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Tuesday 27 January 2015 • 7 Rabial II 1436 • Volume 19 Number 6323 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 Several new Emir honours camel race winners OPINION Saudi Arabia’s development schools to journey

he rule of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Twill be remembered as open in 2015 a mile- stone in the his- tory of the SEC has received 96 applications kingdom DOHA: Complaints about a square metres while a facility due to the severe shortage of seats in pri- combining all the three levels significant vate schools in Qatar are likely should provide a minimum area contri- to be addressed with a number of 8,500 square metres. butions of new schools expected to open The SEC also scrutinises the he made in the next academic year. study programme while issuing to the Dr Khalid Al Jaber The Supreme Education a licence to a new school, espe- devel- Council (SEC) has received 96 cially in the case of international opment of the country. The applications for opening private schools. image of Barack Obama, pres- schools during the 2015-2016 aca- The school fee is based on the ident of the superpower in the demic year, a senior SEC official infrastructure, facilities, staff and world, bowing before King has disclosed. the study programme. The Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani attended the closing ceremony of the annual Arabian Abdullah on the sidelines of A final decision on the applica- The official said requests from Thoroughbred Camel Race at the Shahaniya Racetrack yesterday and honoured the winners of the four main the G20 summit in 2009, is tions will be announced in June, schools seeking a fee hike had final races. still fresh in our minds. The Hamad Al Ghali, director of the been assessed on the basis of late king imposed himself as Private Schools Office at SEC, the quality of education and the a venerable leader and a dis- told a local Arabic daily. financial status of the school. The tinct international figure. Schools that have got initial SEC tied up with an international The transfer of power after approval have been given time company last year to lay down his death was smooth because until May-June to meet the clear standards for fee hikes. Doha eyes fresh Olympics bid of the successful political and licensing requirements so that “The SEC is moving towards succession system imple- they can start functioning when comprehensive and transparent DOHA: The Qatari capital will “In the last few years, we have process for the 2024 Summer mented since the establish- the next academic year begins, he international practices in assess- bid for the Olympic Games again, hosted several world champi- Games by asking its member ment of the Kingdom by King added. ment of schools and fees to make Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman onships. Many more are lined states to submit their interest by Abdulaziz Al Saud. Last year, the SEC opened 35 the system unified after analys- Al Thani said yesterday. up now. The World Boxing September this year. Some of the outstand- private schools, including inter- ing the data and making compari- Sheikh Saoud, Secretary Championship will be held later Italian capital Rome and ing achievements of the late national schools, after receiving sons,” said Al Ghali. General of Qatar Olympic this year. Then we have the World American city Boston have already king were allowing women 98 applications for the 2014-2015 Provision of accurate and useful Committee (QOC), however, said Road Cycling Race Championship. confirmed their interest, with to become members of the academic year. In November- data by the schools is important Doha was yet to decide which This will be followed by the World quite a few other cities expected Advisory Council, setting December every year, the Private for the success of this initiative. summer Games it will bid for. Athletics Championships in 2019,” to join the list of contenders. up a power transfer sys- Schools Office receives requests He said the aim of this proce- The next Olympic Games will he said. Germany is expected to enter tem through the Allegiance for licences to open new private dure was to improve the quality of be held in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, “It is not a matter of Qatar the race through Berlin or Commission, the launch of a schools and kindergartens. education and control fee hikes to while the 2020 edition will be wanting to bid for the Olympics Hamburg. Other interested cities major scholarship project for The officials said licences for protect the interests of students hosted by Tokyo. The last edition or not. But it is a time when Qatar include Durban in South Africa, which he allocated 25 billion new schools had been issued and parents. was staged in London in 2012. has to decide when to go for it. Istanbul and Paris. Saudi riyals, and the launch based on strict criteria. The most “The SEC also wants to encour- “On January 15, the No decision has been made about Once Qatar makes its bid offi- of a mega, modern railway important conditions are related age investment in private educa- International Olympic Committee the 2024 Olympic bidding as yet,” cial, it would be the third time project linking different parts to the building, safety and secu- tion to provide more options to had sent a circular to all NOCs he added. Doha would be attempting to of the kingdom. rity of the school premises and students and increase the schools’ asking the members to decide He said the decision will be bring the Olympic Games to the King Abdullah also revoked the fee structure. capacity,” said Al Ghali. for the Olympic bidding by made soon. Middle East. the traditional position of the A minimum area of 1,250 square He said the SEC was seeking to September. So there is still “We don’t know if we are Doha lost the 2016 and 2020 ‘second deputy prime minis- metres is required to open a kin- make fee hikes gradual and rea- time and everybody will know going to bid for ‘24 (2024), but Summer Games bids. ter’ and replaced it with dep- dergarten, while a primary school sonable, taking into account the about our interest for the 2024 bidding for the Olympics it will Asked if a bid was “inevitable” uty crown prince. Under him, needs a minimum of 2,450 square inflation in the country. Olympics,” Sheikh Saoud said be, I mean, either ’24, ’28 or ’32,” and just a matter of timing, Sheikh Saudi media enjoyed more metres. For a school combining a As part of this initiative, pri- yesterday. Sheikh Saoud said. “But for the Saoud responded: “Exactly.” freedom and he took per- kindergarten and primary-level vate schools have been classified “Qatar had showed interest ’24 we have not made the decision Doha, host of the 2006 Asian sonal interest in expanding classes, the required minimum into groups to make a reason- for the 2016 and 2020 Olympic yet. The decision will hopefully be Games, clearly dominates the and renovating the two holy space is 4,000 square metres. able comparison between similar Games. The commitment that before September,” he added. region with its long list of top mosques, and initiated inter- A school offering preparatory schools in the light of perform- Qatar had for the world champi- Earlier this month, the sports events. faith dialogue and reconcili- or secondary-level classes must ance and standards, he added. onships in the past will continue International Olympic Committee Continued on page 3 ation among Arab countries, have a minimum area of 3,500 THE PENINSULA in future as well,” he said. (IOC) launched the bidding THE PENINSULA the GCC states in particular. Continued on page 3 Kurds recapture Kobane Low voter registration Mind your bad Arabic! DOHA: A law in the offing language and its use in public — in speaking their version of Arabic for CMC poll would make the use of improper educational institutions, business would need to be careful. Arabic language in public an establishments and offices, service They wouldn’t be able to, for DOHA: The Elections offence. institutions and the media. example, say: “Mafi Maloom (for Department of the Ministry The idea is to preserve the Shops and business establish- “I don’t know”). That’s improper of Interior and Supervisory purity of the Arabic language amid ments would need to pay special Arabic. The proper Arabic for “I Committee for the Central the use of many foreign languages attention since signboards and let- don’t know” is “La Alam”. Municipal Council (CMC) poll that are spoken by different expa- terheads used by them would have Similarly, some Asians say has complained of low voter triate communities in Qatar. to use impeccable Arabic. “Inta rafiq maal ana” (“You are registration for the upcoming The proposed law also seeks The organisation feels that the my friend”). This is improper election of the public repre- to make sure that the status of Arabic spoken by many in Qatar Arabic. The correct Arabic is: sentative body, which is due this Arabic as Qatar’s national lan- is not proper, so there is a need “Anta Rafiqui”. May, and has extended the reg- guage is not diluted or eroded by to take corrective measures, and The language expert said that istration period for a week from foreign languages. hence the draft law. because of their large and long- tomorrow until February 5. Pro-Kurdish demonstrators celebrate in central Istanbul after Kurdish The draft law has been prepared The prestige of the Arabic lan- time presence here, Asian expatri- This was the period originally forces took full control of the Syrian town of Kobane yesterday, driving out by the Doha-based International guage is to be maintained at any ates had introduced terms such as fixed for deleting and adding remaining Islamic State fighters to end a four-month battle that became Organisation for the Advancement cost so that people feel proud of ‘seedha’ (for ‘alatool’ or straight), names to the voter list, but those a focal point of the international fight against the ultra-hardline group. of Arabic Language. it, and the draft legislation aims ‘dravel’ (for ‘saiq’ or driver) and nationals who haven’t registered The Organisation is part of at that. ‘Baba’ for sponsor. their names in the voter list yet Qatar Foundation and was set The draft law would also “These are just a few examples. can do so during the above week, up in 2013 as a non-profit body. encourage translation of Arabic There are many such foreign said Brigadier Majid Ibrahim Al The draft law was discussed in a works into other languages and words and corrupted sentences Khulaifi, head of the elections Al Shihaniya to be renamed recent meeting of the trustees of vice versa. used in spoken Arabic in Qatar,” department and the poll super- DOHA: A law in the pipeline would change the name of Al Shihaniya the organisation. Additionally, it would encourage said the expert. visory committee. to Al Shahaniya City, Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported yester- One of the aims of the organisa- research to develop Arabic techni- It is time that ends, and the The previous election (held in day. A report on the draft law (No. 19 of 2014 amending some provi- tion is to fight the use of so-called cal and scientific terms and the use of proper Arabic language and 2011) saw a voter registration of sions of Law No. 22 of 1988 regarding the administrative borders dialects of Arabic in which cor- language’s use in modern tech- words is encouraged, he said, add- over 32,000, much more than the of Al Shahaniya) prepared by the Services and Public Amenities rupted forms of Arabic words and nology and eventually set up an ing that he welcomed the draft law registration for the CMC poll for Committee of the Advisory Council was discussed by the Council foreign words and sentences are Arabic Academy. since the Arabic language is being the next term (2015), he said in a yesterday. Last year, Al Shahaniya was renamed as Al Shihaniya used. Meanwhile, an expert told this wrongly influenced by the other release yesterday. and declared Qatar’s eighth municipality. It will now be known as The draft law would discourage newspaper that once the draft languages. THE PENINSULA Al Shahaniya City. THE PENINSULA mixing of Arabic with any other law sees the light of day, Asians THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 27 JANUARY 2015 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

Aspire Zone Foundation to Vegetable prices at the lowest hold 10 events for public Traders at central market worried about the low turnout of customers DOHA: A s p i r e Z o n e F o u n d a t i o n (AZF) is celebrating the fourth BY YASIN KAKANDE National Sport Day (NSD) with a wide range of activi- DOHA: Prices for fresh veg- ties spread throughout various etables are at their lowest at locations at Aspire Zone. This the Central Market as traders year’s celebration will feature a struggle to cope with the low number of fun games and activi- turnout of buyers caused by the ties planned for children, young cold weather and the competition people, women, men and people from shopping centres. with special needs, along with A number of traders in the family-specific activities. market said their profit margins This year, AZF will organise were also hit as the priority was 10 different events planned for all to sell all the products which are members of the public. In addi- perishable, to a few customers tion, 24 companies and organisa- who come to the market. tions have chosen to celebrate the “We used to have most custom- NSD at Aspire Zone; 14 of which ers in the evening but recently will organise public events, while due to cold weather few families the rest will organise activities go out shopping in markets,” said for their staff members and their Mohiudin, a vegetable seller. families. According to him a kilogramme “The relationship between of carrot was being sold at QR2.5 NSD and Aspire Zone is really while on normal days it was sold for exceptional thanks to the correla- about QR3.5 and it is being priced tion between the NSD’s mission at QR5 in grocery stores and some and AZF’s mission and vision, supermarkets. both of which aim to improve Other big price drops were the athletic performance and seen on pepper being sold at use sports, in general, as means QR4 a kilogram while it sold at for changing human societies for QR7 in December in the same the better,” Nasser Abdullah Al market. Prices of potatoes also Hajri, Member of the AZF NSD were down by about QR1 from Organising Committee said. the usual QR3.5 to QR2.5 a kilo- gramme. Also a box of tomatoes worth 7kg at QR10 while a kilo- gramme of tomatoes was sold at 2,000 abandoned QR3 in a large supermarket. A box of cabbages with three big cars removed pieces is available at QR6 while a single cabbage was sold at QR3 DOHA: A total of 2,000 aban- in large supermarkets. doned cars were removed by Mohiudin also said that the Vegetables in boxes displayed at a shop in the wholesale market. KAMMUTTY V P Cars Removal Commission supply of vegetables from local recently in Al Rayan, Al Wakra dealers and from Saudi Arabia auction their products when they such a supply was very rare in opening up in residential areas. “At least for now we can get and Umm Salal Municipalities. has been much more than the fail to sell them and they are wor- the hot summer season. “When “Buyers are reluctant to come to some vegetables at less prices The commission had recently demand the market was wit- ried they will go bad. With the it’s hot we have more customers the markets as they are often far as prices of other foodstuffs, held a meeting to remove aban- nessing from local buyers this prevailing prices of vegetables it and less supply and when it’s cold from their homes and there are rent and other essentials in the doned cars. Authorities decided month. is difficult for the owners to pay there is more supply and less cus- supermarkets selling the same country are always increasing,” to begin the campaign from Al Mohammed, another seller in the worker’s salaries and also rent tomers. It’s always a puzzle,” he products almost everywhere,” he he said. Rayan Municipality, and said the market also said that vegeta- the market stalls,” he said. said. said. “Unfortunately these low prices the owners of these cars should bles were almost like being given Jamaludin, another trader Mohammed Shahajahan says One customer said termed the are only seasonal and as soon as approach the commission with in out at their cost prices in order blamed mostly the cold weather that business had gone down in cheap prices a good sign as every- the summer approaches prices of three months to take back their to avoid making full losses. for oversupply of vegetables and the last five years due to more thing else in the country was going vegetables will also go up.” vehicles. “Sometimes traders even fruits to the market, adding that supermarkets expanding and up. THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 27 JANUARY 2015 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03

Emir to patronise Delay tactics in Air College graduation event divorce cases DOHA: The Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will today patronise the gradu- ation ceremony of the second batch of students of the Air on the rise College at Leader Mohamed bin Abdullah Al Attiyah College at Al Udeid Air Base. Most victims in disputes are women Emir greets DOHA: Divorce cases linger woman) or filed for the custody of in courts longer than expected children of divorced or separated Indian President and during the litigation period parents. women and their children are Lawyer Yusuf Al Zaman told on Republic Day not entitled to any financial local Arabic daily Al Raya in com- support from their estranged ments published yesterday that family. considering the above problems DOHA: The Emir H H Sheikh If a wife has filed for divorce, there is the need for a special Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani the husband would usually try to family law. sent a cable of congratulations delay court proceedings by not “Most victims of a delayed The Minister of Environment H E Ahmed Amer Mohamed Al Humaidi and Assistant Undersecretary for Laboratories to the President of India Pranab accepting summons or by produc- court verdict of a family dispute and Standardization in the ministry, Dr Mohamed bin Saif Al Kuwari with other officials during the Qatar Forum Mukherjee on the occasion of ing false documents to prove that are women and children,” said Al 2015-Green Building Legislation at Wyndham Grand Regency Doha yesterday. KAMMUTTY V P his country’s Republic Day. he is in debt so he cannot take the Zaman. The Deputy Emir H H Sheikh responsibility of his children. Another lawyer, Ali Isa Al Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani Family disputes, including Khulaifi, said that sometimes also sent a cable of congratula- divorce cases and cases for custody court rulings in divorce cases are Focus on environment tions to Indian President. of children, normally take more delayed because the judges set up The Prime Minister and than a year for the court to decide. a committee that would try for Interior Minister H E Sheikh Then, a case is to be filed for rapprochement between litigating Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa the execution of court ruling and husband and wife. Al Thani greeted Indian President that takes more time because Then the case is referred protection, says minister Pranab Mukherjee on the occa- proceedings in the matter are by the court to the Family sion of Republic Day. based on commercial and civil Consultancy Centre (FCC) for DOHA: The Minister of support for the research activities the ministry to regulate building regulations. reconciliation, he said. This all Environment H E Ahmed that serve the environment. and construction’s provisions in So a family dispute or divorce takes time. Amer Mohamed Al Humaidi The ministry has supported the Qatar, Al Humaidi said. Emir congratulates case is finally disposed of in years, However, during the litigation affirmed that his ministry private scientific research using He thanked Qatar National not months, and this negatively the women and the children are seeks to protect the environ- construction waste after recy- Research Fund for its contri- Australian Governor impacts women, children and not entitled to any financial sup- ment and its natural balance cling in construction and building bution to financing scientific their families. port from their estranged fami- so as to implement Qatar’s projects in order to protect the researches aimed to solve envi- DOHA: The Emir H H Lawyers say that if family dis- lies, he said. National Vision 2030 and to environment through the optimal ronmental problems, the Public Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad putes are to be decided in a short Dr Moza Al Malki, prominent achieve comprehensive and utilisation of natural resources, Works Authority (Ashghal) Al Thani yesterday sent a time in the interest of the women psychologist, said that one good sustainable development for he added, saying that the minis- and UK Transport Research cable of congratulations to and children involved (since they thing about the present family law the generations. try works to use stones, sand and Laboratory (TRL) in Qatar for the Governor-General of suffer a lot due to delays), a pro- was that the parent who doesn’t Speaking at the Qatar’s first building waste after recycling in their participation in prepar- Australia Peter Cosgrove on cedural law is to be introduced. have the custody of his or her forum on green building regu- construction, foundations for ing researches in addition to the the occasion of his country’s A procedural law consists of children is allowed to see his or lations entitled “Using build- roads, infrastructure and some national institutions that have National Day. a set of rules that govern the her children at the FCC at regu- ing blocks after recycling in construction industries such as contributed positively to sup- The Deputy Emir H H Sheikh proceedings of the court in lar intervals. “Earlier, the parent Construction” yesterday, Al bricks, tiles, concrete blocks and porting technical and scientific Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani civil, criminal and administra- used to meet his or her children Humaidi asserted that the min- other industries. researches. and the Prime Minister and tive cases. at the police station. This used to istry has attached great attention These scientific researchers The Minister honoured the Interior Minister H E Sheikh Such a law can help shorten have a negative impact on chil- towards researches and studies on are considered as a key base for research team with certificates Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa the duration of a lawsuit filed for dren’s psychology,” she said. conformity standards and quality eco-friendly legislation and laws and shields. Al Thani have also sent similar divorce by either party (man or THE PENINSULA systems, in addition to providing which were enacted and issued by THE PENINSULA greetings. QNA

Qatar Airways campaign Conference discusses poisoning prevention management

DOHA: Management of association with Middle East and challenges developing toxicology poisoning was the cen- North African Clinical Toxicology services for Qatar. Dr Cameron tral theme discussed at the Association and Hamad Medical. also discussed toxicology serv- fourth International Scientific The conference had over 300 ices and poison control centers, Congress of the Middle East delegates from 20 countries, with both of which are widely avail- and North African Clinical 15 regional toxicologists who able in North America, Europe, Toxicology which concluded at trained in North America. and Australia/New Zealand, Ritz Carlton hotel on Sunday. The event began with a daylong and the numerous benefits that The conference brought together course teaching doctors and ambu- toxicology services and a poison physicians, pharmacists, paramed- lance staff how to manage CBRNE control center would contribute ics and ambulance staff who dis- (chemical, biological, radiological, to the well being of Qatar. cussed various aspects of poisoning nuclear, and explosion) disasters. The conference also linked and including managing patients poi- This course was brought by the networked key persons in differ- soned by medications, illegal drugs, United States Centers for Disease ent fields of medicine, ambulance animal venoms, household poisons, Control, and a local disaster prepa- care, public health, and disaster petrochemicals, as well as radia- ration expert, Dr Mohd Alhajri — preparedness. This allows col- tion poisoning . Director of Emergency Preparedness laboration between these groups, Under the theme “funda- & Response Department gave a pres- and improves care of poisoned mentals of clinical toxicol- entation on disaster preparedness in patients in the hospital, assists ogy” the event was hosted by Qatar. in prevention of poisoning, and The Emergency Preparedness Keynote speaker Dr Peter assists in being prepared for poi- Qatar Airways recently held a mall enrolment activation campaign showcasing the airline’s Privilege Club and Response Department in Cameron, chairman of emergency soning and other emergencies on Programme, highlighting the benefits and services to visitors at the Lagoona Mall. The airline had a modern Supreme Council of Health, in medicine at HMC, discussed a large scale. THE PENINSULA and stylish booth with trained service personnel who explained the benefits and ongoing promotions under the programme for frequent flyers.

