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Thursday 18 December 2014 • 26 Safar 1436 • Volume 19 Number 6283 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 Hamas taken National pride on show today off EU terror Colourful parade, dazzling fireworks and cultural shows lined up for National Day blacklist BRUSSELS: The Palestinian DOHA: Hundreds of events and instructed people attending the Islamist group Hamas should activities are in store for citi- parade and other events to keep be removed from the European zens and expatriates at various away from stunt driving dare- Union’s terrorist list, an EU locations as Qatar celebrates its devilry and not to decorate their court ruled yesterday, saying National Day today. vehicles in a way that obstructs the decision to include it was While celebrating this glori- visibility. based on media reports not ous occasion, Qatar recalls the “National Day is a joyous occa- considered analysis. achievements of its Founder sion to show your loyalty to the However, in its ruling, the Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammad country. It is everybody’s respon- bloc’s second highest tribunal said bin Thani, who laid the founda- sibility not to make it a sad day by member states could maintain tion of the modern state at a time your reckless behaviour,” the min- their freeze on Hamas’ assets for when the region was experienc- istry reminded citizens and expa- three months to give time for fur- ing a state of conflict, unrest and triates in a statement yesterday. ther review or for an appeal to be instability due to competition As in the previous years, the launched. Israel, which has clashed between the colonial powers. Ministry of Interior has arranged repeatedly with Europe in recent Kicking off today’s events is a exclusive activities for different years over Palestinian statehood spectacular National Day mili- expatriate communities to ensure ambitions, reacted with dismay. tary parade on the Corniche this their active participation in the “We expect them to imme- morning in which the Qatari celebrations. diately put Hamas back on the army, air force, navy, Emiri A total of 282 cultural and list,” said Israeli Prime Minister Guards, Lekhwiya, Al Fazaa, sporting events will be held at Benjamin Netanyahu. Coast Guards, and other units of four venues as part of Associated Looking to limit the fallout, the Ministry of Interior will march Activities for Qatar National Day EU’s foreign policy arm said the past along with military vehi- under the theme ‘One Love’. bloc continued to view Hamas as cles and warfare equipment. West End Park Amphitheatre a terrorist group. Schoolchildren dressed in tradi- and Cricket Stadium in Industrial “This was a legal ruling of tional and military costumes will Area, Wakra, Al Khor and Rayyan the court based on procedural also join in the colourful parade Sports Clubs will stage the events grounds. We will look into this which will also feature a breath- from 8 am to 10 pm. Students The Father Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani during an event to mark National Day at Al Wajba Castle and decide on appropriate reme- taking aerial show. from 17 schools will stage a total yesterday. The Father Emir also participated in Bani Tamim Arda (traditional dance). dial action,” spokeswoman Maja Around 5,000 soldiers and offic- of 102 shows and nine community Kocijanic said. ers from the armed forces will teams will stage 180 performances parachuting, awareness initia- host children games and activi- with army rifles and fire shots. Hamas holds sway in the Gaza march along the Corniche, accom- at the four venues. tives and an all-new ‘Katara FM’ ties while 11,000 LED and helium- Meanwhile, Lekhwiya and the Strip and its founding charter panied by sophisticated weaponry National Day celebrations at radio station. The 42 festivities filled balloons will be released on Qatari Armed Forces will per- calls for the destruction of Israel. and military equipment. The Darb Al Saii in Al Sadd which are organised in collaboration Katara’s Corniche over the two form Paratroopers shows with It has regularly battled Israel, parade is scheduled to begin at 8am kicked off several days ago are with more than 20 different pub- days. fireworks and photo displays of most recently in a 50-day war and last for 48 minutes. expected to attract a huge number lic and private institutions. Between 2 pm and 5 pm, mili- the national flag. this summer. For a first, top military delega- of citizens and expatriates today. During the two-day pro- tary shows will be one of the cel- Different ministries, govern- Hamas says it is a legitimate tions from three countries that Katara has lined up 42 events gramme, Katara will witness ebrations’ highlights. The Qatar ment departments and a number resistance movement and con- have friendly relations with Qatar and activities for its visitors today a number of marine activities Amiri Guard will showcase 14 of private companies and organi- tested the European Union’s — Georgia, Belarus and Uruguay and tomorrow. They include including a sailboat show and horses in national costumes, some sations have also lined up a series decision in 2001 to include it on — are also expected to attend the military, horses and motorcycle dhows decorated with Qatari flags of which will tour Katara’s alley- of activities to mark the National the EU terrorist list. It welcomed parade. parades, boat shows, heritage cruising along the seashore. The ways, as well as engage in a silent Day. yesterday’s verdict. REUTERS The Ministry of Interior has tents, cultural contests, power Cultural Village’s beach will also military parade and another THE PENINSULA See also page 15

2,000 pigeons released US and Cuba to normalise diplomatic relations

WASHINGTON: The United of the embargo which he called The breakthrough came after States and Cuba made a his- a “blockade” — remained to be Havana released jailed US con- toric breakthrough in their resolved. tractor Alan Gross and a Cuban Cold War stand-off yesterday, In Washington, Obama admit- who spied for Washington and moving to revive diplomatic ties ted the US embargo had failed had been held for 20 years — and and launch measures to ease a and said he would approach the whom Obama called one of the five-decade US trade embargo. US Congress to discuss lifting it most important US agents in In the wake of a prisoner alongside the advances in diplo- Cuba. The United States in turn exchange, President Barack matic and travel links. released three Cuban spies, and Obama said the United States was “We are all Americans,” Obama Obama said he had instructed ready to review trade ties and to declared in Spanish, in a set-piece the US State Department to re- re-open its embassy in commu- White House address marking a examine its designation of Cuba nist Cuba that has been closed historic attempt to reassert US as a state sponsor of terrorism. since 1961. Cuba’s President Raul leadership in the Western hemi- “We will end an outdated Castro, in a simultaneous address sphere. Obama hailed the support approach that for decades has in Havana, confirmed that the he said that Pope Francis, the failed to advance our interests former enemies had “agreed to first Latin American pontiff, and and instead we will begin to nor- re-establish diplomatic ties” after the Catholic Church had provided malise relations between our two The Qatar Society for Carrier Pigeons released more than 2,000 pigeons at Darb Al Saai yesterday to mark the more than half a century. in brokering better relations countries,” Obama said. AFP National Day in the presence of an excited crowd including citizens and expatriates. The spectators rushed Castro cautioned that the issue between the long-time enemies. See also page 17 to take photos and videos of the pigeons as they moved in groups around Qatari flags fluttering at the site.

Mass grave of 230 found in Syria Sharif vows to eliminate every terrorist

BEIRUT: The bodies of 230 PESHAWAR: Pakistan bur- grief, Nawaz Sharif lifted a last terrorist is eliminated,” he tackling senior members of the been tolerated, and sometimes people killed by the Islamic ied its slaughtered children moratorium on the death pen- told a select group of politicians Pakistani Taliban, based in the supported, Afghan intelligence State group have been found in yesterday, as the prime minis- alty for terror-related cases, summoned to Peshawar, the site country’s lawless east. His top officials say. In recent years a mass grave uncovered by their ter promised a day of reckon- and announced a dramatic shift of the attack. “The country must priority will almost certainly be to though, the extremist violence relatives in Syria’s Deir Ezzor ing with militants behind the in government policy towards never forget these scenes.” secure Afghanistan’s cooperation that has tormented Afghanistan province, a monitoring group attack and the country’s own extremist groups. Sharif also echoed army com- in capturing Mullah Fazlullah, so long has become increasingly said yesterday. history of backing some violent “We announce that there will manders’ vows to step up military the group’s leader. The tragedy familiar across the border. The discovery brings the groups. be no differentiation between action against strongholds along that prompted the visit gave The school assault was unprec- number of Shaitat tribal members The brutal attack on a pres- ‘good’ and ‘bad’ Taliban,” he said, the porous mountain border it urgency and gravity, but the edented in its bloody sadism slain during the militants’ sum- tigious army school killed 148, referring to the Pakistani mili- with Afghanistan. irony of Pakistan’s request will towards children, but comes mer advance in Deir Ezzor prov- mostly students, in a bloody tary’s long history of clandestine With the country begin- be lost on few in the region. after a string of other high-profile ince near Iraq to more than 900, eight-hour siege that horrified support for those militant groups ning three days of mourn- For years Kabul has begged attacks, including on the inter- the Syrian Observatory for Human even a country numbed by years it believes support its own strate- ing, the army’s chief of staff, Pakistan to root out the Afghan national airport in the port city Rights said. IS controls large of bombings, assassinations and gic objectives. Raheel Sharif, headed to Kabul Taliban leadership hiding inside of Karachi. swathes of northern and eastern suicide assaults. “We have resolved to continue for talks with the Afghan its border, including its leader GUARDIAN NEWS Syria and parts of Iraq. AFP Facing a wave of anger and the war against terrorism till the president, Ashraf Ghani, over Mullah Omar. Instead they have See also page 19

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Deputy Emir meets Total CEO PM receives message from Tunisia

The Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani yesterday received a written message from his Tunisian counterpart Mehdi Jomaa on relations and issues of mutual interest. The The Deputy Emir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani met Patrick Pouyanne, CEO, Total, and his delegation Tunisian Minister in charge of Coordination and Follow-up on Economic Affairs Nidal Al Warfali presented it at the Emiri Diwan yesterday. Talks dealt with means of enhancing cooperation on issues of mutual interest. during a meeting. Emir pardons some prisoners DOHA: The Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has issued Insulting Qatari flag, quackery a decision pardoning some prisoners on the occasion of National Day. Bhutan King greeted on National Day

DOHA: The Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani yester- could be punishable offences day sent a cable of congratulations to King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan on his country’s National Day. The Deputy Emir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani also sent Cabinet nod to draft law which covers unauthorised donation campaigns a cable of congratulations to the Bhutanese King. The Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin DOHA: The Cabinet yesterday cleared ruling or order issued by a court or the department at the Public Works Authority Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani sent a similar cable to the king. QNA a draft law which, once enforced, would attorney-general 30 days after the date of (Ashghal) has the power to stop or cancel punish those found insulting the Qatari being officially notified about implementa- the licence according to the requirements flag and those of other GCC and friendly tion, as long as the execution of the rul- of public interest, provided the decision is countries. The draft also seeks to declare ing or order is part of the public servant’s substantiated. If obligations of the licensee quackery, whereby people claim to have jurisdiction. are not met, Ashghal has the right to fix the Many health centres to spiritual and healing powers, a serious Additionally, the amendment stipulates road and restore it at the licensee’s expense. offence with jail terms and fines. that collecting donations personally or via The Cabinet ratified its decision on the Collecting donations in an unauthorised individuals, newspapers, companies or any formation of a tenders committee at the way is also being made a serious offence other means in a non-authorised capacity Ministry of Justice. The Cabinet also rati- remain closed today proposed to be punished with a year in jail is a punishable offence. fied its decision on the amendment of some and a fine of up to QR500,000 or either. The practice of quackery, whether for free provisions of Order No. 17 of 1998 on the DOHA: Several health centres Al Wakra, will be open between 7am The draft law seeks to amend some pro- or for a fee, is also a punishable offence. establishment of the standing committee will be closed today and others will to 11pm. However, Al Khor and Al visions of the criminal law No. 11 of 2004 Doing, saying or using means to deceive peo- for emergency. According to the amend- open with different time schedules, Shamal health centres will closed after examining recommendations of the ple into believing that the person practising ment, a representative shall be added to the according to the Primary Health from 2pm to 4pm. Advisory Council on the draft law. The draft quackery is capable of witchcraft, know- committee from the Foreign Ministry, the Care Corporation. Al Shehaniya Health Centre will was discussed by the council earlier this ing the unseen, achieving a need or desire, Ministry of Transport, National Command The centres in Umm Salal, Al be open from 7am to 9pm. month and approved unanimously. preventing damage or inflicting harm are Center, the General Department of Coast Daayen, Al Karana, Abu Nakhla, Dental services at Al Shehaniya, The Prime Minister and Interior Minister all examples of quackery. The same pun- and Border Security, and the Ministry of Messaimeer, Al Gharafa and the air- Al Khor and Al Shamal health cen- H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa ishment will apply to a mediator and any Interior’s Public Relations Department. port will be closed today. tres will operate only between 7am Al Thani chaired the Cabinet’s meeting, person who prepares, opens or runs a place The Cabinet reviewed a draft law on the The centres in Doha, includ- and 20pm. Al Wakra Health Center QNA reported. to practise quackery or promote or cover it. amendment of some provisions of Law No. ing Al Rayyan, Madinat Khalifa, will operate in two shifts from 7am The amendment stipulates that it would The Cabinet also approved a draft law 24 of 2008 on supporting and regulating sci- Al Muntaza, Umm Ghwelina, Abu to 2pm and 3pm to 9pm. be a punishable offence to publicly insult on the regulation of works within the scope entific research. Baker Siddiq, West Bay and Omar Al Jamiliya Health Center, Al Qatar’s flag and those of non-hostile coun- of streets and referred it to the council. It It also discussed a letter from the Deputy Bin Khattab will be open from 7am Kaaban Health Center, Umm Bab tries, international organisation or institu- touches on provisions pertaining to the Prime Minister and Minister of State for to 2pm and between 4pm and 11pm. Health Center -Al Ghwairiya Health tions, other GCC states and other regional prohibition of carrying out excavation or Cabinet Affairs on reviewing a draft decision Dental services also will operate Center will operate on call system. organisations or institutions, whether by extending service lines or repairing them of the Minister of Economy and Commerce in two shifts, from 7am to 2pm and Premarital examination clinics will taking it down, damaging it or through unless a permit is obtained from the com- on setting requirements for the licensing of 4pm to 10pm. remain closed in all health centres any other action that expresses hatred and petent department, except for emergency recreational facilities, and a draft decision Health centres Outside Doha which have this service. contempt. cases. of the Minister of Municipality and Urban such as in Al Khor, Al Shamal and THE PENINSULA According to the amendment, it’s a pun- It also explains procedures of applying Planning on technical requirements for chil- ishable offence for a public servant to use for a licence, conditions of granting it and dren’s playgrounds at parks. their power to block implementation of a obligations of the licensee. The relevant THE PENINSULA New features added to National Day portal

DOHA: The National Day through social media network A mobile apps section allows Windows phone 8. The portal Celebration Organising with web accessibility for citi- visitors to download National is equipped with friendly usage Committee yesterday added zens with disabilities or special Day ringtones, backgrounds and options and compatibility on new features to the portal needs and the elderly. themes and mobile apps on their most phone types, platforms www.qatar.qa to celebrate the It features latest information phones and smart devices. and models. occasion. The portal offers spe- and news about National Day Users can also choose to The mobile apps are sup- cial features to engage citizens as it has been designed to pro- download any of the four mobile ported on iPhones, Windows and residents in festivities. vide residents and visitors with apps — Qatar news app, mul- Mobiles and Android phones. The interactive platform a full view of events as well as timedia app, Qatar Events The portal is in English and reaches all users, allowing them engagement and interaction app, Augmented Reality app Arabic, with a plan to add five to interact with one another across social media. for iPhone, iPad, Android and more languages in the near future. The portal has been updated with accessibility options and mobile app features. The web accessi- bility gives residents with disabilities and the elderly the opportunity to surf the web. Users can visualise, understand, navigate and interact with the Web as well as communicate through different chan- nels. The portal is designed and developed by Link Development. “Link Development has been working with Qatar National Day for four years and has been utilis- ing latest technologies to enhance and offer the best features to citizens and residents,” said Hossam Khalifa, Country Manager, OTVentures. The portal offers social network integration fea- tures in addition to con- tent sharing. It is also integrated with YouTube and Flickr, enabling visi- tors to fetch updated real time photos and videos through Qatar National Day YouTube and Flickr channels. THE PENINSULA

THURSDAY 18 DECEMBER 2014 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

National Day marked Bani Tamim Arda

The Father Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani participated in Bani Tamim Arda (traditional dance) at Al Wajba Castle to commemorate National Day. The Deputy Emir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani, H H Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Personal Representative of the Emir; H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani, H H Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani and a number of sheikhs, ministers and citizens A helicopter flying over Qatar, carrying the national flag with a portrait of the Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad also took part. Al Thani on the eve of National Day yesterday. SALIM MATRAMKOT FIFA panel continues to make strides in workers’ welfare DOHA: The Supreme Committee workers, outlines SC’s key achieve- worker accommodations up to NGO Amnesty International (SC) for Delivery & Legacy has ments in the first six-months of apply- an appropriate level as they all for comments on the report released its first Semi-Annual ing the standards. Working closely had a positive attitude to the prior to its release. Workers’ Welfare Compliance with stakeholders, SC was able to inte- standards and were happy to In communications with Report, outlining the panel’s goals, grate worker welfare assessments into work in partnership with us,” WWC, Amnesty recognised the achievements, and challenges in the tendering process; develop a legal van Dyk said. positive steps taken by SC and relation to the first six months of mechanism that links contractor pay- “The real challenge lies in gave frank feedback on areas implementing SC’s Workers’ Welfare ments to worker welfare compliance; solving more complex issues, for improvement in line with Standards. and set up an audit regime to monitor such as the ethical recruitment previous statements. Developed in consultation with conditions on construction sites and of workers, which involves lay- SC welcomed the construc- experts in labour and human rights, in worker accommodations. A nota- ers upon layers of agents and tive engagement and recognises the standards are a contractually ble outcome of SC’s work is marked sub-agents in sending countries, that there is room for further binding set of requirements for all improvements in worker accommoda- who operate outside of Qatar’s improvement. “Working with contractors working on SC projects. tions, a topic that has been discussed regulatory reach. Solving these an external organisation in The report is a self-assessment of the widely in recent media reports on issues will require more time as preparing the report helped us SC’s experience applying the standards expatriate workers in Qatar. well as participation in multi- gain an outside perspective,” in the six-month period after their “We focused on the most pressing stakeholder initiatives.” Al Muftah said. “In the future, release in February 2014. issues first, that is, making sure that SC identified additional chal- we plan to assemble a broader “The SC continues to make impor- all workers on SC projects have a clean, lenges in the course of its dis- group of experts with academic, tant strides in improving the welfare safe place to live,” said Stephan van cussions with workers during NGO, government, and busi- of workers,” said Hassan Al Thawadi, Dyk, part of the SC’s Workers’ Welfare audits and at Workers’ Welfare ness backgrounds to help us Secretary-General of the committee. compliance team. “While some con- Forums. “Two of our contrac- review public reports.” “The report is an honest self-assess- tractors already maintained a rela- tors have established their While the report demon- ment, highlighting how complex this tively high standard of living in their Workers’ Welfare Forums since strates that progress has been issue is and difficulties we have faced, accommodations, others needed help February, which is fantastic,” made on key issues, SC notes but also the significant progress we understanding what ‘good’ looks like. said Megan Jenkins, also part that significant challenges have made.” We were encouraged to see that with a of SC’s Workers’ Welfare com- remain. In the coming months, The report marks the first time the bit of education on our standards, most pliance team. The great thing SC plans to release a second SC has publicly disclosed compliance contractors who needed to improve did about the forums is that they version of WW Standards, data on FIFA World Cup projects. so quite quickly.” give workers an opportunity to which will include updates “Even though we are quite early on The report also identifies some of have a real dialogue with man- based on lessons learned and in the process, we feel that we have a the challenges SC faced in taking its agement and SC about what extensive discussions with responsibility to be transparent and WW Standards to the marketplace. works and does not work with workers, contractors and rep- update our stakeholders on progress,” Aside from a general lack of aware- regard to workers’ welfare. resentatives from government, said Farah Al Muftah, Chair, SC ness about the WW Standard’s “Through these discussions trade unions and NGOs. Workers’ Welfare Committee (WWC). requirements at the outset, the we found that occasionally, “The challenges we face are “We hope that by getting this infor- Workers’ Welfare compliance team as was the case with privacy too big for any one organisation, Visitors and guests taking part in the event. mation out in the public domain, we found that the short duration of some curtains, workers’ prefer- or country, to handle alone,” said can launch a productive discussion contracts made it difficult to work ences were at odds with the Al Thawadi. Engagement has about some of the challenges we face with companies in resolving some of requirements we set out in the been an important part of our and how to scale up solutions that have the more complex issues expatriate standards. This is part of the approach so far and being even Commercial Bank makes history been successful so far.” workers face. learning process and, in some more inclusive in our consulta- The report, which contains anec- “It did not take contractors as cases, will lead to revisions to tions with workers and other with biggest National Day selfie dotes submitted by contractors and long as we thought it would to bring the standards,” Jenkins said. stakeholders going forward will SC will oversee the establish- increase the chances of develop- DOHA: Visitors to Commercial Bank’s traditional tented zone at ment of more Workers’ Welfare ing appropriate solutions with Commercial Bank Plaza joined hands to participate in National Forums by its contractors in a lasting impact. We are confi- Day’s biggest selfie. the months to come and set up dent that strong worker welfare The selfie was part of the bank’s National Day celebrations where a Programme Welfare Forum policies, vigilance, and sustained staff and guests at the zone enjoyed traditional activities during three which will facilitate broader engagement with our partners days, including handicrafts, food, drink, games, music and dancing. dialogue between workers and will continue to create a safe The selfie was organised via the bank’s social media channels on management across all its and healthy working environ- Facebook and Twitter, and the initiative made history by including projects. ment on all World Cup projects. the most people ever in one National Day-themed selfie. SC invited the human rights QNA THE PENINSULA Qatar joins SICA BELMOPAN: Qatar has joined the Central American Integration System (SICA) as an observer from outside the region, during the preparatory conven- tion for the SICA foreign ministers which began in the Belizean town of Placencia on Tuesday. Qatari Ambassador to El Salvador, Abdurrahman Mohammed Al Dosari, signed the accession treaty with SICA Secretary- General Dr Victoria Marina Velasquez de Aviles in presence of all minis- ters of the Organization of Central American States. Belize’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington signed the treaty as a witness. Dr de Aviles said it was a historic moment for SICA because of its posi- tive impact on strength- ening and consolidating friendship and cooperation between Qatar and SICA member states. QNA

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Tributes to Pakistan children

Residents of Qatar pay tributes to 148 schoolchildren and staff who were killed by Pakistan Taliban in Peshawar, yesterday. They described the attack as an act of cowardice and prayed for the deceased and their families, at Pakistan embassy in Doha. ABDUL BASIT

QU officials 18 eye Qatar’s Strongest Man title attend global forum on Arab Second edition in two categories e-Infrastructure begins today at Aspire Park DOHA: Dr Hassan Al Derham, Vice-President, Research, DOHA: Eighteen qualifiers will testing the physical strength of Qatar University (QU), rep- compete in the second edition each participant. The two-day resented the country at the of Qatar’s Strongest Man today event over National Day weekend forth International Platform on and tomorrow from 3pm to 9pm sponsored by Sports Corner, con- Integrating Arab e-Infrastruc- at Aspire Park. sists of strength tests including ture in a Global Environment Aspire Zone’s Qatar’s Strongest weight lifting, lifting a fixed car, (e-AGE 2014), in Muscat, Oman Man is divided into two catego- pulling a truck, moving a giant recently. ries: An open race for residents tyre and moving an atlas stone He provided insight into today and citizens tomorrow. and sand bags. QU’s research infrastructure Nine men, including Daniel Ekadeli, winner of the inaugu- and achievements under Qatar Dache Athiambo and Christopher ral event, said: “It’s fantastic to be National Research and Education Oktech (Kenya), Nicolas Nassif participating in the second edition Network (QNREN), an inde- (Lebanon), Joseph Iroo Ekadeli and I will have the opportunity pendent, government-supported (Last year’s winner from Kenya), to defend my title. The competi- initiative based on international Meshack Otieno Ogola (Kenya), tion is challenging and hopefully standards and best practices that Rafed Assef Ahmed (Syria), I can once again walk away with serves research and education Basheer Mohamed (Saudi the title.” stakeholders in Qatar. Arabia), Abdelmalek Aouatia Qatari brothers Abdulla Prof Sheikha Abdulla Al (Algeria) and Abdelrahman Albinali and Ali Albinali who are Misnad, President, QU, was also Abdelrahman (Egypt) have been participating in the citizens’ cat- present at the event, organised selected to participate in the open egory, said: “The event focuses on by Arab States Research and race category. challenging you physically and Education Network, along with Fahad Mohammed Alhaddad, mentally, as well as being a test ministers, ambassadors and Abdulla Majid Allaq, Abdulla of endurance. We both had the leaders from Arab countries and Essa Albinali, Ali Essa Albinali opportunity to participate in the Europe. Mohammed Jarlla Almarri, first edition and we are happy to Prof Al Misnad said it was Talal Belal Alkuwari, Rashid have passed the selection stage an opportunity for Arab states Abdulla Alfehaida, Hamad Salem this time around. to create awareness, promote Alnaimi and Salah Abdulrahman “We have been training inten- research and education collabo- Zaenalabdeen have been selected sively for this and hopefully it ration and joint activities and in the citizens’ category, in what pays off and one of us is crowned establish human networks to is tipped to be the ultimate ‘Clash Qatar’s Strongest Man.” facilitate collaboration and coop- of the Titans’. The top three participants who eration among researchers and Abdulla Al Khater, Aspire Zone get the highest points in all five academicians in the Arab region Events Manager, said: “We are series will win the challenge. and the rest of the world. thrilled to be hosting the second An honouring ceremony will be Dr Al Derham said QNREN edition of Qatar’s Strongest Man, held today and tomorrow at 6pm was important in realising the and we had a fantastic response where a trophy and prize money objectives of Qatar National with a lot of applications. will be awarded to the top three. Vision 2030 to boost innovation “Aspire Zone is committed to The first five qualifiers will also and ensure a competitive and promoting activities and organis- be rewarded. knowledge-based economy which ing events the whole community The event will also witness an can be achieved through pro- can enjoy, and plans are underway attempt by Abdel Latif Sadek grammes and initiatives that con- to have a GCC category added to (Guinness Records achiever) to nect people to technologies that next year’s event.” break his record in push-ups. enrich their lives and maximise Some of the participants showing their prowess. The second edition focuses on THE PENINSULA capabilities. THE PENINSULA

Sidra hosts National Day activities for staff

DOHA: Sidra took part in achievements and share some of National Day celebrations by our treasured customs with the hosting activities for its employ- Sidra community. ees under the theme ‘Pearl “We are proud that we have Diving’. more than 30 nationalities work- The day-long event was held at ing at Sidra, and we hope that Sidra’s offices in Al Nasr Tower, the festivities in Qatar will be a West Bay. fun and engaging way for them Employees learned about Qatari to learn more about our culture culture, the ancient marine trade and instil a sense of pride and of pearl diving and enjoyed tradi- belonging,” said Eman Nasralla, tional music, food, a mini souq and Community Relations and craft-making demonstrations. Development Manager, Sidra “National Day is a wonderful Medical and Research Center. opportunity to highlight Qatar’s THE PENINSULA

A Sidra employee getting a lesson on Qatar’s old fishing trade. (RIGHT) Staff gather to enjoy festivities.

THURSDAY 18 DECEMBER 2014 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Ezdan Holding Group marks National Day Chairman calls on institutions to strive for Qatar’s all-round development

DOHA: Sheikh Dr Khalid bin vision of development of the state Through its projects and ini- image of loyalty and belonging to “Qatar is recognised as a high- Thani Al Thani, Chairman of in 2030,” he said in a statement tiatives, Ezdan Group contrib- the state known for its generosity, income economy by the World Ezdan Holding Group which released by the Group yesterday. utes effectively in support of the security and safety of citizens and Bank. In addition, the national is the platinum sponsor of an He said Qatar is witnessing a Qatari society in various sectors expatriates. economy contributes to improv- array of events to celebrate quantum leap day after day in and areas in accordance with He said tremendous achieve- ing living standards for the entire National Day, has once again various fields, including economic, Qatar Development Strategy ments realised in Qatar are the population” he added. urged all institutions to strive social and medical, in line with 2030, ensuring welfare of the peo- result of successive persevering Meanwhile, in cooperation for achieving all-round develop- the objectives of Qatar National ple in line with the four pillars of generations loyal to the leaders with Ezdan Mall, the General ment of the country in line with Vision 2030. the strategy. to the country. Directorate of Civil Defence yes- Qatar National Vision 2030. “This year’s celebration of Sheikh Khalid said Ezdan is “We are all witnessing impor- terday began recreational activi- “On this auspicious occasion, we National Day comes to mark proud to celebrate the day to com- tant and stunning evolution in ties for 10 days in Ezdan Mall renew our call to all institutions extraordinary achievements made memorate the Founding Father national economy indicators, Gharafa to celebrate National to exert more efforts towards the locally for the benefit of citizens Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al making Qatar one of the richest Day. Activities include drawing advancement of our country and and residents,” he said, praising Thani, who founded the modern countries in terms of per capita and colouring competitions for all the best for the benefit of the the wise leadership that spares state on this spot of earth. income, in addition to the highest children, electronic games, and Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Thani Al Thani, people in Qatar to enjoy a better no effort to improve our beloved He said celebrations taking human development in the Arab other events for the public. Chairman of Ezdan Holding Group life as stipulated in the national Qatar. place in Qatar reflect the civilised World. THE PENINSULA

