, came million Afghani ($50,000), two me would take part,” Weyaar said. handcuffs. the Paktika provincial governor “He was shot by bullets and was to meet me at my police post in brand new cars and a house in “He said, ‘The sixth person is me, Insider attacks have surged and its police chief Dawlat Khan found in an empty house,” Khan Sar Hawza district. He must have Pakistan,” Weyaar said. I will detonate the vehicle.’” in Afghanistan this year, with Zadran. said. “We showed the body to the known I worked there. The police decided to go along On December 11, the day of the at least 60 foreign troops and Weyaar collected his medal Georgian officials from Isaf. They “He brazenly asked me to take with the plot and signed up three planned attack, Weyaar was told many more local personnel killed, and a cash reward in Kabul on identified it.” the Taliban side and help them men aged 18-25 who were sent by his role was to ensure the attack- severely undermining US-led Tuesday and also appeared on Georgian defence min- launch an attack inside the police Mohammed. They were taken on ers and the bomb-laden truck efforts to work with the Afghan television news programmes to ister Irakli Alasania and force. I asked him to give me time as junior recruits, given police were separately allowed into the army and police. recount how he turned the tables Isaf (International Security to think.” uniforms and started work in government compound where he Last week, a policeman let on the Taliban and its Haqqani Assistance Force) officials con- Weyaar, aged in his early 40s, Weyaar’s post. had security clearance. Taliban gunmen into a post in associates. firmed the discovery on Saturday, instead informed senior officers, “We were watching this very He would then be free to escape Uruzgan province before dawn, AFP but gave no further details. Kikadze went missing on December 19 in Helmand, a southern province at the heart Border logjam of the Taliban insurgency. He is believed to be the first More than 1,000 Afghan soldier from the Nato-led inter- national force to have gone miss- ing since Bowe Bergdahl, from the soldiers killed this year United States, was taken on June 30, 2009 in the southeastern prov- ince of Paktika. KABUL: More than 1,000 Afghanistan avoiding civil war as Talks between the US and Afghan soldiers died in action about 100,000 international troops Taliban insurgents over a possi- this year, the highest since the head home. ble prisoner exchange involving Taliban insurgency began, as Azimi said the army had now Bergdahl failed earlier this year. the army assumes more respon- taken the lead role for security Kikadze’s death took to 19 the sibility before Nato forces with- in more than 75 percent of the number of Georgian troops killed draw in 2014, officials said country, though he added that in Afghanistan over the past yesterday. it needed better equipment and three years. “In the past nine months, 906 protection against land mines to Georgia has 1,570 troops serv- Afghan army soldiers were killed. cut fatalities. Nato is aiming to ing in the country, making the A total of 1,056 soldiers were train up 350,000 Afghan soldiers small Caucasus country of 4.5 killed in 2012,” defence ministry and police by the end of 2014 to million the largest non-Nato con- spokesman General Mohammad ensure stability in Afghanistan, tributor to Isaf. Zahir Azimi told reporters in but challenges remain in the President Mikheil Saakashvili Kabul. “The toll has increased transition process. Desertions, is due to visit Georgian troops compared to the previous years.” poor re-enlistment rates and low serving in Afghanistan’s Helmand Afghan residents speak with border guards as they wait at the main border crossing between Afghanistan The ability of the rapidly- morale are among the key prob- province for New Year celebra- and Pakistan at Torkham in Nangarhar province. Torkham was closed by Pakistani authorities. expanding army to thwart the lems troubling Afghan and Nato tions today. Islamist insurgency is key to commanders. AFP AFP MONDAY 31 DECEMBER 2012 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA

Chilly Sunday CPI-M sacks in Delhi

NEW DELHI: It was a chilly Sunday with overcast sky in three aides of the national capital. The mini- mum temperature dipped to 7.7 degrees Celsius, normal for this time of the year. Cold winds swept through the city. Achuthanandan The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast similar conditions Monday. The maximum temperature fell Factionalism in the party takes new turn by four degrees Celsius as com- pared to Saturday’s maximum of KOCHI: The long-delayed Sarma and Mercykutty Amma, 21.4, one notch above average. booting out of three staff mem- opposed the decision to boot out Yesterday’s maximum tempera- bers of Leader of Opposition the three aides of the former chief ture was 17 degrees, four notches V S Achuthanandan from the minister. below average. “Over 29 trains Communist Party of India- Earlier in the day, arriving were running behind schedule Marxist (CPI-M) got the green at the venue of the meeting, and seven have been cancelled. signal yesterday at the end of Achuthanandan told reporters The train services were severely the party’s three-day meeting that he was taking part in the hit owing to the dense fog in many here. Official clarification on the meeting to find out what decision parts of north India,” a Northern matter, however, is pending. the state committee would take Railway said in a statement. Sources close to Achuthanandan on his staff. Emerging from the “Monday morning will be misty say he has approached the meeting, he refused to speak to and foggy but the sky will remain national leadership, and the party with reporters. clear in the day,” said an IMD offi- state committee’s decision will be Incidentally, Achuthanandan cial. The maximum and minimum taken up at the January 17 central yesterday morning got in touch temperatures will be around 18 committee meeting of the party with the party national leader- and seven degrees Celsius, the in Kolkata. ship and apprised it of what might weather forecast said. Achuthanandan’s press secre- happen. IANS A man rides his mini bike amid dense fog on a cold winter morning in the northern city of Chandigarh, yesterday. tary K Balakrishnan, his addi- With this development, the tional private secretary V K divide between Achuthanandan Sasidharan and personal assistant and the majority faction in the A Suresh have been removed from party led by state secretary the party after they were found Pinarayi Vijayan has reached a guilty of leaking classified party new level. information to the media. This is not the first time Media rose to the occasion: Editors Guild The leaks related to delibera- the party has acted tough on tions of the party congress at Achuthanandan, stripping his NEW DELHI: The Editors “Her struggle to survive despite The statement further said country, and calls for speedy Coimbatore in 2008, and were close aides of party membership. Guild of India said the media grievous injuries, and now her that the Guild recognises the action to make punishment for made to media in February 2010. In the past, the party booted out rose to the occasion in covering death, have sent shock-waves role played by the social media rape both speedy and certain, as The CPI-M had formed a two- his closest aide, K M Shahjahan, the horrific Dec 16 gang-rape across the country, and brought in mobilising people to come out that is the surest preventive step member probe committee to who was his assistant private sec- with responsibility, helping the about a public outpouring of grief and express their solidarity, and that can be taken. investigate the leaks. The expla- retary when Achuthanandan was protest stay mostly peaceful by and anger as never witnessed noted that this marks an impor- In addition, it calls on the gov- nation received from the three Leader of Opposition (2001-06) providing outlets for expression before. The Guild joins million of tant change in the non-political ernment to tighten laws where was not found acceptable, and the and when he became the chief of both grief and anger. our people in condoling this tragic organisation of widely-shared necessary, and most importantly matter was reported first to the minister (2006-11). Even his IT Condoling the death of the death,” said a statement from the feelings and thoughts. to outline a programme for chang- state party secretariat, following advisor, Joseph Mathew, was 23-year-old woman who was bru- guild issued here. “Governments will have to ing attitudes towards women, “so which it was conveyed to the state sacked from the party. tally gang-raped in a moving bus, it The Guild noted the media also respond, and governance change,” that the ill-considered remarks committee meeting held here over All eyes are now on what action said: “The guild expresses its deep rightly took the government and said the Guild. of the sort made by some politi- the past two days. the veteran will take. Under party sadness at the passing away of the police to task for poorly-judged According to the statement, cians in recent days are not con- Sources close to the rules, those ousted from the party 23-year-old young woman who was decisions on how to deal with the Guild recognised that the sidered symptomatic of broader party revealed that two of cannot be retained in employment gang-raped in a moving bus in the demonstrations and for impos- heinous crime of rape is far too attitudes”. Achuthanandan’s close aides, S by a party member. IANS capital city two weeks ago. ing excessive traffic restrictions. common an occurrence in the IANS

Mumbai and police Global luxury brands woo Delhi’s fashionistas gear up for New NEW DELHI: More than five inter- and limited pockets, given a minimum price Year’s eve national luxury brands, including of `5,000 for even a small item like a card Roberto Cavalli, Armani Junior, Tumi holder. Dinaz Madhukar, senior vice presi- MUMBAI: As this happen- and Hackett, opened shop at the capi- dent of DLF Emporio, agreed. ing city readies with excite- tal’s swish DLF Emporio mall this year. “There is a different customer base that ment to ring in the New Year, For officials of these brands, choosing comes to DLF Emporio. Our main idea of the city police too are gearing up the destination was half the battle won bringing in the luxury at the place is to to ensure that the celebrations because of its elite clientele and the pres- familiarise people with the brands because tonight are not marred by any ence of other “exquisite brands”. the more they know about the brands, the untoward incidents. According to Spread over 320,000 sq feet, the DLF more the brands will get business. Yes, we Deputy Commissioner of Police Emporio mall in south Delhi’s Vasant Kunj have an elite customer base and we are Nisar Tamboli, nearly 70 percent area had opened in 2008. Spread over four trying to make sure that people get the of Mumbai’s 40,000-strong police levels, the mall is home to 65 international opportunity to experience the best at any force has been deployed for main- brands and 129 Indian designer brands. The given point of time,” Madhukar said. taining law and order in the city. list is growing each year. Tumi, one of the The mall also saw the opening of leisure “Extra police personnel will be world’s leading brands for travel, business and resort wear brand Turquoise & Gold deployed at spots infamous for and lifestyle accessories, debuted at the lux- (T&G) in August. “Our brand’s primary eve teasing,” he said. ury destination in July. Armani Junior, a sub- focus to position itself as an exquisite Another senior official also sidiary of international fashion label Giorgio luxury brand. As such, the clientele that said that special enclosures will Armani, opened doors for the Indian market frequents DLF Emporio is a perfect fit for be made for women revellers at in September, and so did British men’s cloth- us,” Samara Mahindra, T&G’s head of mar- Gateway of India, where people ing and accessories brand Hackett London. keting and communication, said. Emporio gather in large numbers to usher DLF Emporio mall in south Delhi’s Vasant Kunj. However, it was the launch of Italian already houses well-heeled stores of inter- in the New Year. However, this designer brand Roberto Cavalli’s first flag- “Keeping Roberto Cavalli’s brand aes- As a visitor to the mall, one would see a national brands like Louis Vuitton, Cartier, year too, boat parties have not ship store in the country here that stole thetics in mind that eludes luxury and distinct crowd - often suited-booted men Gucci, Christian Louboutin, Salvatore been allowed at Gateway of India the limelight this year. Cavalli himself flew class, there would have been no better place with well-dressed women, clutching expen- Ferragamo, Tom Ford, Bottega Veneta, shore owing to security reasons, down for the launch. His store, spread over than DLF Emporio to open our first-ever sive designer bags in hand, emanating a Ermenegildo Zegna, Fendi, Jimmy Choo, the official said. “CCTV cameras approximately 400 sq ft on the ground floor, store in the capital,” Cavalli said during strong whiff of luxury perfumes, and with Dior, Paul Smith, Canali, Hugo Boss and installed at most party spots will resonates with the brand’s trademarks - his visit, when he also launched his world- their heads held high. Of course, the stores Burberry, among others. help nab miscreants and trouble- bold patterns and exotic animal prints. renowned Cafe Cavalli. and their products’ prices only suit specific IANS makers across the city. IANS Can PBD session solve Keralites’ travel problems? ears of registering pro- from NRIs highlighting their dif- the state by Air India, especially at the Thiruvananthapuram from three international airports are among the bigwigs who have tests and political lob- ficulties faced during Air India its failure to serve properly the Airport. The senior politician said in Kerala -- Thiruvananthapuram, written to the centre about this. bying have yielded very flights. He further admitted that NRI travellers. what had happened was “sheer Kochi and Kozhikode leading to A Kerala-based NGO, the Ylittle for non-resident the complaints mainly correspond This neglect has also been con- cruelty” by the airline authori- unprecedented confusion and Centre for Non Resident Indians Indians from the Gulf region when to Kerala-Gulf sector and relate veyed to the civil aviation minis- ties towards passengers from the hardship. Taking advantage of the and Returnees even filed a peti- it comes to their travel woes. to cancellation of flights, hike in ter, Ajit Singh, by his predecessor state. frequent cancellation of flights by tion in the Kerala High Court Air travelers on the Gulf- air fare and flight timings etc. The Vayalar Ravi, who heads the min- Air India, private airline opera- seeking a direction to Air India Kerala sector, in particular, have Kerala-Gulf sector is a strategic istry of overseas Indians affairs. tors abruptly increase their fares, for providing alternative travel been amongst the worst suffer- market for Air India and its sub- Having said that, Ravi himself THE NR EYE it has been alleged. arrangements for passengers ers owing to peculiar reasons, and sidiary Air India Express. has publicly wondered how Singh Some of the passengers were stranded due to frequent cancel- now they will get another oppor- Indian law makers were might succeed where he himself Moiz Mannan given connecting flights, but lation of its flights. tunity to press for their demands. assured that the low-cost car- had failed. On an optimistic note, the relief came only after Chief Chandy has maintained that The forthcoming eleventh edition rier, Air India Express is trying Ravi has shown faith in his suc- Minister Chandy joined the cho- his government has virtually of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, to be to improve its schedule integrity cessor’s assurance that “all steps” The incident prompted Indian rus of protest from stranded pas- given up taking up issues repeat- held in Kochi from January 7 to by hiring more dedicated pilots for will be taken to resolve the issues Union Muslim League work- sengers, some of them carrying edly with Air India with no posi- 9, 2012, will feature a special ses- its fleet. The parliament was told related to services of Air India ers take out protest rallies in wailing infants or escorting eld- tive response and that was the sion dedicated to the host state, that the company has chalked out Express to Kerala from different Kozhikode, Ernakulum and erly people. basic reason which prompted it Kerala. a “detailed time bound” recruit- Gulf countries. Thiruvananthapuram. The pro- Chandy had even moved to float Air Kerala as a state- This is the forum where NRIs ment plan so that the scarcity of Incidentally, besides Ravi, the testers gave vent to their anger Prime Minister Manmohan sponsored carrier, mainly to serve and their representatives are pilots can be addressed. Air India minister of state for civil aviation, and frustration against the Singh to intervene in the issue of non-resident Keralites working in expected to raise the crucial ques- Express also operates additional K C Venugopal and the minister national airlines for charging frequent cancellations of flights Gulf countries. Kerala along with tions and most distressing issues flights during festival season like of state for External Affairs, E. unreasonable fares, cancelling from Kerala by the national a set of leading NRIs from the faced by them. Onam, Eid and school vacations. Ahamad, also belong to Kerala. flights, being arrogant towards carrier. Gulf are pushing for permission to Only last week, the Union Last month, members of In October this year, no less a the passengers and diverting MP Shashi Tharoor, Kerala the seemingly improbable airline Minister of State for Civil Aviation Parliament from Kerala, cutting person that the Chief Minister routes without prior notice. Pradesh Congress Committee proposal by setting aside certain K.C. Venugopal conceded before across party lines and political of Kerala, Oomen Chandy had The anger among NRIs peaked president Ramesh Chennithala, norms citing the precedent of Air the Indian Parliament that his affiliations, had decided to raise lashed out at Air India over the in September this year when Air and state minister for non-resi- India Express. ministry was aware of complaints a protest against the “neglect” of infamous hijack alarm incident India had cancelled 168 flights dent Keralites affairs, K C Joseph THE PENINSULA MONDAY 31 DECEMBER 2012 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15 Gang rape victim cremated; protests continue The 23-year-old was due to marry in February

