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Sunday 29 December 2013 25 Safar 1435 - Volume 18 Number 5928 Price: QR2

Global economy Murray, Ferrer to be bumpy in face tricky ’14: QNB Group opener in Doha

Business | 18 Sport | 25

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 Qatar, Morocco Most residents sign aid deal worth $1.25bn RABAT: Qatar and Morocco expect sharp have signed an aid deal worth $1.25bn, part of a five-year package of financial assistance extended by Gulf states to the North African kingdom to help rise in prices it weather ‘Arab Spring’ protests. The aid is very welcome to King Mohamed — who signed the accord Consumer Confidence Index released late on Friday with the Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al DOHA: A majority of the people changed over the past one year. Thani. Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait — citizens and expatriates — in Those who said their financial con- and the UAE agreed in 2012 to the country are worried about a ditions have improved cited better provide aid worth a total $5bn to possible sharp rise in the prices business opportunities, growing Morocco in the period 2012-2017 of commodities next year, shows income, better job opportunities to build up its infrastructure, the latest Consumer Confidence for the family members for their strengthen its economy and foster Index released by the Ministry “betterment”. The Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Foreign Minister H E Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah with tourism. Each of the four countries of Development Planning and People who said their living con- the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Morocco, Abdelillah Benkirane, in Marrakesh yesterday. Bilateral relations has committed $1.25bn to Morocco Statistics. ditions are “poor” explained their and means to develop them were discussed. for the whole five-year period. The Index also indicates that income has not gone up on par REUTERS the financial condition of a sig- with the growing consumer prices. nificant number of Qatari and Monthly expenses have gone up due expatriate families has remained to the increasing rentals and grow- unchanged over the past one year, ing educational costs, they said. but a bigger number of respond- The worst-affected are the ents say that they had seen an fixed-income families. Of the total Kejriwal is improvement in their conditions. number of people who said their liv- Army behind blasts: Qaradawi The Index for September 2013 ing conditions are ‘Poor’ compared is slightly up by overall indica- to the previous year, 66.6 percent Delhi CM DOHA: Noted Qatar-based down of 1,055 Islamic charity “We denounce all explosions and tions, but it shows confidence level blamed the rise in consumer goods Islamic scholar Dr Yousuf Al organisations including several car-bombs taking place in the coun- of people is quite low in terms of prices and 9.5 percent attributed NEW DELHI: The leader of Qaradawi said that the security Holy Quran centres, orphan care try… Egypt should not be a place for the prices of consumer goods. the situation to a hike in rentals. an anti-graft party was sworn agency of the military-led gov- centres and those providing medi- such acts,” said Al Qaradawi. The Index, based on a survey Hardly 10.4 percent of the in yesterday as chief minister of ernment in Egypt was behind the cal services to (poor people) suf- Brotherhood members were that covered both the citizens and respondents felt like the ‘next 12 Delhi in what supporters hoped bombings that ripped through the fering from chronic diseases. subjected to oppression and injus- expatriates during three months months’ is the best time to buy a would start the clean-up of cor- Daqahliya Security Directorate If these organisations cater to tice from the very beginning of (July to September) revealed that brand-new car; 36.3 percent said it ruption-ridden politics. building in the Egyptian city of one million families in Egypt and the organisation. Hundreds and a high 76.1 percent of respondents is not the ideal time to go for a new The 45-year-old Arvind Mansoura last Tuesday. each family comprises an aver- thousands were arrested, pros- believe the prices would go up dur- car; 37.7 percent said it all depends Kejriwal took the oath of office “Mansoura bombing was age five members, the decision is ecuted and jailed for actions that ing the next 12 months (September on whether they really need a new in a public park after living up plotted by the security agency going to deprive more than five they never committed. 2013-September 2014). vehicle. to his “common man” reputation and carried out by some of its million people from humanitarian “ Who is the terrorist? Those Responding to how they feel Asked whether they felt the by riding the subway to the cer- elements, not by the Muslim services, added the scholar. who killed thousands of the people about the financial conditions survey period (July-September) emony. “I will do my duties as a Brotherhood,” said the scholar in Al Qaradawi denounced the in Rabiya and Al Nahza by guns, of their families compared to 12 was the best time to purchase minister honestly,” said Kejriwal. his Friday sermon at Omar bin killing of innocent people in fighter plans, tanks and snipers months ago, 53.3 percent said their household items, 55.2 percent said He said he had no “magic Khatab mosque. Egypt whether they are Muslims or those who staged peaceful pro- conditions are “better”. A marginal they didn’t feel the need for buy- wand” to solve the city’s massive He denounced the decision to or Christians and warned against tests for their right to freedom, 4.4 percent said their conditions ing household goods at that point housing, infrastructure and sani- ban the Brotherhood and put turning Egypt into a hotbed for democracy and dignity?,” asked are “poor”. A significant 41.5 per- of time. THE PENINSULA tation problems. AFP it in the list of terrorist outfits. terrorist operations claiming the the scholar. THE PENINSULA cent said their conditions haven’t Continued on page 3 See also page 14 This decision will lead to shutting lives of innocent people. Continued on page 3

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How to: 1. Download AURASMA app (available on Android and iOS) 2. Launch the app and click on A 3. Search and click on qtourism 4. Click follow 5. Scan this advertisement SUNDAY 29 DECEMBER 2013 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Many special needs kids attend regular schools It is essential that these children study with normal children, says expert

BY FAZEENA SALEEM “The Supreme Council of circumstances are considered physical performance and prereq- Health do assessments to create a unique while providing services uisite skills for functional posture DOHA: Majority of children healthy environment for students and support,” says Dr Al Yazeedi. and movement. with special needs in Qatar go with special needs at schools in Nature of service provided This is achieved through goal to regular schools, while only 20 Qatar,” said Dr Al Yazeedi. to eligible families depends on focused assessment, interven- percent of them are referred to Further, the early intervention assessed needs of the child and tions, equipment advice and a special centre, says an expert. programme provided by Hamad family, and the resources avail- environmental adaptations to There are an estimated 3,000 Medical Corporation provides able to deliver the service, she enhance children’s performance. students with special needs and services and support to families explained. Occupational therapy focuses it is essential for them to study who may need assistance with Also the Special Education on processing skills for basic together with other children, said extraordinary care for a child Department at the Rumailah activities of daily living such as Dr Wafa Al Yazeedi, Director of with special needs. With the sup- Hospital has an Outpatient day eating, dressing, grooming, toilet- Rehabilitation, at the Rumailah port, families are better able to care service that provides special- ing, bathing, and written commu- Hospital. care for their children at home ised pre-integration training for nication (handwriting, keyboard “There are around 3,000 stu- within their communities, where children with special needs- who skills). dents with special needs. Majority children grow. have physical, developmental and Occupational therapy services of them can go to regular schools This programme includes serv- associated learning needs. include training in school-related and study with other students, ices such as child development It provides rehabilitation serv- skills and strategies to help chil- through an integration pro- (for preschool children), therapy ices through a family-centred dren compensate for specific gramme by the Supreme Council for behavioural changes; supplies approach, to maximise a child’s deficits. of Education,” she explained. required equipment and do a independence and facilitate inte- The speech therapy depart- Since 2009 the Ministry of home assessment. gration into schooling and the ment addresses speech, language, Social Affairs, Supreme Council It is provided to children with community. communication, and swallowing of Health, Supreme Council of mental disability, a developmental Special Education Department skills in children with disabilities. Family Affairs and Supreme delay, Autism Spectrum Disorder works closely with three depart- Speech therapists provide com- Council of Education work and physical disability (Cerebral ments within Rumailah Hospital prehensive diagnostic evaluations, together under a memorandum Palsy) that results in significant in particular. consultations, parent counselling of understanding to support stu- limitations in mobility. The physiotherapy depart- and intervention. The Director of Rehabilitation at Rumailah Hospital Dr Wafa Al Yazeedi. dents with special needs in Qatar. “Each child and family’s ment seeks to develop the child’s THE PENINSULA

MoI camp raises awareness on drugs DOHA: The Permanent school, Abdul Rahman bin camp fire, sports, badge mak- Committee for Drugs and Jassim Independent prepara- ing, pearl hunting and diving, Alcohol Affairs (PCDAA) at tory school, Ahnaf bin Qais creative thinking, fashion scout, the Ministry of Interior in col- Independent preparatory school, aptitude test, among others. laboration with Qatar Scouts Al Furqan Preparatory private An awareness film A Moment and Guides Association organ- School, Khalid bin Al Waleed of Choice was shown and then the ised a scout camp for school Independent preparatory students wrecked a cigarette students over the weekend to School an Omar bin Al Khatab figure marking their detestation raise awareness about the dan- Independent Preparatory School. to it in a symbolic way. ger of drugs. Major Ibrahim Al Sameh, Abou Hammam Waqni deliv- The event at Al Khor marina Secretary General of PCDAA ered a speech on the topic scouts camp in Al Khor was part said the committee was actively “choosing the Ideal friend”. of the ongoing Weqaya campaign working to spread awareness Dr Ahmad Zaki and Sheikh of the Ministry and was attended about the danger of drugs and Hamoud Al Anzi also addressed by 132 students from seven pre- their devastating effect on fami- the camp. paratory schools. lies and society. At the closing ceremony The schools included Bin The camp commander Major Ibrahim Al Sameh and Khaldun Independent prepara- Ghanim Abdul Rahman Al Abdullah Mahmoud awarded Schoolchildren taking part in the MoI awareness camp. tory school, Khalid bin Ahmad Kowari said the event featured prizes to the best performers in Independent preparatory a variety of activities such as the camp. THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 29 DECEMBER 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03

Emir concludes Morocco visit

The Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with the Speaker of the House of Councillors of Morocco Mohamed Cheikh Biadillah in Marrakesh yesterday. RIGHT: The Emir with the Moroccan Interior Minister Mohamed Hassad at the Marrakesh Airport. The Emir concluded a two-day state visit to Morocco yesterday.

District cooling helps cut CO2 emissions Qatar has reduced over 500,000 tonnes of carbon emissions by introducing DC system in the country: Official

BY MOHAMMAD SHOEB countries. Faced with the chal- only approved equipment, use Qatar Cool, which was incorpo- lenge of saving water and making TSE by replacing fresh water, rated in 2003, has installed many DOHA: Replacing equipment the technology more cost effec- which is allowed to use only as a projects in Qatar, including the to use treated sewage effluent tive, Qatar’s Permanent Water back-up option,” he added. world’s largest district cooling (TSE) in place of fresh water Resources Committee (PWRC) Qatar has set an estimated plant at The Pearl, which has a in ‘District Cooling’ plants can has recommended using only TSE target to reduce about 3.5 mil- 130,000 tonne cooling capacity. not only help recover the cost of in all existing and upcoming DC lion tonnes of CO2 emissions by The company’s two plants in equipment within three years, projects, replacing fresh water, 2022. It has already reduced over West Bay, with a combined cool- but also save millions of riy- which in turn will reduce the run- 500,000 tonnes of CO2 so far, by ing capacity of 67,000 tonnes als to the service providers as ning costs of plants significantly. introducing DC system in the of refrigeration, are serving to a result of significant fall in “The replacement of fresh country. Qatar Cool and Marafeq nearly 50 percent of existing the variable costs of cooling water with TSE can help Qatar, two major suppliers of towers. plants, said a senior official of recover the cost of equipment DC service in the country, have Qatar Cool is looking forward Kahramaa. within three years, and after assured to use only TSE in their to install its third plant in West District Cooling (DC) is an that operators can enjoy up to upcoming projects to comply with Bay, according to Al Sada. innovative and energy efficient 80 percent savings over all the the latest guidelines. Marafeq’s DC system in the refrigeration system which remaining years of a plant,” Asked if there is any replace- upcoming Lusail City, once fully delivers chilled water via an Ibrahim Mohammed Al Sada ment deadline for the existing operational, will be one of the big- underground insulated pipeline (pictured), Manager District plants, Al Sada said: “Yes the gest plants in the world with a to offices and factories needing Cooling Services Department at deadline ends by this December, cooling capacity of 374,000 tonne cooling. Kahramaa, which is responsible but some of the plants have refrigeration. It is a very cost effective and for the regulation of DC market, expressed their limitations with In addition to Lusial and some environment-friendly system told The Peninsula. replacing fresh water with TSE.” advanced stage in Qatar, and regard to TSE use, with whom we 2022 Fifa World Cup projects, which uses 30 to 40 percent less Al Sada said: “Using TSE in He noted that Qatar promotes according to Al Sada, it is one are cooperating. Hamad International Airport, energy than conventional refrig- DC systems has huge benefits in only electricity driven DC system, of the very few countries in the “But they have to convince Barwa Commercial Avenue, eration system, resulting heavy terms of monetary, CO2 emissions because natural gas powered cool- world to have a regulatory body us by showing a clear replace- Qatar Foundation, Katara reduction in CO2 emissions. and environmental protection. It ing system emits relatively more to monitor DC market to practice ment plan with official letters Cultural Village and Hamad

Since it works on water-intensive saves a lot of water and electric- CO2 and needs about 40 percent highest standards. from Public Works Authority Hospital are some of the other technology, it suffers with some ity. Given the wide ranging ben- more water. “We have sent over 50 letters (Ashghal), which updates clients major projects which will have limitations in water-starved efits, the UAE has already started DC system is in a very to different DC plants to install about the availability of TSE. DC systems. THE PENINSULA

MoI, QP ink deal No more unattended car services at Woqod

DOHA: Service stations of An expatriate who went to Woqod are no more allowing a Woqod services centre in the customers seeking a car wash Airport area during the weekend to leave their vehicles at their said he had to drop his plan to premises and take them back wash the car because the staff later after the service at their insisted that he has to wait there convenience. until the service is done. Customers are now being asked “They told me I cannot leave to wait at the spot until the serv- the car and go. They said three ice is over. The waiting could go cars were stolen at different serv- up to two to three hours during ices centres recently that were peak hours. left by their owners for washing,” Some cars left by their own- he said. ers for washing were stolen from “I don’t normally go for auto- different service stations in Doha matic wash, although it is faster. recently forcing the company to A manual wash would take two change the system, it has been to three hours during peak hours learnt. and at least one hour at other The services centres at Woqod times,” he added. The Ministry of Interior (MoI) and Qatar Petroleum (QP) have signed petrol stations work round-the- He wondered why the com- a memorandum of understanding to build housing facilities for the clock and witness long queues of pany did not introduce a system Ministry at Mesaieed Industrial City. The MoU was signed on Thursday vehicles most of the time, espe- to properly monitor the cars, A long queue for car wash at a Woqod petrol station in Doha. at Mesaieed Industrial City by Director of South Security Department cially in the evening hours. instead of forcing customers to Brig Mohammed Jassim Al Sulaiti and Director of Industrial Cities’ To avoid the long waiting, many wait longer. led to such incidents,” he added. car wash — can still enjoy the old Affairs at QP Abdul Azeez Jassim Al Muftah. customers seeking a car wash and “They issue bills when we give A worker at a Woqod petrol privilege. other services leave their vehicles the car for service. Why can’t station in Doha, while confirm- However, they have to submit at the custody of the staff along they cross-check the bills while ing the change in the system said a photocopy of their Qatari ID, with the keys so that they can releasing the cars. There was no yesterday that customers who for the purpose of identification take it back later, when they are system to monitor who was tak- come for more than once for serv- while releasing the cars. Few confident prices coming down free. ing which car and this might have ice — for instance oil change and THE PENINSULA Continued from page 1 Some 22.5 percent felt it was the best time to purchase and 16.7 percent said it was not the ideal time to purchase. Very few people, nearly 0.8 percent, is confident of prices com- Stop killings: Qaradawi ing down during the period. While 20 percent believe the prices will Arab centre to open institute of higher studies Continued from page 1 remain stable, 3.1 percent said “don’t know”. A considerable number of respondents believe the prices may go up to 5-10 percent next year. DOHA: The Arab Center for Research and By end of 2011, the ACRPS planed to build an “You set fire on their homes, broke The Index was slightly up by 0.7 percent in September 2013 compared Policy Studies (ACRPS) has announced the institute to prepare a new generation of enlight- into the universities and arrested to August 2013. The three months showed a gradual growth in the launch of an institute for higher studies here in ened young Arab scholars, critical thinkers, and women… Stop these killings,” he confidence level of the people, although they were less confident of the the fall of 2015. future leaders in the various fields including social said, in a scathing attack on Egyptian coming months. In terms of expected inflation rate, the respondents The institute named “Doha Institute for Higher sciences and humanities, as well as forward-think- Defence Minister Abdel Fattah Al are more worried about a possible rise in the rentals and education Studies” will be an independent institute for learn- ing professional public servants that serve the Sisi, who led the military takeover expenses. Education and rentals are going to be a big burden, they said. ing and research in the fields of social sciences, Arab region, said a report posted on the website in Egypt that overthrew Mohammed THE PENINSULA humanities, and public administration. of ACRPS. THE PENINSULA Mursi. THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 29 DECEMBER 2013 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME China vows firm support to Palestine cause World’s second largest economy seeks to strengthen ties with Arab countries

BY MOHAMMAD SHOEB The world’s second largest econ- Chinese Ambassador to Qatar. “Our posi- legitimate national rights and to play a more omy has also expressed its willingness tion on Palestine is clear. Israel has been an positive and constructive role in pushing DOHA: China has vowed to “firmly to strengthen its “friendly relations” independent state for over 60 years while forward the Palestine-Israel peace process,” support” the Palestine cause and with all Arab countries, including the wish of the Palestinian people to achieve Wang said. seek to restore all its legitimate Qatar on a model based on “equal- independence and to set up their own state He assured that China will encourage its national rights at international ity between big and small coun- is yet to be realised. It is unjust and unrea- institutions and enterprises to invest and forums, including the UN. tries”, said Gao Youzhen (pictured), sonable, and should not continue,” said the develop their business in Palestine to better envoy. benefit the Palestinian people with outcomes Asked about China’s position on Syria and of practical cooperation. Muslim Brotherhood, which has recently “China will implement the personnel been declared a terrorist organisation by training programmes for Palestine, will Egypt’s interim government, he said: “We strengthen bilateral people-to-people and are with the people of both the countries. cultural exchanges, and will further expand Their interests should be protected at all the friendship to safeguard national rights,” costs.” he said. Youzhen was speaking at a press meet- Al Maliki said that Palestine is grate- ing held at his residence on Thursday to ful to China for supporting the cause of Xi Jinping for resolving the Palestine issue. discuss the highlights of Chinese Foreign independence and the establishment of the “We are committed to resolving the Minister Wang Yi’s recently concluded five- Palestinian state. Palestine issue through peace talks and nation visit to the Middle East, which Wang “The social and economic development of will continue to join in the Palestine-Israel started from Ramallah, Palestine. The other Palestine is also inseparable from the sup- peace talks in a constructive manner,” said four states he visited were Israel, Saudi port of China. Palestine is always willing Abbas. During his meeting with Israeli Arabia, Algeria and Morocco. to deepen cooperation with China and to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (on During Wang’s meeting with his benefit the people,” he added. December 19), Wang said: “China-Israel Palestinian counterpart, Riyad Al Maliki Wang also met with Palestinian President relationship enjoys firm foundation, rapid (on December 18), he said that China is will- Mahmoud Abbas. Abbas thanked China for growth and huge potential. It brings tan- ing to work with Palestine to further deepen its support and expressed that Palestine- gible benefits to both peoples. China always traditional friendship and promote practical China relations have withstood the tests values the relations with Israel.” cooperation. of history. Wang also met with Israeli President “China will continue to firmly support The President highly praised the four- Shimon Peres on the same day. the just cause of Palestine to restore its point proposal raised by Chinese President THE PENINSULA

Ooredoo launches Paris Saint-Germain vs Real Madrid giveaway DOHA: Ooredoo will be giving away a have their entry shared on the Ooredoo notified by December 31 and the winning range of prizes as part of their sponsor- Facebook page. child and two adults will be able to watch ship of the Paris Saint-Germain vs Real The match will be the official start of the game. Madrid friendly to be held in Doha. Ooredoo’s 2014 sports campaign with events Ooredoo and Paris Saint-Germain will With tickets to the much anticipated already scheduled such as the Ooredoo also be hosting a training session for 28 football game selling out in less than two Marathon on January 10, Sports Day activi- young players in Qatar in December 2014. weeks, Ooredoo’s competition offers cus- ties in February and a host of events held The event aims to help nurture local tal- tomers who couldn’t get hold of tickets a around Ooredoo Ambassador Nasser Al ent and give children a chance to play with chance to go. Attiyah’s sporting fixtures. professionals. Ooredoo will be giving away 40 tick- Ooredoo will also give Nojoom’s Al The team will also be spending a day at ets to the match via the social media site Nokhba members a chance to win a place a local school, educating children on the Instagram and in order to win one of the for their child to be a player’s mascot and importance of fitness and teamwork. tickets, Instagram users must follow the walk onto the pitch with one of the Paris The Paris Saint-Germain vs Real Madrid Ooredoo Qatar page and post a picture or Saint-Germain players. match will kick off at 17:45 on January 2 video of their greatest sporting moment. Al Nokhba members can enter one child at the Khalifa International Stadium in The photo or video must simply use the per member between the age of 8 and 12, Doha. Ticket winners can collect their ticket #OoredooPSG and tag @OoredooQatar to by going to the Al Nokhba page and telling between 3pm and 4pm at the stadium’s fan- be valid. The top 40 posts will win a ticket Ooredoo in a maximum of 50 words why zone on the day of the match. to the match, and the top five winners will their child should win. The winner will be THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 29 DECEMBER 2013 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 Student dies in clash at Al Azhar University Police confront Muslim Brotherhood members

CAIRO: A student was killed and scheduled exams went ahead on fire as well. The Brotherhood’s yesterday and scores were after the morning clashes. Al London press office said the build- arrested when supporters of the Azhar, a respected centre of Sunni ings were set on fire by security Muslim Brotherhood clashed Islamic learning, has for months forces, not the student protesters. w i t h E g y p t i a n p o l i c e a t t h e C a i r o been the scene of protests against Separately, a prosecutor campus of Al Azhar University, what the Brotherhood calls a “mil- ordered the continued deten- state media reported. itary coup” that deposed Islamist tion of seven Al-Azhar stu- Shaimaa Mounir, a student Mohammed Mursi as president in dents arrested during clashes activist, told Reuters the dead July after a year in office. on Thursday. The students are student was Khaled El-Haddad, The Brotherhood condemned the first to be ordered detained a supporter of the Islamist move- what it called a “violent crack- by prosecutors on accusations ment which has continued daily down on student protests”, saying of belonging to a terrorist group protests after the government in a statement that the deploy- since the Brotherhood’s formal designated it a terrorist organi- ment of security forces on uni- listing on December 25. That move sation this week. versity campuses was an attempt increased the penalties for dissent State-run newspaper Al-Ahram by the government to “silence any against the government installed said security forces fired teargas voice of opposition.” after the army ousted Mursi fol- to disperse pro-Brotherhood stu- Security sources confirmed lowing mass protests against his dents who were preventing their the Brotherhood’s statement rule. The widening crackdown classmates from entering univer- that nine Al Azhar students have against the movement that was sity buildings to take exams. been killed in clashes with police elected after the toppling of vet- Protesters threw rocks at police since the start of the academic eran leader Hosni Mubarak in and set tyres on fire to counter year in September. On Friday, at 2011 has increased tension in a the teargas. Al-Ahram quoted a least five people died in clashes country suffering the worst inter- Health Ministry official as saying across Egypt. Two college build- nal strife of its modern history that one student had been killed ings caught fire in yesterday’s vio- following Mursi’s ousting. and five injured. Police arrested lence. State TV broadcast footage The army-backed government 101 students for possession of of black smoke billowing from the appears bent on clamping down makeshift weapons including pet- faculty of commerce building and on dissent ahead of a referendum A man stands outside a faculty building at Cairo’s Al-Azhar University after student supporters of the Muslim rol bombs, the state news agency said “terrorist students” had set next month on a new constitution. Brotherhood stormed it yesterday. reported. Calm had been restored, the agriculture faculty building REUTERS Bombs dropped on Aleppo vegetable market kill 25 civilians

BEIRUT: Helicopters dropped TNT- said, updating an earlier toll. where people were buying vegetables and and helicopters dropped so-called bar- “We have picked up pieces of children’s packed barrels on a vegetable market “The number is likely to rise fur- home appliances,” it said. “Many buildings rel bombs, often on densely populated bodies — they were there with two women and next to a hospital in Syria’s north- ther because several people have been have been damaged, and one collapsed.” rebel-held areas, terrorising residents. and a man,” said one man, pointing at a ern city Aleppo yesterday, killing at critically injured,” the Britain-based The Observatory and activists in Human rights organisations as well as destroyed vehicle. least 25 civilians including two chil- group added. Aleppo say President Bashar Al Assad’s Arab and Western countries have con- “Inside the car there were bodies of dren, a watchdog said. The Syrian Revolution General regime has waged a massive aerial offen- demned the offensive as “indiscriminate” women with their heads severed. We put “The number of people killed has risen Commission, a network of activists on sive against the city and nearby villages and “unlawful”, but Assad’s regime says the remains in bags... May God take his to 25 including two women, four children, the ground, described the bombing as a since December 15, killing more than 400 it is targeting “terrorists”. vengeance against you, tyrant,” he added a teenager and a media activist,” the “massacre”. people, mostly civilians. Activists distributed footage of the of Assad. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights “The raid targeted a crowded market Warplanes have launched rockets badly damaged market area. AFP S Sudan threatens to attack rebels if truce offer is rejected JUBA: South Sudan troops will monitoring are established, has left them paralysed with fear. attack the main stronghold of when one says there is a unilat- “They came with their guns rebel forces loyal to former vice eral ceasefire, there is no way and spoke to us in the Dinka president Riek Machar if the the other person would be con- language,” said Gattuor Gatkek, government’s offer of a ceasefire fident this is a commitment,” a Nuer man seeking refuge at is rejected, a senior minister Machar said. the UN camp in Juba’s Tonping said yesterday. Information Minister Michael area where other civilians also More than 1,000 people have Makuei said government troops have told Reuters about sum- been killed in two weeks of eth- yesterday morning pushed rebels mary executions, rapes and nic clashes that threaten to out of the town of Mayom in Unity mutilations. turn into a full-blown civil war State and were ready to advance “I didn’t speak the language, so in the world’s youngest country. the 90 km to Bentiu, the last state they pulled me aside and forced Refugees sheltering in UN camps capital held by Machar’s forces. me to eat the flesh of a corpse spoke of atrocities committed by “We will flush (Machar) out that lay next to me.” both main ethnic groups. of Bentiu if he doesn’t accept the Dinkas say they have also been President Salva Kiir’s govern- cessation of hostilities,” Makuei victims of ethnic-based atrocities. ment offered an olive branch to told Reuters by phone from the In Jonglei state capital Bor they the rebels on Friday, proposing capital Juba. talk of mass killings by marauding a ceasefire and saying it would Fighting between rival groups Nuer militias, while a UN human release eight of 11 senior politi- of soldiers erupted in Juba on rights group said earlier this week cians, widely seen to be Machar December 15, then triggered it had found a mass grave believed allies, arrested over an alleged clashes in half of South Sudan’s to contain bodies of Dinka soldiers coup plot against Kiir. 10 states — often along ethnic in rebel-held Bentiu. But Kiir’s former deputy lines, between Machar’s group, The United States, other Machar reacted coolly to the the Nuer, and Kiir’s Dinka. Western powers and regional gov- truce offer, telling the BBC that Inside sprawling United ernments, fearful of a civil war any ceasefire needed to be cred- Nations camps acting as a safe in a fragile region with notori- ible and properly enforced for him haven for more than 63,000 civil- ously porous borders, have tried to take it seriously. ians, many traumatised Dinka to mediate. “Until mechanisms for and Nuer say ethnic bloodletting REUTERS Bahrain questions Al Wefaq chief MANAMA: Bahraini authorities yesterday ques- tioned the head of the main Shia opposition group over comments he made a day earlier in a religious sermon, the interior ministry and the group said. The ministry said in a Twitter message Sheikh Ali Salman, secretary-general of the Al Wefaq Islamic Association, “incited hatred” of the government and “promoted rioting and vandalism”. The content of Salman’s remarks was not immediately available. Wefaq said in a statement Salman was first sum- moned by the Criminal Investigations Department and then transferred to the Public Prosecution Office for interrogation. The questioning came nearly two months after the kingdom, which is ruled by the Al-Khalifa dynasty, charged Salman with insulting the interior ministry. He was the most senior opposition figure to have been charged since majority Shias began protests in 2011 to demand political reform and a greater role in running the country. REUTERS SUNDAY 29 DECEMBER 2013 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST Iraqi Sunni MP held; six killed in clashes Security forces raid lawmaker’s home killing brother; powerful Shia cleric Moqtada Al Sadr calls for restraint