HMC, QRC hold National Day activities across Qatar Sheikha Jawaher honours schools DOHA: In recognition of National Day, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is hosting at Darb Al Saai fun activities and events for DOHA: H H Sheikha Jawaher patients, staff and the public. bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al The festivities across HMC Thani, wife of the Emir H H hospitals and facilities celebrate Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Qatar’s culture, customs and Thani yesterday attended the traditions. closing ceremony of student To share the joy of the cel- events hosted by Al Fareej tent ebrations with staff, patients and at Darb Al Saai, held as part visitors, Dr Hanan Al Kuwari, of National Day celebrations. HMC Managing Director, visited She gave away shields to the Hamad General Hospital (HGH), top three winning schools. Women’s Hospital, Rumailah The ceremony was attended Hospital, Heart Hospital, by the Minister of Youth National Center for Cancer Care and Sports H E Salah bin and Research, Human Resources Ghanem bin Nasser Al Ali, Department and Transportation also Chairman, Darb Al Saai Department. Organizing Committee. She also visited HMC’s pavilion Khadija Primary School won in Darb Al Saai and toured sec- the first rank for presenting a tions and interacted with visiting show on ‘sports in the Qatari schoolchildren. women’s lives’, the second rank A traditional Qatari tent, was achieved by Jawan bin featuring local artefacts, henna Jassim Primary School for boys design and face painting will wel- for presenting a review “The come patients and members of evolution of the sport in Qatar the public to HGH’s Outpatient until the 2022 World Cup’, and Department. Al Nahda Primary School for The Help Desk at Women’s Girls came in the third place . Hospital, at the main entrance, Sheikha Jawaher congratu- has been decorated and a screen Officials and children watching a cake representing the Qatari flag at Rumailah Hospital. lated the participants and par- showing historical clips on Qatar ents, and commended the efforts and National Day activities has Assistant CEO, and Khalfan families with young children stall at Darb Al-Saai, has received gifts to the visitors, particularly being made, wishing them suc- been set up. Traditional food and Al Noaimi, Principal, Dukhan about the correct way of select- wide response from visitors of all the children. cess in the coming years. drinks, as well as henna design, Independent School for Boys, will ing and installing child seats in groups and ages. QRC’s ambulance vehicles and will also be available. deliver speeches. Other activities vehicles. The stall has doctors who staff continue to medically cover Call to protect At Al Khor Hospital, Qatari will include a poetry presenta- The Ambulance Service is advise the public about disease the celebrations area throughout flags have been installed at all tion from students of Dukhan showcasing its “Help Us to Help prevention and train them in how the day, in coordination with the civilians in information desks and are being Independent School. You” and “Know the Five to Save to carry out first aid and cardi- organizers through radio com- distributed to patients and The hospital will also host a Life” campaigns targeting all opulmonary resuscitation (CPR). munication to report any case occupied territories visitors. Qatari traditional dancers, reci- age groups and offering them They were helped by a big group that require urgent medical Al Wakra Hospital has organ- tations from Qatari poets, chil- training in first aid emergency. of QRC volunteers, who distrib- intervention. GENEVA: Qatar has urged ised events for patients and dren’s entertainment, including Qatar Red Crescent’s (QRC) uted awareness publications and THE PENINSULA the high contracting par- visitors, including henna design, a trampoline park and giveaways. ties to the Fourth Geneva children’s face painting, balloons, A health corner to educate Convention to take measures giveaways and a performance by patients and visitors on diabe- to achieve real protection for a local artist. tes and hypertension and screen the civilians in the occupied Rumailah Hospital’s main the conditions, has also been Palestinian territories, includ- entrances, clinics and many organised. ing East Jerusalem, as Israel inpatient units will be colourfully Staff of Ambulance Service will failed to meet its obligations. decorated. Patients and visitors have a stand at Darb Al Saai until This came in a statement by will be treated to traditional hos- December 20. It will operate from Qatar’s permanent delegation pitality with Qatari coffee, dates, 8am to noon and 4pm until 10pm, during their participation in chocolates and desserts. introducing preschoolers to para- a conference of high contract- Ardah, a Qatari traditional medics, the ambulance unit and ing parties on the protection dance troupe, will entertain ambulance equipment. of civilians in armed conflicts, patients, visitors and staff. HMC is also participating in held to consider measures to Celebrations will include tradi- celebrations at Darb El Saai. enforce and ensure respect for tional Qatari games and contests HMC’s Hamad International the convention in the occupied and inpatients and their families Training Center’s Kulluna for Palestinian territories, including will be treated to a free lunch buf- Health and Safety, the Ambulance East Jerusalem. fet and a National Day-themed Service, Nutrition, Corporate Qatar expressed apprecia- cake. Communications and Nursing tion to the Swiss Government At Heart Hospital, a stall will Departments are taking part for holding the conference to serve Qatari food and drinks until Saturday. discuss measures to enforce throughout the day. Kulluna is promoting its the convention in the occupied A traditional social gathering Healthy Heart campaign and Palestinian territories, promot- hall will allow patients and visi- encouraging visitors to check ing commitment contained in all tors to sit and take photos com- their cholesterol levels and heart four Geneva conventions of 1949, memorating the day. echo as well as for diabetes. by state parties to respect them The Cuban Hospital will Kulluna is also creating aware- (conventions) under all circum- hold a special function where ness of the importance of using stances. QNA Mohammed Aamer Al Marri, child car seats and educating Children receiving CPR training. Programmes to help disabled access education urged DOHA: There is a need in Qatar to them skills to communicate and interact dignity, and freedom to do what they highlighted their positive experiences focus on making education accessible with others, provide families support and want to do,” Dr. Al Yazeedi said, stressing from their multidisciplinary care team. for people with disabilities through guidance to successfully raise their chil- the importance of the HMC rehabilita- In line with the event’s theme, programmes such as an early interven- dren, and teach them vocational skills as tion team’s expertise and leadership in ‘Sustainable Development: The Promise tion plan for children born with devel- they reach working age.” advocating for people with disabilities. of Technology’, participants also benefited opmental disabilities, says an expert. International Day of Persons with The team has been working on many from a presentation by Charlie Danger, Dr Wafaa Al Yazeedi (pictured), Disabilities was recently commemo- fronts to promote better acceptance Senior Assistive Technology Specialist, Chairperson, Physical Medicine and rated at Rehabilitation Unit of Rumailah of people with disabilities, including Mada (Qatar Assistive Technology Rehabilitation Department, Hamad Hospital. It complemented similar cel- increased educational and work oppor- Center), on special equipment available Medical Corporation (HMC), said ebrations at HMC’s community-based tunities, improved standards for acces- for free for citizens and expatriates who healthcare teams, families and various medical care and rehabilitation facility in sibility of buildings, roads and other have lived in Qatar for at least two years. sectors should continue working together Muaither. Both event highlighted HMC’s infrastructure, and generally an equal The special devices, such as adapted throughout the year to raise awareness role in breaking barriers for people with voice in society. keyboards and eye-gaze technology, allow about the rights of people with disabili- disabilities and promoting their full and During the event at the hospital, people with severe physical disabilities to ties, who comprise 20 percent of the effective participation in society. patients rehabilitated through an inten- access a computer for a range of tasks, population in developing countries. “Our goal for people with disabilities sive programme from brain injury and from communicating with families to cre- “This programme will focus on teaching is for them to have independence and spinal cord injuries or stroke, testified ating artwork. THE PENINSULA

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Punishing Putin Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

HE West has undertaken a series of measures to punish Russian President Vladimir Putin for his excesses in Ukraine. The most important measure Tin this regard was the imposition of sanctions. The expectation is that sanctions will hit the economy and will After Pakistan school massacre, force Putin to step back from Ukraine. There is no doubt the sanctions had some impact, and gave plenty of headache to Putin as he struggled to minimize the impact, but another watch for the gloves to come off unexpected development has completely spoiled Putin’s peace: the steep fall in global oil prices which, along with the sanctions, caused a crash of the value of rouble. Reports BY KATHARINE HOURELD Lucman, a prominent host on the ARY on a backfoot, weakened by months of are coming from Moscow of panic-stricken Russians selling news channel, Tweeted: “Enough time street demonstrations led by opposi- their currency and doing everything they can to insulate HE massacre of more than already. Tell Air Chief to initiate car- tion leaders calling for the resignation themselves from a disastrous devaluation of their currency. 130 Pakistani school children pet bombing”. of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Now, But the plunge in rouble, instead of bringing relief to US by Taliban gunmen was a “The Taliban may be trying to it will come under pressure to fall in and Europe about the efficacy of their measures, should Tchilling reminder of Hillary slacken the resolve of the military by line with the military. Clinton’s warning to Islamabad in 2011 suggesting that there could be a tre- “Pakistan’s political leadership prompt them to do a rethink. A collapse of Russian economy that “you can’t keep snakes in your mendous human costs to the military needs to make a clear choice to fight will have a cascading effect and will not be in the interest of backyard and expect them only to bite offensive and create public pressure the Taliban decisively, not with half the world. It’s not Putin who will suffer the most. Ordinary your neighbours”. on the military to back off from this measures,” said Bruce Riedel, a former Russians will be the biggest victims, and companies in Europe Now, as Pakistan reels in horror at offensive,” said Vali Nasr, dean of the senior CIA and White House counter- and US which are doing business with Moscow too will be the bloodshed in a military-run high Johns Hopkins University School of terrorism official, now the Brookings affected. Members of European Union which are close to school in Peshawar city on Tuesday, Advanced Institution think-tank. pressure will mount on politicians and International Studies. “The burden is on Prime Minister Russia too will be hit badly. For example, East European generals who have long been tolerant “But it may actually ricochet on Sharif to show he can unite the coun- nations are suffering the effects of the rouble’s 14 percent of militants they counted as strategic them,” said Nasr, formerly a State try to defend its children,” he said. plunge over the past two days as concern builds that Russia’s assets in their rivalry with India and Department adviser on Afghanistan Pakistan has for years nurtured economic slump will spread. jostle for influence in Afghanistan. and Pakistan. militants in the belief they could be Rouble and Hungary’s forint and bonds slid “There have been national leaders Pakistan’s Taliban, whose nomi- valuable fighters in the event of war on Tuesday, with Polish securities who been apolo- nal unity has frayed this year with with a much bigger Indian army. But getic about the the emergence of competing factions, some factions turned on government oil prices are and the zloty also ending lower. Taliban,” said are distinct from the Afghan Taliban. forces after Islamabad signed up to The declines followed the ruble’s Sherry Rehman, But the groups are linked, and share the U.S.-led campaign against mili- continuing to nosedive by as much as 20 percent a former envoy to the goals of toppling their respective tancy following the Sept. 11, 2001, plunge. But to a record. While the former Outrage over Washington and governments and setting up a strict attacks. communist countries are now part prominent oppo- Islamist state across the region. Even if the army and government the killing of so sition politician. Widening the offensive against the close ranks on the need to hit back and wrecking of the European Union, they still “People will have Pakistan Taliban could include “hot tighten security in the country’s cities, send domestically produced goods many children is Russia’s to stop equivo- pursuit” by the military across the however, the military and its powerful to Russia and rely on the world’s likely to seriously cating and come porous border into Afghanistan, where intelligence arm are likely to cling to economy will biggest energy exporter for oil and together in the many Pakistani militants hide. That the notion of “good” Taliban. gas. Contagion risk is ‘a serious erode sympathy face of national could put at risk a recent rapproche- An Indian official, who has dealt for not be in the concern’ in central and eastern tragedy.” ment between Islamabad and Kabul. years with New Delhi’s policies in the for militants in a Outrage over Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper quoted region, said that with NATO troops interest of the Europe as prospects for a regional the killing of so a source as saying that the school leaving Afghanistan, the Pakistani slowdown grow, said Phoenix country where many children is attackers were acting on orders from military would leave unhindered the West. Kalen, a London-based strategist many people likely to seriously handlers in Afghanistan. Haqqani network that strikes inside at Societe Generale. erode sympathy “They have been asking the Afghan Afghanistan from Pakistan and the Putin’s calculations about have long been for militants in government to do something about this Lashkar-e-Taiba group that fights fighting Western sanctions have gone wrong with the plunge a country where for a very long time ... Pakistan may be Indian rule in suspicious of the many people left with no other option - the brutality Kashmir. in oil prices, which are almost fifty percent down from their have long been of the attack demands a response,” said “The Pakistan army has adhered peak less than a year ago. As an energy economy, even minor US-led ‘war on suspicious of Saifullah Mehsud, head of the FATA to its longstanding doctrine of distin- fluctuations in prices will have a huge impact on Moscow. terror’. the US-led “war Research Center in Islamabad, refer- guishing between terrorist groups that With slump in the market expected to continue, Putin is left on terror”, and ring to the Peshawar carnage. are engaged in hostilities with it and with few options. spur the army Despite the risks, public outrage those who are willing to act as its prox- to intensify an means the army now has a freer hand ies whether in Afghanistan and India,” But more importantly, it’s Russians who will suffer. The offensive it launched this year on to go after the Taliban, entrenching said Vivek Katju, a former Indian West must refrain from doing anything that will lead to a havens in mountains along the Afghan its dominance over a government that ambassador to Afghanistan. collapse of the country’s economy. That will not help them border. pursued fruitless peace talks with the “Pakistan ... cannot run with the achieve their objective, and can even be counterproductive. Army chief Raheel Sharif has militants and offered only half-hearted hare and hunt with the hound,” he Putin is not so weak to be dethroned with a crash in the already signalled that retaliation would support for a military offensive. wrote in India’s Economic Times. economy. follow. On Wednesday, Mubasher The civilian government is already REUTERS The other side Quote of The EU-Turkey row the day RESIDENT Recep Tayyip “Any move towards full membership (of Europe and the West hoping that would Turkey is in a difficult phase of Erdogan has taken exception the EU) depended on full respect for the one day win it laurels. The outcome relations with its neighbours and the to alleged meddling by rule of law and fundamental rights.” An has, however, been disappointing. Western world, as it tackles renewed Pthe 28-member union in irritated Erdogan responded by asking This diplomatic diatribe, in an unu- challenges not only from Kurds at its internal affairs, and lambasted it the EU officials to keep their mouth sual sense, also illustrates the varying home but from the ISIS on its borders. attitude towards Ankara. The point shut, and mind their own business. denominator as they come into interac- Moreover, the strategic differences that that apparently infuriated Erdogan is the This snub will go a long way in rewriting tion for some serious business — wel- has set in between the West and Turkey We announce that lecture of sorts that the policy-makers the relationship with one of the major coming Turkey to the European club. in dealing with the regime in Syria has in Brussels delivered recently. In a trading and political partners of the That aspect of singling out has rightly unnerved Ankara to a great extent. In there will be no statement, taking note of a crackdown Union, and is more likely to end up in been termed by many as scepticism this scenario, an altercation over its on journalists in Ankara over the a thaw. Though both have criticised towards accommodating a Muslim EU membership prospects is bound differentiation weekend, which is condemnable each other at length, the underlining is state as its full member. It is no secret to derail the harmony that Turkey enjoys between ‘good’ and though, EU foreign policy chief over the fact that each need to come that Ankara had walked the extra mile with the Western hemisphere. It’s time Federica Mogherini and Enlargement to other’s rescue in times of crisis. to fulfil the criterion of the EU mem- for maintaining a low profile by either ‘bad’ Taliban. Commissioner Johannes Hahn Erdogan, despite his Islamic credentials bership, irrespective of the fact that party to let vital geostrategic interests criticised Turkey for its record on human as head of a radical political party, had Brussels had kept on changing its take priority. Nawaz Sharif rights and values of free Press, saying: treaded a fine line of optimism with goal post. Khaleej Times Pakistani Prime Minister THURSDAY 18 DECEMBER 2014 QATAR PERSPECTIVE www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 Emir’s impressive speech at GCC summit

interests and with those who against the unjust siege by Israel DR MOHAMMED SALEH AL MISFER only prove their strength on the and Egypt on the Palestinian ground in the region.” Gaza Strip. I frankly under- The question is: Are our stand Israel’s hostility to the he speech of the Emir of the dangers that might have leaders aware of the meanings Palestinian people in the West H H Sheikh Tamim obstructed this coherent Arab of these phrases contained in Bank, especially the Gaza Strip, bin Hamad Al Thani, entity by high walls. Keeping the speech of our young Emir? but I do not understand Egypt’s Tto GCC leaders at the in mind the current conditions Sheikh Tamim wanted to say interests in imposing such a siege opening of the summit, was the that leave a lot to be desired both that there is a local power seek- in the Gaza Strip. main news picked up by Arab and in the Arab and international ing to impose its will on the It is really unfortunate that international agencies. Media realms, could be shaken by the region in cooperation with the the final statement of the sum- commentators were busy ana- slightest earthquake. major powers, and that we have mit ignored completely the lysing every word in the Emir’s Our Emir didn’t leave any to fortify our determination to Egyptian stance on Palestinians talk, which was praised for its stone unturned on local and build our unity in the face of cur- in the Gaza Strip, by singling eloquence, excellent pronuncia- international issues. He also rent challenges. out paragraph (42) to confirm tion and clear content. warned the GCC leaders at the Sheikh Tamim addressed the Supreme Council’s sup- The Emir noted that this summit that the critical eco- Arabs and the international port for Egypt and its proposed summit came about after com- nomic situation the world is community in general, concern- programmes. plex negotiations that almost going through at the moment, ing the Palestinian issue, say- It was incumbent upon the led this Gulf body to an abyss, if calls for Council states to pro- ing: “The terrorism practised committee drafting the final it wasn’t for the elders’ wisdom mote economic and developmen- by Israel in the Palestinian ter- statement to add a paragraph and young people’s recognition tal assimilation before a calamity ritories against the Palestinian appealing to Egypt to lift the befalls them, such as the one that people under occupation, places siege imposed on Gaza Strip took place in 2008, when they a great responsibility upon the after they have listened to the disagreed over several issues. shoulders of the Arab and inter- speech of the chairman of the In addition, the Emir did not national community. Indeed, Conference, the Emir of Qatar. leave a moment pass by with- The Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with other Qatari officials these racist practices warn The Emir’s speech did not out indicating in precise and attending the GCC Summit. of dire consequences for the neglect the Syrian, Iraqi and expressive language that the region and destroy the chances Yemeni affairs. He didn’t ignore The Emir called past eight months must stand relations between our GCC cooperation without restrictions of achieving peace.” all forms of terrorism, by assert- as proof “that we shouldn’t let people should not be matter of and at all levels in order to define The Emir also called upon the ing that the elimination of ter- upon the Arab and our political differences affect questioning, even during crisis, the Council’s role. This allows us Arab and Muslim society to take rorism requires the eradication Muslim society our economic, social, and media but if it became could not do so, to achieve the national interests a serious, honest and strong posi- of the reasons for its creation sectors.” Here it was pointed out this will mean that the GCC body of the Arab people in the Gulf tion to defend the sanctuaries of and spread, which are injustice, to take a serious, that the difference of opinion remained the topmost entity for region, by using our strategic the Islamic nation, especially in tyranny, poverty and the viola- honest and strong over Gulf affairs should not be more than thirty years. There location and natural resources. Jerusalem. He appealed to all tion of people’s dignity by over- faced by repression, prosecution, is a given in the relationship There is no room for slow- Muslims everywhere to support powering governments. position to defend or prevention of entry into some between GCC states and its peo- ing down or paying attention to with all their financial, political Finally, it was a comprehensive the sanctuaries of Gulf countries, as long as the ple that should not be subject to minor details. “Superpower and and media resources the struggle and collective speech, in which owner of such opinion does not questioning at any time.” other nations, who do not hesi- of the Palestinian people in the Sheikh Tamim determined a the Islamic nation, carry weapons, or is hostile to a The speech of the Emir tate to impose their domination face of Israeli aggression. work plan and diagnosed areas especially particular regime; he is rather to GCC leaders at the summit, on our Arabian Gulf, do not wait It is indisputable that Sheikh of weakness. in Jerusalem. working towards its betterment. pointed out frankly and clearly for, nor listen to moral appeals or Tamim didn’t forget the appeal My last question: Would this In his speech, Sheikh Tamim “not to indulge ourselves in minor advice to act; rather they seem to the Arab and Muslim world to speech echo in the Gulf capitals? focused on “the brotherly disagreements.” We have to begin to deal only in the language of stand by the Palestinian people I hope so, surely.

KHALID AL JABER Robust economy will shield Qatar from oil shock

he production of energy, in light of expectations to achieve Democracy is a culture; and non-oil operations and ALI BEHZAD the Gulf economy growth rate, Tservices remain Qatar’s which reached 4.2pc this year main developmental activities. with a total value approaching can Arabs adopt it? These represent the strong indi- itself, advanced technology, the development, as well as construc- $1.7trillion compared to $1.65tril- cators of our national economy, confidence gained from accumu- tion projects supported by state lion in 2013, the GCC countries he most important lesson we have learned from the “Arab which makes us less vulnerable lated experience, and its distin- spending with simplified imple- aspire to raise the contribu- Spring” is that democracy is a culture, not exclusively to a decline in world oil prices, guished flexibility in this market. mentation legislations that are tion of some economic sectors Tballot boxes and an electoral process. For several decades, the fluctuation of capital markets, Qatar’s economy is focused on specifically geared to encourage in the GDP, especially the many people and authoritarian regimes came to power through and the repercussions of giant operational excellence, taking investments. industrial sector. democracy. entities’ successive financial cri- advantage of its great achieve- The semi-annual economic Future expectations for the However, when demonstrations sparked out in the Arab ses in European and American ments in prior years, which report, which was prepared by State of Qatar as a model were streets, its fruit harvested by religious, tribal and sectarian economies. allowed it to take the lead. It also the Secretariat of the Federation recently announced, such as the ideologists, regressing back to being forced to live under oppres- Qatar has an enormous stock has a wealth of renewable energy of GCC Chambers, estimated that Barzan gas production project, sion and injustice under military boots and deep claws and fangs of energy, especially natural gas, sources, which have not been industrial investments in the Gulf which will begin in 2015, with a of the state? which is one of the richest sources exploited. countries will nearly reach a tril- maximum production capacity The skin tone of bitter reality became clear after faltering of energy consumed in the world, The accelerated growth in lion dollars by 2020, an increase reaching 1.4 billion cubic feet per output of the “Arab Spring”, where we are living today lack and our state occupies the fore- public spending on development of 209pc, compared to about day, while energy production from of democracy awareness, lack of understanding the concept of front of producing countries in projects in the Gulf Cooperation $323bn at the present time. This the North Field will be around 22 democracy, embracing and practicing it as a way of life. this resource. Council (GCC), specifically Qatar, is due to specific advancements in billion cubic feet daily. The real catastrophe doesn’t only lie in the political system, Natural gas is considered burdens economists to create a energy development, and the near Qatar has already started pro- its institutions, symbols and thinkers, but its roots penetrated to tomorrow’s energy and is the structured track for the economy. completion of industrial cities in ducing GTL, diesel and naphtha. reach dictatorship and long-established undemocratic practices. driving force in our daily lives. This is mainly due to their limited GCC states. It is also improving its Dolphin The overall experience with democracy in the Arab world With its growing demand, the ability of quickly defining goals The most prominent of those project for gas export, and amel- failed because of the absence of a real transformation in the continuous increase in population, that produce results, which line are Ras Laffan in Qatar, Energy iorating its Gulf Gas Project that social, economic, political, religious and cultural life. This has and developmental expansion will with changes. City in Saudi Arabia, and the currently produces two billion surfaced in the form of tyranny, corruption, underdevelopment, eventually boost its demand by The International Monetary Modern City for Tomorrow’s cubic feet per day. oppression, injustice and lack of respect for human rights. 40pc, and the use of oil and gas Fund has noted that oil and gas Energy in Dubai. During a new qualitative study, In the absence of a genuine democratic culture, voters often combined will comprise to 60pc. exports provided huge returns The report pointed out that, by the Gulf Petrochemical Union has make their choices depending on sectarian, tribal and party Some international reports and surpluses for the GCC, which 2020, the GCC aimed at raising said that Qatar’s sales volume affiliations that usually serve personal interests. Historically have talked about global economic was estimated at $440bn last the industrial sector contribution for the years 2012 and 2013 in speaking, democracy rarely found its way in Arab culture. concerns due to the decline in oil year. This boosted the growth of to 25% of GDP within its coun- the chemicals sector amounted Researcher, Mohammed Saeed Idris, when addressing demo- prices, which eventually leads vital sectors and pushed Qatar to tries, compared to about 10% at to $11.5bn, which is a strong cratic practices in the Gulf region, indicated that if we observe to fluctuating capital markets. advance to the forefront. the moment, taking advantage of indication of a vigorous non-oil those states, we cannot help but notice how they have evolved Despite this, our country’s indica- All these advanced local and the continuous growth of this sec- economy. in government restructuring and modern institutions. tors showing a booming economy international indicators I referred tor, and the size of government Finally, indicators and statistics Developments in the Gulf largely surpass the fundamentals of in the coming years. to earlier, strengthen the eco- and private investments that confirm that huge energy produc- the Gulf community and to a greater extent the social relations The State of Qatar has entered nomic position of countries in the are consistently flowing towards tion, revenues and surpluses will and values of Gulf societies. the gas market through the stra- region, and push growth towards industrial projects. act as a lifeboat during unex- Some Gulf cities match the development and modernity seen tegic position that it drafted for industrial and commercial The report also mentioned that pected financial crisis. in European capitals. Our airports, streets, markets and build- ings have dazzled the eyes. However, in essence, the ideals and dealings of the Gulf culture are still traditional, governed by tribe and clan, and are subject to inherited values and relationships. In conclusion, the differences between the level of development Imams and their extended role in society of the state and the development of the society are one of the most important factors for a faltering democracy! As Moroccan historian and novelist Abdallah Al Aroui said: he recent GCC summit con- to take advantage of the Imams to “Democracy is not a cure to be adopted immediately after a cluded under very complex JASSIM IBRAHIM FAKHRO work as teachers in Independent revolution or a comprehensive change in the prospects and ten- Tconditions with anticipa- Schools in the morning. This dencies, but it is what we try, see, touch, and while renewing tion of many challenges, includ- events and emerging situations, stagnant force since, as we all will not hurt their roles in and correcting.” ing economic setbacks because of whether in the public or private know that the time spent in lead- mosques, even if they work in the falling oil prices, while the Gulf sector and put the national inter- ing the five daily prayers is lim- private sector. nations are competing in devel- est first and foremost. ited, so why not use such human We recognise that the aspira- oping their respective states with You might be wondering what resource in other work areas tions of the state are many, and much diligence, each according to does the title of my article has instead of flooding our markets any project under implementation their strategic plans. to do with all this. It indirectly with foreign workers. Especially is compelled to bring staff from There is no doubt that there does because we can benefit from that many Imams are university abroad since local citizens are will be many efforts in reordering our well-learned Imams who graduates and their skills could never enough. This means more priorities. The issue of rationalisa- hold bachelor’s, master’s and be utilised in several government commitment from the state and tion and guidance is an important even doctorate degrees in many and non-government sectors, each more approved budgets. national issue that doesn’t belong fields including Islamic studies. according to his expertise. In general, an Imam’s talk is to only governments, but to also Some even hold several degrees Even allowing them to work logical, honest and well-meas- individuals who are responsible because Islam is a way of life with other institutions will help ured. So why not take advantage for performing their jobs without which encompasses both religious them improve their livelihoods of them in other jobs since they defecting or jeopardising their and non-religious aspects. especially that their wages are are a reliable workforce morally, commitment to quality, even if I am mainly addressing here considerably low, amid the con- methodically and practically? there are budget cuts. There is my distinguished brothers at tinuous rise in prices that our Why can’t we also think with also no need of informing the gov- the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, country is experiencing. compassion, logic and patriotism? ernment officially its dedication to who are responsible for recruit- This efficient utilisation of cut or reduce budget. ing Imams for our mosques and resources should save lots of The views expressed in the articles on this This is what I call true patriot- are also in charge of regulating money in terms of salaries, serv- page do not reflect the viewpoint of the ism... to work for the benefit of the their duties. ices, housing and so on. newspaper. nation and automatically predict I consider the job of Imam a For example, it is also possible THURSDAY 18 DECEMBER 2014 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Ooredoo achieves 200,000 fibre customers milestone DOHA: Ooredoo has reached the country. built this bigger, faster, better Ooredoo has a real-time online a milestone with over 200,000 The achievement is remarkable network and rolled it out across fibre availability map for custom- customers in Qatar connected given that Ooredoo has managed the country,” said Sheikh Saud bin ers to track the roll-out progress to its fibre network. to accelerate the pace of people Nasser Al Thani, CEO, Ooredoo of the network. The map is live on The achievement was reached being connected to fibre in 2014. Qatar. Ooredoo’s website and allows cus- on December 13, another impor- Around 9,000 homes a month are Ooredoo Fibre is popular par- tomers to find out whether they tant step towards Qatar’s progress being linked to Ooredoo Fibre, ticularly because of the com- qualify to upgrade their service in becoming one of the best-con- supporting the spread of the pany’s capacity to deliver free by checking if they are in a fibre- nected nations in the world, the knowledge-based economy. and permanent speed upgrades. ready ‘Green’ area. company said in a statement. “As our community prepares Earlier in the year, all one Mbps Ooredoo’s investment in Fibre The company’s achievement in to celebrate National Day, I am plan customers enjoyed a 10-time will continue throughout 2015. providing Ooredoo Fibre, com- proud that Ooredoo has lived up speed increase to 10Mbps, while It also plans a sizeable infra- bined with the recent launch of 4G to its promise to connect peo- 10Mbps customers were boosted structure investment and capac- Plus (Advanced LTE) means that ple to the fastest-available Fibre to 25Mbps, with no additional ity-building programme in the customers can stay connected to network. charges. lead-up to the FIFA World Cup the fastest-available Internet at “The people of Qatar deserve To enable more people to keep 2022. home and while moving across the best, which is why we have track of Qatar’s ‘Fibre revolution’, THE PENINSULA

Some of ictQATAR employees at the event. ictQATAR employees mark National Day

DOHA: The Ministry do, we are driven by a commit- of Information and ment to make a positive differ- Communications Technology ence for all people in Qatar. (ictQATAR) and Qatar “Our vision is to make Qatar a Assistive Technology Center better place with technology and (Mada) yesterday organised an its benefits. interactive festivity to celebrate “It is also an opportunity National Day. to express feelings of love and The celebrations featured an gratefulness to this country, its interactive programme includ- people and leadership for what ing activities that helped attend- they have achieved throughout ees get familiar with the Qatari the years,” said Salwa Al Khal Some of the participants at the concluding session. culture. Fakhroo, Communications and Activities included the art of Public Relations Manager. henna painting, traditional wear, “This is a lovely day. It makes live cooking demonstrations, and us feel more proud of our nation’s falconry show, in addition to serv- achievements. As we celebrate International Businesswomen Forum ends ing traditional Qatari drinks and National Day, we look forward to sweets. a greater, brighter future,” said DOHA: The fifth annual Qatar They highlighted Qatar’s ambi- Aisha Al Mannai. responsibility strategies to reduce “National Day is a special occa- Maha Al Mansoori, CEO, Mada. International Businesswomen tious journey of human develop- It highlighted two topics: The poverty while social innovation in sion for all of us and an oppor- Organised at the ministry’s Forum concluded yesterday. ment and sustainable economic growing importance of CSR in principle and practice was dis- tunity to reconnect with the headquarters, the celebrations Experts discussed the issue of diversification built on human business strategy and mission cussed in the fifth session. The country’s heritage, as well as to were attended by ictQATAR sen- women empowerment and their capital. One of the sessions which statements, and comparing Arab forum has gained the status of a celebrate achievements. ior officials and staff and Mada increasing role in the economic, addressed ‘Businesswomen and women business leaders in CSR major annual event in Qatar and “At the heart of everything to officials. THE PENINSULA political and cultural development Corporate Social Responsibility initiative with developed econom- the region. of the country. (CSR)’ was moderated by Dr ics. Another session was on social THE PENINSULA Envoy highlights university education in Argentina DOHA: The International their country and their new coun- pictures of the most impressive School of London Qatar (ISL try. ISL Qatar offers 13 mother touristic offerings the eighth larg- Qatar) hosted a presentation by tongue languages. est country in the world offers. Argentine Ambassador Rossana The ambassador motivated Images included Iguazu Falls, Surballe on Monday. the students by saying that being a World Heritage Site, pre- The talk was addressed to able to speak Spanish means one Hispanic urban centres in the Spanish-speaking students and is “able to communicate with 400 provinces of Salta and Jujuy; the staff and those that study Spanish million people around the world”. Patagonia glaciers; the mountains as a second language. The young students were intro- of Cordoba; Mendoza’s vineyards The school offers one of the duced to the university education and pictures of the capital city strongest and most comprehen- system in Argentina. Buenos Aires. sive mother tongue programmes Surballe said her country is an Christopher Charleson, among its peers, as supporting increasingly attractive destina- Headmaster, ISL Qatar, who had mother tongue literacy is central tion for foreign students, mainly lived and worked in Argentina to its mission. due to the academic excellence of for three years at an IB school, By continuing with home its universities, reasonable costs of highlighted his impressions of the language literacy throughout living and low tuition fees, a wide beautiful landscape of Argentina, education, subsequent language variety of Spanish as a foreign its friendly people and courses, learning is strengthened and language courses and impressive institutions and universities wor- Argentine Ambassador Rossana Surballe (front row, second left) with officials and students during her visit to children become balanced bilin- cultural and tourist offerings. thy of students’ attention. ISL Qatar. guals, able to study successfully in She presented a video and THE PENINSULA

Nando’s Qatar honoured RasGas recognises national talent

RasGas Company Limited yesterday organised its second annual Qatarisation celebration and recognised 161 Qatari employees, who have completed significant milestones in their careers, and their coaches and mentors, who played a pivotal role in empowering national talents. More than 750 employees and guests, including Officials from the South African embassy in Qatar present an appreciation certificate to Nando’s Qatar which Dr Sheikha Abdulla Al Misnad, President, Qatar University, Saad Sherida Al Kaabi, Managing Director, Qatar is part of Oryx Group for Food Services, for their efforts and support. Petroleum, and Issa Mohammed Al Mohannadi, Chairman, Qatar Tourism Authority, were also present. THURSDAY 18 DECEMBER 2014 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15 Israel suffers sharp rebuffs from Europe Settlement construction in West Bank lambasted