Boxing world championship in Oct Nearly 200,000 visited Leshta Festival Continued from page 1 These include MotoGP’s season-opening races, ATP and WTA Tour DOHA: A total of 188, 421 visi- events, the Qatar Masters golf event sanctioned by the European Tour tors have attended the second and the Tour of Qatar cycling races staged every season. The FINA edition of the annual Leshta world championships (short distance) and Gymnastics World Cup legs (Winter) Festival which con- are also part of the QOC sports calendar. Doha also houses the world’s cluded yesterday at Katara largest indoor sports facility at Aspire Academy besides running the Esplanade. world famous sports hospital Aspetar. In December 2012, Doha added The total number of visitors the Anti-Doping Laboratory Qatar to its sports infrastructure. during the five-day festival was Doha is set to stage the boxing world championships in October this up by more than 60,000 compared year and the UCI World Road Championship at the end of 2016. Last May, to its first edition. Doha was awarded the 48th Artistic Gymnastics World Championships, Katara General Manager Dr. which will be staged in 2018. In 2019, Qatar will host the IAAF World Khalid Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, said Athletics Championships before turning its attention to the 2021 that the festival, on its second Confederation Cup in the build-up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup. consecutive year, once again achieved a great success, adding Katara has always been keen to King Salman an experienced leader diversify its activities to attract Continued from page 1 different audiences. Saudi Arabia is a country of regional and international importance He said the festival has pro- because of its area, population, religious status, economic role and vided useful information and geographical location. The smooth flow of energy from producer states spread awareness among children to industrialised countries is essential for the stability of the world in an entertaining and amusing economy, and the role of the kingdom in this regard is crucial. way and that Katara looks for- Riyadh is also an influential player in the Middle East in the wake ward for further development in of the instability caused by Arab Spring, which has resulted in regime the coming years. The Qatar Heritage and Identity Centre presents a play at the second Leshta Festival. changes in some countries and ongoing political tensions in others. Abdulrahman bin Jassin Al King Abdullah’s successor King Salman is very popular, and he Tamimi, Chairman of the festi- of more institutions and centers festival included the Childhood Championship, Katara Cultural has been part of decision-making for more than 50 years. He takes val organising committee, said: in the state, especially those that Cultural Centre, Doha Youth Market and Bin Muftah Medical charge at a crucial time for the country and the region, and is capable “We are pleased with the huge deal with children.” Centre, Qatar Heritage and Polyclinic and Al Adam Harley of addressing issues like the stability of the kingdom and regional and turnout throughout the festival. The centres and institutions Identity Centre, Al Gannas Group in addition to traditional international issues like the IS threat and the situations in Yemen, We hope to see the participation that took part in the five-day Association, Al Ghalayel bands. THE PENINSULA Iraq, Syria and North Africa. THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 27 JANUARY 2015 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

Region’s biggest QRC to extend entertainment centre to open charity mission at The Pearl

DOHA: “Megapolis”, a 5,000 square meter family entertain- to Somalia ment centre, is set to open in Medina Centrale at The Pearl- Qatar in March in what prom- ises to be the biggest indoor MoU signed with Somalian counterpart entertainment centre in the region. DOHA: Qatar Red Crescent On the QRC’s side, the pact was The centre will feature (QRC) signed a bilateral mem- signed by the Secretary-General, arcades and indoor attractions orandum of understanding Saleh bin Ali Al Mohannadi, like golf, bowling, snooker, bil- (MoU) with the Somali Red in the presence of the Director liard and darts, as well as high Crescent Society (SRCS) to of Administrative Affairs and tech 3D and 5D games, karaoke further relief, development and Human Resources, Nayef bin and an active sports zone. capacity building activities. Faisal Al Mohannadi, and Head The entertainment centre The MoU will enhance cooper- of QRC’s Office in Somalia, Dr will also have five eateries – ation and coordination in relation Zuhair Abdel-Qader. QRC General Secretary Saleh bin Ali Al Mohannadi (right) shaking hands with SRCS President Dr Ahmed Mohammed Saladworks, Earl of Sandwich, to QRC’s humanitarian activities “This MoU is an extension of Hassan after signing the MoU. Cool de Sac, Camille’s Ice Cream in favour of the drought- and QRC’s work in Somalia, in light and Mister Pizza. typhoon-affected communities of its message as an international and regulations,” said QRC’s Al Since then, it has implemented between SRCS and QRC in United Development throughout Somalia, particularly humanitarian organisation that Mohannadi. numerous relief and develop- Somalia. The MoU specifies the Company (UDC) signed a in health, water, capacity-build- is an auxiliary to Qatar in its On the other hand, the head mental projects in response to responsibilities and potential lease agreement in March last ing, and community resilience, humanitarian efforts locally and of Somali delegation, Dr Hassan, famines and malnutrition. The areas of short-term and long- year with Palma Hospitality according to a release from QRC. internationally, striving to pro- said the agreement will help reach agreement is expected to aug- term cooperation, expanding the Group, covering a total area of A delegation of SRCS visited tect human dignity at times of the biggest portion of the Somali ment QRC’s efforts to pursue scope of support in fundraising, 7000 square meter, to launch QRC premises, including Dr. disasters or armed conflicts, in people and improve their lives. its slogan of ‘Saving Lives and planning and implementation of a series of genuine food and Ahmed Mohamed Hassan, SRCS compliance with the principles He also thanked QRC and Preserving Dignity’ in favor of existing or future projects, long- beverage (F&B) concepts in President, Dr Youssef Hassan and rules defined by the Geneva Qatar for everything they do the Somali people, helping them term community-based develop- addition to Megapolis. Mohamed, SRCS Vice-President, Conventions, the Rules and and provide for the brothers in overcome their calamities,” said ment, and facilitation of relief Mohamed Yoosaf, General Ahmed Bakal, SRCS Coordinator Procedures of the International Somalia. Dr Abdel-Qader interventions and communica- Manager of Retail Leasing at in Somaliland, and Mohamed Red Cross and Red Crescent “QRC began working in Lasting for one year, renewable, tion with local authorities upon The Pearl-Qatar said: “We are Ahmed Adli, SRCS Coordinator Movement, and the relevant Somalia in 2004, and it opened the pact serves as a legal frame- request. delighted to see one of the most in Mogadishu, Somalia. national and international laws an official office there in 2006. work for operational cooperation THE PENINSULA anticipated entertainment hubs in Doha and at The Pearl- Qatar come to completion. This reflects the investment stabil- ity the State of Qatar contin- ues to enjoy and the growing interest from investors and Gulf Engineering Forum to discuss GCC projects developers in The Pearl-Qatar as a leading mixed-use devel- DOHA: Qatar Society of communication among engineers opment housing Doha’s fastest Engineers and the Public and their counterparts of various growing community. Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ specialisations in the GCC states. “Megapolis is therefore yesterday announced the 18th This year’s forum will spe- a valuable addition to the Gulf Engineering Forum and cifically highlight the basic family-oriented facilities that Associated Exhibition will begin infrastructure projects in the are planned for the Island and from March 1 at St Regis Hotel GCC states by reviewing their categorizes as the new gen- in Doha. The theme of three- achievements in this field over eration of hybrid recreation day event will be ‘Infrastructure the previous years, in addition centres that embody exquisite projects in the GCC’. to displaying the future plans designs and infrastructure The event is expected to see to be implemented to develop with high tech and service participation from prominent infrastructure. sophistication.” personalities across GCC includ- The 18th edition will also focus “Our strategic partnership ing decision-makers, senior on the challenges and obstacles with Palma Hospitality will officials from public and pri- faced by infrastructure projects, further see two restaurants, vate sectors, eminent engineers casting proposals, ideas and La Casa 28 and Debs w Reman from the region, as well as major visions that will contribute to find as well as the world-renowned consultancy firms, contracting constructive solutions to develop coffee shop, Mokarabia, open- companies, and engineering insti- the sector. ing also in Medina Centrale tutions. Gulf Engineering Forum The theme papers presented later in 2015,” added Yoosaf. is held annually in one of the GCC in the 18th Gulf Engineering The Pearl-Qatar’s retail countries and the 17th session was Forum will discuss many of the and hospitality expan- held in Oman. important issues of concern of sion plans continue to unfold The forum aims to provide a many engineers in various gulf in Porto Arabia and Qanat platform for exchange of ideas countries. In addition, the presen- Officials briefing media about the 18th Gulf Engineering Forum. Quartier, the Island’s other two and views of the Gulf Engineering tations in the two-day forum will main retail areas aside from Societies to benefit from their also focus on many topics related to transportation, green standards The forum will also host an their best techniques and solu- Medina Centrale, with another expertise through presenting the the development of infrastructure for infrastructure, provision engineering exhibition that tion technologies to meet the big indoor sporting facility, GCC experiences in the field of through interdependence, coop- of raw materials for engineer- brings together various engineer- challenges and obstacles in the “Gymito”, spanning an area of infrastructure development. The eration and exchange of expertise ing projects, provision of human ing companies and institutions execution of projects, showcas- 2000 square meters being in forum will also play an impor- across GCC states. resources for engineering sponsoring and participating in ing their past experiences in the the pipeline among many other tant role in boosting engineer- The major themes of discus- projects, and the best practices the event. These firms, each unto development of infrastructure. genuine concepts. ing awareness and encourage sion in the forum shall focus on: in project management. its specialisation, shall provide THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA The Color Run Qatar to be held on Feb 7

DOHA: The Color Run Qatar has been rescheduled for February 7, organisers announced yesterday. The event was originally scheduled to take place last Saturday but was postponed due to the passing of King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia and Qatar’s three-day mourning period. All Color Runners who signed up for the original event are now automatically registered for the event on February 7 which will still take place at Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC). Participants should keep their registration details and The Color Run race packs for the new event. The Color Run is a five-kilometre, untimed fun run where participants can run, jog, walk, or even push their children in strollers around the course under a shower of colored powder. The course will wind its way around the outside of QNCC, lighting up the area with huge clouds of vibrant color as it goes. The fun continues at the fin- ish line with a gigantic Finish Festival designed to create happiness and lasting memories. This event, which marks The Color Run’s debut in Doha, is completely sold out with over 5,000 Color Runners con- firmed to take part. The event also focuses on promoting healthy living. Over 60 percent of Color Runners are first- time 5k runners and the event hopes to further Qatar’s commitment to improving health and wellness across the country. The event is presented by Sahtak Awalan: Your Health First, an initiative from WCMC-Q in association with the Supreme Council of Health and the campaign’s strategic partners, Qatar Foundation, Supreme Education Council, Qatar Petroleum, Occidental Petroleum Qatar, ExxonMobil, and Qatar Olympic Committee. The event has gathered support from all corners of the community in Doha, including young athletes from the Qatar Athletics Federation. Two-time World Junior Hammer Throw Champion Ashraf ElSeify and runner Mariam Farid are taking part in the event. $1 from every entry to the event will be donated to Educate a Child, a global program of the Education Above All Foundation (EAA) that aims to significantly reduce the number of children worldwide who are denied their right to education. THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 27 JANUARY 2015 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05

Indian Republic Day celebrated

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage H E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, (second left), Indian Ambassador Sanjiv Arora (third left) and the Director of Protocol Ibrahim Yousif Fakro (fourth right) with other officials cut- ting a cake to mark the 66th Republic Day of India at Grand Hyatt Doha yesterday. RIGHT: Students performing as part of the celebration. Many Indian expatriates yesterday gathered at their embassy premises to celebrate the Republic Day. KAMMUTTY V P Employers prefer online hiring: Survey Bayt.com poll says online job sites will be most widely used to source candidates in 2015

DOHA: An online poll conducted According to 20.2 percent of leading hiring trend in the next notifying job seekers via email. is not having active online conver- important than ever before. With by a Dubai-based job site recently those responsible for hiring tal- twelve months. Interestingly, 16.1 percent of sations. From the point of view a majority of employers sourcing revealed that online hiring is ent, online job sites will be most As for the time needed to find a respondents involved in the hir- of employees, 39.4 percent believe talent on the Internet, job seek- becoming increasingly popular widely used to source candidates qualified candidate to appoint, it’s ing process say that the biggest that their company currently has ers are advised to create search- among employers in the region. in 2015. In parallel, 29.3 percent not very fast; 48 percent of respond- mistake that candidates make all the skills it needs, while 35.6 able online profiles to stand out. The survey by Bayt.com titled claim that the recruitment of ents responsible for hiring admit with online recruitment is not percent say that there is definitely The survey was conducted from “skills and hiring trends in the active candidates online will that their company now takes one emphasising their skills enough. a skills gap in some areas. For 29 December 14, 2014 to January 14, Mena” found that a staggering become the number one hir- to three months to fill a vacant For 15.9 percent, a critical mis- percent, a solution to building 2015, with 5,961 respondents from 84.1 percent of respondents work- ing trend of 2015. On the other position. Most employers (32.9 step made by job seekers online is necessary expertise is simply by the UAE, Algeria, Iraq, Kuwait, ing in HR departments conduct hand, 11.6 percent state that percent) call up candidates to having an incomplete public pro- increasing training investments. Libya, Oman, Qatar, Tunisia, and reference checks prior to hiring the recruitment of passive can- notify them about a hiring deci- file. The third most cited critical He also added: “The power Yemen. eligible candidates. didates online is set to be the sion, with a further 30 percent mistake (according to 12 percent) of online recruitment is more THE PENINSULA Qatar Charity emergency aid to Syrian refugees continues

DOHA: Qatar Charity field teams have been distributing emergency relief aid to Syrian refugees in neighbouring coun- tries in the past weeks, follow- ing the waves of snowstorms the worst the Levant has seen in 80 years. The latest distributions took place along the Jordanian border with Syria, in the provinces of Zaatari and Mafraq, with focus on the areas of Um Alqotain and Al Dafianeh. Winter clothing for adults and children, shoes and hats, blankets, meat and other food items were distributed to 20,000 Syrian refugees. Qatar Charity also recently sent its latest mini-convoy of three trucks carrying 45 tonnes of aid to the Syrian-Turkish border. This in-kind aid was col- lected through Qatar Charity’s ‘Spectrum’ (TAYF) project. Items distributed included blankets and clothing, heaters, shoes and games for children. This aid ben- efitted more than 10,000 displaced Syrians inside Syria and those liv- Syrian refugees with blankets distributed by Qatar Charity. ing as refugees in Turkey. Qatar Charity’s upcoming travel to northern Syria, carrying to be provided to the Qatar Charity relief convoy to Syria is now aid to support 450 families for a bakery that continues to distribute being finalised. Each truck with month. The convoy will also con- free bread to targeted households a cargo value of QR200,000 will tain a minimum of 12 tons of flour inside Syria. THE PENINSULA

Qatar to attend regional Arab education meet

DOHA: Qatar will participate Forum in Incheon in 2015. opportunity for countries to in the Regional Conference for Qatar’s delegation to the meet- voice their reflections and needs the Arab States on Education ing will be headed by HE Dr for education beyond 2015 and Post-2015 due to be held in Mohammed bin Abdul Wahid contribute to the shaping of the the Egyptian city of Sharm El Ali Al Hammadi, Minister of future of education within the Sheikh from today. Education and Higher Education broader development agenda from Organised by the United and Secretary General of the a regional perspective. Nations Educational, Scientific Supreme Education Council. The meeting will culminate in and Cultural Organization The delegation will also include a shared vision and understand- (Unesco) and the Egyptian Dr Hamda Al Sulaiti, Secretary- ing of EFA status in the region, Education Ministry, the Regional General of the National a regional perspective on the Conference for the Arab States Education, Culture and Science proposed post-2015 global educa- on Education Post-2015 will Committee and National tion goal and targets and regional develop and validate regional Coordinator of Education for All, contributions to the development recommendations for the interna- and Khalid Al Harqan, Director of the post-2015 Framework for tional framework for action to be of SEC Evaluation Institute. Action and implementation strat- adopted at the World Education The meeting will provide an egy. QNA TUESDAY 27 JANUARY 2015 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST Lebanon migrant workers hope for union to end abuse

BEIRUT: Subjected to beatings are required to have valid resi- Organization’s (ILO) Convention Gemma said. and rape, and often driven to sui- dence and work permits, as well 189 came into force in 2013. The “Some employers lock up cide, migrant domestic workers as health insurance,” said Fenasol convention stipulates that domes- their domestic workers in their in Lebanon are trying to form a head Castro Abdallah. “So why tic workers have the right to at rooms, while others won’t pay labour union in what would be a is their contract not regulated least one day off per week, a mini- their employees for months at a first for the Arab world. under the labour law? It’s a job mum wage and to choose where time.” Gemma makes only $150 “We want to be treated like like any other.” to live and spend their holidays. per month and says there should human beings, like real work- Rights groups frequently Under the controversial be a decent minimum wage for ers,” said Leticia, a Filipina accuse Lebanon and Gulf states “kafala” (sponsorship) system migrant domestic workers. “We who was assaulted and raped by of racist and degrading treatment that Lebanon enforces, migrant are their employees, not their her employer several years ago. of migrant domestic workers, domestic workers are left at slaves,” she said. “With this union, I will no longer who are often referred to simply the mercy of their employers. It Rights groups have repeatedly feel alone in the face of abuse,” as “servants”, regardless of their restricts workers from moving to raised concerns about the plight she said. nationality. a new job before their contracts of Lebanon’s domestic workers. Leticia joined more than 200 Although their campaigns have end unless they obtain their Human Rights Watch said last women from Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, helped raise public awareness, employer’s consent, trapping year that Lebanese authorities Bangladesh and other countries rights activists and union workers many in abusive situations. were refusing to renew the resi- at the founding conference of say there are no mechanisms in Living conditions can be so dence permits of children born to their hoped-for union in Beirut Migrant domestic workers of various nationalities at the headquarters of the place to protect women when they abysmal that some countries, migrant domestic workers. on Sunday. Their initiative is National Federation of Unions for Workers and Employees in Lebanon in Beirut. are mistreated or when contracts including the Philippines, have They began deporting children, unprecedented in the Arab world, are broken. Gemma, a 48-year-old forbidden their citizens from often separating them from their which the United Nations says is which says the country has a said that Lebanese law does who has lived in Lebanon since taking up new work contracts in mothers. Abdallah said he hopes home to some 30 million migrant quarter of a million migrant not allow foreigners to set up a 1993, said: “We domestic workers Lebanon. “I have a friend whose the new union will establish clear workers. domestic workers. But it has union, but “new laws are needed are not seen as real employees.” employer did not allow her to eat guidelines on migrant workers’ It has the support of the yet to win recognition from the to improve the situation of The idea of setting up a domes- any more than a piece of bread rights and duties. “We hope this National Federation of Workers’ government. housemaids”. tic workers’ union emerged and a bit of lettuce, because she will serve as a model for the Arab Unions in Lebanon (Fenasol), Labour Minister Sejaane Azzi “Foreign workers in Lebanon after the International Labour did not want her to gain weight,” world,” he said. AFP Tunisia cabinet IS neither a state, nor justified by Islam: Cleric SINGAPORE: The Islamic State (IS) also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and and you say you do it in the name of Islam, group, which has sown a trail of terror Syria (ISIS), was in line with Islamic law. certainly this is not what Islam is about.” across Syria and Iraq, is neither a state Since the group emerged in its current Sheikh Allam also said the publication nor justified by Islam, Egypt’s top Muslim form in 2013, its militants have captured of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) cartoons talks begin cleric said yesterday. large swathes of territory in both Syria and by the French satirical magazine Charlie “We have already asserted that we should Iraq. It has declared an Islamic “caliphate” Hebdo “affected our emotions deeply” but never use the term Islamic State for ISIS,” in territory under its control, and gained a stressed that “we have to deal with this issue Egypt’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Shawky Allam reputation for brutality, including torture in a rational manner”. PM-designate Essid faces challenges said at a public forum in Singapore. and beheading of its captives. Two Islamist gunmen this month attacked “It is not a state in the first place, nei- In its latest act of brutality, the group the Paris office of the magazine, leaving 12 TUNIS: Tunisian Prime Minister- were given posts. “The discussions ther is it justified by any Islamic justifica- said on Sunday that it had executed one of people dead, including some of Charlie Hebdo’s designate Habib Essid began new have begun with Essid and one hopes tion,” he told the packed gathering, which two Japanese hostages it has been holding, top cartoonists. Five more people were killed negotiations over his cabinet yes- those discussions will lead to more was organised by the city-state’s Islamic apparently by beheading him. in related attacks by a separate gunman. terday after most political parties consensus,” Ennahda leader Rachid Religious Council. Sheikh Allam said the group was misrepre- “When someone has committed a crime said they would oppose his initial Ghannouchi told reporters. “The establishment of any Islamic state senting Islam. “The main intention of Allah is in any country, there are ways to ensure this choice of ministers in a parliamen- Essid last week selected minis- will need to go to its roots, its basis and certainly not the destruction, killing or war,” matter is raised through proper channels,” tary vote. ters from Nidaa Tounes, the leading foundations,” he said through an interpreter he said. “What we seek is stability. If these the cleric said. “Anything we do must be Rejection by parliament would party in parliament, independents when asked if the formation of the group, people are there to only cause destruction, just — that is the basis of Islam.” AFP mean newly-installed President Beji and smaller partners before a vote Caid Essebsi would have to appoint a to ratify his government on Tuesday. new premier to try to form another That vote has been delayed to give cabinet. time for more talks. Tunisia’s politics have been domi- In the 217-seat parliament, Nidaa nated by negotiations and com- Tounes holds 86 seats and has backing Biggest Turkey promise deals between secular from the liberal, secular UPL party, and Islamist leaders after the 2011 which has 16 seats. Ennahda holds 69 refugee camp to uprising that ousted autocrat Zine seats, the Popular Front 15 and Afek El-Abidine Ben Ali and brought free Tounes eight. Without support from house 35,000 elections and a new constitution. other parties or defections, Essid As such, it has been held up as a would fall short of the 109-seat major- ISTANBUL: Turkey opened its model for democratic change in a ity needed to ratify his government. biggest refugee camp on Sunday region beset by chaos and violence. Delegates from Afek Tounes, who to house 35,000 people fleeing The secular party Nidaa Tounes are nominal allies to Nidaa Tounes, fighting between Kurdish forces won October legislative elections and had walked out of cabinet negotia- and Islamist militants in Syria’s will need strong backing in parlia- tions last week. But they also said Kobane, national disaster man- ment as it prepares to crack down on they would enter new talks. agement agency AFAD said. Islamist militants and make sensitive Ennahda had said it was open to a Located in the southeastern cuts in public spending demanded by unity government with Nidaa Tounes border town of Suruc, the tent international lenders. to improve stability. Nidaa Tounes city has two hospitals, seven med- Essid held talks with the Islamist itself is an coalition of former Ben ical clinics and enough classrooms party Ennahda, leftist party Popular Ali officials, leftists and independ- for 10,000 children, AFAD spokes- Front and smaller partner Afek ents. But its hardliners were opposed man Dogan Eskinat said. Tounes after all three groups rejected to joining with Ennahda, which they He said months of fighting his original cabinet proposal where blame for unrest when the Islamists in Kobane had caused an influx none of their political delegates were in government. REUTERS of some 200,000 refugees into Turkey and that AFAD would see how the situation develops before Boys sit near destroyed buildings in Aleppo yesterday. deciding whether any more facili- ties should be constructed. Turkey has some 24 camps Syrian oppn starts talks in Moscow housing 265,000 Syrian refu- gees with another set to open MOSCOW: Members of the Syrian opposition all who are trying to create a ceasefire,” Majid in Mardin next month, Eskinat meeting in Moscow yesterday said they aimed Habbo, a senior member of the opposition National said. More than 200,000 people to work out common demands to present to Coordination Committee said in Moscow. have been killed and millions the Damascus government when its represent- Many of the more than 30 opposition figures displaced in the Syrian civil war atives join them later this week in an attempt attending are from a Damascus-based official oppo- since March 2011. to revive peace efforts. sition tolerated by Assad and are viewed as traitors The majority of Turkey’s 1.7 Expectations of a breakthrough are low. The by his armed enemies in the conflict, which has million refugees live outside talks have been spurned by key political opposi- killed more than 200,000 and displaced millions. camps, sometimes on the streets tion and do not involve the main insurgent groups Habbo said through a translator: “Russia is and in shanty towns, causing ten- fighting on the ground nearly four years into the an ally of the regime and an important player sions with the local population. war in Syria. in the conflict. We hope they will hear our views Authorities have begun to trans- Opposition members who refused to attend and help put pressure on Assad.” He said the fer those living on city streets to cited Moscow’s long-standing backing for Syrian opposition would seek progress on alleviating the camps. The Kurds now control President Bashar Al Assad as their main reason, plight of civilians and freeing political prisoners. around 90 percent of Kobani, saying the talks were aimed at propping up the Even the Russian hosts laid out modest expec- said the British-based Syrian man they want to leave power. tations for the talks, due to be joined by Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. “We are trying to create an atmosphere of trust, government representatives tomorrow. REUTERS between all sides, including the regime, and with REUTERS South Sudan finds hope in honey harvest