NEW DELHI: The victim of preparations and had planned protection for women, and deep a gang-rape and murder which a wedding party in Delhi” for soul-searching in a nation where triggered an outpouring of grief February, said Meena Rai, who horrifying gang-rapes are com- and revulsion across India was was a close friend and neighbour. monplace and sexual harass- cremated at a private ceremony “I really loved this girl. She was ment is routinely dismissed as yesterday as it emerged she was the brightest of all.” “Eve-teasing”. planning to marry in February. Prime Minister Manmohan Several thousand people The unidentified 23-year-old, Singh and Sonia Gandhi, the massed again yesterday in the the focus of nationwide protests leader of the main ruling centre of the Indian capital - since she was attacked on a bus Congress party, were at Delhi some to express sympathy for the in New Delhi two weeks ago, was airport to console her parents as victim who had been out to watch cremated at a ceremony kept they arrived home on a chartered a film with her boyfriend, others secret by authorities only hours plane with their daughter’s body to voice anger at the government. after her body was repatriated at around 4 am (2230 GMT). Stringent security measures from Singapore. After initial treatment in that have seen government offices The funeral pyre was lit after a Delhi hospital following the and other public areas sealed off traumatised relatives and friends attack, she was flown to Singapore in New Delhi to prevent protests said their final prayers at a cer- on Wednesday night where doc- have been seized on by critics as emony in southwestern Delhi, tors were unable to prevent a further evidence of an out-of- according to mourners who multiple organ failure. She was touch government bungling its revealed she had been due to wed pronounced dead in the early response. a boyfriend who was injured in hours of Saturday. “We cannot understand the the same attack. Her killing has prompted high-handedness of the police. “They had made all the wedding government promises of better This is our city, we should be free to move around and protest peacefully,” 21-year-old protester BJP questions ‘hush-hush manner’ cremation Mahima Anand, who works for a multi-national company, said. NEW DELHI: The BJP yesterday questioned the “hush-hush “She was not just one woman, manner” in which the 23-year-old gang raped woman was cre- she epitomises every Indian mated early in the morning, within hours of her body being flown woman who has been wronged in in from Singapore. “We understand the right of privacy, the right some way or the other,” she added A protester holding a banner during a rally in New Delhi, following the cremation of a gang rape victim. RIGHT: A of privacy has to be respected, but the hush-hush manner raises from the Jantar Mantar area of father carries his daughter during the rally. curious questions too,” said Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokes- Delhi, where protesters have been person Ravi Shankar Prasad. allowed to gather. against women must never be another alleged murder and gang rapists to undergo chemical cas- The BJP leader’s comments came after the gang raped woman’s About a dozen protesters tried accepted, never excused, never rape yesterday in West Bengal. tration - the use of drugs to sup- body was flown in at around 3.30 am to Delhi from Singapore in to break the barricades that riot tolerated,” Ban’s spokesperson According to police and pros- press sexual urges. a chartered Air India flight. The cremation took place at 7.25 am. police erected around the area, said. ecutors, the ordeal suffered by The government has already Minister of State for Home R P N Singh, who was present at the while a handful also threw stones As police said the six accused of the victim of the Delhi crime promised to bring in tougher crematorium in southwest Delhi, denied any secrecy in the ceremony. and were immediately detained. murdering the unnamed woman began when six men lured her sentences for the most extreme He said the cremation was held quietly “as we wanted to respect the Waves of protests erupted could face the death penalty, and her boyfriend onto a bus sex crimes and speed up a noto- privacy of the family”. “I was there as representative of the govern- across India after the attack on there was widespread determina- that they thought would take riously slow justice system that ment,” Singh said. The BJP has also demanded a special session of December 16 when the woman tion that the killing should serve them home. often fails to deliver timely parliament to discuss rising crimes against women. was repeatedly raped and sexu- as a tipping point for how the Instead the group, who had verdicts. ally assaulted with an iron bar, nation deals with violence against been drinking heavily, launched Human Rights Watch called leaving her with terrible intesti- women. a savage attack lasting some 40 on the government yesterday Victim’s mother admitted to hospital nal injuries. “We are aware that this is not minutes that ended when the vic- to ban the use of the so-called Thousands took part in late- the first case, nor will it be the tims were thrown off the bus. “finger test” in which a doctor NEW DELHI: The distraught mother of the young trainee night candlelit vigils on Saturday last case of gang-rape in India, Protesters and the Indian tests the laxity of a rape victim’s physiotherapist, who was brutally gang-raped in the capital early after 80-year-old Singh, criticised but it is clear that we will not tol- media have demanded that the vagina, apparently to determine this month, collapsed and was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital for reacting slowly to the crime, erate sex crimes any more,” said government unveil measures if she is “habituated to sexual after her daughter’s body was taken away for cremation. led appeals for calm to prevent a Bela Rana, a lawyer who joined a to make the country safer for intercourse”. “As soon as the body was taken away for cremation, she collapsed,” repeat of the sometimes violent rally in central Delhi. women, while introspecting on Such tests result in “unscien- Vimla, a neighbour of the family, said. protests. But yesterday’s Hindustan how to uproot deep prejudice and tific and degrading findings” that Since last evening, a large number of people, mostly neighbours, The United Nations Secretary- Times said more than 20 women misogyny in Indian society. often wrongly discredit com- had assembled outside the family’s house in southwest Delhi’s General Ban Ki-moon also sent had been raped in New Delhi since Initial government proposals plaints from women, the New Mahavir Enclave to condole the woman’s death. IANS his condolences to the victim’s December 16 and the Press Trust include a public register for sex York-based rights group said. parents and family. “Violence of India news agency reported offenders and forcing convicted AFP Government preparing tough Girl molested in DTC bus; three raped in Bihar NEW DELHI: Amidst outrage in the reason, she complained that an off-duty incident.“The girl is now at a relative’s Superintendent of Police Rajesh Kumar anti-rape law capital over the brutal gang rape of a conductor sitting in the bus first passed place in south Delhi,” the police officer said, said. A mentally retarded woman was 23-year-old who died, a teenaged girl lewd comments on her and when she pro- citing a family member. raped on Saturday by Ram Sakal Ram, an NEW DELHI: The Congress was molested in a city bus by an off-duty tested, beat her up. In fresh incidents of violence against employee of Sadar hospital in its premises is in the process of firming up conductor, Delhi Police said yesterday. “The officers deputed at check post women in Bihar, a minor and a mentally in Motihari, about 155km from here. proposals for a strong law to The attacker was arrested, and has been arrested the accused,” said the officer. retarded woman were among three raped Deputy Superintendent of Police Manoj curb crimes against women, dismissed from service along with two “The accused, who has been identi- in the state, police said yesterday even Kumar said that medical tests of the vic- which could include punitive other bus staff. fied as Ranjeet, sat in the bus to go to his while a nationwide cry was being raised tim were conducted and her statement was measures like chemical castra- “The incident was reported on Saturday home after his duty. Bus driver Prahlad against the gang rape of a 23-year-old recorded before the judicial magistrate. He tion for rapists and up to 30 around 11 pm at Barakhamba Road in cen- Singh and the bus conductor Tejveer were para-medical student in Delhi, who died. said the attacker was untraceable and on years’ jail. tral Delhi,” said a senior police officer. detained by the police and later let off,” an Two people have been arrested for the run.In Gopalganj district, 160km from “The proposals are still being Police said a Delhi Transport Corporation officer said. abducting and gang raping an intermedi- here, a 16-year-old girl was gang raped yes- firmed up... we want to bring (DTC) cluster bus on the Khayala-Jal The Delhi government, however, dis- ate student in Samastipur, police said. terday by two youths in a village. a strong law,” said a Congress Vihar route, heading towards Lajpat Nagar, missed the driver and both the conductors Police said the student was abducted at The police have stepped up efforts to nab leader who did not wish to be was stopped at a police picket near Mandi after the matter came to light. gunpoint on Friday in Vasudevpur village the culprits, a police official said. named. Once finalised, the draft House for checking when the 16-year-old “We have dismissed all the three men in in Samastipur district, around 100km from Last week, a 12-year-old girl was gang- will be submitted to the Justice J girl was spotted crying. The bus had taken the case,” Transport Minister Ramakant here, when she was returning home on a raped by three youths in a village in Patna S Verma Committee, which will a different route due to the traffic diver- Goswami said. Police said the family of bicycle from a coaching class. district. Police have arrested one of the suggest changes in existing law sions around India Gate. the girl reesiding at Raghubir Nagar in “The accused gang raped her in a sug- attackers while two others are on the run. to ensure that women are better When police officers asked her the west Delhi have been informed about the arcane field and later at a house,” Deputy IANS protected. The panel was set up by the government after the December 16 gang rape and torture of a 23-year-old woman by six men Foreigners also join protests aboard a bus in Delhi. The bru- tality of the crime shocked the entire nation. The woman later NEW DELHI: Some foreigners also joined the are ill-treated and it really upsets me. This is one died of her injuries. protests, moved by the savage attack on the major reason for such incidents to happen,” he said. Congress chief Sonia Gandhi 23-year-old trainee physiotherapist, who was cre- Angiulli’s colleague Helene Dosia, in her 20s, said and Prime Minister Manmohan mated last morning. the best way to wake authorities was to hold peace- Singh, who received the victim’s “It is a painful incident,” 27-year-old Gerardo ful protests. body which was flown in from Angiulli from Argentina Andrew Wilson from Singapore last morning, have said. Britain said he had come said that justice will be meted A professional photog- UN chief deeply saddened to India for a visit with out in a timely manner to the rapher touring India on a his family. men who committed the crime, project, he said he came on by rape victim’s death “I read about it and and laws will be made more his own to Jantar Mantar, was really moved. I stringent to check atrocities a 18th century brick-work UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary General wanted to be part of this against women. observatory, that has Ban Ki-moon expressed deep sorrow at the peaceful protest,” said Gandhi wants fast-track courts turned into a protest site. death of the 23-year old Delhi student who was Wilson, who has been in to try rape cases and award Thousands of people, gang raped by six men in a moving bus in New India before. punishment in three months to young and old, women and Delhi. “I prayed for the ensure speedy justice. men, are protesting at A UN spokesperson said Ban had offered his departed soul. It must be The women and child welfare Jantar Mantar in the heart sincerest condolences to her parents, family and a very traumatic time for ministry will submit its recom- of the capital, ever since friends, and utterly condemned this brutal crime. the family,” he said. mendations to the Justice Verma the December 16 brutal “Violence against women must never be accepted, “The outpouring of panel. Women activists have been gang rape of the 23-year never excused, never tolerated,” the spokesperson grief and sorrow (at demanding that those above 16 old woman. said. “Every girl and woman has the right to be Jantar Mantar) has years of age not be considered Angiulli said he under- respected, valued and protected.” really moved me. I hope juvenile when accused of crimes stands the pain of the The UN secretary general urged the govern- the government would against women. Under the law, family and wanted to join ment of India to undertake reforms in order to step in now and stop such those below 18 are considered the protestors to show deter such crimes in the future and bring their barbarous incidents from juvenile. solidarity. perpetrators to justice as well as strengthen sup- happening in the future,” The only minor among the six “I have three sisters in port for rape victims. Wilson said as protes- men accused in the Delhi gang- Argentina and I can feel “UN Women and other parts of the United tors raised angry slogans rape case, is a few months short the pain of the family Nations stand ready to support such reform against the government of being 18 years old. He was pri- members,” Angiulli, who efforts with technical expertise and other sup- for not doing enough to marily responsible for brutally was accompanied by a port as required,” the spokesperson said. stop such attacks from Demonstrators shout slogans as they jump over a police barricade that torturing the woman. female colleague, said. AFP happening. IANS they seized during a protest in New Delhi, yesterday. “I think women in India IANS MONDAY 31 DECEMBER 2012 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

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185,081 8.25 266,399 24.50 207,724 154.9097,786 15.21 43,183 74.80 131,795 27.25 20,273 22.50 33,426 70.20 4,625 51.70

Tabreed to issue convertible Qatar’s GDP grows by 3.9pc bonds in recap plan

DUBAI: District cooling firm terms as its previous convert- Mining and quarrying sector declines by 0.8pc in Q3 this year: QSA Tabreed has agreed to issue ible issue. Dh1.13bn ($308m) in convert- The conversion price of the DOHA: Qatar’s gross domes- manufacturing sector is estimated there is an estimated growth of is the combined effect of decline ible bonds to Abu Dhabi fund original bonds was Dh1.1259 a tic product (GDP), adjusted for at QR8.58bn in Q3, 2012 showing 4.7 percent when compared to the in the prices of condensate pro- Mubadala on December 31, the share; Mubadala can convert inflation, rose 3.9 percent from an increase of 13.6 percent over corresponding quarter in 2011. duced by the oil extraction, gas firm said yesterday, as part of a them into shares in 2019. a year earlier in third quarter the estimate of corresponding Compared to Q2 of 2011, the GVA extraction, crude oil, and the recapitalisation plan agreed last Formally known as National (Q3) 2012. Compared to the quarter of 2011. Compared to the of this group shows a rise of 1.2 increase in the price of natural year. Cooling Company, Tabreed pro- previous quarter it has been previous quarter, the increase of percent. gas. Tabreed secured Dh3.1bn vides cooling systems to residen- expanded by 1.7 percent in the 4.7 percent has been seen in the The contribution of the The manufacturing group of financing from Mubadala tial and commercial properties Q3, Qatar Statistics Authority gross value added (GVA) estimate Government Services is esti- shrank by 6.4 percent during the Development Co, wholly owned in the Gulf. It also cools Dubai’s (QSA) said yesterday. of this sector. mated at QR9.10bn in Q3 of 2012, period. The PPI for “electricity & by the Abu Dhabi government, metro network. The QSA’s preliminary esti- At an estimated QR8.71bn, the which shows a rise of 2.7 percent water” showed an increase of 4.2 in March 2011; the package con- The company reported a 35 mate noted the mining and construction sector has recorded compared to the estimate of Q3 percent, the combined effect of a sisted of a Dh1.7bn convertible percent rise in third-quarter quarrying sector, which includes an increase of 9.4 percent in Q3, of 2011. the 1.8 percent rise in the price bond issue and a loan facility of net profit, helped by growth oil and gas, declined by 0.8 per- when compared to the estimate A separate data released by the of Electricity and 8.7 percent rise up to Dh1.4bn. in its chilled water business cent in Q3 2012 from a year ago. of QR7.9bn in the same quarter QSA showed Qatar’s Producer in the price of water. Under terms of the loan, which and lower financing costs. Its When compared to Q2, 2012, the in 2011. The trade, hotel and res- Price Index (PPI) of the indus- The year-on-year comparison matures this month, the amount shares have jumped 140 percent sector grew only 0.6 percent this taurants sector is estimated at trial sector for Q2, 2012 declined of PPI shows a rise of 3.6 percent. drawn by Tabreed would be repaid year-to-date. quarter. The estimate of this sec- QR6.78bn in Q3 registering an 4.3 percent when compared to Producer prices for “mining” were with an issue of new convertible Tabreed is among a number tor in the Q3 is QR37.07bn over increase of 8.1 percent over the the PPI of the Q1, 2012, QNA 6.1 percent higher, while prices of bonds. of United Arab Emirates the estimate of Q3 2011 placed at Q3 2011 estimate of QR6.28bn. reported. The industrial sector Manufacturing dropped by 6.8 Yesterday’s statement said firms that has had to restruc- QR37.37bn. Compared with Q2 2012, this esti- covers mining, electricity & water percent and that of Electricity Tabreed had drawn Dh1.13bn ture its debt after the prop- The non-oil sector showed mate is up by 1 percent. and manufacturing. and water went up marginally by from the facility, and would issue erty market boom ended an increase of 7.7 percent over For finance, insurance, real In the “mining” group, the PPI 4.1 percent. that amount of convertible bonds abruptly in 2009. the estimate of Q3, 2011. The estate and business services, dropped by 3.9 percent. This fall THE PENINSULA to Mubadala under the same REUTERS MONDAY 31 DECEMBER 2012 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS Qatari bourse index loses 10.85 points Egypt shrugs off currency fears