BRUSSELS: Israel suffered European Union court ordered Palestinians are seeking for a back-to-back diplomatic set- the Palestinian group Hamas state. backs in Europe yesterday removed from the EU terrorist The US is likely to veto such a as Palestinians headed to the list for procedural reasons but resolution. Israel fiercely opposes United Nations to try to set a said the 28-nation bloc can main- any suggestions that the Security two-year deadline for an Israeli tain asset freezes against Hamas Council can set a framework for withdrawal. members for now. The militant Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, In Geneva, the international group hailed the decision but which broke down again in the community delivered a stinging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin spring after the two sides couldn’t rebuke to Israel’s settlement con- Netanyahu expressed outrage. agree on the ground rules. struction in the West Bank and “It seems that too many in US Secretary of State John east Jerusalem, saying the prac- Europe, on whose soil 6 million Kerry said after a three-day tice violates Israel’s responsibili- Jews were slaughtered, have Europe trip devoted to Mideast ties as an occupying power. learned nothing,” Netanyahu diplomacy that it is important to The declaration adopted by the said, adding that Israel would avoid anything that interferes or conference of the Fourth Geneva continue to defend itself “against “might be perceived as interfer- Members of the European Parliament voting on ‘Recognition of Palestine Statehood’ during the plenary session Convention, which governs the the forces of terror and tyranny ing” with Israeli elections planned in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, yesterday. rules of war and military occu- and hypocrisy”. for March. pation, emphasised a prohibi- The EU court ruled that the He said the priorities should tion on colonising occupied land terrorist listing of Hamas was be halting growing Israeli- and insisted that international based on press and Internet Palestinian violence and creat- Hamas ‘patches up’ ties with Iran humanitarian law be obeyed in reports and not on “acts exam- ing conditions for an eventual areas affected by the conflict ined and confirmed in decisions of resumption of negotiations. GAZA: Hamas and Iran have Hamas, the dominant armed rockets in similar strikes in 2012. between Israel and Palestinians. competent authorities”. The EU, Israel did one win diplomatic repaired a close political and movement in the Gaza Strip, was “There are many indications that It called for “all serious viola- which has two months to appeal, engagement in Europe yester- military relationship frayed not seeking a new war with Israel ... relations have been resumed in tions” to be investigated and was considering its next step. day, this one at the European by the Syrian civil war, the and wanted to see the enclave the proper way, as in the past,” Abu those responsible for breaches to In New York, an Arab-backed Parliament. The lawmakers Palestinian Islamist group’s rebuilt after a devastating 50-day Marzouk said. be brought to justice. draft resolution on ending Israel’s meeting in Strasbourg, France, deputy leader said yesterday. conflict in July and August. Turning to reconstruction in “This is a signal and we can occupation of lands captured in stopped short of pushing for Patching up ties with Tehran Last week, a Hamas delega- Gaza, where tens of thousands of hope that words count,” said 1967 was being submitted later an outright recognition of a could ease Hamas’s financial tion visited Iran, long a major homes were damaged or destroyed Swiss ambassador Paul Fivat, who to the UN Security Council for a Palestinian state, urging renewed and political isolation. Israel is supplier of military and financial in the summer fighting, he said chaired the one-day meeting. The vote, the Palestinian foreign min- peace talks instead. blockading the Gaza Strip, while aid to the group. Hamas has been Hamas would remain committed US and Israel did not take part. ister said. However, minister Riad Legislators voted 498-88 in Egypt, battling Islamist militants hostile toward Syrian President to an Egyptian-brokered truce Israel’s UN Mission blasted the Malki said the actual vote might favour of a compromise resolu- in neighbouring Sinai, has largely Bashar Al Assad, who is backed that ended the war as long as gathering, saying “it confers legit- be put off, suggesting a compro- tion supporting “in principle rec- kept its Gaza frontier closed. by Tehran in the three-year-old Israel abided by it. imacy on terrorist organizations mise is in the works to avoid a ognition of Palestinian statehood” Speaking in his Gaza office, over- Syrian war. “We are keen to see all building and dictatorial regimes wherever clash in the council. — but as part of a two-state solu- looking the Mediterranean, Moussa In a sign that weapons sup- materials reach people who need they are, while condemning a The current draft, spon- tion with Israel. The resolution Abu Marzouk said: “I believe that plies from Iran may have slowed, them and those whose houses were democratic country fighting ter- sored by Jordan on behalf of the supports two states on the basis bilateral relations between us and Hamas used mostly locally-made destroyed. It is in our interest that rorism in accordance with inter- Palestinians, sets November 2016 of 1967 borders, with Jerusalem the Islamic Republic of Iran are long-range rockets to attack Israeli the circumstances that produced national law”. as a deadline for an Israeli with- as the capital of both. back on track.” cities in the conflict five months the war do not return,” he said. In Luxembourg, meanwhile, a drawal from war-won lands the AP He also told Reuters that ago. It launched Iranian-produced REUTERS Iraq seeks a year’s deferral on Gulf War reparations

GENEVA: Iraq has requested a one- on Thursday, the official, who works on Reuters reported exclusively last week for the first time since the 2003 U.S.-led to recapture it in January 1991. Some year deferral of a $4.6bn reparations the commission, said. that Iraq was seeking to postpone pay- invasion toppled Saddam and ended more burned for 10 months. payment for destroying Kuwait’s oil Kuwait was said by the official to be ment of the final $4.6bn instalment as it than a decade of sanctions, Iraq can ill “It was anticipated to be paid in full in facilities during its 1990-91 occupation, supportive of the request. “We have a faces a cash crisis caused by falling oil afford to divert a large chunk of the 2015 late 2015, based on projections of (Iraqi a UN official said yesterday. request for a one-year suspension of the prices and war with Islamic militants budget to make that last payment due oil) revenues.... Those projections seem The request comes as Iraq’s economy is requirement to deposit 5 percent of Iraqi who have taken over the north and west. next year. slightly off now due to the huge dip in oil being battered by both low oil prices and oil revenues into the compensation fund,” Iraq has been paying funds regularly The last, and largest, outstanding com- prices,” the official said. war with Islamic State militants. the senior official said. into the Geneva-based fund overseeing pensation claim for $4.6bn is from Kuwait Nearly all of Iraq’s $52.4bn reparations Kuwait and major powers on the “They are looking for a one-year defer- compensation for looting and damage for massive damage to its oil facilities. bill has been paid, with more than a mil- ruling body of the UN Compensation ral with the possibility of review at the inflicted during Saddam Hussein’s seven- More than 700 Kuwaiti oil wells were set lion claimants — individuals, companies Commission will consider the formal end of one year,” she said, adding that month occupation of Kuwait. on fire by Iraqi troops retreating from and governments — receiving payment. request at a special session in Geneva the decision could be taken on Thursday. But with its economy set to shrink the US-led operation Desert Storm REUTERS Top Bahrain honour for Yusuff Ali UK inquiry finds no torture of Iraq detainees

LONDON: A British inquiry set up to probe allegations of atrocities carried out by UK troops in Iraq in 2004 cleared them of the most serious claims but found they had mistreated nine detainees. The report said that some of the soldiers had used “tactical questioning” techniques includ- ing food and sleep deprivation on their prisoners in violation of the Geneva Convention. But it ruled that allegations of murder and torture made by the detainees and their lawyers were the product of H M King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain bestowing prominent Indian businessman and Managing “deliberate lies, reckless specula- Director of Lulu Group, Yusuff Ali MA, with ‘Wessam Al Bahrain’ (Medal of Bahrain — Order of the King) tion and ingrained hostility”. at the Royal Palace in Manama on Tuesday. Yusuff Ali is the first non-Bahraini to get such a honour. The Al Sweady Inquiry was set up in the aftermath of a notorious firefight near the town of Majar Al Kabir, southwest Iraq, that came to be known as the “Battle of Danny Boy” after the name of Tunisia second round vote on Sunday a nearby checkpoint. Troops had been accused of TUNIS: Tunisians vote in the second round Marzouki, a 69-year-old former rights activ- unlawfully killing 20 or more Iraqis of a presidential election on Sunday, capping ist installed by parliament two months after at Camp Abu Naji near Majar Al off four years of a sometimes chaotic transition December 2011 polls, took 33 percent. Kabir in May 2004 after they were since their country sparked the Arab Spring. Essebsi’s secular Nidaa Tounes party won taken prisoner following the bat- Incumbent Moncef Marzouki faces political parliamentary elections in October and he has tle, which was triggered when Iraqi veteran Beji Caid Essebsi in the vote — the first emerged as the clear favourite to be Tunisia’s insurgents mounted an ambush. time Tunisians will be allowed to freely elect their next leader, though with reduced influence after But former judge Thayne Forbes, president since independence from France in 1956. constitutional changes stripped the president of who led the inquiry named after “We hope the transition will be over, that the many powers. Nidaa Tounes has said it is wait- one of the dead men, 19-year-old elections will be honest,” said 29-year-old student ing until after the presidential vote to start the Hamid Al Sweady, found that they Anissa Yahyaoui. “I hope that everyone will go process of forming a government. were killed in battle. vote and everything will go well.” The presidential campaign has been marked British defence minister Major challenges remain for Tunisia. The by mudslinging, with Essebsi even refusing to Michael Fallon apologised for nation’s economy is struggling to recover from take part in a debate with Marzouki, claiming “instances of ill-treatment” but the upheaval of the revolution and there are his opponent is an “extremist”. Marzouki first said the “vast majority” of the fears that widespread joblessness will cause came to power with the backing of the moder- allegations had been proved false. social unrest. ately Islamist party Ennahda that ruled Tunisia The report “puts to rest once The first round of the presidential election, after the revolution and which came second in and for all these shocking and as held on November 23, saw Essebsi, an 88-year-old the parliamentary vote. Results are expected we now know completely baseless who heads the anti-Islamist Nidaa Tounes party, to be announced between December 22 and 24. allegations,” he told parliament. take 39 percent of the vote. AFP AFP THURSDAY 18 DECEMBER 2014 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST US under fire Syria air strikes by US allies plunge over South Allies carried out 20 air strikes in October and just 14 in November: Military data Sudan war

WASHINGTON/DUBAI: calculations based on the data. US officials and Gulf sources say. in Iraq. Across the border, the in Syria through December 15, WASHINGTON: The United As US fighter jets pound US officials are keen to pre- Such fixed targets were initially US has allies with highly trained according to U.S. military data. States had pushed strongly the Islamic State targets in Syria, vent the coalition from fray- bombed by Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi and equipped air forces, includ- Making the strikes harder, the independence of South Sudan Washington’s coalition allies ing over concerns about the air Arabia and United Arab Emirates ing Britain, France, Canada and Islamic State is operating less when it became the world’s new- appear increasingly absent from campaign’s direction. Some allies while the United States has from Australia. They see the air cam- out in the open and increasingly est country in 2011. But now, after the air war. have long worried the air strikes the start focused on more diffi- paign in Iraq on far more solid establishing itself “in or near a year of civil war, Washington Although US President might unintentionally bolster cult ones, using precision-guided legal ground, since they are there civilian-use facilities,” one US is accused of standing by as it Barack Obama’s administration Syrian President Bashar Al Assad munitions to avoid civilian casual- at the invitation of Baghdad. official said. A diplomat in the descends into bloodshed. announced the Syrian air strikes by striking a common enemy, ties. “There are simply less (fixed) Syria, on the other hand, is con- Gulf described the allies’ role as President Barack Obama has three months ago as a joint cam- sources said. Others in the region targets,” said a US official. “From sidered off-limits by many allies, largely symbolic, given the scale issued a flurry of condemnations paign by Washington and its Arab are also saying privately that the our point of view, that’s a good particularly those in Europe, and complexity of US operations. and Secretary of State John allies, nearly 97 percent of the US-led campaign against Sunni thing. It means that the strikes because of the Syrian govern- “There are targets and all Kerry travelled to Juba to seek strikes in December have been extremists needs to do more to are having an impact.” ment’s public opposition to the involved know the US is more effi- peace. carried out by the United States help Sunni Muslims. Just under half of the 65 non- US-led air strikes. cient at hitting them. Now is not But the United States dragged alone, according to US military However, officials in the United US coalition air strikes in Syria “It’s legal issues. It’s concerns the time for an ‘oops’ moment,” its feet in imposing sanctions and data provided to Reuters. States and the region insist that tallied until 3am on December that our European partners and the diplomat said. Lieutenant an arms embargo, while pleas for The data shows that US allies political tensions simmering 15 took place in the first nine others have about where Syria is General James Terry, who leads restraint have fallen on deaf ears. have carried out just two air within the coalition had nothing days of the air campaign in late going,” one US official said. “So the coalition effort against the The leaders of the two war- strikes in Syria in the first half to do with dwindling coalition September, according to US mili- the reality is, even though we say Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, ring sides — President Salva Kiir of December, compared with 62 strikes. “It’s a question of tar- tary data. US allies carried out 20 the problem knows no border, by told reporters that the strikes had and his former vice president by the United States. gets. From a military perspective, air strikes in October and just 14 definition there’s a distinction.” hurt the Islamic State. Riek Machar — are inured to US That accentuates a shift that the cooperation is extensive and in November. The only two strikes The United States intensified But the view from the ground warnings. began shortly after the start of deep,” said a source familiar with by Washington’s allies this month its campaign in Syria in October, is mixed. Assad said this month In an op-ed piece published the campaign in late September, Gulf strategy in the coalition. targeted an electronic warfare carrying out 233 strikes, as the the US-led campaign had made Monday in the Washington Post, when US allies carried out 38 per- Two factors are at play: A garrison near the city of Raqqa battle over the Kurdish border no difference and Islamic State National Security Adviser Susan cent of the strikes. The percent- decline in the overall pace of on December 7, a US official said. town of Kobani became a focal supporters in Syria say the air Rice and Kerry again urged both age quickly dropped to around 8 strikes and fewer easier-to-hit The drop in air strikes by coali- point. It carried out another 146 strikes have helped the group sides to “finally end this conflict percent in October and 9 percent fixed Islamic State targets after tion partners in Syria underscores in November. In total, the United win support among residents and without further delay”. in November, according to Reuters nearly three months of bombings, the contrast with the campaign States carried out 488 air strikes recruit fighters. REUTERS AFP

Somalia appoints new PM after Erdogan warns EU damaging spat

MOGADISHU: Somalia’s against ‘lessons’ president yesterday appointed a new prime minister, 11 days ANKARA: Turkey’s President understand that they are no after the war-torn nation’s pre- Recep Tayyip Erdogan yester- longer facing the old Turkey,” he vious premier was ousted amid day stepped up his rhetoric in said. bitter infighting. a bitter row with the European “They say they will give Turkey President Hassan Sheikh Union over arrests of opposition a lesson in freedoms. You first go Mohamud said he had appointed media, saying the bloc has no and give an account of rising rac- political heavyweight Omar right to give lessons in democ- ism, Islamophobia and discrimi- Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, 54, racy and should itself “look in nation in Europe,” he added. who becomes the first person to the mirror”. His comments came a day after hold the post twice. The bitter row over the EU’s EU ministers agreed to take a “I’m very happy that I have criticism of weekend arrests of harder line on Turkey’s aspira- picked Omar Abdirashid Ali as journalists and television staff tions to join the bloc, saying that the new prime minister of the linked to US-based Muslim the detention of journalists “call country. I expect him to fulfill his cleric Fethullah Gulen has raised into question the respect for free- commandments,” the president new doubts about the future of dom of media, which is a core said at Villa Somalia, the forti- Turkey’s stalled bid to join the principle of democracy.” fied compound and seat of the 28-member bloc. Turkey’s governing Islamic- country’s fragile internationally Erdogan, who earlier this week rooted Justice and Development backed government. astonished EU officials by tell- Party co-founded by Erdogan Sharmarke, a dual Canadian ing Brussels to “mind their own has pursued sweeping domestic and Somali national, replaces business”, indicated he had no reforms, leading to the EU giv- sacked prime minster Abdiweli intention of walking away from a ing the go-ahead for the start of A poster is seen on a wall as Yemeni schoolgirls attend a landmine and unexploded ordnance awareness campaign Sheikh Ahmed, ousted by par- confrontation. formal talks three years after the event in a school, one day after a car bombing killed 16 schoolgirls in central Yemen, in Sana’a, yesterday. liament after just over a year in “They say they will give a party came to power in 2002. the post. democracy lesson to Turkey. Take But Ankara’s growing intoler- The United Nations, United the trouble to come here, so that ance of dissenting voices in recent States and European Union have Turkey can give you a lesson in years and especially its heavy- Houthis consolidate control all warned that power struggles democracy,” he said in a speech in handed response to 2013 anti-gov- in the Villa Somalia were a dam- the Anatolian city of Konya. ernment protests, coupled with SANA’A: Yemen’s Houthi move- Later, about 20 Houthi fight- Yemen’s peace and stability, a aging distraction for the country He told Brussels to “look in widespread human rights viola- ment sacked top managers of the ers broke into the state-run Safer charge he has denied. as it tries to battle Al-Qaeda- the mirror” in its dealings with tions, put the state of democracy country’s second largest port and oil company in Sana’a, kicked out “It is clear that the Houthis, affiliated Shebab rebels. Egypt and Syria in particular and under spotlight. the main oil company yesterday, the director and his deputy and together with Ali Abdullah Saleh, United Nations special envoy said Turkey would never be the Yesterday, Turkish police were staff said, in the latest move by locked their offices, company offi- are completing their (September) Nicholas Kay also said the tensions European Union’s “doorman”. still questioning 18 suspects the Shia group to consolidate its cials said. 21 coup,” said Sultan Al Atwani, put at risk political goals including His diatribe came on the 10th arrested in hugely controver- hold on state institutions. Yemeni officials said the moves an adviser to President Abd- a referendum on a new constitu- anniversary of the EU’s green light sial raids targeting a newspaper The Houthis, who became the de appear to be part of a systematic Rabbu Mansour Hadi. tion due to take place next year, for starting formal membership and television channel linked facto power in Yemen in September drive by the Houthis to tighten Saleh loyalists held up a par- ahead of elections in 2016. negotiations with Ankara which to Gulen. The detainees include when they captured the capital their grip on power, bypassing liamentary meeting which was AFP have stumbled on several issues. Ekrem Dumanli, editor-in-chief Sana’a, portray their move as a the government nominated by meant to confirm Bahah’s govern- “They’ve been dragging feet of Turkey’s top-selling Zaman revolution against corruption and Prime Minister Khaled Bahah in ment, demanding the reopening of Iraq Kurds in push over the last decade.... Sorry, but newspaper which is closely linked embezzlement which they say was November. offices belonging to their General we are not the EU’s doorman,” the to Gulen, whom Erdogan accuses emptying state coffers. Western powers are wor- People’s Congress which they said to retake Sinjar president said. “If they let us in, of running a “parallel state” to Officials at Hodeida port said ried about the volatile situation had been shut by authorities in they do. If they don’t, they don’t,” oust his government. Twelve Houthi fighters blocked the direc- in Yemen, which shares a long southern Yemen. area from jihadists he said. “You may speak against people have been released so far, tor of the facility, Yemen’s main border with Saudi Arabia and is Houthi leader Abdel-Malek Turkey as much as you like. We Turkish media said. Red Sea harbour where most of fighting Al Qaeda militants and Al Houthi earlier lashed out at ARBIL: Iraqi Kurdish forces will draw our own route.” Erdogan has declared Gulen the country’s food imports arrive, separatists in the south. Hadi, saying he was sanctioning launched a broad offensive Erdogan warned the EU not enemy number one after blaming with a view to replacing him. Officials say the Houthis are corruption, and demanded that he yesterday aimed at recaptur- to give “advice” to Turkey. “Let him for an explosive corruption “The staff were so angry that getting support from former pres- hand control of state bodies to the ing areas near the Syrian bor- me repeat it, those who try to scandal that implicated Erdogan’s they walked out in a demonstra- ident Ali Abdullah Saleh, who was Houthis so that they could ensure der that have been held by the advise Turkey by shaking their family and inner circle. tion and closed off the port,” a sanctioned last month by the UN that “funds are not wasted”. Islamic State group for months, finger, just like a governess, must AFP port official said by telephone. Security Council for threatening REUTERS officials said. Among the goals is the Sinjar area, which was home to many members of the Yazidi minority before IS jihadists attacked in early August and forced most of them to flee. Ssshh: Be careful what you say in Egypt today The risk of a genocide against the Yazidis was one of the reasons CAIRO: Six months after Abdel Fattah another passenger to say what he thought. than what was happening today. “We were US President Barack Obama put Al Sisi became Egypt’s president after As the bearded passenger began express- able to meet in public gardens” then, he forward for launching a campaign crushing his opponents, criticism of his ing a critical view, she called the police to said. “Now it’s just impossible.” of air strikes against the IS group. regime is either whispered or left unspo- arrest the man she denounced as “a terror- Ahmed, 27, was detained for nine days The two-pronged push was ken amid stifling curbs on freedom of ist member of the Muslim Brotherhood”, in January after he was overheard discuss- launched from Rabia, on the expression. which the authorities last December des- ing politics on the phone with a friend. “If border with Syria, and Zumar, A deadly crackdown on Islamist support- ignated a “terrorist” organisation. “The someone in the street or subway asks about on the shores of Mosul dam lake, ers of Sisi’s predecessor Mohamed Mursi, man was pulled out of the bus, beaten and your political views, you’re afraid to say said senior officers in the Kurdish whom he ousted last year, has generated a arrested,” Abdel Rahman said. what you really think given the security army known as the peshmerga. climate of fear at train and bus stations, “Now I tell my friends not to talk poli- crackdown,” said Ahmed. “Peshmerga forces launched an public squares and cafes, activists say. tics when using public transport, or in the Meanwhile, the authorities pour praise operation to liberate some impor- Not only are the once reviled police streets or cafes,” said Abdel Rahman at the on citizen informers who they say are help- tant areas in Sinjar and Zumar at back on the streets in full force, but so is a headquarters of a leftist youth movement. ing to ensnare members of the Muslim 7am (0400 GMT),” a peshmerga band of loyal “citizen informants” ready to Egyptians play cards at a cafe in Cairo. What he saw was not a one-off. On Brotherhood. Since January, tip-offs brigadier general said. pounce on any critic. Saturday, two British Egyptians were from whistle-blowers have “significantly “The attack is ongoing and has Activists accuse Sisi of installing a regime aimed at silencing any dissent. Their detained briefly at a Cairo metro station increased, leading to the arrest of several the support of coalition jets which even more authoritarian than that of vet- advice? Don’t air political views in public, after another passenger complained they mid-ranking Muslim Brotherhood lead- have been targeting IS positions in eran Hosni Mubarak, who quit in early 2011 secure your mobile phone and meet only said in English there could be violence on ers”, interior ministry spokesman Hani Zumar and Sinjar (regions) since amid protesters’ chants of “bread, demo- at trusted places. January 25, fourth anniversary of the anti- Abdel Latif said. “It’s positive — the citi- last night,” he said. The peshmerga cratic freedom and social justice”. Leftist activist Abdel Rahman is still Mubarak revolt. zen is aware of the dangers and challenges had already recaptured three small Activists say they now have to be more shaken by what he witnessed in September. Karim Taha of the April 6 movement, a of the moment,” he said, insisting that the villages, the officer added. cautious to evade the witch hunt launched While heading home in a minibus, he heard key anti-Mubarak youth group, said that police made sure no innocent citizens were AFP by the authorities and regime loyalists a woman criticise Sisi and encourage even Morsi’s brief year in power was better detained. AFP THURSDAY 18 DECEMBER 2014 INTERNATIONAL www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 17 Obama was Cuba frees US prisoner Alan Gross mistaken for Freed aid worker says US, Cuba have to move past ‘mutually belligerent’ policies waiter, valet WASHINGTON: US con- Gross was detained in driver: Report tractor Alan Gross has been December 2009 while working to released from a Cuban prison set up Internet access as a subcon- WASHINGTON: Barack and and is on a flight bound for the tractor for the US government’s Michelle Obama have revealed US, senior White House offi- US Agency for International their experiences of racism cial said on Wednesday, amid Development (USAid), which in a wide-ranging interview reports of a prisoner exchange does work promoting democracy with celebrity weekly People heralding a major overhaul of in the communist country. It was Magazine published yesterday. US policy toward Cuba. his fifth trip to Cuba to work with Michelle Obama recalled an The freed US aid worker said Jewish communities on setting incident in a Target department that Cuba and the United States up Internet access that bypassed store where she appeared to have had to move beyond “mutually local censorship. been mistaken for a shop assist- belligerent” policies. Gross, speak- Cuba considers USAid’s pro- ant; Husband Barack revealed ing to the media after his release grammes illegal attempts by the he had once been mistaken for a from Cuba, thanked US President US to undermine its govern- waiter at a black-tie gala. Barack Obama for all he had done ment, and Gross was tried and “I tell this story — I mean, even to secure his release and said he sentenced to 15 years in prison. as the first lady during that won- did not blame the Cuban people The three Cubans released in derfully publicised trip I took to for his ordeal. exchange for Gross are part of the Target, not highly disguised — the “Two wrongs never make a so-called Cuban Five, a group of only person who came up to me right. I truly hope that we can men who were part of the “Wasp in the store was a woman who all get beyond these mutually bel- Network” sent by Cuba’s then- asked me to help her take some- ligerent policies and I was very President Fidel Castro to spy in thing off a shelf,” Michelle Obama happy to hear what the president South Florida. The men, who are told People. “These incidents in had to say today,” Gross said. hailed as heroes in Cuba, were the black community, this is the Gross, 65, was arrested and convicted in 2001 in Miami on regular course of life.” convicted of crimes against the charges including conspiracy President Obama said he had Cuban state after he was caught and failure to register as foreign variously been mistaken for a smuggling in computer and tel- agents in the US. parking attendant and a waiter in ecommunications equipment onto Two of the Cuban Five were the past. “There’s no black male the island while working as a sub- previously released after finish- my age, who’s a professional, who contractor for the US agency for ing their sentences. hasn’t come out of a restaurant international development. In a statement marking the and is waiting for their car and Gross was freed as part of a fifth anniversary of Gross’ deten- Alan Gross, alongside his wife Judy, speaks at a press conference after being released by Cuba yesterday, in somebody didn’t hand them their deal which includes the release tion earlier this month, Obama Washington, DC. car keys,” Obama said, confirming of three Cuban agents — Gerardo hinted that his release could lead it had happened to him. Hernández, Antonio Guerrero, to a thaw in relations with Cuba. she said in a statement. Obama Fusion. “But the Cuban govern- Barack Obama earlier in the day, Michelle Obama added: “He and Ramón Labañino — who were “The Cuban Government’s said last week that the US had ment still needs to make signifi- is in the right direction and that was wearing a tuxedo at a black convicted of spying on anti-Castro release of Alan on humanitar- been negotiating with Cuba for cant changes.” Moscow will follow closely the tie dinner, and somebody asked groups in Miami. ian grounds would remove an Gross’ release through a “variety process. him to get coffee.” “This morning, Alan Gross has impediment to more construc- of channels.” RUSSIA HAILS MOVE “Today’s announcement has The Obamas’ reflections come departed Cuba on a US govern- tive relations between the United “With respect to Cuba gener- Meanwhile, Interfax quoted been met with a positive response at a time of national debate about ment plane bound for the United States and Cuba,” Obama said in ally, I’ve made very clear that the Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei from us,” Ryabkov said. “We see racism and racial profiling in States. Gross was released on a statement. policies that we have in making Ryabkov as saying that Russia this as a step in the right direc- America following the deaths of humanitarian grounds by the Earlier this month, Gross’ wife remittances easier for Cuban welcomes the move by the United tion. We do not believe that several unarmed black men at the Cuban government at the request Judy Gross said he was sick and families, and making it easier States to normalise its relations imposing sanctions by the US on hands of white police officers. of the United States,” a senior gaunt. “I am afraid that we are at for families to travel, have been with Cuba. The agency cited whatever country has legitimate Barack Obama was quick to put administration official told the the end. After five years of liter- helpful to people inside Cuba, ” Ryabkov as saying the move, basis and legal grounds.” his own experiences in the con- Guardian. ally wasting away, Alan is done,” Obama said in an interview with announced by US President AGENCIES text of the indignities suffered by previous generations and more recent cases. “The small irrita- tions or indignities that we expe- rience are nothing compared to Church of England what a previous generation expe- Greek presidential vote enters second round rienced,” Obama said. “It’s one thing for me to be names first mistaken for a waiter at a gala. ATHENS: Greece’s high-stakes markets, pushing up the yield of government majority, which has But the gamble to stave off It’s another thing for my son to female bishop presidential election went into Greek bonds and prompting EU 155 MPs. Should a third and final uncertainty during those talks be mistaken for a robber and to a second round yesterday after Commission chief Jean-Claude round be required on December may well backfire, given the gov- be handcuffed, or worse, if he STOCKPORT: The Church parliament failed to pick a head Juncker to recently warn the 29, Dimas would need just 180 ernment’s slender 155-seat major- happens to be walking down the of England yesterday named a of state in a first ballot, fuelling nation against delivering the votes for the post — but a third ity in the chamber — and the rise street and is dressed the way saxophone-playing vicar with concerns about the future of fis- “wrong” election result. failure will bring early elections. of the opposition radical leftist teenagers dress.” a taste for football as its first cal reforms. “We have two more votes. I am “Clearly this result means early party Syriza, which wants to end The Obamas said they had been female bishop in a move hailed The coalition government of hopeful that a president will be elections,” said Panos Kammenos, a four-year austerity drive and re- engaged in a discussion about race as an important step towards Prime Minister Antonis Samaras elected,” the premier said in reac- leader of the small nationalist negotiate Greece’s bailout. with daughters Sasha and Malia greater equality. failed to muster the required 200 tion to the result. “The country is Independent Greeks party. Syriza leader Alexis Tsipras since they were young. “What we Libby Lane was named as the out of 300 MPs to elect its nomi- facing difficult conditions and I The government brought for- yesterday said a “fear campaign” have tried to explain is that his- next bishop of Stockport after nee, former EU Environment am certain that MPs realise that ward the election from February, by the government had collapsed, tory doesn’t always move as fast England’s state church last Commissioner Stavros Dimas, the country should not face an when it will be locked in deli- and that voters would soon have as we’d like; that there are ves- month gave final approval to the meaning a second vote will be held adventure,” Samaras said. cate negotiations with the cash- their say. “Very soon our people tiges of slavery and Jim Crow,” dramatic change to its hierarchy on December 23. The official count showed a starved country’s creditors, will take centre stage in develop- Obama said. “And although things following years of wrangling and The looming political stale- total of just 160 deputies voted for the European Union and the ments,” Tsipras told reporters. have gotten enormously better, division. “It is an unexpected joy mate has alarmed international Dimas, nearly all of them from the International Monetary Fund. AFP those biases are still there.” AFP for me to be here today,” Lane said after being named in Stockport, a town outside Manchester in northwest England. “It’s a remarkable day for me and I realise an historic day for Up to a million facing hunger the church. I’m honoured and thankful to be called to serve as the next bishop of Stockport in Ebola-hit countries: UN and excited, though not a little daunted, to be trusted with such PARIS: Border closures, quar- access to food is drastically a ministry. antines and crop losses in improved and measures are put “I’m very conscious of those West African nations battling in place to safeguard crop and recognised and unrecognised the Ebola virus could lead to livestock production”. who have prayed and worked and as many as one million people Labour shortages have inter- struggled for this moment.” going hungry, UN food agencies rupted planting and weeding of The church last month ended said yesterday. crops, while fear of contagion is a tortuous process allowing for The deadly haemorrhagic fever keeping people away from mar- female bishops that set liberal and that has killed 6,800 people has kets. “The outbreak of Ebola in conservative believers at odds. severely disrupted daily life in West Africa has been a wake-up AFP the worst-hit nations of Liberia, call for the world,” said WFP Guinea and Sierra Leone, the lat- Emergency Response Coordinator ter two of which have gone so far Denise Brown in Dakar. Pope turns 78 as to ban Christmas celebrations. Meanwhile, Sierra Leone The UN Food and Agriculture launched stiff measures to stem VATICA N CIT Y: Thousands of Organisation and the World Food the spread of Ebola, including a ban people sang “Happy Birthday” Programme said the disease and on New Year revelries and travel and danced a mass tango yester- the resulting restrictions had restrictions. The strictures came day to celebrate the birthday of “caused a significant shock to as hundreds of health workers and the first Latin American pope. Thousands of floral tributes occupy a city block near the site of Sydney’s cafe siege during a public outpouring the food and agriculture sectors volunteers fanned out across the Argentinian Pope Francis was of emotion from the tragedy, yesterday. in the affected countries”. country’s west, where the capital born in the birthplace of the tango “The loss of productivity and Freetown is located, to begin the on December 17, 1936. Yesterday, household income due to Ebola- 15-day exercise officially dubbed he heard versions of “Happy Siege: Australia orders sweeping probe related deaths and illness as well the “Western Area Surge”. Birthday” in Spanish, Italian and as people staying away from work, The operation includes door- other languages as he was driven SYDNEY: Australian Prime were killed by Monis or died in legally obtained shotgun on a busy for fear of contagion, is com- to-door monitoring and a sweep- through St. Peter’s Square to Minister Tony Abbott yester- crossfire. Monis was well known workday morning. pounding an economic slowdown ing sensitisation programme. start his weekly general audience. day ordered a sweeping inves- to Australian authorities. Abbott said the national and in the three countries,” the agen- President Ernest Bai Koroma led Argentine priests handed him a tigation into a deadly hostage Australia passed sweeping state governments would con- cies said in a joint statement. the charge in a nationwide radio cake and he blew out the candles siege after tough new secu- security laws in October aimed duct an urgent review to identify Restrictions put in place to address saying “travel and move- before his open-top jeep moved rity laws and the courts failed at stopping people from becom- where the system had failed in curb the disease were also “seri- ments between districts will be on. The vehicle stopped again so to stop a convicted felon from ing radicalised and going to order to understand how attacks ously hindering people’s access to restricted during the Christmas the pope, visibly pleased, could walking into a Sydney cafe with fight in conflicts such as those could be stopped in future. food, threatening their livelihoods, period” across the nation. accept a birthday drawing from a concealed shotgun. in Iraq and Syria, where scores “We do need to know why the disrupting food markets and “Christians attending church an Italian boy. At the rear edge of Three people were killed, includ- of Australians have joined mili- perpetrator of this horrible out- processing chains, and exacer- ceremonies on Christmas Day the square, more than 2,000 peo- ing hostage-taker Man Haron tant groups, as well as preventing rage got permanent residency. We bating shortages stemming from will be allowed to do so but are ple who came to Rome from all Monis, when police stormed the attacks at home. Despite the new do need to know how he could’ve crop losses”. requested to return home imme- over Italy for the birthday danced cafe early on Tuesday morning to powers, Abbott said Monis was been on welfare for so many years. Half a million people are cur- diately after the church services in “A tango for Pope Francis” free terrified hostages held at gun- not on any security watch list and We do need to know what this rently in severe danger of going to celebrate Christmas with their event as music blared. point for 16 hours. Police are inves- managed to walk undetected into individual was doing with a gun hungry, but this could “top one families,” he said. REUTERS tigating whether the two captives the Lindt Chocolate Cafe with a licence,” Abbott said. REUTERS million by March 2015 unless AGENCIES THURSDAY 18 DECEMBER 2014 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA / PHILIPPINES