JUBA: A harvest of honey from the Honey Care Africa has been working like Zambia of 300 metric tonnes and then I equatorial forests of South Sudan will since 2013 in South Sudan, where it sees look at our forests here, I feel we have much help its struggling poor and, through the potential to collect honey from bees immune more potential,” Jabob Moga, a bee expert pollination of bees, improve the nation’s to the problems that have depleted colonies in South Sudan’s agriculture ministry, told crop yields, those involved say. in the United States and to a lesser extent Reuters by telephone. Spring production over the coming weeks in Europe. “With a little understanding, it’s a good is expected to deliver 60 tonnes, double the The charity has worked in Kenya for a source of income... It’s a win-win kind of volume of an initial batch of exports last decade, but droughts can be a problem for activity.” Honey Care Africa has invested year to Kenya. South Sudan’s honey har- honey-making there so it sought to expand. $1 million in South Sudan and local farmers vests had suffered because decades of fight- It looked at Tanzania, but decided South have received income of more than $75,000, ing closed off the former main trade route Sudan had greater untapped potential. benefiting more than 400 families. through the north. Zambia too has developed production suf- While Sudan’s oil wealth helped to fuel “Honey production is not a panacea. ficiently to allow international export and the conflict, corruption and rivalry that We’re not trying to save the country or internet sales of honey from wild bees that led South Sudan to be split off from Sudan, eliminate the conflict, but we do want to live in rain forests. reviving honey production can aid recovery do our part,” Madison Ayer, head of devel- “There is high potential indeed. When I among the poorest in one of the world’s least opment charity Honey Care Africa, said. get reports of honey exports from countries developed countries. REUTERS TUESDAY 27 JANUARY 2015 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07

Protest in Ramallah Detained Omani Drone kills three hunger striker’s health worsening, Qaeda in Yemen; says Amnesty DUBAI: Amnesty International warned yesterday of the “seri- ously” deteriorating health condition of a detained Omani unrest continues human rights defender on hun- ger strike since his January 21 arrest in the city of Salalah. US closes embassy to public Saeed Jaddad, who led Arab Spring-inspired protests in the SANA’A: A drone strike killed satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo. sultanate in 2011, was hospitalised three suspected Al Qaeda mili- In India, Obama had vowed the on January 23, two days after he tants in Yemen yesterday after United States would “continue to started a hunger strike following Washington vowed to carry on go after high-value targets inside his arrest. its campaign against the jihad- of Yemen”. “Washington will con- He was returned to police cus- ist group despite the country’s tinue its campaign, regardless of tody yesterday, and authorities ongoing political crisis. who will be sitting on Yemen’s had “ignored” medical advice The US embassy in Sana’a, presidential chair, and regard- and were preparing to send him meanwhile, announced on its less of whether the chair is empty by plane to the capital Muscat for website that it was closed to the or filled,” said Khaled Fattah, a trial, said Amnesty. “The authori- public until further notice due to Yemen expert at the Carnegie ties in Oman are endangering the security concerns. Middle East Centre. health and life of activist Saeed US President Barack Obama Hadi resigned on Thursday Jaddad, who should not be fac- on Sunday insisted Washington after the Houthis kidnapped his Supporters of the Fatah movement hold placards during a rally to support President Mahmoud Abbas’ policy ing trial in the first place,” said would pursue its efforts against chief of staff and seized key build- and to call to boycott Israeli goods, in Ramallah yesterday. Amnesty’s Philip Luther. Al Qaeda in Yemen regard- ings across the capital. The unrest “Rather than putting him at less of upheaval that has seen has raised fears of strategically further risk by transferring him Western-backed President important Yemen, which lies next from Salalah to Muscat for a Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi tender to Saudi Arabia and along key court trial, Saeed Jaddad should his resignation. shipping routes, collapsing into a be released immediately and UN envoy Jamel Benomar met failed state. unconditionally.” with Houthi leaders and members In a message on its website, Mubarak’s sons freed from prison Amnesty said that Jaddad, who of other parties as part of a bid Washington’s mission in Sana’a has a long-standing heart condi- to broker an agreement after the said: “The US Department of CAIRO: The sons of deposed sources have said Mubarak could police of making sweeping arrests. tion, is now refusing liquids and Shiite militia seized the presiden- State warns US citizens of the Egyptian president Hosni soon be freed pending retrial in a “We arrested 516 elements has refused to take medication in tial palace last week. high security threat level in Mubarak were released from corruption case as the former air from the Muslim Brotherhood protest at his detention. “He has been convening and Yemen due to terrorist activities prison yesterday, security offi- force commander currently has group who were involved in fir- Jaddad has been charged with chairing daily meetings with 16 and civil unrest”. It urged US cials said, a move that could fuel no convictions against him. ing ammunition, planting explo- “undermining the status and political parties in order to build citizens “not to travel to Yemen” tension after the violent anniver- Elected President Abdel Fattah sives and bombing some facilities” prestige of the state” in his calls consensus on a way forward,” UN and those in the country to “make sary on Sunday of the 2011 upris- Al Sisi has restored a degree of on Sunday, Interior Minister for political and social reform in spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. plans to depart immediately.” ing that toppled the autocrat. stability after Mubarak’s fall trig- Mohamed Ibrahim said. Oman and during a meeting he The drone strike saw an In the latest unrest, Houthis An Egyptian court last week gered nearly four years of political Ibrahim has overseen a bloody had with members of the European unmanned aircraft, which only armed with daggers attacked ordered the release of Alaa and and economic distress. police crackdown targeting the Parliament in 2013, according to the United States operates in protesters gathered inside the Gamal Mubarak pending their But signs of discontent, includ- Brotherhood. The arrests were Amnesty. The prominent activist the region, fire four missiles at campus of Sana’a University to retrial in a corruption case. ing rare protests in downtown the biggest police sweep in a sin- and blogger was arrested the first a vehicle in a desert area east of demonstrate against them, leav- Mubarak’s sons, big businessmen Cairo, emerged in the run-up gle day since Sisi came to power time between December 10 and 22. Sana’a, killing three suspected ing 10 people wounded, activ- in his era of crony capitalism, were to Sunday’s anniversary of the after a landslide election victory Oman was shaken by uprisings Al Qaeda militants, a tribal ists said. The Huthis had earlier released at 2am. Accompanied start of the uprising. More than last May. in 2011, prompting H M Sultan source said. blocked access to the university by their lawyer and bodyguards, 500 backers of Egypt’s black- Ibrahim told a press confer- Qaboos bin Said to reshuffle his Yemeni authorities have for and the nearby Change Square they were driven to their home listed Muslim Brotherhood were ence that 20 people were killed on government and expand the con- years allowed Washington to with roadblocks in a bid to pre- in Cairo’s upscale Heliopolis area, arrested, a minister said, in the Sunday in clashes, most of them sultative assembly. But scores of carry out strikes against Al vent demonstrations. security officials said. biggest police sweep for months. in Cairo’s northern district of activists have been convicted of Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, Anti-Houthi demonstrators Security and medical officials Rights groups have repeatedly Matareya where skirmishes lasted defaming or using social media the local branch of the jihadist also gathered in Yemen’s third said they had also visited Mubarak denounced the use of “excessive more than 12 hours, adding two networks to insult the sultan, who network which claimed respon- city Taez yesterday, activists said. in the military hospital where force” by the authorities to crush policemen were among the dead. has ruled for 44 years. sibility for the attack on French AFP he is still in detention. Judicial opposition rallies and accused AGENCIES AFP Libya peace talks resume in Geneva

GENEVA: A new round of polite way, in a very constructive some of the group’s high-level peace talks between Libya’s way,” he said. “It’s an excellent officials from cities beyond the warring factions resumed in atmosphere. What is important capital, including Misrata, were Geneva yesterday to try and is to build trust,” he said, adding: in Geneva for the negotiations. save the country from sinking “All these steps we are taking are Ahead of the talks, the UN’s into deeper chaos. sound steps.” Libya mission UNSMIL appealed During a first round of The north African nation has to all sides “to approach these UN-mediated discussions in the been wracked by conflict since the talks... in a spirit of openness Swiss city earlier this month, overthrow of dictator Muammar and reconciliation that is guided warring factions from the strife- Gaddafi in a 2011 uprising, with by the higher national interest of torn country agreed on a roadmap rival governments and powerful the Libyan people.” to form a unity government. militias battling for control of key In addition to the main politi- The UN’s envoy to Libya, cities and the country’s oil riches. cal track resuming yesterday, the Bernardino Leon, had warned as Talks continued with partici- UN said another meeting would the talks first opened on January pants from a range of groups and be taking place in Geneva later in 14 that they were a last-ditch effort representatives of civil society. But the week bringing together munici- to prevent all-out chaos and that the Islamist-backed Fajr Libya pal and local council representa- the country was rapidly becoming a (Libya Dawn) militia alliance, tives from cities and towns across hotbed of Islamist insurgents. which took over Tripoli last sum- Libya to discuss “confidence build- Leon yesterday said that he mer, was not officially taking part. ing measures and ways to imple- was satisfied with the progress However, it did declare a cease- ment them”. UNSMIL said it also thus far. The participants were fire with Libya’s army following planned to convene a number of “providing good ideas in a very the January 15 agreement, and other meetings later. AFP

Protest in Bahrain Saudi postpones biggest festival

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia yesterday postponed its biggest national cul- tural festival, an event developed by the late King Abdullah, after his death last week. The Janadriyah festival was to be held on February 4-22, with a special guest pavilion from Germany. “A royal directive was issued to postpone the National Festival for Heritage and Culture to... next year,” the official Saudi Press Agency said. It said the postponement was “due to the death of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz al-Saud”, who was replaced by his half-brother Salman. Tthe festival is a major annual event which takes place on the outskirts of the capital Riyadh. It features camel races, cultural performances, and pavilions showing folklore, handicrafts, and food from around the kingdom. Each year also features a guest A Bahraini protester wearing a tear gas mask waves his national country. Germany announced in early flag during clashes with police after a demonstration against the January that it would be this year’s arrest of Sheikh Ali Salman, head of the Shia opposition move- guest, and would send cultural troupes as well as companies to exhibit. The late ment Al-Wefaq, in Salman’s home village of Bilad Al Qadeem, on King Abdullah developed the festival the outskirts of the capital Manama, yesterday. before he acceded to the throne in 2005. AFP TUESDAY 27 JANUARY 2015 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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SUBSCRIPTION / HOME DELIVERY TEL: 44557809 /839 FAX: 44557819 E-MAIL: [email protected] SUBSCRIPTION RATES: ANNUAL QR 675 6 MONTHS QR 340 Editorial Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate Greek fallout Tsipras’s Greek revolution faces HE Greek election results haven’t come as a surprise because opinion polls had shown that the leftist party Syriza would win maximum seats. TThough the results are as predicted, the worries headwinds from north, south about the consequences such a poll outcome still remain. By choosing Syriza, Greece has rejected the punishing BY JAMES G NEUGER 10-year yield by 59 basis points to 9 per- options, it isn’t the guillotine that economics of austerity imposed by Europe and it has set off cent at 2:10 p.m. in Athens. An early some make it out to be. Most is now alarm bells. Syriza’s leader Alexis Tsipras has already set HE revolution starts in Greece. confrontation with creditors would fur- owed to European governments and up a confrontation with European leaders with his pledges It might end there as well. ther hem in Syriza’s room for maneuver the International Monetary Fund, and to write down Greece’s debt and denouncement of Greece’s Alexis Tsipras, the untested by conjuring up the risk of expulsion Greece is now posting surpluses on its austerity programme, imposed in return for pledges of Twinner of Greek elections, from the euro, leading depositors to operating budget. is about to discover the difference move money out of Greek banks. The bulk of Greece’s European loans $269bn in aid since May 2010. His party gained strength between campaigning and governing. The 40-year-old’s main antagonist are interest-free until 2022. Principal and won votes by harnessing the public anger to five years Simply holding on to power will be a will be German Chancellor Angela repayments begin in 2023. Graham of belt-tightening and social hardship, which has ruined the tall order. It will be harder to push Merkel, the European Union’s long- Bishop, a London-based adviser on EU happiness of millions of families. through demands for debt relief and est-serving leader, head of its biggest financial regulation and author of “The Syriza fell just short of the threshold for a majority in the inspire a broader European revolt economy, main underwriter of the bail- EU Fiscal Crisis,” said it would be fool- against austerity. out and architect of the budget-cutting hardy to Greece to give up those terms 300-seat Parliament, forcing a coalition deal with a small The one-time student radical has orthodoxy that Greeks rebelled against and throw itself back on the mercy of right-wing party, the Independent Greeks. The two have shed his communist roots and, in op-ed at the ballot box. the markets. virtually nothing in common beyond their shared antipathy pieces in western European newspapers Both sides label their demands “They’ve already got a terrific deal for the stringent terms of the country’s $284bn bailouts. during the campaign, presented himself non-negotiable. Tsipras wants a debt and I would have thought the wiggle But more importantly, Tsipras has created history. This as open to compromise. Whether that writedown and leeway to spend more, room must include a further length- charismatic 40-year-old leader was sworn in as Greece’s message got through to the Greeks who starting with this year’s budget. The ening of the maturities and a further gave his Syriza party 36.3 percent of the Germans, backed by the Dutch and extension of the interest moratorium,” youngest prime minister in 150 years! vote yesterday remains to be seen. It’s Finns, say an unequivocal no on both Bishop said. “The cash-flow effects Tsipras has performed well during the elections, and we what his creditors counts. could not be better.” will have to wait if he can perform equally well as the head are banking on to Tsipras is “much more given to Syriza’s detractors aren’t only in of the government. He doesn’t hold together the shrewd compromises than to radi- Europe’s wealthier north. Its attempt to have any magic formula to solve 19-nation euro calism,” said Angelos Chryssogelos, a court allies in the depressed European By electing the country’s problems and will area. lecturer in European politics at the south is running into trouble there. Never before “There will University of Limerick in Ireland. He Italy’s Five Star Movement, which ech- Syriza, Greece have to rely heavily on European be much more called Tsipras “a very cynical person oes Syriza’s economic grievances, has support. For example, German elected to high pragmatism than in doing away with foes in his party” lost popularity since making it into par- has rejected officials have said that Tsipras, people think,” and said that by broadening its appeal liament in 2013. constrained by Greece’s financial office, Tsipras said Miguel beyond the anti- capitalist fringes, For Syriza, the bigger southern the punishing needs and pressure from the said yesterday Otero Iglesias, Syriza “cannot possibly be as radical European prize is Spain. Unemployment a senior analyst as it was when it was at 4 percent.” there is 23.9 percent, comparable to euro area, will have no choice but economics he will govern at the Elcano One thing both will probably agree Greece’s 25.7 percent, with economic to stand broadly by the reform Royal Institute in on is to push back the end-of-February discontent combining with outrage of austerity program already negotiated. in coalition with Madrid. “There deadline, which is more of a loose target at official corruption to fuel the even “Tsipras has promised a lot, but he will be some kind than a line in the sand. The real crunch faster rise of the anti- establishment imposed by will have to deliver if Greece wants the Independent of easing of the is in July and August, when two bond Podemos party ahead of an election in aid disbursements to continue,” bailout conditions repayments totalling 6.7 billion euros to late 2015. Europe. Greeks, a party so that Tsipras the European Central Bank will drain Syriza mobilised its Spanish allies Michael Grosse- Broemer, the that shares his can go back to his Greece’s remaining cash. in campaign videos. In one, Tania chief whip of Merkel’s caucus in people and say I The elements of any compromise, Gonzalez, elected to the European the lower house, or Bundestag, anti-austerity got a victory, but I reprisals of past deals, are in place: Parliament for Podemos last year, told broadcaster N-TV. don’t think there Creditors could cut Greece’s interest voiced hope that “all this pain can be Syriza’s victory is unlikely to lead to a collapse of the credo but little will be a radical rates and give it more time to pay back, transformed into resentment and polit- relations between Greece and Europe because it will not rupture.” something promised in November 2012. ical change” in Greece. else. Never before Such a maneuver could save Greece a Podemos is running neck-and-neck serve the interest of any side. Both sides will have to step elected to high sum equal to 17 percent of gross domes- in polls with Prime Minister Mariano back from the positions they are taking now to reach a office, Tsipras tic product without costing creditors Rajoy’s People’s Party. While an oppo- compromise. Euro-area finance ministers have already said Monday he will govern in coali- a penny, according to Zsolt Darvas nent of excessive austerity, Rajoy has no signalled their willingness to strike a deal with the new prime tion with the Independent Greeks, a and Pia Huettl of the Brussels- based interest in a successful Syriza exporting minister so long as he drops his demand for a writedown party that shares his anti-austerity Bruegel institute. its insurgent politics. The party’s public credo but little else. He now sets about “Our aims are the same, a Greece posture is that Spain isn’t Greece and on the nation’s debt. But that will be tough for Tsipras, appointing a cabinet to win a confidence that stands on its own feet and cre- what galvanized Syriza won’t work for considering his election pledges, but it is unlikely that he can vote in early February, and has until ates jobs,” EU Economic Commissioner Podemos. fulfill his promises without huge consequences. the end of next month to persuade the Pierre Moscovici told reporters in “Spanish citizens value the economic Syriza’s win was celebrated as a milestone by ideological German-led group of creditors to ease Brussels before the monthly meeting recovery, where we were and where we compatriots in Spain, Italy and Portugal, who are trying to the terms on Greece’s 240 billion-euro of euro finance ministers. “It’s also a are now, and political stability,” Spanish widen the anti-austerity march beyond Greece and take it ($270 billion) aid program. Greece that can pay its debts.” Economy Minister Luis de Guindos told Financial markets may give him less While debt of around 176 percent of Expansion newspaper. across the entirety of debt-ridden southern Europe. time. Greek bonds fell, pushing up the gross domestic product limits Syriza’s WP-BLOOMBERG The other side Quote of Obama’s India visit the day MERICAN PRESIDENT Agreement, which would push in maintaining stability in the South Politics is a curious business, Barack Obama will be the developing nations to tighter border China Sea. It is only India, which indeed. It was during Barack guest of honour today controls. That is likely to be on the would be able to keep a check on an Obama’s tenure that the US denied a Aat the Indian Republic agenda apart from infrastructure aggressive China in the near future. visa to Modi who was then the Chief Day festivities. The visit assumes projects that the new Indian govern- And India needs the US too. India, Minister of Gujarat. In fact, the US Our victory is also significance, as this would be the first ment is aggressively hoping to kick for the first time in 68 years, has not administration cited his role played time a US President would visit the off. Apart from these the two coun- spoken the words ‘non-aligned’ in the 2002 riots between Hindus a victory for all country twice during his term. tries are expected to increase naval — this in itself signals a clear shift and Muslims and kept refusing to let European peoples Political pundits in India hail this ties and exercises. in thinking and approach towards him enter into the country. However, as a victory for Indian Prime Minister India is on Washington’s ‘Asia foreign policy. India will need the US one thing is for sure. Prime Minister fighting against Narendra Modi and his diplomatic Pivot’, an important force needed on its side to pressurise Pakistan to Modi’s almost Bollywood style func- austerity that is acumen. Obama’s visit comes close to counter a gigantic China. The take strong action against terror cells tions and “out of the box” approach on the heels of the US relenting to US-India joint agreement signed dur- in the country. Chinese aggression to diplomacy and foreign relations destroying our India’s stance that it will not cap ing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s on India would be tough to counter, has earned him a firm place in head- common European food subsidy. The US needs India’s trip to Washington openly declared so India needs to keep the US as lines across the world. help to veto the Trade Facilitation support for US efforts against China a friend. Khaleej Times future. Alexis Tsipras Greece’s Prime Minister TUESDAY 27 JANUARY 2015 ARAB VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 Before and after Charlie Hebdo!