RAMADI, IRAQ: Iraqi secu- the Iraqi special forces’ Facebook grievances, who say they are rity forces yesterday raided page, with a caption indicating both marginalised by the govern- the home of a Sunni MP who he had been arrested by counter- ment and unfairly targetted with backs anti-government protest- terrorism forces. heavy-handed tactics by security ers, arresting him and sparking Hundreds of people armed with forces. clashes that killed his brother automatic weapons protested at Prime Minister Nouri Al and five guards, police said. Alwani’s home after the raid, an Maliki, a Shia, said on December The raid threatens to inflame AFP journalist said. “With soul, 22 that the protest site near widespread discontent among with blood, we sacrifice for you, Ramadi had become “a head- Iraq’s Sunni Arab minority and doctor,” they shouted, referring quarters for the leadership of could compound rampant violence to the MP. Al Qaeda,” and gave those unaffil- plaguing the country. Hundreds of people also pro- iated with the group a “very short Police said automatic weap- tested in Fallujah, east of Ramadi, period” to leave before security ons and rocket-propelled gre- police said. forces move in. nades were used in the clashes Parliament speaker Osama Al Sunni discontent has been a that erupted during the raid on Nujaifi, a Sunni, described the key factor in the sharp surge in MP Ahmed Al Alwani’s home in arrest as “treading on the core of violence in Iraq this year. Ramadi, west of Baghdad. the Iraqi constitution and a clear But while the government has Alwani’s brother and five violation of its articles”. made some concessions aimed at guards were killed, while 18 peo- Nujaifi said in a statement that placating Sunni Arabs, including ple, including 10 members of the MPs have immunity and that he freeing prisoners and raising the security forces, were wounded, was dispatching a parliamen- salaries of anti-Al Qaeda fight- police and a doctor at Ramadi tary delegation to Anbar prov- ers, underlying issues remain hospital said. ince, where the raid occurred, to unaddressed. The Defence Ministry said investigate. The last major security opera- Alwani’s brother Ali, who was However, the constitution says tion at a protest site, near the wanted on terrorism charges, was MPs can be arrested without par- northern town of Hawijah on the target of the early morning liament waiving immunity if they April 23, sparked clashes that raid. are caught committing a serious killed dozens of people. When security forces arrived, crime, which security forces may Nationwide death tolls then the two brothers and their guards argue in Alwani’s case. spiked, reaching a level not seen opened fire, killing one security Powerful Shia cleric Moqtada since 2008 when Iraq was emerg- forces member and wounding five, Al Sadr, meanwhile, called at ing from a brutal period of sectar- a ministry statement said. a news conference for security ian killings. Iraqi ground forces commander forces to avoid sectarianism, say- Iraqis march during a protest against the arrest of MP Ahmed Al Alwani in Ramadi, west of Baghdad, yesterday. The violence continued yes- Staff General Ali Ghaidan Majeed ing that “if you are a Shia soldier, terday, with attacks by suicide said Ali Al Alwani was wounded you are a brother of the Sunni, Ramadi, and has frequently spo- Sunni Arab, on terrorism charges. another prominent Sunni politi- bombers and gunmen killing eight and died later in hospital, while Christian and Kurd.” ken at the site. The arrests were seen by Sunnis cian, were arrested and accused people, among them four police two guards were also wounded Alwani, in his 40s and serving Protests broke out in Sunni as just the latest example of the of terrorism. He fled Iraq and has and two soldiers, and wounding 11. and Ahmed was arrested. his second term as an MP, is a Arab-majority areas of Iraq Shia-led government targeting since been given multiple death More than 6,700 people have A blurred image of Ahmed Al well-known supporter of Sunni late last year after the arrest of one of their leaders. sentences for charges including been killed this year, according Alwani, his head down and face Arab anti-government protest- guards of then-finance minister In December 2011, guards of murder. The demonstrations have to AFP figures based on security apparently bruised, was posted on ers camped on a highway near Rafa Al Essawi, an influential vice president Tareq Al Hashemi, tapped into long-standing Sunni and medical sources. AFP Kerry to Libyan govt frees four US military personnel WASHINGTON: Four US ruins, is located some 65 kilom- at a checkpoint and moved to the offering a $10m (¤7.3m) reward Benghazi. There was also a fatal visit Israel, military personnel have been eters (40 miles) west of the capi- interior ministry, according to the to help track down the militants attack on an American school- released after being detained tal Tripoli. Times. behind the attack. teacher this month in Benghazi. briefly by the Libyan govern- “We value our relationship Americans in Libya have Libya has been struggling to And in October, Prime Minister Palestine ment, the US State Department with the new Libya,” Psaki said. been targeted more than once integrate the rebel groups that Ali Zidan was abducted by gun- said yesterday. “We have a strategic partnership since 2011, when the regime of helped topple the Gaddafi regime men in Tripoli and then freed State Department spokes- based on shared interests and our strongman Moamer Kadhafi into the regular armed forces. hours later. next week woman Jen Psaki, who hours strong support for Libya’s historic was overthrown by local rebel Militias have carved out their In November, Secretary of earlier had announced the democratic transition.” groups backed by US and NATO own fiefdoms, each with its own State John Kerry and his British WASHINGTON: Secretary of Americans’ detention, did not say A US official,speaking on con- airpower. ideology and regional allegiances. counterpart William Hague met State John Kerry will return to why they were held. dition of anonymity, told AFP In September 2012 four people, The vast, mostly desert coun- in London with Libyan Prime Israel and the Palestinian terri- “All four US military personnel that the four were released just including the US ambassador to try is effectively ruled by a patch- Minister Ali Zeidan and agreed tories for peace talks next week, being held in Libyan government two hours after the US State Libya, were killed in an attack on work of local militias and is awash to help Libya crack down on mili- a senior US government official custody have been released,” Psaki Department announced their the US consulate in the eastern in heavy weapons looted from tia violence. said yesterday, days after Israel said in a statement just after detention. city of Benghazi by Islamist gun- Gaddafi’s arsenals. The Pentagon also said that the is due to free another group of midnight. The military staff were men with alleged Al Qaeda ties. The two years since Gaddafi US military was prepared to train Palestinian prisoners. “We are still trying to ascertain attached to the security team at Ambassador Christopher was overthrown and killed by between 5,000 and 8,000 Libyan The US official, speaking on the facts of the incident.” the US embassy in Tripoli and Stevens, a popular diplomat and rebels Benghazi has seen scores of army troops at a base in Bulgaria. condition of anonymity, said According to Psaki, the four may have been scouting escape fluent Arabic speaker, was the attacks targeting security forces There were also plans to train a Kerry will visit Jerusalem and “were operating in an area near routes for possible future use by first US ambassador killed while and foreign missions, as well as separate counter-terrorism unit, Ramallah late next week for Sabratha as part of security pre- diplomats, The New York Times on duty in three decades. more generalised violence. said Admiral William McRaven, more talks with Israeli Prime paredness efforts when they were reported, citing unnamed US In mid-November, the State Earlier this week, a suicide car commander of US Special Minister Benjamin Netanyahu taken into custody.” officials. Department revealed that since bombing killed at least 13 people Operations Command. and Palestinian President Sabratha, known for its Roman The personnel were detained January it has been quietly in Bersis, about 30 miles from AFP Mahmoud Abbas, resuming his intensive shuttle diplomacy after a Christmas break. The United States is seeking to Protest with portraits broker an agreement on a “two- state solution” in which Israel would exist peacefully alongside Anti-Syria bloc rejects a new Palestinian state. Kerry wants the sides to agree to a framework for an interim Hezbollah overture accord ahead of a deal in April, which would launch another year of talks aimed at a full-blown BEIRUT: Lebanon’s anti- not stopped,” he added. peace treaty. A framework would Syria bloc said yesterday that “Today we are calling for the demonstrate that progress is it refuses to join a government creation of a government com- being made in talks that began with Hezbollah, a day after it posed of our group along with in July, according to US officials. lost an influential member in a centrists, excluding Hezbollah.” A framework would touch on Beirut car bombing. Friday’s attack came amid deep all the main issues, including The attack in the heart of the tensions in Lebanon linked to the security, the future of Jerusalem capital on Friday killed seven conflict in neighbouring Syria. and the fate of refugees. people including March 14 bloc Hezbollah has sent in thou- A major step in that proc- member Mohammad Chatah. sands of fighters to back Assad’s ess is the release of about two Hours later, the bloc implied troops, defying repeated calls to dozen Palestinian prisoners on it held Hezbollah and its ally keep out of the conflict. December 30, the third group to Syrian President Bashar Al Assad March 14 was created in 2005, be freed since talks resumed in responsible. after the assassination of former July. The release is seen by the The attack comes nine months prime minister Rafiq Al Hariri. United States as a vital confi- into a major political crisis in Assad’s opponents in Lebanon dence-building measure. Lebanon. blame Hariri’s killing and that of But the plan for the release was A member of the People’s Mujahedin of Iran (PMOI) holds pictures of PMOI members Abbas Namvar, Ever since a caretaker govern- 12 other high-profile politicians, overshadowed by an announce- Mohammad-Javad Saleh-Tehrani and Mahmoud Bornafar killed in an attack on Camp Liberty this week, ment headed by prime minister intellectuals and security officials ment by Israel on Friday that it during a protest in Paris yesterday. Najib Mikati resigned, the coun- on the Damascus regime. intends to build 1,400 homes in try’s main political forces have Although an international Jewish settlements in the occupied been too divided to agree on a new outcry over Hariri’s assassina- West Bank, a move Palestinian government. tion forced Assad to withdraw negotiator Saeb Erekat said the “Today we propose a govern- Syrian troops from Lebanon later would “destroy the peace process” ment composed of representa- that year, Damascus has contin- and could be met with retaliation. Saudi cops catch woman driving in Jeddah tives of our camp and of centrists, ued to exert significant influence The Palestinians see the Jewish without Hezbollah,” said Fares through its allies. settlements as an obstacle to JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA: Yami carries an international driv- not granted licences. Elsewhere Souaid, secretary general of the After Mikati resigned in achieving a viable state in East Saudi police yesterday pulled ing licence and was with another in Khobar, in Eastern Province, March 14 bloc. March, pro-March 14 politician Jerusalem, the West Bank and over a woman minutes after she woman who was filming her in another woman drove for two “We have, in the past, partici- Tammam Salam was named to the Gaza Strip, territories Israel got behind the wheel in the Red the car. Tamador’s husband was hours, accompanied by her hus- pated in national unity govern- take his place but the country’s captured in the 1967 Middle East Sea city of Jeddah after activ- called to the scene and she was band, without being stopped, ments (with Hezbollah), made deep divisions have prevented the war. Most countries consider ists called for a new challenge to forced to sign a pledge not to drive Nafjan said. Activists say yes- compromises, initiated dialogue formation of a new government. Israel’s settlements there illegal. a driving ban. again without a Saudi licence, said terday was chosen as a “sym- to try and convince this party Hezbollah has proposed the for- During his last visit to the “Only 10 minutes after Tamador Nafjan on her Twitter account. bolic” date as part of efforts first to stop resorting to violence and mation of a national unity govern- region on December 13, Kerry Al Yami got behind the wheel Women are not allowed into launched more than a decade ago killing to reach its political goals,” ment, bringing together its allies, said both sides remained com- police stopped her,” activist Eman driving schools in the ultra- to press for the right for Saudi Souaid told AFP. March 14 and centrist ministers. mitted to peace talks. REUTERS Al Nafjan told AFP, adding that conservative kingdom and are women to drive. AFP “But the killing machine has AFP SUNDAY 29 DECEMBER 2013 INTERNATIONAL www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 Rescue of ship stuck in ice stalls Passengers hope for the best as Chinese ice-breaking vessel fails to reach stranded ship off Antarctica SYDNEY: Passengers onboard a to respond. It is not yet clear whether passengers had been delighted the ship stuck in ice off Antarctica were the Aurora Australis will be able to go any Chinese ship had been able to get close to yesterday placing their hopes in the further than the Chinese vessel, the Snow their remote location as quickly as it did. Australian icebreaker hurrying to Dragon. A third ship, the French vessel “It certainly tried hard,” Peacock said, their remote location, after a Chinese L’Astrolabe, was released from the rescue adding it was still visible off the ship’s icebreaker failed to free them. mission yesterday. starboard side when it was not snowing. The Australian Maritime Safety “We all know that there’s a possibility AMSA said yesterday it was “assess- Authority (AMSA), which is coordinat- of this becoming quite a protracted sit ing options” regarding the rescue of the ing the rescue of the Russian passenger and wait,” said Andrew Peacock, a pas- Russian ship which is approximately ship MV Akademik Shokalskiy, said the senger onboard the Akademik Shokalskiy, 1500 nautical miles south of the southern icebreaker came within six-and-a-half speaking to AFP via satellite phone. Australian city of Hobart. nautical miles of the ship but had to stop. “I think people are just looking at that “A helicopter-equipped Chinese-flagged “The Chinese vessel unfortunately next step when that second icebreaker vessel remains in the vicinity to assist if encountered some heavy ice that it’s not arrives. necessary,” it said in a statement. capable of breaking through,” AMSA “We really are just hoping that the... The Akademik Shokalskiy is carrying spokeswoman Andrea Hayward-Maher two powerful icebreaker ships will pro- scientists and tourists who are follow- told AFP. “The rescue... unfortunately vide the breakage of ice that we need.” ing the Antarctic path of explorer Sir has stalled.” The captain of the Aurora, Murray Douglas Mawson a century ago and The Russian ship, with 74 scientists, Doyle, said his ship — which can cut Peacock, the expedition’s doctor, said the tourists and crew on board, has been through ice up to 1.35 metres thick or work was continuing. trapped in ice about 100 nautical miles reverse and ram thicker ice to break it Some passengers were also walk- east of the French base Dumont d’Urville up — was always “option B”. ing near the boat, watching the Adelie since Tuesday. “We were always going to be sent on penguins and ice formations which had The Chinese vessel came tantalisingly until the end,” he told a Sydney Morning formed around the ship in the past few close to the stranded ship but it was Herald reporter onboard his ship, but days, he said. forced to turn back to open sea once it admitted the ship was not built to take Those onboard have been carrying out realised it could not break through. on ice thicker than three metres. the same scientific experiments Mawson’s Passengers are now waiting for the He said trying to break through ice team conducted during the 1911-1914 arrival, expected late today, of Australia’s that was too thick would be “like driving Australian Antarctic Expedition — the Antarctic resupply ship Aurora Australis your car into a brick wall’”. first large-scale Australian-led scientific which has the highest icebreaking rat- Peacock said while there was an ele- expedition to the frozen continent. Passengers stretching their legs on a short excursion off the stranded ship which is trapped ing of the three vessels originally asked ment of frustration at the turn of events, AFP in ice at sea off Antarctica.

Door drama Two imams arrested as Spain police bust fake clothing ring MADRID: Police have “Part of this black money was launched in September 2012 and smashed Spain’s largest coun- hidden along with bank cards carried out in cooperation with terfeit clothing ring, arrest- and other financial documents Portuguese authorities. ing 99 people, including two belonging to the organisation Police seized just over one mil- imams, over the sale of 235 in the mosques of Ourense and lion items of counterfeit cloth- tonnes of fake designer clothes Xinzo de Limia,” it added. ing, as well as bank cards, several and shoes, the government said Among those arrested was the weapons and software containing yesterday. imam of the mosque of Xinzo de the logos of over 200 registered The ring made the counter- Limia, whom police said was one brands. feit items in illegal factories of the leaders of the ring. The Police also closed 10 illegal in northern Portugal and then mosque received nearly ¤100,000 factories in northern Portugal shipped them across the bor- in donations from the ring. where the fake goods were made. der by van to Xinzo de Limia, The imam at the mosque in The operation “dismantled the a city of around 100,000 peo- the nearby city of Ourense was main network which manufac- ple in northwestern Spain, also detained as part of the tured and distributed counterfeit Tetyana Chornovol, a popular Ukrainian journalist and opposition activist, who together with other opposi- the interior ministry said in a operation. His name appears on clothes in the Iberian Peninsula”, tion activists stormed Kiev’s city hall to prevent illegitimate Kiev Council sessions on January 29, 2013. The statement. bank accounts used by the group the statement said. firebrand blogger has been brutally assaulted following her investigative work on President Viktor Yanukovych “The network, of Moroccan and police suspect him of help- The authorities detained origin, had ‘regional delegates’ ing to launder money earned by 65 people in Spain and 34 and other top officials. across Spain who distributed the ring. in Portugal. The arrested over the past two years 235 Police searched over 117 loca- include 37 Senegalese nation- tonnes of fake garments and tions across the country, includ- als, 34 Portuguese citizens, 19 footwear, generating revenues ing the two mosques, as part of Moroccans and nine Spaniards. Russia launches upgraded Soyuz rocket of ¤5.5m,” it said. their investigation, which was AFP MOSCOW: Russia success- rocket, which features a new earlier this week but was delayed fully launched an upgraded ver- engine and digital guidance sys- again, Interfax reported. sion of its Soviet-design Soyuz tem, had originally been planned The lightweight launch vehicle rocket yesterday, the Defence for the beginning of 2012 but was blasted off yesterday afternoon Ministry said, giving a boost postponed due to an accident dur- from Russia’s Plesetsk launch pad to the country’s troubled space ing testing which caused engine in the northwest Arkhangelsk programme. damage, Interfax reported. It was region. The launch of the Soyuz 2.1v then scheduled to be launched REUTERS

MDC worried as Zimbabwe’s Australia envoy seeks asylum HARARE: Zimbabwe’s main opposition party yesterday said it was “concerned” after Harare’s ambassa- dor to Australia asked Canberra for asylum, cit- ing fears for her safety if she returns home. Ambassador Jacqueline Zwambila earlier told Australian media that her country’s July elections had been “stolen” by President Robert Mugabe’s govern- ment and that she did not feel safe going back to Zimbabwe once her posting ends on Tuesday. Zwambila, who is aligned with Zimbabwe’s opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), was appointed in 2009 by the MDC’s former prime minister Morgan Tsvangirai who lost the presidential vote to vet- eran leader Mugabe. “No one would raise a red flag unnecessarily and as a party we remain cau- tious and concerned after Ambassador Zwambila expressed concern over her personal safety,” Nelson Chamisa, a spokesman for the MDC, told AFP. AFP SUNDAY 29 DECEMBER 2013 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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S Secretary of State John Kerry is expected to return to Israel and the Palestinian territories for peace talks next week. What the region will see Uthis time will be the return of a more confident Kerry after the signing of a temporary nuclear agreement As Egypt hardliners gain, between Iran and the West, in which the US official had played a seminal role. While the Iran nuclear deal was a coup of sorts, scope for conflict grows considering the decades-long acrimonious relationship between Washington and Tehran, and giving credence to BY TOM PERRY the age-old mantra that there is nothing impossible in “After the funerals of the martyrs, Crowds that gathered outside the diplomacy, it’s really difficult for people of our region to angry people smashed my pharmacy compound hit in Tuesday’s attack to guess how Kerry would pull off a Palestinian-Israel deal, F THERE was any hope left that and my brother’s shop,” said Mohamed show support for the security forces unless Palestinians choose to sign exactly where Israeli the generals who overthrew Egypt’s Heikal, a Brotherhood activist in the brandished Sisi’s portrait. Egypt has Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants them to, Ielected president six months ago city of Mansoura, scene of Tuesday’s experienced violence for decades includ- might ease the state’s crackdown on dis- bombing. “We had nothing to do with ing the assassination of President foregoing almost all of that they had stood for. Such has been sent, a suicide bomb that ripped through what happened,” he said, condemning Anwar Sadat by an Islamist gunman in the wanton continuation of the aggression and violations of a police station on Tuesday may have the bombing as a terrorist attack. 1981, and attacks on tourist sites in the Israeli government that it seems to be working as if there destroyed it. The most populous Arab With much of the public feverishly 1990s that hurt the economy. But civil are no peace negotiations going on. country enters the new year with deeper backing the government’s calls to uproot bloodshed has now reached an unprec- Not only that Israel hasn’t done anything to create an divisions in its society and more blood- the Brotherhood, talk of political accom- edented level. atmosphere conducive for talks, it seems to be working shed on its streets than at any point in modation is non-existent. Analysts see A conservative estimate puts the its modern history. The prospects for little or no chances of a political deal to overall death toll since Mursi’s fall at hard to sabotage any possible deal by throwing new hurdles. democracy appear bleaker with every stabilise a nation in turmoil since Hosni well over 1,500. Most of those killed According to an International New York Times report bomb blast and arrest. Mubarak’s downfall in 2011. were Mursi supporters, including hun- yesterday, Tel Aviv has catapulted another issue to the fore The army-backed government says it Signs of escalation abound. Mursi dreds gunned down when the security that may be even more insoluble will shepherd Egypt back to democracy and other top Brotherhood leaders forces cleared a protest vigil outside a – a demand that Palestinians and points out that the state defeated have been ordered to stand trial on Cairo mosque. At least 350 members of Islamist militants when they last charges that could lead to their execu- the security forces have also been killed Kerry’s efforts recognize Israel as a Jewish state. launched waves tion. They are charged with conspiring in bombings and shootings since Mursi’s Everybody knows that Netanyahu of attacks in the with foreigners to carry out a terrorist downfall. The state has declared them for peace is extending a poison pill for 1990s. But this plot against Egypt. Following Tuesday’s martyrs of a war on terror. look farcical Palestinians to swallow. Because, time around there attack, Prime Minister Hazem el-Beb- The army has suffered its great- are more weapons lawi declared the Brotherhood a terror- est casualties since the 1973 Middle in the face agreeing to that demand would disenfranchise Israel’s 1.6 million The prospects and harder ide- ist organisation. East war, most of them in the Sinai of continuing ologies, and a bit- Meanwhile, the frequency of attacks Peninsula, where the most heavily Arab citizens, upend millions of for democracy ter example of a suggests militants are taking centre stage armed Islamists are based. The blood Israeli violations. Palestinians’ rights of return to failed democratic within the Islamist movement, further spilt since Mursi’s downfall has evoked their homeland and several such appear bleaker experiment to diminishing hopes of the state reaching comparisons with Algeria - a country rights which Palestinians hold with every bomb toughen positions an accommodation with moderates and pitched into a decade of civil war in dear. Kerry will be visiting Jerusalem and Ramallah for on all sides. strengthening the hawks in government. 1991 when its army aborted an experi- talks with Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud blast and arrest. Like much of One consequence could be to increase the ment with democracy because Islamists the recent vio- chances of General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi looked set to win power. Abbas in a bid to broker an agreement on a “two-state lence, the bomb- becoming Egypt’s next president. The Some dismiss that comparison, argu- solution” in which Israel would exist peacefully alongside a ing that killed 16 army chief who deposed Mursi after ing the past failures of militants in new Palestinian state. Kerry wants the sides to agree to a people on Tuesday was bloodier than all mass protests against Brotherhood rule Egypt should dissuade Islamists from framework for an interim accord ahead of a deal in April, but the very worst attacks of the 1990s. has yet to decide whether to run, an following that path. The Brotherhood, which would launch another year of talks aimed at a full- The tactic of using suicide bombers to army source said. Though Sisi would most of whose leadership are in jail, con- hit security forces is more familiar to almost certainly win were he to run, tinues to reiterate its mantra of peaceful blown peace treaty. A framework would demonstrate that Iraq or Syria than to Egypt, which for the source said he is hesitant partly due resistance and denies turning to vio- progress is being made in talks that began in July. all its history of militancy is one of the to the mountain of problems awaiting lence. It is pressing a campaign of pro- With Israel refusing to budge on any of its points, and few big Arab states that has never expe- Egypt’s next head of state. tests on university campuses where its mocking everybody with the announcement of construction rienced a modern civil war. But analysts say the increase in vio- followers routinely clash with the police. of thousands of new settlements in occupied land, and The blast was claimed by a Sinai lence makes it less likely Sisi and those But as that strategy fails to make Washington making no sincere and credible efforts to stop Peninsula-based Islamist militant around him would trust anyone else much of an impact, there is a risk of group, Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis, which with the reins of power. radical logic winning over its support- Netanyahu’s aggression, President Mahmoud Abbas can only has stepped up attacks on government “The more dire the situation becomes, ers, posing a threat to the Brotherhood enter the talks expecting crumbs by giving away heads. targets in recent months and narrowly the less a second tier civilian candidate itself. Analysts believe the security Also, Palestinians have never been weaker. A president failed to assassinate the interior minis- will be seen able to take charge of the establishment now has a firm grip over like Abbas lacks the political and moral muscles to fight for ter in September. The blast set off mob situation,” said Michael Wahid Hanna, a the course of government, reassert- the rights of his people. He lacks even the support of his own attacks on the shops, homes and vehi- senior fellow at the Century Foundation, ing political influence that diminished people, and therefore runs the risk of getting arm-twisted by cles of people believed to be supporters a New York-based think-tank. “This after the 2011 uprising. Activists say the of ousted President Mohamed Mursi’s type of deterioration will increase pres- freedoms won in that uprising are in Kerry and Netanyahu • Muslim Brotherhood. sure on Sisi to run.” danger. REUTERS The other side Quote of Blast in Beirut the day HE car bombing on Friday killed A little going over the brink could to ward off another regional upheaval is of a breakthrough in Geneva talks on a former minister, Mohammad plunge the crisis-hit country into law- to read between the lines and exercise Iran’s nuclear programme, and the Chatah, who incidentally lessness and possible civil strife. It is, utmost patience. latest attack could be an attempt to Tbelonged to Hariri’s party. The nonetheless, a positive development Friday’s blast has come close on the influence the proceedings of the world fact that he was a staunch opponent of that both Syria and the Hezbollah had heels of ongoing unrest, in which sup- court in unmasking the culprit behind There is a gang Syrian President Bashar Al Assad and not only disassociated themselves from porters and opponents of Assad were Hariri’s extermination. time and again voiced his anger at the the attack, but also made an earnest seen taking to the streets. Similarly, The socio-political resolution of the within the state that Hezbollah militia makes his elimination attempt to read the tragedy as one no headway has been made in inves- stakeholders in Lebanon should be to is about to become a too political than being just another that could only serve the interests of tigating a series of suicide bombings in defuse the crisis and walk the extra terrorist act. Though it is premature to forces who do not want to see peace the capital, including an attack on the mile to reach out to their adversaries in criminal organisation. say as to who carried out the cowardly in Lebanon. There is no argument that Iranian embassy. If the timeline of these furthering the process of reconciliation. They do not know attack and what could be the vested Lebanon is ripe enough to explode into three major incidents is analysed, it fur- The pro-Syria constituency, especially interest in eliminating another political a civil war, which will have sectarian ther the impression that some hidden the Hezbollah, should make sure that what privacy is. They opponent of the regime in Damascus, and ethnic contours, and impact the forces are working overtime to fan the the war from across the frontier is not do surveillance, they the incident and its aftermath are in entire region with its volatility. This flames of sectarian turmoil in Lebanon. spilled over into Lebanon. need of being dealt with caution. should not happen, and the best way The embassy blast came in the wake Khaleej Times bug. Recep Tayyip Erdogan Turkish Prime Minister SUNDAY 29 DECEMBER 2013 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 How Erdogan reshaped Turkish politics Erdogan understands the importance of controlling institutions; that was the lesson he learned from Erbakan’s experience.

BY BRENT E SASLEY minister’s ability to pursue his own policy preferences. he fallout from the anti- Erbakan, head of the Islamist Refah corruption investigation in Partisi (Welfare Party), was ideological Turkey that began Dec. 17 and inflexible. He knew the constraints continues to unfold rapidly. that faced him when he took office in Much of the focus has rightly 1996, and he certainly knew that the pow- Tbeen on Prime Minister Recep Tayyip erful and politically active Turkish armed Erdogan. As the head of the Adalet ve forces would be watching him closely. Kalkınma Partisi (AKP, or Justice and Tensions were long-standing between Development Party) that has dominated the Islamist parties and the Kemalists Turkish politics for the past 11 years, — those agencies that committed them- Erdogan’s role in Turkish policy making selves to protecting the secularist legacies has been all but unchallenged until now. of the country’s founder, Mustafa Kemal Leaders who see themselves as infal- Ataturk — and the military had already lible and who have no institutional con- thrown three secular governments out straints on their ability to make policy of office. don’t leave power willingly. This can Erbakan antagonised the military include leaders elected democratically. almost from the beginning of his short They weaken political institutions in tenure (he was removed from office their campaign to fend off challengers about 11 months later). His foreign policy and remain in office. shifted Turkey from a focus on Europe So whether Erdogan survives is less and the West to the Muslim world, and important for Turkey than the dam- his domestic policy promoted Islamic Demonstrators run away from tear gas during an anti-government protest in central Istanbul on Friday. Protesters demanding Turkish age being done to Turkish institutions, institutions and norms within the pub- Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan resign over a high-level corruption scandal clashed with riot police in Istanbul. which in turn poses a real challenge for lic sphere. American interests in the Middle East When the military finally had enough legal system, and he shifted the balance has replaced. This makes the current effort to shut down the investigations are that depend heavily on a strong Turkey. and pressured him to leave office, it also in the national security decision-making struggle over the corruption scandals the judiciary and the police, but the civil The role of individual leaders is widely launched the Feb 28 process, a purging process in favour of civilians over security so consequential. It is one part tug-of- service and the media have also been vic- acknowledged in political science, but of civil servants and military men sus- officials. All of this was consistent with war between the two main elements of tims of Erdogan’s tenure. So, too, has the there is debate about their ability to pected of Islamist sympathies. Erdogan the process of democratisation, and made Turkey’s Islamist-conservative move- entire political system that, in a democ- overcome institutional constraints and himself was caught up in the purge: He the political system more democratic. ment, the AKP and the Gulenist move- racy, depends upon a loyal opposition shape policy along their own priorities. In later spent four months in jail and was But there was a darker side to this ment (also known as Hizmet, or the able to safely critique the government earlier research, I compared Turkey’s two briefly banned from politics. process. While removing the army from Service), one part Erdogan responding and suggest alternatives. Islamist prime ministers to each other, Erdogan was pragmatic and flexible. politics, Erdogan also undermined the to what he sees as illegitimate criticism Erdogan understands the importance and then compared their experience to He watched Erbakan try to get around ability of any actor or agency to dissent of his rule. of controlling institutions; that was the two Israeli prime ministers to determine his institutional constraints and fail, and from his authority or to criticise it. Over At this point there is no viable sub- lesson he learned from Erbakan’s experi- the extent of the individual-institutional he saw the damage the resulting military the last few years, Erdogan has seen him- stitute to either the AKP or to Erdogan ence. But he understands them in a par- balance. response did to the Islamist movement. self as the embodiment of the Turkish himself (though President Abdullah ticular framework: as a support structure While I ranked Israel as a central- The lesson he learned was that insti- state and Turkish identity. Gul is touted as a possible candidate). for the leader, rather than for the state. ised system, in which the prime min- tutions matter; but instead of ignoring His comments during the Gezi Park What is more likely is the undermining By removing all institutional limi- ister has considerable decision-making institutional constraints on the executive, protests alongside his scolding of Turks of Turkey’s political institutions to the tations on his power, or by controlling room to make policy, Turkey under the the trick was to change them. on their morals and demands about point that the country’s politics becomes whatever remains, Erdogan has ensured first Islamist prime minister, Necmettin Erdogan set about adapting the institu- their personal behaviour are part of as dysfunctional as it was in the pre-AKP that whether or not he falls, the damage Erbakan, was a decentralised system, tions of Turkish politics. He amended the this. Without any institutional con- era. to Turkish political institutions will still because the military and other Kemalist Constitution (a process that had begun straints on his policy, some argue he has The institutions that have suffered be considerable. institutions constrained the prime under previous governments) and the become as authoritarian as the army he most directly as a result of Erdogan’s WP-BLOOMBERG

Labour can stop worrying about immigration The alarming number Almost anything said by a of deaths in US jails Labour frontbencher on BY CARA TABACHNICK

migration tends to misfire. yam Livingston begged for help. After seven hours of lying BY PETER WILBY on the floor of a jail cell, the 38-year-old mother of two died, workers’ objections to new sources her calls unheeded by the correction officers providing secu- fter the Empire of migration go back a long way. Krity for the approximately 15 female inmates at Brooklyn Windrush docked at They weren’t much affected by “central booking” jail this past summer, according to witnesses and Tilbury in 1948, carry- numbers or the state of the labour court documents. Aing 492 black men and market: once demobilisation was Witnesses told the family that she had died in the cell among fetid one black woman from Kingston, complete, unemployment in the conditions before she was taken to Brooklyn Hospital Health Center Jamaica, 11 backbenchers sent a years after the second world war on 21 July 2013 where Livingston was pronounced dead at 6.58am, letter to the prime minister. “An barely touched 400,000, even in according to police reports. A witness, registered nurse Aleah Holland, influx of coloured people domi- peak winter months, and net told The Daily News, that police at Central Booking ignored her com- ciled here,” they warned, “is likely Polish migration between 1945 plaints of stomach pains and diarrhoea. She said that when she and to impair the harmony, strength and 1951 was less than 100,000 other inmates banged on the bars calling for help, officers told them and cohesion of our public and over the whole period. Livingston was an alcoholic. social life and to cause discord Traditionally, Labour’s differ- No one knows what happened, and no one wants to say. The NYPD and unhappiness among all con- ent strands of opinion rub along. told the family that she died of a seizure, but her family says she cerned.” The MPs demanded leg- The liberal leadership gets away never suffered from seizures. This October the family sued the city, islation “in the political, social, with minimal restrictions on the NYPD, and the Department of Corrections in an effort to force economic and fiscal interests immigration, anti-racism laws, systemic change and “responsibility” for her death. of our people” and stated confi- abolition of capital punishment, Livingston was one of the few hundred jail deaths that happen across dently that “such … action would homosexual law reform and other the country. In 2011, (the latest available numbers) 885 inmates died be almost universally approved”. policies that (at least initially) Children gather outside a pub near Dalston, which displays the Cross of in the custody of local jails, the Justice Department’s Bureau of Justice The prime minister was lack mass appeal, as long as it St George. The flag used to be perceived as a discriminatory symbol but Statistics reported. Notice I said jails. These are different from pris- Labour’s Clement Attlee delivers higher wages, better pub- recently has grown in popularity. ons. Prisons are for people who have been convicted of a crime and (Haileybury public school and lic services and improved working sentenced. There are roughly 3,000 jails nationwide and each facility University College, Oxford) who conditions. But once the Labour pool of jobs. Middle-class Labour period, according to a Resolution is set up to process people that have been arrested before they are replied in the soothing tones of the leadership stops keeping its part and Lib Dem leaders risk appear- Foundation report, real hourly arraigned or go to trial. British liberal elite: “The emigra- of the bargain, the alliance begins ing to patronise, even insult, the wage growth was close to zero Some will serve a misdemeanour sentence (of under a year). The tion of this Jamaican party to the to unravel. public if they tell them they’ve got for most Britons (after several majority will be let go because the charges against them won’t stick as United Kingdom” should not be Labour is now reduced to mut- it wrong. years of healthy growth) before, they move through the legal system. Others will remain in jails while taken “too seriously”, he advised, tering on the sidelines as the But there’s a bigger prob- as the effects of the financial crisis waiting to go to trial too poor to make bail – yet to be convicted of and legislation would be reluc- UN refugee agency condemns lem: in one important respect, kicked in, real wages fell, initially anything. Regardless, they will be treated as criminals. tantly considered only if there proposed immigration restric- the voters have it right. If the by as much as 4 percent annually As a result, there is great hesitancy on the part of security to address were “a great influx of undesira- tions and Cable, from within the Conservatives achieve their aim for the lower paid. sick complaints as seriously as they should be, especially in jail where bles”. The fretting backbenchers government, reveals strong res- of reducing net migration “from That was where Labour went the churn of people is endless, with most disappearing quickly. For were not rightwing Tories how- ervations. Labour’s best hope is hundreds of thousands to tens wrong. On its watch, the wages of those with health issues, this suspension of belief can prove fatal. ever; they were all Labour MPs. to hold its breath and stay silent. of thousands” the aggregate loss its natural supporters stagnated Across the nation the news is chilling: in Albany, New York, Irene Hostility to eastern European Almost anything said by a Labour of GDP by 2060, compared with and then fell. The historic bar- Bamenga, 29, had pleaded with jail staff to deliver her medicine before migrants came also from the left. frontbencher on migration tends maintaining previous policies, gain broke down. And the wage dying from a life-threatening heart condition. She was at the jail for Polish servicemen, who fought to misfire, infuriating either met- will be 11 percent overall or 2.7 earners’ logic was in its way a week, where she died awaiting deportation to France. alongside Britons in the second ropolitan middle-class liberals or percent per person. This is all impeccable. In Irving, Texas Sarah Tibbet, 37, died on a jail cell floor after not world war and were given the working-class and lower middle- very well, but it is a statistical Why should they tolerate receiving insulin for her diabetes while she was in custody. Her boy- option of settling here rather than class Labour supporters. projection, dependent on several strangers in their neighbour- friend, who was in the cell next to her, told the news that he had returning to a homeland ruled by No subject is so encrusted with assumptions. hoods if the benefits those screamed at the guards at the facility for over 10 minutes until they communists, were welcomed by myths and misconceptions that Britons on average pay may strangers supposedly brought took action. In Cook County, Illinois, the death of Eugene Gruber from Whitehall because some indus- are firmly accepted by a major- reasonably prefer to rely on went wholly to other people? Ed pneumonia, which resulted from paraplegia following spine injuries tries, such as textiles and min- ity of the public. Voters hugely recent experience, which is that Miliband needs to repair the alli- suffered in an altercation with a corrections officer in the Lake County ing, were short of labour. Yet at overestimate, for instance, the rises in GDP, whether attribut- ance and convince what he calls Jail was ruled a homicide. Over the next 24 hours, the Chicago Tribune a TUC conference in October numbers of migrants already able to migration or not, do not “the squeezed middle” that he can reported, Gruber complained that he couldn’t move his legs and was 1946, they were accused of “strut- here, the cost of their claims on accrue to them. restore to them a rightful share carried around, sometimes with his legs dragging, as guards tried to ting around Liverpool” as if they welfare and the NHS and their From the end of 2002 to the of economic growth. take his mug shot. owned it and, according to Peter access to social housing. They also spring of 2008, net migration Convince them that he is on For anyone the process is scary, humiliating and contentious. But, Stachura, author of a study of subscribe to a gross economic fal- to the UK was about 200,000 a their side on the things that in particular, the relationship between the inmates and the officers Poles in Britain, “the xenophobia lacy – the belief that the labour year with a peak of 260,000 in really matter – and not on the are especially fraught with distrust, especially when it comes to health of the British working class” com- market is a zero-sum game and 2004-5, when Poland and several side of City financiers and inter- issues. Sixty-six percent of the time, charges are dropped, and people go pelled Attlee to fudge the ques- that Bulgarians and Romanians, other eastern European coun- national plutocrats – and he and through a humiliating process only to go home. But regardless of guilt tion of whether Poles should be on whom EU migration controls tries acceded to the EU. Over his party need worry no more or innocence, the people in the criminal justice system are still people: granted citizenship. will be lifted from 1 January, will the same period, GDP rose by 17.4 about immigration. mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, and their cries for help should not Such episodes show that British usurp Britons’ claims on a fixed percent . But again during that THE GUARDIAN go ignored. THE GUARDIAN SUNDAY 29 DECEMBER 2013 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL NSA snooping Poignant peace lawful, rules US court Judgement sparks controversy