DOHA: Qatar Exchange slipped target for the currency of around 10.85 points or 0.13 percent yes- 6.80. terday to 8,300.37 points from But the stock market’s calm the previous closing of 8,311.22 reaction to the currency turmoil points. showed the extent to which bad The volume of shares traded economic news had already been up to 2,447,735 from 2,423,635 on factored into Egyptian share Thursday, and the value of shares prices, and also that some inves- increased to QR132,853,102.90 tors — many of them foreigners — from QR112,503,535.61 on remain bullish on the long-term Thursday. outlook for equities. Among the top losers were The main stock index ended Qatar National Bank whose 0.5 percent higher at 5,442 share dropped 0.23 percent to points, after a 2.2 percent gain QR129.20, International Islamic on Thursday. Stock exchange Bank lost 0.76 percent to QR52.00, data showed the value of buying National Leasing fell 1.09 per- by foreign investors, though small cent to QR45.50 and Al Kaleej in absolute terms, was more than Takaful was down 0.68 percent double the value of their selling to QR43.70. during the day. The banking and financial sec- The index is up 50 percent from tor dropped 7.92 points while its level at the end of last year and the insurance sector added 23.75 has regained all of its losses since points. The industrial sector late November, when a political gained 0.13 points and the services crisis erupted over President sector lost 12.12 points. Mohamed Mursi’s drive to push Meanwhile, Egypt’s stock mar- through a controversial new con- ket held up well yesterday despite stitution for the country. Qatar Exchange CEO Rashid bin Ali Al Mansoori (left) exchanges documents with Dr Hatem Al Qaranshawi at Qatar Exchange yesterday. (KAMMUTTY VP) a weak currency, as foreign inves- The passage of the constitution, tors continued to buy shares - a though still the subject of bitter sign that a devaluation of Egypt’s protests by the opposition, is being pound, which looks increasingly seen as positive by some investors likely, might not be a disaster for because it paves the way for par- Qatar Exchange signs MoU with QFIS financial markets. liamentary elections in about two The Egyptian pound briefly months. A new parliament could DOHA: Qatar Exchange (QE) bin Ali Al Mansoori, Chief performance of the listed compa- investors and contribute to pro- hit a record low of about 6.30 in restore some political normalcy and the Qatar Faculty of Islamic Executive Officer of QE and Dr nies and stock price trends. vide more liquidity in the market. interbank trading against the and allow the government to focus Studies (QFIS) at Hamad Bin Hatem Al Qaranshawi, Dean Al Mansoori described the Dr Hatem Al Qaranshawi, Dean dollar, a fall of roughly 1.8 per- on economic issues. Khalifa University yesterday of the Qatar Faculty of Islamic partnership as a basis for fruit- of the QFIS, said: “This agreement cent from its previous close. The Prime Minister Hisham Kandil signed a memorandum of under- Studies. ful cooperation with the Qatar comes within the framework of central bank launched a system said yesterday he expected a standing for cooperation between The MoU aims at enhancing Faculty of Islamic Studies for the QFIS’s role in achieving Qatar of foreign currency auctions yes- resumption of talks in January the two sides in the field of edu- mutual cooperation in terms of purpose of promoting investment National Vision and as part of terday in an effort to conserve its with the International Monetary cation, training and consultation the development and provision awareness among public investors QFIS’s commitment to contribute falling reserves. Fund on a $4.8bn loan, after the in terms of investment products of training programs, education in Qatar and raise the level of effi- in the community development and Many analysts believe authori- talks were suspended because of traded on the Qatari bourse courses and seminars for local ciency of QE’s dealers in order to economic growth.” ties may no longer be willing or the political turmoil. and global financial markets. investors in order to raise the enhance liquidity in the market This is the second MoU signed able to support the Egyptian Depreciation of the Egyptian The partnerhsip is part of QE’s level of their securities investment and contribute in supporting the by QE with a Qatari education pound; in a research note, Pharos pound could saddle foreign inves- ongoing efforts to promote and knowledge and familiarize them economic growth in the country. institution within one month. Research forecast a free float tors with currency losses and strengthen the culture of securi- with the most important products Al-Mansoori stressed on the On December 19th 2012, a similar would be introduced with the perhaps encourage more capital ties investments among the citi- offered for trading in the market, importance of offering new traded MoU was signed with the Qatar pound weakening to 6.50. Some flight in the short term. zens and expatriates. along with briefing them on the products in QE in order to diver- Finance and Business Academy. analysts have a longer-term AGENCIES The MoU was signed by Rashid financial ratios used to analyze the sify the investment options before THE PENINSULA

Lindner Depa Interiors rebuts New currency regime pushes Egypt pound low Qatar Airways claim

CAIRO: The Egyptian pound told a news conference that the The pound subsequently weak- summon them in January so we DOHA: Lindner Depa Interiors (LDI) has rebutted Qatar hit a record low against the economy was in “a very difficult ened on the interbank market to resume discussions to go forward Airways’ claim that it is responsible for major delays to the dollar yesterday as worried and fragile” situation, adding about 6.30, a fall of 1.8 percent in the matter of the loan,” Kandil opening of the New Doha International Airport (NDIA) project Egyptians shifted their money that he expected talks with the from the morning, smashing said. as per the project schedule. out of local currency after the International Monetary Fund through a previous low in October Analysts said it was not yet The German-Dubai joint venture construction company accused central bank introduced a new on a $4.8bn loan to resume in 2004. clear if the new currency regime Qatar Airways of making a “false and misleading representation of currency regime to protect for- January. The auction system means would stem the run on the pound the facts”. LDI said it was “deeply disappointed” by the allegations eign reserves. Egypt won preliminary the price of the Egyptian pound and how much of its foreign made by Qatar Airways and rebutted all claims, according to the The new regime, announced on approval in November from the will begin to reflect supply and reserves the central bank was Arabian Business. Saturday and which includes reg- IMF for the loan, but delayed demand more closely, bankers prepared to spend to continue Qatar Airways said on Saturday it was filing a $600m legal claim ular currency auctions, seemed seeking final approval until said. The central bank is expected defending it. against LDI for causing a significant delay to the opening of the to represent a controlled shift January after it suspended to hold the auctions daily. The central bank also imposed New Doha International Airport by up to a year. towards a free float after the implementation of a series of tax “The arms of central bank that a series of measures to dampen But in a statement, LDI said it has never had a contract or rela- central bank spent more than increases to allow the government used to be there will not make demand for foreign currencies, at tionship with Qatar Airways, nor has it received any legal claim $20bn in reserves over the past more time to explain the heav- (the) market anymore, so it is least in the short term, including from the airline. two years to defend the pound, ily criticized package of economic for first time a real free market,” limiting corporate clients from “LDI was denied full access to the project site for the first nine according to bankers. austerity measures to the public. said one banker who works in a withdrawing more than $30,000 months of the 16-month project. This delay, combined with NDIA’s The currency crisis underlines The central bank, which had treasury room. in cash per day and charging indi- refusal to pay acceleration costs recommended by its own man- the scale of the economic chal- previously allowed the pound to Kandil announced a national viduals who buy foreign curren- agement consultancy, meant LDI was unable to start all interior lenge facing President Mohamed move within a tight range against economic initiative at his news cies a 1-2 percent administrative contracting work on site as planned. As a result, LDI was unable Mursi, whose administration has the dollar, has spent more than conference yesterday, which he fee, bankers said. to meet its original contract completion date,” the business news been grappling with the fall-out $20bn in foreign reserves to sup- described as an effort to build Egyptian banks will also not portal quoted LDI as saying. of a political crisis ignited by his port the currency since a mass consensus around the govern- be able to hold long positions in LDI, which is a joint-venture between German-based Lindner move to drive through a constitu- uprising against Hosni Mubarak ment’s economic programme. US dollars of more than one per- group and UAE-based Depa, said it is seeking legal counsel “as a tion written by his Islamist allies. in early 2011 chased away tourists He said the government would cent of their capital, down from a result of the damage caused to its reputation based on the false and The shift to a freer floating and foreign investors. seek to engage society so the previous 10 percent, the bankers misleading information made in the Qatar Airways statement”. currency raised fears the pound At the maiden auction of the state’s economic plan “really is a added. Qatar Airways said on Saturday that LDI had undertaken to could fall further or the govern- new currency regime yesterday, national plan”. He said the gov- In a note, Pharos Research complete the construction of 19 airport lounges by the summer of ment could impose more capital the central bank sold virtually ernment’s programme could be forecast a forecast a free float 2012 in a contract worth over $250m, but had failed to complete controls, prompting Egyptians all of the $75m it had offered, amended to reflect other views. with the Egyptian pound weaken- the project on time. The $15.5bn airport was due to have opened to shift into the dollar when the with the lowest price of pounds “We hope that there will not be ing to 6.50 to the US dollar from this month but has now been put back to the second half of 2013. market opened yesterday. at 6.2425 to the dollar, down from any fundamental changes in our about 6.185 now. THE PENINSULA Prime Minister Hisham Kandil 6.185 earlier in the day. plan with the IMF because we will REUTERS Nakheel awards $136m contract for villa project

• Bullion - Mumbai DUBAI: Property developer Nakheel’s extravagant devel- prices this year, a study by prop- For the Jumeirah Park devel- Gold (10 gm) Standard Rs. 30435 Nakheel yesterday awarded opments at the height of Dubai’s erty consultant CBRE showed. opment, Arabtec will build 134 Silver (1 kg) Rs. 57840 contracts worth $136m to two property boom contributed to its Manchanda said Nakheel had luxury villas, and family-owned local construction firms for debt problems. no immediate plans to raise contractor SS Lootah Group is • Indian Rupees QR1 = 14.95 a luxury villa project stalled The developer’s flawed off-plan money. “We have adequate fund- to build 247 villas at the same • Sensex after Dubai’s property market property sales model and mount- ing arrangements for our old location. BSE 19444.84 collapse. ing debt problems forced Nakheel projects and funds for the new Nakheel said it had sold more NSE 5908.35 The developer, which success- to shelve ambitious projects like projects are also in place.” than 1.2 billion dirhams worth • LIC (International) launches New Gold Investment Plan ‘GOLD PLUS’ – fully restructured a $16bn debt two palm-shaped island develop- State-owned Nakheel’s capital of villas in the project so far. which provides an opportunity to invest in GOLD ETF & GOLD SPOT, PAN in 2011, will self-finance the con- ments and write off real estate expenditure for existing projects Construction of the new villas will Card/Demat Account not required. struction of 381 luxury villas on assets worth $21.4bn. was around a billion dirhams, he begin in February and the project • Short-term investment plan from LIC International upto 6.4 percent return Jumeirah Park, Nakheel chief But Dubai has begun to under- said. The developer had a total of is expected to be completed in the executive Sanjay Manchanda said take big projects again and revive around 8,500 to 9,000 residential and fourth quarter of 2014. Arabtec’s p.a. (in dollar) at a press conference. some earlier plans that had to be commercial properties to be com- contract was worth Dh159m, the • Housing loan from HDFC LTD “We would not go ahead with dropped following the property pleted, of which around 4,500 have chief executive of Arabtec con- • Mutual Fund: Buy & Sell: SBI MF, HDFC MF, UTI MF, Birla Sun Life MF, these projects if we don’t have the market collapse. been handed over to buyers so far. struction Greg Christofides told Tata MF, Reliance MF etc. financing. We want to ensure that Speculative buyers are back in “We will see the remaining reporters at the sidelines of the Contact: Investec, Tel: 44325060/44365060 email: [email protected] we won’t make the same mistakes Dubai’s markets helping to drive a units being delivered next year,” press conference. again,” said Manchanda. 13 percent increase in apartment he said. REUTERS MONDAY 31 DECEMBER 2012 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19 IMF, EU push for less Bolivian nationalisation drastic deficit cuts French deficit expected to hit 3.5pc of GDP

PARIS: The International German weekly Die Zeit in com- “Once you have a credible Monetary Fund and European ments published last week. medium-term budget strategy, Commission officials have Her call echoed other backed up by reforms, you can encouraged France and its European voices that are now have a slower adjustment,” he told eurozone partners not to fixate arguing for greater emphasis French daily Le Monde. on deficit reduction targets if it on growth rather than auster- If a 3.0-percent French deficit would exacerbate the bloc’s debt ity measures. remains a valid reference, “what crisis. “The IMF is beginning to needs to be taken into account The head of an IMF mission in understand that the French sit- above all is the structural budget France, Edward Gardner, urged uation has become dangerous,” adjustment effort which France officials in Paris last week to con- economist Marc Touati at the is making with remarkable inten- sider their 2013 budget targets “in ACDefi consulting group said. sity,” the EU official said. a broader European context.” Unemployment is climbing and French officials nevertheless The IMF and the EU the economy is still struggling, seem determined to stick by their Commission expect the French he pointed out. targets. They insist that the pub- public deficit to amount to 3.5 The IMF was “trying to pre- lic deficit will be brought down Bolivian police officers hold a Bolivian flag on the roof of the headquarters of electricity distribution com- percent of gross domestic prod- pare public opinion” for missed to 3.0 percent of GDP next year pany Electropaz, a subsidiary of the Spanish energy company Iberdrola, after President Evo Morales uct (GDP) next year. government targets, Touati from 4.5 percent in 2012, based announced their nationalisation in La Paz. They do not believe France suggested. on a 2013 growth estimate of 0.8 can reach its 3.0 percent goal, “This is not really a new posi- percent that economists consider the eurozone limit, without addi- tion,” Frederique Cerisier at the overly optimistic. tional measures that could aggra- French bank BNP Paribas said Friday’s third-quarter growth vate an already tenuous economic of Lagarde’s recent remarks. figures gave them little comfort: Bankia investors look to court for justice situation. She acknowledged however that official statistics revised growth “The credibility of the medium some international institutions over that period down from 0.2 term orientation policy” was more were “placing added emphasis” to 0.1 percent. MADRID: Spanish savers and made from selling her father’s car Spain’s collapsed property sector. important than a specific deficit on the need to cut deficits more French Finance Minister Pierre pensioners who have seen their workshop by investing in Bankia Immense political pressure target, Gardner told reporters. gradually. Moscovici wrote in the German money wiped out by investing in preference shares. from the then government forced Loosening the criteria would On Tuesday, the EU’s ‘fis- business daily Handelsblatt that state-rescued lender Bankia are Neither of the two main politi- Bankia executives to push ahead “be more effective, more cred- cal compact,’ a hard-won step France had a duty to reverse likely to seek redress in court cal parties want to push for a with an initial public offering ible in a coordinated fashion” towards tighter economic coordi- years of budget deficits. rather than wait for any official full investigation into Bankia’s in July 2011 as Spain sought to across the 17-nation eurozone, he nation agreed as part of efforts to “In the past 30 years, France inquiry, which looks increas- demise, which could draw atten- bring private capital into its bank- suggested. tame the debilitating debt crisis, has not been able to pass a bal- ingly unlikely. tion to their own role in a debacle ing system and avoid a European In Portugal the public deficit takes effect. anced budget. State debt rose to About 350,000 stockholders that has driven Spain to the brink bailout. fell at the end of the third quarter Finalised in March, 25 of the an unacceptable 1.7 trillion euros will share the pain of the bank’s of an international rescue, com- Then chairman, Rodrigo Rato, to 5.6 percent of GDP from 6.7 27 EU member states accepted a ($2.2 trillion) in 2011. It is our European bailout, many of them mentators say. a former chief of the International percent at the same point a year ‘balanced budget rule’ in the com- duty to reverse this,” Moscovici bank clients who were sold the “Investigations work when a Monetary Fund, had strong links earlier, while neighbouring Spain pact to ensure that governments said. shares through an aggressive political party has something to to the centre-right Popular Party has promised to slash its deficit to would no longer run the massive On Friday he reaffirmed the marketing campaign for its stock gain over another. In this case, (PP) and was finance minister in 3.0 percent by 2014 from a blow- budget deficits which drove the goverment’s 2013 growth target. market flotation in 2011. no-one has anything to gain,” said a previous PP administration. out shortfall equal to 9.4 percent debt crisis and nearly sank the Cerisier at BNP Paribas Shares in the lender, rescued Juan Carlos Rodriguez, of consul- A small political party, UPyD, of output last year. euro. warned that France, which is by the state in May in Spain’s tancy Analistas Socio Politicos. forced the High Court in July Germany expects its budget to But as the European debt now benefitting from exception- biggest ever bank bailout, fell to “I don’t see the big parties to open an investigation into be in balance this year, two years crisis drags on and economies ally low borrowing rates, must be record lows on Friday, tumbling investigating this because if there whether Rato, ousted when the ahead of schedule, but IMF head flounder, the idea of allow- careful how it communicates to over 40 percent from the start of have been errors committed, they bank was nationalized in May, and Christine Lagarde has suggested ing governments more time to markets, if it wants to maintain the week after it emerged losses have been committed by both 32 other former board members that Berlin ease up a bit in its straighten out their finances has its credibility. on bad loans were worse than sides.” are guilty of fraud, price-fixing or drive for healthy finances. gained ground. But, she added: “The fact that expected. The Socialist Party was in falsifying accounts. “Germany ... and others ... can European Economic Affairs we can begin to discuss all that is “Going to the courts and see- power when Bankia was formed Investigating magistrate allow themselves to go a little Commissioner Ollie Rehn said proof that countries have become ing if a judge can bring us justice in 2010 from an ill-matched com- Fernando Andreu has so far not more slowly than others in the last week that France needed more credible with respect to is the only path left to us,” said bination of seven regional savings brought charges against anyone push to straighten out their pub- more reforms rather than more their economic targets.” Maricarmen Olivares, whose par- banks, a union that concentrated and could still drop the case. lic finances,” Lagarde told the austerity. AFP ents lost ¤600,000 ($793,300) they an unsustainable exposure to REUTERS