direct events in a way that serves their interest, not the strategic interests of the masses. Therefore, they are look- ing for short-term instead of long-term solutions. I remember, when interna- tional forces entered Iraq in 2003, the British Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a press conference in Walton Park outside London. At that time, the emphasis was on the relations between the Middle East and Europe, especially Britain. During that meeting, one British politician said that he gets very worried BY MOHAMMED GHANEM about his country when there is a rise in AL RUMAIHI tensions between Pakistan and India over Kashmir because those communities in UK might end up clashing, which will be he unfortunate incident that a problem for Britain’s security. Nothing claimed the lives of cartoon- else matters. Tists working at Charlie Hebdo When Turkey wanted to join the EU, magazine in Paris needs to be initially France’s natural reaction was to stone- addressed by European and Arab wall it because Turkish people represent countries. the “others”, meaning Muslims! This is not a new issue as it has been The previous French government led going on for about half a century, growing by Sarkozy criminalised the Turkish out of the relationships between Europe denial of the Armenian massacre, and its southern neighbours. In the past which was only a way to shut the doors few years, Europeans have started wor- in Turkey’s face. rying about immigrants on their land. Sarkozy would always point that out However, this was tackled either sea- whenever Turkey raises the subject of sonally or when a serious incident took joining the EU club, we are also not too place — like the last one. Then it is put far from burning synagogues in Germany on the back burner for other more impor- by the rising European generation tant international issues, or maybe it is of Nazis. We are lately seeing a kind of simply a kind of political digression. counter discrimination. A recently pub- Supporters of Islamic charity, Jamat-ud-Dawa, attend a rally against Charlie Hebdo in Karachi, Pakistan. The main point is not in the details of lished study concluded that half of British the incident, but it is in answering the people are anti-Semitic! These anti-Jewish like Charlie Hebdo is the counter. overcrowded with minorities including is the widespread thought of conspiracy following question: Do Europeans know feelings are against less than one percent I don’t wish for your thoughts to go too Muslims, whether it is in Birmingham theory in the Arabian sphere, since it is that Islam and Muslims who are living of the British population compared to the far and jump to the conclusion that I sup- or the suburbs of Paris. These are left a kind of relief and an explanation to all among them are an indivisible part of Muslim community which represents at port deviant crimes like the one that took to their unfortunate circumstances far the confusion. Therefore, it is easier to their society that they need to co-exist least 3 percent of the population. Islam is place in Paris. However, I just wanted to from the progressing others. Under the assume that IS is a product of the FBI with? the second largest religion in the country. get to the root of the problem, which is slogan of freedom, many British educa- and the latest attack is a Zionist conspir- If we answer this question, we will Thus the bigger picture here is whether the “big picture” that everyone is trying tional programmes contain discrimina- acy. May God forbid that we all believe in be able to resolve many pending issues. British people accept or reject cultural to avoid, which is for Europe to acknowl- tory material. the conspiracy theory! However, it is one of those questions diversity, which is reflected by of discrim- edge diversity. In conclusion, the most important The writer is professor of Political that politicians try to avoid because they inatory behaviour. Therefore, an incident Poor European neighbourhoods are message conveyed by the Hebdo attack Sociology at Kuwait University. Security situation in the Gulf Facets of Saudi budget for 2015

any people wrote about last year’s Gulf security events. As MGulf countries are at the gates of bloody scenes pre- sented by the unrest in Syria, Iraq, Libya, and Yemen who are still waiting for tragic repercussions if the world fails to stop this chaos. Initially, Gulf countries cannot stand individually against those who are trying to destroy their BY DR JASIM HUSSAIN DR ZAFIR MOHAMMAD mutual stability. AL-AJMI Indeed, 2014 was the most seri- ous year for the Gulf in comparison he phenomenon of the with the last five years. During the downfall in oil prices in year, the American strategic tact shifted toward Iran, wrapped by the cloak the second half of 2014 of Omani foreign policy which incredibly managed to change its isolated Tdoes not affect the allo- diplomatic system to the diplomacy of reconciliation. cation of expenses in Saudi Arabia During this state of perplexity among Gulf countries due to the major for the fiscal year 2015. This changes that are taking place in the region, they bore its anger toward each issue reflects the strong financial other; rocked by the crisis of the withdrawal of Arab ambassadors; in addition situation of the Kingdom. But to weak Gulf reconciliation proposals. After awhile, the ambassadors were the impact of falling oil prices back, however, the crisis left some room for more disagreements between becomes clear with respect to Gulf States. the revenue on one hand and A worker stands at a desalination plant near Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh. One of the major strategic events in 2014 was the visit of Sheikh Sabah Al the expected deficit on the other Ahmed to Tehran, which stands as a channel outstretched from the Gulf to hand. carry friendship and peace toward the new regime in the other bank of the Gulf. A budget for fiscal year 2015 has in the global oil market. by the phenomenon of imported of expenditure, it is noted that the However, the situation doesn’t change anything as it remains more compli- been prepared with expenditures Perhaps the oil prices will rise inflation when oil prices rise to education and training allowances cated than ever before, especially regarding negotiations between Tehran and exceeding $230bn compared to with respect to the political and record levels. constitute nearly a quarter of the P5+1 group to come up with a clear agenda that limits Iran’s controversial revenues of $191bn. Thus a deficit security developments in the Also, there is no public debt public spending for the 2015 nuclear programme. of $39bn is observed, which means region during 2015, especially dilemma in Saudi Arabia because budget, which is $58bn, reflecting Without a doubt, the events of 2014 proved that Iran runs its foreign policy that there is no change in the in the Middle East and North this only represented less than 2 an option and a clear direction based on the butterfly effect theory. When the butterfly strikes its wings in value of approved expenditures, at Africa. Whereas this cannot be percent of GDP in 2014. There is of the decision-makers in Saudi Texas, this could cause an earthquake in the China Sea since Tehran has least not necessarily between 2014 ruled out. The oil prices may no doubt that Saudi Arabia has Arabia. tied with a single rope the decision of Al Maliki in Iraq with the moves of and 2015. begin to be balanced in the event succeeded in reducing public The allocation for health serv- Hezbollah in Syria and the advent of the Houthis in Yemen. The good news It is usual to see a change in of a cold winter season. debt by 82 percent of GDP in ices is estimated at $43bn in this for Gulf people was the downfall of Al Maliki in Baghdad and the decline of expenditure and income figures The oil sector is a cornerstone 2003 to about 1.6 percent only sprawling country. Remarkably, in oil prices, which achieved savings at the expense of fuelling western aircraft by the end of the fiscal year for of the Saudi economy, as it con- in 2014. this regard that the allocation for and military equipment. On the other hand, the purchase of weapons by Gulf reasons related to the actual aver- stitutes nearly 90 percent of the The authority’s insistence in the Riyadh Metro project, which countries were reduced due to shrinking budgets, which may have made age oil price in the global market. public treasury income, which investing the additional oil reve- is estimated at about $22bn is out them reconsider their participation in the air strikes campaign against IS. The semi-final figures for 2014 means that the public sector nues to get rid of the debt burden of the general budget, as there are Noteworthy, IS moves were the motive behind many of the 2014 events of expenses and revenues reach expenditure depend mainly on was commendable. As it turns out other sources financing it. The that took place in the Gulf. Due to this, the Gulf Police that is located in $293bn and $279bn respectively, oil sector revenues. On this basis, that this positive step with falling project is vital to the capital that Abu Dhabi was founded in order to fight the ideology of such misleading which means observing a deficit the welfare of the Saudi economy oil prices will obviously reduce the is characterized by having the groups like IS. in the range of $14bn; therefore, clearly depends on the develop- financial returns with the absence honour of being the largest crude This was also the reason that made Iran do major military manoeuvres the increase of the actual expen- ments taking place in the global of inflationary threat. oil exporter in the world. under the title, “Muhammad (PBUH) is the Messenger of Allah”, which lasted ditures for 2014 is by 22 per- oil markets. Frankly speaking, Saudi Arabia The Saudi oil production capac- for 6 days, to prove that it still has a strong presence in the region despite cent for those approved in fiscal On the other hand, the decline enjoys a comfortable financial sit- ity reaches to a limit of 12 mil- the aftermath of the decline in oil prices and IS strikes against its allies in year 2015. in oil prices offsets the positive uation granted to cover the fiscal lion barrels per day if necessary, Iraq and Syria. Remarkably, it is the first time phenomena in the Saudi economy. deficit for 2014 of $14bn, as well but the average is in the range The GCC countries have formed a united military leadership as a step to in seven years that there is an For example, the Saudi economy as what will be adopted for 2015, of 9.5 million barrels per day. It improve mutual security. However this does not work until expanding Gulf adoption of a deficit in the public has much strength such as the which is $39bn. Saudi Arabia’s seems that the insistence of the sub efforts. In this sense, Qatar signed a contract to strengthen its military finances of the kingdom. Looking near absence of inflation factor, net assets or sovereign wealth are Kingdom to maintain its share leadership and armed forces. It also signed a memorandum of understand- back, there was a surplus of where the average price index worth $773bn, which is greater in the global oil market pushed ing of military cooperation with Sudan. It held as well a higher strategic $103bn in fiscal year 2012, when amounted to less than 3 percent, than the GDP size of the Kingdom it to refuse limiting its produc- committee with Turkey. the average price of oil hit $109 or specifically 2.7 percent in 2014. reaching to $752bn in 2014. tion according to Opec’s demand, United Arab of Emirates imposed the obligatory military conscription, a barrel. But the surplus fell to It is the phenomenon of fall- Note that the 2015 expenses regardless of the repercussions in signed an agreement to strengthen relations with Somalia in the security $53bn in 2013 with the decline in ing oil prices that will keep the constitute approximately 31 price levels. and military fields, this is besides another agreement with Morocco on oil prices to $105 a barrel and the hypothesis of an abnormally high percent of the value of the In short, the statistics for the military cooperation. increase of expenditure. index of inflation during 2015. It Kingdom’s GDP, which reflects 2015 fiscal year’s budget con- Meanwhile, Bahrain signed an agreement with Britain to expand the mili- The average in 2014 reached has been the practice that some the relative importance of the firm that the financial situation tary facilities of the British navy on its territories. US marines reached Kuwait nearly $96 a barrel due to the of the exporting countries like large public expenditure in the in Saudi Arabia is not a source to be closer to regional events based on the “Water Lilly Strategy.” Kuwait resilience of prices in the first half, Germany, Japan, China, India Saudi economy. Government of concern, without losing track also signed a military cooperation agreement with Egypt. We cannot ignore in contrast with what appeared to and Korea raise the value of their expenditures contribute to of some challenges such as the the chaotic trend that drew the security events in the Gulf. At the same time, be the case in the second half of exported products in the midst granting private investors decline in revenues in the general we cannot deny that some GCC countries have the ability to create notable the year. of rising, not falling oil prices the opportunity to learn the Treasury and the observation of strategic environments. Many studies also expect the in hope for compensating. This orientation of the public sector fiscal deficits. The writer is CEO of Gulf Monitoring Group. recording of low level of oil prices is what happened between 2007 during the budgeting period. The writer is an economist and in 2015 based on the existing data and 2008 and it became known With regard to the distribution researcher on GCC economies. TUESDAY 27 JANUARY 2015 INTERNATIONAL 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Uganda LRA Tsipras sworn in as PM of Greece commander Syriza leader forms coalition with small right-wing party; cabinet to be announced today faces war

ATHENS: Greek left-wing Greece’s EU/IMF aid programme. crimes judges leader Alexis Tsipras was sworn Syriza won 149 seats in the 300- in yesterday as the prime min- seat parliament with its campaign THE HAGUE: Notorious ister of a new hardline, anti- of “Hope is coming!”, leaving it former Lord’s Resistance Army bailout government determined just two seats short of an outright commander Dominic Ongwen to face down international lend- majority and in need of a coalition made his first appearance before ers and end nearly five years of partner. The Independent Greeks, the International Criminal Court tough economic measures. at odds with Syriza on many yesterday, accused of war crimes The decisive victory by Tsipras’ social issues like illegal immigra- and crimes against humanity. Syriza in Sunday’s snap election tion, won 13 seats. The initial hearing for the reignites fears of new financial The alliance is an unusual one. Ugandan child soldier-turned- troubles in the country that set The parties, at the opposite end of warlord came days after he was off the regional crisis in 2009. It the political spectrum, share only transferred to The Hague-based is also the first time a member a mutual hatred of the 240bn- court following his surprise sur- of the 19-nation eurozone will be euro bailout programme keep- render to US troops earlier this led by parties rejecting German- ing Greece afloat at the price of month. Ongwen is the first leader backed austerity. budget cuts. “At first sight this of the brutal Ugandan rebel army Tsipras’ success is likely to looks like a very strange mar- led by the fugitive Joseph Kony to empower Europe’s fringe parties, riage, but both parties share a appear before the ICC, created to including other anti-austerity strong opposition to austerity,” try the world’s worst crimes. movements across the region’s said Diego Iscaro, an analyst at A calm, composed Ongwen economically-depressed south. The IHS Global Insight. wore a blue suit, white shirt and trouncing of the conservatives rep- The tie-up suggests Tsipras blue-and-grey plaid tie as he iden- resents a defeat of Europe’s middle- will keep up his confrontational tified himself as born in Gulu in ground political guard, which has stance against Greece’s creditors, northern Uganda in 1975. “I’d like dallied on a growth-versus-budget who have dismissed his demands to thank God for creating Heaven discipline debate for five years for a debt write-off and insisted and Earth, together with every- while voters suffered. the country needs reforms and one that’s on Earth,” Ongwen Sporting his trademark no-tie austerity to get its finances back said. “I was abducted in 1988 and look, the 40-year old former stu- on track. I was taken to the bush when I dent Communist Tsipras became Yanis Varoufakis, an economist was 14 years old,” he said in his the first prime minister in Greek and outspoken blogger crusading Syriza leader Alexis Tsipras (left) shakes hands with Greece’s President Karolos Papoulias at the Presidential Acholi language. history to be sworn in without the against austerity, was expected Palace in Athens yesterday. “Prior to my arrival at court traditional oath on a Bible and to become finance minister when I was a soldier in the LRA,” said blessing of basil and water from the cabinet is unveiled today, sen- than 40 years, neither the New away from the budgetary rigour the “European rules of the game”. Ongwen, sporting short hair rather the Greek Archbishop. ior party officials said. He wrote Democracy party of Samaras nor championed by Germany as the Tsipras has drawn the ire of than the trademark dreadlocks of At a brief secular ceremony yesterday that Greeks had “put an the centre-left PASOK, the two accepted approach to dealing with lenders with his pledge to end his time as an LRA commander. where he pledged to uphold the end to a self-reinforcing crisis that forces that had dominated Greek troubled economies, though it is budget cuts and heavy tax rises Known as the “White Ant”, constitution, Tsipras told President produces indignity in Greece and politics since the fall of a military unclear to what extent Syriza will that have helped send the jobless Ongwen was one of the most Karolos Papoulias: “We have an feeds Europe’s darkest forces”. junta in 1974, will be in power, be able to wring concessions and rate over 25 percent and pushed senior commanders of the LRA, uphill road ahead.” In a symbolic Reaction from financial mar- beaten by a party that has until aid from creditors. millions into poverty. which is accused of killing more move, his first action as prime min- kets to Syriza’s victory was largely recently always been at the fringe. Tsipras can expect strong But with Greece unable to tap than 100,000 people and abducting ister was to commemorate Greek muted, with the euro recovering Tsipras also intends to talk to the resistance to his demands from the markets because of sky-high some 60,000 children in a bloody resistance fighters with red roses from a tumble to an 11-year low heads of centrist party To Potami Germany in particular and a borrowing costs and facing about rebellion that started in 1987. at a memorial in Athens to those against the dollar on initial results. and the communist KKE to seek series of European policymak- ¤10bn of debt payments this sum- AFP executed by Nazis. Greek stocks fell 3 percent, led outside support for his coalition. ers urged Syriza not to renege mer, he may find himself with Defying predictions that he lower by bank stocks including Together with last week’s deci- on previous governments’ com- limited room to fight creditors. would turn from populist to Piraeus Bank which fell 17.6 per- sion by the ECB to pump billions mitments. “There is no room for The new prime minister will also 26 years in jail pragmatist after taking power, cent. Greek 10-year bond yields of euros into the eurozone’s flag- unilateral action in Europe,” ECB need a deal to unlock more than Tsipras quickly sealed a coalition rose but stayed below the levels ging economy, Syriza’s victory Executive Board member Benoit ¤7bn of outstanding aid to make for Concordia deal with the small Independent seen in the run-up to the vote. marks a turning point in the long Coeure told Europe 1 radio, say- debt payments in the summer. Greeks party which also opposes For the first time in more eurozone crisis. It signals a move ing it was important to play by REUTERS captain sought ROME: Italian prosecutors called for judges to show “no pity” to Francesco Schettino, the captain of the doomed Costa Concordia, Nigeria fights to demanding he serve 26 years and Putin brands Ukraine army a Nato proxy three months in jail for a ship- recapture town wreck which killed 32 people. “God have pity on Schettino, from Boko; MOSCOW: President Vladimir day on both military positions because they did not want to think that is in a way the prob- because we cannot have any,” Putin yesterday ridiculed the and civilian areas. Fighting was become “cannon fodder” in an lem, that there are Russian fores prosecutor Stefano Pizza said in over 5,000 flee Ukrainian army as Nato’s “for- said to be particularly intense army that he described as mostly in Ukraine and that Russia backs his summing up speech, which eign legion”, ignoring Western near the government-held city “volunteer nationalist battalions”. the separatists with equipment. accused the man dubbed “Captain MAIDUGURI: Nigerian troops pressure on the Kremlin to rein of Debaltseve, halfway between “In essence, this is not an And we have seen a substantial Coward” by the media of multi- were fighting yesterday with in a pro-Russian insurgency the rebel strongholds of Donetsk army, this is a foreign legion — increase in the flow of equipment ple manslaughter, causing a ship- air support to recapture the that has gone on the offensive and Lugansk, where the military in this particular case Nato’s from Russia to the separatists in wreck and abandoning ship. northeastern town of Monguno across eastern Ukraine. said separatists were attacking foreign legion, which of course Ukraine.” Co-prosecutor Maria Navarro from Boko Haram insurgents Putin’s comments came as with tanks and multiple rocket does not pursue the objective of The unravelling of a September told the trial in Grosseto, Tuscany, as more than 5,000 residents an emergency meeting of the launchers. serving Ukraine’s national inter- truce deal has picked up pace in that it was “not an exaggerated fled, government and security Western alliance’s Nato-Ukraine Western governments and Kiev ests,” Putin said. He said the aim the last few days, with the main sentence” for a man who “has lied sources said. Commission was called to discuss accuse Moscow of arming, training was “Russia’s containment” and rebel leader in the Donetsk region to everyone, to the press, to the The insurgents on Sunday seized a surge in fighting that has led and fighting alongside the rebels. that the Ukrainian government last week announcing he would court, to the maritime authorities”. the town, which lies on the shores to a spate of civilian casualties Russia denies any direct involve- was not interested in a peaceful no longer take part in peace talks Schettino, 54, is accused of of Lake Chad, in a triple offensive and rapidly growing pressure on ment, although repeated sightings settlement. and planned to seize more terri- delaying sounding the alarm or that also targeted Konduga and the Ukraine’s troubled military. of large numbers of sophisticated Nato head Jens Stoltenberg tory. On Saturday, a barrage of calling for help after hitting rocks outskirts and airport of the main Another 12 people were heavy weapons being used against later dismissed the comments as rocket fire killed 30 people in a off the Italian island of Giglio on northeastern city of Maiduguri, reported killed yesterday, Ukrainian forces has stretched the “nonsense”. residential area of Mariupol, the January 13, 2012, during a risky the birthplace of Boko Haram’s including seven Ukrainian sol- credibility of those denials. “The foreign forces in Ukraine last major city in the country’s drive-by manoeuvre, as well as five-year-old insurgency, which it diers, as Kiev accused the pro- Putin, on a visit to Saint are Russian,” Stoltenberg told a two separatist provinces still con- abandoning ship before many of covets as the potential capital of Russian rebels of firing more Petersburg, claimed Ukrainian press conference at the alliance’s trolled by Kiev. the passengers had been rescued. an Islamic state. than 100 times over the past men wanted to flee to Russia headquarters in Brussels. “So I AFP AFP The conflict with Boko Haram has intensified in the past year and is a major issue in the campaign for a presiden- Protest against Bagida tial election on Feb. 14 that pits President Goodluck Jonathan against former military ruler L’Oreal heiress trial opens Muhammadu Buhari. A local journalist who visited BORDEAUX: The trial of 10 Bettencourt. The heiress, worth the UMP party, such as his friend, Maiduguri’s biggest morgue said people accused of exploiting an estimated $39bn according to Eric Woerth, a former minis- more than 100 people, mainly France’s richest woman Liliane Forbes magazine, showered Banier ter and campaign treasurer for insurgents but also including at Bettencourt opened yesterday with gifts, such as paintings by Sarkozy in his 2007 run for office. least 15 soldiers and a few civil- with the revelation that one of Picasso and Matisse, life insurance The affair tarnished the lat- ians, had been killed in Sunday’s the accused had tried to kill him- funds and millions of euros in cash. ter half of Sarkozy’s presidency fighting around the city. self on the eve of his appearance. Bettencourt also made him her sole and when he lost the 2012 elec- In Monguno, at least 15 soldiers Alain Thurin, 64, a former heir, a move she would later revoke. tion he was placed under formal were killed along with more than nurse for the frail L’Oreal heir- Her daughter Francoise investigation for illegal campaign 25 civilians. Defence spokesman ess, tried to hang himself in the Bettencourt-Meyers filed charges financing and taking advantage of Major-General Chris Olukolade woods near his house, said presid- against Banier in 2007 for exploit- Bettencourt. However the charges said that warplanes had attacked ing judge Denis Roucou. A police ing her mother’s growing mental against Sarkozy were dropped in rebel positions after ground source said Thurin was in a criti- fragility — which the matriarch October 2013. troops were forced to retreat. cal condition. staunchly denied — a month after But Woerth is still facing five Soldiers said they had come up He is one of 10 members of the death of her father Andre. years in prison and de Maistre against superior firepower. Bettencourt’s entourage accused Enter the butler. Concerned is charged with money launder- Monguno lies near the larger of taking advantage of the about his employer, Pascal ing as well as taking advantage of town of Baga, which was seized 92-year-old billionaire’s growing Bonnefoy in 2009 placed a Bettencourt. The heiress’s former by Boko Haram this month along mental fragility in an explosive recorder in her office, whose friend, the photographer Banier, with a military base in an attack legal and political drama that explosive contents would reveal is facing three years in prison, and that left scores of civilians dead. even dragged in former president her weakened mental state and his life partner Martin d’Orgeval In a video claiming responsibility Nicolas Sarkozy. how she was being manipulated is also in the dock in the south- for the capture of Baga, the insur- A bitter mother-daughter feud, by those around her. western port city of Bordeaux. gents said they had seized enough a butler’s betrayal, advancing A key protagonist among the As for Bettencourt, she was weapons to “annihilate Nigeria”. dementia, unscrupulous friends accused, Patrice de Maistre, who in 2011 declared unfit to run her A spokesman for the National and politicians: these are only managed Bettencourt’s fortune, own affairs after a medical report Emergency Management Agency, some threads of the complex web is heard in the tapes encourag- showed she had suffered from Abdulkadir Ibrahim, said over surrounding the world’s 12th big- ing her to commit tax evasion — “mixed dementia” and “moder- 5,000 people had been registered People protest against the anti-Islamic Bagida (Bavaria against the gest fortune that the court will including hiding the purchase of ately severe” Alzheimer’s disease as having fled Monguno. He said Islamisation of the West) movement in Munich, Germany, yesterday. have to untangle. a Seychelles island, according to since 2006. Bettencourt’s fortune a housing estate still under con- Bagida is a regional offshoot of Pegida (Patriotic Europeans against The intricate tale began with media accounts of the recordings. and the cosmetics giant L’Oreal struction had been converted into one of the accused, Francois-Marie De Maistre is also accused of have been placed under the the Islamisation of the West). an emergency refugee camp. Banier, a celebrity photographer getting Bettencour to hand over guardianship of family members. REUTERS who became a close confidant of envelopes of cash to members of AFP TUESDAY 27 JANUARY 2015 INTERNATIONAL www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 US braces for barrelling blizzard New York and New Jersey declare emergency; many roads to close today; thousands of flights cancelled NEW YORK: Thousands of be severely disrupted today. flights were cancelled yesterday “It could be a matter of life and as millions of Americans in the death, and that’s not being overly Northeast braced for a winter dramatic, so caution is required,” storm that New York’s mayor Cuomo told a news conference. warned could be one of the big- There was to be limited service gest blizzards in history. in the New York subway system Snow, which was already after 8pm, commuter rail services falling across the region, was were likely to close at 11pm, and expected to accumulate steadily a travel ban could be imposed if throughout the day before turn- weather updates merit, Cuomo ing into a major storm expected said. Officials said 50 percent to paralyse parts of New York and of flights at New York’s John New England. F Kennedy International Airport Officials in states along the US had been cancelled, but said JFK East Coast have urged residents and the city’s LaGuardia airport to stay home as they prepare for would remain open for emergency Winter Storm Juno, which could flights. dump up to three feet (about a Boston’s Logan international metre) of snow in some areas. airport will see no flights until The National Weather Service tomorrow afternoon, reports said. has issued blizzard warnings from Cuomo and New Jersey New Jersey to the Canadian bor- Governor Chris Christie com- der, including New York and pared preparations for Juno with Boston. Coastal flood warnings those for Super-Storm Sandy in are also in effect. October 2012, which killed more New York state Governor than 200 people, affected 650,000 Andrew Cuomo said the National houses and caused months-long Guard was on standby in the Big power cuts. Apple and Long Island. On Sunday, New York mayor More than 5,830 flights were Bill de Blasio said Juno was likely People walk during a snowfall in Times Square, New York, yesterday. cancelled within, to or from the to be one of the largest snow United States yesterday and storms in the history of the city. Power outages and falling trees 2016, said state offices would be (0200 GMT today). Coastal flooding is also a risk in today, according to flightaware. “My message to all New Yorkers are likely during the storm and closed for non-essential staff and The heaviest snow is likely to the early hours of today. com. Some airlines have waived is to prepare for something worse in its aftermath, meteorologists warned that transit systems were be in New England. Thunder and President Barack Obama, on change fees as major delays and than we have seen before,” he said. warned, saying 28 million people unlikely to work today. lightning could also accompany a visit to India, has been briefed widespread cancellations were “Don’t underestimate the storm.” were in the possible blizzard zone. “We’ve had Hurricane Irene, the heavy snow, meteorologists about emergency preparations for anticipated. Meteorologists said the storm Record snowfall in the city of Hurricane Sandy. For better or said. the storm. New York and New Jersey gov- would bring crippling blizzard New York was 68cm that accu- for worse, we know how to deal Gusts of wind are forecast Residents scrambled to stock ernors declared states of emer- conditions and warned that trav- mulated after a 16-hour storm in with these situations,” he said. to reach up to about 90 kilo- up on storm staples such as gro- gency, ordered people to leave elling in the affected areas late February 2006. Connecticut Governor Dan metres per hour in eastern ceries, shovels, road salt and ice work early, roads to close and yesterday and today would be Christie, a potential Republican Malloy issued a travel ban for Massachusetts, including Cape scrapers. said that transit systems would highly dangerous. candidate for the White House in the entire state beginning at 9pm Cod and Martha’s Vineyard. AFP