NEW YORK: A US judge ruled officials can keep the country safe. on Friday that the National The NSA hoovers up informa- Security Agency’s mass surveil- tion about virtually every tele- lance of telephone calls is law- phone call to, from and within the ful, igniting a legal conflict that United States, and says it is the the Supreme Court may ulti- only way to discern patterns left mately have to resolve. behind by foreign terror groups. Federal judge William Pauley The judge quoted the 2004 in New York threw out a petition report by the 9/11 Commission from the American Civil Liberties — the panel which investigated Union and said the programme the 2001 Al-Qaeda attack on the was a vital tool to help prevent United States — as saying it was an Al Qaeda terror attack on a false choice between liberty and American soil. security, as “nothing is more apt Ten days earlier, however, a fed- to imperil civil liberties than the eral judge in Washington declared success of a terrorist attack on that this “almost Orwellian” sur- American soil.” veillance is probably unconstitu- “As the September 11th attacks tional, laying the groundwork for demonstrate, the cost of missing a protracted legal fight. such a thread can be horrific,” he “The question for this court is wrote. whether the government’s bulk “The bulk telephony metadata telephony metadata programme collection programme represents is lawful. This court finds it is,” the government’s counter-punch: Greenpeace activist Camila Speziale (centre) is greeted by her sister Abril (left) and parents Paula and Nestor (right) after arriving at Ezeiza said the 54-page ruling published connecting fragmented and fleet- International Airport in Buenos Aires yesterday following 100 days of detention in Russia — including two months in jail — for protesting against in New York on Friday. ing communications to recon- oil drilling in the Arctic. Edward Snowden, a former struct and eliminate Al Qaeda’s NSA contractor, sent shock- terror network.” waves around the world this The judge quoted examples year by revealing the extent of in which NSA phone monitor- Washington’s electronic eaves- ing in 2009 exposed an Al Qaeda dropping on millions of private plot to bomb the New York sub- Colorado braces for legal marijuana sale calls. The Justice Department way, and cite a plot by convicted welcomed the ruling but the Pakistani-American terrorist DENVER: The world’s first taxed at specially regulated retail- marijuana shop for four years be made commercially available American Civil Liberties Union David Headley to bomb a Danish state-licensed marijuana retail- ers in a system modelled after a and now has a recreational pot there. Pot designated strictly for said it would appeal. newspaper office. ers, catering to Colorado’s regime many states have in place licence. medical use has been sold for some Pauley said the programme, “Unintentional violations of newly legal recreational mar- for selling drinks— but which Jones said he is confident he time in storefront shops in several since it is protected by judicial, guidelines,” Pauley said, appeared ket for pot, are stocking their exists for marijuana nowhere has enough marijuana on hand for of the nearly 20 states, including executive and congressional over- to have stemmed from “human shelves ahead of a New Year’s outside of Colorado. Day One but less sure of inven- Colorado and Washington, that sight, does not violate the US error” and “incredibly complex grand opening that supporters For the novelty factor alone, tory levels needed after that. have deemed marijuana legal for Constitution’s ban on unreason- computer programs” and had and detractors alike see as a operators of the first eight mari- About 90 percent of his mer- health purposes. able searches and seizures. been rectified where discovered. turning point in America’s drug juana retailers slated to open on chandise is in smokable form, But Colorado is the first to open “There is no evidence that the The victorious Justice culture. Wednesday morning in Denver packaged in small child-proof retail pot stores, and craft a regu- government has used any of the Department said it was “pleased” Possession, cultivation and and a handful of establishments containers. The rest is a mixture latory framework to license, tax bulk telephony metadata it col- with the verdict but ACLU deputy private personal consumption of in other locations are anticipat- of cannabis-infused edibles, such and enforce its use for recreation. lected for any purpose other than legal director Jameel Jaffer said marijuana by adults for the sake ing a surge in demand for store- as cookies, candy and carbonated Outside of the United States, investigating and disrupting ter- the organisation was “extremely of just getting high has already bought weed. drinks. “People seem to prefer Uruguay’s parliament recently rorist attacks,” he wrote. disappointed”. been legal in Colorado for more “It will be like people wait- smoking,” he said. cleared the way for state-sanc- The judge sided with US spy “Bulk collection of telephony than year under a state consti- ing in line for tickets to a Pink Washington state voters legal- tioned marijuana sales, but the chiefs who say that by connect- data constitutes a serious inva- tutional amendment approved by Floyd concert,” said Justin Jones, ised recreational marijuana at South American nation is at least ing the dots between archived sion of Americans’ privacy.” voters. But starting on January 1, 39, owner of Dank Colorado in the same time Colorado did, in months away from having a sys- calls and terrorist suspects, US AFP cannabis will be legally sold and Denver who has run a medical November 2012, but it has yet to tem in place. REUTERS

Please look, Mr Obama! People line up at NY’s Times Child official calls Square to shred for smacking ban bad memories LONDON: Pets have more from striking another adult, and legal protection than children, from physically chastising your NEW YORK: Hoping to for- whose parents should be banned pets, but somehow there is a loop- get the heart-breaks and hard from smacking them, according hole around the fact that you can memories of 2013, people lined to the Children’s Commissioner physically chastise your child.” up at New York’s Times Square for England. Tottenham MP David Lammy yesterday to discard physical Maggie Atkinson said it was said early last year that legisla- reminders of unpleasant experi- her personal view that the law tion surrounding the smacking ences with the help of industrial gives pets and adults more rights of children needed to be relaxed shredding machines. to be protected from violence so working-class parents could The annual Good Riddance than children, and she would like instil discipline in their homes Day event, held three days before to see a total ban, with parents without fearing prosecution. He New Year’s Eve, allows people to facing criminal action for corporal claimed Labour’s 2004 decision to symbolically purge bad memories punishment. tighten up the smacking law was by putting photos, documents or Current rules make it illegal partly to blame for last summer’s written reminders through a for a parent to smack a child riots, which erupted in his north massive paper shredder in hopes if it leaves a bruise, but permit London constituency. of clearing a path to a brighter a lighter smack or “reasonable Atkinson, who has two adult future. chastisement”. stepchildren, said that despite Thomas Avila, 26, one of the Atkinson said: “Personally, hav- her strong feelings about the first people in line on for the ing been a teacher, and never hav- issue, her office was not plan- shredder, said 2013 was a roller ing had an issue where I’d need ning to fight for a ban next year coaster for him. One of the hardest to use physical punishment, I because in the current climate parts, he said, was telling friends believe we should move to ban it. such a move would be “running up and family he was ‘queer’ and find- Protesters hold signs as the motorcade of US President Barack Obama returns to Obama’s vacation home Because in law you are forbidden a blind alley”. THE GUARDIAN ing some of them could not accept in Kailua, Hawaii, yesterday. him. Shredding the memory was a way of saying “goodbye to my old life,” said Avila, 26, who lives in New York’s Queens borough. “I know things will get better.” Avila had written in his note UK stance on European rights court attacked for the shredder that he was say- ing goodbye to “horrible debt and people who betray.” LONDON: British ministers’ a world leader on human rights that its rulings were stopping the checks on human rights abuses should be reinstated at the ear- The shredding practice on plans to withdraw the UK from to which other countries looked government from deporting for- internationally, including in liest possible date, but that was Good Riddance Day was inspired the European court of human for guidance, said: “The Ukraine eign criminals and illegal immi- Ukraine, where the government dismissed by politicians in the by a Latin American tradition in rights (ECHR) are encourag- government is saying: ‘You know grants. Chris Grayling, the UK’s has been criticised for its handling regime, apparently emboldened which New Year’s revellers stuff ing the government of Ukraine what? We don’t really care. If justice secretary, who is also the of mass demonstrations by anti- by the UK’s attitude towards dolls with objects representing to trample on the liberties of its someone like the UK, the beacon lord chancellor (responsible for government activists. the court. bad memories and set them on people, the shadow justice min- of human rights, can say two fin- the efficient functioning and inde- Khan cited the example of Aleksandr Lavrinovich, a fire, according to the organiser, ister (Labour party spokesman gers to the European court, why pendence of the UK’s courts), has Oleksandr Volkov, a judge in the former minister of justice and the the Times Square Alliance. on constitutional affairs) has can’t we?’ We now have a real been the most vociferous cabinet Ukrainian supreme court, who current chair of the high coun- For many, the shredding was an claimed. example of one of the emerging minister on the issue, claiming was found to have been dismissed cil of justice in Ukraine, report- attempt to cast off bad habits or Labour MP Sadiq Khan yes- democracies saying if the UK can that the Strasbourg court was unlawfully by the Ukrainian gov- edly said in justification: “Great bad relationships. “I’m shredding terday claimed that Ukraine has do it, so can we.” being allowed to take precedence ernment in a judgment by the Britain would very much like to the reminder of finding out the been justifying its human rights At the Conservative (Tory) over homegrown law. ECHR this year. It found four leave the European convention truth through DNA testing that breaches by citing the British party conference this year, British But Khan said that evidence separate violations of article on human rights.” The ECHR my daughter is not my biological government’s negative attitude prime minister, David Cameron, had emerged that ministers’ neg- six of the convention on human rules on whether the 47 signa- daughter,” said Sam Tlali, 39. to the court. said he was ready to pull the UK ative rhetoric towards the court rights, the right to a fair trial. tory states. REUTERS Khan, who described the UK as out of the court on the grounds was provoking a breakdown in the The ECHR ordered that Volkov THE GUARDIAN SUNDAY 29 DECEMBER 2013 ASIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 Beijing formally eases one-child policy ‘Re-education through labour’ camps also abolished

BEIJING: China’s top leg- “Their remaining terms will The birth rate has fallen to about islative committee formally not be enforced anymore,” it 1.5 since the 1990s, well below the approved a loosening of the quoted the NPC resolution as replacement rate, it added. country’s hugely controversial saying. While the easing of the one- one-child policy yesterday and China argues its one-child limit child policy -- estimated to apply abolished “re-education through kept population growth in check to around 10 million couples -- labour” camps. The decisions and supported the country’s rapid has been welcomed, critics say were taken by the standing com- development that has seen it soar that the state has retained the mittee of the National People’s from mass poverty to become the principle of deciding itself how Congress, China’s rubber-stamp world’s second-largest economy. many children people should have. parliament, at the conclusion of But enforcement of the policy Provincial congresses and a six-day meeting, according to has at times been excessive. The their standing committees will Xinhua news agency. public was outraged last year decide on implementing the new The widening of existing excep- when photos circulated online of policy “based on evaluation of tions to the one-child policy will a woman forced to abort her baby local demographic situation and allow couples where either par- seven months into her pregnancy. in line with the law on popula- ent has no siblings to have two Now China faces looming tion and family planning as well children, reforming the strict demographic challenges, including as this resolution,” Xinhua said, family planning policy imposed a rapidly increasing elderly popu- citing the resolution document. more than three decades ago to lation, a shrinking labour force The one-child policy reforms prevent overpopulation in the and male-female imbalances. are expected to come into force in world’s most populous nation. China’s gender ratio has risen the first quarter of 2014, accord- The abolition of re-education to 115 boys for every 100 girls, ing to a senior official from the through labour, known as “lao- while the working population National Health and Family jiao”, will see existing inmates began to drop last year, Xinhua Planning Commission, Xinhua A family makes its way along a road at a park in Beijing yesterday. freed, Xinhua said. said earlier. reported last week. AFP

President Xi 500 China officials resign in poll fraud Gunman kills one Thai visits steamed HONG KONG: More than 500 although the process does not Xinhua quoted the statement as bun restaurant municipal lawmakers in one constitute a fully free or open saying. protester, wounds four Chinese province have stood election. “This is a challenge to China’s BEIJING: Chinese President down following an electoral Local authorities dismissed 56 system of people’s congresses, BANGKOK: A Thai protester The violence is the latest in Xi Jinping showed off the com- fraud scandal, as Beijing ramps representatives of the 763-strong socialist democracy, law and Party was killed and four wounded years of rivalry between Bangkok’s mon touch yesterday with a up its sweeping anti-corrup- Hunan People’s Congress for discipline,” it said. yesterday, an emergency offi- middle class and royalist estab- surprise visit to a steamed bun tion crackdown, state media being “elected by bribery,” state It named Tong Mingqian, the cial said, when an unidentified lishment and the mostly poor, restaurant in Beijing where he reported. television channel CCTV said on former Party chief of Hengyang, gunman opened fire on demon- rural supporters of Yingluck and paid for his food and happily The 512 municipal officials in its Twitter account. as being “directly responsible” for strators whose efforts to top- her brother, Thaksin Shinawatra, chatted to surprised customers. China’s central Hunan province An initial investigation the election scandal. ple Prime Minister Yingluck a populist former premier who In pictures widely shared on resigned, were disqualified or dis- revealed that 110m yuan ($18m) President Xi Jinping has led Shinawatra have flared into was ousted in a military coup in China’s Twitter-like microblog- missed after being caught taking was offered in bribes to lawmak- a high-profile clampdown on violence in recent days. 2006 and lives in self-imposed ging service Sina Weibo, and con- bribes from 56 representatives of ers and staff in the province’s China’s notoriously corrupt offi- The shooting came 48 hours exile. firmed by state media, Xi could the provincial People’s Congress second city of Hengyang, state cialdom since taking power last after clashes between police and Petphong Kamjonkitkarn, be seen lining up for his food and to elect them to their posts, media reported, citing a Hunan year. the protesters, who are deter- director of the Erawan Emergency posing for photographs, appar- Xinhua news agency said. government statement. He also promised to stamp out mined to disrupt a snap February Centre in the capital, Bangkok, ently not surrounded by the high Municipal officials have the “The fraud, involving such a both high-level “tigers” and low- 2 election called by Yingluck, out- said one man in his 30s had been security which normally accom- power to appoint representatives huge number of lawmakers and a ranking “flies” amid widespread side a voting registration centre shot dead. Four suffered gunshot panies visits by top leaders. of their provincial assembly, the large amount of money, is serious anger over official corruption. in which two people were killed wounds. While such interactions are local rubber-stamp parliament, in nature and has a vile impact,” AFP and scores wounded. REUTERS considered run-of-the-mill in Western countries, they are highly unusual for senior Chinese Year-end cleaning officials, more used as they are to scenarios carefully stage-man- aged by the Communist Party’s propaganda arm. REUTERS Suu Kyi vows to contest polls

YANGON: Myanmar pro- democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s opposition party vowed yesterday to contest crucial elections in 2015 even if the con- stitution is not amended first to allow her to become president. The military-drafted charter blocks anyone whose spouse or children are overseas citizens from leading the country -- a clause widely believed to be tar- geted at the Nobel laureate whose two sons are British. The constitution also ring- fences a quarter of the seats in parliament for un-elected mili- tary personnel. Suu Kyi has repeatedly warned that the charter must be changed to allow democracy to take root in the former junta-ruled country, and there had been speculation her party might even boycott the 2015 parliamentary polls. In Myanmar, parliament A Japanese female diver cleans the glass of an aquarium as an alfred chooses the president. AFP manta swims beside her during the year-end cleaning operation at the Epson Shinagawa Aqua Stadium in Tokyo yesterday. Police detain hundreds ahead of banned Bangladesh march DHAKA: Bangladesh police Friday to go ahead with the prevent acts of violence and sab- have rounded up hundreds of march despite a police ban on the otages” ahead of the opposition opposition supporters, authori- protests citing fears of violence. protests, Dhaka police spokesman ties said yesterday, as the capi- Dhaka-bound bus and ferry Masudur Rahman said. tal was virtually cut off from transports have ground to a halt More than 550 were arrested the rest of the country a day as operators suspended their outside the capital as preven- before a mass march aimed at services following orders from the tive measures against the march, derailing January 5 elections. government, which has sought to officials in police control rooms Over 750 people have been prevent the march, claiming it across Bangladesh said. arrested over the past two days could trigger widespread violence. At least 97 passengers were in a nationwide crackdown on Police and security forces have taken off a Dhaka-bound train in opposition supporters. raided houses of opposition sup- northern Tangail district after Hundreds of thousands of porters and searched trains to police searched it for Islamists opposition backers are expected arrest supporters, officers said. accused of attacking police in to descend on the country’s capi- Of the more than 750 arrested, recent months. tal today to protest the contro- around 200 opposition activists “They are being questioned on versial polls. have been detained in the capital, suspicion of having militant con- The move came after opposi- police said. nection,” district police chief SM tion leader Khaleda Zia vowed Police made the arrests “to Tanvir said. AFP SUNDAY 29 DECEMBER 2013 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PHILIPPINES Haiyan: Hundreds of corpses still unburied Stench of flesh in air seven weeks after typhoon

TACLOBAN: More than a and left 1,779 others missing on Isidro on November 10, where thousand dead victims of Super November 8, according to the they have been exposed to the Typhoon Haiyan lay unburied National Disaster Risk Reduction tropical heat and heavy seasonal yesterday, seven weeks after and Management Council. rainshowers. the region was battered by the This made the storm, which There, state forensics experts Philippines’ deadliest storm, also left 4.4 million people home- try to identify the corpses, he residents living alongside the less, one of the deadliest natural said. stench said. disasters in Philippine history. The processed corpses are then About 1,400 corpses, in sealed Tacloban and nearby towns turned over to relatives, while black body bags swarming with were devastated by tsunami-like those that are unclaimed are flies, lay on a muddy open field giant waves unleashed by Haiyan tagged and taken to a mass grave in San Isidro, a farming village which accounted for a majority at the city cemetery about three on the outskirts of the destroyed of the dead. kilometres (1.86 miles) away. central city of Tacloban. The council’s spokesman, “Our tally comprises those Body bags containing the remains of typhoon victims seen on the premises of the Health Centre of Barangay San “The stench has taken away Reynaldo Balido, said he was already tagged and processed by our appetite. Even in our sleep, unsure if the official death toll the local governments,” Balido, Isidro, Tacloban City, in Leyte, yesterday. we have to wear face masks,” said already included the cadavers in the disaster council spokesman, local housewife Maritess Pedrosa, San Isidro. said. the forensics experts went on and elderly residents are getting who asked not to be named said who lives in a house about 20 Eutiquio Balunan, the local vil- Balunan, the village chief, holiday. sick,” he said. they are under orders to prevent metres (66 feet) from the road- lage chief, said government work- said the processing of the “We are requesting the city “This place has become a fly fac- the cadavers from being eaten by side city government property. ers assigned to collect the typhoon cadavers had been suspended government to please bury the tory.” The cadavers are guarded stray dogs. Haiyan killed 6,111 people dead began trucking them to San over the Christmas weekend as cadavers because our children by eight policemen. One officer AFP

Batangas road Fireworks injure 164 ahead of New Year Ex-military official mishaps kill 6 BATANGAS: Six people MANILA: More than 160 peo- The Asian nation of 100 mil- Eve, plus one case of a firecracker died while eight others sus- ple have been injured by fire- lion people traditionally greets the being swallowed. tained injuries in two suc- works in the Philippines as New Year by making noise in the “Active fireworks users (are) up to be fined $16m cessive vehicular accidents they prepared to welcome the belief it will drive bad spirits away. by eight percent this year com- on the same road in Nasugbu New Year, the government said Households start stockpiling pared to 2012,” he said, without MANILA: Former military They said the public would be town in this province before yesterday. fireworks around Christmas and giving figures. comptroller Carlos Garcia is not surprised by the grave penalty to dawn on Friday, according to A 14-year-old boy who lost his start using them days before New He said one person was also going to get away with allegedly be imposed on Garcia. authorities. right hand and an elderly man Year’s Eve. Apart from fireworks, wounded by a stray bullet. stealing $6.9m (P303m) in pub- Sources said even Garcia, who In the first mishap, the with a ruptured eyeball were gun owners are another seasonal Celebratory gunfire killed a lic funds by only returning $3m entered into a plea bargaining driver and two helpers of a among the worst injured so far, hazard as they fire their weapons four-year-old boy and more than (P135.4m) worth of his alleged agreement with government 16-wheeler truck lost their Assistant Health Secretary Eric in the air to celebrate Christmas 400 others were injured by power- unexplained wealth under a prosecutors to escape plunder lives when the vehicle lost con- Tayag said. and New Year. ful fireworks in the runup to 2013, controversial plea bargaining by pleading guilty to the lesser trol along the descending and He tweeted that a five-year-old Tayag said government hospi- according to police and health agreement. offenses of direct bribery and winding stretch of the highway had also lost his right index finger tals had tallied 164 firework inju- department tallies. Sources revealed the facilitating money laundering four in Sitio Bayabasan, Barangay from using fireworks. ries in the run-up to New Year’s AFP Sandiganbayan is getting ready years ago, was not aware of what Aga at around 2.50am. to order the retired military gen- was coming. PO2 Ramon Sale, Nasugbu eral to pay a hefty fine of $16m When the Sandiganbayan police investigator, identified (P700m) for the admitted crime denied the Office of the Solicitor the fatalities as driver Rowel of direct bribery alone. General (OSG)’s motion for inter- Santos, 30, and his two helpers, The amount Garcia was going vention and motion for reconsid- Alvino Gulila and LJ Gulila. Leviste denies owning ranch HIV/Aids cases to be directed to pay would be on eration with finality in April 2013 Probers said the truck, top of, or apart from, what he had where the alleged propriety and which was loaded with sand, MANILA: Former Batangas She cited as proof a lease con- near 5,000 mark already surrendered under the regularity of the plea bargaining was en route to Calaca town governor Antonio Leviste has tract between a certain George plea bargaining agreement and agreement was being questioned, from Porac, Pampanga when denied owning the ranch in Torres, now the subject of a police MANILA: The number of his separate charge of facilitating the anti-graft court’s special sec- Santos lost control of the Lipa City where a big-time drug manhunt, and a representative of Filipinos with HIV/AIDS for money laundering for which he will ond division was ready to promul- wheel, sending the vehicle syndicate was busted during a Conrad Leviste’s company, Benny this year is nearing the 5,000 be fined another $45,000 (P2m). gate its explosive decision. slamming into an electric post raid on Christmas Day. Orense, a copy of which was pre- mark as the Department of Sources revealed Garcia will Everything was pre-empted, and pinning him and his help- Leviste’s lawyer Cristina sented during a television inter- Health (DOH) recorded 384 actually be paying more than dou- however, by a petition filed ers to death. Buendia said Leviste’s twin view on Dec 27. new cases in November alone. ble what he allegedly stole from before the Supreme Court ques- An hour later, a Batangas- brother Conrad owns the LPL She said her client was errone- Data from the Philippine HIV/ government coffers while spend- tioning the legality of the deal bound 18-wheeler truck from ranch, where three suspects ously tagged as the owner of the AIDS Registry showed that 4,456 ing at least 13 more years behind between Garcia and the Office Tagaytay City also lost con- were arrested and P420m worth property. cases were posted from January bars – seven years for direct brib- of the Ombudsman, arising from trol along the same highway of shabu (methamphetamine) was “We appeal to authorities and to November this year, with 153 ery and six for facilitating money the lone opposition of Associate stretch, ramming six vehicles seized. the media to ensure that the facts deaths. laundering – to be served suc- Justice Oscar Herrera. and killing three people on the “It is his brother Conrad who reported are verified in order not Intercourse remains the pri- cessively and not simultaneously Herrera, who was the only one spot and injuring eight others. developed and either sold or to make wrongful accusations mary mode of transmission with for crimes he pleaded guilty to in who voted against the plea bar- Police identified the fatalities leased out the individual lots in that are extremely damaging to 379 cases, while needle shar- December 2010. gaining agreement in a division as truck driver Christopher this 100-hectare farm subdivi- the innocent persons involved,” ing among injecting drug users Sandiganbayan officials, who of five Sandiganbayan justices, Delaun and his helpers, Charlie sion,” Buendia said in a statement. the statement said. accounted for five cases. knew of the fate awaiting Garcia, allegedly continued to block eve- Fermin and Celedonio Casilag. “The former governor, Jose “We believe that a commenda- The DOH noted that males hav- said this should put to rest all sus- rything, believing the OSG was Antonio Leviste, does not own tion for the police operatives and ing intercourse with other males picions that the anti-graft court correct in questioning the entire Drunken barber any parcel, nor has any interest governmental agencies who took (MSM) are the predominant type and Office of the Ombudsman process. or anything whatsoever to do with part in the successful drug bust of transmission, accounting for 83 prosecutors were about to let the When Herrera learned of hacks two the LPL Ranch Estate, contrary operation is in order. Indeed, ille- percent of the cases. former armed forces comptrol- what the sentence was going to to the declaration of an alleged gal drugs should have no place in The registry said that 35 of the ler get away with a light sentence be, he reportedly said he would MANILA: A drunken bar- senior official,” she said. our country and we must all be 384 cases recorded in November after returning less than half neither concur with nor dissent ber, armed with a scissor, Buendia said the matter was vigilant in ensuring the safety of were full blown AIDS. of what he is accused of pock- to the decision imposing prison ran amuck in Antipolo City already verified by Benny Orense, our communities and society,” it Majority of the cases came from eting through kickbacks and years and a very huge fine against on Friday night, killing two the administrator of the LPL added. Metro Manila with 43 percent. commissions from government Garcia. neighbours and wounding six Ranch Estates. THE PHILIPPINE STAR THE PHILIPPINE STAR contractors. THE PHILIPPINE STAR others before he was hacked to death by one of his victims’ kin, police said. Disasters unlikely to derail growth Senior Superintendent Rolando Anduyan, Rizal police director, said the head of sus- US, Canada firms to supply pect Jonathan Hementiza, 28, was cut off when a relative of one of his victims hacked him combat utility helicopters in the neck. Police identified those killed MANILA: A joint venture of approved budget for the contract, by Hementiza as Romeo Gutlay two companies based in North he added. Jr, 36, and Joseph Costa. America has bagged the deal The supplier is expected to Hementiza, according to to supply 21 UH-1 combat util- start delivery within six months. Anduyan, had been drinking ity helicopters to the Philippine “The first delivery based on the heavily from Christmas Day Air Force. requirements is six months but to Friday. The joint venture of American they might deliver that in as close firm Rice Aircraft Services Inc as two weeks,” Velez said. Watchman slain and Canadian company Eagle Earlier, the Defence depart- Copters Ltd won the contract for ment held three public biddings in Pasay attack the supply and delivery of Huey for the Huey helicopters acquisi- helicopters, the workhorse of the tion project but all of these failed MANILA: A barangay military’s operations. due to the bidders’ failure to meet tanod (watchman) was killed The notice of award was issued some requirements. while four others – includ- to the joint venture last week. The Defence department then ing the barangay chairman – Defence Assistant Secretary resorted to an alternative form were wounded as unidentified Patrick Velez said in an interview of procurement to acquire the attackers shot them in the the Huey helicopters can be used helicopters. barangay hall at Barangay for rescue and internal security Officials said the procurement 134, Zone 13 in Pasay City on operations. mode was similar to public bid- Friday night. “The helicopters will be used ding but without the publication According to police reports, to meet immediate requirements. requirements. the victims were watching a They will be used to address the Under a public bidding, the basketball game on television dwindling capability of the Air procuring agency should pub- at the barangay hall at around Force,” Velez said. lish a bid notice in newspapers 9.30pm when the gunmen shot An aerial photo shows a bird’s eye view of suburban Manila. The Philippine economy should grow 7 percent The approved outlay for the and the Philippine Government at them through the steel grills this year and between 6.5 and 7.5 percent next year despite the devastation caused by a killer typhoon and an project was P1.26bn, but the Electronic Procurement System of the hall’s windows. earthquake. helicopters would be purchased website. AGENCIES for about P1.25m less than the THE PHILIPPINE STAR SUNDAY 29 DECEMBER 2013 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13