Saudi to issue bonds for Jeddah, Oil output hike elsewhere may dent 2013 income: Saudi RIYADH: Production hikes by strong output levels generated production by some states (in may drag on crude prices and lead Monica Malik, an independent Riyadh airports other oil producers will weigh revenue of SR1.24 trillion. 2013) will have negative effects Riyadh to cut production. economist at investment bank DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s govern- on energy prices in 2013, poten- For next year it has conserv- on prices, that’s why we’re being While next year’s budget plan EFG-Hermes, estimated the ment will issue bonds next year tially cutting into Saudi Arabia’s atively budgeted spending of conservative,” Alassaf said on Al envisages revenue of SR829bn riy- 2013 budget implied an oil price backed by the kingdom’s minis- fiscal surplus, Finance Minister SR820bn and income of SR829bn, Arabiya television. als, if oil prices stay above $100 of around $64-67 a barrel and try of finance to fund construc- Ibrahim Alassaf said yesterday although based on recent fiscal Saudi Arabia has maintained a barrel, the actual 2013 surplus average oil output of around 9.5 tion work at airports in Riyadh in a television interview. performance both figures are high production in the past two will be far larger. million barrels a day. and Jeddah, Finance Minister The world’s top oil exporter said likely to be a lot higher. years to help avert oil price The 2012 budget had forecast In November, Saudi Arabia Ibrahim Alassaf told Al Arabiya on Saturday that it ran a budget “The results of this year are spikes. However, new output from this year’s revenue at SR702bn, produced 9.90 million barrels a television yesterday. surplus of SR387bn ($103.2bn) exceptional ... The international fellow-Opec member Iraq and only 57 percent of the estimated day, a Reuters survey showed. “The rest of the bonds for King in 2012 as high energy prices and conditions and the increase in from projects in North America, actual income. REUTERS Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah and King Khaled Airport in Riyadh will be issued this (coming) year,” Alassaf said. Italy upbeat at end of 2012 after The kingdom’s General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) said in January it planned to issue a sec- ond sukuk, or Islamic bond, at the year of market tension end of 2012 to help fund its SR27bn ($7.2bn) airport in Jeddah. ROME: Italy is ending 2012 on an upbeat note, December from double that figure at its peak. A first sukuk, launched earlier with renewed financial market confidence and While European leaders congratulated Monti this year and fully guaranteed by optimism among analysts that the worst of the on restoring calm to the markets, Berlusconi’s the Saudi Ministry of Finance, financial crisis is over, despite expectations of announcement at the start of December that raised SR15bn to help fund the political uncertainty in the run-up to a general he is running again for prime minister sparked Jeddah airport development. election in February. panic and the spread began to inch up again. Last year, industrial conglom- The Treasury’s borrowing rates were slightly The media magnate has dismissed the spread erate Saudi Bin Laden Group won higher at short, medium and long-term debt auc- measure as “a trick and an invention” used to the contracts to develop the first tions last week, but were well below levels seen bring down his government. phase of the Jeddah airport, rais- at the end of 2011, when Prime Minister Mario Investors will be watching closely in the com- ing its annual capacity to 30 mil- Monti took over from Silvio Berlusconi as Italy ing weeks to see if Berlusconi’s large-scale media lion passengers. teetered on the brink amid the eurozone debt campaign for re-election wins him potential votes crisis. from Italians tired of Monti’s austerity packages Sudan to double In late November 2011, the country was pay- and record unemployment levels. ing a 7.56 percent rate for its benchmark 10-year Renewed confidence in financial markets con- minimum wage bonds, sparking widespread concerns it might trasts sharply with official forecasts for economic have to ask for a bailout. growth over the coming year, as Italy struggles KHARTOUM: Sudan’s cash- On Friday, that rate stood at 4.48 percent. to pull itself out of a recession. starved government yester- As 2012 draws to a close, “even if public debt Despite Monti’s “Grow Italy” plan, the econ- day ordered a doubling of the has breached the two trillion euros mark, Italy’s omy is not expected to return to growth before minimum wage after months ability to finance itself is no longer in doubt,” said the end of 2012 or the beginning of 2014. of rising prices left consumers Enrico Marro in Italy’s Il Sole 24 Ore financial “Business and household sentiment does not struggling to make ends meet. daily. “For 2013, optimism reigns,” he concluded. appear to have benefited from the easing market The order by President Omar The turnaround is principally the result of two tension,” Intensa Sanpaolo said. Al Bashir reversed earlier official factors: the European Central Bank’s promise to The government has forecast a 0.2 percent rejections of an increase despite buy sovereign debt issued by eurozone member contraction of the country’s gross domes- inflation which reached 46 per- states without limit if necessary if they meet tic product in 2013 -- an outlook considered cent in November. certain strict conditions, and Monti’s decisive overly optimistic by Italy’s business association “President Bashir gives direc- reforms which have restored Italy’s credibility Confindustria, which expects GDP to shrink by tive for increasing the minimum internationally. 1.1 percent next year. One figure is on the rise wage to 425 pounds (about $61 on Experts have forecast a couple of months of however: the number of people on Twitter fol- the black market) as of January volatility on the markets in the lead up to the lowing Monti, who is drumming up support for 1,” the official SUNA news agency February 24 and 25 elections, but the worst a reform-led electoral campaign. said in a brief dispatch. appears to be over. Monti, who resigned last week after The new figure is roughly dou- Italian bank Intesa Sanpaolo said “the fever Berlusconi’s People of Freedom party pulled sup- ble the old minimum. Almost 47 should drop off in 2013 compared with 2012.” port from the government, has said he is keen percent of Sudanese lived below The bond spread — a key measure of the dif- to lead the country again after the elections—a the poverty line in 2010, the ference between Italian and German 10-year message welcomed by the markets, European United Nations said. bond yields — has also dropped sharply over leaders and Italy’s Catholic Church alike. AGENCIES the year, dipping below 300 basis points in early AFP MONDAY 31 DECEMBER 2012 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS VIEWS

Slovakia: From zero to NYSE overtaken by something hero in 20 years it never saw coming WO decades after Czechoslovakia split into two countries, former straggler Slovakia has been transformed, having Tjoined the eurozone and boasting solid growth while its BY AMY BUTTE of the US cash- equities market, its mar- long or move too slowly. At the end of every neighbour grapples with recession. ket share — when accounting for futures, anticipated scenario, Nasdaq was acquired by Czechoslovakia, founded in 1918 as the First World War brought O YOU remember going to options and other assets traded on global a larger exchange. down the Austro-Hungarian empire, broke up peacefully on birthday parties as a child and exchanges — was less than five percent. The biggest assumption was that the January 1, 1993, just over three years after the federation’s four- playing musical chairs? The As market structure changed, and became Chicago Mercantile Exchange (now CME decade Communist regime crumbled. game started off with a lot of more electronic, so did the economics of the Group Inc), with a market value larger The former command economy then slid into recession but excitement, slowed down in the business. Transaction revenue was dwin- than the NYSE, would be big enough to be with a solid industrial infrastructure, the new Czech Republic Dmiddle as the competitive kids dominated dling, and listing fees were under scrutiny. a buyer under almost any circumstances. It and its population of 10.5 million recovered faster than Slovakia, the action, then grew frantic when only New sources of income needed to be found. didn’t want to enter the slower-growing and a nation of 5.4 million. two or three chairs remained. This is the We looked to higher growth, wider- margin less regulator-friendly cash-equities market, The Communists had also shifted Slovakia’s focus from agri- same pattern followed by financial-market businesses in Europe, clearing and deriva- meaning the NYSE probably wouldn’t be culture to industry, particularly to metallurgy, mining and— exchange consolidation. tives as the Holy Grail. one of its targets. given its greater distance from capitalist western Europe—arms When I worked at the New York Stock New competitors, such as In an odd twist, the combination of the manufacturing. Exchange in 2004, we had two strategic IntercontinentalExchange Inc, or ICE, NYSE and ICE may force the CME and But “after the fall of communism and dissolution of the Soviet mandates. First, understand the business which agreed last week to buy the NYSE Nasdaq OMX Group Inc together in order bloc’s Council for Mutual Economic Assistance, Slovakia found and determine the competitive landscape. Euronext for $8.2bn, entered the business to maintain balance in the US markets. itself with no markets to export to and as the factories closed, Second, use game theory as a basis for good with few barriers and little baggage, good or Finally, what I find so remarkable is what unemployment increased rapidly,” Vladimir Balaz, an economist strategic choices. bad. Many of these newcomers had a pub- wasn’t foreseen back then. I don’t recall at the Slovak Academy of Sciences, said. The game theory, the potential combina- lic currency and multibillion-dollar market anyone anticipating that ICE would be one The Czech Republic, heavily dependent on the car industry, tions written on a white board, is what is values. of last ones still playing the game. pursued market-friendly reforms and attracted foreign investors playing out now. The objective, at the time, Meanwhile, the NYSE struggled to con- For me, and perhaps like so many who under prime minister Vaclav Klaus, an economist by profession. was to ensure that the NYSE maintained vince its members and regulators that the grew up on Wall Street, it is a bittersweet Slovakia, governed by authoritarian prime minister Vladimir control and was the buyer, not the seller. game was changing and that the exchange day. It isn’t surprising that the economics Meciar, struggled meanwhile to prove itself as a democracy. We wanted to control our own destiny by needed to change, as well. The next step was of the cash-equities business don’t domi- Foreign investors avoided the country, which was excluded from making sure we were a few steps ahead of to determine what action to take. Imagine nate the competitive landscape. We aren’t European Union accession talks in 1997 and labelled by then-US the competition. the first moves in a game of chess; good surprised now that ICE, its management secretary of state Madeleine Albright, who is of Czech origin, as Although the game is still going on, players try to think a few moves ahead. If and board have done so well. We probably “a black hole of Europe.” there aren’t many chairs left and, as last the goal was to be more efficient, one deal aren’t surprised that previous deals that Volksbank senior analyst Vladimir Vano explained that “with week’s announcement suggests, NYSE alone wasn’t going to do the trick. would have maintained the NYSE stature huge public investments into highway construction, Slovakia’s Euronext isn’t among the ones with a Key assumptions on the white board and independence fell through. However, output grew but so did its debt and public finance deficit. chair to sit on. started to take form: Smaller exchanges, such we can feel sentimental that a once-great “At one point in 1998, Slovakia’s borrowing costs at international The NYSE turned out to be much smaller, as the Irish Stock Exchange, Archipelago institution is no longer on top or in control. markets reached an unsustainable 29.9 percent for its T-bills,” he less profitable and more vulnerable to com- Exchange and Chicago Board of Trade, would Amy Butte is the former chief financial added in reference to shorter-term debt. petitors than its brand suggested. While be gobbled up. Deutsche Boerse , with its com- officer of the New York Stock Exchange. In a 1998 election, a broad anti-Meciar coalition led by Mikulas the NYSE controlled more than 90 percent plicated ownership structure, might wait too WP-BLOOMBERG Dzurinda was propelled into power, but the overheated economy landed hard, with the jobless rate skyrocketing to 20 percent and a severe currency depreciation. Dzurinda’s government launched an austerity programme that aimed at heavy cuts to the debt and public deficit, recapitalised and privatised banks, and implemented reforms that opened Slovakia to foreign investors. A 19-percent flat tax on personal and company revenue intro- duced by Dzurinda’s second government in 2004 gave Slovakia the perfect sales pitch to attract global car and electronics groups such as Germany’s Volkswagen, France’s PSA Peugeot Citroen, South Korea’s Kia and Samsung, and Taiwan’s Foxconn. But as business flourished, the gap between affluent western Slovakia including the capital Bratislava and poorer eastern regions widened. “Considering the average salary, regional disparities are bigger in Slovakia compared to the Czech Republic,” Vladimir Vano said. “Czech pensioners have higher pensions, Czech teachers earn more than Slovak teachers, their educational system and sci- ence are more developed than ours and their life expectancy is higher,” Juraj Mesik, former World Bank’s Community Foundation Specialist, said. But Slovakia has let its macroeconomic data do the talking. Analysts at the Trend weekly calculated that Slovakia’s output has grown by an average 4.6 percent in the past twenty years, while the Czech Republic has expanded by 2.8 percent. With an economy fuelled by exports to the eurozone, notably Germany, Slovakia has profited from its entry into the 17-member single-currency bloc in 2009. Analysts in Bratislava said the Czech Republic, which boasts similarly close ties to Germany, would also profit from joining the euro. But despite having joined the EU in 2004 along with Slovakia, the Czech Republic remains eurosceptic with no entry date in sight. Next year, Slovakia is set to become one of the eurozone’s most rapidly-expanding economies with a rate of 2.0 percent, while the Czech Republic hopes to recover from a forecast recession this year and post growth of 0.8 percent. “We are still worse-off than the Czechs but considering how deep we could have fallen in the first years after the federation split, Slovakia is a real success story,” Mesik said. AFP Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

Fed policies could be more dangerous than ‘fiscal cliff’

BY WILLIAM D COHAN In the simplest terms, Bernanke’s also helped the government finance is trying to make hay with its us to think they are still strug- tune of that $85 billion a month. Fed is creating a huge artificial its multitrillion-dollar debt.) humorous ads featuring actor gling, that is a bit of a myth. For They can make a killing buying N THE short term, demand for Treasury securities An individual decision to buy Alec Baldwin and comedian Jimmy instance, in the third quarter of the securities in the market, for Washington lawmakers are and mortgage-backed securities — an iPad or a new car, repeated Fallon and the promise of interest 2012, JPMorgan Chase earned their clients or themselves, sure understandably preoccupied by buying $85bn of them a month on a mass scale, raises collective rates “five times the national aver- $5.7bn in profit; analysts expect it that when they are ready to sell, with trying to avoid the “fis- — as a creative way of lowering demand and can help persuade age.” It’s a clever campaign, but five to earn about $25bn for the year. the Fed will buy them at the mar- cal cliff.” the cost of borrowing money. As in Apple or General Motors to hire times nearly nothing is still nearly While the bank is certainly well- ket price, which, thanks to the IBut the decisions that are likely most markets, higher demand for more workers or build new plants. nothing. Savers and fixed-income run, it has also benefited mightily Fed chief, has been rising steadily. to affect the economy’s long-term a product should lead to a higher More people working gener- investors are getting very little from Bernanke’s generous interest- Since Bernanke started quanti- health are happening not on Capitol price, especially if supply is lim- ally means that people will have reward for their prudence and rate policies by being able to collect tative easing, the Federal Reserve’s Hill or at the White House, but at ited. That is exactly what has been more money to spend and more might be struggling financially, deposits from all of us at virtually balance sheet has grown from the Federal Reserve — specifically, happening in the US debt mar- chances to raise their standard of because as Bernanke forces inter- no cost to them. What business $800nn to $2.8 trillion and count- Chairman Ben Bernanke’s policy of kets. The prices for longer-term living. And if a company needs to est rates lower, the amount their wouldn’t do well if it didn’t have to ing. Nearly quadrupling the bal- continuing to drive down long-term Treasury and mortgage-backed borrow money to build the new savings yield on a monthly basis pay for its raw materials? ance sheet poses myriad dangers, interest rates until unemployment securities have increased, and since plant, then the lower long-term dwindles, too. These low interest Who else benefits from among them that when interest hits 6.5 percent. This tactic, called bond yields move in inverse pro- interest rates created by the Fed rates do no favours for the 56 mil- Bernanke’s creativity? A similar rates do rise, the Fed will be left quantitative easing, could remain portion to price, interest rates have should help make that easier, too. lion Americans who received Social crew: Wall Street’s bankers and with a huge portfolio of securities in place for years. But is it helping fallen. Since November 2008, when Abracadabra, a virtuous circle! Security payments this year. traders. The Fed’s policy means of shrinking value. Unloading that the middle-class Americans who Bernanke started quantitative eas- That’s the good news. The So who benefits from the low their profits and bonuses are portfolio to stem the losses could need it most? ing, the 10-year Treasury yield has bad news is that the Bernanke interest rates on checking and higher than they would be other- cause the market to collapse. Unfortunately, the answer is no. dropped from about 4 percent to policy is a most unwelcome tax savings accounts? The big, con- wise. The bankers benefit because, There is another consequence Quantitative easing not only hurts about 1.7 percent. on savers and the millions of sumer-oriented banks such as with interest rates so low, they of Bernanke’s policies that we older Americans on fixed incomes This is very good news for peo- older Americans who live on Bank of America, Wells Fargo, can reap huge fees by underwrit- may come to regret. By artificially and those who have dutifully saved ple who want to borrow money. If fixed incomes. Have you looked JPMorgan Chase and Citigroup, ing the explosion of corporate debt stimulating demand in the debt for retirement, it also frustrates you are looking to buy a house or at your bank statements lately? all of which were bailed out by that their clients are eager to issue. markets, a move that has lowered younger people who can’t afford to refinance a mortgage, the inter- The annual interest on my check- the federal government four According to Bloomberg, through interest rates to historic levels, take advantage of historically low est rate on that new mortgage has ing account is 0.01 percent; the years ago. The way banks work, the first 10 months of 2012, Wall not only has Bernanke created a mortgage interest rates. Mainly, rarely been lower. No matter the national average, according to the of course, is by getting us to park Street’s biggest banks underwrote bubble in the price of Treasury Bernanke’s quantitative easing size of the mortgage, the monthly Federal Deposit Insurance Corp, our money there, nearly for free, more than $3.3 trillion of corporate and mortgage securities, but he helps Wall Street’s banks and trad- savings are palpable — and with is 0.05 percent. And on my savings and then lending that money to debt, about $660 billion more than has also forced investors to once ers, a dynamic that could be setting extra money in their pockets, bor- account, it’s 0.3 percent, while the borrowers at much higher inter- in the same period of 2011, on pace again reach for higher yields us up for another financial crisis rowers theoretically can spend it national average is 0.07 percent. est rates. Banks capture the with the record year of 2009. in corners of the debt market as investors again seek out higher- on goods and services that they Even at my higher savings rate, an spread — the difference between Traders, meanwhile, know that where credit quality is tradition- yielding, lower-quality investments might not have bought when their account with $100,000 will earn a the cost of the money and what Bernanke will be there to buy ally lower and the risk of default that Wall Street is only too happy monthly mortgage payments were mere $300 in annual interest. they get paid to lend it — as profit. their Treasury securities or mort- higher. to provide. higher. (Low interest rates have Banking giant Capital One Although banks would like gage-backed securities — to the WP-BLOOMBERG MONDAY 31 DECEMBER 2012 MARKET www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