Drone found in White House Mayor in Mexico faces arrest Anglican Church gets over murder of first woman bishop journalist YORK, ENGLAND: The Church of England consecrated MEXICO CITY: Prosecutors its first woman bishop yester- yesterday accused a small day, the culmination of years town mayor in eastern Mexico of efforts by Church modernis- of ordering the murder of a ers to overcome opposition from journalist whose brutally tor- traditionalists — one of whom tured body was found over the briefly shouted a protest during weekend. the service. Moises Sanchez Cerezo, 49, the More than two decades after editor and owner of La Union de the Church allowed women to Medellin newspaper, was killed on become priests, 48-year-old January 2, the same day he was mother-of-two the Reverend kidnapped in the town of Medellin Libby Lane became Bishop of in the coastal state of Veracruz. Stockport in a ceremony at York His body was recovered after Minster, a Gothic cathedral in a former municipal policeman northern England. confessed that he had taken part The protest came as John in the murder, along with five Sentamu, Archbishop of York, others, on express orders of the asked the congregation whether The Reverend Libby Lane during a town’s deputy police chief. Lane should be consecrated as service to consecrate her at York Veracruz prosecutor Luis Bishop. Minster in York, northern England, Angel Bravo told MVS Radio he Uniformed US Secret Service officers on the north side of the White House in Washington yesterday. The As the congregation chorused yesterday. would ask the state assembly to Secret Service recovered a small drone known as a “quad copter” on the south east grounds of the White its approval, a lone man’s voice authorise the arrest of the mayor, House early yesterday, but no immediate danger was reported from the incident. shouted above them: “No, not in the Church. Her appointment, Omar Cruz. the Bible.” announced in December, has “The criminal group was con- When Sentamu asked the ques- been hailed as a step forward for tacted by the chauffeur and per- tion again, there was no dissent gender equality by Archbishop of sonal bodyguard of the mayor and the ceremony went ahead. Canterbury Justin Welby, spir- of Medellin, who asked them to Venezuela bans visit to jailed leader During the service, which itual head of the Church, and make Moises disappear,” he said. ended in applause, Sentamu and by many others including Prime The victim’s son, Jorge Sanchez, other bishops ceremonially laid Minister David Cameron. questioned whether the body CARACAS: Venezuela, which Sebastian Pinera said outside the the act of a democrat.” their hands on Lane and prayed However, a conservative minor- recovered by authorities was his has accused a pair of Latin Ramo Verde military prison. The entrance to the jail was for her. Earlier, Lane had spoken ity say the Bible demands male father’s, saying that certain char- American ex-presidents of try- He was joined by Colombian ex- guarded by at least 40 National of what she hoped her consecra- leadership. acteristics did not match. ing to spark a coup, has denied president Andres Pastrana, seek- Guard officers with riot gear and tion would achieve for women. The worldwide Anglican com- Bravo said the body was dis- them permission to speak ing to help Venezuela — which is shields. “If my appointment encour- munity has been deeply split over figured beyond recognition, but a to jailed opposition leader facing economic crisis and politi- Another contingent with about ages a single young woman to lift the issue of women clergy. Women fingerprint taken from it matched Leopoldo Lopez. cal impasse under President 20 officers blocked off a secondary her eyes up a bit and to realise already serve as bishops in the the one on Sanchez Cerezo’s wed- “Regrettably, despite all the Nicolas Maduro, an elected social- access through the mountainside that she has capacity and poten- United States, Canada, Australia ding certificate. effort we made with General ist. The blocked visit came as a shantytowns surrounding the tial and that her environment or and New Zealand, but Anglican Sanchez Cerezo’s newspaper Rall and even the Vice President “great surprise. I never imagined prison. Pastrana and billionaire those around her don’t need to churches in many developing often published stories about drug (Jorge Arreaza), we have been that they would not let us in,” businessman Pinera waited for dictate what is possible for her, countries, particularly in Africa, trafficking and official corruption denied a chance to visit Leopoldo Pastrana said. “This is an act that over 35 minutes out in the street. then I’d be really honoured” she do not ordain women as priests. in Medellin, which is located near Lopez,” Chilean ex-president we do not understand. It is not AFP said in an interview published by REUTERS the city of Veracruz, an important port on the Gulf of Mexico that has been the focus of drug-related violence. AFP Man shoots himself NJ Governor Christie forms group for presidential bid dead in New York NEWARK: New Jersey continuing to look at the problems Federal Election Commission, had other sources of funding for bid for the presidency, but he NEW YORK: A man shot and Governor Chris Christie and his in the country.” Christie made the the source said. The Wall Street his appearances across the coun- has discussed national themes killed himself in an apparent supporters have formed a politi- remark during a press conference Journal first reported the estab- try, said Patrick Murray, direc- in speeches and was in Iowa, an suicide yesterday outside the cal action committee ahead of a about an approaching snow storm lishment of the PAC yesterday. tor of Monmouth University’s important state in the primary News Corp office building in likely bid for president, accord- yesterday. The move adds a third well- Polling Institute. elections, this weekend for a midtown Manhattan, police ing to a source with knowledge Among those serving on the known Republican figure to the Christie has been able to draw summit attended by influential said. The 41-year-old, shot him- of the matter. PAC are long-time Christie fight for campaign funds among from his stint as the RGA’s Republican activists. self in the chest and was taken The political action commit- allies Michael DuHaime and Bill the party’s main donors. Christie chairman and to use money Christie, who many conserva- to Bellevue Hospital, where he tee, or PAC, called Leadership Palatucci, as well as Phil Cox, exec- has struggled to stay relevant as from the New Jersey GOP to tives see as a moderate, touted was pronounced dead. Matters for America, is the clear- utive director of the Republican potential rivals, former Florida “underwrite everything from his ability to appeal to a broad He carried a suicide note, police est sign yet that Christie, 52, is Governors Association, the source governor Jeb Bush and 2012 nomi- travel to Christmas cards sent segment of the electorate, from said. The Wall Street Journal and running in the Republican Party said. Christie was chairman of the nee Mitt Romney grabbed atten- to Republican voters in Iowa,” Hispanics to independent voters. other local media identified the primary for the 2016 presidential RGA until he was succeeded in tion from operatives and donors. Murray said. “The state party’s He said the party needs crosso- man as Phillip Perea, a former election. November by Tennessee Governor Some observers think Christie books are currently in the red, ver appeal and made light of his employee of a Fox television sta- With the PAC formation, Bill Haslam. is “late to the game” because Bush so it makes sense to turn to PAC blunt, direct style that sometimes tion in Austin, Texas. Christie said there are people Paperwork for the leadership established his PACs last month, financing at this time.” draws criticism. REUTERS who “want to be supportive of me PAC was filed on Friday with the but they overlook that Christie Christie has not declared a REUTERS TUESDAY 27 JANUARY 2015 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA / PHILIPPINES Clash a mistake, says Philippines 50 policemen, eight rebels killed in encounter

MANILA: The Philippines said have raised hopes for the develop- Zulkifli is the most prominent yesterday that a clash between ment of a long-neglected region of the 10 to 12 foreign JI members security forces and Muslim rich in mineral resources. The believed hiding in the Philippines. rebels in which dozens of people fighting has killed 120,000 people He went into hiding in the were killed was a mistake and and displaced 2 million. southern region in 2003 and has both sides said they were hope- Mohagher Iqbal, head of the since been training local mili- ful the violence would not scup- rebel peace panel, said the police tants, according to the military. per a peace deal the rebels are failed to coordinate their opera- Authorities were also allegedly negotiating. tions with the ceasefire commit- targeting Basit Usman, com- Security forces said about tee. “They entered our area and mander of the BIFF Philippine 50 policemen and eight rebels attacked us, what are we going to Muslim rebel faction that is not were killed in what a top official do?” he asked. “What happened part of peace talks. Ceasefire described as a “misencounter” was self-defence.” monitors are investigating the during an operation on Sunday Iqbal said he was confident the incident, Iqbal said. to arrest two militants who had peace deal would not be affected Bin Hir, alias Marwan, is the taken refuge with Moro Islamic because both sides were commit- most wanted Islamist militant in Liberation Front fighters. ted to it. The government and the the Philippines and the United The rebels, fighting for 45 rebels signed a truce in March 2014 States has offered a reward of years in the south of the largely but a final deal is still being worked $5m for him. A $1m reward Christian country, have agreed to out. The next stage of the process has been posted for the Filipino disband their force and surren- involves the Senate drafting a law Usman. der weapons in exchange for an on autonomy for the region. Roxas said there was a high autonomous government. The 10,000-member MILF had likelihood Bin Hir had been “neu- Interior Secretary Manuel agreed to end decades of rebel- tralised” but DNA tests would be Roxas said the police were hunt- lion in the mainly Catholic nation carried out to confirm the suspi- ing two “high-value” militants but in exchange for a proposed law cion. Usman had escaped, he said. police commandos ran into a group now being debated in parliament Sunday’s bloodbath high- of rebels who thought the police that would give minority Muslims lighted “security challenges” but were mounting an attack. “This self-rule in several southern prov- nonetheless strengthened the Members of elite Police Special Action Force carry the body of their comrade who was killed in an encounter in was a misencounter,” Roxas told a inces. The rebels were scheduled resolve of negotiators, govern- news conference in Cotabato City to start disarming at the start of ment peace panel chairperson the town of Mamasapano, Maguindanao province, Philippines, yesterday. in the south of the country. this year under the peace treaty. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said in a “We expect that naturally there Roxas said police had been statement. The firefight in Mamasapano Muslim rebellion in Mindanao of several hundred Muslim gun- will be impact but we are hopeful trying to arrest Zulkifli bin Hir, Over 1,000 people displaced by was only the second since the had claimed tens of thousands of men who reject the peace treaty. and confident this will not derail a Malaysian member of the Al the violence have begun returning ceasefire. Two soldiers and 18 lives over several decades. Last year the BIFF pledged alle- the peace talks.” Qaeda-linked Jemaah Islamiah to their homes after the fighting Muslim gunmen were killed in Since the peace deal was giance to Islamic State fighters in Efforts to bring peace to the militant group behind numerous stopped Sunday afternoon, mayor a clash on the southern island struck, troops and police have Iraq and Syria. main southern island of Mindanao bomb attacks in the Philippines. Tahirodin Benzar Ampatuan said. of Basilan in April 2014. The been pursuing the BIFF, a group AGENCIES

HK media manipulated Hackers target Malaysia Airlines by officials, says report KUALA LUMPUR: The web- Lizard Squad said on its Twitter Media reports said versions seeking to rescue the company. site of Malaysia Airlines was feed that it was “Going to dump of the website takeover in some A few hours before the website HONG KONG: A report by between Hong Kong officials and commandeered for several some loot found on malaysiaair- regions included the wording was restored, Malaysia Airlines the International Federation media managers were among hours yesterday by hackers lines.com servers soon.” “ISIS will prevail”. Normal access had released a statement confirm- of Journalists warned yester- pressures publications faced, who referenced the Islamic Visitors to the website were re- to the site appeared to be restored ing its Internet domain name had day of “intervention behind the Lam’s account said. State jihadists and threatened directed to another page bearing an later Monday, but it marked been compromised, re-directing scenes” of Hong Kong’s media as The journalist said that inter- to expose data taken from the image of a tuxedo-wearing lizard another bout of bad press for the users to the dummy page. fears grow over press freedoms ference from Beijing was “raw and carrier’s servers. and reading “Hacked by LIZARD beleaguered national carrier. “At this stage, Malaysia and interference from Beijing. undisguised” with officials based The attack, whose motivation SQUAD — OFFICIAL CYBER The unexplained loss of Airlines’ web servers are intact,” It is the second report this in Hong Kong putting pressure remained unclear, was claimed by CALIPHATE”. It also carried the MH370 and the airline’s poor it said. “Malaysia Airlines assures month to flag up concerns over on reporters during the protests. the “Lizard Squad”, a group that headline “404 — Plane Not Found”, handling of the crisis severely customers and clients that its media censorship and manipula- “Most of the media did not has taken credit previously for an apparent reference to the air- damaged public confidence in website was not hacked and this tion as well as physical assaults on offer resistance... the Hong Kong denial-of-service attacks around lines’ puzzling loss of flight MH370 the carrier, sending business temporary glitch does not affect journalists in a city which prides media have already half-knelt,” the world. last year with 239 people aboard into a tailspin. It has since their bookings and that user data itself on freedom of expression, the journalist said. It was not clear why the trou- which tipped the already struggling been taken over by a Malaysian remains secured,” it said. compared with severely restricted The report comes less than two bled airline was targeted, but the carrier into crisis. government investment fund However, the hackers disputed reporting in mainland China. weeks after another from US lit- that, releasing on Twitter what “As well as highlighting the erary and human rights group appeared to be a screen grab of pressure by political forces, the PEN American Center which said some airline data including res- IFJ reminds the business sectors the media in Hong Kong was at ervations. “We would like to point of the mainland and Hong Kong “increasing risk”, with physical out that (Malaysia Airlines) is that a free and independent press assaults and cyber attacks among lying about user data not being plays an important role in the the threats. compromised,” it said, giving no business environment,” it said in A British colony until 1997, Hong further information. a statement. Kong is ruled under a “one coun- The Lizard Squad is a group of “Press freedom is a human right try, two systems” deal that allows it hackers that has caused havoc in and the media must be able to per- far greater civil liberties than those the online world before, taking form their professional duties with- enjoyed on the Chinese mainland, credit for attacks that took down out fear or intimidation.” Tensions including freedom of speech and the Sony PlayStation Network remain high in Hong Kong after the right to protest. But there are and Microsoft’s Xbox Live net- more than two months of mass growing concerns that those long- work last month. protests for fully free leadership held freedoms are being eroded. The extent of any links with elections ended in December, with A number of high-profile media the Islamic State, however, are no concessions on reform. figures have been attacked, with not known. The jihadist group The IFJ report presented the latest two weeks ago, when has seized large swathes of Syria at Hong Kong’s Foreign the home and office of pro- and Iraq in a brutal campaign and Correspondents’ Club is based on democracy media tycoon Jimmy declared an independent Islamic the first-person accounts of three Lai were firebombed. Lai and his “caliphate”. It also has used social journalists, all of whom used pen outspoken newspaper Apple Daily media in recruiting and spreading names. A Hong Kong journalist have been repeatedly targeted. its message. using the name Lam Hei described The former editor of liberal The IS group has prompted 2014 as a “watershed” for the city’s newspaper Ming Pao, Kevin Lau, is world revulsion with its video- media and said it had “abandoned still recovering after being attacked taped executions of journalists and editorial independence”. with a cleaver in the street in broad A computer user looks at a screen displaying Malaysia Airlines website after it was hacked, in Bangkok, yesterday. other foreigners it has captured. Sensitivity towards advertisers daylight last February. AFP and “unusually frequent” contact AFP

Indonesian anti-graft official resigns No retaliation following ban on Yingluck: Party BANGKOK: Former Thai prime min- be a trigger for unrest. “We will not use Thaksin fled Thailand to avoid a 2008 negligence over her role in a state rice JAKARTA: A top Indonesian anti- ister Yingluck Shinawatra’s Puea Thai the decision to impeach Prime Minister jail term for corruption. He has lived buying scheme that paid farmers far corruption official tendered his resig- Party vowed yesterday that it would Yingluck as a trigger to organise political abroad since, but retains a strong influ- above market prices for rice. nation yesterday after being arrested not retaliate a five-year political ban movements, that is not our intention,” ence over Thai politics. The same day, the attorney general’s and warned of a campaign to “destroy” imposed on the ousted leader, and a Anusorn said. In her first public sighting since she office said it would proceed with criminal the country’s graft-fighting agency, leading party figure said their move- Thailand remains under martial law was banned from political office, Yingluck charges against her for alleged corrup- amid an escalating row with the police. ment could survive without the power- following a May coup which the army met with Assistant US Secretary of State tion in the rice scheme. If found guilty Bambang Widjojanto, deputy chief of ful family. said was necessary to restore order after for East Asia and the Pacific Daniel by the Supreme Court, she could be jailed the Corruption Eradication Commssion, In a near identical repeat of her billion- months of political unrest that left nearly Russel in Bangkok. Russel, the highest- for up to 10 years. She is expected to be was arrested last week, days after the aire brother’s fall from power, Yingluck 30 dead. The law, imposed nationwide, level U.S. official to visit Thailand since arraigned in about a month. body accused a senior police official of was last week banned from politics bans all political gatherings. the coup, called for a “broader and more Yingluck, who has defended the rice graft, prompting his appointment as for five years and indicted on criminal The ban and the legal case against inclusive” political process. scheme, has vowed to fight the charges. national police chief to be postponed. charges over her involvement in a state Yingluck are the latest twist in a dec- “The United States does not take Chavalit Vichayasut, a former Puea Widjojanto’s supporters have accused rice buying scheme that cost Thailand ade of turbulent politics that have pitted sides in Thai politics. We believe it is Thai Party lawmaker, said the survival the police, regarded as deeply corrupt, of billions of dollars. Yingluck and her brother Thaksin, him- for the Thai people to determine the of the Puea Thai Party was not depend- seeking revenge against the anti-graft Yingluck’s supporters say the charges self a former prime minister, against the legitimacy of the political and legal proc- ant on the Shinawatras. “The work of commission. against her are an attempt to limit royalist-military establishment that sees esses,” Russel told students at Bangkok’s our party does not depend on a surname New President Joko Widodo put for- the political influence of her brother, the Shinawatras as a threat and reviles Chulalongkorn University. or a single family. Anyone can work with ward the police official to be the new ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin their populist policies. “We’re also particularly concerned that us. Any surname will do as long as that chief, and his response to the row is being Shinawatra, and weaken his Puea Thai Both led populist governments top- the political process doesn’t seem to rep- person intends to work for the country,” closely watched to see whether he lives Party. Anusorn Iamsa-ard, spokesman pled in coups and were subjected to legal resent all elements in Thai society.” Chavalit said. “It doesn’t have to be some- up to a pledge to stamp out corruption for the Puea Thai Party, said the decision action and street protests by pro-estab- Thailand’s military-appointed legisla- one from the Shinawatra family.” in Indonesia. AFP to ban Yingluck from politics would not lishment activists. ture last week found Yingluck guilty of REUTERS TUESDAY 27 JANUARY 2015 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 Afghan troops desperate for air support Struggles hamper fight against Taliban militants