Balochistan Gunmen kill vaccinator near Peshawar govt to sit-in Eradication suffered due to rumours that vaccination was Western plot to sterilise Muslims at parliament QUETTA: Balochistan gov- PESHAWAR: Gunmen shot targeting health workers and the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa prov- diseases, saying that vaccinations affected by attacks on health ernment has announced to dead a health officer supervis- security personnel during vacci- ince, Shaukat Ali, confirmed the were compliant with Sharia. workers inoculating chil- stage a sit-in against kidnap- ing an anti-polio vaccination nation campaigns. attack. Last year the Pakistani Taliban dren. Polio is also endemic in ping for ransom in the prov- campaign after storming a hos- “Two men riding a motorbike “Routine immunisation of chil- banned polio vaccinations in the Afghanistan and Nigeria. ince, Geo News reported. pital where children were being stormed the office of an immu- dren was going on in the hospital tribal region of Waziristan, alleg- According to the World Health Addressing a press confer- immunised in Pakistan’s trou- nisation officer located inside the at the time of the attack,” he said. ing the campaign was a cover for Organization, Pakistan recorded ence here yesterday, Provincial bled northwest yesterday, offi- premises of Civil Hospital Mattani The Taliban imposed a ban on espionage. 72 cases of polio this year com- Information Minister Jaffar cials said. and shot him dead,” senior police polio vaccinations last year as Eradication efforts have also pared with 58 in 2012. Mandokhel announced to stage Two other hospital staff were official Ijaz Khan said. they view inoculation campaigns suffered due to long-standing New Delhi last week announced a sit-in outside the parliament injured in the attack at a govern- “Two other local staff of the as a cover for espionage. rumours that the vaccine was it would require citizens from on January 12, 2014, adding ment-run hospital in the town hospital including a woman were But prominent Pakistani reli- part of a Western plot to steri- Pakistan and other polio-affected that the opposition and other of Mattani, on the outskirts of injured in the attack,” he added. gious scholar, Maulana Sami Ul lise Muslims. nations travelling to India to take parties would participate in it. Peshawar. Khan said the gunmen fled Haq, known as the “Father of the Pakistan is one of three coun- a mandatory vaccination for the He said leaders of political Nobody immediately claimed on the motorbike soon after the Taliban”, has urged parents to tries in the world where polio disease at least six weeks prior to parties would also hold a meet- responsibility for the killing, shooting. immunise their children against remains endemic and efforts to their departure. ing with President Mamnoon but Taliban militants have been Provincial health minister of polio and other life-threatening stamp it out have been badly AFP Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Jan 10. He further said they would also Winter morning apprise the federal government over the situation. He demanded of the law India to help Islamabad enforcement agencies to bring such kidnappings to an end. power plant installation Deadline for LAHORE: Pakistani prov- in two years, after its successful filing objections ince Punjab’s Agriculture installation and operation, adding Minister Dr Farrukh Javed has the plant would be linked to a 132- LAHORE: Objections to the announced that 1,277 mega- kva supply line. nomination papers for Local watts of electricity will be gen- The MoU was inked by Government Elections in erated from 10.94 million tonnes Universal Biomass Energy Punjab can be filed tomor- of biomass available from the Private Limited Director Pareet row as the six-day process of residue of crops. Singh Badal, Punjab Agriculture submitting the nomination The minister was speaking at a Secretary Dr Ejaz Muneer and papers has completed. ceremony marking the signing of Punjab Energy Department According to schedule‚ a memorandum of understanding chief engineer Iftikhar Ahmad scrutiny of the nomination (MoU) for Indian technical assist- Randhawa. papers would take place from ance for installing a 15MW bio- Later talking to the media, the December 30 to January 4. mass power plant here yesterday. minister stressed that the Punjab Appeals against accept- A company from Indian Punjab government was committed to ance or rejection of nomina- named Universal Biomass Energy resolving the energy crisis. tion papers would be filed on will help Pakistan by providing Responding to a question, he January 6 and 7, which will be necessary technical guidance for said talks with different countries disposed of from 8th to 11th of setting up the plant. were under way for establishing next month. The minister said the plant biomass power plants in Punjab. Nomination papers can be would be handed over to Pakistan INTERNEWS withdrawn by January 12 and An Afghan man walks past a market during a winter morning in downtown Kabul on Friday. According to the the list of contesting candi- World Bank, about 97 percent of the country’s GDP comes from international military and development aid. dates with symbols would be published on January 13. Polling for Local Government Local polls in Elections in the province will Case against Musharraf a landmark development be held on January 30. Sindh, Punjab PM says naval ISLAMABAD: When a former head of state is being tried under casting its shadow over politics Some opposition leaders have to be delayed military ruler is put in the dock Article 6 of the Constitution. may have serious ramifications. also accused the government of defence secure for treason in a country which The former military strongman For Prime Minister Nawaz using the trial to divert pub- ISLAMABAD: The much- has been under dictatorships for is expected to be indicted by a Sharif, it may be an opportunity lic attention from its failure to KARACHI: Prime Minister awaited local government (LG) the most part of its existence, it is special tribunal comprising three to settle scores with a man who address other key issues. Muhammad Nawaz Sharif elections in Punjab and Sindh no less than history being made. high court judges on Jan 1, 2014. not only deposed him but also put But Musharraf’s aides are con- has stated that Pakistan’s may not take place as per The trial of retired General This case has all the ingre- him on trial for sedition. There’s fident the trial will collapse. “He maritime defence is schedule because government Pervez Musharraf is a landmark dients of high drama with far- certainly a revenge aspect to the has not committed any treason impregnable. printing presses have sought development in many ways. reaching political consequences. decision to initiate the treason and the case will fall apart if the Addressing midshipman more time to print the required Many Pakistani political lead- The trial of a former army trial, though the government trial is fair and unbiased,” says passing out parade at Pakistan number of ballot papers, accord- ers faced treason charges, but it chief in a country where the mili- maintains it only complied with retired Maj Gen Rashid Qureshi. Naval Academy here yesterday, ing to an official of the Election is for the first time that a former tary remains a formidable force the Supreme Court ruling. INTERNEWS PM Nawaz said the nation is Commission of Pakistan (ECP). firmly behind Pakistan Navy The official said that at a meet- and would ensure that it is ing here yesterday, the heads Graffiti equipped with latest weaponry of the Printing Corporation of and technology to safeguard Pakistan, Security Printing Press national frontiers. and five other printing organisa- Islamabad orders non-govt The Prime Minister said: tions sought 22 more days for “today Pakistan is more stable printing ballot papers for Punjab and more democratic”. and 15 days for Sindh. The meet- groups to declare finances He pointed out that recent ing was presided over by ECP induction of indigenously made Secretary Ishtiaq Ahmed Khan. ISLAMABAD: The govern- the ECC to regulate these NGOs, frigates‚ fast attack surface-to- “As a result, the commission ment has made it mandatory every organisation would be bound surface missiles and acquisition is in a fix because it told the for all foreign-funded NGOs, to declare to the EAD all its foreign of six modified P3C aircraft Supreme Court that provinces, local or foreign, to get regis- contributions, along with the terms with latest avionics and sen- not the ECP, were delaying polls,” tered with the Economic Affairs and conditions of those contribu- sors into Pakistan Navy will he said. Division and declare their bank tions, as well as details of all bank significantly add to the combat Sources said the provinces accounts as well as names of accounts maintained by them. potential of the Naval force. had decided not to approach the their contributors. The move is aimed at checking court to seek more time and let If such NGOs are desirous of the dirty/objectionable role of such Plan for united the ECP be blamed for the delay utilising within Pakistan their foreign and local NGOs, which are because it was responsible for get- foreign economic assistance foreign funded and are working Sindh opposition ting the ballot papers printed. including money, services and against the interest of Pakistan According to the schedule, goods that emanate from outside or its people. KARACHI: Muttahida polls were supposed to be held in Pakistan, they will have to follow These NGOs will provide to the Qaumi Movement (MQM) Punjab and Sindh on Jan 30 and the new set of rules notified by the government (EAD) a copy of the and the Federal Interior 18, respectively. EAD recently. audited annual statements along Minister, Chaudhry Nisar Ali The final lists of candidates No unregistered organisation, with a certificate from auditors Khan, yesterday discussed from both provinces were to be receiving foreign funding, would to the effect that the foreign con- the possibility of forming a issued on Jan 13, to be followed by be allowed to operate. According tributions have been utilised for united opposition in Sindh, the printing ballot papers. to the policy notification recently the objectives of the organisations. especially in the backdrop of INTERNEWS A man walks past a wall adorned with graffiti painted by various artists issued following a decision taken by INTERNEWS the impending local bodies to promote peace, along a sidewalk in Karachi, on Friday. elections, Geo News reported. Sources said that a del- egation of the MQM and the Interior Minister, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan in a meeting Police suspend mobile held at the Governor House KP to end two-year degree course here discussed Karachi law and order situation and some other vehicle verification system PESHAWAR: The Higher The BS programme was intro- associate degree programme in matters. Education Department of duced by the last Awami National the province. MQM delegation apprised ISLAMABAD: The mobile Those who were using it said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province Party-led government around He said once the proposed the interior minister that no vehicle verification system facility provided to policemen was has planned to introduce the three years ago. programme was in place, then sooner do they raise voice as introduced by the capital police taken back due to pressure from four-year Bachelor of Studies The four-year BS degree is the students wanting to discon- a major opposition party in on September 26 has been sus- big-shots. (BS) programme in all govern- equivalent to MA/MSc degree. tinue studies for one reason or the Sindh against the misdoings pended due to unknown reasons. The sources in the police said ment colleges and universities of Special Assistant to the Chief other could secure the associate of the provincial government Sources in the police said that the mobile phones installed with the province by doing away with Minister on Higher Education degree after successfully complet- than the political victimisation the service was rolled back on a special software had been the existing two-year degree Mushtaq Ahmad said that the ing two years of the BS course. of the MQM activists intensi- the pressure of influential people given to each check post along programme. provincial HED wanted to phase The special assistant said the fies in the garb of Karachi in the first week of November. with the station house officers, However, the plan will be exe- out the conventional degree sys- students opting for the associate operation. During the 39 days the service sub divisional police officers and cuted in phases only after it is tem by replacing it with the BS degree could resume the BS pro- The meeting said to have remained operational, 269 vehi- superintendents of police to check okayed by the Higher Education programme. gramme anytime afterwards. finalised a joint strategy of cles were impounded as these stolen vehicles and movement of Commission. “It is our desire to get rid of the Currently, the students enrolled Pakistan Muslim League- were found stolen and being used criminals. Currently, the two degree decades-old conventional higher in the BS programme have to Nawaz (PML-N) and MQM by influential people after tam- The system kept the record of programmes run parallel in the education system,” he said. study for four years to get degrees under which the two parties pering with their chassis and every entry and search with the province with most government Mushtaq also said the HED had and in case, they leave the course will continue holding meetings engine numbers. help of the vehicles’ registration, educational institutions offer- proposed to the HEC to redesign in the middle, they’re not entitled in future relations in future. There are different views about engine and chassis numbers. ing the conventional BA / BSc the four-year BS programme to the degrees. AGENCIES the suspension of the system. INTERNEWS course. to introduce the two-year INTERNEWS SUNDAY 29 DECEMBER 2013 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA

Supporters of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) wave as they listen to a speech by their leader Arvind Kejriwal after he took oath as the new Chief Minister of Delhi during a swearing-in ceremony at Ramlila ground in New Delhi yesterday. RIGHT: Kejriwal addressing the mediapersons after taking charge as the chief minister. Kejriwal is Delhi CM, promises change PM calls AAP leader, extends support; no red beacons for ministers Highlights of the speech NEW DELHI: In a momen- identification of his party by tak- tous day in Indian politics, ing a metro ride from his home NEW DELHI: The following are the highlights of Delhi’s new Arvind Kejriwal, a 45-year-old Vote of confidence on Jan 2 in Kaushambi to the Barakhamba Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s speech after his swearing-in Magsaysay Award-winning NEW DELHI: AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, who took over as station, along with his supporters, ceremony yesterday. rights activist and vocal anti- Delhi Chief Minister, would prove his government’s majority in enroute to Ramlila Maidan. • It is a historic day, it is not Kejriwal who has taken oath but the corruption campaigner, became the assembly on January 2, an official statement said. After taking the oath, Kejriwal people of Delhi who have taken oath. the seventh, and youngest, Chief In the Kejriwal government’s first cabinet meeting, it was decided spoke for about 15 minutes, in • People felt that bad politics had destroyed everything. But the peo- Minister of Delhi state, cap- that the first session of the new legislative assembly will be convened keeping with the brief ceremony, ple of Delhi proved that even honest people can fight and win elections. ping an amazing run that saw from January 1. “The first session of the fifth legislative assembly of which began at 12 noon and was • This is only the beginning. The real fight lies ahead. him become not just an electoral National Capital Territory of Delhi will be summoned from January over in less than an hour. • Kejriwal or his ministers cannot fight this battle all alone. But giant-killer but a major contender 1 to January 7, 2014. The MLAs would be administered oath on the Among his first announce- I am convinced that if the people of Delhi get together, then we can in the 2014 general election. first day of the session. The government would move the vote of ments were that red beacons on eradicate corruption. After taking oath at the historic confidence on January 2. Election for Speaker and deputy Speaker cars will be used only by essential • We do not believe we have all the answers to all the problems, Ramlila Maidan, venue of many an will be held on January 3,” an official statement said. Lt Governor services, not ministers or officials or that god has given wisdom only to us. But if we all get together, epic political rally in the last six Najeeb Jung will address the House on January 6. IANS — a major departure from the then there is no problem that cannot be resolved. decades but seeing its first ever past “VIP culture”, while secu- • We are not arrogant and we do not have solutions to all problems. swearing-in of a government, he rity would be provided only on We do not have a magic wand that today we will form the government said: “It is a historic day, it is not Party (AAP) created history by supporters, a large number of the basis of “threat perception”. and tomorrow there will be a solution to all the problems. Only if the Kejriwal who has taken the oath defeating the Congress within a them young, senior citizens and Kejriwal has repeatedly 1.5 crore people of Delhi join together then we will find a solution. but the people of Delhi who have year of its formation, was sworn- women. declined Delhi Police’s offer of • Anna Hazare used to say that politics is dirty and if you get into taken the oath. It is an effort to in a business-like ceremony at Six of AAP lawmakers took security. Pledging to provide a it you will also taint yourself. I used to tell him that if it were so, give power to the people of Delhi.” the ground, teeming with tens oath as ministers. Kejriwal kept clean government and alterna- then we will have to plunge into this muck to clean it up. Kejriwal, whose Aam Admi of thousands of enthusiastic to the aam admi, or common man, tive politics, he however warned • In government schools, the state of education is poor because of of “roadblocks” from entrenched politics. We do not get medicines in government hospitals because interests. In the face of rising of politics, electricity bills are high and water is not reaching the expectations from his govern- people because of dirty politics and nexus with ministers. We have ment, Kejriwal advised patience to come out and clean all the dirt in politics, and so today it is a and said he had no “magic wand” historic moment in this journey. to solve all problems. • People ask me to remain alert as the bureaucracy would not let He also said he was not wor- me work smoothly, but I do not agree. In the last few days, I have ried about proving his majority met many officers of Delhi and I can say frankly that if a few offic- in the 70-member assembly, and ers are corrupt then there are more honest officers also who want if he couldn’t, “we will return to to work for the people and the country. the people... People are ready for • It is a challenge for officers of Delhi to show the people that if (fresh) elections”. The AAP has 28 the bureaucracy, people and politicians join hands to work together seats, and will be propped up by the then we can make the country corruption and poverty free. Congress (8 seats), which is silent • I want to make a request to my ministers, legislators and vol- on its future moves. unteers that they should never let arrogance seep into themselves. With his campaign theme If we are not able to protect ourselves from arrogance then our being taking corruption head on, struggle will lose its importance. Kejriwal made people take a sol- • AAP is born to break the arrogance of other parties. We should emn pledge that they would never never reach a situation where the need arises for a new party to be give or take bribes and promised born to break our arrogance. a phone number they could call • Today we have challenged big political parties, corrupt people up to complain about officials and communal forces. They are trying to create hurdles in our path. demanding bribes. We have received some information about those forces but I do not Prime Minister Manmohan want to mention about them now. Singh telephoned the new chief • We are on the path of truth. Walking on this path is not so easy minister to extend his best and this path is filled with thorns. We are ready with the people of wishes and support, while from Delhi to accept all the challenges. Maharashtra’s Ralegan-Siddhi, • The expectation of the people has increased so I get scared. The his erstwhile mentor Anna fruits of the work we do is not in our hands and I am afraid of the Hazare said he was confident that outcome. But I pray to god to give me wisdom so that we do not commit Arvind Kejriwal and his ministers wave after taking their oaths of office at a ceremony in New Delhi, Kejriwal will do a good job. mistakes. If we continue to work in the path of truth then a win is sure. Within a few hours of being IANS sworn in, Kejriwal got down Portfolios of Kejriwal and his team to organising the work set-up. Interacting with media at the NEW DELHI: The following development, local bodies, land development, social welfare and Secretariat, he said there will be Bengal AAP plans membership drive are the portfolios of Delhi’s new and building and revenue. languages. She has also been given no witch hunting and honest offi- KOLKATA: Eager to spread its wings in the state, the West Bengal Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal SOMNATH BHARTI: He will charge of making special arrange- cials had nothing to worry about. unit of the Aam Aadmi Party will launch a membership drive here and his cabinet of six ministers. look after administrative reforms, ments to ensure women’s safety in He also urged people to wait besides celebrating the party taking up the reins in Delhi. ARVIND KEJRIWAL: The law, tourism, art and culture the national capital. until early next week for “news” The AAP will be organising the membership drive in the city’s chief minister will be handling the ministries. GIRISH SONI: He will be on the water and electricity Esplanade area. The party expects to boost its membership — now in ministries of home, power, plan- SAURABH BHARDWAJ: The looking after the ministries of fronts. Two of AAP’s key prom- a nascent stage in the state - by at least a couple of thousand. ning, finance, services, vigilance ministries of transport, food sup- Scheduled Castes and Scheduled ises were halving the power tariff “People from across the state have shown interest in joining the and departments not allocated to ply, environment, elections and Tribes, employment, development and 700 litres water daily for all party. So, we have decided to organise this drive to formally induct anyone else. general administrative depart- and skill mission and labour. households. Kejriwal’s ambitions people in the party,” said AAP worker Mukul Keshari. MANISH SISODIA: Kejriwal’s ment have been given to him. SATYENDRA JAIN: He will are not limited to Delhi, with the The Bengal unit, at present managed by an ad-hoc committee, is right-hand man will look after RAKHI BIRLA: The young- be looking after the ministries of party saying it plans to use the hoping to set up a state committee early next year when its central education, higher education, est member of the cabinet, Birla health, industries and gurdwara capital as a launching pad for its leadership is expected to tour the city and participate in public rallies Public Works Department, urban will be handling women and child elections. IANS national aspirations. IANS with an eye to the general elections. IANS

Gauhar Khan wins Bigg Boss 7, aims for superstardom

MUMBAI: Model-turned-actress The grand finale was held at Lonavala, Sangram Singh. The grand finale turned It started with 14 celebrities, and later, Gauhar Khan yesterday won the sev- a hill station near Mumbai, where the out to be an extravagant affair with five additional celebrities made wild card enth season of Bigg Boss and took home Bigg Boss house was put up. This is entertaining performances by Salman entries at different points during its run. the prize money of Rs50 lakh and the the fourth consecutive season that a and the contestants. Unlike the other seasons, this time the trophy. She said now her aim is to woman has been crowned the winner Funnyman VJ Andy too took to the house was initially divided into heaven attain superstardom in showbiz. after Shweta Tiwari, Juhi Parmaar and stage to entertain the audience with and hell sections where the contestants Gauhar, seen in films like Game and Urvashi Dholakia winning the fourth, his performance on the title track of were treated differently. Another liv- Ishaqzaade, wishes to gain superstar- fifth and sixth seasons respectively. Besharam. He was accompanied by ing space called the Caravan, a motor dom after the show. “I wish this platform In the final round, the competition was Sangram and Ajaz. Even love birds, vehicle, was introduced in the show. The helps me gain superstardom. There is a between Gauhar and Tanisha. And their Tanisha-Armaan and Gauahar-Kushal season also saw Salman being blamed by Gauhar Khan poses with the Bigg Boss 7 very different feeling when people start mothers were at the venue to support Tandon’s romantic act was shown at the the contestants as well his fans for being reality television series trophy in Mumbai calling you a superstar. And that’s what them. Other finalists, who were vying for gala. The seventh season of the show biased towards some of the contestants, yesterday. I want,” Gauahar said. the title, were Ajaz Khan and wrestler went on air on September 15 on Colors. including Tanisha. IANS SUNDAY 29 DECEMBER 2013 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15

Pranab salutes Questions hang over spat with US over diplomat warrior king WASHINGTON: As diplomats try to to India’s permanent mission to the UN, as the US side chose not to respond to week window to persuade the US side work out a way to resolve the India-US was entitled to full diplomatic immunity a series of communications both to the to drop the charges against Khobragade diplomatic row triggered by the arrest even at the time of her December 12 arrest, State Department and the US embassy in before her January 13 scheduled appear- Shivaji and strip search of an Indian diplomat, thanks to her concurrent accreditation to New Delhi starting with a report about ance before a Manhattan court so that the THANE (MAHARASHTRA): several questions hang over the unsa- the UN since August 26? Richard’s disappearance in June. growing rift between the two “strategic President Pranab Mukherjee voury episode. And why did take New Delhi so long to It had also responded “fairly muscularly” partners” could be contained. yesterday paid homage Who in the State Department signed off discover that Khobragade may have had on October 8 to the State Department’s Meanwhile, Prabhu Dayal, India’s to Marathi warrior king on the arrest of Khobragade, India’s deputy diplomatic immunity all along and bring it September 4 missive pointing out that an former consul general in New York, who Chhatrapati Shivaji, describ- consul general in New York, on charges to the attention of the State Department, arrest warrant issued by a Delhi court was made an undisclosed settlement with his ing him as “a great mili- of visa fraud and underpaying her nanny, which has now promised to examine the pending against Richard. former housekeeper, Santosh Bhardwaj, tary genius, a brilliant unmindful of the consequences? claim? It had also sought US help in tracing and over alleged mistreatment, has suggested strategist and a great ruler”. Would housekeeper Sangeeta Richard’s Few answers were forthcoming as India’s repatriating Richard back to India so that a drastic solution to prevent recurrence of Inaugurating a 2,200kg bronze allegations against her employer have new ambassador S Jaishankar plunged so that due process of law may be pros- such episodes. statue of Shivaji at a pub- gained so much traction without her fam- into the task of resolving the crisis with ecuted in India. An atmosphere of fear rules at the lic junciton in Kalwa suburb ily’s contacts with the US embassy, with meetings Thursday with Under Secretary Officials also suggest that far from being Indian Consulate in New York because of here, the President said that her father-in-law reported to be working for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman and a case of “human trafficking” that the US the lack of full diplomatic immunity and though Shivaji’s resources for a US diplomat in Delhi? Under Secretary for Management Patrick side has made it out to be, it was more the potential for lawsuits from domestic were limited, “he confidently Did New York’s Indian-American pros- F Kennedy. likely a clever immigration con — with the help, he told News India Times, an ethnic faced the mighty Mughal ecutor Preet Bharara really goof up in mis- But officials refuted State Department’s nanny being the only gainer. With the US newspaper published from New York. empire by forming an army taking Khobragade’s own salary of $4,500 contention that it had warned the Indian throwing the letter of the law, that too in Dayal’s solution, according to the Times, from hard working peasants”. mentioned in the visa application with the embassy as early as September 4 about its extreme, it should not be surprised at would be to close down the New York con- “Chhatrapati Shivaji was a one she contracted to pay to Richard as the allegations against Khobragade and it the retaliatory measures taken by India, sulate and shifting its duties to the Indian born leader with a personal- alleged by the Indian diplomat’s lawyer? should have seen the action coming against which officials insist are in strict reciproc- embassy in Washington DC and to India’s ity that drew the best men Was the US side not aware that the Indian diplomat. ity to what Indian diplomats get in the US. Permanent Mission at the UN. to his side and commanded Khobragade, who has since been transferred The boot was, in fact, on the other foot Jaishankar would appear to have a two IANS devoted service from his offic- ers,” Mukherjee said. The President said that during his reign, Chhatrapati Shivaji instilled a sense of self-respect in his subjects by following basic principles like tolerance for all views, secularism, dis- 26 die in fire cipline, respect for women and protection of women’s hon- our, self-restraint, dedication and commitment to duty and strict enforcement of morality. on train coach Kerala’s ‘first near Andhra legislator’ dead Short circuit likely cause of inferno

BANGALORE/HYDERABAD: “A couple of passengers who At least 26 passengers, includ- jumped out of the burning coach ing 12 women and two children, reported seeing fire in the electri- were burnt to death early yes- cal unit at one end of the coach THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: terday when an air-conditioned and flames spreading across Rosamma Punnoose (pic- coach of the Bangalore-Nanded rapidly as the coach has sealed tured), who was the first Express caught fire near windows and hydraulic air-tight person to be sworn in as leg- Puttaparthi in Andhra Pradesh, doors on either side,” a railway islator soon after the first officials said. engineer, supervising the rescue assembly polls in Kerala in “Of the 65 passengers in the and relief operations, said. 1957, passed away in Oman AC-3-tier B-1 coach, 39 escaped The gutted coach was carrying yesterday morning, her family the blaze with injuries and 15 of passengers to Nanded and other said. She was 100. Incidentally, them were admitted to hospitals destinations en-route. The train Punnoose was also the first at Anantapur and Puttaparthi passes through north Karnataka, pro-term Speaker of the for emergency treatment,” South Andhra Pradesh and Marathwada A passenger train engulfed in flames near Kothacheruvu railway station, in Andhra Pradesh state, yesterday. Kerala assembly, as she had Western Railway spokesman S region of eastern Maharashtra. also administered the oath to Biswas said. The ill-fated train The blazing coach was detached Anantapur district collector Victoria hospital in Bangalore the dead will be preserved for other legislators at that time. left Bangalore at 10.45pm on from the vestibule train soon D S Lokesh Kumar and Deputy where charred bodies, many of DNA tests as many bodies were Punnoose was living with her Friday for an overnight journey after passengers noticed flames Inspector General of Police B them beyond recognition, were charred beyond recognition. son in Oman for the past two to Nanded in Maharashtra, about leaping out of it and the train Balakrishna supervised the rescue brought from the accident site in Union Railway Minister years. Though she began her 1,040km away. was suddenly stopped. Some of and relief operations, which began four ambulances. Relatives and Mallikarjuna Kharge and Union career with the Travancore Though the exact cause of the the survivors jumped out of the only after daybreak due to poor friends of the victims rushed to Minister of State for Railways State Congress in 1939, she fire is not known, railway officials burning coach after breaking win- visibility under foggy conditions. identify them. Kotla Jaya Surya Prakash Reddy joined the Communist Party suspect a short circuit in the AC dow panes of its toilets. A few surviving passengers “The bodies will be kept in the rushed to the site for firsthand of India in 1948. A law gradu- coach could have triggered the The rest of the train was complained to the district author- hospital morgue for forensic tests account of the tragedy. ate, she returned to the Kerala inferno. The blaze spread rap- allowed to resume its journey at ities that there was no fire extin- for identification. Blood samples Kharge ordered an inquiry by assembly for the second time idly in the early hours (around 7am after the burnt coach was guisher in the AC coach. of their relatives will be taken the commissioner of railway safety in 1987. She quit politics in 3am) when the train was travel- shifted to a loop line. “The pas- The railways set up helpline to match with that of the vic- (southern circle) and announced 1998, when she stepped down ling towards Dharmavaram from sengers list, released later in the numbers to disseminate latest tims through DNA test,” South Rs5 lakh ex-gratia to the kin of as chairperson of the Kerala Kothacheruvu station after leav- day, showed that about 80 percent information to passengers and Western Railway deputy chief the victims. He assured the injured State Women’s Commission. ing Prashanti Nilayam station at of the tickets were booked online, family members of the affected. engineer Hari Babu said. that their treatment expenses Rosamma Punnoose’s hus- Puttaparthi pilgrim town, about as ‘e-ticket’ was mentioned in the Heart-rending scenes were According to a doctor at the would be met by the railways. band P T Punnoose was also a 150km from Bangalore. remarks column,” Biswas said. witnessed at the state-run hospital, femur (thigh bone) of IANS prominent Communist Party of India leader, elected from the Ambalapuzha Lok Sabha constituency to the second Lok Assam tourism Sabha in 1957. Punnoose’s body will be brought to Kerala from Oman. The funeral will take PM’s call to address place tomorrow at Thiruvalla. Punnoose celebrated her 100th birthday on May 13 this year faculty shortage at Thiruvalla. Kerala assem- bly Speaker G Karthikeyan visited her on her birthday to NEW DELHI: Prime Minister particularly in the past 10 years, greet her. Manmohan Singh yesterday which have been marked by an asked stakeholders in higher unprecedented expansion of Leh shivers at education to urgently consider facilities. the issues of quality and short- He said the rapid changes of -15 degrees age of faculty and find methods recent years have also meant to resolve them. greater challenges for the SRINAGAR: At minus 15 “We can be reasonably proud of University Grants Commission. degrees Celsius, Leh town in the achievements of the alumni of Ladakh region of Jammu and our premier institutes of higher BIG TASKS LIE AHEAD Kashmir was the coldest yes- education. They have done excep- “As the principal regulator of terday, as the night tempera- tionally well in a diverse range higher education, the UGC has tures throughout the Valley of areas all over the world,” the done very well so far. However, remained below the freezing Tourists take elephant rides on a cold winter morning at the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, about 50km from prime minister said at the dia- the tasks that lie ahead require point. “The night temperature Guwahati, yesterday. It is the peak tourist season in Assam and tourists are visiting in full swing to see the mond jubilee celebrations of the fresh thinking and innovative was minus 14.9 in Leh today world famous great Indian one-horned Rhino at the sanctuary. University Grants Commission ways of doing things. I am sure (Saturday) which is the cold- (UGC) here. the commission will utilise the est this season so far in the Raising the issue of shortage occasion of its diamond jubilee town,” an official of the weather of faculty in institutes of higher to reflect on how it should evolve department said here. “It was education, the prime minister in the future to be able to do full minus 14.6 in Kargil while said: “This problem is likely to justice to its onerous responsibili- the minimum was minus 1.9 Manju Warrier to shoot for comeback film become even more acute with ties,” the prime minister, a former (degrees Celsius) in Srinagar, the expansion (in higher educa- UGC chairperson himself, said. minus 8.2 in Gulmarg, and KOCHI: There is excitement the filming is going to be held surprised many as she had created tion) that is planned in the com- He suggested that the UGC minus 6.9 in Pahalgam,” the among the team members of tomorrow,” Andrews said. a huge impression and was rated as ing years.” plays the role of a national ‘think- official added. “The minimum Malayalam film How Old Are In the film, Manju plays the one the best actress ever to grace tank’ and organises professional temperature was 4.7 degrees You? as versatile actress Manju title role of Nirupama, and her the Malayalam film screens. PLEA TO STAKEHOLDERS and purposeful discourse about (Celsius) in Jammu city today Warrier returns to face the arc character is shown to take part Some of her best known films “I would urge the UGC and issues that have a close bearing on (Saturday). The night tempera- lights for the first time in 14 in Kochi Half Marathon. That is include Sallapam, Ee Puzhayum other stakeholders in the higher the sound management of higher ture was 2 degrees below nor- years here today. why she will be here to give a shot Kadannu, Thooval Kottaram, education system to urgently education system in the country. mal in Gulmarg and Pahalgam, The film is being directed by amidst the real action. Kaliyattam, Krishnagudiyil Oru consider the issues of quality Manmohan Singh said: “Our while it was 3 degrees below Roshan Andrews, who, accompa- Manju, 35, began her eventful Pranayakalathu, Daya, Summer in and shortage of faculty and find university system needs to put normal in Jammu city today nied by his associates, was doing career in 1995. In a span of four Bethlehem and Pathram. She is a innovative methods of resolving much more emphasis on research (Saturday),” he said. The offi- a location check where the Kochi years, she acted in 20 films. She recipient of a special jury National them,” he said. and more specifically on enhanc- cial said weather would remain Half Marathon will be held today. married now popular actor Dileep. Film Award for her performance Manmohan Singh said the ing the number and quality of the mainly dry in the Kashmir dur- “We are excited and we are When she took a sabbatical from in Kannezhuthi Pottum Thottu. She process of change (in higher doctoral programmes”. ing the next 24 hours. IANS here to look at the place where filmdom after her marriage, she receieved it in 1999. IANS education) has accelerated IANS SUNDAY 29 DECEMBER 2013 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME Men have  News in Numbers    CHART: 1 4 Fajr (Dawn) 4:57 different idea Shorook (Sunrise) 6:18 of women’s Zuhr (Noon) 11:36 Asr (Afternoon) 2:33 beauty: Poll Maghrib (Sunset) 4:54 Isha (Night) 6:24 LOS ANGELES: Men have an entirely different take on what makes a woman beautiful, according to a latest survey. WEATHER Men prefer blonde hair, full lips, and strong cheekbones, but also a Weather petite nose, less prominent fore- Today Monday Tuesday Conditions: head and finer eyebrows. Women Clear Clear Clear on the other hand, find raven hair, Misty at some a stronger nose and forehead pro- places at first. file, strong brows and narrower bone structure as the epitome of High: 21° Becomes hazy High: 22° High: 23° beauty. Low: 13° Low: 16° Low: 17° during the day, Infrastructure and construction projects dominate the portfolio of activities cold and misty There were only two things they could agree on: green eyes and a with a chance of with a combined share of 62pc. Hydrocarbon and power projects contribute small chin, reports femalefirst. fog by night. co.uk. In the survey, conducted by another 25pc. In the MENA region, about a third of non-life insurance DOHA - SUN & SEA beauty retailer escentual.com, men and women were asked to build premiums are ceded to reinsurance companies. The total estimated non-life SUN TIDE SEA up their perfect face from the fea- reinsurance market volume for 2012, accordingly, amounts to about US$ 12bn. SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND tures of some of the most beautiful women in the world. 06:21 16:50 03:00 & 12:45 09:00 & 20:00 03-12 KT The most popular features that men picked were Shakira’s GCC projects currently under way THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW cascading blonde hair, Miranda Kerr’s button nose, the fore- by sector (August 2013) HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER head of Jennifer Aniston, Kate Middleton’s pronounced eyebrows MUSCAT 23/15 Partly cloudy 23/14 Partly cloudy and Angelina Jolie’s cheekbones as Transport 28pc KUWAIT 21/14 Clear 21/17 Partly cloudy well as her full lips. BAHRAIN 20/15 Partly cloudy 21/16 Clear In a stark contrast, women’s Power 10pc SANAA 21/03 Clear 22/04 Partly cloudy selections for the perfect female RIYADH 24/12 Clear 24/11 Clear face comprise Freida Pinto’s glossy DUBAI 23/15 Partly cloudy 24/14 Clear black mane, Keira Knightley’s BAGHDAD 21/10 Mostly cloudy 18/10 Partly cloudy refined cheekbones, Cara Delevingne’s bushy bold brows, Oil 9pc Water 4pc THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW Natalie Portman’s imposing fore- head, Blake Lively’s strong nose HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER and Scarlett Johansson’s voluptu- ous pout. Chemical 5pc ATHENS 15/09 Clear 15/07 Clear Both genders agreed on the Industrial 4pc WASHINGTON 09/03 Rain 06/03 Partly cloudy appeal of actresses Mila Kunis SYDNEY 23/15 Chance of rain 24/15 Partly cloudy and Megan Fox. However, Kunis’ LONDON 05/06 Partly cloudy 09/04 Chance of rain alluring green eyes were voted as the most beautiful by 52 percent of PARIS 09/05 Clear 10/08 Chance of rain men and 51 percent of the women Gas 6pc ISTANBUL 11/05 Fog 09/05 Fog respondents. They also concurred MANILA 30/23 Partly cloudy 30/23 Partly cloudy that Megan Fox’s small, defined DHAKA 24/14 Clear 25/13 Clear chin was the most attractive. DELHI 16/05 Clear 18/10 Partly cloudy Construction 34pc IANS ISLAMABAD 16/01 Partly cloudy 17/04 Clear Source : http://www.qfc.com.qa ‘Mona Lisa of tapestries’ brought back to life