QE Indices Summary QE Index 8,300.37 10.85 WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Total Return Index 11,233.4 14.68 QE All Share Index 1,999.39 3.45 RATE INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial Services 1,935.71 7.92 GOLD Buying Selling QE All Share Industrials 2,610.95 0.13 All Ordinaries 4645.608 10.389 0.22 4669 4033.4 QR194.5016 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 QE All Share Transportation 1,338.32 4.52 Cac 40 Index/D 3652.61 -8.79 -0.24 3674.57 2922.26 QE All Share Real Estate 1,589.94 0.70 SILVER UK ...... QR 5.8530 QR 5.9239 QE All Share Insurance 1,923.41 23.75 Dj Indu Average 13139.08 -51.76 -0.39 13661.87 12035.16 QR 3.5115 Euro ...... QR 4.7701 QR 4.8594 QE All Share Telecoms 1,054.37 0.00 CA$ ...... QR 3.6202 QR 3.6898 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 4,635.33 12.12 Egypt Cma Gn Idx 1026.29 32.57 3.28 999.95 312.38 Services Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.9465 QR 4.0225 Hang Seng Inde/D 22541.18 34.89 0.16 22683.72 18056.4 Yen ...... QR 0.0423 QR 0.0428 QE Market Summary Comparison Aus$ ...... QR 3.7342 QR 3.8290 Iseq Overall/D 3373.66 -14.73 -0.43 3407.74 2882.71 CRUDE OIL Today Previous day Ind Re ...... QR 0.0655 QR 0.0670 30-12-2012 27-12-2012 Karachi 100 In/D 16927.34 35.4 0.21 16967.82 10771.13 Index 8,300.37 8,311.22 BRENT Pak Re ...... QR 0.0371 QR 0.0378 Change 10.85 16.16 Nikkei 225 Index 10230.36 150.24 1.49 10255.15 8238.96 Peso ...... QR 0.0872 QR 0.0899 % 0.13 0.19 $ 110.46 SL Re ...... QR 0.0284 QR 0.0290 YTD% 5.45 5.33 S&P 500 Index/D 1426.66 -3.49 -0.24 1474.51 1248.64 DUBAI Taka ...... QR 0.0447 QR 0.0451 Volume 2,447,735 2,423,635 Straits Times/D 3180.81 12.24 0.39 3180.5 2657.77 Nep Re ...... QR 0.0414 QR 0.0422 Value (QAR) 132,853,102.90 112,503,535.61 $ 108.54 Trades 1,864 2,043 SA Rand ...... QR 0.4218 QR 0.4305 Straits Times/D 2989.31 24.69 0.83 3035.78 2657.77 Up 14 | Down 23 | Unchanged 03

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 30-12-2012

Fiscal cliff fears dominating the holidays

HE holiday season quiet- gaining some strength trad- On the other Percent in reduce unemployment that is improved by 0.1 percent from ness continued as most of ing with a positive note until it hand, oil headed November at a 15-year high. Gross domes- the previous month to 4.1 per- Tthe major global markets slipped against the US Dollar on for the biggest There is a tic product rose 0.1 percent, half cent in November. On the other were off-duty most of last week Thursday. However, the 17-nation weekly gain since fresh evidence the pace estimated on November hand, the nation’s key consumer Weekly Money Market Review due to Christmas break. However, currency managed to trade August as the US of a recovery in 15th.. Moreover, data showed job- prices dropped 0.1 percent in the fiscal cliff continues to be a hot upwards supported by a better- officials, as men- the US prop- less claims rose for a 19th straight November from a year earlier for topic on the table as we are few than-estimated French consumer tioned previously, met on Friday erty market, with the Commerce month in November to 3.13 mil- the first decline in two months. days away from the deadline set spending came out on Friday. The aimed at averting automatic tax Department reporting Thursday a lion, the highest since January Hopes are high that new Prime by the end of this year. On Friday, currency started the week trading increases and spending cuts that solid rise in the number of homes 1998. Minister Abe’s policies, centered the US President met congres- at 1.3188 levels to a high of 1.3284 threaten the economy of the sold in November. Sales of new UK Mortgage Approvals on loose monetary policy and pub- sional leaders at the White House and ending sessions at 1.3216. The world’s largest crude consumer. single-family houses in November Rose Less-Than-Expected in lic spending will wrest the world’s for last-minute talks on a fiscal Sterling Pound had a somewhat The commodity closed the week increased to a seasonally adjusted November third largest economy out of the cliff deal to avoid automatic tax similar performance opening at trading at $90.80 per barrel. annual rate of 377,000 units, up UK’s British Banker’s doldrums. increases and broad spending cuts 1.6172 levels, then dropping ahead US Consumer Confidence 4.4 percent from October, and 15.3 Association (BBA) reported that Commodities that threaten the US economy’s of the break, before gaining some Tumbles amid Looming Fiscal percent higher than a year ago. the number of new mortgages Gold Bulls Strongest Since recovery. Moreover, US House strength trading as high as 1.6206 Cliff Europe & United Kingdom approved in November rose to August as Funds Retreat Republican leaders announced the and a low of 1.6067 on Thursday, US consumer confidence fell Italian Political Uncertainty 33,634 approvals from a revised The commodity traders are the chamber will meet on Sunday Dec. closing sessions trading at 1.6153. sharply in December, as the loom- is Back 33,128 approvals in October; the most bullish in four months as US 30 on the same matter. The Japanese Yen was the big- ing fiscal cliff imposed a negative In Italy, the caretaker govern- expected level was 34,500. lawmakers near a deadline for Based on a limited trading ses- gest loser last week weakening effect on consumer sentiment. ment of Prime Minister Mario Japan budget talks. Most analysts expect sion last week due to Christmas against the greenback. The cur- The index tumbled to 65.1, down Monti has been dissolved. But Japan’s Production Slumps prices to rise next week increas- break, the US Dollar had a mixed rency opened the week trading at from 71.5 in November, the second with new elections to be held in to 2011 Quake-Aftermath Low ing the demand for safer assets. performance staying relatively 84.24 and going as high as 86.64 on straight decline and the lowest February and another former Japan’s industrial output tum- Gold started the week traded at weak against most of its counter- Friday, and closing sessions trad- level since August. prime minister already set to run bled more than forecast to the $1,657.22 an ounce and ended ses- parts except for the Yen. This is ing at 85.96 levels. US Unemployment Claims again, some say this is not neces- lowest level since the aftermath sions trading at $1,655.70 levels. shown in the performance of the As far as commodities are con- Fall sarily the end of Monti. Former of the record 2011 earthquake, Oil Poised for Biggest Dollar Index, which opened the cerned, Gold traders are the most The average number of people Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi bolstering the case for Prime Weekly Gain Since August week trading at 79.62 levels, and bullish in four months as US law- in the US seeking unemployment is running for office again after Minister Shinzo Abe to unleash Oil headed for the biggest weekly stayed flat in the Asian markets makers near a deadline for budget benefits over the past month fell he was forced to resign last year. large-scale stimulus. Weakness gain since August as last-minute during the holiday before gaining talks, at a time when hedge funds to the lowest level since March Hollande Jobs Pledge in exports is the major drag on talks continue in Washington; some strengths going towards the are cutting bets on higher prices. 2008, a sign that the job market Undermined By Weak Japan’s economy given the weak aimed at averting automatic end of a short week, closing ses- However, gold was thin- trad- is healing. The Labor Department French Recovery state of the economy; Abe’s gov- tax increases and spending cuts sions trading at 79.68. ing with a mixed performance said Thursday that weekly appli- The French economy grew less ernment may need a large-scale that threaten the economy of The Euro, on the other hand, last week opening at $1,657.22 an cations dropped 12,000 to a sea- than initially reported in the third stimulus program to boost growth. the world’s largest crude oil con- was fairly supported over the ounce, and mounting as high as sonally adjusted 350,000 in the quarter, signaling a recovery that Japan’s Unemployment sumer. The commodity closed ses- light-trading week, staying almost $1,668.07 and closing the week week ended December 22. may be too weak to help President Improved sions trading at $90.80 per barrel. flat going into the break before trading weaker at $1,655.70. US New Home Sales Up 4.4 Francois Hollande’s government Japan’s unemployment rate THE PENINSULA MONDAY 31 DECEMBER 2012 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Jimenez Kings reign supreme as breaks leg, out for up to five months lockout dispute continues MADRID: Popular Spanish veteran Miguel Angel Jimenez has broken a leg skiing and Joy turns into frustration as NHL officials battle to save 2012-13 season will be out of action for up to five months, a European golf spokeswoman said yesterday. TORONTO: National Hockey win, Bettman was meeting with “Miguel Angel Jimenez under- League (NHL) Commissioner the media, singing the praises went an operation yesterday and Gary Bettman kicked off 2012 of the outdoor game that has he will not be able to play again for toasting the New Year at scooped more sports marketing about five months due to a serious the lucrative outdoor Winter and business awards than Hall injury to his right leg,” said Maria Classic game, painting a glow- of Famer Wayne Gretzky in his Acacia Lopez-Bachillez in a press ing picture of a league whose prime. release. stock was on the rise. More good news followed in The injury to the 48-year-old But as the year draws to a March when Pittsburgh Penguins Ryder Cup star happened when close, a dour Bettman is paint- captain Sidney Crosby, the face he fell during a skiing outing ing a much gloomier portrait of a of the NHL, returned to the ice in the Sierra Nevada range of league bleeding cash in the midst after missing most of two seasons Andalucia in southern Spain of a labour dispute with locked- recovering from concussion like He broke his tibia just below out players that could wipe out symptoms. the knee and was taken imme- the entire 2012-13 season. Concussions and a lockout have diately to a hospital in Malaga, At a lavish New Year’s Eve robbed fans of watching one of where the operation was carried party in Philadelphia, the good hockey’s best players in his prime, out with success. times rolled as the NHL cel- the 25-year-old Canadian play- “It will take me three, four or ebrated a $2bn television deal, ing in 28 games since absorbing five months to fully recover and record revenues, attendance and two hits to the head in successive play again at a competitive level,” TV ratings along with a feeling games in early 2011. Jimenez was quoted as saying in that the league had finally arrived The NHL would cap the season the statement. on the US sporting scene. in glorious fashion, watching the “I have been playing well but There were still a few nagging seeds of the southern expansion that’s just the way it goes in life.” trouble spots to consider, like try- planted decades ago finally bear Jimenez made headlines in ing to unload the league-owned fruit with the Los Angeles Kings November when he won the Hong team in Phoenix, but the prob- beating the New Jersey Devils 4-2 Kong Open to become the oldest lems appeared small as the NHL in a best-of-seven series for their winner ever on the European prepared to open the second half first Stanley Cup championship Tour. AFP of the season with its signature since entering the league in 1967. The Los Angeles Kings celebrate after beating the New Jersey Devils in game six of the NHL Stanley Cup Finals Winter Classic between the New After qualifying for the play- at the Staples Center in Los Angeles in this June 2012 file photo. York Rangers and Philadelphia offs as the last seed from the Payton agree to Flyers. Western Conference, the Kings Even as 50,000 chilled fans upset the top-three seeded teams, route to becoming the first eighth played a game since, owners lock- The NHL had been planning extend contract exited Philadelphia’s Citizens the Vancouver Canucks, St. Louis seed to win a Stanley Cup. ing out players in mid-September to ring in 2013 with a week-long Bank Park after a 3-2 Rangers Blues and Phoenix Coyotes, en A team that played in obscurity when the previous labour agree- hockey festival in Detroit culmi- with Saints for many years, overshadowed by ment expired with the two sides nating with an Original Six game the Staples Center’s more cel- demanding concessions from the between the Detroit Red Wings ebrated tenants, the National other. and Toronto Maple Leafs in front NEW ORLEANS: The New Basketball Association’s Los Having endured four work of record crowd of over 110,000 Orleans Saints and head coach Angeles Lakers and Clippers, the stoppages in 20 years, including fans at Michigan Stadium. Sean Payton have agreed Kings were suddenly the talk of one that wiped out the entire Instead, the New Year will terms on a multi-year contract Tinsel Town. 2004-05 season, frustrated hockey likely begin with a whimper and extension, the NFL team said But in a city built on celebrity, fans are all too familiar with the plenty of uncertainty that will yesterday. fame is fleeting and there is con- tedious tug-of-war as owners and be felt all the way to corridors of “I am pleased that Sean Payton cern that hard won fans may have players squabble over how to split International Olympic Committee will be our head coach for a long already moved on as the Kings’ $3.3bn in revenue. headquarters in Switzerland with time,” Saints owner Tom Benson Stanley Cup banner that was to While it is not the kind of the NHL’s decision to remain said in confirming the deal, which be raised to the rafters at their hockey fight fans are used to part of the Olympic program a was reported to be for five years. home opener in October gathers seeing on the ice, the lockout has bargaining chip in the ongoing “Now we can focus our atten- dust. produced a heavyweight scrap negotiations. tion on building on the winning In his state-of-the-league between Bettman and NHL Just like week, The NHL has tradition with the Saints that address during the Cup finals, Players’ Association chief Donald made a new “comprehensive” Sean has played such a large role Bettman again gushed about Fehr. contract proposal to players, the in.” the NHL’s success, boasting The standoff between has latest bid to end the lockout that Payton hasn’t coached this that teams played to 96 percent already cost both sides millions threatens to force the cancella- season as he served a one-year of capacity in the regular sea- of dollars with 526 regular sea- tion of the entire season. suspension for his role in the so- son, pulling in nearly 21.5m fans son games, or 42.8 percent of the Bill Daly, deputy commissioner called bounty scandal. A sign showing support for the players is displayed outside the box office while generating a record $3.3bn season, lopped from the sched- of the NHL, on Friday confirmed His contract was due to expire of NHL’s side Vancouver Canucks in Vancouver, British Columbia in this in revenue. ule. Among the list of casualties reports the league had made a after the current season ends on 2012 file photo. Despite Bettman’s glowing are the All-Star Game and 2013 new collective bargaining agree- Sunday. This season the Saints report card, the NHL has not Winter Classic. ment offer. REUTERS have won seven matches. AFP DIPSS School students to receive Bucks stun Heat