KABUL: Afghanistan’s armed around 140 aircraft, mostly trans- modified Mi-17 came to the rescue forces are so short of combat- port helicopters. in real combat, helping an Afghan ready aircraft that, late last As a stopgap measure, the patrol pinned down by insurgents year, they began fitting machine Afghans began fitting forward- firing from a ridge in Badakhshan guns and rockets to Russian- firing 23mm machine guns and province in the northeast. made Mi-17 transport helicop- 57mm rockets to some of the The air force plans to have ters, dubbed “flying tractors”, to 86 Mi-17 transport helicopters about a dozen weaponised Mi-17s bolster their air power. to supplement five larger Mi-35 by the spring fighting season that With new planes capable of attack helicopters that were the typically begins in April. engaging Taliban insurgents only combat aircraft. “Wherever they are going to be delayed by over two years, and “That’s not enough to support able to get into the fight, it’s going Nato air missions backing up all the missions,” Col Abdul Shafi to make a big difference,” said troops on the ground now at a Noori, the air force’s mainte- US Brigadier General Michael minimum, the fledgling Afghan nance group commander, said of Rothstein, commander of the Air Force is scrambling to provide the expanded combat fleet, which Nato air force training mission. even basic support. should number about 30. By June, the air force will That is a worry for 350,000 Nevertheless, it is a start, and, also have a dozen more MD-530 police, soldiers and other secu- at the air force training base just helicopters - smaller, swifter rity personnel fighting militants outside the capital Kabul, Afghan machines modified with armour across the country and dying at a pilots have been putting adapted and .50 calibre machine guns, rate of around 100 every week in Mi-17s through their paces. with the first six arriving next the heaviest fighting of a 13-year Flying fast and low over bar- month. Rothstein acknowledged conflict. ren hills, a helicopter crew zooms that it was “hard to predict” Without air support they say its sights on the target: a group exactly how effective the air force they will struggle to defeat the of trucks parked on a ridge, rep- would be in the coming year, “... enemy, especially now that tens of resenting vehicles full of Taliban but I think they are going to be A member of the Afghan Air Force crew performs a system check on a helicopter before flight at the military thousands of foreign troops sup- insurgents. “You see the threat?” able to make an impact.” airport in Kabul. porting them have ended their the American trainer asks the The air force, all but wiped out mission. pilot. “Target at 4 o’clock. Ready by civil war and the US-led cam- Nato is training and advising the rockets.” paign to topple the Taliban, has about 34,000 of those for close air seven-year-old project to build were sold for scrap metal after some 390 Afghan pilots, most The crew fires off machine only a fraction of Nato’s former support. up the air force has been fraught being grounded because Afghans with no tactical combat experi- guns and a 57mm rocket that air power. At the height of Nato’s Last year, the Afghan Air Force with setbacks and delays. could not maintain them, said the ence, and a limited number of shudders the helicopter as it’s engagement in Afghanistan in flew an estimated 7,000 missions, Last year, most of the 20 US Special Inspector General for planes and helicopters have been released, before obliterating one 2011, the coalition flew nearly a small fraction in direct support Italian-made G222 transport Afghanistan Reconstruction. promised to bolster an air force of of the trucks. This month, a newly 133,000 flight missions that year, of troops on the ground. The planes the US bought for $486m REUTERS

Cop guarding polio workers 9,000 arrested in Pakistan’s shot dead fresh anti-terrorism drive KARACHI: Gunmen yester- day killed a policeman guard- ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s secu- and Frontier Constabulary (FC) some 6,702 suspected militants - a ing a polio vaccination team in rity officials have rounded up across the country, according to majority of them had soft corners Karachi, police officials said, the at least 9,000 suspected terror- the latest figures. Another 490 for banned organisations. latest blow to efforts to stamp out ists and 1,710 clerics as part of a and 400 suspected militants have The K-P police and the FC the crippling virus in Pakistan. massive crackdown launched in been picked up in Sindh and jointly arrested 2,700 Afghan The attackers on a motorbike the wake of the execution of the Balochistan, respectively. refugees in a fresh crackdown in shot the policeman in the western National Action Plan (NAP). Law enforcement agencies, in several cities. Around 217 prayer neighbourhood of Papoosh Nagar The crackdown — mounted coordination with intelligence leaders were also booked for vio- and then fled, senior police official after a new anti-terror strategy operators, have conducted around lating loudspeakers’ laws. Chaudhry Asad said. was drawn up to eradicate mili- 9,912 search operations in Punjab The Punjab police nabbed 1,087 The vaccination drive remained tancy from the country - has also and K-P, according to the figures suspected militants in more than unaffected by the shooting, he targeted people promoting hate shared by senior officials of pro- 5, 501 search operations while 950 added. Another police official con- speech. Up to 3,100 prayer lead- vincial home departments and suspected Afghan refugees were firmed the attack and casualty. ers of various seminaries/mosques the National Counter Terrorism also held under the Foreign Act to Pakistan is one of only three in Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Authority (Nacta). Some 5,510 root out terrorism from the prov- countries where polio remains (K-P) and Islamabad have been terror suspects of an estimated ince. Punjab arrested 1,471 clerics endemic. Attempts to eradicate A Pakistani policeman mourns the killing of a colleague following an attack picked up so far. 9,000 have been put on a new for violating the ban on loudspeak- it have been badly hit by opposi- by gunmen on a polio vaccination security member in Karachi yesterday. Over 3,650 Afghan refugees watch list under the 4th schedule ers. While Gujranwala police with tion from militants and attacks suspected of involvement in ter- of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997. cooperation of Punjab Rangers on immunisation teams that have 2012. The militants claim that espionage or a conspiracy to ror-related activities, were also Officials say K-P is at the fore- arrested over 370 Afghan refugees claimed 68 lives since December polio vaccination is a front for sterilise Muslims. AFP arrested by the police, Rangers front of the battle having arrested in this campaign. INTERNEWS

Five dead in Red alert on Pakistani airports landmine blast ISLAMABAD: Security at all A senior official at Benazir patrolling, to prevent terrorists in Baluchistan major airports in Pakistan was Bhutto International Airport con- from entering the metropolis, it alerted after an intelligence firmed the development, saying emerged yesterday. QUETTA: At least five report indicated a threat to that personnel from all security Senior officials, insisting that people were killed and airport security, sources said agencies could be called out in the the proposal to take the Pakistan one injured when a pick- yesterday. event of an attack. army in the loop for law enforce- up truck hit a landmine An official said the security As part of heightened security, ment was not made by the Karachi in the southwestern level at airports had been raised each person entering the airport police, said the move was part of province of Baluchistan from ‘high alert’ to ‘red alert’ premises is thoroughly checked the National Action Plan (NAP) yesterday, officials said. after reports that terrorists may and all previously issued tempo- devised by Islamabad under politi- The incident happened attack a major international rary security passes have been cal and military leaderships. in the Chattar area of Dera airport. cancelled by the Airport Security “The idea is to secure Murad district, 257km Extra security personnel have Force. Karachi’s exit and entrance southeast of the provincial been deployed around airports Meanwhile, the Karachi police boundaries from where regular capital of Quetta. area and members of the Elite have been joined by the Pakistan movements are made,” said addi- “Five people were killed Force patrolling squad have taken army for surveillance of the city’s tional inspector general Ghulam when a passenger pick-up up positions along the perimeter, entry and exit corridors, which Qadir Thebo. stumbled upon a land- he said. will include round-the-clock INTERNEWS mine,” local police official Gulab Shah said. Pick-up truck is the most common mode of Customs Day exercise public transport in that part of the province. He said four people died on the spot while the fifth was pronounced dead by the doctors when taken to a nearby government-run hospital. The incident was confirmed by another sen- ior police official, Saleem Lahri, who said the injured was in a critical condition. “The injured is in criti- cal condition, we are try- ing to save his life and if he survives we will have to shift him to a bigger hospital for treatment,” Dr Ghaffar Ahmed, of the government-run district hospital, said. Nobody has claimed responsibility but the area is one of the most res- tive parts of the province Customs officials burn a pile of contraband and narcotics on the outskirts of Karachi yesterday. The Pakistan where separatists have Customs department held an exercise where liquor and contraband were burned and destroyed to mark regularly attacked security International Customs Day. personnel and state infra- structure. AFP TUESDAY 27 JANUARY 2015 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA

A military band plays while riding camels during Republic Day parade in New Delhi yesterday; RIGHT: Performers walk alongside a float representing the state of Maharashtra in the parade. Obama attends Republic Day parade Rain fails to dampen spirits as India puts military might, cultural diversity on show

NEW DELHI: Rain failed Much of the hardware on representing the country’s Mars to dampen spirits at India’s Woman officer display was Russian-made, a mission last year. Republic Day parade yester- reminder that despite the growing Roads were closed around the day as Barack Obama became closeness of the world’s two largest area, which has been declared a the first US president to attend unfurls tricolour democracies, India still has strong no-fly zone, and snipers were posi- the spectacular military and NEW DELHI: With woman defence ties with Moscow. tioned on rooftops along the route, cultural display in a sign of the power as the theme for this The mounted Border Security where 15,000 new CCTV cameras nations’ growing closeness. year’s Republic Day parade, Force on their brightly-decorated have been installed. Thousands of cheering specta- Captain Haobam Bella Devi camels, a traditional highlight, No cameras were allowed near tors braved wet weather and heavy unfurled the tricolour at drew loud cheers from spectators the spectacle, with the White security to watch the parade, Rajpath here. who were out in force. House press pack forced to hand which marks the birth of mod- Devi hails from Manipur. A Obama’s presence as chief guest over phones and even pens. ern India and includes everything second generation army officer, represents a remarkable turna- Obama met leaders of the oppo- from tanks and state-of-the-art she belongs to the Indian round in his relationship with sition Congress party at his hotel weaponry to camels and tradi- Army’s Ordnance Corps. India’s new leader, who only a later in the day. tional dancers. According to the custom, the year ago was persona non grata Afterwards, the US president, The invitation to the annual cel- flag is unfurled after the presi- in Washington. accompanied by his wife Michelle, ebration is one of the biggest hon- dent ascends the podium along “I’m honoured to be the first were the star guests at President ours the country can bestow on with the chief guest. American president to attend this Pranab Mukherjee’s traditional At a foreign leader and underscores The commanding officer of celebration, as well as the first Home reception on the manicured the increasing warmth between President’s Bodyguard gives president to visit India twice,” said lawns of Rashtrapati Bhavan, an Obama and Prime Minister the command for salute, the Obama. event that was briefer than usual Narendra Modi. national flag is unfurled, the The parade celebrates the and saw a much-trimmed guest The leaders smiled and chat- national anthem is played and adoption in 1950 of the Indian list than before. ted as they watched from behind a 21-gun salute is given. IANS Constitution — the day it became a Amid stricter than usual secu- a bulletproof glass screen, Modi republic — after gaining independ- rity, with security personnel sporting a green and orange tur- stunt-riders on motorbikes formed ence from Britain in 1947. firmly keeping invited guests from ban with a pink circular plume their trademark human pyramid Alongside the carnival floats and pushing at the ribbon-barricade that rivalled the spectacular mili- before the grand finale of the military hardware were reminders dividing them from the VIPs, the tary headgear on display. event, a fly-past by Indian fighter of India’s achievements, includ- US president and his wife min- Obama gave a thumbs-up as jets. ing a dance by schoolchildren gled with the members of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s govern- ment and also with former prime minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi. Obama and Michelle made it a point to shake hands and greet the members of the National Democratic Alliance government who turned up for the At Home. They included External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, Human Resource Development US President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Narendra Modi wave to Minister Smriti Irani and spectators attending the Republic Day parade in New Delhi yesterday. Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Palace Hotel to attend two back- and meet the eagerly waiting Singh Rathore, among others. to-back business events with top guests, but the US president While Obama was dressed in CEOs from both India and the US waved back and went back to his a formal dark suit, Michelle was in the evening. seat, as did his wife Michelle. wearing an off-white smart dress There were around 1,400 Congress president Sonia with small floral prints. guests this time, according to the Gandhi, dressed smartly in a black Modi was attired in a cream- president’s press secretary, Venu sari with a red border with a black coloured churidar-kurta, matched Rajamony. Previous At Home coat to match, stood out with her with a dark orange sleeveless events have seen 2,000-plus guests quiet elegance. jacket and a cream coloured shawl in attendance. Former prime minister thrown across his shoulders. After meeting the ministers, Manmohan Singh and his wife The At Home this year lasted Obama took a turn towards the Gursharan Kaur were also there. around 35-40 minutes, shorter invited gathering comprising Both Sonia Gandhi and than the one-hour event it usu- envoys, diplomats, top government Manmohan Singh had met Obama President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama wave as they pose with President Pranab Mukherjee ally is. officials and cultural aficionados. before the At Home. (second left) and Prime Minister Modi during a reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The reason: both Modi and It looked for a moment as The event was telecast live for Obama had to rush to the Taj though he was about to go forward the first time. AGENCIES Modi mocked for ‘vanity suit’ NEW DELHI: Narendra the hashtag #ModiSuit. US media goes big on Obama’s India visit Modi’s daring fashion choices “Maybe he was afraid that have won plaudits in the past, someone would steal his WASHINGTON: President Street Journal and some other bottom spread about Modi’s wife partnership”, with a detailed but the Indian leader’s deci- clothes?” Suprateek Chatterjee Barack Obama’s historic visit papers splashed several pictures headlined “If he comes I will go: story inside. sion to wear a suit with his tweeted, calling it a “vanity- to India has received promi- of the visit in separate photo wife of India’s leader, a child bride The Los Angeles Times, how- own name printed all over it striped suit”. nent coverage in the US media galleries. was kept a secret” with a single- ever, chose to focus on lack of sparked a barrage of mockery The suit — Modi’s second out- with major newspapers focus- The Post pointed to the cover- column picture of Jashodaben in progress on climate change, with on social media. fit of the day after he greeted ing on the breakthrough on age inside with a single-column a red sari. a two-column front page pic- The rare sartorial misstep the Obamas at the airport wear- the nuclear deal and splash- picture of Obama sipping tea The Washington Times carried ture of the smog-covered Indian involved a pin-striped suit Modi ing a beige kurta and saffron ing pictures of the pomp and with a laughing Prime Minister on the front page a three-column capital. wore for his one-on-one meet- shawl — clearly did not offend pageantry. Narendra Modi by his side. picture of Obama showering rose Under the picture captioned “A ing with visiting US President the US president. The New York Times car- The caption read: “An under- petals on Mahatma Gandhi’s layer of smog shrouds New Delhi” Barack Obama on Sunday. Obama complimented Modi ried on top of the front page a standing: President Obama begins samadhi at Raj Ghat with the was a story headlined: “India’s When images of the prime on his style during his toast at four-column picture of Obama a three-day trip to India and caption reading “Making history premier rejects US call for cli- minister were enlarged, it dinner that evening, and said he reviewing the guard of honour at cites a breakthrough on nuclear in India” and a detailed story mate goal”. became clear that the subtle had considered wearing a kurta Rashtrapati Bhavan captioned impasse.” inside. The ‘breakthrough’ on the pink stripes were made up of the himself. “Pomp and Progress”. Inside, under a six-column The Chicago Tribune, published nuclear deal took the back seat words “Narendra Damodardas Modi is not the first world A detailed story inside was centre spread in the middle, the from Obama’s hometown, too with a smaller type subheading Modi” printed in tiny letters on leader to wear his name on his headlined “Obama clears a hurdle Post spoke of “A ‘breakthrough’ carried a small, single-column reading: “Obama does manage to the tailored wool suit. sleeve. In 2011, former Egyptian to better ties with India”. understanding on nuclear issues picture of Obama sipping tea on make progress on a deal to build Close-up images of the leader Hosni Mubarak was pho- The web editions of the Times, in India”. the front page with the caption nuclear reactors for energy”. suit have gone viral, trigger- tographed wearing a bespoke the Washington Post, the Wall Underneath was a six-column reading “US, India declare a new IANS ing sardonic responses from suit with his name printed into social media users under pin-stripes. AFP TUESDAY 27 JANUARY 2015 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15 Modi woos US CEOs with promise on taxes Premier vows to make India business-friendly

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Barack Obama and American pledged to address concerns about Narendra Modi yesterday CEOs that he would ease off on intellectual property that have vowed to banish India’s repu- taxes and encourage innovation. long irked potential investors in tation as a tough place to do As he promised a more “com- Asia’s third-largest economy. business, telling US President petitive” tax regime, Modi also Obama, who is in the middle of a three-day visit to India, hailed the new change in tone at the top of India Inc but said there were Obama in $4bn pledge still “too many obstacles” for busi- nesses wanting to break into the NEW DELHI: US President “Everyone here will agree, vast market. Barack Obama yesterday we’ve got to do better.” Under the previous left-leaning President Barack Obama shakes hands with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the conclusion of a CEO Roundtable made a pledge of $4bn in Modi said US investment in Congress government, investors and Forum at the India US Business Summit in New Delhi yesterday. investments and loans to India had doubled in the past frequently complained about a India, seeking to release what four months and vowed to do hostile business climate in India, with you in your projects. had a plant in India seized over India on the path to sustainable he called the “untapped poten- more to slash the country’s frustrated by bureaucracy and “You will find a climate that a tax dispute. growth and has been extensively tial” of a business and strate- notorious red tape and make it corruption. In the last World encourages investment and Vodafone is battling the demand promoting a “Make in India” gic partnership between the one of the world’s easiest places Bank rankings on the ease of rewards enterprise. It will nur- for back taxes over its $10.7bn campaign designed to turn the world’s largest democracies. for business. doing business rankings, India ture innovation and protect your purchase of Indian mobile opera- country into a manufacturing India accounts for only two Obama said that US Export- placed 142nd out of 189 countries. intellectual property. tions in 2007 from Hong Kong- hub. percent of US imports and one Import Bank would finance But in his speech to a joint “It will make it easy to do based Hutchison Whampoa, while Speaking last week, the US percent of its exports, Obama $1bn in exports of ‘Made-in- group of US and Indian business- business,” said Modi, who was India’s tax authorities have also ambassador to New Delhi said said. While annual bilateral America’ products. The US men, the new right-wing prime elected last May after promising locked horns with Royal Dutch bilateral trade was now running trade had reached $100bn, that Overseas Private Investment minister said he aimed to have to transform the Indian economy Shell, IBM and other interna- at around $100bn a year — five is less than a fifth of US trade Corporation will lend $1bn to his country up in the top 50 and after growth rates had tailed off tional companies. times the level of a decade ago. with India’s neighbour, China. small- and medium-sized enter- promised his audience that things to their slowest rate in a decade. In his speech, Modi acknowl- But Ambassador Richard “We are moving in the right prises in rural areas of India. would change drastically. One of the main gripes by for- edged that the tax rules had been Verma also said there was poten- direction...That said, we also For renewable energy, a key “You will find an environment eign businesses under Congress too harsh and that he planned tial for the levels of bilateral trade know that the US-India rela- focus of Modi, $2bn will be that is not only open, but also wel- was that the tax regime was both to lessen the burden. “We have to grow by another five times. tionship is defined by so much committed by the US Trade coming,” he said in the address to aggressive and arbitrary. removed some of the excesses of “Everything we wish to do untapped potential,” Obama and Development Agency for executives such as PepsiCo chair- British mobile giant Vodafone is the past. We will soon address the involves enterprise and invest- told Indian and US business renewable energy, Obama said. man Indra Nooyi and MasterCard embroiled in a bitter, $2.4bn bat- remaining uncertainties.” ments, but even more — innova- leaders. REUTERS president Ajay Banga. tle with India’s tax authorities, Modi sees attracting more for- tion and imagination,” said Modi. “We will guide you and walk while Finnish company Nokia eign investment as key to putting AFP China urges India to meet nuclear group norms US sees role for India

BEIJING: China called on “We support the group carrying states to raise doubts about India Narendra Modi for statements India yesterday to take more out discussions on admitting new joining the group, which plays a calling for “freedom of navigation in anti-IS battle steps to satisfy the standards of members and at the same time we pivotal role in countering nuclear and overflight throughout the NEW DELHI: India could play how we’re tracking the flow of a global organisation that con- encourage India to take the next threats and proliferation. Some region, especially in the South a role in battling Islamic State, fighters and terrorist financing, trols atomic exports after US steps to satisfy the relevant stand- also argue that it could erode the China Sea”. the White House said yester- there I do think we want to find President Barack Obama said ards of the group,” Hua told a daily credibility of the NPT, a corner- “We hope that external coun- day during a visit to New Delhi space for cooperation,” he told the United States was in favour news briefing. stone of global nuclear disarma- tries can play a constructive role by President Barack Obama, reporters. of India joining the group. The United States, Britain and ment efforts. on the South China Sea issue, underlining Washington’s con- India, with the world’s third- Obama reaffirmed on the week- other members have argued in India has yet to formally apply jointly safeguard peace and sta- fidence that India is increas- largest population of Muslims, has end during a visit to India the US favour of India joining the organi- to join the NSG and would need bility in the South China Sea and ingly prepared to engage on not openly engaged so far in inter- position that India is ready for sation, established in 1975 to the support of all member states work together to maintain a fine global security issues. national efforts to combat the membership into the 48-nation ensure that civilian nuclear trade in order to be successful. situation in the South China Sea US Deputy National Security spread of Islamic State. Indian Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), is not diverted for military aims. Diplomats have said China was and not to stir up trouble,” she Adviser Ben Rhodes said India’s Muslims have largely shunned according to a US-India joint But India would be the only among the doubtful countries. Its said. involvement could focus on intel- radical causes, and police say only statement. member of the suppliers’ group reservations may be influenced by China claims most of the South ligence on the flow of money and four Indians are known to have China’s Foreign Ministry that has not signed up to the its close ties to Pakistan, India’s China Sea and rejects claims to militants to the radical Islamist joined the group. spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), a rival, which has also tested atomic parts of it by neighbours including group active in Syria and Iraq Modi and Obama on Sunday India’s admission to the group 189-nation treaty set up four dec- bombs and is also outside the NPT, the Philippines and Vietnam. It rather than deploying troops on committed to close consultation “requires very careful consid- ades ago to prevent states from analysts say. also rejects outside calls for nego- the ground. on global crises, including in Iraq eration from all the member acquiring nuclear weapons. Separately, Hua criticised both tiations between the rival claim- “When you look at our broader and Syria. countries”. This has caused some NSG Obama and Indian Prime Minister ants. REUTERS counterterrorism cooperation and REUTERS