LONDON: It has inspired nov- “The tapestry has really come in central France, but it was not els and songs, featured in Harry to life again,” Audrey Defretin, until 1841 that Prosper Merimee, Potter movies and puzzled his- a spokesperson for the museum, a French dramatist, historian, torians for the best part of 500 said. “Already the panels were archaeologist and writer, best years. The Lady and the Unicorn, exceptional and emblematic known for his novella Carmen, regarded as the Mona Lisa of because of their famous history discovered the tapestry. woven artworks, is one of the and the mystery of their meaning, He wrote to the French politi- greatest surviving artefacts of but now they have been cleaned cian Ludovic Vitet: “All six feature its kind from the Middle Ages. and rehung we have some idea of a very beautiful woman ... always Now the tapestry, which is in how they might have looked in placed between a lion and a uni- fact a series of six wool and silk the Middle Ages. They are really corn. There used to be several tapestries woven in Flanders in extraordinary.” Each of the six others at Boussac, finer ones, the the 16th century, can be seen in separate hangings features a slim, mayor tells me, but the former an entirely new light after a major blonde woman with a unicorn to owner of the chateau ... cut them clean and restoration. her left and a lion to her right. up to cover carts and make rugs Nearly two years ago, the hang- Their exact provenance out of them.” ings, five of which are believed to remains a mystery, though they Of the remaining Lady and the depict the five senses and a sixth are believed to have been commis- Unicorn panels, he concluded: bearing the motto A mon seul desir sioned by a member of the pros- “They will all share the same fate (To my only desire) were taken perous and noble Le Viste family if we do not remove them from down from display at the Musee in the late 1400s and created from Boussac.” By then, the tapestry National du Moyen Age in Paris designs, or “cartoons”, drawn in was badly damaged by neglect, where they had been since 1882. Paris. damp and nibbling rats, and the Time and decades of dust had The red background of each bottom part of one panel had even taken their toll on the colours and tapestry is strewn with a rich been cut off by one minor local the lining from which the tapes- variety of flowering plants and official to make a “foot rug”. try was hung was deforming its features pine, orange sessile oak In 1882, La Dame a la licorne shape and designs. and holly trees, the repeated motif was acquired by the museum — Over the following few months, of a coat of arms of three white then known as the Cluny museum a team of five restorers removed crescents on a blue background, — and transformed into the cen- Visitors view the famous tapestries of ‘The Lady and the Unicorn’ at the Musee National du Moyen Age in Paris. and replaced the linings and and animals including numerous trepiece of its collection, attract- cleared the dust using a form of rabbits, monkeys and birds. ing tens of thousands of visitors by an aura of mystery, thanks rescue, of the artworks with her adds: “These finely worked scenes micro vacuum cleaner. Finally, The first historical mention every year. to the attention it had garnered 1844 novel Jeanne, part of which are masterpieces and, if I am not all six of the panels were rehung of the tapestry occurs in 1814 in When the tapestry first went from artists and writers. is set in the Chateau de Boussac, mistaken, quite a curious page of in a newly designed room at the a description of the Chateau de on display at the museum, it was Author George Sand contrib- in which she mentions “those history.” museum. Boussac, in the Creuse department already famous and surrounded uted to the fame, and consequent curious enigmatic tapestries” and GUARDIAN NEWS 2013 was a year to remember, for at least a week or so WASHINGTON: From the same team penetrate the thick fog of JFK-anniversary Sen Harry Reid, used the nuclear means the NSA must not be following me television neared an end. Breaking Bad that brought you 2012 (the year, not headlines. 2013 picked up right where 2012 option, transforming the Senate into a on Twitter. The federal government shut broke good, at least according to all the the movie), 2013 was a year filled with left off, with the inauguration of President frozen wasteland full of radioactive spi- down but then started back up with a new people who have been saying that Breaking excitement. It had everything we’ve Obama to a second term. Beyoncé made ders. This was a notable improvement on operating system that didn’t work, either. Bad is like having God touch you with his come to expect in a year, plus Miley news by not singing, which surprised peo- the way the Senate usually operates, and Wendy Davis, Rand Paul and Ted Cruz hand and making you superior to everyone Cyrus. The special effects were breath- ple even though Britney Spears has built members were actually able to pass some all talked for a long time — Davis in a fili- around you and it’s like The Aeneid but, taking — remember that meteor? an entire musical career on not singing. stuff afterward. Speaker John Boehner, is buster to protect the reproductive choice you know, more erudite. If the amount Dennis Rodman ran out of friends to trying to find out if there are any nuclear of Texas women, Paul to keep his name Netflix released some original series, of coverage is play basketball with, so he went to North options he can use on the House. in contention for the 2016 GOP presiden- one of which starred Kevin Spacey as a anything to go Korea and became pals with a terrifying In 2013, we learned that Edward tial race and Cruz to support the cause of Machiavellian figure labouring under the on, the most dictator instead of joining a MeetUp group Snowden likes airports so much that he Hearing Ted Cruz Talk. mistaken impression that Congress is sup- important like the rest of us. was willing to leak top-secret informa- Drones droned on and on. Anthony posed to accomplish things. event of 2013 For a few awkward weeks, we all pre- tion about the National Security Agency Weiner somehow performed the incredible You could tell that the show was deeply happened in tended we’d been paying attention to (NSA) to several newspapers in order to feat of ruining the Weiner family name. accurate because it included a newspaper November Syria for years. Fortunately we all stopped be able to spend more quality time in a Everyone you didn’t want to get a pixie reporter being discouraged from tweeting 1963. because some celebrity had a baby or terminal in Moscow. It turns out the NSA cut got one. and blogging. George W Bush’s paintings A few other something and babies are news, whereas has been snooping in my emails and phone Chris Christie won the 2013 GOP pri- revealed that he should not have quit his news stories there will always be plenty of humanitar- records to find out what I am doing all mary that is imaginary and run by pun- day job. managed to ian catastrophes to go around. the time, which makes me sad because it dits. Our national nightmare of prestige WP-BLOOMBERG Sunday 29 December 2013 25 Safar 1435 Volume 18 Number 5928 Price: QR2

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Tunisia raises interest rate QCB sets up Qatar Libya’s Hariga Central Securities Depository Co

DOHA: Qatar Central Bank port to resume (QCB) has announced the establishment of Qatar Central Securities Depository QCSD, which will begin functioning oil exports on January 2. The company will hold all activities and tasks carried out by the Central Registration Department of Protesters agree to end blockade the Qatar Exchange (QE). QCB said in a press state- BENGHAZI: Libya’s eastern days,” Shatwan said in the eastern ment yesterday that the QCSD Hariga port will resume oil city of Benghazi, adding that oil is owned by QCB and QE, and exports within days after pro- from the Sarir field had already obtained all the necessary per- testers agreed to end a four been pumped to the port. mits from the official authori- month blockage, an oil official He spoke on the sidelines of cere- ties in Qatar, including the Qatar said. mony attended by senior officials to Financial Markets. The QCSD A reopening would be a victory lay the foundation stone for the new will start work from its seat at for Prime Minister Ali Zeidan NOC headquarters in Benghazi, the premises of the Qatar Credit who has been trying to end such which will move from Tripoli. Bureau. blockades, which have reduced Another oil official, asking The statement added that the Libya’s oil output to 250,000 bpd not to be named, said it was not activities of the QCSD include from 1.4 million bpd in July, cut- yet clear whether the protesters the keeping, management, own- ting much needed revenue for would allow the loading of tankers ership, clearing and settlement rebuilding the state. but a group of activists planned to Men talk as they stand outside the Central Bank in Tunis. Tunisia’s central bank raised its benchmark interest of securities and their deriva- The protesters in the east, travel by boat to the port to con- rate to 4.5 percent from four percent on Thursday, citing inflation pressures. tives. The company will also which was the cradle of the vince them to end the blockage. provide related financial services revolt that ousted veteran leader The protesters, which have been including the registration and Muammar Gaddafi, also have divided over what to demand, have acceptance of government bonds their own victory, of sorts, as several times prevented tankers and treasury bills and transfer- Libyan authorities are building a from docking at the port. FLSmidth wins Al Khalij Cement deal ence of their ownership as well new oil headquarters there, mov- Pressure has been building as the application of the mecha- ing it from the capital Tripoli in on militias and tribesmen seiz- nism of delivery versus payment the west, to appease their calls for ing ports and fields to allow the BY SATISH KANADY and construction) projects. QNCC expects it will have to (DvP), application of the lend- greater autonomy. resumption of oil exports, the FLSmidth’s role in the coop- invest QR1.19bn to complete the ing and borrowing system, the Tribesmen and other protest- main source for the national DOHA: Global Company eration is to engineer the plant facility capable of producing 7,500 management and follow-up of ers have occupied Hariga, located budget and to fund food imports. FLSmidth has received an and supply the main equipment. tons of clinker per day. The new the non-Qatari shareholders’ in Tobruk in the far east of Libya, Zeidan has warned the govern- order worth DKK515m for CNBM is the turnkey contrac- facility will be operational within shares, the registration and since August to press their finan- ment might not be able to pay Qatari cement producer Al tor and received the order from 24 months after the signing of the acceptance of exchange traded cial and autonomy demands public salaries if strikes continue. Khalij Cement covering supply Al Khalij Cement in cooperation contract. With the launch of the funds (ETFs) and participation despite several government Many in the east, home to much of a complete cement produc- with FLSmidth. new plant, QNCC’s total produc- in the initial public offerings attempts to reopen the terminal. of the country’s oil wealth, sym- tion line for Al Khalij’s plant in “The FLSmidth and CNBM tion capacity will jump to 18,500 (IPOs). It has an export capacity of pathise with port and oil strikers Umm Bab, east of Doha. offering combines environmen- tonne clinker per day. Cement All shareholders records 110,000 barrels per day and also campaigning for a greater share The production line will be tally cutting-edge process know- grinding capacity is expected to currently being enrolled in the serves the Tobruk oil refinery. of oil sales and power in the tur- a duplicate of the existing line, how, engineering and equipment reach about 22,000 tonnes per day. Registration Department of There was no immediate con- moil that has bedevilled Libya two which was supplied by FLSmidth supply from FLSmidth with a cost Heavy infrastructure spend- the QE will be transferred to firmation from the government and a half years after Gaddafi was in 2007. The order covers all main efficient EPC contract. Together, ing by Qatar government is the new company which will be which has repeatedly announced ousted then killed. equipment for the production line: we can offer the customer the expected to boost the country’s electronically connected with Hariga would reopen. But in a “We meet today to lay the foun- conveyor transport systems, mills, best of two worlds,” President of cement demand in short-term to QE to enforce property trans- sign of progress, state National dation stone ... for the National complete pyro line, electrical and the Cement Division Per Mejnert long-term. Qatar’s total expendi- fers between sellers and buy- Oil Corp (NOC) said last week Oil Corp and other government automation systems as well as fil- Kristensen commented. ture during 2013-14 has been set ers of the shares of the listed the 20,000 barrels a day-Tobruk institutions to achieve economic ters, FLSmidth said in a company The order will be booked by the at $57.8bn, up 18 percent from companies. refinery had resumed work. and social development,” Deputy announcement to the Danish Cement division and contribute $49bn set for the previous year. All corporate actions related Mohamed ben Shatwan, head Oil Minister Omar Shakmak told Financial Authority. to FLSmidth’s earnings until mid The recent BMI estimates that to the shares that will be on the of Arabian Gulf Oil Co (AGOCO) the audience. The production line is being sup- 2015. Qatar is expected to spend $140- records of the shareholders will be operating Hariga port, told State-owned Libyan Airlines, plied in cooperation with CNBM FLSmidth is expected to sign 150bn on infrastructure over the made through the QCSD, where Reuters an agreement had been the Libyan Insurance Company International Engineering, which a separate contract with Qatar next decade. all necessary facilities are avail- reached with local people to and the National Investment is part of China National Building National Cement Company (QNCC) Headquartered in Copenhagen, able for the shareholders and secure the port and restart the Company are also set to move to Materials (CNBM) — the largest to launch QNCC’s new plant-Plant FLSmidth is a leading engineer- users at the Customer Service export terminal. the eastern port city, which was building materials group in China 5 next month. It has already signed ing company listed on Nasdaq Hall and its website, the state- “A ship is docked at the port, starved of cash under Gaddafi. and a global supplier of integrated a Letter of Intent (LoI) with OMX Exchange Copenhagen. ment said. and exports will resume within REUTERS EPC (engineering, procurement FLSmidth early this month. THE PENINSULA QNA

Shopping spree in London No urgent need to Two more Swiss banks cut rates further: ECB president sign up to US tax deal ZURICH: Lombard Odier & including Liechtenstein-based BERLIN: European Central Cie and VP Bank (Switzerland) VP Bank — but the majority of Bank President Mario Draghi became the latest Swiss banks Switzerland’s private banks are sees no urgent need to cut the to say they would work with US unlisted and often family-run euro zone’s main interest rate officials in a crackdown on lend- firms such as Lombard Odier. further and no signs of defla- ers suspected of helping wealthy Swiss banks that sign up select tion, he said in an interview Americans evade taxes through which category they fall under published yesterday. hidden offshore accounts. within the scheme. Those putting While the eurozone crisis has Unlisted Geneva-based themselves in the second category not yet been beaten, he added, Lombard Odier with 203bn Swiss have reason to believe they may there were many encouraging francs ($227bn) in client assets is have committed tax offences, and signs, including economic recov- the biggest privately-held firm so are eligible for a non-prosecution eries in some countries, easing far to say publicly it will take part agreement if they come clean and trade imbalances and shrinking in a Swiss government-brokered face fines. budget deficits. scheme to make amends for aid- So-called category 3 banks have “That is more than we would ing tax evasion. not engaged in criminal conduct have expected last year,” he The deal between the United or are deemed “compliant” under told German news magazine States and Switzerland is part of US tax rules. They would receive Spiegel. a US drive to lift the veil on bank a “non-target letter”, or a promise Asked about any further cuts to secrecy in the Alpine country, the from prosecutors they won’t be interest rates after the ECB cut world’s largest offshore finance charged later, and will not have its main refinancing rate to 0.25 centre with more than $2 trillion to pay fines. percent in November, Draghi said: in assets. “After a detailed analysis of the “at the moment we don’t see a Under the deal, Swiss banks programme and its implications, need for any urgent action.” There have until the end of the year to the bank has decided to take the could be “no talk of deflation” in sign up to the programme, which prudent step of signing up to the euro zone, he added. requires the firms to hand out category 2 within the required Draghi expressed satisfaction some previously hidden informa- deadline of December 31, 2013. It that the fears and warnings of tion and face penalties of up to 50 reserves the right to join category some German economists about percent of assets they managed on 3 which opens in the summer of his monetary policies had proved behalf of US clients. 2014,” Lombard Odier said in a unfounded. Shoppers pass a sale sign on Oxford Street in central London yesterday. A host of smaller listed Swiss statement. REUTERS banks have come forward — now REUTERS SUNDAY 29 DECEMBER 2013 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS Global economy to be bumpy in 2014: QNB Group Higher interest rates, lower asset prices to feed into weaker global consumption and investment

DOHA: Economists are famous omy is likely to be bumpy in the class and a shift from the tradi- current account deficits back to On December 18, the Fed half of which have now been repaid. for making wrong predic- process. tional export-led model to a more a sustainable level by tightening announced that it will reverse The Bank of England has announced tions. In December 2012, most Looking back, 2013 was marked domestic consumption-driven one. both fiscal and monetary policy. course starting in January 2014 by that it will no longer increase its QE economists predicted the end by three significant developments As a result, QNB Group expects So, where is the global economy tapering QE. Inevitably, this will programme and will instead start of the euro, a hard landing of in the global economy. First, the 8 percent to 8.5 percent Chinese heading in 2014? The answer lies lead to higher long-term interest increasing interest rates once unem- the Chinese economy and con- euro area finally came out of a growth next year. in the direction of monetary pol- rates. According to QNB Group, ployment falls below 7 percent. The tinued strong performance in long recession and confidence in Third, the announcement on icy going forward. Central banks the US 10-year bond yield is likely only exception is the Bank of Japan, emerging markets (EMs). Far the single currency was restored. May 18, 2013 of a potential scal- around the world have engaged to rise to 3.5 percent in 2014. which is sticking to its goal of dou- from it, confidence in the euro This has enabled Ireland to exit ing back of the Fed’s asset pur- in an unprecedented monetary This will have a negative impact bling the money supply by outright was restored this year, Chinese the bailout programme it entered chase programme — the so-called stimulus to get the global econ- on the US housing market and purchases of government bonds. growth is accelerating again in 2010. Ireland and Spain (and to tapering of Quantitative Easing omy out of the Great Recession construction activity. It will also Overall, the change in direction and most EMs are suffering a lesser extent Greece, Italy and (QE) — turned the winds against of 2009. In doing so, they have reduce the wealth effect currently of monetary policy signals the end one of the worst economic cri- Portugal) are also seeing the first most EMs. Global capital flew out, flushed the global economy with fuelling higher US domestic con- of an era of unprecedented cheap ses in decades. So, how about signs of economic recovery. This leaving EMs with large current- unprecedented amounts of liquid- sumption. In the same vein, equity money. As interest rates rise glo- next year? According to QNB trend is likely to continue in 2014. account deficits scrambling for ity. The Fed, for example, has prices are likely to be affected by bally, a downward adjustment in Group, 2014 will mark the end Second, much of the wor- cover. Brazil, India, Indonesia, increased its balance sheet fivefold higher interest rates through asset prices is inevitable. At the of the unprecedented monetary ries about a hard landing of the South Africa and Turkey all expe- to $4 trillion by purchasing US higher discounting of future earn- same time, a rotation away from stimulus central banks around Chinese economy turned out to rienced a substantial weakening long-term government debt and ings and lower dividends from more risky EM investments to the world have engaged in since be unfounded. Since 2009, the of their currencies and a slow- mortgage-backed securities. This weaker growth. For 2014, this safer asset classes in advanced the global recession of 2009. Chinese economy has grown by an down in economic activity. Brazil, has reduced long-term interest may imply a healthy downward economies is likely. According to This, in turn, will imply higher average 9.2 percent a year and has in particular, entered into a reces- rates (including mortgage rates) adjustment in asset prices, bring- QNB Group, this change in direc- global interest rates, a healthy contributed about half of the glo- sion in Q3, 2013. Capital flight is to historic lows, fuelling house ing them to a more sustainable tion is going to be bumpy for the downward adjustment in asset bal output expansion. A slowdown likely to continue as QE taper- prices and equity indexes. In the level in line with fundamentals. global economy as higher interest prices and a rotation away from in the first half of 2013 turned out ing is implemented next year. meantime, the US economy is still Other central banks are follow- rates and lower asset prices will vulnerable EMs in favour of to be temporary and the Chinese As a result, EMs will be forced struggling to gather significant ing the Fed’s example. The ECB inevitably feed into weaker global selected advanced economies. economy is now accelerating again, to reduce their own economic momentum to achieve its long- issued nearly ¤530bn in crisis loans consumption and investment. The road for the global econ- driven by an expanding middle growth in order to bring their term growth potential. to European banks in March 2012, THE PENINSULA

End of trading celebration Monte shareholders delay cash call

SIENA: Italy’s third-biggest They said delaying it would bank Monte dei Paschi di Siena make fundraising harder because was forced to delay a vital ¤3bn it would likely coincide with ($4.1bn) share sale to raise capi- a string of cash calls by other tal until mid-2014 because of Italian and European lenders shareholder opposition, plung- triggered by a sector health check, ing its turnaround plan into and could precipitate the Tuscan uncertainty. bank’s nationalisation. The bank’s chairman and its But the cash-strapped Monte chief executive may now resign dei Paschi foundation — whose after their plan to launch the cash stake in the bank is big enough call in January was defeated at an to veto any unwanted decision — extraordinary shareholder meet- forced a postponement until at ing yesterday due to the vote of least mid-May to win more time Monte Paschi’s top shareholder. to sell down its 33.5 percent hold- The world’s oldest bank needs ing and repay its own debts. to tap investors for cash to pay An aide described the 56-year- back ¤4.1bn in state aid it received old Profumo, who quit UniCredit earlier this year and avert nation- in 2010 after clashing with that alisation after being hammered by bank’s foundation shareholders the eurozone debt crisis and loss- and joined Monte dei Paschi in making derivatives trades. April 2012, as “very annoyed”. The unprecedented clash Italian newspapers said former between the lender’s executives and European Central Bank policymaker its main shareholder — a charita- Lorenzo Bini Smaghi and Carlo ble banking foundation with close Salvatori, chairman of the Italian links to Siena politicians — casts unit of German insurer Allianz, a pall over a tough restructuring were among possible candidates to meant to revive its fortunes. replace him if he stepped down. Chairman Alessandro Profumo, Antonella Mansi, a feisty a strong-willed and internation- 39-year-old businesswoman ally respected banker who was recently appointed head of the Traders celebrating on the last day of trading in front of a giant electronic board at the Philippine Stock Exchange in Manila. formerly the chief of UniCredit, Monte dei Paschi foundation, said said he and CEO Fabrizio Viola her insistence on a cash call delay would decide in January whether did not amount to a no-confidence to step down. vote in the bank’s management. “These are decisions one But she said that carrying out Cessna parent company to buy Beechcraft takes in cold blood and in the the capital increase in January right place,” Profumo said at the would massively dilute the foun- meeting. dation’s holding, leaving it with WICHITA, Kansas: Cessna Textron said it expects to com- step forward in the evolution of membership company, to build up “What I have on my mind is a virtually nothing to sell to reim- Aircraft parent company plete the acquisition early next Beechcraft’s business.” He had to 105 King Air 350i aircraft and ¤3bn cash call because we need burse debts of ¤340m. “We have a Textron Inc said it will buy year. said in recent months he expected to serve as Wheels Up’s North to pay back ¤4bn to taxpayers. precise duty to ensure (the foun- Beechcraft Corp for approxi- “The acquisition of Beechcraft the company would sell at least American maintenance provider. Today this is uncertain and at dation’s) survival. You can’t ask mately $1.4bn, a deal that is a tremendous opportunity to its idled business jet assets by the An industry expert called it the risk,” he told a press conference. us to let it collapse,” she said. would combine two mainstays extend our general aviation busi- end of 2013. largest propeller aircraft order by Viola, sitting at his side, told Analysts however said a delay, of Wichita’s general aviation ness,” Textron chairman and CEO “Textron’s experience in the value in general aviation history. reporters he would do everything and the possibility of Profumo industry. Scott C Donnelly said. “From our industry and its willingness to Beechcraft exited bankruptcy “so that the ship does not sink”, resigning, might undermine the The announcement by customers’ perspective, this cre- invest in and maintain the iconic with roughly 5,400 employees but that he could not take respon- whole rescue of the bank. Providence, Rhod Island-based ates a broader selection of aircraft Beechcraft brand make it an ideal worldwide, including about 3,300 sibility for mistakes made by oth- “It’s important to carry out the Textron caps a year that saw and a larger service footprint — parent company, one that will at its headquarters. Boisture ers. A board meeting is scheduled capital increase as early as pos- Beechcraft emerge from bank- all sharing the same high stand- help us continue to satisfy our said in February that he antici- for mid-January, a bank spokes- sible,” said Roberto Lottici, fund ruptcy largely freed from debt ards of quality and innovation.” customers and meet our busi- pated those employment levels man said. manager at Ifigest. “The risk is and its unprofitable Hawker Donnelly said Beechcraft’s line ness objectives at a faster pace,” to remain stable. Beechcraft has Profumo and Viola had already that the bank finds itself rushing business jet operations, which it of King Air turboprop planes he said. more than 36,000 aircraft in serv- secured a pool of banks ready to into a cash call later at a lower stopped making to focus on tur- “perfectly complements” Cessna’s In August, Beechcraft ice and continues to support its guarantee the rights issue, but price than what it could achieve boprop and piston aircraft as well Caravan and Citation jet lineup. announced a nearly $1.4bn Hawker business jets, according only if it was carried out by the now.” as trainers and light attack planes Beechcraft CEO Bill Boisture order from Wheels Up, a New to the Textron news release. end of January. REUTERS for the military. called the sale “an important York-based private aviation AP Rosneft to focus on Morgan Stanley deal

MOSCOW: Rosneft said on Friday Deutsche Bank announced two weeks ago a breakdown of how staff will be interna- it will focus on integrating Morgan that it was also largely exiting commodities tionally split. Neither Rosneft nor Morgan Stanley’s oil trading unit it agreed to trading, while JPMorgan is selling its physi- Stanley disclosed the price. buy last week rather than making new cal trading operations. On Friday, it said that the deal will acquisitions. “At the moment, we are focused on this become “a platform to create a first class The move sends a clear signal Rosneft deal completion and the asset’s maximum international marketing and sales struc- is keen to profit from its own trading possible integration into the Rosneft struc- ture,” which will centralise Rosneft and after selling oil for years via interna- ture,” the company said in an emailed reply third parties oil and products’ flows aiming tional energy companies such as British to a question about its future trading acqui- to raise sales effectiveness. Petroleum (BP) or trading houses such as sition strategy. The deal is the latest push by Rosneft Vitol and Gunvor. Rosneft, which pumps around 40 percent into North America and follows an agree- Run by Igor Sechin, a close ally of of Russia’s oil output of 10.6 million barrels ment with ExxonMobil in 2011 which gave President Vladimir Putin, the world’s top a day, said the roughly 100 traders and 180 the state-run company access to some listed oil producer by output took over back-office personnel joining under the deal projects, such as the Cardium tight oil TNK-BP in a $55bn (£33.2bn) deal this would stay in their current cities - London, project in Canada, West Texas unconven- year, continuing to snap up domestic and New York and Singapore. tional exploration and deepwater explo- foreign assets in a move to become a global Still, Rosneft’s trading desks will still be ration in Gulf of Mexico in the United energy major. dwarfed by BP’s (BP.L) trading operation States. Morgan Stanley agreed to sell the of over 3,000 people. It is unclear whether The purchase will not include Morgan majority of its global physical oil trading any core Rosneft staff will join new hires Stanley’s oil storage, pipeline and termi- operations to state-controlled Rosneft, abroad later. nals firm, TransMontaigne Inc, which may becoming the latest Wall Street firm to Rosneft, which already has an oil trad- help avoid significant scrutiny of the deal dispose of a major part of its commodity ing division in Geneva helping to supply in Washington. business. its refining assets in Europe, did not gave REUTERS SUNDAY 29 DECEMBER 2013 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19

Audi to invest Canadian firm $30.1bn in new models, plants plans to expand through 2018