N Korea marks end of mourning for ex-supremo Indonesia’s US not to hand landslide toll over Marine to rises to 79 JAKARTA: Rescuers have recovered 79 bodies after a landslide in Banjarnegara dis- trict in Indonesia’s Central Java Manila: Mission and are searching for at least 29 more people who remain miss- ing, officials said here yesterday. Five people were still undergo- US invokes rights under VFA ing treatment at a nearby hospi- tal for serious injuries and nine MANILA: The United States Pemberton, 19 at the time, others for minor injuries, Sutopo has rebuffed a Philippine gov- had just finished taking part in Purwo Nugroho, spokesman of ernment request to hand over US-Philippine military exercises Indonesia’s National Disaster custody of a US Marine charged near Olongapo and checked into Management Agency, said. with murdering a Filipino the hotel with Laude. He was the The actual number of missing transgender woman, Manila last person seen with her, police people could exceed 29 as scores of said yesterday. said. US embassy spokesman Kurt vehicles and people were passing A Philippine court on Tuesday Hoyer said the mission plans to through a road at Jemblung vil- ordered the arrest of Private issue a statement on the case later. lage when the landslide occurred, First Class Joseph Pemberton On Tuesday, an embassy state- another official of the agency said. to stand trial for the October 11 ment asserted that under the The number of displaced per- murder that has inflamed anti- Visiting Forces Agreement, “the sons stood at 1,308 yesterday, American feelings and tested US has a right to retain custody of down from 1,886 Monday, said close military ties. a suspect from the commission of Sutopo. The Marine is under US mili- the alleged offence until the com- The official urged the public tary custody at a Philippine pletion of all judicial proceedings”. People watch TV footage showing North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un attending a ceremony marking the to be on the alert for other pos- military base in Manila under “We expect the US to honour third anniversary of late leader Kim Jong-Il’s death, at a railway station in Seoul yesterday. Kim led tens of sible landslides as more rain is a compromise arrangement, but its obligations...and ensure that thousands of military and party officials in a ceremony to mark the end of three years of mourning for former expected in the next few weeks. the foreign department (minis- Pfc. Pemberton is made avail- IANS supremo Kim Jong-Il. try) sought full custody after the able for all required appearances court issued its arrest warrant. before the appropriate Philippine “We are disappointed that the authorities as related to the US has chosen to invoke their investigation and trial” of the rights under the VFA to main- murder, Jose said in a statement tain custody of the accused,” yesterday. foreign department spokesman “Pfc Pemberton will remain Myanmar plans to overhaul court system Charles Jose said, referring to a detained in sovereign Philippine 1998 Visiting Forces Agreement territory, and our armed forces YANGON: Myanmar yesterday equality” have been enhanced. The Supreme Court report rec- the former junta, which used a between the two military allies. will actively participate in ensur- announced plans to reform its The 2015 to 2017 judicial road- ommends media training for court complex web of old colonial laws He said the US embassy also ing that he remains in the agreed graft-plagued judicial system, map lays out priorities for the staff, public information counters, and makeshift additions to slap reiterated a previous commit- detention facility.” Laude’s death a move met with scepticism by court system as part of wider case management courses for dissenters with prison sentences ment to ensure Pemberton sparked street protests in the lawyers and activists long used reforms under a quasi-civilian judges and a satisfaction survey that could stretch into decades. “complies with the requirement Philippines, a former US colony to red tape and poor access to regime that have shaken the as part of the strategy to drag the Pyone Cho was sentenced to of any investigation or judicial that gained independence in 1946 justice during the junta era. country out of isolation over the judiciary into a new age. 65 years in prison for his involve- proceedings in accordance with but has retained a close alliance. Courts across the country, last three years. But lawyers used to battling ment in a failed 1988 student Philippine law”. Anti-US activists urged the which have long been viewed as Much of the judicial system through the country’s labyrin- uprising and spent two decades Manila and Washington signed government to terminate its a corruption-riddled arm of the remains cloaked in mystery, with thine bureaucracy remained behind bars before being released the Visiting Forces Agreement in pact with Washington after fail- army-dominated government, are almost no public or media access unconvinced, saying previous in a 2012 amnesty. 1998, to allow U.S. forces to hold ing to enforce its sovereignty. to be modernised and committed to trials or basic case information. plans to overhaul the legal system The democracy campaigner military drills in the Philippines “The US embassy refusal to turn to “integrity”, independence and A 2013 report from the have swiftly unravelled. told AFP that his experience was to test the readiness of the allies, over Pemberton is an insult to the rule of law, according to the International Commission of “It needs to be practical. Can of a judiciary completely in thrall and the pact sets legal rules on our nation and our people,” said new three-year plan unveiled by Jurists said that while some barri- these problems be solved with this to the regime. how to treat erring servicemen. Renato Reyes, leader of the left- the Supreme Court. ers preventing lawyers from prac- strategy? If it is only on paper, “In front of my eyes the execu- Jennifer Laude, 26, also known wing Nation movement, vowing In the report, Supreme Court tising had been lifted by the new it will never work,” said Robert tive interfered with the judicial as Jeffrey, was found dead at a to hold a protest outside the US chief justice Htun Htun Oo said government, significant restric- San Aung, a member of Myanmar system,” he said, adding that cheap hotel in the northern port embassy. “The Aquino govern- peace and prosperity could only tions remained and “systemic cor- Lawyers Network. he faced three different courts, city of Olongapo before dawn on ment must terminate the VFA.” be achieved once “the eternal ruption” continued to affect every Hundreds of political prison- including a military tribunal. October 12. AGENCIES principles of justice, liberty and aspect of their careers. ers languished in prison under AFP

Two arrested with Thai army chief calls on ‘drone’-making components all to protect monarchy

in Bangladesh BANGKOK: Thailand’s army this law and this worries Prime chief warned people yesterday Minister Prayuth. Most people DHAKA: Police in Bangladesh not to break a strict law pro- love and respect the monarchy yesterday said that they have tecting the monarchy as the but there are some who think dif- arrested two activists of the defence minister vowed to pros- ferently,” Udomjej told reporters, radical Ansarullah Bangla Team ecute violators of the law who referring to his predecessor as in Dhaka with components for live abroad. army chief, Prayuth Chan-ocha. “I making a remote-controlled aer- Thailand’s strict lese-majeste ask for cooperation from all Thais ial surveillance “drone”. law makes it a crime to defame, to help protect the monarchy.” Tanjil Hossain Babu and Golam insult or threaten the monar- Prayuth seized power in a coup Maula Mohan were arrested chy. Those who are found guilty on May 22 after months of pro- from a house in Jatrabari area of face up to 15 years in prison. The tests against a government loyal Bangladesh capital on Tuesday warning from army chief General to an influential ousted premier, night, bdnews24.com reported cit- Udomdej Sitabutr comes at a time Thaksin Shinawatra. Under mil- ing detective branch officials. of heightened anxiety over the itary rule, lese-majeste charges Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s health of the revered but ailing have skyrocketed and Prayuth, a Joint Commissioner Monirul King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 87, and staunch royalist, has repeatedly Islam, in a press conference the issue of royal succession. vowed to root out critics of the Wednesday, claimed that the It also follows a high-profile monarchy. arrested persons were “active corruption investigation involv- Deputy Prime Minister Prawit leaders” of the militant outfit. ing the police, military and sev- Wongsuwan, who is also defence Filipino Marines stand guard outside the Navy ship BRP Gregorio del Pilar during the Philippine Navy showcase “They were running jihadi eral family members of Srirasmi minister, said the government was of new and upcoming assets at the port in Manila yesterday. activities at the behest of their Suwadee, the third consort of seeking the extradition of lese- guru Maulana Jasim Uddin Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn. majeste suspects living abroad. Rahmani,” said the police official. Srirasmi, formerly known as “We must bring these Thais back Philippines to get frigates, gunboats He claimed that the two con- Princess Srirasmi, relinquished to face justice,” he said. fessed that they were trying her royal title last week. Rights groups say the junta to develop quad helicopters or Udomdej called on Thais to has used the laws to intimidate and helicopters as tension simmers drones capable of flying over 25 protect the royal institution and its critics, something the govern- to 30-storey buildings. “They were abide by the law protecting it. ment denies. trying to make a drone or a quad- “There are people who violate REUTERS MANILA: The Philippines the Philippine Navy’s weapons its entitlements under the U.N. helicopter to photograph impor- aims to buy two frigates, two system, told reporters. Convention on the Law of the tant structures in the country for helicopters and three gunboats The Philippines has embarked Sea. China has refused to take subsequent attacks.” for deployment in the South on a 15-year, 90bn peso ($2bn) part in the arbitration. A ruling The drone is an unmanned China Sea where a territorial modernization programme to is expected late next year. aerial surveillance vehicle. It cap- dispute with China has lent improve its capability to defend Vietnam recently submitted its tured public imagination in the Heavy snow hits northern Japan urgency to the need to bolster its maritime borders. The pro- position to the arbitration tribu- last few years after the US widely forces, a Philippine navy officer curement list announced yester- nal, drawing an angry response used these in its “war against ter- TOKYO: Northern Japan was his trailer. The snow storm forced said yesterday. day will be bought with 39b pesos from China. ror”. Apart from military pur- in the grip of a blizzard yester- two major airlines — All Nippon China claims nearly the entire from that budget. South Korea, Spain and France poses, these aerial devices are also day as strong winds and heavy Airways and Japan Airlines — to South China Sea, rejecting claims The government aimed to sign had submitted tenders for two used to assess weather conditions snow forced the cancellation of cancel at least 296 international to parts of it by the Philippines, contracts early next year for the stealth, missile-guided frigates and in rescue operations. almost 300 flights and buried and domestic flights. Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and new warships, Taccad said on worth 18bn pesos while Italy and Engineering students in vehicles in deep drifts, officials “We are struggling to remove Taiwan. board the navy’s most powerful Indonesia are bidding for two Bangladesh have developed and reports said. snow from the street,” an official in The confrontation between the warship, BRP Gregorio del Pilar, anti-submarine warfare helicop- such remote-controlled drones More than 70cm of snow had the city of Obihiro said. “As many Philippines and China has been a former US coastguard cutter. ters, Taccad said. equipped with cameras and tested fallen on parts of the northern as 50 vehicles may be trapped in particularly tense since June 2012 China has been reclaiming land Indonesia won contracts for them out. main island of Hokkaido in the the snow.” A rapidly developing when China seized a rocky out- in various parts of the Spratlys two strategic sealift vessels and But until now, there was no 24 hours to 0500 GMT, accord- low pressure system is also causing crop known as the Scarborough islands and appear to be con- will deliver the first ship in early information of radicals trying ing to the weather agency. The storm surges in coastal Hokkaido, Shoal which is believed to be rich structing airstrips and ports in 2016. to use them. Ansarullah Bangla Hokkaido government has the Japan Meteorological Agency in oil and natural gas as well as five reefs to gain full control of Taiwan and five other shipyards Team hit the spotlight in late received at least two reports of warned. “The city issued an evac- fisheries resources. them. are competing for three missile- 2013. Its chief Mufti Jasim Uddin injuries, including a 52-year-old uation advisory for 730 house- “The events in the West The Philippines, a close US capable multi-purpose attack Rahmani was arrested along with man who broke his leg as a gust of holds, or about 1,500 people, due to Philippine Sea actually gave some ally, has brought an interna- craft. Coastal radars will be sup- 30 other activists from Barguna in wind blew shutters off a building. the storm surges,” said a spokes- urgency on the acquisition,” Rear tional arbitration case against plied by the United States. August this year. In another case, a man broke woman in coastal Nemuro city, on Admiral Caesar Taccad, head of China, seeking clarification on REUTERS IANS ribs after strong winds overturned the eastern tip of Hokkaido. AFP THURSDAY 18 DECEMBER 2014 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19 Pakistan mourns massacre victims Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif lifts six-year moratorium on death penalty; toll rises to 148 PESHAWAR: Pakistan yes- ending militancy would mean desks. One gunman spoke and terday mourned 148 people — rooting extremist attitudes out the other replied: ‘Do not leave a mostly children — killed by the of Pakistani society — a long and single one alive’,” Faraz said from Taliban in a school massacre difficult task. hospital. that prompted global revulsion The army’s main spokesman “And then they begin killing us and put the government under General Asim Bajwa said the one by one, under the desks and new pressure to combat the death toll from the attack had under the benches. I was watch- scourge of militancy. risen from 141 overnight to 148, ing them with one eye and one Across the country many including 132 students. came closer to me, it was like a schools closed as a mark of Schools, colleges, offices and nightmare.” respect, while others held spe- markets were closed yesterday “He shot me in the shoulder cial prayers for those killed in across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and I thought ‘This is the end’. Tuesday’s bloodshed in the north- the northwestern province of Then he turned to another desk. western city of Peshawar. which Peshawar is the capital I heard the screaming with every The assault on an army-run and which has suffered the worst bullet they fired.” school is the deadliest terror of the TTP’s bloody seven-year The attack has caused revul- attack in Pakistan’s history. It insurgency. sion even in a country as inured brought international condemna- Across the border in India, to violence as Pakistan and tion as well as promises of a deci- Prime Minister Narendra Modi major political leaders met in sive crackdown on militants from put aside acrimony with Pakistan Peshawar to discuss the response political and military leaders. to ask schools to observe two min- to Tuesday’s attack. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif utes’ silence to honour the dead. Sharif, reading a joint state- announced that a six-year mor- Funerals were held for the vic- ment, said they “vowed to con- atorium on the death penalty tims, many of whose bodies were tinue this war with all our would be lifted, while the army pulled from the school still wear- strength until elimination of the chief travelled to Kabul for ing their smart green uniforms last terrorist from this land”. talks on improving intelligence drenched in blood. But previous terror attacks cooperation. The worst of the bloodshed have also been hailed as water- People attend the funeral of two school boys who were killed when Taliban militants attacked a school run by the The Tehreek-e-Taliban came in a large auditorium shed moments and drawn prom- Army in Peshawar, Pakistan, yesterday. Pakistan (TTP) claimed the where hundreds of teenage stu- ises of action, only to be followed attack, in which heavily armed dents were attending a lecture. by more violence. “Vows to crush militancy.” Analyst Raza Rumi, a ideology has resulted in a wide- be any distinction between good militants rampaged through the Around 100 bodies were found militancy in the aftermath of a journalist and senior fellow at the spread acceptance of acts commit- and bad Taliban at any level” and school killing indiscriminately, as there, the army said. Books, ties, massive attack are quite mean- United States Institute of Peace, ted in the name of Islam,” he said. the army has vowed this year to revenge for an ongoing military sweaters, notepads and spectacles ingless,” leading English daily warned that ending militancy Pakistan has long been accused wipe out militants “of all hue and operation against their hideouts. lay scattered amid pools of blood, Dawn said in an editorial. would mean also putting an end of playing a “double game” with colour”. The six-month offensive against the walls pockmarked with bullet “Military operations... amount to attitudes deeply ingrained in militants, supporting groups it But security analyst Hasan militants in North Waziristan has holes. Survivor Ahmad Faraz, 14, to little more than firefight- Pakistani society. “Three decades thinks it can use for its own stra- Askari doubted there was the been hailed as a success by the described the carnage. ing unless there’s an attempt to of Islamisation and the espousal tegic ends. political will to follow through. army, but analysts warned that “There were kids under the attack the ideological roots of of Islamic ideology as the national Sharif said there “would not AFP Islamabad seeks help from Afghans

KABUL: Pakistan’s army chief Raheel Sharif and the head of that Pakistan was backing the test of their relations. Afghanistan, and the head of its main intel- its Inter-Services Intelligence Afghan Taliban. Pakistan backed aided by US drone strikes, has in ligence agency flew to neigh- agency, Rizwan Akhtar, met the Afghan Taliban when it rose to recent weeks stepped up operations bouring Afghanistan yesterday Ghani, the president’s office said power in the 1990s. Their regime against anti-Pakistan militants on to seek help in battling the mili- after the surprise trip. was toppled by a US invasion in its side of the border, and did not tants behind this week’s school Neither side disclosed details, 2001. Despite denials of support, oppose the US transfer of a top massacre in Pakistan in which including whether Ghani Pakistan is widely believed to see Pakistani militant, Latif Mehsud, 145 people were killed. demanded Islamabad sever ties the Afghan militants as a tool to to Pakistan last week. “The time has arrived for with Mullah Omar, the leader of limit the influence in Afghanistan Afghan troops were on Afghanistan and Pakistan to act the Afghan Taliban. of its old rival, India. Wednesday battling hundreds together against terrorism and “We are hoping that we will see Angered by what it see as of militants in the eastern prov- extremism with honesty and strong action from the Afghan years of Pakistani encourage- ince of Kunar, on the border effectiveness,” Afghan President side in the coming days,” Pakistani ment for the Afghan Taliban, with Pakistan, for a fourth day, Ashraf Ghani said in a statement. army spokesman Major General Afghanistan —Pakistani security the Afghan army said. It said 40 Pakistan said it had shared intel- Asim Saleem Bajwa said, adding officials believe — has been qui- militants had been killed. ligence with Ghani. that the new leadership in Kabul etly supporting Pakistani Taliban Afghan authorities said ear- Pakistan-Afghanistan relations had shown it was willing to act. militants fighting Islamabad. lier most of the militants were have been tense for years, each Pakistani complaints of Afghanistan denies that. Pakistani Taliban. The Afghan accusing the other of backing Afghanistan failing to act against How Afghanistan responds to Taliban and the Pakistani Taliban Women from Pakistan civil society hold candles for the victims in Lahore anti-government militants. anti-Pakistan militants come Pakistan after Tuesday’s killing are allied but separate forces. yesterday. Pakistani army chief General after years of Afghan accusations spree in Peshawar will be a major REUTERS

Ebola suspect Afghan spy chief sees intelligence declared free of deadly virus vacuum as foreign troops leave KABUL: The departure of ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s only most foreign troops from Ebola suspect has been released Afghanistan has left an intel- from quarantine after a referral ligence-gathering vacuum that laboratory in the United States facilitates Taliban attacks, the cleared him of the dreadful head of the Afghan spy agency viral disease that has devas- said yesterday. tated West Africa. Summoned to parliament to Mohammad Haroon, 45, was explain a surge in suicide bomb- detained at Karachi airport on ings and commando-style assaults December 1 after he arrived from across Afghanistan, including in the affected area without a Ebola the fortified capital Kabul, intel- Virus Disease (EVD)-free certifi- ligence chief Rahmatullah Nabil cate. He was on a business trip to blamed a loss of manpower and Liberia and had fever and other technology. symptoms of Ebola virus on arrival. “There were some 150,000 for- Haroon, a salesman, was eign troops in every corner of the quarantined in Karachi’s Jinnah country, equipped with drone air Postgraduate Medical Centre, power which is no more,” Nabil A firefighter tries to extinguish fire at the site of a bomb blast, in pending medical tests. told lawmakers. A statement issued jointly by Some foreign drone strikes Nangarhar, Afghanistan, yesterday. the federal health ministry and still take place in Afghanistan the World Health Organisation but the Nato-led coalition ends (WHO) yesterday said that a its combat mission this month, Taliban suicide attack sample of his blood sent to the withdrawing all but 12,500 troops Reference Laboratory for Ebola and leaving the 350,000-member in the Centre for Disease Control Afghan forces to fight the Taliban on Afghan bank kills 10 and Prevention, Atlanta, USA, insurgency. KANDAHAR: Taliban militants detonated a suicide tested ‘negative’. Nabil cited the example of bomb and stormed a bank in southern Afghanistan yester- “Consequently, Pakistan is cur- the violent southern province of day, killing five policemen and five civilians as the country rently Ebola free meaning that Helmand where hi-tech surveil- endures a rise in violence as US-led Nato troops pull out. there is neither a case nor sus- lance balloons used by US-led The attackers forced their way inside after a bomb exploded pected case of EVD anywhere forces were removed as foreign at the entrance of the Kabul Bank branch in Lashkar Gah, on Pakistani territory,” said the bases shut. “There were 65 spy the capital of the insurgency-racked province of Helmand. statement. It also commended balloons in Helmand that could “The blast at the gate was a suicide attacker blowing him- the Karachi airport authorities detect if someone was carrying a self up to open the way for others to enter the building,” and the management of the city’s weapon on the back of a motor- Omar Zhwak, provincial spokesman for Helmand, told AFP. Jinnah Hospital for diligently fol- bike,” Nabil said, adding he now “Ten people including five security forces were killed, and lowing the Standard Operating relied on six agents to gather 14 people were wounded. There were three attackers inside Procedure (SOP) and taking all intelligence in one vast district in the building and all were killed. AFP measures in time. the province, a Taliban stronghold Pakistani aviation authorities that has seen some of this year’s took the opportunity to remind most deadly attacks. government employees col- More than 4,000 Afghan sol- international airlines to follow In Helmand’s capital on lecting their salaries, killing diers and police have died, a the SOP while bringing in passen- Wednesday, militants detonated six people. record high since the US-led gers with travel history of West a suicide bomb, then stormed This year has been the forces toppled the Taliban Africa. INTERNEWS a bank branch packed with deadliest of the 13-year war. regime in 2001. REUTERS THURSDAY 18 DECEMBER 2014 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA Conversions row flares up in House Opposition lawmakers demand Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s presence in Rajya Sabha

NEW DELHI: The uproar adjournments and angry the government and the opposi- over reported religious conver- exchanges, as both the ruling tion blamed each other for the sion and comments by members and the opposition parties blamed disruptions. of the ruling BJP continued to each other for the disruptions. “The issue was listed for dis- rock the Rajya Sabha for the Chairman Hamid Ansari sus- cussion today, but the opposition third consecutive day yesterd- pended Congress member V parties did not allow the home day, forcing several adjourn- Hanumantha Rao for the day as minister to speak. There is no ments and stalling proceedings. he went up to his podium and panic situation in the country on The government, however, raised slogans. conversion and opposition par- managed to introduce in the The protests started as soon as ties are unnecessarily making it house a bill to make stringent the house met, with Samajwadi an issue,” Parliamentary Affairs laws on hijacking, even as oppo- Party leader Naresh Agarwal Minister M Venkaiah Naidu told sition members raised slogans. raising a point of order. reporters. The upper house, where the “We read in the papers that Replying to a question on government is in minority, ear- some policy decisions were made bringing an anti-conversion law, lier lost nearly five days of gov- in the parliamentary party meet Naidu said there was “no such ernment business over a row on of the BJP,” Agarwal said, refer- proposal so far”. minister Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti’s ring to the prime minister’s warn- “A broad consensus is required comments, and is lagging the Lok ing to party members not to cross to move forward in this direction,” Sabha in transacting government the “Lakshman Rekha” (limits) in he said. business. their statements. The Congress, however, said The session which started “If his ministers are making the opposition will not let the November 24 ends December some mistake, it is his respon- house function without the prime 23, and has just four working sibility to say it in the house,” minister’s presence. days left. Congress leader Anand Agarwal said. “There is a wide attempt to Sharma made it clear that the Finance Minister Arun Jaitley spread communal tension and party will not let the house rejected the charge that any pol- towards polarisation. The prime function unless Prime Minister icy decision was taken. minister needs to tell us what Narendra Modi comes. “The prime minister has not is being done, to stop that. The The opposition was also upset made any policy decision in the prime minister should listen to that the prime minister made meet. But I have a point of order. the opposition and answer their a comment on the issue at a In the name of point of order, can questions about what his party is meeting of the BJP’s parliamen- Naresh Agarwal every day raise doing,” Anand Sharma said. tary board, but did not come to a point of disorder?” the finance A child dressed as Radha, walks near the Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical “Unless the prime minister the house. minister said. gives assurance to the country Saraswati, in Allahabad yesterday. “Does the prime minister need Congress leader Pramod Tiwari on the conversion issue, we will a visa to come to this house?” again raised a point of order on not allow the house to function,” asked Trinamool Congress mem- the same issue. of disorder”. Anand Sharma question hour to be taken up. for 15 minutes during the ques- he said. ber Derek O’Brien. “We are just telling the prime complained that the opposition Agarwal urged the chair to tion hour, and then till 2pm. The opposition has been pro- Minister of State for minister ‘your people are creating members were not being allowed accept his notice to suspend busi- Similar scenes continued when testing against recently reported Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar disharmony in the country’. If he to speak. ness and take up the discussion. the house met again, and oppo- incidents of conversion of Muslims Abbas Naqvi called the comment is accepting some ministers are As opposition members raised However, Chairman M Hamid sition members refused to take to Hinduism, and also BJP par- “unacceptable”. crossing Lakshman Rekha... let the pitch demanding Modi’s pres- Ansari rejected the notice as up the debate without the prime liamentarian Yogi Adityanath’s Congress leader Digvijaya him tell which Lakshman Rekha ence, treasury benches members “redundant” as a discussion on minister being present in the comment supporting a mass con- Singh said: “When the prime is being crossed,” Tiwari said. too added to the din. communal situation in the coun- house. version programme. minister is in parliament, why not Communist Party of India- Deputy Chairman P J Kurien try was already listed in the After nearly 40 minutes, which Adityanath reportedly said accept the opposition’s demand Marxist (CPI-M) leader Sitaram adjourned the house till noon. upper house. saw angry exchanges, the house there was nothing wrong if peo- and come to the house?” Yechury also raised the issue, say- At noon, the opposition mem- With ruckus continuing, the was adjourned for the day. ple re-convert to Hinduism if they The house saw repeated ing he wanted to raise a “point bers again refused to allow upper house was adjourned twice Outside the house as well, were doing it willingly. IANS

Sufi festival Kerala lifts Plan to fight mobile ban on poultry products in radiation fears

KOCHI: Following a high some residents of an Ahmedabad 13 villages court order, the Department of neighbourhood who wanted a Telecom has asked its techni- direction to the authorities to KOCHI: The ban on poultry cal monitoring wing to spread disallow Reliance Jio, which is products that was imposed last awareness in the public and seeking to extend pan-India 4G month in 13 villages has been remove “undue apprehensions” services, from using a mobile base lifted, said a Kerala minister. in their minds over the adverse station in their neighbourhood. State Minister for Agriculture impact of radiation from mobile The petitioners had feared that K P Mohanan informed the phone towers on their health. since the base station in question assembly here yesterday that “Telecom Enforcement was just outside the garden of the ban was enforced last month Resource and Monitoring their residential premises, they after an avian flu outbreak in 13 (TERM) units are requested to would be exposed to constant village councils in Alappuzha, take necessary action to spread radiation — a premise that was Pathanamthitta and Kottayam public awareness to allay undue dismissed by the court. districts was confirmed to be due apprehensions in respect of pos- The letter from the telecom to H5N1 virus. sible health effects from electro- department said the techni- “Whatever ban was there on magnetic field radiations,” a letter cal wing’s Ahmedabad unit has poultry products in the affected to DoT’s technical arm said. already taken various steps like places has been lifted follow- The direction, a copy of which coordinating workshops and ing the return of normalcy,” is available with IANS, follows a interacting with print and elec- said Mohanan. recent Gujarat High Court ver- tronic media to allay fear among It was in the middle of last dict that base stations for wireless general public on radiation. month that problems cropped up data and mobile communications Debates are also under way in a few places in the three dis- pose no threat to health if pre- among various stakeholders of the tricts when ducks started drop- scribed norms are followed. industry on whether the radia- ping dead. The 25-page order of a tion is at all harmful to human And when it started spreading bench of Chief Justice Bhaskar beings, but experts always advice in the locality, the government Bhattacharya and Justice J B that some precautionary meas- banned transportation of any Pardiwala said the authorities ures are good to adopt. poultry product from these vil- concerned must educate the peo- “Though the radiation from lage councils apart from culling ple that they had no reason to mobile towers is non-ionising over 300,000 poultry birds. fear for their health due to radio and cannot break the DNA, it The worst affected due to this frequency emissions from base is always better to take pre- were the nearly 600 houseboats Kashmiri Muslim devotees raise their hands to receive pieces of meat at the shrine of Sufi saint Sheikh stations in their vicinity. cautions,” Rajesh Dixit, an that ply in the Vembanad lake Hamzah Makhdoomi during a festival in Srinagar yesterday. Hundreds of Kashmiri Muslims who believe in The order came on an appeal by expert said. IANS that passes through Kottayam Sufism — a mystical form of Islam — visited the shrine of Makhdoomi to offer prayers on his birth anniversary. and Alappuzha districts as poul- try products were banned on these houseboats. “This is great news for all of us as December is the peak season for us. We were all worried that we will be los- SpiceJet resumes flights after bank borrowing ing clients. With the ban lifted, things will be fine now,” said a NEW DELHI: Budget airline SpiceJet guaranteed by promoter. Banks are reluc- cash-and-carry mode with OMCs, which The SpiceJet team had met the civil houseboat owner. Duck meat resumed operations on a few routes last tant to lend to airlines.” mandates that it has to make spot pay- aviation watchdog Monday to discuss the is one major product in most evening following an understanding with The grounding of SpiceJet’s flight across ments for buying fuel. financial impact on the airline, following Christian households during the oil marketing companies (OMC) and the country was akin to the Kingfisher- The daily fuel cost of the airline is about the 30-day limit imposed on it for fresh Christmas which is just a week said that any bank loan secured by the type fiasco which resulted in passengers Rs50m, while it has dues totalling Rs140m bookings. from now. Incidentally, Alappuzha company will not be a bail out. being stranded at various airports. payable to the OMCs. The airline had denied any submission is Kerala’s ‘duck capital’. The airline’s flights were grounded yes- The company currently has around 250 The ministry had said that banks may having been made on the financial plan. With the ban lifted, ducks will terday morning after OMCs refused to pro- departures per day with maximum opera- also be approached to give some working The company’s top management had also now be allowed to be brought in vide SpiceJet with credit to buy jet fuel over tions being carried out from Delhi and capital as loans. met Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapati from Tamil Nadu as well. the issue of non-payment of dues. Mumbai. “Based on the assurances by the pro- Raju Pusapati and his deputy Minister of “Without duck meat, we were “Spicejet apologises for disruption and The OMCs had placed the budget airline moters, the financial institutions would State for Civil Aviation Mahesh Sharma all worried as my grandchildren pain caused to passengers due to stoppage in the cash-and-carry mode under which be requested to lend up to Rs6bn. This Monday for relief. are all coming in from Middle of fuelling for our flights by the oil compa- the company has to make spot payments should be paid immediately after securing The airline has been asking for more East and the first question they nies. We are working to resolve the issue,” for buying fuel. the long-term investment which will take time from oil companies and airport opera- asked me is, will they be able to said Sanjiv Kapoor, chief operating officer On Tuesday, SpiceJet was given an around eight weeks to consummate,” the tors to pay their dues. eat duck meat when they come for of SpiceJet. interim relief, even as its promoters were ministry said in a statement. Meanwhile, the scrip of the beleaguered the Christmas holidays. We are Responding to the criticism of the gov- told to infuse fresh equity. The finance ministry’s approvals have airline fell by over five percent on the told that ducks will soon arrive ernment bailing out the airline, Kapoor The ministry had said that it will request also been sought to permit external com- Bombay Stock exchange (BSE) yesterday from Tamil Nadu,” said Thomas tweeted: “Ministry request to banks to OMCs to give credit to the airline for 15 mercial borrowing (ECB) as working capi- to close at Rs13.15. Mathew in Thiruvalla. IANS provide loan is not bailout — loan would be more days. The airline is currently under tal for the airline. IANS THURSDAY 18 DECEMBER 2014 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21 Schools told to ratchet up security Move after Pakistan school carnage