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin: crowd, the Bucks scored the first The Milwaukee Bucks stunned nine points of the fourth and cricket coaching lessons from QCA the Miami Heat with a fourth- never looked back. quarter blitz yesterday to record “It’s always been tough for us to a 104-85 blowout win over the play them,” Wade said. “It’s always DOHA: Doha Independent NBA champions. a battle. They did their job and Preparatory School and With the Heat leading 71-69 used their energy in the fourth Secondary School (DIPSS) for entering the final period, the quarter. They took a lead, and we Boys, will received coaching les- Bucks (16-12) kicked into high couldn’t come back.” sons from the Qatar Cricket gear and outscored Miami 35-14 Moute finished with 19 points Assocation (QCA). to blow them off the floor in the and Sanders had 16 and 11 QCA General Secretary last quarter. Brandon Jennings rebounds. Manzoor Ahmad visited the scored 25 points, Mike Dunleavy Meanwhile, Minnesota school and held a meeting which scored 13 of his 18 in the fourth Timberwolves guard Brandon Roy was organised by Wajdi Emam, and Milwaukee forced Miami said he’s determined to pursue his Chief of Sports Department into errors and turnovers. It was return to the NBA, despite a set- along with the Director General Miami’s second successive loss. back in his recovery from knee of the School Gholoum A Abdulla Qatar Cricket “It was good to win a game surgery. recently. like this against the defend- “Last week while practising, I Association During the visit, Ahmad ing champs,” Milwaukee’s Luc suffered a setback in my recovery. General Secretary explained to Gholoum that the Richard Mbah a Moute told I’ve felt better since the recent QCA have chosen DIPSS as one of Manzoor Ahmad reporters. “We’ve got to enjoy this surgery, but I am not all the way the four Qatari schools in which (centre) receives a one and continue to go at it. We better,” Roy said in a statement. the cricket organisation have memento from the needed to win a couple of games “I have decided to explore addi- chosen. Doha International in a row at home.” tional treatment options and an Three schools are already Preparatory School Heat guard Dwyane Wade extensive rehabilitation plan. My undertaking a coaching pro- and Secondary returned from his one-game sus- goal has been, and continues to be, gramme to introducing cricket to School (DIPSS) pension for kicking Charlotte’s to return to the basketball court Qatari schools, according to the Director General Ramon Sessions and scored 24 as healthy as possible in order to QCA Secretary General. Aholoum A Abdulla. points, while LeBron James added help our team.” REUTERS Dr Ihab, who attended the BOTTOM: Manzoor 26 points. Asian Cricket Council coach- (first left) is seen Milwaukee had jumped out to NBA Results ing programme and became a with DIPSS officials. a 56-44 halftime lead but gave qualified Level One coach having the advantage back in the third New Orleans 98 Charlotte 95 passed the assessments, will coach where James took over and the Atlanta 109 Indiana 100 the students, along with his col- Heat outscored them 27-13 in the Toronto 123 Orlando 88 league at QCA Abdul Salam. quarter. Brooklyn 103 Cleveland 100 DIPSS’ Director General gave a James had 14 in the third to Chicago 87 Washington 77 memento to Ahmad and pledged pull his team back in the game. his support in QCA promoting Everything changed in the Memphis 81 Denver 72 cricket at the school as well as fourth, however, as Larry Sanders Oklahoma City 124 Houston 94 the other schools in Qatar. and Moute both produced two Minnesota 111 Phoenix 107 The QCA are also planning to blocks each in the first few min- Milwaukee 104 Miami 85 arrange a tournament among the utes to fuel a stirring run for the Portland 89 Philadelphia 85 four schools on Sports Day. home side. THE PENINSULA Playing in front of a boisterous Golden State 101 Boston 83 MONDAY 31 DECEMBER 2012 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25 Mancini Venus leads US to victory in ref rage The former world No.1 believes she could be a force in Grand Slams after Nasri

PERTH, Australia: American “I always feel that way,” she red card tennis star Venus Williams gave Hopman Cup said. “That’s how you have to feel, her comeback hopes a boost Results from the mixed teams Hopman Cup you have to be positive. with a win at the Hopman Cup at Perth Arena yesterday. “I try to be positive and tell NORWICH, United in Perth yesterday, and said she Group A myself I’m the best now. It doesn’t Kingdom:Manchester City still believed she could be a force happen every time but you’ve got manager Roberto Mancini in the Grand Slams. Spain beat France 2-1 to have that mind frame.” claims his team are being vic- The former world number one Men’s singles: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) bt Kevin Anderson levelled the timised by officials after Samir beat Chanelle Scheepers in three Fernando Verdasco (ESP) 7-5, 6-3 tie for South Africa with an Nasri was sent off for a head- sets to help the United States Women’s singles: Anabel Medina Garrigues upset win over fellow big man butt in the champions’ 4-3 win post a 2-1 win over South Africa (ESP) bt Mathilde Johansson (FRA) 6-3, 6-2 John Isner in the men’s singles, at Norwich. in their Group B tie at the mixed the world number 37 beating the The Italian was unhappy with teams tournament. Mixed doubles: Medina Garrigues/Verdasco world number 14 after two tie- the decision of referee Mike Jones Venus Williams, playing for the first (ESP) bt Johansson/Tsonga (FRA) 6-3, 6-3 breaks, 7-6 (7/0), 7-6 (7/5). to show Nasri a red card follow- Williams of time since October and just 24 Group B The Americans then prevailed ing a clash of heads with Norwich the US hits a hours after arriving in Australia, United States beat South Africa 2-1 in straight sets in the deciding defender Sebastien Bassong, who return against made a slow start against the mixed doubles 6-3, 6-2. was only booked for his part in Chanelle 60th-ranked Scheepers but stead- Women’s singles: Venus Williams (USA) bt In the evening Group A ses- the first half incident at Carrow Scheepers of ied to win 4-6, 6-2, 6-3. Chanelle Scheepers (RSA) 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 sion Spain beat France 2-1, with Road on Saturday. South Africa The seven-time Grand Slam Men’s singles: Kevin Anderson (RSA) bt Jo-Wilfried Tsonga recovering Mancini has already been during their singles winner has climbed the John Isner (USA) 7-6 (7/0), 7-6 (7/5) from a break down in the first set asked by the Football Association women’s rankings this year as she recov- Mixed doubles: Williams/Isner (USA) bt to beat Fernando Verdasco 7-5, to explain comments after singles match ered from a major setback due to Scheepers/Anderson (RSA) 6-3, 6-2 6-3 in the men’s singles, before the 1-0 defeat at Sunderland on day two of illness in 2011. Anabel Medina Garrigues lev- on Wednesday that referee the Hopman Williams has not won a Grand elled the tie with an easy win over Kevin Friend “ate too much for Cup tennis Slam singles title since her 2008 Williams said this year was a Mathilde Johansson, 6-3, 6-2. Christmas”. tournament success at Wimbledon. She great platform for the coming 12 The Spanish dominated the City will appeal against Nasri’s in Perth, slipped to 134th in the rankings months. mixed doubles, winning 6-3, 6-3. red card, which will otherwise last year after suffering from “Last year was so awesome Meanwhile, Germany’s Andrea result in a three-match ban, but yesterday. Sjogren’s Syndrome, a systemic for me, winning a tournament Petkovic has withdrawn from whether the governing body will autoimmune disease. and getting to the Olympics and the tournament after injuring be impressed by Mancini’s con- However, the 32-year-old has getting a gold,” she said. “I was her right knee during her singles spiracy theory claims remains to enjoyed much better fortunes this extremely happy last year and match on Saturday, and will be be seen. year. moved up quite a few spots. replaced in the German team for “Both players came forward She won her first singles “This year is just about building the remainder of the tournament with their heads, so if you are title since 2010 in Luxembourg, on it and continuing to play deep by Tatjana Malek. going to send off one, then you teamed with sister Serena to win into the draws and put myself in The injury-plagued Petkovic, have to send off both, not only gold in the doubles at the London positions to play well deep into a former top 10 player, has rup- Samir,” he said. Olympics and finished the season the tournaments.” tured the meniscus in her right “Samir said he touched his ranked 24th in the world. Williams said she still believed knee and will miss the Australian head, okay, but the other player Speaking after hitting 44 win- she could be a force in the Grand Open, but hopes to only be side- has done the same. ners in disposing of Scheepers, Slams. lined for a month. AFP “The linesman has a big respon- sibility also, because it was not a good decision, it is incredible. “You want to send off both players? Then, OK, the referee Serena reaches second was there, he saw everything. The linesman was behind the players, he could not see. We will appeal, sure.” round in Brisbane Mancini admitted that Nasri had only himself to blame for BRISBANE, Australia: A stellar 2011 when she broke reacting so angrily to Bassong’s pain-free Serena Williams sent Brisbane International through to win Wimbledon along challenge a minute before the an ominous warning to her rivals Results from the Brisbane International with five other WTA titles on her break, but he suggested City are as she crushed fellow American Women’s Singles first round matches way to a career-high ranking of treated with less leniency than Varvara Lepchenko 6-2, 6-1 in yesterday number two, having started the other teams. the first round of the Brisbane year at 34. “I am disappointed with Samir, International yesterday. Daniela Hantuchova (Slovakia) bt She lost some ground in 2012, and he will pay his fine, but the Third seed Williams, 31, pulled Lourdes Dominguez Lino (Spain) 7-5, 6-2 slipping back to number eight in decision was not correct,” he out of an exhibition tournament the world, but said she wasn’t added. 3-Serena Williams (US) bt in Thailand last week amid con- concerned that she hadn’t made “Samir did a mistake, okay, but Varvara Lepchenko (US) 6-2, 6-1 cerns she had not fully recovered it to number one despite being so after why when the other player from a recent foot surgery. 6-Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic) bt close. did the same thing, does he send But she looked in great touch Carla Suarez Navarro (Spain) 6-3, 6-4 “I know I was pretty close to off only one? against Lepchenko, who was being number one last year, it was “But there are two rules for dif- never able to trouble Williams Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (Russia) bt only a few points but that’s still a ferent teams, and I hate this in after squandering five break Lucie Hradecka (Czech Republic) 6-3, big step,” she said. football and cannot accept this. points in the opening game. 3-6, 6-3 “I’m not sad I wasn’t number “In life, there is only one rule The 15-time grand slam win- Jarmila Gajdosova (Australia) bt one, that’s tennis. for everyone. This season, I have ner quickly found her groove as Roberta Vinci (Italy) 4-6, 6-1, 6-3 “(But) this year I am concen- seen things which are not good. she romped away to win in 59 trating more on the grand slams “For the referees, this is the minutes. Urszula Radwanska (Poland) bt T than getting to number one.” most easiest thing to do, but I do “My foot didn’t hurt today,” amira Paszek (Austria) 2-6, 6-0, 6-2 She now plays Russia’s not want to talk about the ref- a relieved Williams said. “I was Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, who erees too much, because I said last a little nervous, but I was com- Shenzhen Open downed Czech Lucie Hradecka time that they had a big lunch for pletely fine. 6-3, 3-6, 6-3. Christmas, and I don’t know what Results from the Shenzhen Open “I was excited to get an early Poland’s Urszula Radwanska will happen.” AFP Women’s Singles Round 1 matches start so just in case I did have any defeated Tamira Paszek of Austria yesterday. pain I could have tomorrow off, 2-6, 6-0, 6-2, while Australian but everything was fine.” 7-Laura Robson (Britain) bt wildcard Jarmila Gajdosova Shakir’s Iraq Williams entered the tourna- Edina Gallovits-Hall (Romania) 6-2, 6-1 upset Italy’s world number 16 ment as firm favourite after a Roberta Vinci 4-6, 6-1, 6-3 to set promotion stellar second half of 2012, dur- Monica Niculescu (Romania) bt up a clash with second seed Maria ing which she won seven titles, Zheng Saisai (China) 6-4, 7-5 Sharapova. ends Maradona including Wimbledon, the US Annika Beck (Germany) bt Garbine Slovakia’s Daniela Hantuchova Open, the WTA Championship Muguruza Blanco (Spain) 6-2, 6-7(7), 6-4 progressed after seeing off and the Olympics. Lourdes Dominguez Lino 7-5, speculations “I love winning, and I feel like 4-Hsieh Su-Wei (Taiwan) bt 6-2. as long as I’m able to win some Melinda Czink (Hungary) 6-3, 6-2 Hometown favourite Samantha MANAMA, Bahrain: Iraq matches and do well, I’m really Stosur plays her first match football association has promoted motivated to keep going,” she tonight against Sweden’s Sofia Hakeem Shakir to the head said. off to an impressive start when Arvidsson, with the top two seeds coach’s post, ending specula- “I just love being out there. I she downed Spaniard Carla Victoria Azarenka and Sharapova tions of a possible appointment of think going through what I went Suarez Navarro in straight sets. not playing until tomorrow. Diego Maradona for the job. through a year and a half ago Kvitova, the sixth seed, cruised Stosur, who has never made Shakir, 49, who guided Iraq to (when she suffered from severe through the first set and opened it past the second round in the final of this year’s AFC under- foot injuries) really just made me a 5-3 lead in the second, but Brisbane, has only had 10 days 19 Championship in the United realise that I get to do this and was forced to hold off a Suarez training leading into the start Serena Williams of the US hits a return during her match against compatriot Arab Emirates, had been in tem- have fun.” Navarro fight back to win 6-3, 6-4 of the season after having spurs Varvara Lepchenko during their first round match at the Brisbane porary charge of the national side Former Wimbledon champion in 90 minutes. removed from her left ankle last International tournament, in Brisbane, Australia, yesterday. since Brazilian Zico resigned in Petra Kvitova got her campaign The tall left hander had a month. AFP November. The Iraq football association on Friday confirmed Shakir’s appointment, the Asian Football Tipsarevic eyes bright start at Chennai Open in India Confederation said on its website (www.the-afc.com). CHENNAI, India: World match record, including a quar- Chennai Open with Indian ace of Switzerland will be the main Federer in the US Open quarter- Earlier this month, an agent number nine Janko Tipsarevic ter-final berth at the US Open. Leander Paes after losing the sin- contenders for the singles finals, before losing to Murray in representing Maradona said hopes to build on an impressive “I have improved my game in gles final to big-serving Canadian crown alongside Berdych and the semis. that the Argentine great, former campaign in 2012 with a daz- all aspects, but the biggest change Milos Raonic. Tipsarevic. Cilic, who won in Chennai in coach of UAE side Al Wasl and zling start to the new season came in my mindset and how I The Serb was desperate to Berdych starts the new sea- 2009 and 2010, was also hungry now their consultant, was excited at the ATP Chennai Open from was able to keep up with the con- win the singles title in Chennai son after helping the Czech for success after missing the last at the prospect of a chance to today. stant pressure,” Tipsarevic said in to give himself a boost ahead of Republic record a memora- edition due to a knee injury that lead Iraq to the 2014 World Cup The 28-year-old Serb, who fin- a statement released by the tour- the season’s first Grand Slam, the ble 3-2 win over Spain in the kept him out of the first eight finals in Brazil. Former England ished in the top 10 for the second nament organisers. Australian Open, in Melbourne in Davis Cup final in Prague in weeks in 2012. manager Sven-Goran Eriksson of successive year, is seeded second The right-hander heads to mid-January. November, where he won the “I always feel pretty good in Sweden was also in the fray to behind world number six Tomas Chennai boosted by a win over “I really want to win the whole opening singles and the doubles Chennai,” the third seed said. take over the reins of the Middle Berdych of the Czech Republic at US Open and Olympic champion thing this year,” he said. tie with Radek Stepanek. “The weather also helps me pre- Eastern country, the agent said. the $430,000 event. Andy Murray at an exhibition Two-time Chennai win- The big-built Berdych enhanced pare for the hot days in Australia. Shakir’s first assignment after Tipsarevic was confident of event in Abu Dhabi last week. ner Marin Cilic of Croatia, his reputation as one of the most My goal is to win at least 50 his full-time appointment will be doing well in the coming season Tipsarevic opened 2012 by currently ranked 15th, and feared opponents on the circuit matches in the season, something the Gulf Cup starting in Bahrain after ending the year with a 57-28 clinching the doubles title at the number 17 Stanislas Wawrinka when he overpowered Roger I have not done”. AFP next week. REUTERS MONDAY 31 DECEMBER 2012 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