FRANKFURT: Germany’s Audi said it would invest about oil supply ¤22bn ($30.1bn) in new models, plants and technology in the five years through 2018. That equates to ¤4.4bn a year, Oil tanker traffic to get boost compared with ¤2.6bn in the carmaker’s budget of December SEATTLE: The number of oil of marine development for Kinder 2011. tankers in Washington state Morgan Canada, said in a state- People familiar with the mat- waters could increase almost ment the company has “clearly ter said earlier this month that sevenfold under a proposal by a heard and understood the con- Audi planned to increase spending Canadian pipeline company to cerns raised about tanker traffic.” as the luxury carmaker steps up expand the amount of crude oil He added: “We have been safely efforts to catch larger competitor it sends to the Pacific Coast. loading vessels for more than 50 BMW. Kinder Morgan Canada filed a years and have recommended Audi, a division of Volkswagen, formal application with Canadian further enhancements to marine said in a statement on Friday that regulators earlier this month safety and spill response in our 70 percent of its planned invest- to expand its Trans Mountain Application to ensure the local ment was earmarked for new pipeline that carries crude oil level of care and safety is well models and technology, and more from Alberta’s oil sands to the above global shipping standards.” than half of the sum would go to Vancouver, BC area. If approved, the expansion is Linda Grabouska shows a euro starter pack, containing a mixture of euro coins, she picked up with her daughter its German sites in Ingolstadt and Under the proposal, up to 34 expected to be operational in late Jasmina at the Marupe post office in Latvia. Neckarsulm. tankers a month would be loaded 2017. The pipeline is operated Planned investments will sus- with oil at a terminal outside by Kinder Morgan Canada and tain Audi’s foreign expansion as Vancouver, then generally travel owned by Houston-based Kinder Latvia to adopt euro on January 1 the carmaker sets up factories in through Haro Strait east of San Morgan Energy Partners LP. Mexico and China and eyes pro- Juan Island and the Strait of Juan About 6,000 large commercial duction in Brazil. de Fuca for export to markets in vessels transit Canadian and RIGA: Latvia has blazed a It was brought down to 1.3 deficit came in at 1.3 percent, Audi for the first time next year Asia and the US. That’s up from US waters toward Vancouver or unique path in meeting tough percent by April 2013 — well a far cry from the 9.8 percent plans to build more cars outside about five tankers a month now. Washington ports each year. rules for its January 1 eurozone under the 2.7 percent required deficit recorded as recently as Germany than at home. The $5.4bn expansion project Two other proposed projects entry, doing so while paying off at the time under the variable 2009. It also aims to boost vehicle would nearly triple pipeline capac- also are expected to increase a ¤7.5bn ($10.3bn) bailout that Maastricht limit — prompting The 2013 figure is expected to sales to at least two million cars ity from about 300,000 to 890,000 cargo vessel traffic in the Salish rescued it from near-bank- an EU greenlight for euro entry. be 1.5 percent and 0.9 percent in per year and overtake luxury- barrels of crude oil a day to meet Sea region. They include the ruptcy amid the 2008-9 global But a period of deflation since 2014. sales champion BMW by the customer demand. Much of that Gateway Pacific coal-export ter- crisis. then means average inflation for To top it all off, in December end of the decade by expanding future cargo will likely be diluted minal proposed at Cherry Point, Under the 1992 Maastricht 2013 is expected to be 0.4 percent, 2012 Latvia repaid the EU-IMF to 60 models from its current bitumen from Canada’s oil sands. which could add up to 487 cargo Treaty that created the euro, with a return to a sustainable 2.3 bailout more than two years 49. Environmental groups in the US ships a year, and the proposed countries must meet targets on percent in 2014. ahead of schedule. “We had set a target of 1.5 mil- and Canada oppose the project, say- expansion at Deltaport at Roberts inflation, public finances, debt Like eurozone members, candi- The Maastricht limit for gov- lion deliveries a year by 2015, but ing it would put communities and Bank in Delta, BC. and exchange rate stability before date states must keep their public ernment debt is 60 percent of we already comfortably reached natural resources at risk. They say Meanwhile, officials in they can adopt the currency. deficits — the shortfall between output. that target in 2013. Now we are more tanker traffic raises the poten- Washington state are trying to But the soon to be 18-state revenues and spending by the Meeting this target was never heading for the next milestone of tial for a major oil spill or leaks. anticipate how those propos- eurozone has seen members like central government and local in doubt as Riga managed to 2 million,” Audi Chief Executive “Putting more vessels on the als could change vessel traffic in Ireland, Portugal, Greece and authorities—to under 3.0 percent reduce government debt from 44.7 Rupert Stadler said in the water creates tremendous new north Puget Sound and what that Cyprus far exceed debt limits, of gross domestic product (GDP). percent in 2010 to 40.7 percent by statement. risks, and risks we’re not really means for spill risks. The Puget forcing bailouts to prop up their Latvia managed to do so even the end of 2012. Higher spending at Audi fol- prepared to deal with adequately,” Sound Partnership, the Makah economies. as it recovered from the world’s This year’s debt to GDP ratio is lows an announcement by VW said Bruce Wishart, a policy Nation and others are work- Runaway inflation in the years deepest recession in 2008-9, when forecast to hit 42 percent with 43 last month to shield vehicle-based adviser with the Washington ing with researchers at George following its 1990 independence output shrank by nearly 25 per- percent expected in 2014. investment from cuts in other Environmental Council. “We don’t Washington University to study from the crumbling Soviet Union cent over two years. Latvia has fulfilled the areas, responding to sluggish auto want to see more of this product different risk scenarios. “For proved the largest obstacle to It managed to repay the exchange-rate stability require- demand. moving across our waters.” more than two decades we’ve had Latvia’s eurozone drive, spoiling EU-IMF bailout without exceed- ment for many years because its The expansion is part of VW’s The company says it has been a great track record of maritime initial hopes for entry in 2008. ing the deficit target by slashing currency, the lat, has been pegged goal to overtake Toyota and responsibly loading tankers and safety and we want to continue In September of that year, public sector wages by more than to the euro since January 1, 2005, General Motors as the world’s barges from the Westridge termi- that success,” said Todd Hass with annual average inflation hit 15.8 a third, cutting benefits and lay- when the exchange rate was fixed No. 1 automaker no later than nal for decades without incident. the Puget Sound Partnership. percent as the global crisis began ing off hundreds of workers. at 1 EUR = 0.702804 LVL. 2018. Michael Davies, senior director AP to hit Latvia hard. As a result, Latvia’s 2012 AFP REUTERS

Global property investment to US 10-year Treasury yields reach highest since 2011 NEW YORK: Treasury Bank Wealth Management, which “People wanted to look at the broker of US government debt, Treasuries traded at almost reach 7-year 10-year yields touched the high- oversees $112bn. “As you see data other side of three percent and slid to $72.7bn on Thursday, the cheapest level in more than est level in more than two years prints that show the strength of see if there were stop-loss orders” the lowest since December 24, two years, based on the term high in 2014 as signs of a quickening eco- the economy, that’s how you’ll that would have propelled yields 2012. This year’s daily average is premium, a model that includes nomic recovery boosted specu- see the upward drift in yields. higher should investors have $310bn. Volume on Friday rose to expectations for interest rates, lation the Federal Reserve will We don’t think rates will sell off rushed to sell securities that $111.8bn as of 2.01pm in New York growth and inflation. The gauge LONDON: Global property keep reducing monthly debt aggressively from here.” had fallen in price, said William US government securities have was at 0.62 percent, after reach- investing activity is set to hit purchases. The 10-year yield advanced O’Donnell, head US government- lost 3.3 percent this year, accord- ing 0.63 percent on September a seven-year high by volume The benchmark yield rose two basis points, or 0.02 per- bond strategist at primary dealer ing to the Bloomberg US Treasury 5, the least expensive since May in 2014, led in part by growing above three percent for the first centage point, to 3.01 percent at RBS Securities Inc in Stamford, Bond Index. That compares with 2011, according to a Columbia confidence in financial markets time in three months as investors 2.32pm New York time, accord- Connecticut. Investors place a 0.3 percent loss by the Bank of Management model. The cur- and with activity in Europe weighed the Fed’s decision last ing to Bloomberg Bond Trader stop-loss orders to automatically America Merrill Lynch Global rent reading is above the average and Asia expected to heat up, a week to reinforce its commitment prices. It rose three basis points sell assets when a threshold is Broad Market Sovereign Plus Index. of 0.21 percent over the past dec- report said on Friday. to low interest rates while start- earlier to 3.02 percent, the high- reached. The yield difference between ade and shows investors see bonds Property consultant Cushman ing to cut bond-buying in January. est since July 26, 2011. The yield The two-year note yield fell 10-year Treasuries and compa- as close to fairly valued. & Wakefield said it sees global Citigroup Inc’s Economic Surprise has climbed 12 basis points since two basis points to 0.39 percent. rable German government debt The policy-setting Federal investment volumes rising by Index climbed on Thursday to the December 20 in its sixth straight The security, which isn’t included swelled to 109.8 basis points Open Market Committee said up to 15 percent next year, after highest since October, signalling weekly increase, the longest in the Fed’s monthly program of Thursday, the widest since 2006, after its December 17-18 policy climbing an estimated 8.4 percent an improving economy. stretch in more than six months. asset buying, headed for a fifth as data shows the US economy is meeting it will begin reducing its to $978bn in 2013. “Rates will be continually rising The price of the 2.75 percent weekly decline, the longest since accelerating faster than the euro $85bn of monthly asset purchases This would be the highest level at a gradual pace,” said Jennifer security due in November 2023 September. region. The gap was 105 basis in January amid “growing under- since the year before the 2008 Vail, head of fixed-income fell 1/8, or $1.25 per $1,000 face Treasury trading volume at points on Friday. It was 71.7 basis lying strength” in the economy. financial crisis when investors research in Minneapolis at US amount, to 97 26/32. ICAP Plc, the largest inter- dealer points on October 22. WP-BLOOMBERG ploughed $1.25 trillion into prop- erty deals. “The growing level of opti- mism and activity we are seeing Counterfeit Hong Kong dollar in most regions has its roots in a belief that the global economy is Strikes end at Total’s set for calmer waters ahead and that financial imbalances are on the mend,” said David Hutchings, head of EMEA region research at refineries in France Cushman & Wakefield. “This is leading to an increase in risk appe- PARIS: Workers at Total’s not an amnesty,” Pailloux said. tites which is manifest in a push to Gonfreville refinery in France A Total spokeswoman had said invest across borders,” he added. agreed to end a strike, the last earlier in the day that workers at Global property growth is of five sites to halt a walkout the 153,000 bpd La Mede refinery expected to be led by the Americas, that began two weeks ago and near Marseille had also decided where deal volumes have risen the affected more than half of the to resume work. Workers at the most rapidly and climbing 18-20 country’s refining capacity. 109,000 bpd Feyzin refinery near percent next year, with investors A large majority of strik- Lyon agree to end their strike on targeting emerging economies ing workers at the 247,000-bar- Thursday. such as Mexico and Brazil. rel-per-day (bpd) refinery in The strike began to crumble on Activity in Europe, the Middle Normandy, France’s largest, voted Sunday when workers agreed to East and Africa, where the to end the work stoppage, a union return to work at Total’s Donges effects of the economic recovery official said. “We took note of the plant in western France. are deepening, is expected to see end of the movement at La Mede Total said the walkouts at the a revival due to foreign invest- and Feyzin and we decided to stop refineries, which produce mainly ment after a subdued year. “With the strike,” Jacky Pailloux, head of gasoline and diesel for motorists, austerity easing and economic the Sud union at Gonfreville, said. had not threatened fuel shortages growth slow but generally up, bet- Striking workers, led by the like those seen during a large- ter news will continue to spread CGT union, have been locked in scale refinery strike in 2010. out in occupier as well as investor An authentic HK$1,000 banknote sample is displayed above a counterfeit note under ultraviolet light during a pay dispute with Total, which Total operates five of France’s markets,” said Jan Willem Bastijn, a joint news conference held by Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Hong Kong Police Force in Hong has refused to reopen talks after eight oil refineries. The three Cushman & Wakefield’s head for Kong. According to local media, fake HK $1,000 HSBC banknotes were found in Macau on Thursday, a day other unions approved a deal this plants not run by Total were not European Capital Markets. after counterfeit Bank of China notes were discovered. month. affected by the strike. REUTERS “Workers’ demands remain. It’s REUTERS SUNDAY 29 DECEMBER 2013 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

North Korean State firms reset trading patterns cabinet to Producers could earn more by entering trading; China to dominate benchmark price setting tighten control

LONDON: As US and be and how the business is going JPM has Grupo BTG Pactual, Olyver Wyman said in a report. The rise of state champions in of economy European banks drop out of to be conducted,” David Messer, a private bank from resources For Ian Taylor, the head of the trading poses new challenges for commodity trading, Russian, CEO of US merchant Freepoint super-power Brazil, amid con- world’s largest oil trader Vitol trading houses, which alongside SEOUL: North Korea’s cabi- Chinese and Gulf state firms Commodities, said last month. tenders, according to sources. with net profit of $1.7bn in 2011, Western oil majors like BP or net will tighten its grip on the are filling the gap in an attempt “Banks by and large are mov- JPM is not commenting on the it is also clear that a lot of new Shell have dominated the space economy after the shock execu- to exert greater control over the ing out of the trading of physical sale. entrants will come from Asia as for decades. tion of leader Kim Jong-Un’s pricing of the raw materials on commodities. On the other hand Russia’s Gazprom, the world’s they are trying to pursue incre- “Fundamentally, the number uncle, whose control over key which their economies so heav- you have new entrants, large state largest gas producer, has built a mental profits. of barrels that are tradable these sectors weakened the country’s ily depend. enterprises, Sinopec, Gazprom, substantial gas trading division In fact, China has already qui- days is shrinking,” says Alex finances, a senior official said Last week, the Kremlin oil Petrobras. These are all entities in London and Sigapore and the etly built powerful global trading Beard, the head of oil at Glencore, yesterday. champion Rosneft bought the oil which are increasing their mer- world’s top oil exporter, Saudi desks at state-backed Unipec and as traders witness China clinch- Jang Song-Thaek, the once- trading unit of Morgan Stanley, chant and trading capabilities.” Aramco, has also began building PetroChina . “These are formida- ing direct deals with producers in powerful uncle and political one of the largest and oldest trad- “I think that the banks will a trading operation. ble forces,” said Tornqvist. Africa and Latin America. regent to the young leader, was ing desks on Wall Street, as banks become more of what they used “We will see national oil com- “What is important for them With trading houses now executed on December 12 on reduce exposure to trading. to be, which is financiers, and I panies ... beefing up their trading is to be in control of the major facing slimmer profit margins, charges of corruption and plotting The state companies are joining think the new participants are so it’s all set for high competition flows ... They understand that it they are trying new recipes for a coup, but his growing influence trading houses like Glencore and going to create competition for in a sector that is overcrowded is a global market and what hap- growth including competing with over lucrative minerals business Vitol and large oil firms like BP streams of commodities that used already,” Torbjorn Tornqvist, CEO pens in one part of the world still banks and majors in providing angered Kim Jong-Un and other and Shell to take advantage of to be handled exclusively by mer- of trading house Gunvor, said last is important for them”. capital to projects, according to top officials. the retreat from trading by banks chants,” said Messer. month. Marco Dunand, the head of Messer. Jang’s excessive intervention because of the greater regulation Morgan Stanley is not alone in Consultants Olyver Wyman trading house Mercuria, says Taylor’s Vitol recently teamed contributed to the North’s eco- of banking activities that followed exiting commodities trading. Out said last month that even as trad- that over time China will become up with US private equity group nomic troubles, Kim Jong-Ha, the 2008 financial crisis. of its four biggest rivals, Deutsche ing houses were moving increas- one of the dominant players in Carlyle to own refineries in chief secretary of the secretariat It won’t be long before such Bank has already quit, Barclays ingly into the logistics, producers setting benchmark prices for Europe at a time when majors are of the cabinet said in an interview deals are repeated, say executives has reduced its trading operation and consumers were also becom- commodities. ditching them due to poor profits. with the Choson Sinbo, a pro- from major trading houses as they by a fifth, J P Morgan is selling ing increasingly aware of trading “China will develop the com- “This could be the direction the Pyongyang newspaper in Japan. see a new class of rivals challeng- out and only long-time leader as profit generator. modity market in the same way market takes as more major oil “The cabinet will fulfil its func- ing their supremacy in connecting Goldman Sachs is sticking to its “Energy players are doing this Europe or the US have developed companies are leaving the space. tion properly as a control tower buyers and sellers of commodities, guns. in part because independent trad- with an internal market with There is room for companies of the economy,” he said, adding predominantly oil. Prior to clinching the deal ers’ earnings are increasingly arbitrage opportunities, storage like Vitol combined with private that it was trying to regain con- “The commodity merchant with Rosneft, Morgan Stanley calling attention to the fact that and logistics. And we also believe equity like Carlyle to get into this trol over projects and put them business is in a period of flux at was in talks with Qatar and commodity producers could earn that over time, China will open space,” said Marcel van Poecke, in order. this time and I think that the Chinese firms, market sources potentially billions of dollars more the commodity market to a more managing director at Carlyle North Korea will also move deck is getting shuffled as to said. Morgan Stanley never com- by broadening their options for competitive environment,” he told International Energy Partners. to independently produce and both who the participants will mented on those talks. delivering commodities to clients,” a Reuters Summit last month. REUTERS reprocess coal and other natural resources for exports, the official said. The impoverished but mineral- Lego bull at Frankfurt bourse rich North has sought for years to bolster its crumbling economy by US bank watchdog to increasing exports of minerals. It has sold mining rights to China investors who control much of its resources business. consider Volcker rule Jang’s purge and execution sparked speculation that he had WASHINGTON: US bank reports should be considered lost out in a power struggle with regulators said they would con- when preparing those financial hardline army generals, but South sider allowing banks to hold reports,” they said. Korea’s spy chief Nam Jae-Joon on to certain complex securi- Later on Friday, the two par- told parliament on Monday that it ties despite a new rule limiting ties said they agreed to take more had stemmed from his attempt to risky investments. time to sort out the issue, filing a control lucrative state businesses The announcement came after joint motion in the court that gave especially related to coal. lenders warned in a lawsuit of the regulators until January 17 to Choson Sinbo backed Nam’s hefty losses from the so-called react, and the banks until January claim and quoted the cabinet offi- Volcker rule. 23 to reply. cial as saying that Jang had put The Volcker rule prohibits Originally, the deadline for state businesses under his control. banks from owning hedge funds regulators had been set for About 88 percent of North or private equity funds to reduce Monday, and that for banks on Korea’s total foreign trade last risk, but the ban included a type Tuesday. year involved China, according to of security community banks At stake are so-called collat- figures earlier this year from the regard as harmless. eralized debt obligations backed South’s Korea Trade-Investment The regulators said they by trust preferred securities - or Promotion Agency. would now reconsider whether TruPS CDOs - which have hybrid It said exports to China — these instruments could be characteristics of both debt and mostly coal and iron ore — were made exempt and would make equity and can get a favorable tax worth $2.4bn in 2012. a decision no later than January treatment. A giant bull made from Lego blocks on the trading floor of the stock exchange in Frankfurt Main, Germany. AFP 15. The Federal Reserve, the The new mascot of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange is over 1.6 metres high and made from 210,000 blocks. A change would mark the Office of the Comptroller of the first finessing of the Volcker Currency and the Federal Deposit rule, one of the most hotly Insurance Corporation had earlier debated provisions of the Dodd- told banks they did not immedi- Frank law, which was designed ately need to sell the assets in Turkey debt insurance costs at 18-month high to overhaul Wall Street after question. the devastating financial crisis The case was filed by the of 2007-09. American Bankers Association, LONDON: Turkish debt insur- default swaps (CDS) market Turkey over the past 10 days the developments that come just Banks had argued in court that in conjunction with CB&T ance costs surged to 18-month hit 18-month highs of 253 basis have introduced uncertainty into months after mass anti-govern- they needed a decision before the Bancshares Inc and its Citizens highs and dollar bond prices points, more than 30 bps up from the system that has not been ment protests in Istanbul and have end of the year because account- Bank and Trust Co subsidiary, as tumbled as investors were rat- the previous close, according to present for a number of years,” dumped Turkish stocks and bonds. ing rules would force them to well as MBT Financial Corp and tled by a deepening political crisis data from Markit. Unicredit said in a note, adding Sovereign bonds have fallen write down $600m in capital this its Monroe Bank and Trust Co that has engulfed top politicians, The 5-year CDS contract that Erdogan faced a stiff test sharply in recent days, with the quarter if they knew they had to subsidiary. police officers and businessmen. traded at 191 bps in mid-Decem- from the 2014 elections. 2034 dollar bond price down sell the securities later. “ABA appreciates the regula- The corruption scandal that ber just before the crisis erupted. “Before these events, few ques- almost 3 points in price on Friday But the regulators indicated tors taking this important step, has exposed fissures in the ruling Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan tioned the ability of AKP to win to trade at the lowest since May that a decision by the middle of and our experts are studying to AK Party before next year’s elec- who faces calls to step down, suf- the upcoming elections in the face 2010. January was early enough. see if the affected banks indeed tions has taken a heavy toll on fered another setback on Friday of a disjointed opposition but this The 2036 issue is also down 3 “The accounting staffs of find immediate interim relief Turkish financial markets, with as a court blocked a government can no longer be considered a points, having fallen more than the agencies believe that ... any from this action,” ABA presi- stocks set for their worst weekly attempt to force police officers done deal.” 7 cents in the dollar since mid- actions in January 2014 that dent Frank Keating said in a performance since 2008. to disclose investigations to their Investors who generally view December. However both bonds occur before the issuance of statement. The cost of insuring exposure superiors. the AK Party as business- still trade close to or above par. December 31, 2013, financial REUTERS to Turkish debt in the credit “Political developments in friendly, have been dismayed at REUTERS

Small jet makers see big chance as China prepares to open skies

BEIJING: Ferraris and Rolls- guidelines issued by China’s State to all flights that are not operated Royces have become common Council and the Central Military by airlines, charter firms or the sights in China’s cities as a Commission in 2010 will gradu- military, is already a $150bn busi- new class of super-rich indulge ally lift the ceiling for low-flying ness in the United States. a growing appetite for luxury, aircraft by 2020. In contrast, there are only 1,610 but tight regulation has meant For companies such as registered general aviation air- the private jet, the ultimate sta- Cessna, Gulfstream, Dassault craft in China, the latest figures tus symbol of the global elite, Aviation SA and Bombardier from the China General Aviation remains rare. Inc, which have spent the last Association show. Recent rules changes, however, decade trying to build their That compares with about indicate that China is preparing China business, it may present 228,000 in the United States, to open its skies to private air- a unique opportunity to expand according to Craig Spence, secre- craft, in a move that may herald in the world’s fastest-growing tary general of the International the greatest expansion of business aviation market. Council of Aircraft Owner and and private aviation in the last “This tells everyone publicly Pilot Associations. 30 years. that China now endorses the use Joseph Tymczyszyn, a former Last month, China’s avia- of business aircraft and general representative of the U.S. Federal tion regulator simplified flight aviation just like any other coun- Aviation Administration in China, approval procedures for private tries worldwide,” Roger Sperry, said when he mentioned private aircraft and lowered the thresh- Gulfstream’s senior vice presi- aircraft to Chinese industry offi- old for obtaining a private pilot dent of international sales, said cials nine years ago he was told licence. in an interview. “I’m nothing but commercial aviation was the More importantly, the imple- optimistic.” priority. People attend the Shanghai International Business Aviation Show at the Hongqiao International Airport in Shanghai. mentation of little-noticed General aviation, which refers REUTERS SUNDAY 29 DECEMBER 2013 BUSINESS VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

Spend, spend, because your Oil’s new age of plenty savings aren’t worth a damn BY LIONEL SHRIVER challenges old norms rganising my 2012-13 UK tax return this month, I com- piled the year’s interest earnings. Joint current account: BY KEVIN ALLISON But shale wannabes have strong economic bearish for greenhouse gas emissions and net interest received £1.68, tax £0.39. Personal current and political incentives to overcome such oil. For fast-growing, resource-constrained Oaccount: interest received £0.19, tax £0.06. Then the he energy business may enter a hurdles. US factories today are paying about countries like India and China, it makes big kahuna, my savings account, where I really sock away what I tumultuous period in 2014, even a quarter what European and Asian rivals more economic sense to invest in energy might need for a rainy day: interest received £14.10, tax £3.55. Wow if sanctions on Iranian oil exports pay for their energy. Consultant IHS esti- efficiency than to import foreign fuel. – at least enough to pick up a handsome selection of Quality Street. remain in place. The combina- mates the shale boom could add $3,500 to Investors understand each of these trends, I can’t be the only UK taxpayer who records these miserable tion of increased shale drilling, the average American’s disposable income but they probably underestimate the effect bank payments in a state of rage. I could have earned more than Tcheaper solar power and higher investments by 2025. There are also the geopolitical ben- of their convergence. To start, crude could I made in interest last year in the time it took me to type the in energy efficiency has the potential to cre- efits of not relying on Middle Eastern oil. be in persistent oversupply. The excess account numbers. ate a glut of oil from countries outside the Political resistance may slow down shale would only increase if recent trouble spots The recent economic recovery in the UK is apparently driven OPEC producers’ cartel at current prices. in Western Europe, but the governments of like Iran, Libya and Iraq were able to push not only by a renewed property boom, but by savers spending A sharp drop in the oil price is possible, and Russia and China are not likely to let the up production. OPEC’s swing producer, their reserves – quite sensibly, too. more volatility in oil prices, energy invest- opportunity pass. It might take time, but a Saudi Arabia, might have to cut production With interest zilch and inflation at 2.1 percent – down from ments and geopolitics is almost inevitable. global shale boom could emerge just as US sharply to keep prices above $100 a barrel. 5.2 percent in September 2011, the highest in the history of the Prolific American shale drilling is already production growth reaches a plateau, prob- Longer-term, if the Saudis are unwilling consumer price index – keeping cash in the bank is like stuffing changing the global petroleum map. The ably sometime in the mid-2020s. to keep bearing the brunt of forgone pro- your refrigerator with red meat. It doesn’t accrue value. It rots. It’s International Energy Agency (IEA), a rich- Shale is not the only technological rev- duction, or if the shale revolution spreads, little wonder that rational citizens are rushing out to turn their country oil club, expects the United States olution that could confound conservative oil prices might become more vulnerable putrefying pounds into iPads and Xboxes before the smell sets in. to overtake Saudi Arabia as the world’s big- forecasts. Installed solar capacity is growing to a sudden collapse. That would be good This is just the behaviour that the government and the Bank gest crude producer by 2015. By 2035, the rapidly. Admittedly, it’s off a low base, and for users, but potentially destabilizing for of England have hoped for. Spending born of hysteria that money world’s biggest economy may be self-suffi- helped by generous government subsidies. producers that rely on pricey crude to make is spoiling helps to jack up the GDP stats. But for the economy, cient in petroleum. The gains for the coun- But the unsubsidised cost of solar panels government budgets work. the spree is a short-term windfall. Sadly for account holders and try are substantial, as domestic production has plunged by more than three-quarters Energy investments – particularly those statisticians both, savings run out. with a cost of $40 to $80 a barrel replaces since 2008. Utility-scale solar power is now like ultra-deepwater or Arctic oil, which More crucially, unprecedentedly low interest rates for five years imports at something like the global Brent economically efficient in the sunnier parts of require high oil prices to break even – would and counting have protected debtors – mortgage holders, of course, benchmark of $112 a barrel. Europe. If costs stay on their downward tra- become riskier, and more complicated. but also this country’s biggest debtor by a mile, Her Majesty’s Analysts have consistently underesti- jectory, as seems likely, installations could Conversely, climate change could become less Government. Negligible interest rates so brilliantly depress the mated shale’s US potential and they’re prob- continue to exceed forecasts. of a political issue if cheap solar panels and cost of servicing government debt that neither Whitehall nor ably still underestimating the size of the Meanwhile, after a decade of high energy unexpected strides in energy efficiency lead Threadneedle Street has any motivation to raise them – well, ever. global revolution. The caution is based on a prices, interest in saving energy is heat- greenhouse gas emissions to peak sooner than So you’d be a fool to imagine that the governor of the Bank of belief in American energy exceptionalism. ing up. European Union member states expected, taking some of the urgency out of England is happy that unemployment is dropping to the supposed Other countries with big unconventional will begin to implement the bloc’s latest the hunt for cleaner-burning fuels. benchmark of 7 percent much faster than expected, perhaps even deposits, it is believed, lack entrepreneurs, efficiency directive in 2014. In the United Rapid technological change has a way by the end of this year – at which point interest rates were meant friendly regulators and so forth. And there’s States, the Obama administration has of up-ending forecasts rooted in historical to rise. On the contrary, Mark Carney has been cool on the matter. no guarantee that drilling techniques devel- tightened auto efficiency rules and recently trends. In 2014 and beyond, energy market A 7 percent unemployment rate will not, he’s made clear, obligate oped in North Dakota or Texas will work in announced plans to curb pollution from participants should expect the unexpected. him to raise interest rates a jot. The metaphorical goalposts will other hotspots. power plants – developments that are REUTERS simply shimmy down the field, for inflation combined with an artificially farcical interest rate – “financial repression” – is a nefariously lucrative form of tax. Anyone who has built a nest egg by scrimping, canniness, and self-denial – we are not talking of the super-rich here – has been railroaded into choosing between unpalatable options: 1) put capital at risk in shares. This option explains the growing stock-market bubble – money has to go somewhere. But many an investment ends in tears. 2) Watch the cash evaporate, an even more miserable exercise than watching paint dry. 3) Spend everything now. Alas, how many tins of chilli con carne can the average household stockpile? Punishing the prudent while protecting the profligate doesn’t create only a moral hazard; given present demographics, it creates a hazard, full stop. We have fewer younger workers to support a steadily growing number of retired people. As life expectancy rises, the rainy day for which we all need to save could last more than 30 years. Only by being filled out with private savings and pensions – whose value is also depressed by low bank rates – does a meagre state pension provide anything close to a tolerable retirement. Beyond costing savers hundreds of billions by the time Carney says that he may raise rates a tad three years hence, financial repression has cultural consequences. It’s embittering. The Britons being bilked right now possess the character on which this country once prided itself. They are self-reliant sorts who plan for the uncertainties and calamities that may lie in wait, and they don’t expect to rely only on the state. These are the people being told effectively that saving for the future is a mug’s game. After all, cash assets already preclude a host of benefits. When the best assurance of a helping hand is going broke, the nest egg is a ball and chain. With a mere 3 percent inflation rate, which the UK has exceeded (often horrifyingly) for most of its postwar history, prices double in 23 years. The compensation wouldn’t make anybody wealthy, but at least a corresponding 3 percent interest rate would allow people who intend to cover their own emergencies and old-age care to keep what they’ve earned. Instead, they are being steadily robbed, and nobody in the government or central banking gives a damn. But the government will give a damn when it has to cover the costs of a whole generation of formerly thrifty, conscientious Britons who have nothing because they have saved nothing. THE GUARDIAN Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate Long-term unemployment threatens US economic prosperity

BY BRAD PLUMER Americans — young, old, married huge obstacle for these workers. jobless benefits at most, as they else to help the long-term unem- productive capacity of the United with kids, college-educated and did before the recession. ployed find work. States economy has been greatly n Saturday, an emer- high-school dropouts, according 3) Long-term unemployment That creates a problem: Right But it’s also worth noting that diminished. gency unemployment to a survey by the Urban Institute. takes an extreme toll on people’s now, as a result of the downturn, simply extending jobless benefits The reason? Long-term insurance programme health and well-being. It’s hard finding a new job on average takes once again won’t solve the prob- unemployment. Owill expire, immediately 2) Most of the long-term to overstate how much damage about 35 weeks. So that means lem of long-term unemployment Their argument goes like cutting off jobless benefits for 1.3 unemployed are having an long-term unemployment can do many jobless workers will see either. this: There are now millions of million workers who have been extremely difficult time finding to a human being. their benefits cut off before they Economists on both the left and Americans who lost their jobs in unemployed for longer than 26 jobs. It’s actually much harder Workers who have been out of a find work again. the right who have looked at this the recession, often through no weeks. for these workers than those job for longer than 27 weeks typi- problem tend to think the govern- fault of their own, and they’ve Republicans had wanted the who have been out of work for a cally see their incomes fall by 40 5) There’s scant evidence that ment needs to do a lot more to now been out of work for years. benefit to end, arguing that it few weeks. If you’ve been out of percent, according to the Urban the long-term unemployed will tackle long-term unemployment. Those workers have seen their discourages people from actively work for 27 weeks or longer, you Institute. find it easier to get jobs if their That could include work-sharing skills atrophy, their networks looking for work. currently have just a 12 percent They also tend to have worse benefits are cut off. For starters, programs. fade, and many of them have An extension is supported by chance of finding a new job in a health, higher rates of suicide and there still aren’t enough jobs to Or tax incentives for companies dropped out of the workforce Democrats and President Barack given month. strained relationships with their go around: There are about 2.9 that hire the long-term jobless, entirely, discouraged by their Obama, who on Friday reiterated In fact, those odds are even families. They see a massive drop unemployed workers for every as economist Dean Baker has inability to find work. his support for extending the ben- worse today than they were in in self-esteem. Their children do job opening. suggested. That, in turn, has weakened efits for another three months in 2007, according to research by worse in school and earn less over Recently, JPMorgan’s chief Or relocation assistance. the total potential of the United a call with lawmakers. the Federal Reserve. the long run. US economist, Michael Feroli, Or even, as the American States economy. Here are seven reasons why the Why is this? It’s possible surveyed the evidence and found Enterprise Institute’s Kevin This is an extremely worrisome issue of long-term unemployment that the long-term unemployed 4) The expiration of emer- that the long-term unemployed Hassett has proposed, the govern- situation. in the United States still very are simply less employable. But gency benefits will take away a don’t typically find jobs en masse ment could hire people directly. It means that long-term unem- much matters: there’s also evidence that busi- key source of income for millions when their benefits expire. But Congress isn’t even talking ployment isn’t just a temporary nesses actively discriminate of people. Many seem to give up looking about any of these things. ailment that will heal itself as the 1) Long-term unemployment against these workers. At the moment, many states and drop out of the labour force economy keeps rebounding. It has is at its highest level since World As Michael Strain of the still offer up to 63 or even 73 entirely. Indeed, there are some 7) All this long-term unem- left permanent scars. War II. Including those who are American Enterprise Institute weeks of unemployment aid, signs that this is happening in ployment is destroying the US The US economy will never receiving the federal benefit, points out, employers assume and benefits average about $300 North Carolina, which recently economy. be as productive as it could have there are about 4 million people there must be something wrong a week. That will all change slashed its state unemployment Earlier this year, three econ- been had we figured out how to who have been out of work for 27 with the long-term unemployed. Saturday. programme. omists at the Federal Reserve get people back to work more weeks or longer. That may well be irrational. At that point, most states will published an unsettling paper quickly. Their ranks include all types of But there’s little doubt that it’s a go back to offering 26 weeks of 6) Congress is doing very little arguing that the long-term WP-BLOOMBERG SUNDAY 29 DECEMBER 2013 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com GECM & TENDERS

GLOBAL ECONOMIC CRISIS MAP (GECM) Every Sunday

South Italy has lost ‘600,000 France jobless rise despite jobs in 6 years’ China slightly exceeds growth govt vow ROME: Southern Italy has lost estimate at 7.6pc US dollar weakness supported PARIS: France’s number of 600,000 jobs over the past six years SHANGHAI: China’s economic Yen out in the cold as year-end registered jobseekers rose by commodity futures Thursday night and the economic crisis has wiped growth is likely to come in at 7.6 optimism lifts stocks 17,800 in November to 3.29 out some 43.7 billion euros of area’s percent this year, according to a TOKYO: The yen wallowed at five- WASHINGTON: Dollar weakness boosted million, the labour ministry says, gross domestic product, according to cabinet report cited by Xinhua, the year troughs against the dollar commodities Thursday night. Russia’s challenging government claims to data released by industrial employers’ state-run news agency. The figure and euro on Friday, having fallen central bank devalued the US dollar have bucked a trend of spiralling association Confindustria Friday. is between the government’s target prey to a renewed appetite for risk versus the euro overnight, which Confindustria went on to say that the unemployment. Labour Minister of 7.5 percent and the 7.7 percent which lifted Wall Street to record sent the greenback tumbling against decline in GDP was slowing and the Michel Sapin claimed President recorded last year. highs and weighed on the low numerous currencies. The implied business confidence was starting to Francois Hollande’s pledge to yielding currency. On Friday, data reduction in the international cost of show signs of recovery. curb growing joblessness by showed Japan’s November core American goods sparked concurrent the year’s end was still on track, inflation rate rose 1.2 per cent gains in the ag commodities. if part-time and short-term from a year earlier, the highest workers were added to the total reading in five years, as the yen’s number of jobseekers. steep fall boosted import prices. Rupee weakens on dollar demand from oil firms South Africa’s rand reverses earlier MUMBAI: The rupee is trading gains amid low liquidity weaker at 61.97/98 versus its close of 61.79/80 on Tuesday, JOHANNESBURG: The rand reserved Brazil’s real closes weaker in light with dollar demand from oil earlier increases against the dollar preholiday trade firms hurting. Traders expect amid low liquidity in the South African RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazil’s real closed a exporters to step up dollar foreign-currency market after a two- smidgen weaker against the US dollar selling around 62-62.05 levels, day break. Bonds declined. The rand Tuesday as trading was limited to a limiting very sharp gains from erased a gain of as much as 0.2 percent shortened, spot-market session ahead current levels. $A pushed lower by more positive against a dollar that weakened as much of the Christmas holiday. The real closed US data as 1 percent versus the pound and 1.5 at BRL2.3558 per US dollar, weaker from percent against the euro. SYDNEY: The Australian dollar has Monday’s closing price fix of BRL2.3587, slipped against a strengthening according to Tullett Prebon via FactSet. greenback as recent economic data Trading volume on the spot market was points to a better outlook for the light as both Brazil’s futures and stock American economy. At 1700 AEDT on markets were closed Tuesday. Normal Friday, the local unit was trading at trading will resume Thursday, although 89.06 US cents, down from 89.14 cents trading volume will likely remain reduced on Tuesday, before the Christmas break. through the end of the year.