NEW DELHI: The federal Students Islamic Movement of government has asked states India (SIMI), Lashkar-e-Taiba to beef up security, especially (LeT) and the Islamic State (IS). at educational institutions, fol- “The terror threat can emanate lowing the terror attack at an from members of SIMI who had army-run school in Pakistan, escaped from Khandawa, agents Home Minister Rajnath Singh of IM based in Pakistan, and LeT. said yesterday. In addition, lone wolf attacks by “I just want to say that all state radicalised IS sympathisers are governments have been issued an also a possibility,” it added. advisory by the Home Ministry,” “Such attacks can only be pre- he told reporters outside parlia- vented if central and state agen- ment on being asked whether cies mobilise all resources and steps have been taken by the assets at their disposal and focus government to secure educational on collecting actionable intelli- Members of the media and political activists in Bangalore hold placards and candles as they pay tribute to Pakistan children and staff killed in a Taliban institutions. gence,” the advisory added. attack on a school in Peshawar yesterday. Following the advisory, security “The incidents and the develop- in schools was beefed up in many ments mentioned above warrant states in India. immediate attention of intelli- In the national capital, Delhi gence and law enforcement agen- Police stationed policemen outside cies across India. It is felt that till ISI promoting terror in India, parliament told most schools after the advisory the end of January 2015, the secu- alerted about a possible attack on rity forces and intelligence agen- NEW DELHI: The interroga- Mehmood were appointed the links with the Al Qaeda and launched a search operation. the lines of the Peshawar terror cies need to remain on a very high tion of arrested terrorists has ‘amir’ and ‘spokesperson’, respec- Al Qaeda in the Indian However, trains operated as attack in which 141 people, mostly alert mode to prevent incidents revealed that Pakistan’s Inter- tively, of the AQIS, he said. Subcontinent (AQIS),” he said. usual from the IFFCO Chowk schoolchildren, were killed. witnessed elsewhere in the neigh- Services Intelligence was pro- The minister said the gov- station towards Delhi. The advisory, issued late bourhood as well as in other parts moting terror activities in India ernment has raised the issue of Metro Evacuation Bomb threat calls also forced Tuesday night, said that in view of of the world,” the advisory said. by providing shelter, patronage Pakistan’s support to terror out- People were evacuated from police to clear out people from the the terror attack on the Pakistani “It is requested that all state and funding to terrorists, par- fits during home, interior minis- a Delhi Metro station and two Vyapar Kendra in Sushant Lok school, and a terror incident in governments and central agen- liament was told yesterday. ter, secretary-level and foreign markets in posh areas of Gurgaon area and Galleria Market in New Sydney and “heightened possibil- cies may take all necessary meas- Minister of State for Home secretary-level talks, and handed yesterday afternoon after police Gurgaon. ity of a terrorist attack” in India ures to prevent possible terror Affairs Haribhai Parthibhai over relevant material to the received bomb threat calls, offi- Police commandos tried to in the light of the upcoming visit attacks and the steps mentioned Chaudhary told the Rajya Sabha Pakistani authorities. cials said. The threats, however, find the bombs as claimed in the of US President Barack Obama, above are only illustrative and not that there was no attempt by the “As per available inputs, there turned out to be hoaxes. threats. The three-hour search all states and other authori- exhaustive. Pakistani Taliban to set up bases is no attempt made by Tehrik-e- Train services were affected for operation by over 400 policemen ties concerned have been told to “Further steps required may be in India. Taliban Pakistan to set up bases over two-and-a-half hours — from revealed that the bomb scare was remain alert. taken as per local situation and it “A video was uploaded in India,” he said. around 3.30pm till 6pm — after a a hoax. “The law enforcement agencies is reiterated that the heightened September 3, containing the The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan bomb threat at the HUDA City The man said in the 20-second should take all measures towards sense of security alertness may be speech of Sheik Eyam Al — Jamaatul Ahrar (TTP-JA) had Centre station, police said. phone call: “I have planted a high target hardening of vulnerable continued at least till the end of Zawahiri of Al Qaeda, in which claimed responsibility for the sui- The station was emptied after intensity bomb in a car parked in places and installations. This January 2015,” it added. he announced the establishment cide attack on the Pakistani side the police control room received the basement of the HUDA City includes public places with high The advisory was referring of a new wing of Al Qaeda, namely of the Wagah border November 2. a call from an unidentified man Centre station. I have also done so footfall, public transport, includ- to Obama’s visit on January 25 Al Qaeda in Indian subcontinent “This terror organisation and who said a bomb was planted in in two markets of New Gurgaon. ing railways, and schools in par- and 26 during the Republic Day (AQIS),” Chaudhary said in a its all other factions are consid- the station’s basement. ‘Bacha sako to bacha lo’ (Save if ticular,” the advisory said. celebrations. written reply. ered to be hostile to Indian inter- Commuters were not allowed you can).” It also alerts against the IANS Asim Umar and Usama ests and believed to maintain to enter the station as police IANS

SC orders govt Opposition targets govt over Christmas Day holiday to complete NEW DELHI: The issue of Minister M Venkaiah Naidu has the country,” he said. 25 as ‘good governance day’ was “If it is found that the ministers fence on border schools being asked to remain informed the house that there is “There is no disrespect for issued to Navodaya schools. have said a wrong thing or have open on Christmas to mark no circular. This is totally mis- Christmas. Let us not try to cre- He said if the ministers were tried to mislead the house, then “good governance day” was leading,” he said, adding that ate unnecessary tension in the found to be “misleading”, his party there should be action against with Bangladesh again raised in the Lok Sabha Naidu should apologise for mis- country,” Naidu added. would use “all options”, including it. The government is trying to yesterday, with the opposition leading the country. At this point, the opposition a privilege motion. mislead parliament on the issue, NEW DELHI: The Supreme parties staging a walkout over “Schools have been asked to parties, including the Congress, “The government has several which is why we staged a walk- Court yesterday asked the the issue. send videos to show that stu- staged a walkout. times said in parliament and out- out,” Scindia said. federal government to com- The Congress also threatened dents observed ‘good governance The Congress also threatened side that no circular was issued. Asked whether the Congress plete the fencing of the India- to move a privilege motion against day’. How can they send videos of to move a privilege motion against Today, we have received three cir- would bring a privilege motion Bangladesh border where it has Parliamentary Affairs Minister the function without opening the Naidu and Irani, alleging that culars,” he said. against the ministers, Scindia not been done to check illegal M Venkaiah Naidu and Human school?” he asked. they misled the house over cir- He also asked the government said: “We have all options and immigration. Resource Development Minister Venugopal alleged that “the culars issued to schools for events to come clean and give an expla- we will use it.” In separate circu- “The Union (central govern- Smriti Irani for “misleading” HRD ministry was running the December 25. nation on the issue. lars, the HRD Ministry has asked ment) will take all effective steps the house. agenda of the Sangh Parivar”. Congress parliamentarian “We asked the parliamen- Navodaya Vidyalayas, CBSE to complete the fencing (dou- The issue was raised during Responding to his remarks, Jyotiraditya Scindia told the tary affairs minister and human schools and the AICTE to hold ble coiled wire fencing) in such zero hour by the Congress’s K C Naidu said it was the Congress media outside parliament that the resource development minister events to mark December 25 as parts/portions of the Indo-Bangla Venugopal, who said he had raised whose agenda was run according HRD ministry issued three circu- to clarify whether such circulars ‘good governance day’. However, border (including the state of the issue in the last two days but to one ‘parivar’ (family). lars to the CBSE and Navodaya were issued or not, because both the ministry clarified that all Assam) where fencing is yet the government’s response has “People should not allow polit- schools and universities, contrary the ministers have told the house participation was voluntary and to be completed,” the bench of been misleading. icisation of this issue. This is a to the government’s claim that no that no such circular was issued institutions need not be open on Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice “Parliamentary Affairs sensitive issue. Let us not mislead circular to celebrate December by the government.” Christmas Day. IANS Rohinton Fali Nariman said in their judgment on a number of petitions. The court also referred to the Fog envelops temple constitution bench the validity of section 6A of the Citizenship Act. Italy threatens to The said provision was enacted after the AASU-Centre accord in 1985. Noting that the Assam portion recall ambassador of the border with Bangladesh was 267km long, out of which 44 ROME: Rome threatened to allow his co-accused Salvatore km was riverine, Justice Nariman withdraw its ambassador from Girone to return home to see his said: “We are at a loss to under- India yesterday as a diplomatic family for Christmas. stand why 67 years after inde- row over two Italian marines But Italy’s Foreign Minister pendence, the eastern border is accused of killing Indian fisher- Paolo Gentiloni hit back strongly left porous. “We have been relia- men during an anti-piracy mis- at the court’s decision. bly informed that the entire west- sion escalated. “Faced with such an attitude ern border with Pakistan being The soldiers say they fired on by the Indian authorities, the 3,300km long is not only prop- the two fishermen after mistaking government reserves the right erly fenced but properly manned them for pirates while guarding to take all necessary measures, as well and is not porous at an Italian oil tanker off the south- starting with the recall of the any point.” ern Indian state of Kerala in 2012. Italian ambassador from New “We are given to understand They had been living in the Delhi, although that would not that most parts of the border with Italian embassy in the Indian mean breaking off diplomatic West Bengal and other northeast- capital while they waited to be relations,” he told a parliamen- ern states are also porous and tried, and were not supposed to tary committee. very easy to cross,” the court said. leave the country. Defence Minister Roberta Coupled with the direction for But the Indian Supreme Pinotti said Latorre’s health “is the fencing of the border stretch Court gave marine Massimiliano the government’s priority and yet to be covered, the court said Latorre leave to spend four nothing will be done to put it in the “vigil along the riverine months at home after he suf- danger”, hinting that Rome could boundary will be effectively main- fered a cerebral ischaemia — a break its promise to return him to tained by continuous patrolling”. restricted blood supply that can India. The marines were granted Motorable roads along the lead to a stroke — in September. a home visit to vote in national border, wherever incomplete, On Tuesday it rejected elections last year, but India was will be laid so as to enable effec- Latorre’s request to extend his furious when the Italian govern- tive and intensive patrolling, the Sikh devotees swaddled in shawls on a foggy morning at the Golden Temple in Amritsar yesterday. leave to undergo further treat- ment initially said it would not court said. IANS ment in January, and refused to send the men back. AFP

Thursday 18 December 2014 26 Safar 1436 Volume 19 Number 6283 Price: QR2

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Rupiah near 16-year low Oil gains $3 Qatar stocks lose QR60bn on technical in four-day trading week buying NEW YORK: Crude oil jumped nearly 5 percent yesterday as Market capitalisation falls 8.81 percent to QR618bn important chart support prices held fast after nearly a week of selling, leading to technical DOHA: Qatar stocks ended higher declined 7.33 percent. Telecoms and the total number of transactions. buying that turned the market yesterday, following a 3.51 per- transportation sector indices declined Yesterday, most Gulf stock mar- around abruptly. cent slump on Tuesday, as the 6.78 percent and 6.86 percent, respec- kets regained strength as oil’s slide Both Brent and US crude oil market closed for a long weekend. tively. Bellwether Industries Qatar paused, with blue chip banks push- futures jumped more than $3 The bourse will be closed today slipped 6.36 percent during the week. ing Abu Dhabi up sharply and Saudi a barrel in late morning trade, on account of Qatar National Day Of the total 43 listed companies, Arabia’s bourse jumping after the extending slight gains made after celebrations. just one company ended higher, while kingdom’s finance minister said the earlier data showing a drop in US The market was volatile across the entire 42 remaining companies government would continue spending crude inventories last week. the range as it slipped to hit almost fell during the week. heavily, reported Reuters. “I think it was triggered by some 11,000 points in the intraday before Trading value during the week The main Saudi stock index short-covering, and once it gets bouncing to end the week at 11,181, increased by 111.31 percent to jumped 4.2 percent in a broad rally going it feeds upon itself,” said John gaining 124 points, or 1.12 percent. QR3.5bn. Total trading volume which included the petrochemicals Saucer at Mobius Risk Group in QNB, which added 3.55 percent, was increased by 158.52 percent to over sector. Saudi Basic Industries, the Houston. Buying accelerated after the main supporter. Barring banking 82 million shares, while the number biggest company in the sector and in the market failed to make a new and insurance sectors, entire sector of transactions rose by 83.70 percent the whole market, added 4.8 percent. low despite news that stockpiles indices ended flat. to 36,876 transactions. The banks and Dubai’s index ended 1.6 percent at the US storage hub at Cushing, The Qatar Exchange weekly data financial services sector led trading lower as its rebound was met with Oklahoma jumped nearly 3 million released yesterday noted the market value during the week, followed by fresh selling, mainly in the property barrels, Saucer said. lost a whopping QR60bn during the industrials sector and real estate sec- and construction sectors. Emaar Preset buy-stop orders were four-day trading week. Market cap tor. Gulf International services led Properties lost 3.6 percent and triggered on the way up, said fell by 8.81 percent to reach QR618bn. trading value during the week, fol- builder Arabtec tumbled its daily 10 Saucer. Brent’s next technical The market was down by 623 points, lowed by Masraf Al Rayan and Barwa percent limit. level was at $63.50, or 10 cents or 5.28 percent, during the week. Real Estate. Abu Dhabi’s index surged 5.1 per- below yesterday’s peak. Brent for The real estate stocks were crashed The trading volume was led by the cent as shares in its three largest An employee holds Indonesian rupiah notes at a store in February delivery was up $2.33 at by 13.02 percent. Consumer goods, real estate sector, followed by banks banks, First Gulf Bank, National Jakarta. The rupiah tumbled against US dollar, hovering $62.34 a barrel by 1815 GMT, after industrials, telecoms and transpor- and financial services, telecoms and Bank of Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi around 12,900 per US dollar on Tuesday, the lowest rate hitting a session high at $63.40. US tation sector also got battered. industrials sector. Again, banks and Commercial Bank, surged 11.2, 8.0 in 16 years. The rupiah gained to 12,658 per dollar as of crude’s front-month contract rose Consumer goods sector plunged financial services led trading num- and 9.3 percent respectively. 4:49pm local time. $1.90 to $57.83 after a climbing 8.67 percent, while industrials bers accounting for 27.49 percent of THE PENINSULA earlier to $58.98. REUTERS THURSDAY 18 DECEMBER 2014 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS Abraaj tops Kurdistan oil exports to hit 800,000 bpd Kellogg again Minister hopeful of Baghdad deal on revenue sharing; Exports include Kirkuk crude also in Bisco Misr LONDON: Iraq’s semi-auton- are currently about half that to reach a final agreement on in the 2005 constitution. The net contributor to Iraq’s finances omous Kurdistan Regional amount, could exacerbate an Iraqi Kurdistan’s right to export interim deal agreed this month by the end of next year. takeover battle Government will ramp up oil oil glut that has helped to push oil independently, but Hawrami restored the KRG’s budget allo- The KRG will market the exports in the coming months, benchmark Brent crude down 45 said the KRG would continue cation in return for handing some remainder of its oil independ- CAIRO: Abraaj Investment moving it closer to economic percent since June to a five-year to sell a portion of its crude Kurdish oil over to Baghdad. ently, Hawrami said. He added Management raised its offer for self-sufficiency while it works low below $60 a barrel. while negotiating the terms with Hawrami said he saw Kurdish- the KRG will also allow an esti- Bisco Misr to 84.66 Egyptian to clinch a final deal with Hawrami said he was “hope- Baghdad. produced oil shipments on mated 300,000 bpd of crude from pounds ($12) per share yester- Baghdad on crude sales and ful for the first time” the long- “We have set ourselves clear its pipeline to the Turkish fields in the disputed province of day, trumping Kellogg Co again revenue sharing. running dispute over independent targets for self-sufficiency, so we Mediterranean port of Ceyhan Kirkuk to be exported through in an intensifying battle for the KRG Natural Resources Kurdish oil sales could be resolved will never again face the violence rising to 500,000 barrels per day the KRG’s pipeline under SOMO. Egyptian snack maker. Minister Ashti Hawrami told a due to a “big change in attitude” of economic threats and embar- (bpd) by the end of the first quar- The pipeline, which has rap- The UAE’s Abraaj initially conference in London the Kurd’s under the new Iraqi prime min- goes on our region.” ter of 2015 from current levels of idly increased exports this year, is offered 73.91 pounds per share for pipeline to Turkey could carry ister, Haider Al Abadi, who took Baghdad this year cut off around 400,000 bpd. being expanded by new pumping Bisco Misr in early November, but 800,000 barrels per day next year, office in September. Kurdistan’s budget allocation The KRG will give 250,000 bpd stations, Hawrami said. Kellogg, the world’s biggest break- including 550,000 bpd to be mar- “The KRG will play its full role in response to the autonomous of Kurdish crude to the federal Baghdad’s own pipeline from fast cereal maker, has twice out- keted by Baghdad under a first- in helping Iraq to meet its energy region’s decision to export oil State Oil Marketing Organisation Kirkuk to Ceyhan is no longer bid the private equity firm and its stage deal reached this month. export targets,” in 2015, Hawrami unilaterally, a move it derided (SOMO) under the terms of operational because it runs latest offer stood at 82.2 pounds The increase in exports from said. as smuggling. The KRG says its a draft 2015 federal budget. through territory controlled by per share. the north of the country, which The two governments are yet right to export oil is enshrined Hawrami said Arbil would be a Islamic State fighters. REUTERS Egypt’s regulator last week extended the period for Abraaj, the Middle East’s largest private equity firm, to match Kellogg’s First Finance Company wins awards bid to December 24. The regula- tor has yet to approve Abraaj’s Saudi to keep massive new offer. Food is seen as a fast-growing sector in the most populous Arab spending in 2015 budget nation of 86 million people and Bisco Misr is a well-known brand with three baking facilities in RIYADH: Saudi Arabia will He said this policy will con- Cairo and Alexandria. continue massive public spend- tinue, enabling the government The bidding war is part of ing despite a 50 percent drop “to implement massive social a flurry of mergers and rights in the price of oil, which pro- projects” in health, education, issues on the Cairo bourse, an vides the bulk of its revenue, the social services and development exchange which has struggled to finance minister said yesterday. as well as state security. revive investor confidence during Ibrahim bin Abdulaziz Al Assaf This spending, combined with the political and economic tur- commented after completing the private sector activity, is expected moil that followed popular upris- 2015 budget, which will be presented to bring positive economic growth, ings in 2011. to cabinet “in the near future”, the he said, without giving a figure. The competing offers from Saudi Press Agency said. Riyadh-based Jadwa Kellogg and Abraaj are the latest Financial analysts expect the Investment said in a December sign foreign investors are return- budget to be approved as early as 7 report that the government ing to the market. Monday. The kingdom is the larg- should be in a comfortable posi- While shareholders with 56 est economy in the Arab world, tion to adjust to lower oil prices percent of Bisco Misr had agreed and Opecs biggest crude producer. and avoid drastic spending cuts. to sell to Abraaj at 73.91 pounds Assaf said the budget comes It highlighted “the strong sov- per share, Kellogg’s bids forced during “challenging” global eco- ereign balance sheet, with foreign the private equity firm to return nomic conditions but surpluses reserves of more than 95 percent with higher offers. Abraaj, which and reserves built over many of GDP and a public debt of less has about $7.5bn of assets under years have given it “depth and a than two percent of GDP”. management, typically invests in Aisha Al Hudaifi, Head of the Ladies Section at First Finance Company, a subsidiary of Barwa Bank Group, line of defence that come in handy Jadwa projected a fiscal deficit high-growth sectors in emerging accepting the award on behalf of the company for the Best Retail Finance Company in the Middle East and the in times of need”. of 2.7 percent in 2015. AFP markets. REUTERS Best Corporate Finance Company in the Middle East at the Islamic Business & Finance Awards 2014 in Dubai. GE to distribute $40bn Lloyds tipped to pay first dividend in six years

LONDON: Lloyds Banking shareholding in the bank. to shareholders Group is expected to win per- Analysts on average forecast mission from Britain’s financial Britain to sell more shares Lloyds will pay a 2014 dividend of NEW YORK: US industrial its industrial roots as it pares the regulator to pay its first divi- 1.24 pence per share, according conglomerate General Electric size of GE Capital. dend since it was bailed out by to a data. “We see the stress test said it plans to distribute $40bn Considered a bellwether for taxpayers, according to 10 out in Lloyds in next 6 months results as clearing the last major to its shareholders in 2015 and global industrial activity, GE of 12 analysts polled. hurdle for the Lloyds dividend to 2016 in the form of dividends recently has made several divest- The majority of analysts believe LONDON: Britain will sell more shares in Lloyds Banking be switched back on,” said ana- and share buybacks. ments and acquisitions to build on Lloyds’ narrow passing of the Group over the next six months, moving the bailed-out bank lysts at Morgan Stanley. The announcement, made at its sprawling industrial activities. Bank of England’s (BoE) debut another step towards a full return to private ownership and However, a minority of analysts an investor conference, marks In the second quarter GE won annual industry “stress test” on recouping more taxpayer cash. remain sceptical about Lloyds’ a relatively ambitious plan for a tough battle to buy the energy Tuesday has strengthened its case Britain’s finance ministry and UK Financial Investments (UKFI), chances of paying a dividend, say- shareholder returns, represent- activities of French industrial for paying a dividend for the first which manages the Lloyds’ stake, said yesterday the shares would be ing the regulator will be deterred ing 16 percent of the company’s group Alstom for $15.5bn. Alstom time since its £20.5bn ($32bn) sold by Morgan Stanley through a “pre-arranged trading plan”. “It by how close Lloyds came to fail- total capitalisation of $246bn at shareholders are scheduled to government rescue during the is another step in reducing our national debt and in getting taxpay- ing the test. the market close on Tuesday. vote on the deal tomorrow. financial crisis of 2007 to 2009. ers’ money back,” Britain’s Finance Minister George Osborne said. “We believe that expectations GE projected adjusted 2014 GE spun off its retail finance Some analysts had expected Britain currently holds a 25 percent stake, having raised £7.4bn that Lloyds will commence a div- earnings per share in a range of business of the GE Capital divi- Lloyds to be vulnerable in the through two share sales in September last year and March this year. idend this year are misplaced,” $1.70 to $1.80. sion, renaming it Synchrony test, because of its heavy exposure Sources said UKFI could sell around £3bn worth of shares said Jefferies’ Joseph Dickerson. Analysts on average estimated Financial. In November, it closed to British home loans. However, it under the plan, based on average trading volumes over the past 6 Dickerson’s opinion was backed earnings of $1.79 per share. the sale of GE Capital’s GE Money was found to hold core capital of months. That would take the government’s stake down to around up by a senior banker who said Shares in Dow member GE fell Bank, serving the Nordic markets, 5 percent of risk-weighted assets 19.5 percent. REUTERS he believed Lloyds was “further 0.4 percent to $24.49. to Spain’s Santander, the biggest under the adverse test scenarios, away from paying a dividend” as The company said its indus- bank in Europe by market value, ahead of the 4.5 percent pass Britain’s biggest eight lenders modest payout for the 2014 finan- a result of the stress test result. trial activities were expected to for $876m. mark. “While the headline figure would be in the face of a slump cial year. It hopes to be able to Lloyds’ executives had antici- contribute $1.10-1.20 earnings The company agreed in of 5 percent might concern some, in house prices and higher inter- make an announcement alongside pated a close passing of the BoE’s per share, while the finance arm September to sell its appliances we don’t think it takes away from est rates. its full-year results in February. test because it was focused on UK should yield 60 cents. business to Electrolux of Sweden. the dividend story,” said Exane Lloyds has been in talks with Resuming dividends could home loans. The bank has the big- Next year should see the con- The $3.3bn deal is expected to analyst Tom Rayner. the regulator for several months make it easier for the government gest residential mortgage book of glomerate increasingly return to close next year. AFP The BoE tested how resilient seeking permission to make a to sell its remaining 25 percent any UK lender. REUTERS

Final shift at Ford’s Genk plant Apple cleared in iPod antitrust suit

SAN FRANCISCO: A US jury best way to listen to music. Every He argued that “lots of hack- cleared Apple of abusing its time we’ve updated those prod- ers” were trying to break into dominant market position in an ucts — and every Apple product the system, and as a result, Apple antitrust case over online music over the years — we’ve done it to had to be constantly “revving the for the iPod. make the user experience even iTunes and iPod software, closing The class-action antitrust better.” any holes that might be in it, or case in California federal court Jobs’ testimony from a few any problems it might have.” featured dramatic videotaped months before his death in If these changes meant that testimony recorded by Apple co- October 2011 was played at the competitors became locked out, founder Steve Jobs before he died hearing Friday. then they were only “collateral in 2011. In excerpts published by online damage,” he said. The $350m lawsuit accused the news site “The Verge,” he said Plaintiffs in the class-action tech giant of illegally forcing iPod that Apple was “very concerned” suit argued that the repeat users to purchase their music on about retaliatory measures that changes prevented other online its iTunes service. could be taken by record compa- music stores — and potentially The suit said iPod buyers nies if songs purchased in iTunes less expensive ones at that — from between 2006 and 2009 were and downloaded to an iPod were adapting their own systems fast blocked from buying music from then copied onto somebody else’s enough for their music to be used other vendors, advancing Apple’s computer. on the iPod. dominant position on music “We went to great pains to This, they said, meant iPod downloads. make sure that people couldn’t owners had to make purchases But the jury ruled otherwise. hack into our digital rights man- on iTunes. Apple has remained a “We thank the jury for their agement system because if they powerful player in online music, service and we applaud their ver- could, we would get nasty emails but in 2009 dropped its “digital Workers leave the factory for one of their final shifts at the Ford Motor Co plant in Genk, Belgium, yesterday. dict,” Apple said in a statement. from the labels threatening us rights management” that limited Ford announced that production of the models made in Genk would move to Valencia, Spain, with the loss “We created iPod and iTunes that they were going to yank the how users could copy or transfer of 4,300 jobs at the Belgian site. to give our customers the world’s license,” Jobs said. songs. AFP THURSDAY 18 DECEMBER 2014 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27 Rouble recovers as govt pressures exporters Moscow spends billions to prop up currency

MOSCOW: Russia’s rouble partly on providing stability and of a bridge loan that matures on strengthened sharply yester- prosperity, is at risk from a rouble Sunday. day after dramatic falls on the decline that is damaging Russia’s Putin holds his annual end- previous two days as the gov- credibility among investors. of-year news conference today, ernment pressured exporters “Sooner or later they’ll flood when he will field questions from not to hoard foreign-currency the market with foreign currency, a studio audience and television earnings and the central bank that’s what the market expects. viewers around Russia, and is announced new measures to We’re awaiting foreign currency expected to comment on the rou- support financial stability. from exporters, the finance min- ble’s decline of about 45 percent The rouble was around 9 per- istry and central bank,” said Igor this year. cent firmer against the dollar in Akinshin, a forex trader at Alfa Putin failed in a state-of-the- volatile trading, with the market Bank in Moscow. nation address on December 4 to also boosted by central bank plans Prime Minister Dmitry offer any big ideas to turn around to ease concerns over approach- Medvedev called on Russia’s top the economy — which is sliding ing external debt repayments exporters yesterday to behave towards recession after being hit by Russian firms and stabilise “responsibly” with their forex by Western sanctions over the the ruble. Traders also saw tar- revenues after meeting with the Ukraine crisis and by a fall in geted sales of foreign currency heads of state exporters including the global price of oil, on which by exporters, in part because of Gazprom and Rosneft. the Russian economy is heavily upcoming monthly tax payments. The finance ministry, mean- dependent. At 1030 ET, the rouble was up 9 while, said it had started selling The rouble’s slide has stirred percent at 61.50 rouble per dollar foreign currency left over on its memories of the 1998 Russian on the Moscow Exchange and was accounts. Analysts say the ruble’s financial crisis, when the cur- around 10 percent stronger versus slide has meant exporters have rency collapsed within days. the euro at 76.55. held on to as much of their forex “What we’re seeing now is the The rouble has come under earnings as possible. result of choosing the wrong time heavy selling pressure this week, The slide was deepened early to float the rouble,” analysts at Customers look at cars at a Lexus showroom in Russia’s Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk. Due to the weakness of falling around 20 percent against this week by concerns Russian Bank Zenit in Moscow said in a the rouble, the majority of car manufacturers intend to increase prices of their products starting from January 1, the dollar at one stage on Tuesday, oil major Rosneft, which recently note, following the central bank’s which has led to an increased demand for cars in recent weeks, according to local media. sparking fears of financial melt- issued 625bn rouble ($10.11bn) in decision last month to float the down, despite the central bank bonds, was converting the money currency. hiking its key interest rate by 650 it had raised into foreign currency Two traders said they did not exporters were having their arms interventions this year to defend points after steep losses in the basis points. to meet debt repayments. believe the central bank was twisted to sell their foreign-cur- the rouble. Dollar-denominated past two sessions. The rouble- The situation poses a major Rosneft has denied the money intervening heavily in the market, rency earnings. Russian shares were helped by denominated MICEX, however, challenge for President Vladimir would be used to buy dollars and is and a currency dealer at a large Russia’s central bank has con- the stronger rouble, with the RTS was hurt, falling 1 percent to 1,427 Putin whose popularity, based expected to repay a $7.6bn portion Russian bank said he believed ducted over $80bn in forex market index up over 17 percent to 738 points. REUTERS