India-Pakistan teams’ joint Hussey says Aussie team New Year bash cancelled

KOLKATA: With the Indian cricket board allowing its play- will be fine without him ers a day off on the New Year’s eve, the proposed joint New Year celebration by the India and Pakistan cricket teams ahead of I’m not worried about the team whatsoever, says ‘Mr Cricket’ their game at the Eden Gardens here has been cancelled, a SYDNEY: Retiring Michael Hussey told reporters. “Maybe to Australian captain Michael cricket official said yesterday. Hussey popularly known as ‘Mr (brother) David Hussey could Clarke and coach Mickey Arthur. “Though we had planned the Cricket’ said yesterday there is get a run -- one Hussey out, one Paceman Mitchell Starc admit- joint celebrations, the same has quality and quantity to replace Hussey in. ted he was surprised and said been cancelled as team India him despite becoming the sec- “History has shown players Hussey’s replacement would have players will be enjoying a much- ond experienced batsman to have come and gone. But the big shoes to fill. deserved day off with their fami- quit Australian cricket’s mid- game continues to move forward, “He’s still in great form with lies in their respective homes on dle order ahead of a critical 12 and it’ll be no different with me,” the bat, as we’ve seen through the New Year’s eve,” said Cricket months. he said. this summer so far,” Starc said Association of Bengal (CAB) Hussey’s announcement on With Phil Hughes already yesterday. treasurer Biswarup Dey. Saturday that he will retire from recalled to replace Ponting, “He’s going out the way he Both the squads were slated international cricket after this Pakistan-born Usman Khawaja wants by the sound of things, and to arrive in the city today for the week’s final Sydney Test against is almost certain to get first it’s going to leave a big hole.” second One-Day International Sri Lanka, came a month after crack at Hussey’s spot, while “It’s hard to replace Ricky to be played Janaury 3, but now Ricky Ponting revealed he was all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is in Ponting -- now we’ve got to the hosts would arrive in batches calling time on his 17-year career. the 13-man squad for the Sydney replace him and Mike Hussey, so tomorrow. His departure has created Test as injured Shane Watson’s it’s a big gap.” The Pakistan team would another middle order batting replacement. Hussey said he was comfortable arrive as slated. vacancy going into February’s The younger Hussey and fel- with his decision to walk away “They will remain confined to tour of India, followed by Ashes low Victorian Rob Quiney -- used after the Sydney finale, despite hotel tomorrow as there are some series in England and Australia. and discarded already this sum- his great recent form. private parties organised to usher But Hussey, 37, who will play mer -- will also be among candi- “I do still love the game, but in the New Year. The CAB is not his 79th and last Test this week, dates, along with Alex Doolan and I’m not up to the rigours, pres- organising any party,” CAB joint- insisted there was talent avail- Callum Ferguson. sures and stresses of international secretary Subir Ganguly said. able to step in after his surprise Hussey said his decision to walk cricket any more,” Hussey said. Besides there will be a host of decision to retire, despite aver- away, mostly for family reasons Hussey, who made his Test former cricketers from both the aging close to 80 this Australian as he did not want to commit to debut at 30, has scored 19 hun- countries and among them will summer. a six-month-plus stint away from dreds in 78 Tests and averages be retired India batsman VVS “I’m not worried about the home next year, had shocked his 51.52. He retires in outstanding Laxman who will be felicitated team whatsoever. We’ve got some team-mates. form, averaging 180.00 after two by the CAB for his exploits at the fantastic candidates to come in He rang them all personally on Tests in the current series against Australia’s Michael Hussey announces his retirement from international Eden Gardens. -- probably too many to name,” Saturday after breaking the news Sri Lanka. AFP cricket at a press conference in Melbourne, Australia, yesterday. Meanwhile, West Indies off- spinner Sunil Narine has bro- ken into the top 10 of the latest International Cricket Council Twenty20 player rankings. Greig hailed as ‘godfather’ of modern game The wily Trinidadian bowler rose three spots in the rankings SYDNEY: The cricket world Broadcasting doyen Richie more than that. Our cricket player and a commentator. You released Saturday, to be joint yesterday paid tribute to former Benaud, a former Australian cap- enemy turned our mate; his always knew you were in a con- tenth with South African speed- England Test skipper and broad- tain who shared the Channel Nine famous car keys stuck in the pitch test with him -- whether playing ster Dale Steyn, reports CMC. caster Tony Greig (pictured), commentary box for decades with to demonstrate its hardness, and cricket or over dinner.” Narine’s last T20 International remembering him as “the god- Greig, described him as a dynamic his legendary but friendly on- Current Australian captain was against Bangladesh earlier father of modern cricket” due cricketer, a fearless thinker and air barneys with the great Bill Michael Clarke said the news was this month when he finished to his influence in shaping the an entertainer. Lawry.” upsetting for the Test team. wicket-less from three overs. He game. “I found him a fellow full of Former Australian captain “I was only speaking with Tony has so far taken 16 wickets from South African-born Greig died courage; that was before he was Lawry was distraught by the a couple of days ago, so news of his 13 T20s in his fledgling interna- Saturday after a heart attack at ill,” Benaud said. news, describing Greig as “an passing is absolutely devastating,” tional career. his Sydney home at the age of 66, “He was full of courage because Englishman with an Australian Clarke said. There is no Indian bowler in as he battled lung cancer diag- of many things that had happened attitude” whose absence from the “Personally, he has also been a the top 10 while there are two nosed just two months ago. to him in his cricket life and his commentary box had left a big great mentor for me, providing batsmen in the top 10. Virat Kohli The towering Greig was outside life as well. It’s one of hole in the game this Australian great advice through the good with 730 points is in fifth position remembered as being instru- those things where we know this summer. times and the bad.” and Suresh Raina is in eighth. mental in the formation of late was inevitable but there’s always “I missed Tony this summer Greig played 58 Tests -- 14 of West Indies captain Darren Australian media tycoon Kerry a sadness when you see a good just in the commentary team them as captain -- for his adopted Sammy is the second highest- Packer’s breakaway World Series friend go.” and now he’s gone forever,” Lawry country England between 1972 ranked West Indies bowler at Cricket (WSC) contest staged Kerry Packer’s son James said said. and 1977, scoring 3,599 runs with 24th. Pakistani off-spinner Saeed from 1977-79, which sent shock- Greig “stood shoulder to shoulder “My wife and I are absolutely eight centuries at 40.43 and cap- Ajmal has maintained his stran- waves through the sport. with my father at times when it shattered.” turing 141 wickets at 32.20. glehold on the number one spot “It could be argued that Tony was not always fashionable”. Greig’s opposing captain in WSC Greig said earlier this year of in the rankings. Greig was the godfather of mod- “Together with the backing and fellow Channel Nine commen- his life in cricket: “Give your hand In the batting, West Indies ern cricket, the man who believed of other key players and sup- tator, former Australia captain Ian to cricket and it will take you on Marlon Samuels has risen one the game should be entertaining porters, they forged a brave Chappell, spoke of Greig’s trade- the most fantastic journey, a life- spot to sixth while Chris Gayle and a little irreverent but always new age for both cricketers and mark competitiveness. time journey both on and off the remains unmoved on third. ruthlessly competitive,” wrote The spectators alike. For that alone, “I had enormous respect for field.” Australian Shane Watson Australian’s Peter Lalor. every fan of the game is in Tony Tony as a cricketer,” Chappell He is survived by his wife, tops the rankings ahead of New “Cricket has lost one of its Greig’s debt. said. Vivian, and four children. Zealander Brendon McCullum. giants.” He added: “But he was much “He was a great optimist as a AFP IANS Blame me for Celtic loss: Lennon League season start

GLASGOW: Celtic manager so we will be highly motivated to in Egypt delayed again Neil Lennon said his formation win the game on Wednesday and was to blame for his side’s 1-0 it should be another good game to CAIRO:The launch of the cancelled and attempts to get defeat to Hibernian on Saturday look forward to.” league in Egypt this season has the new campaign underway in that saw their lead at the top The win ended a dreadful run been postponed for a third time, September was cancelled when of the Scottish Premier League for Hibs who had only taken one this time until February 1, the protesting fans damaged the foot- reduced to six points. point from their previous four Egyptian Football Association ball association headquarters. The Hoops started the match matches and gives them confi- said yesterday. Meanwhile, Algeria coach with a 3-4-3 formation but they dence heading into Thursday’s The first round of matches will Vahid Halilhodzic has been told struggled to cope with Hibs in Edinburgh derby against Hearts be played behind closed doors, a he will keep his job regardless of the early exchanges with on-loan at Tynecastle. statement on the association’s how his team does at the African Wolves player Leigh Griffiths giv- “That’s probably the biggest website said. Nations Cup finals, keeping a ing the Easter Road side a ninth- win since we came here,” Hibs It follows a weekend meet- focus on qualifying for the next minute lead. manager Pat Fenlon admitted. ing between the EFA and two World Cup. Celtic changed to a flat back “To beat Celtic is a fantastic government ministers. Previous Algeria have set an objective four and improved after the break achievement. The run they’ve attempts to kick off the league of reaching the semi-finals at as they chased an equaliser. been on in the league and obvi- have been blocked by government the tournament in South Africa, However, Hibs held on to end ously qualifying for the latter concerns football crowds could be which starts on January 19, but Celtic’s five-game winning run in stages of the Champions League a conduit for continuing civil dis- said the Franco-Bosnian coach the SPL and Lennon said he had means it’s a big result for us. order in the crisis-torn country. will stay in place for the course to shoulder the blame. “I think the Hearts result “All those in attendance at of his contract through 2014. “I’m not disappointed with our a couple of weeks ago in the Saturday’s meeting revealed their “Halilhodzic will continue performance,” Lennon said. “But Scottish Cup was a massive hopes that the league will start as coaching even if there is failure I am disappointed at the goal and result for us but I think the soon as possible, as this will be an in South Africa. It will not cost disappointed with my own forma- players will take huge confidence indicator of a stable security situ- him his job if our objective is not tion and how I set it up early on so Hibernian’s Leigh Griffiths (left) celebrates in front of Celtic’s Scott Brown from this win. ation,” said the statement. achieved,” said Algerian Football I changed it. I will take the blame after scoring a goal during their Scottish Premier League match at Easter “It gives them all a lift. I think “The EFA and the club’s man- Federation president Mohamed for that. Road Stadium in Edinburgh, Scotland, yesterday. maybe over the last three or four agement should reach out to fans Raouraoua, a FIFA executive “We had two formations set up weeks people have maybe started in order to avoid unrest inside and committee member. and I’ve chosen the wrong one by “So in terms of attitude and before the two week SPL win- to doubt us so we’ve answered few outside the stadiums,” it added. “There will be the qualifiers for the looks of it. The three at the desire and intensity I can’t fault ter break and insisted he would critics with that. The EFA had set three previous the World Cup to play straight back didn’t really work for us and the players - it was there for all be happy with a repeat of the “We are delighted but again dates for the start of the league afterwards, we do not intend to when we went to a flat back four to see. We just lacked an edge in Easter Road performance against it’s only three points. That’s four but been told to hold off by secu- dispense with his services. He we were in control of the game. front of goal today.” Motherwell. points out of six we’ve taken rity chiefs. passed the first challenge to lead “For 70-odd minutes we domi- Celtic now face Motherwell, “We didn’t need a boot up the against Celtic now and none There has been no league foot- the team to the Nations Cup nated the game and I’m disap- who came from two behind to backside. This isn’t a reality check against Ross County. ball in Egypt since February when finals,” he told a news conference. pointed with our final ball and draw 2-2 with Kilmarnock at or anything like that,” Lennon “That’s not being disrespectful a stadium riot in Port Said at a “Halilhodzic is building a com- composure in front of goal. On Rugby Park, on Wednesday. said. but we’ve got to believe in our- match between Al Masry and vis- petitive young team that can play another day we would have won Lennon said his players would “There was no complacency out selves and approach every game iting Al Ahli saw 74 people killed. two World Cups. Let him work on the game comfortably. be desperate to win the last game there from what I could see today the same way.” AFP The 2011/12 season was the long term.” AGENCIES MONDAY 31 DECEMBER 2012 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27