TENDERS

TENDER TENDER CLOSING TENDER TENDER CLOSING No. COMPANY TENDER NO. SUBJECT No. COMPANY TENDER NO. SUBJECT BOND FEES DATE BOND FEES DATE Construction of new security and HSE QR Two(2) years call-off agreement for supply 12-01-2014 1GT13113400 QR 500 2/2/2014 buildings at Ras Laffan 1800,000.00 LTC of kitchen items (microwave ovens, thermos Not late 23 QR 30,000 QR 500 755/2014 flasks, electric kettle, hot plates, Vip serving than 11:00 Powered water injection flowlines trays,etc.) am 2GT13113300 QR 400,000 QR 500 9/2/2014 maintenance on a call off basis in DKN fields 12/01/2014 LTC Dismantling of microwave towers from Not later Corrosion inhibitor tanker (1 No.) (Diesel 24 QR 25,000 QR 500 12/01/2014 745/2013 Kahramaa sites than 3LT13MT0071engine vehicle, 12,000 L stainless steel QR 80,000 Qr 500 (12:00hrs) 11:00am tank) 26/01/2014 Synchronized transport module (STM) 12/01/2014 LTC 677/2013 One year price agreement conference Not later 4LT13MT0077 QR 160,000 QR 500 25 QR 25,000 QR 500 network upgrading (12:00hrs) (re-float) leasing hardware and services than 11:00 am Digital mobile x ray machine, flat panel 12/01/2014 5LT13MT0079 QR 45,000 QR 500 26/01/2014 (supply, installation & commissioning) (12:00hrs) LTC Not later 26 New DR network infrastructure QR 175,000 QR 500 752/2013 than 11:00 Document E-archiving at the Education am 6 54/2013-2014 Institute and certificate equivalency Unit of QR 320,000 QR 500 12/1/2014 the Evalution Institute Transmission pipelines for mega reservoirs material supply, construction, testing and Supply of textbooks for Community College 7 58/2013-2014 QR 59,600 QR 500 13/1/2014 commissioning of transmission mains of Qatar 02/01/2014 Supreme around the city of Doha, which are required QR QR Not later Education Council Developing a report on school laboratories 27 GTC 611/2013 to facilitate the mega reservoir project, and 10,000,000 20,000 than 11:00 shortages and gas system efficiency. Also fibre optic cable ducts, consisting of: 10.8 859/2013-2014 QR 50,000 QR 500 13/1/2014 am periodical operation and maintenance for km of 900mm, 36.5 km of 1200 mm, 3.4km gas systems of 24 schools laboratories of 1400mm & 49.6km of 1600 mm dia. 30/01/2013 mains. TAC/CW/ 9 Permanent Power supply (M-524-01) QR 35,000 QR 2,000 Before 12 Transmission pipelines assoicated with QEZ L/59/2013-2014 noon desalination plant Detailed design, supply of materials and construction of water 02/01/ 2014 TAC/CW/ Professional services for detailed design 06/01/2014 QR 7,000,000 Ministry of GTC transmission pipelines and assoicated fiber QR Not later 10 CS/66/2013- of instrastructure related to high voltage QR 60,000 QR 2,000 before 12 28 for each Defence 606/2013 optic cables of approx. 69.50km of 1600 mm 20,000 than 12:00 2014 (F-533-01) noon package dia., 35 m. of 1400mm dia. And 1.15 km of pm TAC/CW/ Professional services for detailed design 06/01/2014 1200mm including branch connections from 11 CS/67/2013- of infrastructure related to high voltage QR 60,000 QR 2,000 before 12 QEZ desalination plant 2014 (HD-507-01) noon Supply of KSB submersible pump spares for PWA/ 29 pumping stations AA/DOM/13-14/M/1356- QR 11,000 QR 400 13/01/2014 STC/036/13-14 Electrical design, supply, installation, testing 2.05/S AF/C/ 12 and commissioning for the New Remote QR 17,000 QR 200 13/01/2014 AL5359-R1/13 Post contract professional consultancy controlled Car race track in Aspire Zone PWA/ services for sewer extension and house 30 QR 19,000 QR 500 6/1/2014 STC/037/13-14 connections at Al Jazeera/Qatar Television Replacement and upgrade of CSSD hygienc stations IA/D-HC/13-14/S/077/S AF/C/ 13 type grade air handling unit at Orthopedic QR 18,000 QR 200 13/01/2014 ASP5397R1/13 On-call supply, delivery and filling of hospital at Aspire Zone chemicals (50% caustic soda & hypochlorite PWA/ 31 solutions) in storage tanks at various QR 21,000 QR 400 30/12/2013 STC/031/13-14 Design, suppl, installation, testing and pumping station AA-DOM/13-14/M/1256- AF/C/ commissioning of electrical power and data 14 QR 60,000 QR 500 19/01/2014 2.05/S ALAP5415/13 catalog system for the new coffee shop at PWA/ Supply of MCC spares 2013-Phase 1 AA/ Aspire Park 32 QR 17,000 QR 400 27/01/2014 STC/040/13-14 DOM/13-14/M/1354-1.05/S AF/C/ Supply, installation and commissioning of PWA/ Asset tagging at pumping stations AA/ 15 QR 20,000 QR 200 13/01/2014 33 QR 123,000 QR 1,000 5/1/2014 Aspire Zone ASP5413/13 patient examination couches for Aspetar ITC/017/13-14 DOM/13-14/M/1570-2.06/I Supply, delivery and installation of Custom Construction of additional classrooms for AF/C/ PWA/ 16 made furniture to Aspire Zone new QR 15,000 QR 200 12/1/2014 34 3 Nos. schools around Doha and villages QR 400,000 QR 1,500 7/1/2014 AL5252C-R1/13 GTC/070/13-14 headquarters BA/13-14/C/054/G PWA/ Supply of traffic management device AA/ Supply, delivery and installation of fire rated 35 QR 20,000 QR 400 13/01/2014 17 AF/C/PP5411/13 glazing panels and frames in Aspire Printing QR 20,000 QR 200 12/1/2014 STC/035/13-14 DOM/13-14/M/1360-6.06/S Press at Aspire Zone PWA/ Supply of motors and blowers for pumping 36 STC/012/13- QR 20,000 QR 400 27/01/2014 stations AA-DOM/13-14/M/1334-1.05/S Design, supply, delivery and installation at 14/R 18 AF/C/AL5410/13 portacabins, shades and benches for the QR 45,000 QR 300 13/1/2014 upgrade of climbing wall area in Aspire Zone Post contract professional consultancy services for the construction of Main PWA/ 37 building and Ancillary building for Coast QR 400,000 QR 1,000 7/1/2014 136 2013- Supply, installation and operation of Monday GTC/072/13-14 19 QR 20,000 QR 250 Guard stations and Shwismsah and Ras 2014 automatic vertical filling system 13/01/2014 Matbakh, Qatar BA/13-14/S/065/G Supply of 3” & 4” Hydraulic Submersible trash pumps with fully enclosed sound Supply, installation and operation of PWA/ Monday 38 attenuated power units to mechanical QR 140,000 QR 750 26/01/2014 20 125/ 2013-14 workshop tools & equipment for the general QR 50,000 QR 500 ITC/024/13-14 30/12/2013 workshop for drainage networks O & M Directorate of Civil Defence department AA/DOM/13-14/M/1339-2.05/I Provision of salon services for for Qatar Ministry of QF/2013/PD- January 19 127/ 2013- Supply and installation of sport equipment Monday 39 Leadership Academy on call-off basis for QR 5,000 QR 250 21 Interior QR 35,000 QR 500 SS/16755 2014 2014 for Civil Defence 06/01/2014 three years Supply and installation and operation of HD Provision of maintenance support. Contract 128/ 2013- Monday QF/2013/PD- January 19 22 video edit server storage with accessories QR 15,000 QR 250 40 for fitness equipment for Qatar Foundation QR 13,000 QR 250 2014 06/01/2014 SS/16590 2014 for Media Production Center on call-off basis for three years SUNDAY 29 DECEMBER 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23

Chiefs and 49ers lead the NBA: Thunder edge Bobcats way in Pro Atlanta Hawks’ Al Horford out indefinitely with a torn chest muscle Bowl selection NEW YORK: The Kansas City CHARLOTTE: NBA scor- 86-85 but Jackson hit 1-of-2 free Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers ing leader Kevin Durant had throws with 10.7 seconds remain- each had a league-high eight game highs of 34 points and 12 ing to lift the Thunder lead to players voted for next year’s rebounds to give Oklahoma City 87-85. Pro Bowl in Hawaii among the an 89-85 victory yesterday at Charlotte’s Josh McRoberts selections announced by the Charlotte in the Thunder’s first missed a 3-point attempt National Football League (NFL) game without injured Russell Sefolosha hit two final free throws yesterday. Westbrook. with 3.5 second to play to seal Running back Jamaal Charles Swiss guard Thabo Sefolosha Oklahoma city’s triumph. and outside linebackers Tamba and Spanish forward Serge Over 25 games this season, Hali and Justin Houston were Ibaka each added 12 points while Westbrook has averaged 21.3 among the Kansas City choices, Kendrick Perkins contributed points, six rebounds and a team- while running back Frank Gore, 10 rebounds as the Thunder high seven assists for Oklahoma tight end Vernon Davis and inside improved to 24-5, matching City. But he figures to miss 27 linebacker Patrick Willis got the Portland for the best record in games as a result of his third pro- nod for San Francisco. the NBA. cedure on the right knee this year. Willis earned his seventh call- Oklahoma City will host Meanwhile,the Atlanta Hawks up to the All-Star roster, becom- Portland on Tuesday. were dealt a severe blow yes- ing the first player from the 49ers Reggie Jackson had 10 points terday when they learned that to accomplish the feat in each of on 4-of-19 shooting in his first Al Horford, their leading scorer his first seven seasons. game starting for the Thunder and rebounder, has been sidelined “It’s truly a blessing,” Willis, since the team announced that indefinitely with a torn chest a six-time All-Pro, said in a star playmaker Westbrook would muscle. statement. be sidelined until at least mid- Twice All-Star Horford, 27, left “I couldn’t do it without my February following arthroscopic the court with a right shoulder team mates and my coaches. I right knee surgery conducted injury late in Thursday’s 127-125 have the best team mates in the yesterday. double-overtime win against the world and I love playing with Kemba Walker’s layup 14.8 sec- Cleveland Cavaliers and did not those guys. I thank my team onds pulled the Bobcats within return. mates, the fans who voted for A magnetic resonance imag- me, the other players who voted NBA Results ing (MRI) exam and medical for me and the coaches. I just Oklahoma City 89 Charlotte 85 examination in Atlanta on Friday thank everybody who had a part Orlando 109 Detroit 92 revealed a complete tear of his in it.” Brooklyn 104 Milwaukee 93 right pectoral muscle. Peyton Manning of the Denver “We will work with Al and Broncos, one of six quarterbacks Toronto 95 NY Knicks 83 complete our due diligence to selected, earned his 13th call-up Minnesota 120 Washington 98 determine the next best steps after receiving the most votes New Orleans 105 Denver 89 for him,” Hawks general manager (1.43 million) from the fans. New Utah 105 LA Lakers 103 Danny Ferry said in a statement. Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (right) fouls Sacramento Kings’ centre DeMarcus Cousins (centre) Orleans quarterback Drew Brees Sacramento 108 Miami 103 “Injuries are part of the challenge during the fourth quarter of their NBA game at Sleep Train Arena, yesterday. The Sacramento Kings defeated was second with 1.2 million votes. Golden State 115 Phoenix 86 of an NBA season.” the Miami Heat 108-103 in overtime. The other quarterbacks AGENCIES selected were Tom Brady (New England Patriots), Cam Newton (Carolina Panthers), Philip Rivers (San Diego Chargers) and Russell Wilson (Seattle Seahawks). Selection of 86 of the 88 Pro Bowl players was made through South Korean star Choo joins Rangers consensus votes by fans, play- ers and coaches. The remaining ARLINGTON, United States: and batted .285 with 21 homers, two players were long-snappers South Korean outfielder Choo 54 runs batted in and 20 stolen selected by Pro Bowl coaches. Shin-Soo, among the most bases as well being among the top The 2014 Pro Bowl, to be played prized free agents this year, has five players in the league with 107 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu signed a seven-year contract runs scored and a career-best .423 on January 26, will be the first worth $130m with Major League on-base percentage. “unconferenced” edition in a sig- Texas Rangers’ Baseball’s Texas Rangers, the The Reds offered him only nificantly revised format. President of club announced yesterday. a one-year deal worth $14.1m, Instead of the familiar The 31-year-old Asian star baseball opera- which he rejected in favor of free American Football Conference signed the largest free agent deal tions Jon Daniels agency. versus National Football in Rangers history, surpassed only (left) presents Instead, Choo inked the third- Conference match-up, which had by the team’s 10-year deal worth new outfielder best free agent deal of the off-sea- existed from 1971, players were $252 million to Alex Rodriguez in Choo Shin-Soo son, trailing only second baseman selected without any regard for December of 2000. with a team cap Robinson Cano’s 10-year contract their conference. “Today is a very special day,” during a press for $240m with Seattle and the Meanwhile, Carolina Panthers Choo said. “Thirteen years ago, I conference at seven-year deal for $153m that wide receiver Steve Smith has was 18. A kid. I didn’t know any- Texas Rangers the New York Yankees gave out- been ruled out of today’s pivotal thing. Just came here, just playing Ballpark, fielder Jacoby Ellsbury. regular-season finale against baseball, really working hard. yesterday. Rangers manager Ron the Atlanta Falcons because of a “Today is my dream come true. Washington said Choo will be a sprained left knee, the National My next dream is to win a World regular in left field but could see Football League team said. Series ring.” time in the other outfield posi- AGENCIES Choo’s average annual salary of tions as well. $18.5 million ranks eighth among “My intention is for Choo to be NHL Results all major league outfielders. He my leadoff hitter, but what Choo Columbus 2 New Jersey 1 will be paid $14m for two years, brings is versatility,” Washington Washington 3 Ny Rangers 2 $21m for the two years after that ace Yu Darvish. “I was looking for Cincinnati with 104 home runs really line up perfectly with us said. Pittsburgh 4 Carolina 3 and $20m in each of the deal’s last a winning team,” Choo said of his and 427 runs batted in. and what our club needed. He “There may be a time where I three years. decision to join the Rangers. “We use the term ‘good fit’ a lot has really been one of the most need him to hit in the middle of Boston 5 Ottawa 0 For that money, Choo will be “That’s the most important when we’re looking at players to productive offensive players in the the lineup. There may be a time Toronto 4 Buffalo 3 expected to set up runs for the thing for myself and my baseball add in,” Rangers general manager game for a period of time. He’s where I need him to hit down in Chicago 7 Colorado 2 Rangers new slugger, Prince career.” Jon Daniels said. “I think in this extremely driven and really a per- the order. Winnipeg 6 Minnesota 4 Fielder, and provide offensive Choo has averaged .288 over case it was the perfect fit. fect fit for what we’re doing.” “He’s a young man that’s bring- Dallas 4 Nashville 1 support for a Rangers pitching nine North American seasons “His skill set, his personality, Last season for the Cincinnati ing old-school values and that’s Edmonton 2 Calgary 0 rotation that includes Japanese with Seattle, Cleveland and his personal goals and desires Reds, Choo was the leadoff hitter what I like the most.” AFP Elite Goalkeeping Summit kicks off in Qatar

DOHA: Aspire Academy, in collaboration Academy in May 2013 to developprogrammes with the Iker Casillas Foundation kicked-off in support of goalkeepers who are expected to the Elite Goalkeeper Training Summit with compete in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. goalkeepers from ten countries participating “When we asked Casillas if he would collabo- in concentrated training programmes. rate with us on a programme to inspire promis- The talented shot-stoppers will have the rare ing goalkeepers, he agreed without hesitation,” opportunity to receive first hand advice from said Director General of Aspire Academy, Ivan goalkeeping legend Iker Casillas, captain of Real Bravo. Madrid and the Spanish national team, and his The training camp includes a variety of ses- country’s most capped-player of all time. sions designed to enhance specific skills ranging Casillas, who could not be in attendance from intercepting to shot-stopping. because he is eagerly expecting his first child, The summit will conclude with a ‘Battle of spoke via teleconference to the attendees. the Goalkeepers’, the winners of which will be “I cannot be there with you physically but able to travel to Spain to meet Casillas in per- thanks to technology I am here with you in son, in addition to gaining a trip to the 2014 the first day of this summit and will continue Brazil World Cup. to rub shoulders with you over the next three Expressing his delight at Aspire’s partner- days,” he said. ship with the star, Bravo continued, “Up until “I look forward to interacting with each of recently when a player missed a goal fans would you personally and sharing both personal and say ‘what a miss’ and sometimes criticise the professional tips.” player harshly. In a short time Casillas has The goalkeeping legend, who personally changed this view and now fans look at the signed each of the goalies jerseys, added that goalkeeper and say ‘what a great save’.” he had visited Aspire earlier this year and was The opening also saw Raul Gonzalez, former “surprised and impressed with the facilities Real Madrid top-scorer and current Al Sadd I saw there. I have no doubt your experience striker, pay a surprise visit to the talented play- there will benefit your goalkeeping careers a ers. Raul, who according to Bravo “has given The players attending the Elite Goalkeeper Training Summit at Aspire Academy yesterday. Goalkeepers from ten coun- great deal.” goalkeepers a lot of trouble over the years,” took tries are participating in the training organised by Aspire Academy, in collaboration with the Iker Casillas Foundation The summit comes after the Iker Casillas a commemorative photo with the attendees. kicked-off on Friday. Foundation signed an agreement with Aspire THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 29 DECEMBER 2013 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

more than $50bn for the event. “Today, it is also the achieve- But Sports Minister Vitaly ment of the country itself. It is Mutko (pictured) said yester- a reflection of its level of social day that fans should not expect and economic development. It is Russia plays down Sochi miracles from their team just the level of the development of because it was performing on its science and technology,” he home snow and ice. said. “In my opinion, our situation Mutko was appointed sports is more difficult in the winter minister in 2008 and survived sports than it is in the summer the post-Vancouver purge Games medal chances ones,” Mutko told the Russian thanks to warm relations with state’s rolling news channel. Putin that stretch back to their MOSCOW: Russia’s sports “There are 98 sets of medals early political carriers in native minister yesterday played being contested in 14 sports. Saint Petersburg. down the host’s chances at And only five them are our tra- The sports minister had the upcoming Winter Olympic ditional ones in which we once promised on March 12 that the Games in Sochi following a had success,” the sports chief “only estimated and expected bitterly disappointing 2010 noted. result” in Sochi would be a top performance in Vancouver. Mutko said he would be of the podium finish in the final The Soviet-era winter sports happy if Russia finished in the gold medals count. superpower managed just three top five in the medals count But a string of poor perform- gold medals in Canada -- a fin- thanks to residual strength in ances in this year’s various ish that left it lagging in 11th more traditional events such winter sports championships place on the medals table and as cross country skiing and -- from cross country skiing prompted an overhaul of the ice hockey at which the Soviet to figure skating -- prompted entire Olympic federation. Union excelled. Mutko to mention a few weeks Russia responded by spending But he said the country’s later that a top three finish was lavishly on top foreign coaches overall economic troubles and also a fair result. and pouring huge funds into slow pace of post-Soviet scien- He downscaled those expec- new facilities that could help tific advancement made it dif- tations still further yesterday train a new generation of ath- ficult to compete in sports such by admitting that all the team letes for the February 7 to 23 as bobsleigh where technological could do was to try its best. Games on the Black Sea. breakthroughs gave teams the “Of course we are setting our- The Games’ success also car- edge. selves the goal of a successful ries heavy political overtones for “Any Olympic podium finish performance, but we also under- the Kremlin amid its efforts to reputation on the Games’ is not only the result of work stand today’s realities,” said the use patriotism to mobilise sup- success by lobbying for performed by the sports minis- sports minister. port around President Vladimir Sochi’s candidacy before try or the minister,” he said in a “But I can assure you that we Putin’s 14-year rule. the International Olympic seeming effort to deflect blame will not be embarrassed for our- Putin staked his personal Committee and then spending for potential disaster in Sochi. selves,” he promised. AFP

Optimist Cup Qatar Optimist Cup standings at the end of Sailing: Turkey’s Yasar takes lead in Doha two races Rasim Yasar (M) 2pts DOHA: Rasim Yasar of Turkey Marsha Shahrin (F) 9 warded off tough competition Walter Wahlroos (M) 10 from a host of sailors to surge Luca Schaefer (M) 11 to an early lead at the Optimist Fares Abdelfettah (M) 12 Cup of Qatar Sailing and Rowing Nicolas Rolaz (M) 14 Federation (QSRF). Yesterday at the end of the Richard C Falke (M) 16 first day of the six-day event, the Abdullah Al-Raeesi (M) 16 Turkish teenager collected the Aniketh Rajaram (M) 20 least number of penalties to fin- Zofia Burska (F) 21 ish with a net score of two points Florine Bramervaer (F) 22 at the end of the two races of the Okyanus Arikan (F) 23 12-race event. Action from the Mathew Hardie (M) 24 Closely following the leader Optimist Cup is Marsha Shahrin of Singapore of Qatar Sailing Natalie Wahlroos (F) 26 in second position with nine and Rowing Mohammed Kebaili (M) 26 points. She is followed by Walter Federation Navyn Prabhakar (M) 35 Wahlroos of Finland with ten (QSRF) on Ghanim Al Sewaidi (M) 37 points. the Corniche Can Ertürk (M) 41 Around 44 sailors, born in 1998 yesterday. Aly Nabil Badawi (M) 44 or after, from 14 countries are taking part in the championship. Seifeldin Fahmy (M) 44 Sailors from Algeria, the Czech Jassim Al Mohannadi (M) 45 Republic, Egypt, Spain, Finland, Lara Cindoglu (F) 46 Germany, India, Lebanon, Kheireddine Bouchema (M) 47 the Netherlands, Singapore, Hussain Al Burki (M) 50 Switzerland, Turkey, UAE, besides Anis Messaoudene (M) 50 Qatar are competing in the event Zakari Hichem Mokhtari (M) 53 which will end on January 2. The first three place winners Nouha El Alia Akil (F) 55 will get cash prizes. Adham Ehab Fahmy (M) 58 The overall champion in the Mohamed Baio (M) 61 boy’s section will get QR4000, Ali Benghazi (M) 64 while the second and third place awarded to podium winners in the lined up several other prizes like Qatar have fielded 14 sailors Nasr, Zaid Awamleh, Yacine Maissa Abdelfettah (F) 70 winners will receive QR3000 and Optimist Team Racing event. The I pad, Tablets, and Smart Phone in the competition including Benzarti, Mohammed Jalil, Ali Aaron Schlinck (M) 70 QR2000, respectively. overall champion team will be will be awarded through lucky one female competitor in Isra Al Al Sharshani, Ali Al Mahroon, Abdulaziz Al-Raeesi M 75 The overall Optimist Girls win- richer by QR2000, while QR1500 draws. Sulaiti. Mohammad Al Ashrshani, ner will get QR4000, the runner- and QR1000 will be given away Provision have also been The Qatar teams consists Mohsen Al Sharshani, Abdullah Saeed Almheiri (M) 76 up QR3000 and the third place to the second and third place made to reward the youngest of Ghanim Al Sewaidi, Jassim Al Sharshani, Rashed Telfat and Abdurahman Al Nasr (M) 77 finisher QR2000. winners. sailors in both boy’s and girl’s Al Mohannadi, Kheireddine Isra Al Sulaiti. Zaid Awamleh (M) 84 Prize money will also be The organisers said they have category. Bouchema, Abdurahman Al THE PENINSULA Yacine Benzarti (M) 85

Qatar Basketball League: Al Rayyan win against Al Shamal

Action from the Qatar Basketball League match between Al Rayyan and Al Shamal at Al Gharafa Indoor Stadium in Doha yesterday. Al Rayyan won 95-76. RIGHT: Action from the match between Al Ahli and Qatar SC. Al Ahli won 83-72. SUNDAY 29 DECEMBER 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25