Australia’s Woodside US current account deficit widens in Q3

WASHINGTON: The US cur- invests in LNG projects rent account deficit unexpect- edly rose in the third quarter as Consumer prices post biggest fall in six years an increase in exports was off- SYDNEY: Shares in Woodside increased while demand growth set by a rewidening of the sec- WASHINGTON: US consumer prices recorded percent from October said Fed officials were likely Petroleum jumped yesterday has slowed. The oil slump has also ondary income shortfall. their biggest drop in nearly six years in to shrug off the disinflationary trend as transitory following the Australian energy raised question marks over LNG The Commerce Department November as oil prices tumbled, but that did not when they issue a statement at the end of a two-day producer’s decision to pay projects. said yesterday the current change views the Federal Reserve would start meeting. “Beside a brief mention about keeping an $2.75bn to acquire stakes in liq- But Woodside’s Chief Executive account gap, which measures the raising interest rates in mid-2015. The Labour eye on oil prices, do not expect this inflation report uefied natural gas projects from Peter Coleman said it presented flow of goods, services and invest- Department said yesterday its Consumer Price to materially impact today’s Fed decision,” said Jay US firm Apache. an opportunity for investment in ments into and out of the country, Index (CPI) fell 0.3 percent, the largest decline Morelock, an economist at FTN Financial. The deal came as Woodside high-quality projects, adding that rose 1.9 percent to $100.3bn from since December 2008, after being flat in October. While inflation is running below the US central delayed a decision on Tuesday to the transaction was a “natural fit” a revised $98.4bn deficit in the For the 12 months through November, the CPI bank’s target of 2 percent, job growth has shifted invest in the Browse gas-export with his company’s portfolio. second quarter. increased 1.3 percent, the smallest gain since into higher gear and the pace of slack absorption project off Western Australia to “We are now in a position to Economists polled had fore- February, after advancing 1.7 percent in October. in the economy has accelerated in recent months. take advantage of lower costs for take advantage of challenging cast the deficit narrowing Economists who expected the CPI to dip only 0.1 REUTERS the multi-billion-dollar venture. market conditions and use cash to $97.5bn from a previously The oil and gas giant closed reserves and existing debt facili- reported $98.5bn shortfall in the 3.02 percent higher to Aus$35.50 ties to acquire very high quality April-June quarter. The cur- production, which has reduced its the third quarter, while imports in the second quarter. Secondary yesterday. It fell 2.6 percent to assets,” he said in a statement. rent account deficit represented petroleum import bill. With crude slipped 0.2 percent to $716.3bn. income receipts fell to $27.8bn Aus$34.46 on Tuesday along with The Browse decision was 2.3 percent of gross domestic oil prices at 5-1/2 year lows, the The surplus on primary income from $40.1bn. Secondary income declines in other energy stocks. delayed to also take advantage product, unchanged from the current account gap is expected rose to $59bn in the third quarter receipts had been boosted by fines The acquisition transaction of the changing market condi- second quarter. The deficit had to narrow in the coming quarters. from $54.8bn in the prior quarter. and penalties paid to the US gov- includes a 13 percent interest tions, which could lead to lower declined in recent quarters as the Goods and services exports The deficit on secondary income ernment by foreign entities. in Wheatstone LNG and a 65 costs within the business in nine US ramped up domestic energy increased 0.9 percent to $592bn in increased to $34.9bn from $22bn REUTERS percent interest in the Julimar- to 18 months, Coleman added in Brunello upstream gas develop- a teleconference. “I expect over ment, both in Western Australia. the next 12 months or more, we’ll Woodside also acquires a 65 start to see cost wash through the Italy eyes partial privatisations percent interest in the Balnaves business. So at the end of the day oil project off the coast of Western it’s all about margin,” he said. MILAN: Italy hopes to sell off major parts of the postal Australia, as well as a 50 percent UBS energy analyst Nik Burns service, air traffic control company and national railway in interest in the Kitimat LNG ven- said the acquisition was “fairly 2015 after the “unfavourable” market of 2014, the economy ture in Canada. safe” and filled a production hole minister has said. The energy market has been which was looming. The government will likely sell off 40 percent of Poste Italiane, challenged by tumbling oil prices, “But strategically we found 49 percent of the air traffic control company ENAV and nearly which plunged further following it curious,” he said, noting that 40 percent of State Railways (FS), Pier Carlo Padoan said in an a decision by the Organisation Woodside had bought into ven- interview. Italy’s reformist Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has of the Petroleum Exporting tures at later stages of develop- vowed to cut the towering debt pile of the eurozone’s fifth-largest Countries last month against cut- ment where they would not have economy. The government hopes to raise some €10bn with the ting production. as much scope to extract addi- sales, Padoan told the Rome daily Il Messaggero. “Of course, we US benchmark West Texas tional value from them. have to keep the market in mind. But we are confident,” he said. Intermediate for January deliv- Further buying opportunities Rome is still planning to sell off part of energy giant Enel, but ery has dropped about 50 percent could appear if the oil price falls will stand firm with oil firm Eni, in which it holds a 30 percent since June as crude supplies have further, Burns said. AFP “golden share”. AFP

Fake iphones, Samsung phones Philips to buy Volcano in $1.2bn deal THE HAGUE: Dutch electron- ics giant Philips announced yes- terday it was buying US-based medical imaging company Volcano for $1.2bn, as it sought to strengthen its hold on the high-margin healthcare technol- ogy market. “Philips is to acquire Volcano for $18 per share (with) a total transaction value of $1.2bn,” Philips said in a statement. The agreement to buy the San Diego-based Volcano, which makes catheter-based imaging and advanced blood flow measur- ing equipment, “advances Philips’ focused strategy in image guided therapy,” it said. Philips added: “There is an increasing trend to use advanced catheters that are A member of a joint inter-agency intellectual property task force inspects counterfeit Apple capable of producing ultrasound iPhones and Samsung Galaxy devices at a warehouse of a top online shop in Manila yesterday. images of the interior of blood The government seized various counterfeit smartphones, electronic gadgets and accessories vessels or perform blood flow worth an estimated 70m pesos ($1.57m). measurements.” AFP THURSDAY 18 DECEMBER 2014 28 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS Petrobras chief won’t quit despite graft probe President Rousseff has trust in me: CEO Graca Foster

RIO DE JANEIRO: The chief vote of confidence, she said. one for Petrobras, which is also executive of Brazil’s state oil “I’m here today as the presi- reeling from oil prices that have giant Petrobras said yesterday dent of Petrobras, for as long as I recently slid to less than $60 a that she will not resign despite have the president’s trust and she barrel — down almost 50 percent the corruption scandal shak- believes I should stay,” Foster told since June — as well as a weaken- ing the company and the ruling a press conference. ing real that has made it harder Workers’ Party. “We’re sitting here because we for the company to pay off the 80 Saying she had President Dilma believe in this project.” percent of its debt that is denomi- Rousseff’s “trust,” CEO Graca She said auditors would make nated in dollars. Foster said she and her board it their priority to investigate Petrobras shares have lost half of directors would all be investi- the directors of Petrobras and its their value in three months. gated as part of an independent subsidiaries. And the company has repeat- audit ordered after investiga- “They’ll go into their closets, edly delayed releasing its third tors accused a corrupt network take a look at all their papers, quarter financial results, spook- of laundering more than $4bn take their computers, their ing investors. of company money, much of it iPhones, their iPads. And that’s a Foster said the 61-year-old allegedly going to politicians from very good thing. It’s an independ- company was still not ready to Rousseff’s party. ent investigation. It’s apolitical,” release the results. Foster also outlined a plan to she said. “We consider it prudent not to reverse Petrobras’s sinking for- “But that investigation isn’t release them yet because... there tunes by investing less and saving enough. We need to give guaran- may be new information and then more in 2015. tees to the market, to regulators, we would have to announce fur- Besides being engulfed in scan- to our shareholders, to those who ther reductions in liquid assets,” dal, Brazil’s largest company has invest in Petrobras.” she said. also been hit hard by the recent Vowing that Petrobras would The company has said it will Petrobras Chief Executive Maria das Gracas Silva Foster (left) at a breakfast with journalists in Rio de Janeiro slide in oil prices, sending its emerge a “much better” company release the results by January 30. yesterday. shares plummeting to a decade from the scandal, she announced For next year, Foster said, the low this week. 66 management measures she company’s motto will be “save, investigators about a massive Petrobras contracts by up to six three parties, including the Foster, 61, said she had spoken said would be taken to improve save, save.” kickback scheme worth millions percent with illicit surcharges. Workers’ Party, have been impli- several times with Rousseff about corporate governance, includ- “Spend less and do more,” she of dollars. The extra cash would then be cated, though so far none have resigning. ing creating a new directorship said. More than 35 people, mainly passed on to front companies been charged. But ultimately she and her charged with overseeing legal The Petrobras scandal erupted executives in the construction to be laundered and paid out in Police estimate more than $4bn board of directors will remain compliance. in March with the arrest of industry, have been accused of bribes. was stolen in a decade. after the leftist leader gave her This year has been a rough a former director who told operating a cartel that inflated Dozens of politicians from AFP

Japan’s trade deficit shrinks China’s Baidu invests in controversial Uber BEIJING: Chinese search engine Baidu, the country’s in November equivalent of Google, announced Uber fights French ban at EU TOKYO: Japan’s trade deficit yesterday it has bought a stake BRUSSELS: Uber, the taxi app company under fire around the in November shrank by nearly in Uber for an undisclosed sum, world, has filed an EU complaint against a French ban on ama- a third from a year ago, helped as the controversial US web- teur drivers doubling as chauffeurs, the European Union said by higher exports and falling based taxi app seeks to expand yesterday. oil bills, although the volume of into an already crowded market. “We have received a complaint and we are currently analysing shipments to foreign markets Baidu will also link users of its it,” said European Commission spokeswoman Lucia Caudet, who remained weak, official data mapping and search functions also handles internal market issues, without providing more details. showed yesterday. with Uber drivers, the two com- France earlier this year implemented a new law making it harder The figures come after Japanese panies announced at a ceremony for everyday drivers to double as taxis, the basis of the Uber busi- Prime Minister Shinzo Abe swept in Beijing. The investment has ness model. weekend elections he had billed as previously been reported to be Still facing strong opposition from taxi drivers, French Prime a referendum on his programme as much as $600m, according to Minister Manuel Valls said this week the practice would be banned to kickstart growth. state-run China National Radio. completely starting January 1. The two-year old policy blue- “Our efforts here in China are Uber is already fighting the measure in France and last week a print took a hit after an April unique and will continue to be, Paris business court decided the law could not be enforced until the sales tax rise slammed the brakes let’s call it, more unique than any- government had published full details of the restrictions. on the world’s third-largest econ- where else,” Uber’s CEO Travis San Francisco-based Uber is giving the US and European taxi omy, which slipped into recession Kalanick said at a press confer- industries a run for their money by hooking up drivers and pas- during the third quarter. ence after the signing ceremony. sengers through a cellphone application. Abe’s plan had sharply weak- “You have to do things dif- The company founded in 2009 is valued at a whopping $40 billion ened the yen, a plus for the profit- ferently here in China,” he said, (¤32bn) and says it operates in 250 cities in 50 countries. ability of exporters such as Toyota without elaborating. However, it is battling lawsuits in a string of countries for unfair and Sony, but the currency’s dive Uber, which connects riders competition and rising anger from taxi companies over drivers who has not translated into a big jump and local drivers, currently oper- are not properly vetted and beholden to no one. in export volumes. ates in nine cities across China, New Delhi last week banned Uber from operating in the Indian Yesterday, the finance ministry including the capital Beijing and capital after a passenger accused one of its drivers of rape. data showed the November trade financial hub Shanghai. Thailand, the Netherlands and Spain have ruled it illegal and deficit came in at 891.9bn yen But its presence is dwarfed by People use laptops at Baidu’s headquarters in Beijing yesterday. Chinese Denmark and Norway have filed complaints against the company. ($7.6bn), down 31.5 percent from China’s two dominant taxi-hailing Internet giant Baidu Inc agreed to buy a stake in Uber as the online car- Belgium on Tuesday said it will launch a investigation into the a year ago and below a median apps — Kuaidi Dache, in which hailing service seeks to gain ground on rivals with powerful backers in one Uber’s tax affairs. AFP forecast of 996bn yen in a survey e-commerce behemoth Alibaba of the world’s biggest transportation markets. by Japan’s leading Nikkei business has a stake, and Didi Dache, daily. backed by technology giant quarter, while Didi held 44.9 per- controversies around the world, said she was raped by one of its in some jurisdictions, while the The value of exports rose 4.9 Tencent. cent market share, research firm and earlier this month complied drivers. It has drawn protests company has seen its image tar- percent, largely on shipments of Kuaidi secured a 54.4 per- Analysys International said. with an order to stop operating in from established taxi operators in nished by executives’ gaffes and electronic components, optical cent share in China in the third Uber is embroiled in several New Delhi after an Indian woman many cities and been ruled illegal concerns on privacy. AFP equipment and machinery, but volume was still down 1.7 percent. Imports fell 1.7 percent, the first downturn in three months, Kirchner attends summit as the cost of crude oil and petro- leum purchases plunged. EY holds banking CFO forum in Qatar Energy costs have weighed heavily on Japan as the resource- poor country struggles to plug a DOHA: GCC businesses will stakeholders. They should also yawning energy gap after the need to understand and be recognize that the new model will 2011 Fukushima crisis forced the prepared to integrate the require significant development shutdown of nuclear reactors that new International Financial of systems and processes.” once supplied more than a quar- Reporting Standards (IFRS) Muhammad Qaiser, Executive ter of its power. before they come into force Director, Financial Accounting That problem has been exacer- in the next two years. The Advisory Services, EY Qatar, said: bated by the yen’s sharp fall — it recently published IFRS 9 will “IFRS 9 has a far more reaching is currently at a seven-year low have a bigger impact on banks impact on banks than any other against the dollar — which hiked than any other organisation. organisation. The new rules are the cost of imports purchased in Ernst & Young (EY) recently set to push banks to take a hit foreign currencies. organised its first Banking CFO on their balance sheets for losses “The drop in the trade shortfall forum at the W Hotel in Doha to they expect to make in the future. in November should be followed discuss the challenges that the new Significant changes have also by a further narrowing in com- IFRS on Financial Instruments been made to the recognition, ing months as lower oil prices will present for the banking indus- reporting under IFRS for annual classification and measurement of will reduce the import bill,” said try. The seminar was attended by periods beginning on or after 1 financial assets (including hybrid Marcel Thieliant, Japan econo- a number of CFO’s and CRO’s rep- January 2018. instruments), moving from the mist at Capital Economics. resenting both conventional and Firas Qoussous (pictured), 4-category approach in IAS 39 But “import volumes... remain Islamic banks in Qatar. Office Managing Partner, EY to a new 2-category approach. well below the peaks reached The theme of CFO forum Qatar said: “Our aim is to bring Hedge accounting, which is essen- ahead of the consumption tax was IFRS 9, the latest version together industry participants tial in managing P&L volatility hike. Admittedly, the weaken- of the standards promulgated to share their views and discuss for many banks, has also been ing of the export climate index by the International Accounting solutions to the problems that are completely reformed to address suggests that export volumes will Standards Board (IASB). Earlier likely to impact the industry as a inconsistencies and weaknesses expand at a slower pace in com- this year, IASB completed the whole. Financial services organi- identified in IAS 39. The new ing months”. The trade picture is final chapters of IFRS 9 and zations and banks in particular, model is expected to align hedge expected to remain cloudy amid Argentina’s President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner arrives for the included them in the final version will need to manage carefully how accounting more closely with a tepid growth in the eurozone and Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) trade bloc annual summit in of IFRS 9 published in July 2014. they communicate the imple- banks’ risk management and pro- a slowdown in China, a key trad- Parana, north of Buenos Aires, yesterday. The new standard is compulsory mentation of the new model to vide improved disclosures.” ing partner for Japan. AFP for banks and other organisations their shareholders and other key THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 18 DECEMBER 2014 BUSINESS VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 29

Fed’s most interesting Global turmoil boosts funds man is bowing out BY NOAH SMITH that bet against Russia, oil ARAYANA Kocherlakota, to borrow from a much-lam- pooned beer commercial, is the most interesting man in the Fed. Kocherlakota has just declared that he will not BY KELLY BIT & a time when many competi- trailing 95 percent of its peers. percent to $59.02 a barrel in Nseek reappointment as president of the Federal Reserve SABRINA WILLMER tors are struggling to eke out a Alden, in addition to bet- London. Bank of Minneapolis, ending a tenure that has seen quite a lot profit. This year’s more than 40 ting against the ruble, has also Naphtal’s Boston-based P/E of controversy and the most dramatic policy reversal in recent ANDY Smith’s percent decline in oil prices has been profiting from a decline in Investments benefited indirectly memory. The Minnesota Fed is famous for its association with Alden Global Capital curbed global growth and hob- Russian stock indexes, said two from oil’s plunge as it bet on cur- the University of Minnesota, which is famous for a certain kind of has been betting bled Russia’s economy. people familiar with the trades, rencies with little exposure to macroeconomics. That university is where Ed Prescott developed against the ruble for Bill Gross, who ran the world’s who asked not to be identi- commodities, according to two his landmark Real Business Cycle theory, which included no role the past month and largest bond fund at Pacific fied because the information people familiar with the mat- for monetary policy in fighting recessions. Prescott once famously Ra half. Yesterday, it paid off when Investment Management Co. is private. Russian equities are ter, who asked not to be identi- quipped that Fed monetary policy “is as effective in bringing pros- Russia’s currency fell as much as before joining Janus Capital down 42 percent in the past fied because the information is perity as rain dancing is in bringing rain.” 19 percent. Group Inc. in September, said an month and a half, according to private. Prescott and his colleagues built strong links between the Alden, a $1.8bn New York- excess of leverage, or borrowed the dollar- denominated RTS The firm’s main fund, which University of Minnesota and the Minneapolis Fed — many research- based hedge fund firm, is emerg- money, is making markets more Index. relies on computer mod- ers would hold joint positions at both institutions. One might sus- ing as one of the winners from volatile. Andurand, the 37-year-old els to trade, rose 4 percent in pect that this would lend a hawkish cast to the Minneapolis Fed’s a recent spike in geopolitical “When levered money moves London hedge fund manager, November, helped by the U.S. attitudes toward monetary policy, and indeed, that Fed bank was turmoil. and tries to seek a safe haven said earlier this month Brent dollar and by wagers against the renowned for its suspicion of money-printing. Pierre Andurand, who fore- basically you have violent price crude will continue its col- Canadian and Australian dollar, When Kocherlakota became president of the Minneapolis Fed saw the oil market’s peak in movements,” Gross said in a Dec. lapse into next year as the the euro and the Swiss franc, in 2009, he looked like a classic hawk. Shortly before assuming the 2008, made an 18 percent gain 12 Bloomberg Surveillance inter- Organisation of Petroleum according to one of the people. position, he had signed a Cato Institute-sponsored petition against for his hedge fund in November view with Tom Keene. Exporting Countries stops bal- The firm joins other quant President Barack Obama’s stimulus bill. by predicting Opec’s refusal to ancing the global market. His funds in using computer pro- Kocherlakota remained hawkish for the first two years on the job. cut crude production and how EMERGING MARKETS firm’s bearish stance on oil in grams to beat star manag- In 2010, he gave a notorious speech in which he suggested that low that would strengthen the US A $3.3bn fund at Gross’s October helped his fund reverse ers this year, in part from the interest rates would cause deflation instead of inflation, causing a dollar against other currencies, former firm has been one of losses in 2014 after Brent plunge in oil prices that some firestorm of protest in the blogosphere. In 2011, he was one of only including the Japanese yen, those hit. The Pimco Emerging slumped during the month. human traders dismissed. Hedge three Federal Reserve governors to vote against keeping interest according to a letter to clients, Markets Bond Fund held Oil futures continued their funds on average are trailing the rates low — the other two were Charles Plosser and Richard Fisher, a copy of which was obtained $803m of Russian corporate slide today after Russia, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index for the most hawkish of the hawks. by Bloomberg News. Warren and sovereign bonds at the end world’s largest crude producer, a sixth year. But in 2012, Kocherlakota made one of the greatest reversals Naphtal’s $3.9bn currency fund of September, equal to 21 per- said it would refrain from cut- Hedge funds returned 1.7 in economics history. Switching abruptly from hawk to dove, he is up about 24 percent this year cent of total assets, an amount ting supply to tackle the global percent this year through began to argue that the Fed needed to keep interest rates at zero after recent bets on a stronger that’s more than double that surplus. November, according to data for many more years. He claimed it was new academic research dollar, according to an investor of the benchmark it tracks, West Texas Intermediate compiled by Bloomberg, com- that changed his mind — a rare case when macroeconomic theory report. according to data compiled by dropped 2.7 percent to $54.44 a pared with a gain of 12 percent had convinced a policy maker to change his mind in real time. The hedge funds are mak- Bloomberg. The fund has lost barrel in New York. Brent crude for the S&P 500. Kocherlakota began to vote with the doves. Where he used to ing money from the trades at 7.9 percent in the past month, for February settlement fell 1.7 BLOOMBERG dissent from the Federal Open Market Committee on the hawk- ish side, he now began writing dissents in favor of keeping inter- est rates lower for longer! He hired more labor economists, and created a research team that uses macroeconomic models of a decidedly non-Minnesota type. Naturally, given the overall tenor and atmosphere of the Minneapolis Fed, this was bound to cause friction within the institution. In 2013, he dismissed two prominent Prescott disciples, Patrick Kehoe and Ellen McGrattan, from their positions at the bank. This was no minor shift — Kehoe and McGrattan were the first- and third-ranked researchers on the Minneapolis Fed’s staff. It isn’t clear whether the firings were prompted by intractable differences over economics, or by personality conflicts, but it seems obvious that the former was at least present in some form. Whatever the impetus for the firings, they caused a firestorm of protest. Prescott warned that “something very good is breaking down rapidly.” Stephen Williamson, then of Washington University in St Louis, and a rather hawkish type in his own right went further: Basically, Kocherlakota has declared war on his own research department, and seems intent on destroying the place as a research institution...he should quit - and do everyone, includ- ing himself, a favor. Basically, Kocherlakota has declared war on his own research department, and seems intent on destroy- ing the place as a research institution...he should quit — and do everyone, including himself, a favor. Williamson has gotten his wish — Kocherlakota is quitting. Actually, Kocherlakota’s latest surprise move may not be that big of a surprise. His term expires in 2016, and to secure another, he would have had to have received the backing of the board of the Minneapolis Fed. That board is composed of private business people — mostly bank- ers — from the region surrounding Minneapolis. If they appointed Kocherlakota as a superhawk in 2009, and supported earlier presi- dents who built the institution into a bastion of hawkishness, it seems unlikely they would bring back Kocherlakota after his radical 180-degree conversion. In other words, Kocherlakota is probably just gracefully bowing to the inevitable. With Kocherlakota leaving, the future of the Minneapolis Fed is in doubt. It remains to be seen if the directors will replace him with a classic Minnesota hawk, and whether his replacement will reverse the changes Kocherlakota made at the bank. But whatever happens, Kocherlakota has made an important impression on the broader world of macroeconomics — he has shown that it’s possible to change one’s mind about substantive issues, to buck local culture and stick to one’s guns in the face of academic politics. He was…the most interesting man in the Fed. BLOOMBERG Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate Greece: Financial contagion seen limited

BY JAN STRUPCZEWSKI policy-making during the debt elections, the pro-reform gov- and Portugal are at over 120 per- extremist parties all over Europe, crisis said. “Whatever happens ernment of centre-right Antonis cent. How can we expect their possibly resulting in bad policy IVE YEARS after Greece there is now primarily a concern Samaras could lose to the anti- citizens to pay it off if Greece is choices, economists said. sparked a sovereign debt for euro zone treasuries, not for reform leftist Syriza, which leads forgiven? And how can we expect “It could spark a more funda- crisis that threatened the private investors.” in opinion polls. Third World countries to pay up mental discussion on the policy Feuro’s survival, the coun- Unlike in 2010, when the crisis Euro zone governments want in such a situation?” one euro zone mix, how do we get out of low try again has the potential to rat- started, euro zone governments Greece, which has just started official said. growth, etc, which could be an Unlike in 2010, tle its currency partners if Greeks now have the protection of the growing after six years of reces- While EU officials and econo- explosive mix,” said ING’s Brzeski. have to elect a new government 500bn euro zone bailout fund. sion, to continue with reforms so mists believe Syriza’s radical For now, such concerns are just when the crisis next month. Governments also have instru- the country can eventually repay slogans may mellow if it comes speculation. Early Greek elections started, euro zone But this time any fallout for the ments and procedures developed them. to power, a victory of the anti- may not happen if Samaras per- euro zone could be more political during the crisis to react to mar- But Syriza not only vows to stop EU party in Greece would suades enough independent and governments than financial. It would be seen in ket turmoil. budget consolidation and reverse still be a boost to like-minded opposition deputies to vote for his now have the rising support for militant politi- But the biggest defence against some privatisations and reforms, Eurosceptics of far left and right candidate in a round of presiden- protection of the cal parties rather than rising bor- any contagion is the European it has also called for a debt write- across Europe. tial election ballots in parliament rowing costs. Central Bank which declared in off from official lenders. “The peripheral countries like this month. 500bn euro zone This is because almost 90 per- 2012 it would do whatever it takes Such a write-off would be Greece, Spain and Ireland are And if there are elections in bailout fund. cent of Greek debt is now held to protect the euro. unlikely because officials believe growing quite rapidly, but so too January, officials and economists Governments also by official creditors—euro zone “ECB President Mario that now that Greece is growing is the political risk in those coun- point out that Syriza may not get governments—and, after the 2012 Draghi’s ‘whatever it takes’ is again, it can pay back its debts. A tries,” said Mark Wall, chief euro enough votes to rule alone and have instruments restructuring of privately held still extremely strong. It would write-off would also put the euro area economist at Deutsche Bank. need to form a coalition that may and procedures Greek debt, no one in Greece is not be questioned by markets if zone in an impossible position with “That is probably an aspect mar- soften its demands. developed during talking about another round for something goes wrong in Greece,” other debtors. kets might focus on to a certain “In politics you behave differ- the private sector. said ING economist Carsten “If the euro zone would say OK extent—what’s the political com- ently before and after elections,” the crisis to react “I don’t believe for one minute Brzeski. in the end, Greece would win big, mitment like in some of these one euro zone official said. “There to market turmoil. that Greece could provoke Yet uncertainty among Greece’s but then what would we do with peripheral countries.” is a level of worry, but what will another ‘mega crisis’,” one EU euro zone peers is rife because if the countries with public debt An election victory of Syriza happen is now difficult to predict.” official involved in economic Athens is forced to hold early over 100 percent of GDP? Italy could add to the popularity of REUTERS THURSDAY 18 DECEMBER 2014 30 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MARKET

QE Indices Summary QE Index 11,181.65 1.12 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Total Return Index 16,677.33 1.12 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 3,599.81 0.06 % RATE QE All Share Index 2,851.86 1.04 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 3,020.15 1.61 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 5140.648 9.617 0.19 5672.3 5072.7 QE All Share Industrials 3,607.57 0.93 % QR140.9686 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 QE All Share Transportation 2,030.21 0.99 % Cac 40 Index/D 4074.21 -18.99 -0.46 4598.65 3789.11 QE All Share Real Estate 1,968.8 0.09 % SILVER UK ...... QR 5.6914 QR 5.7711 QE All Share Insurance 3,349.85 1.23 % Dj Indu Average 17068.87 -111.97 -0.65 17991.2 15340.69 QR 1.8649 Euro ...... QR 4.5091 QR 4.5728 QE All Share Telecoms 1,278.8 0.00 % CA$ ...... QR 3.1014 QR 3.1623 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 6,075.93 0.89 % Hang Seng Inde/D 22585.84 -84.66 -0.37 25362.98 21137.61 Services Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.7548 QR 3.8074 QE Market Summary Comparison Iseq Overall/D 4999.37 -2.07 -0.04 5325.15 4275.26 Yen ...... QR 0.0308 QR 0.0314 Aus$ ...... QR 2.9551 QR 3.0143 Today Previous day Karachi 100 In/D 30667.14 -209.14 -0.68 32315.56 25273.11 CRUDE OIL 17-12-2014 16-12-2014 Ind Re ...... QR 0.0567 QR 0.0579 Index 11,181.65 11,057.33 Nikkei 225 Index 16819.73 64.41 0.38 18030.83 13885.11 Pak Re ...... QR 0.0359 QR 0.0366 Change 124.32 402.69 BRENT Peso ...... QR 0.0806 QR 0.0823 S&P 500 Index/D 1972.74 -16.89 -0.85 2079.47 1737.92 % 1.12 3.51 $ 59.36 SL Re ...... QR 0.0275 QR 0.0281 YTD% 7.73 6.53 Straits Times/D 3227.23 12.14 0.38 3387.84 2953.01 Taka ...... QR 0.0466 QR 0.0477 Volume 14,078,190 20,269,876 DUBAI Nep Re ...... QR 0.0355 QR 0.0362 Value (QAR) 643,117,229.91 929,422,422.41 Straits Times/D 3290.99 -1.82 -0.06 3387.84 2953.01 SA Rand ...... QR 0.3081 QR 0.3142 Trades 7,846 8,192 $ 55.82 Straits Times/D 3274.06 -8.82 -0.27 3291.83 2953.01 Up 25 | Down 12 | Unchanged 04

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 17-12-2014

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A List of Shares from the world

COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED A C C-A/D 1367.8 -24.15 111525 Cmc Ltd-A/D 1870 5.4 4026 Hind Motors-T/D 7.51 -0.06 153514 Kilburnengg-T/D 39.85 -0.05 20557 Rallis India-A/D 204.85 -5.3 31974 Legal & Genera/D 233.8712 -2.3 3083519 Aarti Drugs-B/D 753.05 -15.95 4343 Colgate-A/D 1752.85 34.8 19122 Hind Org Chem-/D 19.4 -0.45 36213 Kinetic Eng-B/D 45.05 0.85 15666 Rallis India-A/D 204.85 -5.3 31974 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 76.0552 -0.79 31383958 Aban Offs-A/D 422.65 18.95 511550 Container Cor-/D 1271.3 8.8 33583 Hind Unilever-/D 766.45 -1.55 42098 Kopran-B/D 49.25 -1.6 149873 Reliance Indus/D 428.65 -7.95 58298 Marks & Sp./D 458.4 -2.9 1842026 Aegis Logis-B/D 421.5 -5.15 13007 Dai-Tichi Kar-/D 142 1.8 15725 Hind.Petrol-A/D 548.9 -2.4 153823 Lakshmi Elec-B/D 429.8 -11.45 12345 Ruchi Soya-B/D 33.6 -1.1 64577 Next/D 6410 -70 110354 Ahmed.Forg-B/D 330.05 -16.8 76987 Dcm Shram Ind-/D 119 -0.5 5030 Hindalco-A/D 147.25 2.55 1409186 Lakshmi Mach-A/D 3775.1 1.1 5617 S Bk Bikaner-B/D 570.25 24.05 20166 Pearson/D 1146 -2 760242 Alembic-B/D 37.35 -1.5 254852 Dhampur Sugar-/D 43.25 -0.3 18595 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 1088.15 0 61924 Lgb Broth-B/D 608.5 -7.35 6610 Samtel-T/D 7.89 0.35 5800 Prudential/D 1464.0885 -1.5 1108976 Alok Indus-A/D 9.97 -0.21 2211491 Dr. Reddy-A/D 3160.45 18.1 48245 I F C I-A/D 34.8 0.85 952049 Lok.Hous&Con-T/D 11.55 0.01 19242 Saur.Cem-B/D 38 0.4 45476 Rank Group/D 159 -1 5801 Apollo Tyre-A/D 207.85 -15.4 481550 E I H-B/D 113.9 -2.3 10232 Idbi-A/D 65.25 0 765924 Lumax Ind-B/D 400.05 -5 7278 Timexgroup-T/D 13.7 0.65 16130 Rentokil Initi/D 113.9 -0.9 205695 Asahi I Glass-/D 114.8 -0.3 14717 E.I.D Parry-A/D 194.95 -2.1 98476 Ifb Agro-B/D 335 -21.65 8001 Lupin-A/D 1393.45 -31.8 69679 Tinplate-B/D 59.2 -0.15 78829 Rolls Royce Pl/D 824.85 -7.5 1089577 Ashok Leyland-/D 46.7 0.8 2852514 Eicher Motor-A/D 13881.7 -182.15 4896 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 472.9 2.6 21114 Lyka Labs-T/D 24.9 -1.3 48904 Ucal Fuel-B/D 110.9 -4.8 34717 Rsa Insrance G/D 431.5 -2.2 1343102 Ballarpur In-B/D 15 0 321853 Electrosteel-B/D 17.7 -0.4 156200 India Cement-A/D 73.95 -2.9 537031 Mah.Seamless-B/D 236.6 -2.2 27014 Ucal Fuel-B/D 110.9 -4.8 34717 Sainsbury(J)/D 226.71 -2.6 2982029 Bata India-A/D 1262.5 -7.05 10241 Emco-B/D 35.25 -1.2 60099 India Glycol-B/D 97 -3.05 24757 Maha Scooter-B/D 1029 10.55 35918 Ultramarine-B/D 67.4 -0.1 18694 Schroders/D 2553 -33 61380 Beml Ltd-A/D 685.95 14.7 177363 Escorts Fin-B/D 5.71 0.27 12474 Indian Hotel-A/D 113.1 0.05 87035 Mangalam Cem-B/D 274.4 -8.8 56640 Unitech P -A/D 15.3 0.35 10528786 Severn Trent/D 1961 -6 277434 Bh Electronic-/D 2642.65 -1.75 40533 Escorts-A/D 121.85 4.55 499615 Indo-Tcount-T/D 284.9 -0.35 38694 Maral Overs-B/D 18.4 -0.2 15606 Univcable-T/D 46.05 1.8 116103 Smith&Nephew/D 1044 -6 654229 Bharat Bijle-B/D 691.65 11.8 12780 Essar Oil-T/D 102.3 -1.6 196661 Indusind-A/D 759.95 -3.8 64691 Mastek-B/D 320.6 -8.9 645488 Smiths Group/D 1035 -11 296621 Bharatgears-B/D 60.25 -3.1 3679 Eveready Indu-/D 167.9 -7 205868 J.B.Chemical-B/D 199.1 -1.5 44706 Max India L-A/D 362.45 -7.2 80312 LONDON Standrd Chart /D 890 -8.1 1908309 Bhartiya Int-B/D 406.5 3.8 14348 F D C-B/D 154.4 1.95 78452 Jagson Phar-B/D 31.95 -2.35 66108 Mrpl-A/D 45.7 -0.05 75967 Tate & Lyle/D 587.5 24 2380391 Bhel-A/D 245.25 -2.05 503185 Federal Bank-A/D 138.5 4.6 293463 Jbf Indu-B/D 223.6 -7.95 448026 Nahar Spg.-B/D 94 -0.85 20434 3I Group/D 422.4 0.4 602306 Tesco/D 166.25 -1.2 5969019 Bom.Burmah-B/D 355.1 -18.65 252616 Ferro Alloys-B/D 6.15 -0.06 11837 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.55 -0.06 6929 Nation Alum -A/D 49.05 -0.9 190687 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 3042 -18 152798 Tomkins/D 0 0 0 Bombay Dyeing-/D 64 -0.4 327174 Finolex-A/D 262.2 1.15 34945 Jct Ltd-B/D 3.44 0.02 212532 Navneet Edu-B/D 98.45 -0.5 38487 Barclays/D 226.245 -3.9 13369007 Unilever/D 2559 -14 1127029 Canfin Homes-B/D 473 -14.5 12004 Forbes-B/D 1675 -62.65 13059 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 5.29 -0.27 36314 Nepc India-T/D 2.55 -0.12 21122 Bg Group/D 820.3 -6.9 2703990 United Util Gr/D 920.5 3 1104241 Caprihans-B/D 73.1 -0.05 19722 Gail-A/D 416.95 3.45 1034510 Jik Indust-B/D 1.22 0.18 10110 Nrb Bearings-B/D 117.2 -0.4 6019 Bp/D 382.5 -1.45 12238672 Vodafone Group/D 218 -1.45 16336029 Cast.Bo/D 479.25 -2.65 99621 Gammon India-T/D 23.45 0.05 663738 Jktyre&Ind-B/D 593.15 -35.35 327712 O N G C-A/D 342.75 7.25 543338 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3359 -58.5 951912 Whitbread/D 4435 -39 181370 Century Enka-B/D 152 -1.4 10774 Garden P -B/D 29.5 -0.65 4976 Jmc Projects-T/D 160 -4.85 5130 Ocl India-B/D 391.25 -8.2 18011 Bt Group/D 400.6 -4.8 3883258 Century Text-A/D 484.35 -8.15 133387 Godfrey Phil-B/D 568 12 7142 Kabra Extr-B/D 76.7 -3.55 7781 Oil Country-B/D 32.7 -0.4 10040 Centrica/D 268.8447 -1.2 2649278 Chambal Fert-B/D 59.7 -1.35 72898 Goodricke-B/D 147.65 -1.5 14975 Kajaria Cer-A/D 545 -20.65 371674 Orchid Chem-B/D 59.8 -1.45 157767 Gkn/D 328.18 -3.8 736757 Chowgule St-T/D 19 0.4 8854 Goodyear I -B/D 595.95 -27.05 29477 Kalpat Power-B/D 181 -7.25 75946 Orient Hotel-T/D 22.9 -1.1 5973 Hsbc Holdings/D 592.2837 -11 5106046 Cimmco-B/D 59.15 5.35 301059 Hcl Infosys-B/D 47.45 3.2 1240551 Kalyani Stel-T/D 135.9 1.4 64725 Orient.Carb.-T/D 346.95 -0.4 7144 Imperial Tobac/D 2727.1 -12 344558 Cipla-A/D 605.25 -18.15 209387 Him.Fut.Comm-T/D 17.15 0.15 2384443 Kanoria Chem-B/D 32.8 -0.35 15211 Orient.Carb.-T/D 346.95 -0.4 7144 Kingfisher/D 317.2 -5 940930 City Union Bk-/D 87.25 -1.55 272901 Himat Seide-B/D 87.5 -1 64059 Kg Denim-B/D 14.8 0.1 13325 Radico Khait-B/D 83.25 -2.05 109081 Land Secs Grou/D 1143.125 -2 665973 THURSDAY 18 DECEMBER 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 31 Grizzlies snap Warriors’ 16-game winning streak Gasol guides hosts to 105-98 win by scoring 24 points