Factbox on Qatar ExxonMobil Open Name: Qatar ExxonMobil Open A panoramic Category: ATP World Tour 250 view of Place: Doha, Qatar the Khalifa Date: 31.12.2012 to 6.01.2013 International Draw Size: Singles-32 Tennis Doubles-16 Complex in Surface: Hard Doha. The Prize Money: $ 1,054,720 venue will Venue: Khalifa International host the Tennis Complex first event Start times: Matches start at of the new 3:30pm on the first four days ATP Tour, Past Qatar ExxonMobil the Qatar ExxonMobil Open Champions Open, which Year Singles winners starts today. 2012 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga PICTURE: 2011 Roger Federer SYED OMAR 2010 Nikolay Davydenko 2009 Andy Murray 2008 Andy Murray 2007 Ivan Ljubicic 2006 Roger Federer 2005 Roger Federer 2004 Nicolas Escude 2003 Stefan Koubek 2002 Younes El Aynaoui 2001 Marcelo Rios Gasquet targets Doha final 2000 Fabrice Santoro 1999 Rainer Schuettler 1998 Petr Korda The Frenchman wants to break into top-5 and improve Slam records 1997 Jim Courier 1996 Petr Korda 1995 Stefan Edberg BY ARMSTRONG VAS performance at the four Grand 1994 Stefan Edberg Slams. DOHA: Second seed Richard “I want to play better in Grand 1993 Boris Becker Gasquet (pictured) of France Slams. I did fourth rounds this Fit-again Davydenko is targeting a place in the final year, so I’m sure I can do better Order of play of the Qatar Exxonmobil Open again (in 2013). A lot of fourth- Centre Court which begins here today at the round loss last year. (I) lost to Matches Start At: 3:30pm Khalifa International Tennis (Andy) Murray, against the best and Squash Complex. player in the world. This year eyes injury-free run Simone Bolelli (ITA) vs The 26-year-old, who begins his I want to play better against Daniel Gimeno-Traver (ESP) 2012 campaign at the $1m event those guys, and why not to win BY RIZWAN REHMAT players’ problem. It is a problem Not Before 5:30pm by taking on a qualifier, wants to (against) them and go farther in from the physio(s). You should Victor Hanescu (Rou) Paolo Lorenzi (ITA) set the ball rolling for his cam- Grand Slams,” Gasquet said. DOHA: Russia’s Nikolay have private physios check (on) vs Nikolay Davydenko (RUS) paign at the Australian Open “I think I finished at No. 10 in Davydenko (pictured) is keen you and do the best to help you Followed By later this month. the world (last season), so I’m to have an injury-free run in the hold the level you play at on the Viktor Troicki (SRB) [6] “I’m coming here to play well, sure I can go further. Not sure in new season that starts with this Tour. No matter how many tour- vs Bjorn Phau (GER) to win some matches, to feel the top 5; it’s tough. Good players week’s Qatar ExxonMobil Open. naments you play, how many Ivan Dodig (CRO) comfortable before Melbourne between 5 and 10, but I feel I can The 31-year-old, who played matches you play. vs Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) [3] (Australian Open). do it,” he added. just 47 matches last season, was Question: Do you think the It’s a big tournament Gasquet, whose hampered by shoulder and foot men’s Tour is going to miss Court 1 here in Doha, so I will best performance last problems. Nadal? Matches Start At: 3:30pm try to play well in season came on grass The 2009 ATP Tour’s season- Answer: Me? No! I don’t think Qualifying Final this tournament and at Wimbledon, said ending champion, Davydenko so much about that (Nadal’s Followed By reach the final. I’m his game is suited to reached only two semi-finals in injury). For sure he will come Paolo Lorenzi (Ita) Vs the number two seed all surfaces. 2012 and one quarter-finals berth back for the clay court season. Albert Ramos (Esp) in the draw, so I feel “I think I can play for a 24-23 overall win/loss card. And then he will try to win eve- Followed By I to do it,” Gasquet on every surface, However, with the new season rything he can. Nadal is Nadal. said. every court. Yeah, it’s starting today, Davydenko is con- The fans may miss him but not Grega Zemlja (Slo) Vs The Frenchman true last year I played fident he would have a good run the players (smiles). Fabio Fognini (Ita) disclosed that the he well in Wimbledon.” of form in 2013. Question: How has been your Court 2 is prepared for the The six foot plus Excerpts from a chat ahead of training so far? Matches Start At: 3:30pm tough challenges in is not happy with his the season’s first tournament: Grand Slams are important, you Answer: I have the confi- Qualifying Final the 2013 season. two-thirds match Question: What are your know. So all starts from here and dence to carry on. For me it Followed By “I tried to work winning ratio of last goals for the new season? then we finish in October. was the first day of the new sea- physically a lot (dur- year and wants to go Answer: (My goal is) to get the Question: You said that 2012 son. Surprisingly, I came good. Jeremy Chardy (Fra) Lukasz Kubot (Pol) ing the off-season). a step further in the best results I can do. For sure for was not a good season. Which Tomorrow, I will practice again vs [Wc] Jabor Mohammed Ali Mutawa (Qat) That’s what I did for first four ATP rankings by winning more me 2012 was not so great. In the part of your game wasn’t and get ready for the event. Mohamed Safwat (Egy) weeks. I think I’m feeling good,” matches. new season, I hope I am able to convincing? Question: You were com- Followed By he added. To increase the winning per- keep my concentration and play Answer: No, I mean my inju- plaining about the weather Robert Lindstedt (Swe) Nenad Zimonjic Gasquet said the Qatar Open centage Gasquet aims to control well. I hope I compete well. I hope ries from shoulder problems and here in Doha two years ago. (Srb) [1] vs Treat Conrad Huey (Phi) Dominic has grown in stature with each his emotion and use it in a posi- there are no injuries anymore. I foot issues - I couldn’t run prop- Do you still feel the same way Inglot (Gbr) edition and is one of the best tour- tive way. hope I can push myself and I can erly. There was always something about the local weather? Court 3 naments on the ATP Tour. “It is important to have a get the results. I hope I can play here and there. I couldn’t do any- Answer: Yes, I remember that. Matches Start At: 3:30pm “I came (here) in 2006, and I big mental makeup. You know, a lot of tournaments and get good thing (to prevent that). I hope in I just checked the weather. It is Qualifying Final lost to (Tim) Henman, long time (Novak) Djokovic, (Roger) results. the new season I will be in better perfect. During daytime, it is 23 ago. So the tournament grew up, Federer and (Rafael) Nadal have Question: What about Grand shape and have good confidence. I or 24 and the minimum (tem- Followed By much better, one of the best. I’m an incredible mental part. I try to Slams? Is that still one of your still feel I can play, I can run and perature) is 16. So it is perfect. I Daniele Bracciali (Ita) Oliver Marach (Aut) really happy to be here,” said reach that level. It’s tough, but for goals the rest of your career? I can fight for every point. I will think if it stays the same, we will [3] vs Pablo Andujar (Esp) Feliciano Lopez Gasquet. sure when you want to win these Answer: For me now, every try to make good results. have a great tournament. All you (Esp) Besides reaching the Qatar kind of matches, you need to have tournament is important. It Question: Is Nadal’s injury have to do is have patience and Court 4 final, the Switzerland-based a big mental makeup.” doesn’t matter where I play. I hope the result of a long, tennis sea- play as long as you want. Matches Start At: 3:30pm Frenchman has set two New The Frenchman said Nadal is to play good here and so that I get son every year? Is it a case of Question: Will you go for the Qualifying Final Year targets and is certain both one of the biggest assets of the confidence for the next event. I too much of tennis? Australian Open? are achievable. Tour and expressed confidence hope I can get confidence in the Answer: No, no, no. Everybody Answer: Yes, from here I go to Frollowed By The first one is to break into the former world No.1 will be able beginning of the season. Then gets injured. Everybody has time Melbourne. I may play an event Jonathan Erlich (Isr) Mikhail Youzhny (Rus) the top-five of the ATP rankings to overcome his injury concerns. going into the Grand Slams, for off after injury. It depends what there and then the Australian vs Frantisek Cermak (Cze) Michal Mertinak and the other is to improve his THE PENINSULA sure, I will get good preparation. kind of injury you have. It’s not a Open. THE PENINSULA (Svk) [4]

Qatar ExxonMobil Tobias Kamke (left) and Jan Lennard Open 2013 Struff (left, below), The eight seeded players both from Germany, 1 David Ferrer are seen during their 2 Richard Gasquet qualifying matches at 3 Philipp Kohlschreiber Khalifa International 4 Mikhail Youzhny Tennis Complex in 5 Jeremy Chardy Doha yesterday. 6 Viktor Troicki BELOW: Jan Hernych 7 Feliciano Lopez of the Czech Republic returns a serve. 8 Pablo Andujar PICTURES: SALIM MATRAMKOT

ABOVE: Tennis fans and volunteers pose for a picture at Khalifa International Tennis Complex in Doha yesterday. RIGHT: A view of the Third seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of ‘heritage street’ France celebrates his title win at inside the same the Qatar ExxonMobil Open in venue. The Qatar this January 2012 file photo in ExxonMobil Open Doha. begins today. Monday 31 December 2012 18 Safar 1434 Volume 17 Number 5565 Sport Price: QR2 LATEST NEWS UPDATES IN TAMIL FILIPINO LANGUAGE DAILY NEWSPAPER PUBLISHED FROM QATAR! Australian team Gasquet TAMIL TIMES WEEKLY NEWSPAPER Middle East Edition AVAILABLE will be fine, says targets Doha AT ALL LEADING BOOK STORES / SUPERMARKETS Hussey final Available every Wednesdays in all leading IN QATAR supermarkets and shops in Qatar & Bahrain Tel. : +974 44557622 / 44557623 FOR ADVERTISEMENTS CONTACT: Fax. : +974 44557759 DAR AL SHARQ TEL: 4455 7623 EMAIL: [email protected] Sport | 26 Sport | 27 email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Lampard nets twice to give Chelsea 2-1 victory Suarez’s brace helps visitors Liverpool crush QPR 3-0

LONDON: Frank Lampard drawn on Lampard’s future at underlined his value to Chelsea Chelsea. with a well-taken double to “My job is to keep Lampard fit,” secure a 2-1 comeback win he said. “He is under contract, at Everton yesterday and fully committed and working hard Liverpool heaped more misery and that is it. My job is to coach on Premier League strugglers the players, and keep winning Queens Park Rangers. games and keep my opinion.” Chelsea’s The subject of intense specula- Lampard’s performance at Frank tion about his future at Stamford Goodison Park was an example Lampard Bridge, midfielder Lampard of just how influential he can be. (left) reminded Chelsea’s power-bro- He rose in the box to meet a celebrates Spain’s David Ferrer (left) and his girfriend Marta Tonel (right) pose for a kers of his class by scoring either well-directed, left-footed cross with Juan picture yesterday at Doha International Airport, after arriving from Abu side of halftime to cancel out from Ramires, planting the ball Mata after Dhabi. Ferrer is top seed for the Qatar ExxonMobil Open that begins Steven Pienaar’s powerful strike in the corner of Tim Howard’s scoring today at Khalifa Interntational Tennis and Squash Complex. after 63 seconds. net to draw Chelsea level, before against Chelsea’s fourth successive slamming home the winner after Everton league win under interim man- a goalmouth scramble with 18 during ager Rafael Benitez lifted the minutes left. their Londoners back up to third in Lampard has made popping Spain’s Ferrer set to English the Premier League, four points up in the right place at the right Premier behind second-placed Manchester time. League City with a game in hand. The goals against Everton were match at Manchester United are seven his 191st and 192nd for Chelsea, miss Davis Cup clash points clear at the top and QPR’s which took him to within one of Goodison 3-0 home loss to Liverpool left Kerry Dixon, second on the club’s Park in MADRID: Spain’s 2013 Davis against Canada. It’s worth them three points adrift at the all-time goalscoring list with 193. Liverpool, Cup hopes, already hit by Rafael remembering that David has bottom. While Lampard was the hero northern Nadal’s injury-hit absence, were only had five days of holiday this Lampard has made more than for Chelsea, Everton will lament England, dealt another blow when world year, so he’s shattered. He needs 500 appearances for Chelsea in their inability to finish off a yesterday. number five David Ferrer said to start taking care of himself.” 11 years but has been linked with number of opportunities. he would skip the opening tie of Five-time champions Spain, a move away from the club when Pienaar’s goal gave the hosts the season against Canada. runners-up to the Czech Republic his contract expires at the end of a flying start and for the first Ferrer’s agent, Albert Molina, this season, will be without world the season. 20 minutes, the Toffees bossed confirmed that the 30-year-old number four Nadal, who has been “We haven’t been talking (about Chelsea and should have doubled would sit out the February 1-3 sidelined since June with a knee a new contract) in the last couple their advantage. World Group visit to Vancouver. injury. of weeks and I’m just concentrat- A stirring Nikica Jelavic free “It’s purely a schedule thing. The 11-time Grand Slam title ing on playing,” Lampard told Sky kick struck the woodwork and He’s playing in Doha and winner was due to return to Sports. Chelsea keeper Petr Cech kept season - there is a long way to go. Daniel Agger’s powerful header Auckland and then the Australian action in the Gulf this week but “Playing games gives me out an effort by Leon Osman. We can only win our games then from a Steven Gerrard cross Open, so he can’t go all the way announced on Friday that a stom- enough satisfaction, then what But the European champions rely on other things.” effectively ended the contest to Canada after that”, Molina told ach virus would keep him out of will be will be.” warmed to the task and Lampard Liverpool are not involved in before halftime, leading to some www.marca.com. the Australian Open that begins Benitez praised his side for the showed off all his class. the title race but they showed in sections of the crowd booing the “He will only miss the match on January 14. AFP way they responded to conced- “It was very hard,” he said. 30 minutes at Loftus Road how QPR players as they left the pitch. ing early on but he would not be “This is always one of the most good they can be despite their Liverpool manager Brendan difficult games of the season. We mid-table position. Rodgers was unable to take his English Premier got a tanking here last year and They raced into a 3-0 lead pri- place on the sidelines due to ill- we had to stand up for ourselves... marily thanks to the brilliance of ness and Harry Redknapp was League Results It was always going to be very striker Luis Suarez, who weaved unable to inspire a comeback like Jamshed hammers close and we did ride our luck at through some feeble defence for the one QPR produced last sea- Everton 1 Chelsea 2 times. his opening goal before adding a son when late goals won them the QPR 0 Liverpool 3 “We have to keep believing this second after 16 minutes. Defender game. AFP ton in Pakistan’s win

CHENNAI: Nasir Jamshed hit first ball of their innings. With a century to lead Pakistan to a the new ball jagging around, Qatar squad resumes training six-wicket win over India in the Pakistan batsmen were put under first ODI in Chennai despite MS tremendous pressure. DOHA: Bahrain-bound Qatar Dhoni’s heroic innings. With Pakistan reeling at 21 for squad yesterday hit the training India, put in to bat in trying two, in walked Younis Khan and pitch after a day’s rest following conditions, managed 227 for six, showed his experience stringing a their friendly against Egypt on largely thanks to a superlative match-winning 112-run partner- Friday. unbeaten century from captain ship with Jamshed. Qatar, coached by Paulo Dhoni (113 not out). Earlier India made a disastrous Autuori, will fly out to Bahrain on Jamshed (101 not out) and start to their innings but were January 3, 2013, for the Gulf Cup Younis Khan (58) made light rescued by a heroic innings from that will be held from January 5 work of the chase as Pakistan Dhoni. to 18. scored 228 for four with 11 balls India crumbled to 29 for five The home team lost to Egypt to spare. by the 10th over, with four bats- 2-0 in a friendly three days ago. Pakistan’s chase got off to the men being bowled by pacer Junaid Yesterday’s training session worse possible start as they lost Khan in the first ODI match in was attended by the entire batch Mohammad Hafeez on the very Chennai. IANS including strikers Sebastian Soria, Khalfan Ibrahim and mid- Scoreboard fielder Wisam Rizq who is likely to lead the squad in Bahrain. INDIA PAKISTAN Coach Autuori headed the G Gambhir b Mohd Irfan ...... 8 Mohd Hafeez b Kumar ...... 0 evening training session at Aspire V Sehwag b Junaid Khan ...... 4 Nasir Jamshed (not out) ...... 101 Academy. V Kohli b Junaid Khan ...... 0 Azhar Ali c R G Sharma b Kumar ...... 9 Qatar will join seven other Qatar national players Abdullah Afifa (left) and Younes Ali take part in a training session at Aspire Academy, Yuvraj Singh b Junaid Khan ...... 2 Younis Khan c Ashwin b Dinda ...... 58 national teams in battle for the yesterday. RIGHT: Paris Saint Germain’s Blaise Matuidi and Thiago Silva during a training session at the same R G Sharma c Mohd Hafeez b Junaid Khan ...4 Misbah-ul-Haq b I Sharma ...... 16 Gulf Cup title race in Bahrain. venue yesterday morning. S K Raina b Mohammad Hafeez ...... 43 Shoaib Malik (not out) ...... 34 On Saturday, it was announced M S Dhoni (not out) ...... 113 Extras (LB-6, W-3, NB-1) ...... 10 that Qatar’s ace midfielder Fabio R Ashwin (not out) ...... 31 Total (for 4 wkts in 48.1 overs) ...... 228 Cesar will miss the Gulf Cup. Khalid Muftah have also been Aspire Academy but will get a day Yusuf Ahmed, Abdul Karim Extras (LB-11, W-9, NB-2) ...... 22 Did not bat: Kamran Akmal, Junaid Khan, Cesar - the Al Rayyan skip- excluded from the Gulf Cup plans off tomorrow, before departing for Hassan, Wisam Rizq, Talal Al Total (for 6 wkts in 50 overs) ...... 227 Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal, Mohammad Irfan. per - is yet to recover from a due to injuries. Bahrain. Balushi, Khalfan Ibrahim Massad Did not bat: B Kumar, I Sharma, A B Dinda. Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-21, 3-133, 4-172. foot injury he picked up during a Kuwait are the current cham- Qatar Coach: Paulo Autuori Hamad, Hassan Al Haydos, Bilal Fall of wickets: 1-17, 2-17, 3-19, 4-20, 5-29, Bowling: B Kumar 9-3-27-2 (1w); I Sharma recent Qatar Stars League (QSL) pions of the Gulf Cup, having Qatar squad: Ahmed Sufian, Mohammed, Ibrahim Al Ghanim, 6-102. 10-0-39-1 (1w); A B Dinda 9.1-0-45-1 (1w); R fixture. lifted the trophy ten times. Khaled Abdul Rauf, Majed Qassem Burhan, Lawrence Quaye, Bowling: Mohammad Irfan 9-2-58-1 (1w); Ashwin 10-0-34-0 (1nb); Yuvraj Singh 5-0-33- Cesar had missed the Egypt Next year’s Gulf Cup will be Mohammed, Mohammed Abdul Sebastian Soria, Ali Afifa, Hussein Junaid Khan 9-1-43-4 (2nb, 2w); Umar Gul 0; S K Raina 2.1-0-23-0; V Kohli 2.5-0-21-0. friendly Qatar hosted on Friday the 21st edition of the competion, Muttalib, Marcone, Jarallah Ali, Baba Mallick, Rajab Hamza, 8-0-38-0 (1w); Saeed Ajmal 10-1-42-0; Mo- Series: Pakistan led the 3-match series 1-0 which was held at Al Gharafa since it was introduced. Al Marri, Hamid Ismail, Abdul Abdul Aziz Hatem , Khaled Saleh, hammad Hafeez 10-2-26-1; Shoaib Malik 4-0- ODI debut: B Kumar (India) Stadium. Also known as Al Annabi, Karim Salim Ali, Younis Ibrahim, Mohammed Razaq and Musa 9-0(1w). Player-of-the-Match: MS Dhoni (India) Qatar regulars Adel Lamy and Qatar will again train today at Majid Mahdi, Mohammed Kasola, Alalaq. THE PENINSULA