Nasser bin Ghanim Al Khelaifi (fifth right), President of Qatar Tennis Federation (QTF) and Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2014, and Bart Cahir, President and General Manager of ExxonMobil Qatar pose for a picture with other members of the organising committee and ATP players after the draw ceremony for Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2014 at Four Seasons Hotel in Doha yesterday. Spain’s Fernando Verdasco (second left), Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber (third left), Czech Republic’s Lukas Rosol (fourth left) and Latvia’s Earnests Gulbis (fifth left) are also seen. PICTURES: SHAIVAL DALAL Poland handed Hopman Cup tie Murray, Ferrer face tricky PERTH: World number five Agnieszka Radwanska got her new season off to a fine start with a straight sets win over Flavia Pennetta as Poland beat Italy at the mixed teams Hopman Cup yesterday. path in season-opener After Radwanska edged past the 31st-ranked Pennetta, the Poles clinched the tie in unlikely Qatar ExxonMobil Open starts tomorrow; Rafael Nadal is the top seed circumstances, when the 288th- ranked Grzegorz Panfil was handed victory over Andreas DOHA: Wimbledon cham- World number one and star The draw Seppi in the men’s singles after pion Andy Murray and world attraction Nadal has a date ceremony the Italian retired due to illness. number three David Ferrer of with Lukas Rosol of the Czech of Qatar Panfil, who was a late call-up Spain will be put to test before Republic at the ExxonMobil- ExxonMobil for the tournament following the a possible semi-final clash at sponsored event. withdrawal of Jerzy Janowicz due Open 2014 at the season-opening Qatar Open In 2012, Rosol rose to fame to injury, won the first set and Four Seasons where tennis star Rafael Nadal after beating Nadal in the second scores were level in the second will kick off his 2014 campaign round of Wimbledon to achieve Hotel in Doha when Seppi retired. as the top seed. one of the biggest upsets in the yesterday. That gave Poland, nominally the Third seed Murray, who history of Grand Slam tennis. The Qatar tournament’s top seeds but out- became the first Briton to win The 28-year-old Czech said he ExxonMobil siders for the tie after Janowicz’s Wimbledon crown last year was ‘not’ nervous going into his Open boasts withdrawal, an unbeatable 2-0 since Fred Perry did it in 1936, first match with Nadal. a star-studded lead in the Group A encounter. has second seed Ferrer, defend- “Rafa is a tough match for me line-up of They were also handed the ing champion Richard Gasquet of in the beginning but I will give 25 players, mixed doubles in a walkover for France and eighth seed Fernando my best,” Rosol said. “I don’t feel including a 3-0 win in the first tie of the Verdasco of Spain slotted in his nervous. I just want to play good Rafael Nadal, tournament. half the draw at the $1.19m event. tennis,” he said. David Ferrer, Murray, staging a comeback When asked about his win Andy Murray, Hopman Cup following a three-month injury against Nadal last year, Rosol and Tomas layoff, played an exhibition series said: “It was good feeling to beat Berdych among results in Abu Dhabi prior to his arrival the number two. I hope I can con- others. in Doha yesterday. tinue in the same level. if things PERTH: Results from the mixed teams The 26-year-old Briton will go well and if am feeling good I Hopman Cup in Perth yesterday: play his first-round match against think I can do it again.” Qatari wildcard Mousa Shanan Nadal could face seventh seed Group A Zayed but is expected to clash Ernests Gulbis of Latvia in the Canada bt Australia 2-1 against Spain’s Verdasco in the quarter-finals set to be held on QTF and ExxonMobil quarter-finals. Thursday. The Men’s singles: Milos Raonic (CAN) bt Verdasco, who event ends on Bernard Tomic (AUS) 7-6 (8/6), 6-1 reached a career- January 4. Women’s singles: Eugenie Bouchard (CAN) high singles rank- Fourth seed extend sponsorship deal bt Samantha Stosur (AUS) 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 ing of number Tomas Berdych seven in April of the Czech Mixed doubles: Stosur/Tomic (AUS) bt 2009, admitted it Republic - who DOHA: Qatar Tennis Bouchard/Raonic (CAN) 6-2, 6-4 was a tough draw starts off against Federation (QTF) yesterday Group A at the 32-man tall Ivo Karlovic announced ExxonMobil Qatar’s event set to be of Croatia - title sponsorship of the Qatar Poland bt Italy 3-0 played at Khalifa is likely to ExxonMobil Open 2014 at a Women’s singles: Agnieszka Radwanska International meet sixth press conference. (POL) bt Flavia Pennetta (ITA) 6-2, 6-2 Tennis Complex. seed Philipp This marks the 20th consecu- “Well, this Kohlschreiber of tive year of the company’s support Men’s singles: Grzegorz Panfil (POL) bt draw is so tough. Germany in the for this event. Andreas Seppi (ITA) 6-4, 2-2 (retired) Whichever part pre-quarters. The tournament, which has (of the you group “It’s a tough become a globally renowned Mixed doubles: Radwanska/Panfil (POL) bt you play), you play one, a very event on the international ten- Pennetta/Seppi (ITA) 6-0, 6-0 (walkover) the best players,” tough draw,” nis circuit, will be held at the Verdasco, 30, said. Kohlschreiber Khalifa International Tennis and “It is the first said. “But you Squash Complex in Doha between Azarenka beats tournament of know anything December 30, 2013 and January the year and I will is possible. I had 4, 2014. star Serena give my best and Fernando Verdasco of Spain a very good pre- As in previous years, the tour- hopefully I will be season so I am nament continues to attract the HUA HIN, THAILAND: FROM LEFT: Nasser bin Ghanim Al Khelaifi, President of Qatar Tennis able to win all the matches that I really looking forward to it,” the world’s top players, who will World number two Victoria Federation (QTF), Spain’s Fernando Verdasco and Bart Cahir, President get to play,” the Spaniard added. 30-year-old said. travel to Doha to participate in Azarenka battled back from an “I will do my best. Hopefully I will “I feel healthy and over all its the first ATP World Tour event and General Manager of ExxonMobil Qatar, pose for a picture after the injury-plagued season to defeat reach the last round,” Verdasco just playing your game, try your of the year. draw ceremony at Four Seasons Hotel in Doha yesterday. top-ranked Serena Williams said. hardest. The Qatar ExxonMobil Open 7-5, 6-3 in Thailand yesterday. Ferrer, part of the Spain Davis “Nobody knows what’s gonna 2014 boasts a star-studded line up QTF. “Qatar Tennis Federation successful tournaments for the The Belarusian 24-year-old is Cup team that won the finals in happen. That’s the beauty of of 25 players, including world No. and ExxonMobil Qatar have benefit of Qatar’s residents year hoping her victory at the exhibi- 2008, 2009, and 2011, starts his sports ... nobody knows what will 1 Rafael Nadal, world No. 3 David now been partners on the Qatar after year. tion match in Thailand will set 2014 campaign against Alexandr happen,” Kohlschreiber said. Ferrer, world No. 4 Andy Murray, ExxonMobil Open for 20 consecu- “I commend the efforts of the stage for a strong perform- Dolgopolov of Ukraine. The German said he has his world No. 7 Tomas Berdych, and tive years, and we are enormously the outstanding team at Qatar ance at the upcoming Australian The 31-year-old Valencia-based sights set on breaking into the defending champion world No. 9 proud of this,” he said. Tennis Federation led by Nasser Open. right-handed player is expected to top-20. Richard Gasquet, among others. “Our partnership with Al Khelaifi,” he added. “It’s a great warm up before clash against hard-court special- “I would like to go back into the Tickets for the six-day event ExxonMobil Qatar is a key ena- The tournament will also fea- going to compete and start the ist and last year’s losing finalist in top-20 and to make to another are available to the public online bler for QTF to organise a high ture several off-court events, such year,” she told reporters in the Doha Nikolay Davdenko of Russia quarter-finals in a Grand Slam. I at www.qatartennis.org and at quality event for all in attendance, as the Public Village, VIP Village, seaside resort of Hua Hin. “It’s in the second round. think it’s reachable and overall I various locations across Doha. and to continue to define Qatar as player autograph sessions in the always really fun because we take If the Spaniard wins his first am feeling healthy,” Kohlschreiber Nasser bin Ghanim Al Khelaifi, a globally renowned and vibrant ExxonMobil Qatar stand, a tradi- each other to the limit.” two matches, he is expected to said. chairman Organizing Committee, center for world-class sporting tional souq, a kid’s zone, and vari- A jet-lagged Williams, who bump into defending champion The winner in Doha bags the thanked ‘ExxonMobil Qatar’s for events,” he added. ous merchandising booths. arrived in the kingdom a day later and fifth seed Gasquet who top prize of $188,600 and becomes their continuous support for the “We are extremely pleased to ExxonMobil Qatar staff will than Azarenka, shrugged off her edged Davydenko in last year’s the world No.1 going into next tournament’. continue our support of the Qatar also provide several engaging defeat. final. month’s Australian Open, the new Al Khelaifi spoke of the com- ExxonMobil Open,” Bart Cahir, and interactive educational and “We had a really good match. Gasquet will also have to slug season’s first Grand Slam event. pany’s contributions to the Qatar President and General Manager cultural activities at the company We had a lot of moving and I it out as he is expected to play The runners-up takes home ExxonMobil Open over the span of ExxonMobil Qatar Inc, said. stand, appealing to the tourna- think it was a really good warm compatriot Gale Monfils in the $99,325. The losing semi-finalists of 20 years, as well as to other “Our partnership with QTF ment’s young visitors. up for us in the future,” she said. second round. get $53,800. THE PENINSULA tennis tournaments organised by has culminated in tremendously THE PENINSULA REUTERS SUNDAY 29 DECEMBER 2013 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Misbah happy with Pakistan’s Ashes: Australia need 201 ‘special wins’

ABU DHABI: Pakistan captain Misbah-ul Haq termed the one- day victories over South Africa and Sri Lanka as ‘special wins’ runs to win the fourth Test which meant his team ended a tough year on a high. Pakistan beat South Africa 2-1 Off spinner Lyon sends England into a tailspin at blustery Melbourne last month - their first-ever one- day series win over the Proteas - before clinching the Sri Lanka Scoreboard MELBOURNE: Australia series 3-2 on Friday. were chasing 201 runs to win Even though Pakistan lost the England (I innings) ...... 255 the fourth Ashes Test and take fifth and final match by two wick- Australia (I innings) a 4-0 series lead after a stun- ets in Abu Dhabi, Misbah said the ning English batting collapse series win was satisfying. Chris Rogers c Pietersen b Bresnan .....61 and turnaround on a chaotic “I think it was a tough year for David Warner c Bairstow b Anderson .....9 third day’s play in Melbourne us but the two series we won in Shane Watson c Bairstow b Stokes ...... 10 yesterday. South Africa and now against Sri Michael Clarke b Anderson ...... 10 Spinner Nathan Lyon and Lanka, they are very special and Steve Smith c Bell b Broad ...... 19 paceman Mitchell Johnson spear- ended our year on a high note,” George Bailey c Bairstow b Anderson ....0 headed an Australian fightback Misbah said after Friday’s game. Brad Haddin c Bairstow b Anderson ....65 after trailing by 51 runs in the The win over Sri Lanka was Mitchell Johnson c Anderson b Bresnan 2 first innings to skittle the tourists Pakistan’s seventh one-day series Ryan Harris c Root b Broad ...... 6 for 179 in 61 overs. win this year -- their best-ever Peter Siddle c Bresnan b Broad ...... 0 Lyon finished with five for 50 in a calendar year -- which also Nathan Lyon (not out) ...... 18 and claimed his 100th Test wicket, included a 2-1 victory against bit- Extras (LB4) ...... 4 while man-of-the-series Johnson ter rivals India in January. Total (all out; 82.2 overs) ...... 204 took three for 25 and now has 31 Misbah hoped the one-day wickets in the series. series win over Sri Lanka would Fall of wickets: 1-19, 2-36, 3-62, 4-110, The Australians, needing 231 to lift his team’s morale ahead of the 5-112, 6-122, 7-151, 8-162, 9-164, 10-204 win, reached stumps on 30 with- three-Test series starting in Abu Bowling: Anderson 20.2-4-67-4, Broad 20- out losing a wicket with Chris Dhabi from Tuesday. 6-45-3, Stokes 15-4-46-1, Bresnan 18-6- Rogers on 18 and David Warner “We did struggle in the mid- 24-2, Panesar 9-2-18-0 on 12. dle of the year,” said Misbah of England (II innings) “Tomorrow Australia has to Pakistan’s loss in the Champions Alastair Cook lbw b Johnson ...... 51 be really patient with our bat- Trophy in June in England. Michael Carberry lbw b Siddle ...... 12 ting and it’s going to be a massive “We have to improve our field- Joe Root run out (Johnson) ...... 15 challenge,” Lyon said. ing because we had Friday’s Kevin Pietersen c Harris b Lyon ...... 49 “We have to hang in there, stay match in our hands but we let it Ian Bell c Johnson b Lyon ...... 0 patient and have good intent and go because of poor fielding.” Ben Stokes c Smith b Lyon ...... 19 try to rotate the strike.” Australia’s Nathan Lyon (second right) celebrates his 100th Test wicket with team-mates during the third day Misbah hit a solid 51 to end Jonny Bairstow c Haddin b Johnson .....21 England suffered two batting of the fourth Test against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, yesterday. the year with 1373 runs in 34 collapses -- losing three wickets one-days -- the highest by any Tim Bresnan b Lyon ...... 0 for one run in the middle stages player in 2013 -- to lead Pakistan Stuart Broad c Clarke b Lyon...... 0 and their last five wickets for six into contention with a sensa- was trapped leg before wicket by Bairstow was caught behind to 232 all out. Sri Lanka sneaked James Anderson (not out) ...... 1 runs. tional bowling and fielding per- Johnson. off Johnson for 21 before Lyon through in the final over with Monty Panesar lbw b Johnson ...... 0 Although the highest suc- formance with Lyon and Johnson Carberry went the same way claimed Tim Bresnan and Stuart Dinesh Chandimal hitting an Extras (B5, LB6) ...... 11 cessful run chase at the MCG the heroes on a compelling day’s to Peter Siddle for 12 off 81 balls Broad for ducks in the space of unbeaten 64. Total (all out; 61 overs) ...... 179 is England’s 332 for seven in cricket after they were all out before Joe Root was run out by three balls. Sri Lankan captain Angelo Fall of wickets: 1-65, 2-86, 3-86, 4-87, 1928, since the current ‘drop- for 204. a brilliant piece of fielding from England’s big hope Kevin Mathews showed disappointment 5-131, 6-173, 7-174, 8-174, 9-179, 10- in’ pitch was first used at the Alastair Cook (51) and Michael Johnson. Pietersen, who topscored with 71 over the series loss. 179 ground in 1996 the highest suc- Carberry (12) gave the tourists a Root, on 15, scampered for a in the first innings, threatened “We were good enough to Bowling: Harris 10-1-34-0, Johnson 15-5- cessful fourth innings run chase steady start with a 65-run open- single only for Johnson to throw for a time to build the tourists’ get over it but I think we were 25-3, Lyon 17-3-50-5, Siddle 15-6-46-1, since then is 183 by South Africa ing stand, but once the openers down the stumps at the bowler’s lead beyond Australia’s reach nowhere near our brand of cricket Watson 4-2-13-0 in 2008. were removed England crumbled end with the batsman well short but on 49 he went after Lyon and disappointed that we lost the Australia (II innings) “We’re very confident,” England losing their last eight wickets for of his ground. and was caught by Ryan Harris series,” said Mathews, describing wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow 93 runs. Two balls later Ian Bell hit at long-off in the swirling wind defeat in the first match as the Chris Rogers (batting) ...... 18 said. Johnson played a role in three Lyon straight to the ever-present and with him England’s innings turning point. David Warner (batting) ...... 12 “We’ve got people in our side of four dismissals to have the Johnson at mid-off for a first-ball was quickly wrapped up. If you look at the series, the Extras ...... 0 that have shown over a number tourists tumbling to 87 for four duck. Johnson trapped Monty first game was very crucial, we Total (0 wkt; 8 overs) ...... 30 of years the skills that are needed in the middle session. It just got worse for England Panesar leg before wicket and lost that by 11 runs and had we Bowling: Anderson 3-1-5-0, Broad 3-0-16- tomorrow to win us this game of Cook, who celebrated his 29th with Ben Stokes caught off Lyon now is the first Australian bowler won that game we would have 0, Panesar 1-0-4-0, Stokes 1-0-5-0 cricket... We’re still 200 runs in birthday on Christmas Day, for 19 before Bairstow’s dismissal to take 30 wickets or more in a been sitting 3-2 winners,” said front.” became the youngest player to triggered a stunning five-wicket series in Australia since Craig Mathews of the match in Sharjah. The Australians roared back score 8,000 Test runs before he tumble for six. McDermott in 1994/95. AFP Sri Lanka levelled the series in Dubai with a two-wicket win before Pakistan won the third and Darren Bravo fourth matches to take an unbeat- able 3-1 lead. Kallis frustrates quits Windies Mathews said his team will be more competitive in Tests with experienced batsman Mahela tour of New Jayawardene and ace spinner Rangana Herath joining the India in Durban Zealand squad. AFP

DURBAN, South Africa: after announcing that he would WELLINGTON: The West Jacques Kallis, playing in his retire from Test cricket after Indies suffered a blow on the eve Gul not given final Test match, ground out an this match. It was important of the second One-Day interna- unbeaten 78 after South Africa from a team point of view, too, tional against New Zealand with enough time to lost three wickets in quick suc- that South Africa secured a first the loss of key batsman Darren cession on the third day of the innings lead on a pitch on which Bravo. second and final Test against Jadeja gained turn and occasional Bravo has returned home to get match fit, India at Kingsmead yesterday. unexpected bounce. Trinidad “for personal reasons”, South Africa were 299 for Kallis and JP Duminy (28) a team spokesman said. says Waqar five, 35 runs behind India’s first added 58 runs off 176 balls, a scor- The left-hander, whose career- innings total of 334, when rain ing rate of just under two runs an best 218 was pivotal in saving the KARACHI: Paceman Umar brought an early close. over, as Indian captain Mahendra first Test for the West Indies, Gul should have been given Kallis received a standing ova- Singh Dhoni set defensive fields scored 14 when the West Indies more time to regain full fitness tion from the crowd and a guard and declined to take the second won the first ODI in Auckland on following knee surgery rather of honour from the Indian play- new ball, with the batsmen find- Boxing Day by two wickets. than being called back into Test ers when he walked out to bat ing it difficult to be assertive It was their first taste of suc- action against Sri Lanka, fast after Graeme Smith and Hashim against accurate slow bowling. cess in New Zealand after losing bowling great Waqar Younis Amla had been dismissed for 47 Kallis advanced to a half-cen- the three-Test series 2-0. said yesterday. and three respectively. tury off 131 balls when he cut The second of five ODIs is in “I don’t think Umar should be Before he faced a ball, Alviro Jadeja for four shortly after De Napier today. playing in the Test series, he is Petersen was caught at slip Villiers was dismissed. Bravo will not be replaced in not ready as yet for the longer for 62 off a ball from Ravindra It was the 103rd time in 166 the West Indies squad for the version of the sport,” Waqar told Jadeja which bounced more than Tests that Kallis had scored 50 remaining four ODIs with star Geo Super channel. Petersen expected. or more, with 44 of those innings batsman Chris Gayle expected to “I am afraid for him because I Left-arm spinner Jadeja put converted into centuries. But join the squad in time for the two think he needs more time and he a clamp on the scoring rate and it was first Test half-century Twenty20 matches. should have played more domestic picked up four for 87 in 37 overs. in eight innings, going back to Gayle is currently in Sydney cricket before being pushed back Fairly early in his innings, a match against Pakistan in recovering from a hamstring into Test cricket.” Kallis hit two successive lofted Johannesburg in February. injury. The 29-year-old Gul underwent drives for four off Jadeja but By the close Kallis had been Meanwhile, the West Indies feel knee surgery in Melbourne in the spin bowler, who replaced batting for 274 minutes, facing they have put the disappointment May after getting injured during Ravichandran Ashwin from the 224 balls and hitting ten fours. He of their Test series against New Pakistan’s tour to South Africa. team that played in the drawn gave a sharp chance to Shikhar Zealand behind them as they Gul, who is the most experi- first Test, was never mastered. Dhawan at silly mid-off against South Africa’s Jacques Kallis celebrates scoring a half century dur- head into the second ODI full of enced fast bowler in the Pakistan Kallis and AB de Villiers (74) Jadeja when he was on 74. ing the third day of the second Test match against India in Durban, confidence.Their two wicket win team after taking 163 Test, 168 shared a fourth wicket partner- Smith and Petersen took their yesterday. in the first ODI in Auckland on one-day wickets, was recalled for ship of 127 after South Africa lost opening partnership to 103 from Boxing Day was the tonic the side the last three one-dayers and the three wickets for ten runs to be the overnight total of 82 but were needed coming off a 2-0 defeat in three-match Test series against wobbling at 113 for three. unable to bat with the freedom Scoreboard the three-Test series. Sri Lanka. Most of the enterprise came they had displayed on Friday Although it was another Waqar said he would not have from De Villiers, who continued evening. Jadeja troubled both India (I innings) ...... 334 Extras (LB6, W1) ...... 7 unconvincing display with the selected Gul for the Test matches in a rich vein of form which has batsmen before Smith, on 47, went South Africa (I innings) Total (5 wkts, 104.5 overs) ...... 299 bat in Auckland, the run-friendly as it takes fast bowlers more time taken him to the top of both the down the wicket and mistimed an G Smith c Dhawan b Jadeja ...... 47 Fall of wickets: 1-103, 2-113, 3-113, 4-240, McLean Park wicket in Napier to get fit following knee surgery. Test and one-day international attempted hit over midwicket. A Petersen c Vijay b Jadeja ...... 62 5-298 offers the West Indies top order “I would like to see him being batting rankings. He hit nine Dhawan ran back and held a H Amla b Mohammed Shami ...... 3 Bowling: Zaheer Khan 16-2-46-0 (1w), Mo- the chance to spend long spells in sent back to Pakistan and play- boundaries in a 117-ball innings. good, diving catch. Amla was J Kallis (batting) ...... 78 hammed Shami 19-2-62-1, I Sharma 23-7-76- the middle today. ing in more domestic first class But after De Villiers was bowled by Mohammed Shami for A de Villiers c Kohli b Jadeja ...... 74 0, Jadeja 37-9-87-4, R Sharma 9.5-1-22-0 The West Indies will be forced matches to regain complete caught at slip off Jadeja, the scor- three when an inswinging delivery J Duminy lbw b Jadeja ...... 28 To bat: F du Plessis, R Peterson, V Philander, M to bring in Kirk Edwards into match fitness,” Waqar added. ing rate almost ground to a halt straightened past his bat and hit D Steyn (batting) ...... 0 Morkel the playing XI in place of Darren The first Test begins in Abu with Kallis taking no chances the off stump. AFP Bravo. AFP Dhabi on Tuesday. REUTERS SUNDAY 29 DECEMBER 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27

Anelka shocked by celebration Off-colour City edge Palace furore: Coach

LONDON: West Bromwich Albion striker Nicolas Anelka has denied performing an anti- Semitic goal celebration in yes- to go top; United win again terday’s 3-3 draw at West Ham United, according to caretaker coach Keith Downing. Hull hit Fulham for six to post record victory; Aston Villa, Swansea draw Anelka, 34, made his first appearance since October in the Premier League game at LONDON: Manchester City breakthrough when Edin Dzeko Upton Park and scored twice in took over at the top of the slammed home from Jesus Navas’s a five-minute spell shortly before Premier League table yesterday cut-back. half-time. but only after weathering heavy Hart’s work was not finished, After scoring his first goal, he pressure from Crystal Palace in however, and he had to produce put his left hand across his body a narrow 1-0 home victory. another fine stop to deny Joel to make the ‘quenelle’ salute pop- Having described the English Ward before City could celebrate ularised by the anti-establishment festive fixture schedule as “not their ninth consecutive home suc- French comedian Dieudonne, who normal”, City manager Manuel cess this season. is one of Anelka’s friends. Pellegrini made six changes to his “I think the team that wants to The gesture has been linked to side and Palace almost took full win the title must have different anti-Semitism in France, with advantage at the Etihad Stadium. faces,” said Pellegrini. French interior minister Manuel City goalkeeper Joe Hart was “We usually score lots of goals Valls calling for Dieudonne’s per- left with an ugly cut beneath his at home but after 45 minutes we formances to be banned. left eye that would later require knew it would not be like that.” Anelka’s celebration quickly stitches after saving at the feet of Victory took City two points created a buzz on social network- Cameron Jerome in the first half above previous leaders Arsenal, ing websites, but Downing said and it was to mark the start of a who visit Newcastle United today. that the former France striker frantic afternoon for the England Manchester United closed was merely showing his support man. to within two points of the for the comic. He saved brilliantly from Jason Champions League places after “I’m aware of it, but it has got Puncheon and Mile Jedinak, while recording a sixth consecutive vic- nothing to do what is being said,” Marouane Chamakh headed wide tory in all competitions with a 1-0 Downing told a press conference from eight yards out as Palace win at Norwich City. when asked about the gesture. looked to continue their impres- The defending champions were “It is dedicated to a French sive recent form under new man- without Wayne Rooney due to comedian he knows very, very ager Tony Pulis. a groin injury and needed the well. He uses it in his act and I With half-an-hour remaining, half-time introduction of Danny think speculation can be stopped Pellegrini sent on Samir Nasri Welbeck to secure victory at now. It is absolute rubbish really. and Alvaro Negredo, and in the Carrow Road. “He is totally unaware of what 66th minute the hosts made the David Moyes’s side had laboured the problems were or the specula- until then but in the 57th minute Hull City’s English midfielder Tom Huddlestone (right) celebrates scoring their fourth goal and has his hair tion that has been thrown around. English Premier a favourable ricochet off Javier cut after pledging not to cut it until he scored, during the English Premier League against Fulham at the KC He is totally surprised by it.” Hernandez set Welbeck free and Stadium in Hull, north-east England, yesterday. French sports minister Valerie League Results he rounded England team-mate Fourneyron condemned Anelka’s John Ruddy before sliding in the behaviour on Twitter, calling it Aston Villa 1 (Agbonlahor 7) winning goal. Southampton, while third-place Elsewhere, relegation rivals The goal from Berahino, who “shocking, sickening provocation”. Swansea 1 (Lamah 36) “Danny Welbeck couldn’t score Chelsea tackle fourth-place West Ham United and West later hit the post from a free- She added: “No place for anti- Hull 6 (Elmohamady 49, Koren 60, 84, Boyd very often last season but he looks Liverpool at Stamford Bridge. Bromwich Albion played out a kick, prevented West Ham from Semitism and inciting hatred on 63, Huddlestone 67, Fryatt 74) Fulham 0 like he will do it every time now. Cardiff City began life after richly entertaining 3-3 draw at climbing out of the relegation the football pitch.” Manchester City 1 (Dzeko 66) Crystal He changed the game today when Malky Mackay, sacked from his Upton Park. zone and left West Brom two Anelka has had a chequered Palace 0 he came on,” said Moyes, whose post as manager on Friday, with West Ham led twice, first points above the bottom three career, having notably been sent Norwich 0 Manchester United 1 side came from behind to win 3-2 an agonising 2-2 draw at home to through Joe Cole and then Kevin in 15th place. home from the 2010 World Cup (Welbeck 57) at Hull City on Thursday. bottom club Sunderland. Nolan, but on each occasion they Fulham also remain in the in South Africa after clashing West Ham 3 (J.Cole 4, Maiga 65, Nolan 67) “He is doing very well and we Goals in each half from Jordon were pegged back by the visitors, drop zone after a 6-0 humiliation with France coach Raymond West Brom 3 (Anelka 40, 45, Berahino 69) need everybody to chip in with Mutch and former Sunderland who remain without a permanent at Hull, who prevailed through Domenech at half-time of a group Cardiff 2 (Mutch 6, Campbell 58) goals when Wayne Rooney and striker Fraizer Campbell put head coach following the sacking goals from Ahmed Elmohamady, game against Mexico. Sunderland 2 (Fletcher 83, Colback 90) Robin van Persie are out. Rooney Cardiff 2-0 up, but Steven of Steve Clarke. George Boyd, Tom Huddlestone His previous clubs include Paris West Ham 3 (J.Cole 4, Maiga 65, Nolan 67) has a groin strain. But I would Fletcher pulled a goal back in the Nicolas Anelka broke his West and Matty Fryatt, and a Robert Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Real West Brom 3 (Anelka 40, 45, Berahino 69) expect Rooney to be back for 83rd minute before Jack Colback Brom duck with a quick-fire Koren brace. Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester Tottenham (on Wednesday).” netted a deflected equaliser in the brace to cancel out Cole’s fourth- Aston Villa were held to a 1-1 City and Juventus, and his brace The win took United level on fifth minute of stoppage time. minute opener and put the away draw by Swansea City, for whom at West Ham made him the ninth Tomorrow’s fixtures points with fifth-place Everton, Cardiff remain in 16th place team ahead, with Saido Berahino Roland Lamah cancelled out player to score for six different Chelsea v Liverpool (1600GMT), Everton although they have now played a in the table, two points above netting a 69th-minute equaliser Gabriel Agbonlahor’s seventh- Premier League teams. vs Southampton (1330GMT), Newcastle vs game more than all of the teams the relegation places, while after goals from Modibo Maiga minute opener with a back-post AFP Arsenal (1330GMT), above them apart from City. Sunderland inched to within two and Nolan had restored West header nine minutes before half- Tottenham vs Stoke (1600GMT) Today, Everton host points of safety. Ham’s lead. time. AFP Barcelona ‘not Your TV guide for Huddlestone gets pitch-side trim scared’ of Man City: Iniesta live matches today KINGSTON UPON HULL: April 2011, his hair has swelled said Huddlestone, who was also Hull City’s Tom Huddlestone into a huge afro, but he finally celebrating his 28th birthday Event Competition Time Channel scored his first goal in over ended his drought in Hull’s 6-0 yesterday. Huddlestone also con- MADRID: Barcelona are “not two and a half years yesterday, victory at home to Fulham. firmed that he had been spon- afraid” of facing Manchester Inverness vs Celtic Scottish Premier League 15:30 +1 before honouring a bet by get- Huddlestone put Hull 4-0 up in sored for letting his hair grow and City in the Champions League Newcastle vs Arsenal Barclays Premier League 16:00 HD6 ting an impromptu pitch-side the 67th minute, smashing home would be donating the money to last 16 next month, the Spanish haircut. from the edge of the area, before charity. giants’ emblematic midfielder Everton vs Southampton Barclays Premier League 16:30 HD4 The English midfielder made a running to the touchline, where “That was the main thing,” Andres Iniesta said in an inter- St Johnstone vs Dundee Scottish Premier League 17:00 +2 bet during his time with previous a member of the Hull staff pro- he said. “It started as a bit of view published yesterday. club Tottenham Hotspur that he duced a pair of scissors and cut off banter with some of my friends Last week Manchester City Nottm Forest vs Leeds English Championship 18:00 HD5 would not cut his hair until he a sizeable lock of his hair. from Nottingham and I set it up midfielder Yaya Toure said Tottenham vs Stoke Barclays Premier League 19:00 HD4 next scored a goal. “That (the celebration) has for charity. It lasted longer than Barcelona -- who he used to play Chelsea vs Liverpool Barclays Premier League 19:00 HD6 Having last found the net in been sorted out since the begin- expected, but it’s for a good cause. for -- were afraid of their impend- Spurs’ 3-3 draw with Arsenal in ning of last season at Tottenham,” AFP ing clash because of the English club’s excellent form. “They are quite afraid about WAFF Championship: Iraq and Bahrain in goalless draw us, the way they see us play in the Premier League at home especially, they’re quite scared,” said the 30-year-old, who joined Manchester City from Barcelona in 2010. “We play fantastic football and we score goals, it’s total attack. But it’s going to be a tough game and for us we know if we’re to win we need to be at the top of our game.” Asked about Toure’s com- ments during an interview with Spanish sports daily Marca, Iniesta said: “We are not scared. This is football, the Champions League and Barca can’t be scared of anyone.” “It’s going to be an intense and exciting tie. I think City was the toughest side we could have drawn and will prove a good test for us,” the 29-year-old added. Iniesta, who signed a three- year contract extension with Barcelona on Monday which will keep him with the La Liga lead- ers until at least June 2018, said he would like to end his career at the club. “I think I still have many years left playing at the highest level Iraq’s Saif Al Mohammedawi (right) challenges Bahrain’s Ebrahim Habib during their 8th West Asian Football Federation (WAFF) championship match in Doha, yesterday. The match and only time will tell where I end ended in a goalless draw. RIGHT: Iraq’s Ahmed Fadhil (centre) challenges Bahrain’s Sayed Ahmed. The match ended in a goalless draw. In another match, Saudi Arabia were held to an up. I’d like to end my career at identical goalless draw by Palestine. Saudi Arabia next take on Qatar, who defeated Palestine 1-0 in their first match. PICTURES BY: MOHAMED FARAG Bara, but ultimately, my career will be defined by what I’ve won,” he said. AFP Sunday 29 December 2013 25 Safar 1435 Volume 18 Number 5928 Sport Price: QR2 LATEST NEWS UPDATES FROM PHILIPPINPHILIPPINES Thunder edge Murray, Ferrer AVAILABLE past Bobcats face tricky AT ALL LEADING BOOK STORES / SUPERMARKETS in NBA thriller path in Qatar IN QATAR

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www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 All eyes on tennis legend Federer 17-time Grand Slam champion could possibly be playing in Australia for the last time

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA: to Spaniard Tommy Robredo. He The top three seeds, along with Six of the top 10 women’s play- won just one title in 2013, and fourth ranked South African World number ers will compete in the Brisbane failed to make a major final for Kevin Anderson, all have a bye four and third International beginning today the first time since 2002. into the second round. seed Andy Murray but arguably all eyes will be on However, Federer warned Brisbane fans will be hoping of Britain arrives the men’s draw as Swiss super- against writing him off, saying former world number one Lleyton at the Doha star Roger Federer makes his the recent appointment of Stefan Hewitt can draw upon his huge International debut in the tournament. Edberg to his coaching staff was local support to force his way Airport yesterday. Seventeen-time Grand Slam an indication he still had the deep into the draw. Murray is one of winner Federer could possibly be desire to compete at the top level. Hewitt plays a qualifier in the the players set playing in Australia for the last “Critics are part of the tennis first round ahead of a probable to feature at this time if he decides to call an end game, and they will be the last second round meeting with sixth week’s Qatar to his glittering career at the end ones to put me out of the game,” seeded Spaniard Feliciano Lopez. ExxonMobil Open. of 2014. Federer said on his arrival in Defending champion and world PICTURE BY: VP The 32-year-old former world Brisbane yesterday. number one Serena Williams KAMMUTTY number one slipped to number “I still have a lot to do. heads an incredibly strong six in the rankings at the end of Considering everything, I fin- women’s field, which also fea- 2013 following a mid-season back ished the season sixth, which was tures world number two Victoria injury and a series of disappoint- unbelievable. Azarenka, Maria Sharapova (4), played in Melbourne, plus I have Djokovic opens but he could not consolidate his ing results, particularly in the “I always had a good perspec- Jelena Jankovic (8), Angelique a week off after the tournament, lead and the world No. 2 won Grand Slams. tive for things and it’s why, as Kerber (9) and Caroline so it’s always a good preparation new season with five points in a row to break After losing to Andy Murray in crazy as it sounds, I enjoyed the Wozniacki (10). to play in Brisbane, and it’s always back immediately. the semi-finals of the Australian year considering the setbacks I Williams has played Brisbane fun to go back and try and defend win in Abu Dhabi Also yesterday, in the third- Open, Federer was beaten by had -- I wanted to find a way out for the past two years and said your title.” place play-off, world number one Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the quar- of it.” it was ideal preparation for the Current Australian Open ABU DHABI: Novak Djokovic Rafael Nadal beat Jo-Wilfried ter-finals at Roland Garros. Federer’s main challenges in Australian Open. champion Azarenka won her first of Serbia yesterday beat David Tsonga 7-6(5) 6-3. The first set Federer then suffered a shock Brisbane will come from Japanese “I was focused on the final (last WTA title in Brisbane in 2009. Ferrer 7-5, 6-2 in the final of of the match was an even affair, second round loss to world star Kei Nishikori, the world year) and felt like this was a good “Brisbane always has a strong the $250,000 winner-takes-all with neither player breaking number 116 Sergiy Stakhovsky at number 17, and Frenchman Gilles start for the Australian Open,” field and it will provide me with event. Spain’s Ferrer drew first serve until the 11th point of the Wimbledon before bowing out in Simon, ranked two places lower she said. “They have great courts tough matches against the world’s blood, breaking Djokovic in the tie-break as Nadal edged ahead. the fourth round of the US Open at 19. that are identical to the surface best,” she said. REUTERS fourth game to take a 3-1 lead, AGENCIES