MEMPHIS: The Memphis just to get back to where we were. Grizzlies dealt Golden State We were close but we couldn’t Melky Cabrera hits a two-run home run in the fourth inning against the their first defeat in more than quite get over the hump.” American League All-Star team in Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game a month yesterday, snapping Zach Randolph scored 17 points in Kansas City, Missouri, in this July 2012 file photo. the Warriors NBA winning with 10 rebounds, Mike Conley streak at 16 games with a 105-98 supplied 17 points and four steals triumph. and Vince Carter nailed four Spanish centre Marc Gasol three-pointers as he chipped in 16 Cabrera signs $42m scored 24 points and grabbed points for the Grizzlies, who have Golden State seven rebounds for Memphis in won five straight. Klay Thompson Warriors the battle between the top two netted 22 points for Golden State. guard Stephen teams in the league. Stephen Curry contributed 19 Curry (right) contract with Chicago It was the first Golden State points, six assists and four steals, drives to the defeat since a November 11 set- but never really caught fire. basket in the NEW YORK: Outfielder Melky In other updates for the Major back against reigning NBA cham- “Our biggest problem tonight fourth quarter Cabrera signed a three-year, League Baseball yesterday, pions San Antonio. was our execution offensively,” as Memphis $42m contract with the Chicago the Colorado Rockies reached Memphis clamped down defen- Kerr said. “We were scattered. Grizzlies guard White Sox, it was announced agreement with infielder Daniel sively early in the second quar- We weren’t moving early in the Courtney Lee yesterday. Descalso on a two-year, $3.6m ter, forcing 11 consecutive Golden game and then we started moving defends at The 30-year-old had a .301 contract. State misses. The Warriors didn’t but we were sort of careless with batting average with 35 doubles, The 28-year-old Descalso bat- FedExForum, score a point in the period until the ball. We had key turnovers at 16 home runs, 73 RBIs, 81 runs ted .244 with no home runs and 10 yesterday. the 6:49 mark as the Grizzlies really important times. scored, 54 extra-base hits and a RBIs in 104 games last season for racked up 20 points to build a “In the end, I love this team, Grizzlies .351 on-base percentage last sea- the St. Louis Cardinals. He has 14-point advantage. they’re competitive, they defend, defeated son with the Toronto Blue Jays. a career batting average of .243 They never relinquished the they pull for each other. But come the Warriors Meanwhile, slugger Michael with 10 homers and 111 RBIs in lead, although the Warriors twice playoff time you have to execute 105-98. Morse signed a two-year deal 529 games. pulled within two in the final offensively, you can’t have empty with the Miami Marlins worth The LA Angels traded right- frame. possessions. We had a lot of them $8m including incentives. handed relief pitcher Kevin “Just too much to overcome,” tonight.” Morse, who is from Broward Jepsen to the Tampa Bay Rays said Warriors coach Steve Kerr The Warriors, again playing County, is projected as a first for outfielder Kevin Joyce. said of his team’s attempt to rally. without injured David Lee and baseman with the Marlins. Joyce batted .254 with nine “That’s a great team over there Andrew Bogut, had trimmed the He spent last season with the home runs and 52 RBIs in 140 and we had to fight really hard deficit to two when the Grizzlies San Francisco Giants and batted games last season for Rays. Jepsen scored seven straight points to .300 in the postseason, mostly as had a 0-2 record with a career- NBA Results rebuild their cushion to 97-88 a pinch-hitter. best 2.63 ERA in 65 innings. Washington 109 Minnesota 95 with 3:05 to play. But Gasol made a brace of free “I don’t feel like there’s been a Left-hander Chris Capuano With third baseman Chase Miami 95 Brooklyn 91 A Curry layup cut the margin to throws and Curry was off-target circus around us or anything,” he re-signed with the New York Headley signing a four-year con- Memphis 105 Golden State 98 99-96 with 38.3 seconds remain- with two three-point attempts to said. Yankees for one year, the team tract with the New York Yankees ing. Conley floated in a shot for seal the Warriors’ fate. “I haven’t thought about the announced. on Monday, it appears that Alex New Orleans 119 Utah 111 Memphis before Golden State’s Kerr said he didn’t think the streak really at all other than just The 36-year-old will receive a Rodriguez will be relegated to Dallas 107 NY Knicks 87 Marreese Speights knocked down winning streak had weighed on enjoying the winning part. We’ve one-year, $5m contract, according designated hitter duties when he Oklahoma City 104 Sacramento 92 a jump shot with 25.3 seconds left. or distracted his players. just got to bounce back.” AFP to a CBSSports.com report. returns next spring. AGENCIES Scheifele powers Winnipeg to win as Blues outshine Kings

NEW YORK: Centre Mark Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 23 Blue Jackets 1, Red Wings 0 right winger Reilly Smith scored Scheifele scored two second- of 24 shots in his NHL debut as Centres Ryan Johansen and in regulation for Boston while period goals to pace Winnipeg Tampa Bay beat Philadelphia. Boone Jenner scored in the shoot- centers Mike Fisher and Mike in a massive 5-1 victory over Right winger Wayne Simmonds out to give Columbus a 1-0 win in Ribeiro replied for Nashville. Buffalo. scored Philadelphia’s goal. Detroit. Blackhawks 5, Wild 3 Scheifele fired his fifth and The 20-year-old Vasilevskiy, The win stretched Columbus’ Patrick Kane scored a go-ahead sixth goals of the season and a first-round pick in 2012, was winning streak to seven games goal with less than four minutes chipped in an assist while right recalled from the Lightning’s while Detroit lost their fourth remaining before Ben Smith winger Michael Frolik netted AHL affiliate in Syracuse, NY, straight. sealed it in final 20 seconds to give his seventh, left winger Evander earlier on Tuesday and made Panthers 2, Capitals 1 (SO) Chicago a win against Minnesota. Kane scored his fifth, and right one outstanding left pad save on In the longest shootout in NHL Blackhawks goaltender Antti winger Chris Thorburn notched a backhander by center Scott history, the Florida Panthers Raanta stopped 26 of 29 shots his second. Laughton in the third period. edged the Washington Capitals while Wild goaltender Niklas Lightning 3, Flyers 1 Canadiens 4, Hurricanes 1 2-1 with Nick Bjugstad sealing it Backstrom turned aside 34 of 38 Centres Steven Stamkos, Tyler Centre Alex Galchenyuk’s for Florida in the 20th round. shots. Johnson and Valtteri Filppula first career hat-trick propelled Blues 5, Kings 2 Coyotes 2, Oilers 1 scored goals and goaltender Montreal to a win over Carolina. Right winger Vladimir Arizona defenceman Oliver Goaltender Carey Price stopped Tarasenko scored three goals and Ekman-Larsson scored with NHL Results 25 of 26 shots for Montreal. assisted on another as St. Louis three-tenths of a second remain- Counterpart Cam Ward rallied to defeat Los Angeles, ing in overtime to give Phoenix Tampa Bay 3 Philadelphia 1 stopped 25 shots for Carolina, extending their winning streak the victory over Edmonton. Toronto 6 Anaheim 2 who dropped their sixth succes- to five games. Ekman-Larsson’s shot from the Montreal 4 Carolina 1 sive game. Left wingers Jaden Schwartz left circle just beat the clock and Columbus 1 Detroit 0 Maple Leafs 6, Ducks 2 and Alexander Steen also scored was his seventh goal of the season. Florida 2 Washington 1 Right winger Phil Kessel scored for St. Louis while right winger Rangers 5, Flames 2 St Louis 5 Los Angeles 2 twice as Toronto extended their Marian Gaborik scored both goals New York Rangers left winger Nashville 3 Boston 2 winning streak to six games with for Los Angeles. Rick Nash scored twice against a victory over Anaheim. Predators 3, Bruins 2 (SO) the Calgary Flames, matching the Winnipeg 5 Buffalo 1 Centre Tyler Bozak, left winger Centre Derek Roy scored NHL’s longest point streak of this Winnipeg Jets forward Mark Scheifele celebrates his goal against Buffalo Chicago 5 Minnesota 3 Sabres during the second period of their NHL game at MTS Center, Joffrey Lupul, left winger David the only goal of the shootout as season by getting his name on the NY Rangers 5 Calgary 2 yesterday. Booth and center Nazem Kadri Nashville edged Boston. scoresheet for an 11th successive Arizona 2 Edmonton 1 also scored for Toronto. Left winger Milan Lucic and game. AGENCIES

Injured Allen may miss entire season Dallas Cowboys running back NEW YORK: San Diego host the Indianapolis Colts at More than satisfied with his are among the 2014 Walter Payton DeMarco Murray Chargers wide receiver Keenan AT&T Stadium on Sunday. broadcasting headset, Jon Gruden Man of the Year Award nominees. (29) carries Allen is likely out for the season Chicago Bears head coach Marc eschewed a possible return to the All 32 teams selected their man the ball as with a broken collarbone. Trestman is likely to be fired at sideline to remain in the ESPN of the year, qualifying them as Philadelphia Alen, who had 77 receptions for the end of the regular season, “Monday Night Football” booth finalists for the honor presented Eagles 783 yards and four touchdowns in according to a Chicago radio through 2021. at Super Bowl XLIX at the NFL linebacker 14 games, was injured on Sunday station. Broadcast partner Mike Tirico Honors show on Jan. 31. Players Brandon Graham against the Denver Broncos The Bears went 8-8 in announced the contract at halft- are chosen based on their com- defends in the and continued to play with the Trestman’s first season but are ime of Monday’s game in Chicago. mitment to philanthropy and first quarter of cracked bone and an ankle injury. 5-9 in 2014, near the bottom of Gruden, who joined the network community impact. their NFL game, Meanwhile, running back NFL rankings in offense and in 2009, now has a deal that runs The Tennessee Titans placed earlier this week. DeMarco Murray could play on defense. Chicago has lost six of concurrent to ESPN’s broadcast tight end Brett Brackett on Sunday for the Dallas Cowboys six its last eight games after losing rights for MNF. injured reserve and signed Murray is likely days after surgery on his broken four of six to end the 2013 season. Cornerback Ricardo Allen was tight end Matthew Mulligan on to be seen in left hand. Washington Redskins quarter- signed to the Atlanta Falcons’ Tuesday to replace him. action next week Cowboys owner Jerry Jones back Colt McCoy was placed on active roster from the practice The San Francisco 49ers signed after surgery on told a Dallas radio station that injured reserve with a neck injury squad. linebacker Desmond Bishop to broken hand. Murray, the NFL’s leading rusher, on Tuesday, clearing the way for Star quarterbacks Aaron a one-year contract and placed would not need to practice to be Robert Griffin III to start the final Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Philip wide Kassim Osgood on injured cleared for Week 16. The Cowboys two games of the 2014 season. Rivers, Matt Ryan and Jay Cutler reserve Tuesday. AGENCIES THURSDAY 18 DECEMBER 2014 32 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Southampton cut down by Blades Best offbeat stories of 2014 as Chelsea PARIS: The best offbeat sports stories of 2014. march on Bat’s not cricket New Zealander cricketer LONDON: Southampton suf- Jimmy Neesham had a shock fered an embarrassing 1-0 travelling through America when League Cup quarter-final defeat his bat was drilled full of holes by at third tier Sheffield United customs officials. on Tuesday night while Chelsea The 23-year-old, who was in powered through with a 3-1 win transit between matches for his at Derby County. Caribbean Premier League team, The sparkling early-season the Guyana Amazon Warriors, form shown by Southampton now tweeted a picture of his bat after seems but a distant memory after its going-over. a second-half goal from Mark “Imagine if your cricket gear McNulty inflicted a fifth straight went through America and they defeat on the Premier League club drilled holes in your bat to look for who were reduced to 10 men late drugs,” he wrote on his Twitter on when Florin Gardos was sent account, @JimmyNeesh. off. The photo showed three holes It was a much more relaxed drilled into the side of Neesham’s evening for league leaders Chelsea bat. who went 2-0 up with a goal from Eden Hazard and a stunning free Photo-finish kick by Filipe Luis before sec- A seagull ran two horses close ond tier Derby pulled one back in a British race when he flew in through Craig Bryson. front of the finish line camera A late charge was curtailed, judging a photo-finish. however, when the home side’s The incident happened at the Jake Buxton was sent off for a English south coast venue of professional foul on Loic Remy Brighton when the photo-finish and Andre Schuerrle ensured print showed the bird swooping there were no late jitters when across Jewelled, who was declared he slammed home a Chelsea the winner, and Sagesse in second. rebound from close range in the “We are about a mile and a half 82nd minute. from the sea, and there are a lot The confidence seems to have of seagulls around, but this has drained from Southampton whose never happened before as far as early surge up the league on the we are aware,” racecourse spokes- back of some favourable fixtures man George Hill told the BBC. Fans for eternity has turned into a widely predicted “The bird just happened to be Fans of Brazilian giants slump. in the right place at the right Corinthians were able to show United, managed by former time.” their allegiance for eternity after Liverpool forward Nigel Clough, the club confirmed plans to open Snowflakes were not going to prove accom- Three all out a dedicated cemetery for their transform into modating opponents for the Wirral, from north-west supporters. four Olympic Saints to regain some much- England, were dismissed for just Up to 70,000 plots were to be rings with needed confidence. three at Haslington in an ama- made available for fans in the one failing to While boasting the usual bat- teur cricket match -- with extras “Corinthians Forever” graveyard form during tling traits of a lower-league side the top-scorer courtesy of two due to open in 2015, the club when facing top-flight opposition, the Opening leg-byes. announced. the club known as The Blades Ceremony of There were 10 ducks in the Plots cost between 4,500 and also came with an impressive cup Wirral innings, with No 11 Connor 7,800 reais (between $1,870 and the Sochi 2014 pedigree. Hodson, supposedly their worst $3,240) depending on the area of Winter Olympics United had lost only two of batsman, the only member of the the complex selected and proxim- at Fisht Olympic their previous 17 cup clashes and visitors’ side to score a run off the ity to club idols who will also be Stadium in had ousted three Premier League bat. Haslington won the match by laid to rest at the site. this file picture teams from knockout competi- 105 runs after making only 108 of February 7, tions in the last two seasons. themselves before, as the Stoke No pay, no play 2014 in Sochi, They did their best to unset- Sentinel newspaper reported, “the Russia. RIGHT: tle Southampton from the start real drama unfolded after the tea A Greek Cup tie between Super New Zealander and shaded the first half chances interval”. League club Niki Volos and second cricketer Jimmy before finding a breakthrough division Zakynthos was cancelled Neesham had a after halftime. #Quinning after the home team could not shock travelling When Southampton keeper American Winter Olympics raise enough money to pay the through America Fraser Forster fumbled a free bobsledder Johnny Quinn became referees. when his bat kick, McNulty was there to force a verb after pictures of smashing Referee Michalis Voskakis was drilled full the ball over the line. through a locked Sochi bathroom waited 30 minutes from the start Chelsea have suffered some of holes by cus- door became an Internet hit. of the match for Niki officials to quarter-final blues of their own in toms officials. The Twitter hashtag provide the 3,600 euros to pay the recent times but fielded a strong #Quinning trended alongside four match officials but when they side in an effort to avoid a repeat similar frustrated tales of break- failed to do so, they called off the of last year’s surprise last-eight ing out and through various bar- game. defeat at Sunderland. riers and objects. The manner of their victory Fans tweeted pictures of wine On his Ed, son was one of ruthless professional- bottles being broken open and Premier League referee Mark clasped in the hands of a statue The leaders, who missed the Face the fax ism, typified by Spain midfielder food cartons ripped apart in the Clattenburg was temporarily of Argentine tennis star Gabriela U-turn at the 16 kilometre-mark North Korea’s reporters at the Cesc Fabregas who continues to act of “Quinning”. sidelined for breaking protocol in Sabatini in Buenos Aires. (10 mile), ran four extra kilome- Asian Games in Incheon had to catch his manager’s eye. Quinn’s Internet fame was order to attend an Ed Sheeran The miscreants left the art- tres before officials finally stopped file stories using fax because their “Cesc is playing so well for us,” boosted two days after his bath- pop concert. work looking rather empty- them and told them they had web access is restricted in South Jose Mourinho told Sky Sports tel- room episode when he posted The Sun newspaper claimed handed just a few weeks after it taken the wrong route. Korea. evision. “What I like is as a person pictures of himself trapped in an that Clattenburg contravened was made public on the Rio de la Realising they had no chance Seoul’s Ministry of Unification he is a professional. elevator. regulations by driving home alone Plata waterfront. of recovering ground, the three told the Korea Times that North “He is a world champion, he after refereeing West Bromwich They severed the bronze-col- abandoned the 42-kilometre race Korean media would not get spe- comes here to play in the Capital Four rings in Sochi Albion’s 2-2 draw with Crystal oured racket that was formerly in Bangalore and borrowed money cial access to their country’s web- One Cup and plays like that. That Russia’s glitzy ceremony to Palace on Saturday so he could clasped tightly in the statue’s from spectators to take a bus to sites, which are blocked in South is the character I like.” Four- open the Sochi Winter Olympic watch British singer Sheeran per- hands, leaving Sabatini sans the finishing line. Korea. times winners Chelsea never got off to a rocky start when one form in Newcastle. racket as she lines up for a back- This meant that fax machines looked in much danger and went of the Olympic rings that was sup- The rules of the Premier hand smash. Sorry for headbutt were dusted off and whirred ahead after 23 minutes when posed to appear failed to emerge. League’s refereeing body state During her 11 years as a pro, Cambridge City striker into action as the Games got Hazard made the most of a defen- Just four of the five rings could that officials must travel to and Sabatini, now 44, won 27 titles Andrew Phillips apologised for underway. sive mishap. be seen after one of the five giant from matches together in the including the US Open, when she headbutting team-mate Josh Derby defender Richard Keogh snowflakes suspended above the interests of their integrity and beat Steffi Graf in 1990. She is the Beech following a row over a Four-day Game! was robbed of possession on the stadium that were supposed to security. only Argentine woman to have missed chance in a non-league In a scenario more usually edge of the penalty area and morph into rings failed to do so. won a Grand Slam singles victory. English game. associated with its cousin, cricket, Fabregas swiftly fed the Belgian As a result there were four Backhand pat The pair exchanged angry a baseball game in Japan dragged who kept his composure before Olympic rings and a snowflake in Perhaps it was meant as a back- Measure of goals words when Phillips opted to on for four days with two high drilling the ball low into the net. the top right side where the fifth handed compliment when vandals Leicester manager Nigel shoot rather than pass to his school teams slogging it out over The hosts had plenty of posses- ring should have been. made off with the racket that was Pearson got the goal posts at Cambridge colleague and the a record 50 innings. sion but could not lay a glove on Swansea’s Liberty Stadium meas- forward responded with the butt Chukyo and Sotoku began their Chelsea whose only real worry in ured and admitted he wished they that earned him a red card in a slug-fest on a Thursday in the the first half came when defender were smaller after his team lost 2-0 loss to Banbury United. semi-final of Japan’s high school Kurt Zouma had to be stretched 2-0. “It’s disgraceful,” manager Gary rubber-ball baseball champion- off following lengthy treatment Pearson said his goalkeepers Roberts fumed to the BBC. ship in Akashi, western Japan. after a clash of heads with keeper had raised concerns over the size But after the usual nine innings Petr Cech. of the goals at the Welsh venue in which both teams’ pitchers Will Hughes had a Derby effort in the pre-match warm-up and F1: Burn out outfoxed all batters for a score- pushed away by Cech before Filipe The bronze statue a tape measure was even sum- Danish driver Kevin less draw, the game went into Luis took aim with a free kick of Argentine former moned to ensure they were within Magnussen needed medical extra time. from distance and smashed the tennis champion the rules. attention for burns to his back- At the bottom of the fif- ball high into the top corner in Gabriela Sabatini “The goalkeepers felt they were side following the Singapore teenth the umpire called it a the 56th minute. at the Costanera a bit high,” Pearson said. Grand Prix in which he finished day and ordered the teams to Chelsea did not have it all their Sur in Buenos “I thought it was in everyone’s 10th for McLaren. come back to the field after a own way and conceded with 19 Aires yesterday. best interest to get it checked and In hot and humid conditions night’s rest. minutes remaining as Bryson The racket of the it was quite light-hearted. under floodlights at the south For two solid days, batters curled home from the edge of the “The officials were slightly sur- east Asian street circuit, he was repeatedly stepped up to the plate box. But Buxton’s red card and statue, inaugurated prised, but everything was fine. I one of many drivers to suffer from only to be dismissed without a Schuerrle’s late effort guaranteed on October 8, was could have done with it being a fatigue and dehydration -- and in single run being scored. there was no unexpected drama. stolen on bit smaller.” his case a burnt backside. It wasn’t until Sunday morn- REUTERS October 29, 2014. “I don’t know if something ing that Chukyo’s captain broke Marathon mess was wrong, but my seat was very the deadlock, walloping a dou- A marathon ended in farce in hot, so we have to check what’s ble in the record-breaking 50th English League Cup India after the pilot car overshot going on. I couldn’t even drink the inning. Derby County 1 (Bryson 71) Chelsea 3 a turn, forcing the top three run- water it was so hot. That inspired a team-mate, (Hazard 23, Luis 56, Schuerrle 82) ners to take a long detour before “It’s the hardest-earned point who scored one more later in the abandoning the race -- and taking I’ve ever had, but it’s better than inning, giving Chukyo a hard- Sheffield United 1 (McNulty 63) Southampton a bus to the finish line. nothing.” earned 3-0 victory. AFP 0 THURSDAY 18 DECEMBER 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 33

Indian boxer Moto2 riders to compete in banned for Asiad medal snub

NEW DELHI: Indian boxer Sarita Devi was yesterday third round of Qatar SuperBike banned for one year by the sport’s world governing body for refusing to accept her bronze Ramos, Simon and West set for the weekend race at Losail Circuit medal at the Asian Games in protest against judging deci- sions, an official said. DOHA: The third round of Devi has been ordered to Qatar SuperBike and Losail sit out of competitions until Asia Road Racing Series will October 2015 and pay a fine of take place this weekend at Losail 1,000 Swiss francs ($1,038) by the International Circuit, tomorrow International Boxing Association and December 20. (AIBA), the official added. The defending champion, Alex The year-long ban, however, Cudlin, is leading the champion- still leaves her eligible to qualify ship with 91 points, only 6 points for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de ahead of Mishal Al Naimi, who is Alex Cudlin and Mishal Al Janeiro. second with 85 points. Naimi, who will compete India’s long-time Cuban coach In this third round, there will in the last round of QSBK B.I. Fernandez was handed a two- be three wild card riders that at the Losail International year ban and fined 2,000 Swiss will join the event and all of them Circuit, are seen in this file francs for supporting Devi dur- are Moto2 riders in the World picture. Cudlin, is leading ing her protest, Boxing India chief MotoGP Championship: Ramos, the championship with Sandeep Jajodia said, quoting an Julian Simon and Anthony West. 91 points, only six points AIBA decision. “I am looking forward to Round ahead of Mishal, who is “There was apprehension that 3, it is important that I continue Sarita would be banned for life second with 85 points. to lead the championship after but Boxing India worked to get Bottom: Julian Simon of this round as I have 6 points lead relief for her, trying to impress on over Mishal, so it is very close.” the QMMF Racing Team in AIBA that Sarita is disciplined,” This weekend we have the action during the Valencia Jajodia told reporters in New Moto2 riders Simon, West and test. Delhi. Ramos, so this could work against “The one-off incident was an me or work for me, if I can beat emotional outburst. But we have them I will make a good points to appreciate that the interna- gap, or if they beat me then it is a tional body works under some different story, but it is nice that rules. they are here to race because it “I spoke to Sarita and she is is good for the championship. For very relieved. We expected a sure there will be a good fight and longer ban.” hopefully I can walk away with Devi, 29, who controversially both wins, but we’ll see how it lost after appearing to domi- goes,” said Cudlin. in this championship and I will to take the lead in the champi- nate her lightweight (60kg) The Spanish rider Roman try to do my best and get a great onship as the leader, Manca Asiad semi-final bout against Ramos has been a rider in the results for my new team. Katrasnik will miss this round. South Korean boxer Park Ji-Na QMMF Racing Team in Moto2 “Regarding the new coming For this round, the sched- in Incheon, tearfully refused to this last season. season in Moto2 my motivation ule will be day time, with Free accept the bronze during the “I am excited to come back is higher, we already made some practices tomorrow at 12:20 and medal ceremony. to Doha but also I have a bit of milage with the new chassis Speed 2:40pm. The contentious defeat a day uncertainly to see what I can do Up and we have a lot of informa- The qualifying session and earlier had sparked ugly scenes with the 1000cc bike as it will be tion to be able to be ready for the Superpole are scheduled at and scuffles as Devi’s enraged my second time that I ride this start of the season , and specially 2:50pm and 4:30pm tomorrow. husband tried to lead a protest, type of bike. when the first round of the cham- On Saturday, the first race will resulting in him launching an “I am really looking forward pionship is here, in Qatar,” said be at 12:20 and the second race expletive-filled rant at officials. to start riding on Friday and I Julian Simon. at 2:50pm. At the podium ceremony, Devi am very happy to be here again The other wild card, Anthony Regarding the Qatar Challenge, twice refused the medal before with my team of this season. I do West, took part last season in one it will be the second round of the hanging it around the neck of want to enjoy this weekend and round of the QSBK where he won season. Tim Stevens is leading the her stunned Korean opponent try to make a good result’ stated both races. championship with 26 points and who took silver. Devi later issued Ramos.” The German rider Nina Prinz Peter De Vido is second with 20 an “unconditional apology” to the Julian Simon, also Spanish, is is third in the championship with points. Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) the new team-mate of Anthony 53 points, only two points more Free Practice will be held for her behaviour. West for the next season in the than Saeed Al Sulaiti who is tomorrow at 13:15 and the quali- There were protests over a QMMF Racing Team. fourth with 51 points. fying will be at 2:50pm. Qatar number of judging decisions in “I am very happy to participate In the Losail Asian Road Challenge race is on Saturday at favour of home boxers during the in this round of QSBK and ride Racing Series, the Hungarian 1:30pm. Grandstand is free open Games, which were held in the for first time a 1000cc bike. It is rider Victoria Kis, second in the to the public. South Korean city in September- a great honor for me to compete standings, has a great opportunity THE PENINSULA October. AFP

Pedro scores treble as Barca Real Madrid cruise into crush Huesca in Kings Cup Club World Cup final