Legendary cartoonist R K Laxman dead Mamata govt wakes up

PUNE: Legendary cartoon- As there was no improvement in “He was first admitted to a hos- Krishnaswamy Iyer Laxman was ist R K Laxman, creator of the his condition, Laxman was shifted pital nearby on January 16, but his attracted to sketching from his to ailing gymnast’s plight iconic “The Common Man”, died to the Dinanath Mangeshkar condition showed no improvement. early childhood. in a private hospital here last Hospital here and put on ventila- Later, we moved him to Dinanath He was first married to KOLKATA: Days after the general secretary J Jayalalithaa evening after a brief illness, his tor on January 18. Mangeshkar Hospital, where he Bharatanatyam exponent and film family of ailing gymnast announced Rs500,000 in aid to son said. He was 94. Laxman had suffered multiple showed a miraculous recovery,” actress Kamala, who was known Soumita Dey lamented the the gymnast on Saturday, her Laxman, brother of late English organ failure, but had responded Srinivas said. in the film industry as ‘Baby lack of assistance from the father Simanta Dey had rued novelist R K Narayan, is survived well to treatment and was recov- He said Laxman’s 89-year-old Kamala’, and who later graduated West Bengal government, state not getting any help from the by writer wife Kamala, retired ering. Three days later, he was wife Kamala took the news of her to adult roles as ‘Kumari Kamala’. Youth Affairs Minister Arup Mamata Banerjee government journalist son Srinivas and daugh- removed from the ventilator and husband’s demise stoically. The couple split and Laxman Biswas yesterday assured he in the state. ter-in-law Usha. shifted to the intensive care unit. “The past 10 days have been subsequently married a promi- would look into the matter. “We belong to a middle- He had been admitted to a pri- He was known for his creation extremely unnerving... the uncer- nent author of children’s books, Suffering from class family and her treatment vate hospital around 10 days ago of “The Common Man” character tainty of his health was a concern also named Kamala. Neurosarcoidosis since 2012 expenses are huge. We tried for a urinary tract infection and who appeared in daily single-panel for the entire family,” Srinivas said His son Srinivas Laxman is a and with the lower half of her garnering help from the state lung problems, where he breathed cartoons that ran for many dec- from Pune. senior journalist with The Times of body paralysed, the former government, but nothing came his last at 6.10pm yesterday, ades in The Times of India under Born in Mysore in Karnataka India and a specialist on aviation, gymnast and judge in the 2010 our way. We got in touch with Srinivas said. the brand name “You Said It”. on October 24, 1921, Rasipuram space and defence. Commonwealth Games is under- the local leaders from the rul- People from all walks of life going treatment at a city nursing ing party who promised finan- expressed shock and sadness at home. cial help too, but it has still not the demise of Laxman. “I am going to meet her today arrived,” Dey had said. Vice President Hamid Ansari (Monday) and will surely look West Bengal Olympic condoled Laxman’s death, saying into what we can do for her,” Association president Ajit “he touched lives of millions by his Biswas said. Banerjee, who met Dey at the incisive humour”. Unable to bear the medical nursing home, too has called for Prime Minister Narendra Modi expenses, the family of the criti- helping out the gymnast. also condoled the death, saying: cally ill gymnast has been mov- “We are doing our bit but oth- “We are grateful to you for adding ing from pillar-to-post seeking ers too need to come forward. the much needed humour in our assistance. She represented Bengal at the lives and always bringing smiles After Tamil Nadu’s rul- national level for nearly a dec- on our faces. ing All India Anna Dravida ade so its our duty to ensure her “My condolences to the fam- Munnetra Kazhagam party’s wellbeing,” said Banerjee. IANS ily and countless well-wishers of a legend whose demise leaves a major void in our lives. RIP R K Laxman.” Finance Minister Arun Jaitely said Laxman “made his daily point Himachal governor retires while making us laugh”. Forest Minister Prakash SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh Governor Urmila Singh was given a Javadekar said: “The man who warm send-off by Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and his cabinet made us laugh has left us in tears. colleagues at a function in the state capital yesterday. She retired The legendary cartoonist R K on completion of her five-year term. Laxman will always be remem- She had taken over as the governor on January 25, 2010. bered for his gentle humour.” Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh has been given additional charge BJP vice president Vinay of Himachal Pradesh following her retirement. He will take oath of Sahasrabuddhe said in a tweet office here tomorrow. that India haD lost a great art- In her farewell speech, Urmila Singh thanked the Raj Bhawan staff ist who taught people the nuances for their cooperation during her tenure. An employee arranges books titled Jest In Time, with a caricature by eminent Indian cartoonist R K Laxman on of creative satire with the prow- Urmila Singh was the fourth woman governor of the state since its the cover, at a book shop in Ahmedabad yesterday. ess of his brush and brain — both inception in January 1971. The three others were Prabha Rau, Sheila supremely sharp. IANS Kaul and V S Rama Devi. IANS TUESDAY 27 JANUARY 2015 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME Ice water challenge

Fajr (Dawn) 5:00 Shorook (Sunrise) 6:19 Zuhr (Noon) 11:47 Asr (Afternoon) 2:53 Maghrib (Sunset) 5:15 Isha (Night) 6:45

WEATHER

Today Wednesday Thursday Weather Conditions: Partly cloudy Clear Clear Misty to foggy at places at first becomes moderate High: 24° High: 24° High: 24° temperature Low: 15° Low: 17° Low: 18° daytime with some clouds and relatively cold and misty at places by night. DOHA - SUN & SEA SUN TIDE SEA SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND 06:19 17:15 09:30 & 00:00 03:30 & 16:45 03-12/15 KT

THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW

HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER

MUSCAT 27/18 Clear 28/18 Clear MAKKAH 35/23 Clear 35/23 Clear KUWAIT 27/11 Partly cloudy 28/12 Clear Participants taking part in an ice water challenge in Zhangjiajie, central China’s Hunan province. Participants were required to stay in an ice pond, BAHRAIN 23/13 Clear 25/14 Clear holding an ice block while eating ice-cream with an electric fan blowing at them. SANAA 24/06 Clear 25/06 Clear RIYADH 25/12 Clear 28/14 Clear DUBAI 26/14 Clear 26/14 Clear BAGHDAD 21/12 Partly cloudy 22/11 Partly cloudy THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW Colombia’s Paulina is Miss Universe HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER “We have a very difficult situ- ATHENS 13/07 Mostly cloudy 13/08 Partly cloudy DORAL: Colombia’s Paulina ation in our country direct all WASHINGTON 02/-3 Snow 02/-4 Chance of showers Vega was crowned Miss of our energies to support our SYDNEY 23/15 Partly cloudy 24/14 Partly cloudy Universe on Sunday, beating army and our people we have to out contenders from the United restore schools, we have to restore LONDON 09/04 Partly cloudy 10/02 Chance of rain States, Ukraine, Jamaica and kindergartens and orphanages,” PARIS 08/02 Cloudy 10/04 Chance of rain The Netherlands at the world’s Harkusha said. ISTANBUL 11/07 Rain 08/06 Chance of rain top beauty pageant in Florida. The 63rd edition of the Miss MANILA 30/22 Partly cloudy 29/22 Clear The 22-year-old model and Universe pageant was held at DHAKA 27/15 Clear 24/15 Clear business student triumphed over Florida International University DELHI 16/08 Partly cloudy 15/07 Clear 87 other women from around before a full house of enthusiastic ISLAMABAD 13/02 Clear 15/03 Partly cloudy the world, and is only the second fans. beauty queen from Colombia to The contest featured the tra- take home the prize. ditional parade of eye-catching The last time Colombia won swimsuits and national costumes the crown was in 1958 when Luz and performances from teen idol Lightning Marina Zuluaga scored the title. Nick Jonas and Dominican-born Vega, wearing a long silver American singer Prince Royce. sequined gown, was beaming and Ten judges were tasked to tearful as she accepted her sash select this year’s winner, includ- and crown from reigning Miss ing Cuban-American music mogul Universe, Venezuelan Gabriela Emilio Estefan, Cuban soap opera Isler. She edged out first runner- star William Levy and Philippine up, Nia Sanchez from the United boxing great Manny Pacquiao. States, hugging her as the win The event is actually the 2014 was announced. Miss Universe pageant. The com- London-born Vega dedicated petition was scheduled to take her title to Colombia and to all place between the Golden Globes her supporters. and the Super Bowl to try to get “We are proud, this is a tri- a bigger television audience. umph, not only personal, but for The contest, owned by bil- all those 47 million Colombians lionaire business mogul Donald who were dreaming with me and Trump, is watched by about 600 were part of this whole process,” million worldwide, pageant offi- she told reporters after the win. cials say. Trump said he has not She said the title was “more yet decided where the next Miss important than the World Cup,” Universe will be hosted, but did and said beauty queens are Miss Colombia Paulina Vega (left) is crowned Miss Universe 2014 by Miss not rule out Colombia as a pos- respected around the world. Universe 2013 Gabriela Isler during the 63rd Annual Miss Universe Pageant sible venue. For Vega, the win was a point at Florida International University in Miami, Florida. The Miss Universe contest of national pride and she hopes it started out in 1952 as a local will put her country on the map. on Twitter. “Colombia today is an contest, according to the pag- “bathing beauty” competition “We are persevering people, example for the world, congratu- eant’s website. organised by a swimwear com- despite all the obstacles, we keep lations,” he wrote. Vega beat out Ukraine’s Diana pany in Long Beach, California. fighting for what we want to The five-foot-nine (180cm) Harkusha, Yasmin Verheijen Today, the competition is more achieve. After years of difficulty, model from Barranquilla is the from the Netherlands and Miss than a beauty pageant and con- we are leading in several areas on granddaughter of legendary Jamaica Kaci Fennell, who were testants “compete with hope of the world stage,” she said earlier tenor Gaston Vega and 1953 Miss also top five finalists. advancing their careers, per- during the question round. Atlantico, Elvira Castillo. Though Sunday’s programme sonal and humanitarian goals Colombian President Juan Vega won highest possible remained mostly apolitical, Miss and... seek to improve the lives Lightning strikes over buildings at central Syntagma Square during Manuel Santos applauded her, score of 9.9 in every presentation Ukraine spoke about ongoing tur- of others,” according to the Miss heavy rainfall in Athens yesterday. praising the brown-haired beauty at the Miss Universe Colombia moil in her nation. Universe website. AFP Cosmic puzzle settled: Comets give us shooting stars PARIS: Suspicions that shoot- from comet 67P/Churyumov- disappears from view as they from up close by Rosetta since Earth’s atmosphere. Comet 67P’s outer dust mantle ing stars come from comet dust, Gerasimenko have provided head back into the Solar System its arrival in August last year to The study gives important should be entire shed soon, if it transformed into fiery streaks proof of paternity. — a cycle that continues until October — orbiting 67P at a dis- backing for mathematical mod- has not happened already, said the as they hit Earth’s atmosphere, “This paper shows for the first the celestial wanderers finally tance of 30km or less. els of the source of shooting study authors. have been bolstered by Europe’s time that the fluffy, dry dust disintegrates. Particles collected by Rosetta’s stars. For example, the Leonids, As a result, the particles that Rosetta space mission, scien- particles of a comet are (the) COSIMA instrument during this a meteor shower that occurs will be collected for the remainder tists reported yesterday. parents” of interplanetary dust COMET 67P period, when the comet moved every November, have been asso- of Rosetta’s mission will have very Comets and asteroids have particles (IDPs) which give us Comet 67P has an orbit of about from a distance of 535 million ciated with a comet called 55P/ different properties as the ones both been eyed as possible pro- shooting stars, Rita Schulz of the six-and-a-half years — about four kilometres to 450 million kilo- Tempel-Tuttle. used in the study. genitors of meteors, also known European Space Agency said. years of each cycle are spent in metres from the Sun, shattered “There has been a long-stand- Rosetta’s journey to 67P took as shooting or falling stars Published in the journal the cold outer reaches of Space on contact, said Schultz. ing dispute of whether the source more than a decade from 2004 — and now particles spewed Nature, the study saw ESA’s far from the Sun. The particles were about 50 of IDPs are solely comets or also and 6.5 billion kilometres. probe Rosetta snare and ana- During this time, the gassy out- micrometres in size (0.05 mil- asteroids,” said Schultz. “Our Last November, the craft lyse dust ejected from 67P as the flow too feeble to lift grains from limetres or 0.002 inches) before results imply that they have placed a washing machine-sized comet raced towards the Sun, its surface, the comet builds up an breaking. cometary origin. Another source robot lab, Philae, on the comet hundreds of millions of kilome- outer dust mantle. “They are fluffy and porous and would not be required.” to gather as much data as pos- tres from Earth. But as the comet draws closer rich in Na. (sodium),” said Schulz Asteroids are considered to be sible for the 60-hour duration Comets are clusters of primor- to the Sun again, and is reac- — characteristics that led the far more numerous than comets, of its onboard batteries. Rosetta dial dust and ice that orbit our tivated by its heat, the mantle team to conclude “that these par- but their composition is differ- will continue orbiting 67P as the star in elliptical circuits. starts to disintegrate and dust ticles likely represent the parents ent. They are rocks, much smaller comet loops around the Sun, com- As they near the Sun, melted particles are shed of interplanetary dust particles.” than planets, which circle the ing to its closest point of some 186 dust and ice is deposited in their The comet’s most recent switch IDPs, in turn, are what we see Sun, mainly in a belt between million kilometres on August 13. wake as a visible “tail” that into active mode was observed as shooting stars if they enter Mars and Jupiter. AFP Tuesday 27 January 2015 7 Rabial II 1436 Volume 19 Number 6323 Price: QR2

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 QP, QPI merger Masraf Al Rayan posts QR2bn net profit aimed at Total assets rise by 20.4 percent while financing activities up by 39.7 percent expanding

DOHA: Masraf Al Rayan Qatar Exchange wherein tracking the strategy set by the Board of financial statements of Al Rayan maturity of Government Sukuk growth recorded a solid net profit Al Rayan Islamic Index. Second, Directors. Bank Plc, the new name adopted in 2014. of QR2bn for the full-year is a Shariah-compliant Sukuk Adel Mustafawi, Group Chief on 10 December 2014 to rebrand Shareholders Equity, before DOHA: 2014, reflecting a 17.6 percent trading fund (income generat- Executive Officer at Masraf Al the Islamic Bank of Britain (IBB) distribution, reached QR11.35bn Qatar increase compared to 2013. The ing fund), for investment in fixed Rayan, described 2014 financial which was acquired by Masraf Al compared to QR10.5bn in 2013. Petroleum bank’s board recommended a income markets with target yield results as a strong testimony of Rayan in early 2014. Al Rayan Return on Assets continues to be (QP) yester- dividend distribution of QR1.75 exceeding earnings from deposit the successful implementation of Bank Plc has now turned around one of the highest in the market day formally per share, or 17.5 percent of the accounts and shall be distributed the thoughtful strategic plans set into profitability after 10 years of at 2.50 percent. announced paid-up capital. annually to investors. Al Rayan by the Board and carried out by losses. Return on Shareholders’ its board of The Board of Directors investment (ARI) will manage management and staff with the The bank’s total assets reached Equity of the bank reached directors’ approved the setting up of two both funds. resolve to achieving better results QR80bn compared to QR66bn as 17.64 percent compared to 16.18 decision to investment funds, subject to Dr Hussain Al Abdulla, the year after year. of December 31 2013, a growth of percent at the end of year 2013. integrate approval by the official authori- Chairman and Managing Director Mustafawi noted that the 2014 20.4 percent. Financing activities Earnings per share for the Qatar Petroleum International ties. First one, is an exchange of the bank, described the results year-end consolidated statements reached QR57bn, up 39.7 percent period reached QR2.670 com- (QPI), within QP, in an effort traded fund (ETF) that will be as an upward performance trail, include Masraf Al Rayan along from a year ago. Investment pared to QR2.270 at the end of to further expand Qatar the largest in the market, trad- seeing them as a natural outcome with the group subsidiaries and decreased by 10.6 percent, from year 2013. Petroleum’s growth, devel- ing Shariah-compliant stocks on of the prudent implementation of affiliates. They also include the QR16bn to QR14bn, due to THE PENINSULA opment and international presence. With this integration, QP will leverage a combined set of tech- nical, commercial and financial capabilities, while ensuring the Qatar may build 2nd highest effectiveness and effi- ciency in the use and deploy- ment of its human and financial resources. LNG terminal in Italy The integration will see QPI’s employees, assets and projects BY MOHAMMAD SH0EB project has to go through many transition into the new QP organ- processes and challenges, includ- ization commencing in March of DOHA: Italy and Qatar are ing political, environmental and this year. working to further deepening issues related to employment. Saad Sherida Al Kaabi (pic- the bilateral economic ties. Both The existing “Adriatic LNG tured), President and CEO of the countries are planning to Terminal” in Italy, located off- QP, said: “The integration of QPI build their second LNG receiv- shore of Porto Levante, in the into QP will unquestionably help ing terminal in Italy to enhance Northern Adriatic Sea, is the first us enhance our ability to expand capacity, in addition to discus- offshore Gravity Based Structure internationally and extract fur- sions on many other invest- in the world for unloading, stor- ther value for QP and the State ment proposals in the pipeline, age and regasification of LNG. of Qatar across the oil & gas value said Guido De Sanctis, Italian The terminal has been designed, chain.” Ambassador to Qatar. built and operated by Terminale “QP looks forward with “Italy is one of the largest trad- GNL Adriatico (Adriatic LNG), enthusiasm, confidence and a ing partners of Qatar in Europe. the joint venture between Qatar great sense of pride and respon- Our exports to Qatar for the first Terminal Limited (45 percent), sibility to deliver on its next 10 months of 2014 stood at ¤900m ExxonMobil Italiana Gas (45 phase of international growth. (about QR3.7bn) while Qatar’s percent) and Edison (10 per- We are confident that this inte- exports to Italy was about ¤1.4bn cent). Qatar Terminal Limited is gration will further support (QR5.75bn). The trade balance a 100 percent owned subsidiary of QP’s vision to become a world was in favour of Qatar essentially Qatar Petroleum. class oil & gas corporation, due to exports of liquefied natural According to the Italian envoy, Mohammed bin Ahmed bin Tawar Al Kuwari, (fifth right) Vice-Chairman of the Qatar Chamber, Guido De Sanctis, with its roots in Qatar, and a gas (LNG),” said De Sanctis. the Qatar-Italy bilateral trade Italian Ambassador, (third left) Andrea Ferrari, (second left) Director Italian Trade Commission, with other Chamber strong international presence,” De Sanctis said: “We have been volume in 2015 is expected to officials and delegates during a meeting between Italian trade delegation and Qatar Chamber yesterday. Al Kaabi said. trying to diversify our sources of surge as many Italian companies (KAMMUTTY VP) Nasser Khalil Al Jaidah, CEO energy since the 1950s. This is are here to explore the Qatari of QPI, said: “As the international why in 2010 we started import- market. growing. There are more than and there are many new plans in development and other. investment arm of QP, QPI has ing LNG from Qatar. The existing De Sanctis was speaking to 40 Italian companies and over the pipeline. Our visiting minister However, he added that some of delivered on its mandate by secur- terminal in Italy, which has been The Peninsula on the sidelines of 1,000 Italian professionals who of economic development will be Qatar’s important investments in ing a multibillion dollar portfolio built with financial support from a B2B networking event organ- are working in different sectors meeting tomorrow (today) with Italy include the buying of Costa of global investments with lead- Qatar, is almost running at full ised by Qatar Chamber (QC) and of the Qatari economy. We were Qatar Investment Authority Smeralda, a tourist destination, ing international companies. This capacity. So we are looking for- Italian Trade Agency for the vis- awarded recently a contract for (QIA) officials. We hope to discuss by Qatar Holding, and a hospital strategic transition combines the ward to build another terminal iting Italian trade mission repre- the construction of Doha Metro some concrete projects.” located in the same area. strength of both companies to to receive more LNG from Qatar.” senting seven leading electrical (Red Line North), and the com- Asked to provide some num- “In addition to these two, there become a fully integrated interna- He added: “We also need to and electronic companies. panies involved in the project bers on Qatari investments in are investments in Porta Nuova, tional energy player. We look for- keep in mind that a new LNG ter- Present at event were will bring more people,” said De Italy, he said: “I am not ready to the main business district of ward to the next phase of growth minal will not only be useful for Mohammed bin Ahmed bin Tawar Sanctis. quote any number because there Milan and many other invest- under the capable leadership of Italy but will also help Qatar in Al Kuwari, Vice-Chairman, QC, On Qatar’s investments in are different types of investments, ments in the hospitality sector in QP and for the full benefit of the catering to the whole of Europe.” and scores of businessmen. Italy, he said: “Qatar has made which is difficult to measure since many historical cities.” State of Qatar.” However, he said the proposed “Our presence in Qatar is significant investments in Italy, there are investments for project THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA QInvest, Masraf Al Rayan announce investment funds BY SATISH KANADY that will be the largest in the mar- Concentrated Equity Strategy, ket, trading Shariah-compliant which currently has in the region DOHA: Two Qatar-based stocks at Qatar Exchange wherein of $1.3bn under management. banks yesterday announced tracking Al Rayan Islamic Index. Dr Ataf Ahmed, Head of Asset their respective decisions to Second, is a Shariah-compliant Management at QInvest, said, launch three separate invest- sukuk trading fund (income gen- “The launch of this fund broad- ments funds. Leading Islamic erating fund), for investment in ens our offering to clients, pro- lender Masraf Al Rayan fixed income markets with tar- viding access to a portfolio with announced that its Board of get yield exceeding earnings from dedicated pan-European expo- Directors approved the setting deposit accounts and shall be sure. We believe that the current up of two investment funds, distributed annually to investors. macroeconomic environment in subject to approval by the offi- Al Rayan investment (ARI) will Europe will create some com- cial authorities. manage both funds. pelling investment opportunities Qatar’s leading investment The QInvest fund will focus on over the mid-term. We are very bank and prominent Islamic investing in pan-European blue- excited by this partnership and financial institution QInvest chip, mid and large-cap stocks. look forward to working with announced that it is launching It will be actively managed by the investment team at Pioneer a Shariah-compliant European the specialist European Equity Investments.” Neal Jenkins Tamim Hamad Al Kawari Dr Ataf Ahmed Equities fund in partnership with team at Pioneer Investments, Neal Jenkins, Head of the Pioneer investments. Pioneer with Andrew Arbuthnot as the Middle East, Central Asia but also by conventional inves- partner as QInvest and we look QMAP, the QInvest Managed Investments is a leading global Portfolio Manager. and Africa region at Pioneer tors looking to diversify their forward to working together with Account Platform. The addition asset management firm with The team has been manag- Investments, said: “Around the portfolios, many of whom are them with the aim of capturing of this fund further expands the over $246bn in Assets under ing European Equity assets for world, there is a growing demand being drawn to the more ethical this growing global demand”. product offering available on our Management (AuM). Pioneer will 15 years based on a consistently for shariah-compliant European- investing principles of Islamic Tamim Hamad Al Kawari, Chief platform to potential equity inves- manage the fund and act as sub applied research-driven phi- focused products. This is being finance. We are pleased our suc- Executive Officer of QInvest said, tors, and offers clients a portfolio advisor. losophy and process. The fund’s driven by not just Islamic inves- cessful track record in manag- “QInvest has focused on expanding with a dedicated pan-European Masraf Al Rayan’s first fund is investment strategy will be simi- tors looking to increase their ing European equity portfolios the capabilities of QInvest Asset exposure”. an exchange traded fund (ETF) lar to the Pioneer European exposure to European stocks, was able to attract such a strong Management and in particular THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 27 JANUARY 2015 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS GDI signs deal with GLB for liftboat services GDI to take delivery of Al Safliya in December