BARCELONA: Pedro hit a first- MARRAKECH, Morocco: 15th minute what a lethal header 72nd. The World Player of the half hat-trick as Barcelona cruised European champions Real of the ball he is, taking advantage Year Ronaldo had come close to into the last 16 of the King’s Cup Madrid crushed Cruz Azul 4-0 to of a mistimed run by goalkeeper opening the scores in the second with a 8-1 second leg demolition of cruise into the Club World Cup Jose Corona to open Madrid’s minute, and also sent a couple of lower league Huesca at the Camp final on Tuesday night, totally account from a trademark Toni free-kicks fizzing narrowly wide, Nou on Tuesday night. outclassing their Mexican rivals. Kroos cross. but the man who has scored 25 Barca fielded a second string Goals from Sergio Ramos, French centre-forward league goals in 15 games this sea- side without Lionel Messi, Karim Benzema, Garreth Bale Benzema showed his astonish- son was unable to score here. Neymar and Luis Suarez follow- and Isco saw Madrid record a ing speed in the 36th minute Luis Fernando Tena’s North ing their 4-0 first leg win and it 21st consecutive win in this semi- to pounce on Daniel Carvajal’s American champions had strug- was the chance for Pedro to shine final at a packed and noisy Grand cross before the defence had even gled to beat Western Sydney with his third treble for the club. Stade de Marrakech, scene of last flinched to make it 2-0 after 36 Wanderers to make the semis He nodded home the opener year’s final where Bayern Munich minutes. Cristiano Ronaldo pro- and rarely troubled Carlo after 20 minutes and then fin- beat Raja Casablanca 2-0. vided the ammunition for the next Ancelotti’s almost full strength ished clinically from an Andres Iker Casillas did have to face two. Weaving unchallenged down side. Iniesta pass. Sergi Roberto swept a penalty in the 40th minute the left-wing Ronaldo provided New Zealanders Aukland City in a Martin Montoya pass on the after Ramos was harshly judged an inch perfect delivery that Bale take on South American champi- half hour and Iniesta turned well to have pushed Cruz’s Argentine nodded home totally unmarked in ons San Lorenzo of Argentina on in the box before slotting past striker Mariano Pavone, but the 50th minute. Wednesday to see who will meet keeper Dani Jimenez. the veteran Spain stopper was The Portuguese icon who was Madrid in the final on December Pedro completed his hat-trick equal to Gerardo Torrado’s weak cheered every time he got the ball, 20th, when Real should also wel- when he smashed the ball into the Real Madrid’s German midfielder Toni Kroos (left) vies with Cruz Azul’s spot-kick. then teed up the impressive Isco, come back Colombia’s World Cup roof of the net before the break. forward Mario Formica during the FIFA World Club Cup semi-final With FIFA and UEFA bosses who weaved past two defenders star James Rodriguez, who missed Further goals came from football match at the Marrakesh Stadium on Tuesday night. Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini before unleashing a precise shot Tuesday’s game with a calf strain. Adriano, Adama Traore and in the crowd, Ramos proved in the into the bottom corner in the AFP Sandro Ramirez but the Spanish third tier side did get a consolation from Gaspar Galvez. Paco Alcacer hit a brace for 10-man Valencia Zhang tipped to be Bundesliga’s next Asian star as they drew 4-4 with Rayo Vallecano in a pulsating match at BERLIN: Chinese interna- in Europe. Shao, who made 168 long while since a Chinese player has a totally different class to Dortmund’s ex-Manchester the Mestalla and went through to tional midfielder Zhang Xizhe, appearances in Germany’s top played for a top side in a big Chinese football and it will be a United midfielder Shinji Kagawa. the next round 6-5 on aggregate. whose transfer to Wolfsburg two divisions for 1860 Munich European league. It’s massive big jump. “Wolfsburg have lots of great Valencia appeared to be easing has attracted huge interest and Energie Cottbus, is a former news. “The level in Germany is per- players like De Bruyne and Aaron to victory having won the first leg back in China, has been tipped team-mate of Zhang at Beijing “He’s a really, really good bloke, haps the highest in the world, but Hunt, but Xizhe is a totally dif- 2-1 and with Alcacer giving them to become the Bundesliga’s next Guoan, to whom Wolfsburg paid I know him well, he’s a former Xizhe has huge potential. He’s ferent player,” added Shao. the lead after eight minutes but big Asian star. a reported fee of 750,000 euros colleague and a friend. dynamic, has good technique and “He isn’t as physical as De were then guilty of sitting back The 23-year-old, who has ($935,167). “He has a very strong will and is intelligent. Bruyne, but is just as quick and, against Rayo who they had also signed for Wolves until 2017, is “On the internet, in the always had the wish to transfer “I think he has the talent, but from my point of view, he’s better. beaten 3-0 at the weekend in La set to become the fourth Chinese newspapers, you read about his to a top European team. he’ll need some time to adjust.” “He’s very clever and he is very Liga. Elsewhere, Celta Vigo beat to play in Germany’s top flight transfer everywhere,” Shao told “He asked me about the Zhang is likely to challenge similar to Shinji Kagawa. He is Las Palmas 4-3 on aggregate and one of his predecessors, Shao Bundesliga.com from Beijing. Bundesliga and I gave him posi- Belgium’s Kevin de Bruyne for a small, mobile and doesn’t just and Almeria came out on top Jiayi, insists he has all the tal- “Football fans here are abso- tive feedback. place on the left wing and Shao think about attack, but works 6-4 in their tie with Real Betis. ent to become a household name lutely thrilled. It’s been a good “Of course, the Bundesliga says he is similar to Borussia for the whole team.” AFP REUTERS THURSDAY 18 DECEMBER 2014 34 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Vijay turns the heat on Australia Indian opener makes bowlers toil in brutal Brisbane heat on day one of second Test

BRISBANE, Australia: Murali Vijay made Australia’s Scoreboard Injured but bowlers toil in the brutal Brisbane heat with a defiant India (I innings): century as India frolicked in M Vijay c Haddin b Lyon...... 144 upbeat, the second Test at the Gabba S Dhawan c Haddin b M Marsh ...... 24 yesterday. C Pujara c Haddin b Hazlewood ...... 18 Clarke tweets Vijay profited from two dropped V Kohli c Haddin b Hazlewood ...... 19 catches by Shaun Marsh to score A Rahane (batting) ...... 75 his fourth Test century against R Sharma (batting) ...... 26 up a storm Australia and his first in this Extras (B-4, NB-1) ...... 5 country, putting the tourists in Total (for 4 wkts) ...... 311 a commanding position after the Fall of wickets: 1-56, 2-100, 3-137, 4-261. BRISBANE, Australia: opening day. Bowling: Johnson 15-2-64-0; Hazlewood Michael Clarke may be laid The Chennai right-hander, 15.2-5-44-2; Starc 14-1-56-0; M Marsh up in bed after surgery on his cruelly out for 99 in the Adelaide 6-1-14-1; Lyon 20-1-87-1; Watson 10.4-5- troublesome hamstring but the series opener, made it look 29-0; Warner 1-0-9-0 (1nb); Smith 1-0-4-0. Australian captain could not easy on a Gabba pitch where Australia: C J L Rogers, D A Warner, S R help directing his team mates the Australians have remained Watson, S P D Smith, S E Marsh, M R Marsh, on social media as they toiled unconquered for 26 years. B J Haddin, M G Johnson, M A Starc, N M on day one of the second Test Vijay was out late in the day, Lyon, J R Hazlewood. against India yesterday. caught behind off spinner Nathan Steven Smith is leading the Lyon for 144 -- equalling Sourav Rahane for the fourth wicket. team for the rest of the series but Ganguly’s 2003 knock as the At the close India were 311 for Clarke unleashed a flurry of posts highest score by an Indian at the four with Rahane unbeaten on 75 on Twitter to remind the world he Gabba. and Rohit Sharma not out 26. was still very much keeping tabs “Today was really hot and was The century continued Vijay’s on proceedings. testing us all. As a batsman I impressive start to the four- “Vijay has left the ball really could see a lot of bowlers sulking match series with scores of 53 Indian batsman Murali Vijay reacts after scoring a century on day one of the second Test match against Australia well in Adelaide and so far in out there because it was really and 99 in India’s 48-run defeat in at the Gabba in Brisbane, Australia, yesterday. this Test. Think we need to make hot,” Vijay said. the first Test. him play a little more early in “The (post-tea) session was He was helped along the way by his innings,” Clarke tweeted as really important for us and I two chances put down by Shaun Starc having fitness problems Gould for 18.Pujara attempted third catch of the innings. Kohli, the India opener cruised toward thought a lot of people on their Marsh on 36 and 102, both off in the heat and a third bowler to sway out of the way of a who was outstanding in Adelaide a century before being caught team were getting tired. I wanted Mitchell Johnson’s bowling and Mitchell Marsh off the field with Hazlewood bouncer and his gloves with a century in each innings, behind for 144 off Nathan Lyon. to wait until that time and make by a tiring Australian bowling hamstring trouble. went up to shield his face, only for attempted to cut but was beaten Clarke was also mindful of use of it.” attack on a sweltering day. It was “I thought the first session was the ball to come off the grille to by the extra bounce and edged to first-Test hero Lyon’s perform- Vijay batted for 332 minutes a sorry day in the field for the okay, the second session very good, Brad Haddin. the keeper. It was a tough first ance on a sweltering day at the and faced 213 balls with 22 fours. Australians, with both new pace- third session very poor,” Australia Pujara stood at the wicket day for new skipper Steve Smith Gabba. He put on 124 with Ajinkya men Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell coach Darren Lehmann said. before leaving shaking his head as his bowlers failed to press on “I like seeing Lyon over the “It was very hot and we under- at the umpire’s decision, which after having the tourists on 137 wicket. Enough spin but more stand that as a group and a team followed dubious calls suffered by for three halfway through the day. importantly very good bounce,” he but we’ve got to be better than Shikhar Dhawan and Rahane in Smith’s situation was not tweeted of the 26-year-old, who that in the last session.” the first Test. helped by Mitchell Marsh’s right took 12 wickets in Adelaide to seal Vijay’s dominance came after India appear to be paying for hamstring injury just after lunch. victory for Australia. India had their third bad umpire’s their refusal to use the decision Dhawan’s was the only wicket Friend and former team-mate call in the series with the dubious review system in Test cricket over in the morning session and it was Shane Warne, himself a pro- dismissal of Cheteshwar Pujara. accuracy fears. all-rounder Marsh who made the lific tweeter, noted Clarke’s live Pujara appeared to be caught Paceman Hazlewood, playing in breakthrough.Marsh claimed his tweeting. off the grille of his helmet 40 min- his debut Test, grabbed the key first Test victim when Dhawan “Raise the bat from that hos- utes after lunch and was sent on wicket of Virat Kohli for 19 in the slashed away from his body and pital bed buddy, that’s your 50th his way by English umpire Ian 45th over, giving Brad Haddin his top-edged to Haddin for 24. AFP tweet of the day already !!! Bored much ??? Hahaha.....” Clarke responded: “hahaha.. I love making big 100s so stay Hazlewood debut puts dad’s tuned.” Clarke earlier tweeted that his surgery went “really well”. The 33-year-old said after the mates in the money: Report victory in Adelaide that his degen- erative back condition, which con- tributes to his frequent hamstring BRISBANE, Australia: the story to The Brisbane claiming their winnings two injuries, might force him to retire. Australian cricketer Josh Courier-Mail but would not years ago when the now 23-year- He was clearly more upbeat Hazlewood’s Test debut yester- reveal the identities of the old was named 12th man for a about his chances of playing again day is set to bring joy to a group gamblers, believed to be from Test against South Africa in yesterday, as was team physi- of punters who placed a 500-1 Tamworth in New South Wales Perth, but it has taken until otherapist Alex Kountouris who bet on him playing such a game near where Hazlewood grew up. now for the lanky fast bowler to said the aim was to have Clarke when he was still a teenager, “He was 15 at the time when become Australia’s 440th Test back in action for the World Cup reports said. they put the bet on. They got player. early next year. Friends of Hazlewood’s dad odds of 500-1 and they all had “They would have bit their fin- “Speaking to the surgeon, eve- Trevor reportedly placed a $100 on,” Trevor Hazlewood told gernails off when he just missed rything went really well and he Aus$100 ($82) wager with the newspaper. out in Perth a couple of years was confident Michael was going British bookmakers almost “The guys were in England at ago,” his dad admitted. to make a good recovery,” he told nine years ago that Josh would the time and that is when they The story is reminiscent of a news conference in Brisbane. become a Test player. They now put the bet on. They bet that that of Irish golfer Rory McIlroy’s “Our aim is for him to take part look set to win Aus$50,000 each Josh would play Test cricket for father who won 180,000 pounds in the World Cup so that’ll be the ($41,500) after he took the field Australia before he was 30.” ($283,000) in July with friends goal. He’s had surgery and will do for his maiden Test against India “I wish I had $100 on the bet on a bet placed a decade ear- rehab with that intent but we’ll Australian bowler Josh Hazlewood celebrates the wicket of India’s at the Gabba yesterday. too,” he added. lier that his son would win the only know that when we know Virat Kohli. Trevor Hazlewood confirmed The group came close to British Open. AFP how he’s recovering.” REUTERS New Zealand level ODI series with Pakistan ABU DHABI: Kane Pakistan had lost opener Williamson hit a brilliant hun- Scoreboard Ahmed Shehzad in Matt dred as New Zealand won the Henry’s first over for a duck. fourth day-night international NEW ZEALAND Younis Khan b Vettori ...... 103 New Zealand were lifted against Pakistan by seven M Guptill c Ahmed b Tanvir ...... 58 Mohammad Hafeez c Ronchi b Vettori ...... 3 to the third highest total runs in an exciting finish in D Brownlie c Akmal b Afridi ...... 42 Haris Sohail c Latham b Vettori ...... 13 at the ground of 299-5 by Abu Dhabi yesterday. K Williamson b Irfan ...... 123 Umar Akmal (run out) ...... 29 Williamson. Pakistan went ahead with R Taylor c Ahmed b Irfan ...... 26 Shahid Afridi c Ronchi b Milne ...... 49 Williamson added 44 for the the match despite calls to C Anderson c Akmal b Ali ...... 23 Sarfraz Ahmed c Ronchi b McClenaghan .... 18 second wicket with Guptill and postpone it after the Taliban T Latham (not out) ...... 14 Sohail Tanvir (not out) ...... 11 another 63 for the third with attack on a school in Peshawar, Extras (LB-4, W-9) ...... 13 Anwar Ali (not out) ...... 20 Taylor. Pakistan, on Tuesday which Total (for 5 wkts in 50 overs) ...... 299 Extras (B-4, LB-6, NB-1, W-5) ...... 16 Williamson, who scored an left 148 people dead, 132 of Fall of wickets: 1-81, 2-125, 3-188, 4-227, Total (for 8 wkts in 50 overs) ...... 292 unbeaten 70 in New Zealand’s them students. 5-299. Fall of wickets: 1-3, 2-52, 3-59, 4-82, 5-172, four-wicket win in the second Both teams observed a two- Bowling: Tanvir 10-0-75-1 (3w); Irfan 10-1- 6-238, 7-254, 8-261. match in Sharjah, pulled pace- minute silence and wore black 53-2 (2w); Ali 9-0-50-1 (1w); Afridi 10-0-46-1 Bowling: Henry 10-0-68-1 (1w); Milne 10-2- man Mohammad Irfan to deep armbands as a tribute to the (1w); Sohail 8-0-47-0 (2w); Shehzad 3-0-24-0. 39-1 (1w); McClenaghan 10-0-69-1 (1nb; 2w); square-leg for his ninth bound- victims. PAKISTAN Anderson 8-1-40-1; Vettori 10-0-53-3 (1w); ary to complete his century off Williamson’s 105-ball 123 Nasir Jamshed lbw Anderson ...... 30 Williamson 2-0-13-0. just 92 balls. steered New Zealand to an Ahmed Shehzad b Henry ...... 0 Result: New Zealand won by seven runs. He was finally bowled by imposing 299-5 before Younis Irfan off the last delivery of Khan’s first one-day hundred was seventh out bowled by left- 49 with Nasir Jamshed (30) for the innings, having hit 12 in six years got Pakistan ago- arm spinner Daniel Vettori the second wicket and another boundaries. nisingly close as they finished (3-53) it ended Pakistan’s hopes. 90 for the fifth with Umar Williamson’s hundred was on 292-8 in 50 overs. Shahid Afridi helped Younis Akmal who made 29. built on a fine start to the That left the five-match series add a quick 66 for the sixth In all Younis hit four bounda- innings. all square at 2-2 setting up a wicket, hitting five fours and ries and two sixes. Guptill and Dean Brownlie winners takes all final game also two sixes in his 25-ball 49 He also became the oldest had given a solid 81-run start in Abdu Dhabi on Friday. but his fall followed shortly Pakistani to notch a one-day before leg-spinner Afridi pro- Younis’s 117-ball 103 ended afterwards by Younis saw hundred at 37 years 18 days, vided his team with the break- a drought of 74 innings as he the match swing back New erasing Zaheer Abbas’s name through in the 17th over. capitalised on being dropped Zealand’s way. from the record books as he was Guptill hit seven boundaries Pakistani batsman Nasir Jamshed plays a shot during the fourth day- by Ross Taylor off Adam Milne Younis, whose last hundred 35 years and 331 days old when in his 78-ball knock before he night international match against New Zealand at the Zayed International when only on two. came against the West Indies at he struck his last century for was caught behind off paceman Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi yesterday. However, when the veteran the same venue in 2008, put on his country. Sohail Tanvir. AFP THURSDAY 18 DECEMBER 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 35 QSL: Lekhwiya, Al Sadd renew battle for top spot Intriguing round 15 begins tomorrow with four matches

DOHA: The 15th round of the Qatar Stars League (QSL) which begins tomorrow is expected to be the most intriguing leg so far this season as the top six teams, eyeing an improvement in the points table will battle to topple their closest opponents. The last round saw Al Sadd, who led the points table for most of the season slipped to second spot after a shock 3-1 defeat at the hands of Al Shahaniya, lying 13th of the 14-team competition. Defending champions Lekhwiya took top spot on basis of a bet- ter goal-difference as both teams have 33 points each after 14 matches respectively. New Zealand’s fly-half Aaron Cruden (centre) performs the Haka before Hussain Amute’s Al Sadd will the Rugby Championship Test against South Africa at Westpac Stadium, not just look to win but they in this September 2014 file photo. will target a victory by a huge margin when they will host Al Kharaitiyat to better their goal difference. NZ eye back-to-back On the other hand, Michael Laudrup’s Lekhwiya will hope for the same in their home leg against Al Khor, to enjoy a second Cups after stellar year week on first position. Occupying the third position PARIS: New Zealand head du Brennus since 1992. And the with 23 points, Umm Salal will into World Cup year as stand- French did not miss the opportu- look to close gap with the top two out favourites to defend their nity to pay tribute to the England QSL sides when they take on El title after dominating 2014 to legend, playing God Save the Jaish. become the yardstick team of Queen over the tannoy after the On the other hand, the army- the global game. final whistle. men, having secured 22 points so The All Blacks, yet to win O’Driscoll’s career also came far are eyeing a victory to regain Lekhwiya’s players celebrate a World Cup on foreign soil, to an end on a winning note as third position from their oppo- their goal against Qatar SC at wrapped up a third successive Leinster beat Glasgow Warriors nents tomorrow. the Qatar Stars League (QSL) Rugby Championship, suffering 34-12 to take the Celtic League Umm Salal’s Assistant coach match, in this file picture of their sole loss of the year, 27-25, trophy, a couple of months after Thamer Abdullah said his team August 23, 2014. Lekhwiya to South Africa in a dead rubber Ireland had won the Six Nations will go all the way to ensure his will look to maintain their top after they’d already wrapped up after edging France 22-20 in a side stays on the third place. spot in round 15. RIGHT: A that tournament. dramatic final-day decider. “The QSL has been strange They went on to sweep their Elsewhere Northampton came goalmouth action during the these last two rounds,” said European tour in November, from behind to beat English Lekhwiya-Al Sadd match, in Abdullah. although were pushed for some rivals Bath 30-16 in the European “We won one game and we this October 2014 file photo. time by both England (24-21) and Challenge Cup final, Saints’ fly- came back to the top four. The Wales (34-16), while a virtual sec- half Stephen Myler scoring 20 game against El Jaish will be ond-choice side preserved their points as they recovered from very difficult but we need to win unbeaten record against Scotland. 13-6 down at half-time. this game and take three points Straight-talking All Blacks And Northampton made it a in order to stay in third place in coach Steve Hansen (pictured) double by edging European Cup the rankings. We want to end on made no bones about his expecta- finalists Saracens 24-20 to win a high specially because of the tions going into 2015. the English Premiership final break.” El Jaish coach Abdelkader “No one’s won back-to-back thanks to a last minute try by Megaseeb dubbed the game as World Cups so we shouldn’t even Alex Waller in extra-time. important. QSL Fixtures be the favourites, but we will be There was new ground broken “The game against Salal is very Tomorrow because we’re the number one in the Super 15 tournament as the important for us. We need to get 4pm: Al Shahaniya vs Al Sailiya at Al side in the world,” Hansen said. New South Wales Waratahs beat back to winning ways before the Gharafa Stadium “If you’re a betting man you the Canterbury Crusaders 33-32 break. El Jaish will do everything wouldn’t punt on us because it’s to win their first final. 4pm: Lekhwiya vs Al Khor at Lekhwiya it can to regain the position it not happened. But it’s a great Fly-half Bernard Foley kicked a Stadium deserves.” challenge because long-range penalty After four matches in round 15 6:30pm: El Jaish vs Umm Salal at Lekhwiya it has to happen in the final minute tomorrow, a total of three games Stadium one day so why to clinch victory of the stage will be played on 6:30pm: Al Sadd vs Al Kharaitiyat at Al not us? So that’s over the seven- Saturday. THE PENINSULA Sadd Stadium our challenge, time champion, and that’s massive the Crusaders. because no one Australian else’s done it.” rugby, however, Hansen has at came under the his disposal unpar- spotlight for many alled strength of the wrong rea- 2014: Mcllroy roars back to golf arena in depth, with sons during the returning star season. Dan Carter even A crude text PARIS: Rory McIlroy domi- in 2015 for Bubba Watson, lifting dropped as he message sent to nated golf in 2014, winning two his second Masters title in three struggled to regain the team’s then- majors, recapturing the world years at Augusta in April and for match fitness. business manager number one spot and starring Martin Kaymer, who confirmed Indefatigable by Kurtley Beale in Europe’s latest Ryder Cup his return to form with a wire-to- skipper Richie ended up with triumph. wire win in the US Open in June. McCaw remains at the player being Not since Tiger Woods was at Woods meanwhile struggled the heart of a team fined and banned, his best from 2000 to 2006 has one with injuries throughout the year that can match raw aggression and then coach Ewen McKenzie player been so commanding and, raising more question marks over with sublime skill and, impor- resigning with Michael Cheika by the time the season was over, whether - at 39 - he will ever tantly, game-playing composure: taking over. there was no more debate over return to the levels that made a heady mix that wins matches. Flawless goal-kicking by fly- who is the best golfer in the world. him the biggest name in sport. “We’ve had to earn the right to half Demetri Catrakilis proved McIlroy’s year started slowly Back surgery in March and a win some games,” added Hansen decisive as Western Province enough following a poor 2013, new coach in the shape of Chris in a warning to potential rivals. edged Golden Lions 19-16 to win but following the breakup of his Como in November are the fixes “What we’ve found is ways to win the South African Currie Cup. relationship with tennis player Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland in action during the pro-am event prior he has employed, but if his last ugly.” The 2014-15 season is an impor- Caroline Wozniacki in late May, to the Deutsche Bank Championship at the TPC Boston in Norton, place finish on his return to action Two legends of the game, tant one for the world of rugby McIlroy returned to his very best. Massachusetts, in this August 2014 file photo. in Florida this month are any- respected household names in sevens, with qualification for the The vital spark was his win that thing to go by he still has a long both southern and northern Rio Olympics in 2016 up for grabs. very same week from seven shots this rich run of form going. A Jordan Spieth summed up the way to go. hemispheres, hung up their boots: New Zealand claimed their back in the European Tour’s PGA win in April at The Masters new horizon nicely after winning On the plus side, he has the Jonny Wilkinson of England and 12th overall title on the World Championship at Wentworth. would set him up for a crack at back-to-back titles in Australia Masters at Augusta and the Brian O’Driscoll of Ireland. Sevens circuit, but will be under The summer brought back-to- four-in-a-row at the US Open in and Florida in December. British Open at St Andrews -- The European Cup final was pressure from Commonwealth back majors, his third and fourth, June, and the possibility of emu- “To take it to the next level, to two fabled courses where he has a fitting continental send-off Games champions South Africa at the British Open at Hoylake lating Woods’ fabled run in 2000- win a major, I’ve got to look to won six of his 14 major titles - to for Wilkinson, who guided his and event’s perennial favourites and USPGA at Valhalla. 01 (Woods completed his slam at Rory,” Spieth said. “He’s the one whet his appetite. Toulon team to a 23-6 victory Fiji. Those saw him climb above the Masters). we’re all chasing. I did a good job “I’ve been hurt. I’ve been out over Saracens in defending their But the 15-a-side game in 2015 Adam Scott and Henrik Stenson McIlroy firmly believes that he of beginning that chase the past of it for a long time. I’ve had to European title. will all be about the Rugby World atop the world rankings and by is coming into his prime. couple weeks.” make my run to get back there,” Toulon captain Wilkinson Cup in England, with the hosts the time the dust had settled “I’m 25, and I think I’ve got “I understand that when I’m Woods said. kicked 13 points in a victory and Ireland tipped to be closest McIlroy was the undisputed another 10-15 year window of out here and I’m one of the young “It takes winning... it’s a proc- that meant the Top 14 side northern hemisphere challengers kingpin. playing great golf and win big guys, people want to see somebody ess to get back to that level. became only the third team after to the All Blacks. He was the first UK player tournaments and I’m going to do come up and do what Tiger did You’ve got to build up to it. I’ve England’s Leicester and Irish Under the shrewd guidance of to win consecutive majors and everything I can to be as success- and change a generation of golf. got some time.” province Leinster to retain the Kiwi coach Joe Schmidt, the Irish the third youngest player of the ful as I can,” he said in Sydney. “But right now I look at Woods of course was absent European Cup. enjoyed wins over South Africa modern era - after Tiger Woods Whether he wins at Augusta number one in the world Rory in late September when Paul Wilkinson then landed Toulon’s (29-15) and Australia (26-23) in and Jack Nicklaus - to win four National or not, golf’s landscape McIlroy, what he did this year, McGinley’s Europe - with McIlroy first 15 points, including a trade- November, but England face a majors. – cloaked around Woods for the and I’m trying to chase him to the fore - once again put the mark drop goal, in Toulon’s 18-10 tricky task of just qualifying from The prospects for 2015 are last 15 years -- has certainly more than I am anything else.” United States to the sword in the victory over Castres in the Top 14 their pool which also includes the mouth-watering if he can keep changed. Rising American star McIlroy apart there were big wins Ryder Cup in Scotland. AFP final for the club’s first Bouclier Wallabies, Wales and Fiji. AFP Thursday 18 December 2014 26 Safar 1436 Volume 19 Number 6283 Sport Price: QR2

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Top three cyclists - New Zealand’s Roman Van Uden (centre), UAE’s Yousif Mirza (right) Primoz Roglic of Slovenia after the time trial pose for a group photo on the opening day of Tour of Zubarah yesterday. CENTRE: A beautiful view of action at Aspire Zone. RIGHT: Van Uden (centre) who topped the time trial poses for a group photo with the officials. PICTURES BY: SALIM MATRAMKOT Van Uden tops Aspire time trial Kiwi rider faster than defending champion Mirza on opening day of Tour of Zubarah

DOHA: New Zealand’s Roman Van Uden yesterday topped the Stages time trial on the opening day of Stage 1: December 18: Madinat Al Kabaan - the Tour of Zubarah pushing Dukhan, 120.10kms UAE challenger Yousif Mirza to Stage 2: December 19: Madinat Al Shamal, the second spot. 116.80kms The 26-year-old - riding for Carbon Wheels - clocked a time Stage 3: December 20: Lekhwiya - Al of 5:03.01 over the 3.9km track Zubarah, 122.60kms laid out at Aspire Zone. Mirza, the defending cham- the Tour of Sharjah winner said. pion at Tour of Zubarah, was just “It is a brand new team - 1.27secs slower than Van Uden Carbon Wheels. It is a brand while Primoz Roglic of Slovenia new bike shop in downtown Doha. finished third fastest (+ 1.84secs) Yeah, they have just opened in the in windy conditions. last couple of weeks,” he said. “It was a late start in the “They are a good team. They evening, fairly dark,” Van Uden ride and train in Doha,” Van Uden said when asked about a recap on added. the day’s proceedings. Mirza, who rode for the UAE “The course had good lights but team last year, has switched to it was rough ride on the cobble- Team Giant GMS (TGG). stones. It made for a solid ride. It “I am happy to be here again was fairly interesting at the last in Doha,” Mirza said recalling his few corners,” he added. win last year. “I knew that my finish was “This circuit is not flat. We did pretty good. I am happy to win,” a good time. I am very happy,” Van Uden said. Mirza said. Action from the opening day of Tour of Zubarah in Doha yesterday. “It will be tough (the rest of the “Tomorrow, the real Tour race). There are time bonuses at starts. It you win a stage, you the finish each day but I will be get 10 seconds. I hope me and to being here,” the UAE national can fetch good results for them. from Al Shamal Sports Club The main sponsors of the race lucky to keep the ride together for my team, we do well,” added the said. “You can see that teams are It is a one-year contract. I hope and end at Madinat Al Shamal are Aspire Zone Foundation the sprints,” the tall Kiwi added. rider while declaring himself from Europe and some riders are to continue with them,” he said. tomorrow. (AZF) and Qatar Museums. “Hopefully I can get some completely ready for the race. from Asia. There are three sides Today the riders will start at The third and the final stage The Tour of Zubaraha is bonuses but it is going to be “I am fully fit. Every rider has from the UAE,” he said. Madinat Al Kabaan in the north will be held on Saturday. entered on the UCI Asia Tour cal- harder the next few days,” he said. prepared well. You know the Tour “I am happy with my new team. of the country and end 120kms The riders will complete a total endar and the event is registered “I know there’s always a lot of of Zubarah has grown in just one They have been sponsoring me for later in Dukhan. distance of 363.4kms over the four as a class 2.2 event. wind. It should be interesting,” season. The riders look forward the last three months. I hope I The second stage will start stages. THE PENINSULA Amla, De Villiers smash tons on South Africa’s day CENTURION: Captain when a ball from Kemar Roach for almost the entire day but with Hashim Amla and his senior brushed his off stump but did not the exception of Roach, the bowl- Scoreboard lieutenant AB de Villiers both dislodge a bail. ers were not consistent enough to hit centuries as South Africa It was a superb display of bat- exploit any assistance from the South Africa (I innings): took command after early set- ting by two of the best batsmen conditions. After the early set- A Petersen c Smith b Roach...... 27 backs on the first day of the first in the world but it was not a backs, Amla and De Villiers saw D Elgar c Samuels b Cottrell ...... 28 Test against the West Indies at good day for the West Indians, their team through to lunch, add- F du Plessis c Ramdin b Roach ...... 0 SuperSport Park yesterday. who failed to take advantage of ing 45 runs before the break with H Amla (batting) ...... 133 South Africa were 340 for three sending South Africa in to bat in largely risk-free batting. A de Villiers (batting) ...... 141 at the close. heavily overcast conditions. Their stroke play blossomed Extras (B-3, LB-5, NB-1, W-2) ...... 11 Amla, captaining South Africa Much of the bowling was medi- after Amla’s escape in the first Total (for 3 wkts) ...... 340 for the first time in a home ocre and the tourists suffered a over after the interval. To bat: S van Zyl, Q de Kock, V Philander, D Test, made 133 not out, while De blow when Roach, who was com- Amla was beaten by a ball from AB de Villiers and Hashim Amla Steyn, K Abbott, M Morkel. Villiers hit an unbeaten 141. fortably their best bowler, pulled Roach, who appealed for a catch Fall of wickets: 1-57, 2-57, 3-57. They will resume today after up lame after bowling five balls of behind. adding 283 for the fourth wicket, his 16th over half an hour after Elgar before he was brought into behind. When Roach limped off The 100 partnership came up Bowling: Taylor 16.1-2-77-0; Cottrell 17-1- a South African record against tea. Roach went for a scan on his the attack after 44 runs had been he had taken two for 52. at the same time off 156 deliv- 74-1 (1nb; 1w); Roach 15.5-4-52-2 (1w); the West Indies. right ankle and a team spokes- scored in nine overs. Roach’s wickets sandwiched eries. Amla?s fifty followed soon Benn 30-5-82-0; Samuels 11-0-45-0; The pair came together with man said the results would be He immediately imposed some the dismissal of Elgar, who was afterwards off 87 balls with seven Brathwaite 1-0-2-0. South Africa in a minor crisis assessed overnight. control and made the first break- caught at gully off left-armer fours. De Villiers became the fifth West Indies: D Ramdin, K Brathwaite, D after losing three wickets for no Roach was surprisingly not through in his third over when he Sheldon Cottrell. The three wick- South African to score 20 Test Smith, L Johnson, M Samuels, S Chanderpaul, runs with the total on 57. given the new ball and runs had Petersen caught at first slip ets fell in the space of 15 balls. centuries after facing 138 balls, J Blackwood, K Roach, J Taylor, S Benn, S It could have been 102 for four flowed freely from South African and followed up with the wicket Rain delayed the start by half while Amla’s 23rd hundred came Cottrell. but Amla, on 25, had an escape openers Alviro Petersen and Dean of Faf du Plessis, who was caught an hour and the sky was overcast off 161 deliveries. AFP