DOHA: Gulf Drilling “We are pleased to continue our GDI has shown in GLB over the International Limited (GDI), a relationship with GLB and to be past 2 years and looks forward to subsidiary of Gulf International using the Dixie Patriot again. GDI building on the successful cooper- Services (GIS), the largest oil- began using the Dixie Patriot for ation that has developed between field service company in Qatar, its first liftboat job with DEL back the companies.” signed a contract with Gulf in 2013. GDI’s relationship with Liftboat services performed LiftBoat Pte Ltd (GLB) for the GLB has endured two years and under this contract are provid- provision of liftboat services. will be continuing for another ing DEL with vital support to its The contract covers services eight months.” operations while enabling GDI to that commenced in January GLB has stood side by side with continue serving a growing busi- will continue through August of GDI throughout the DEL con- ness segment. The liftboat being 2015. The contract was signed tract and I am glad to say that utilised by DEL under this con- by Ibrahim J Al Othman, Chief the relationship has proved to be tract will ultimately be replaced Executive Officer of GDI and durable. We also appreciate the by a new liftboat, “Al Safliya”, Hans Simons, Chairman of the confidence that DEL has placed that GDI has ordered and is Board of GLB. in GDI and are grateful for the under construction at NKOM The liftboat is being used by opportunity to continue providing Shipyard. GDI is scheduled to Dolphin Energy Limited (DEL) liftboat services to such a highly take delivery of “Al Safliya” in pursuant to a contract extension valued client. December of 2015 and the vessel recently awarded to GDI, thereby Hans Simons said: “GLB is will immediately go to work for providing DEL with the contin- happy to continue providing lift- DEL under a 5 year contact that ued use of the liftboat over the boat services to GDI with the was announced. same period. Dixie Patriot. The company is THE PENINSULA Ibrahim J Al Othman said: grateful for the confidence that Ehab Eshehawi receiving the award from Chafic Haddad. International Islamic wins Best Bank in Qatar Award

DOHA: International Islamic Haddad, Regional Head, Financial office department deserves praise (QIIB) won Citibank New York’s Institutions, CEE and Mena for its performance in this area.” “Best Bank in Qatar Award” Treasury and Trade Solutions, “The award confirms that the for its excellence in ‘Straight Citibank at a ceremony held bank is a front-runner in the area Through Processing’ (STP) at the International Islamic’s of customers’ international elec- operations. This is the fourth headquarters. tronic payment transfers, where time International Islamic is QIIB’s international operations the processes involved high degree winning the coveted award. head Asim Mahmoud and bank- of accuracy… We are always keen STP is the automated proc- ing operations head Hesham Saad to provide an efficient, fast and ess of payments without manual were among others who attended reliable banking service to our intervention, which increases the function. customers. To this end, we have processing speed, minimises rout- Eshehawi said, “We are invested heavily in processes and ing errors, lowers operation and delighted to have this recognition systems, so that our customers transaction costs while resulting in from Citibank New York. It is a receive maximum benefits”, he efficient, rapid payment execution recognition of the bank efforts in added. for the bank and its customers. training and equipping our staff Haddad said, “QIIB’s ‘straight Ehab Eshehawi, International members and enhancing our through processing’ operations Islamic’s Chief Operating Officer technology in line with the STP are matching to global standards.” Ibrahim J Al Othman (left) and Hans Simons during the signing ceremony. received the award from Chafic requirements. The QIIB Bank THE PENINSULA

Euro hits 11-year low on Greece fears, equities muted London Mayor looks to build HONG KONG: The euro sank The group had campaigned 2003, before recovering slightly that the chances of Greece leaving Shanghai rallied 0.94 percent, to an 11-year low yesterday but on renegotiating the ¤240bn to $1.1200. That compares with the eurozone were limited. or 31.42 points, to 3,383.18 and financial ties Asian equities largely recovered European Union-International $1.208 on Friday in New York. The single currency was Hong Kong added 0.24 percent, or from early losses after an anti- Monetary Fund bailout that It was at 132.10 yen compared already suffering heavy selling 59.45 points to 24,909.90. Sydney austerity party won Greece’s imposed strict spending and taxa- with 132.03 yen on Friday. after the European Central Bank was closed for a public holiday. with Qatar election, throwing its interna- tion rules on Athens. The dollar was at 118.06 yen on Thursday unveiled a bigger- On oil markets US bench- DOHA: The Lord Mayor of tional bailout into doubt and The possibility of Greece compared with 117.80 yen in New than-expected bond-buying pro- mark West Texas Intermediate the City of London, Alderman raising fears it could leave the defaulting on its debt repayments Yo rk . gramme aimed at kickstarting for March delivery was down Alan Yarrow, will be visiting eurozone. is likely to spark renewed fears “Euro selling pressure will con- the eurozone economy and fight- 76 cents at $44.83 a barrel, and Qatar today to help improve the Oil prices resumed their down- it could be forced to leave the tinue as Greeks rejected fiscal ing off deflation. Brent crude for March tumbled financial and professional serv- ward trend after rallying on eurozone. austerity, heightening the possi- Asian stock markets, which 72 cents to $48.07. ices ties between Qatar and the Friday in response to the death of As the result became clear, bility of Greece leaving the cur- surged Friday in response to the Prices have plunged more than UK. The visit will aim to boost Saudi Arabia’s king, which fuelled party leader Alexis Tsipras told rency bloc,” Toshiya Yamauchi, a ECB move, mostly sank early 50 percent since June owing to the bilateral trade and invest- uncertainty in the crude market. thousands of flag-waving support- senior analyst in Tokyo at Ueda Monday. But they bounced back weak demand and a global supply ment between the two countries The far-left Syriza party was ers in Athens: “Greece is leaving Harlow Ltd., told Bloomberg in the afternoon, with some end- glut. The fall was exacerbated when which stands at £5bn per year. two seats short of winning an out- behind disastrous austerity.” News. “Markets are sensitive to ing in positive territory. Opec, of which Saudi Arabia is a key Currently, the UK is the fourth right majority in Sunday’s polls, The news hit the single cur- risk.” Tokyo fell 0.25 percent, or 43.23 member, said it would not cut out- largest exporter to Qatar. giving it more bargaining power rency in early Asian trade. The However Elsa Lignos, a sen- points, to 17,468.52, while Seoul put. Gold fetched $1,281.39 an ounce, Acting as ambassador for the to take a hard line on rowing back euro dived at one point to $1.1088, ior currency strategist at RBC ended marginally lower, dipping against $1,294.55 late on Friday. UK’s financial and professional austerity measures. its lowest level since September Capital Markets, said in a note 0.41 points to close at 1,935.68. AFP services, Yarrow will meet with the Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, Copper shipment other senior members of the gov- ernment, investment authorities Fed faces red flags as it and senior business leaders. The Lord Mayor will be joined by a wide ranging business del- egation from the UK which moves toward rate liftoff includes senior representatives from banks, asset managers, WASHINGTON: The Federal 19-nation eurozone was expected insurers and legal services firms. Reserve taxis toward a liftoff to at least help the huge US trade The Lord Mayor will also launch this year in interest rates in partner in the short term. the establishment of the new a meeting that begins today, For the FOMC, which exited British Chamber of Commerce in with signs of weakness in the QE in October, the question now Doha housed at the headquarters US economy raising questions is to decide when to lift its ultra- of HSBC. about timing. low key federal funds rate, pegged Speaking ahead of his trip, Lord The Fed is expected to stay the between zero and 0.25 percent Mayor Yarrow said: “Qatar is rap- course on monetary policy in its since late 2008 to support the idly progressing with a visionary statement Wednesday and stress economy’s recovery from the deep economic reform plan. With the patience in waiting to see whether 2008-2009 recession. World Cup being hosted in 2022, the economy is strong enough to After months of mostly posi- combined with proposals for withstand the first increase in the tive data—in December, the US ambitious infrastructure develop- federal funds rate since 2006. unemployment rate fell to 5.6 ments, the nation has maintained Since the December meet- percent and consumer confidence its status as one of the globe’s ing of the Federal Open Market rebounded—some weak spots have fastest growing economies.” Committee (FOMC), the central emerged. Job growth slowed but “My visit, accompanied by a bank’s policy arm, the rapid slide in remained solid; wages sagged, strong business delegation, goes to oil prices has pulled already weak barely keeping up with inflation; show just how committed the UK is inflation lower, corporate earnings and retail sales plunged broadly in in remaining the Qatar’s partner of season has gotten off to a bumpy a critical month for stores in the choice in the financial and profes- start, and the nearly stagnant holiday shopping season. sional services sector. With a trade eurozone has been further roiled “Wednesday’s FOMC meeting relationship worth £5 bn each year, by Greece’s overwhelming vote on will provide another chance for we are more than ever wanting to Sunday for an, anti-austerity party. the Fed to assess the impact of build on this and support Qatar in The European Central Bank’s the higher dollar and lower oil their grand economic plans.” announcement last week of a mas- prices on the policy outlook. We The visit to Qatar forms part sive bond-purchase programme, or don’t anticipate major changes to Port workers check a copper shipment to be exported to Asia, in Valparaiso port, northwest of Santiago, of a wider 12-day visit to the Gulf quantitative easing, to stimulate the statement,” said Barclays. yesterday. from January 16. growth and avert deflation in the AFP THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 27 JANUARY 2015 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19 Abu Dhabi China slowdown could trigger deflation house prices Weakening GDP growth in China leading to weaker commodity demand, says QNB report flat in fourth

LOWING GDP growth overinvestment that has led to opposed to a public investment-led broadly stable at around 36 percent China, this could lead to greater in China is leading to a build-up of excess capacity in one. To achieve this, the govern- since 2007. In advanced economies restraint on private consumption. quarter weaker demand for the economy. Overinvestment has ment plans to liberalise interest the share of consumption in GDP With private consumption and commodities, contrib- contributed to a decline in housing rates and the financial sector is typically considerably higher, for investment both slowing, the DUBAI: Property prices in Abu uting to lower global prices and a build-up of financial more generally, introduce mar- example it is around 70 percent growth slowdown is expected to Dhabi were flat in the fourth Scommodity prices. According vulnerabilities in the shadow bank- ket–based pricing of resources in the US. Private consumption continue, despite government quarter of 2014 due to a fall in to the Chinese National Bureau ing system, which are also dragging and utilities, allow greater pri- growth in China has been falling stimulus measures. The lat- oil prices and equities markets of Statistics (NBS), real GDP down growth. The government has vate ownership in state-owned in line with the broader economic est IMF forecasts released last and weaker investor sentiment, growth slowed to 7.4 percent in provided a significant package of enterprises and ease restrictions slowdown. Retail spending growth week are for growth to slow to consultants JLL said in a report 2014, below the government tar- stimulus measures to support eco- on urban migration. Additionally, declined steadily from 19 percent 6.8 percentin 2015 and 6.3 per- yesterday. get of 7.5 percent and the slowest nomic growth including tax breaks, plans to introduce pensions and in 2010 to 12 percent in 2014 (on cent in 2016. Based on the his- Like nearby Dubai, Abu Dhabi annual growth rate in 24 years. financing for social housing, and medical insurance should encour- a nominal basis). This shows the torical relationship between real suffered a property crash, with To boost growth the government accelerated investment spending, age consumers to spend some of transition will make a growth slow- GDP growth in China and glo- house prices falling about 55 per- is trying to push the economy particularly high-speed railways. their savings, while lower taxes down inevitable. bal commodities, slower growth cent from a peak in the second towards a more consumption- At the same time, the Chinese cen- and minimum wages are aimed at Looking forward, private con- and weaker demand from China quarter of 2008 to the market led growth model, but this could tral bank has made large liquidity increasing consumer income. Over sumption is likely to slow further. is likely to lead to lower global bottom in fourth quarter of 2012. take some time. The IMF expects injections into the banking system time, these measures could change Consumer confidence could be commodity prices by around 11 JLL estimates Abu Dhabi’s the slowdown to continue, which and loosened monetary policy to the economic model of Chinese shaken by slower GDP growth percent in 2015 and 5 percent in residential prices rose 25 per- could push commodity prices avoid a credit crunch from the growth, with private consumption and potentially higher unem- 2016, broadly in line with the lat- cent per year for the two years to down further in 2015 and beyond. crackdown on shadow banking. as the dominant contributor, but ployment (currently 4.1 percent). est IMF commodity price fore- September 30, 2013, providing a This will add to the deflationary Over the medium term, the gov- this will take time. Risks in real estate could also be casts. This could add to the global compound increase of 56 percent. pressures that are threatening ernment is counting on structural In the short term, China is strug- a drag. Households have a sig- disinflationary pressures that But prices flattened out in the the global economic recovery. reforms to boost growth through gling to manage the transition to nificant portion of their wealth are contributing to what we have final three months of 2014, the The slowdown in growth in a shift to a more market-based, consumer-led growth. As a share of tied up in real estate and, with called the Great Deflation in 2015. first period in which they did not China is a consequence of past consumption-led growth model as GDP, private consumption has been property prices falling across THE PENINSULA increase since the first quarter of 2013. “The stabilisation of sales prices signifies that some of the exces- Jakarta port expansion sive heat has now been removed from the market,” David Dudley, Japan exports Regional Director and Head of JLL’s Abu Dhabi Office. grow most in “We do not anticipate a signifi- cant decline in prime residential year, signalling prices due to the relative shortage of availability of quality product.” steady recovery Residential rental rates rose four percent in the fourth-quar- ter of last year, but JLL predicts TOKYO: Japan’s exports grew annual growth will slip back to the most in a year in December, single digits in 2015 due to what helped by a weak yen and a pick- it says is an expected slowdown in up in overseas demand led by government spending due to the the United States, an encour- oil price slump. aging sign for the recession-hit Brent crude is down 58 per- economy even as doubts persist cent from a 2014 peak reached about the strength of global last June. consumption. “While we expect there to be a The 12.9 percent year-on-year reduction in government spend- rise in exports marked a fourth ing this year due to the recent straight month of growth, sup- decline in oil prices, we expect ported by shipments of cars to employment creation and resi- the United States and of elec- dential demand growth to be sus- tronics parts to China, data by tained from projects commenced the Ministry of Finance (MOF) while the oil price was high,” said showed yesterday. Dudley. “Given a continual short- A recovery in exports, which has age of high quality housing, we been a soft spot in the world’s third- expect rental growth to continue.” largest economy, could be a source of Around 1,600 units were handed comfort for Prime Minister Shinzo over in the fourth quarter. This Abe, who is battling to re-kindle raised total supply to 243,000 by growth after an April sales tax hike year-end and JLL forecasts this drove Japan into a recession. will increase by 10,000 units in Still, with the exception of the 2015 and 11,000 the year after. United States, a largely gloomy REUTERS global economic outlook has cast A man working on part of the New Priok port project, an extension of the existing Tanjung Priok port, in North Jakarta, yesterday. a cloud over external demand. The slump in oil prices to below $50 a barrel has also heightened global consumption and deflation concerns. Imports rose less than expected, leaving Japan with a trade deficit Libya producing 363,000bpd of oil: Rival minister for a record 30th month in a row. “Exports have bottomed out but TRIPOLI: Oil output from Zwai, said in an interview that and the ports of Ras Lanuf and bpd, just 10,000 short of its maxi- often allied to their cities or I doubt whether they will accel- Libya, where ports and oil- Libya is producing 362,780bpd Es Sider were shut down due mum capacity. regions. That has complicated UN erate from now on due to grow- fields have been shut due to of oil, showing a report from the to nearby clashes or pipeline He said the biggest contribu- efforts to bring the recognised ing uncertainty over the global fighting, has fallen to 363,000 National Oil Corp. blockages. tors were Arabian Gulf Co government of Prime Minister economy,” said Takeshi Minami, barrels a day with exports at That is down by half from Foreign oil buyers have been (AGOCO) which was producing Abdullah Al Thinni and Libya chief economist at Norinchukin about 200,000, the oil minister November, when Opec member confused over who is in charge 131,547 bpd from fields in Libya’s Dawn fully into negotiations Research Institute. appointed by forces in control of Libya was producing around since a faction called Libya Dawn far east and the Hariga port in Geneva over a unity govern- The MOF data showed the capital Tripoli said. 750,000 barrels a day, and well took over the capital in August, which has largely escaped the ment. Talks are due to restart on exports to the United States Two governments allied to below the 1.6 million which the forcing Libya’s recognised prime violence gripping other parts of Monday. rose 23.7 percent in the year to armed factions are vying for North African country produced minister and elected assembly to the country. Zwai said his government December, while those to China control of Libya four years after in 2010. move to the east of the country. The Sirte Oil Co is producing wanted to keep the conflict out rose 4.3 percent.Shipments to the toppling of leader Muammar Zwai said oil revenues would Zwai works in the old minister’s 54,000 bpd through the east- of state firm NOC by retaining Asia, which account for more Gaddafi. fall to between $10bn and $12bn Tripoli office in a building which ern port of Brega to supply the a decades-old payment system than half of Japanese shipments, The United Nations and this year after slumping to $15bn also houses the NOC. Zawiya refinery, the NOC figures through the country’s Tripoli- grew 11.0 percent year-on-year in Western powers do not recognise in 2014 when Libya suffered a He said some 150,000bpd of showed. based central bank. All contracts December. EU-bound exports rose the administration which controls budget deficit of $19bn. crude was being used for domestic Libya’s conflict also involves with oil firms would be honoured, 6.8 percent. ministries in Tripoli. Output has fallen since facili- refineries and that the biggest one tribal loyalties, federalist move- he said. REUTERS Its oil minister, Mashallah ties such as the El Sharara oilfield in Zawiya was producing 110,000 ments and rival political groups REUTERS

Banking ambition Emaar targets Q2 for Egypt unit float

CAIRO: Dubai’s Emaar Dubai, Emaar Misr has a portfo- for the best time to float its hospi- Properties will submit plans to lio of investments in Egypt worth tality business, it said earlier this float its Egyptian unit to the around 53bn pounds, according to month. North African country’s regu- its website. The Emaar Misr listing would lator “within days” ahead of an “Emaar is preparing for list- highlight the linkage between initial share sale earmarked ing Emaar Misr, its wholly-owned Egypt and the United Arab for the second quarter, two Egyptian subsidiary this year Emirates, with the latter provid- sources aware of the matter and the preparation works are in ing large amounts of financial, said. progress,” a spokeswoman for the energy and political support to The initial public offering (IPO) parent company said. the country since the army top- of a portion of Emaar Misr is “The timing of the IPO will pled President Mohamed Mursi expected to be worth in excess of be dependent on the market of the Muslim Brotherhood after 2bn pounds ($270.3m), making it conditions, and details on the mass protests against his rule in the largest flotation on the Cairo terms of filing, size, and banks 2013. bourse since 2007. will be announced when they are Etisalat, the former monopoly “Within a few days, Emaar finalised.” telecoms operator in the UAE, Misr will offer the documents to Arranging the listing will be said in August it was evaluat- the stock market. The IPO will be EFG Hermes and JP Morgan, the ing listing on the Cairo bourse in the second quarter, God will- second source said. its Egyptian business, Etisalat ing,” said one of the sources, who Should the flotation of the Misr. spoke on condition of anonymity Egyptian business go ahead, There has only been one major as the information isn’t public. it would be the second Emaar IPO in Egypt since the politi- A woman speaks on her mobile phone after recharging it at a local stationery cum prepaid mobile “You’re talking about a big unit to be listed inside a year, cal turmoil which began in 2011: recharge shop in Kolkata yesterday. India is betting that mobile phone vendors, fuel stations and corner launch, certainly over two billion after Emaar Malls Group raised in May 2014, Arabian Cement stores can help it put basic banking within the grasp of hundreds of millions of its poor people living pounds.” Dh5.8bn ($1.58bn) from its 15.4 Company raised around 700mn beyond the reach of traditional bank branches. A unit of Emaar Properties, the percent IPO in September. pounds. largest real estate developer in Emaar is also watching markets REUTERS TUESDAY 27 JANUARY 2015 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

Arctic nickel APR Energy Qatar bourse quits Libya as govt fails to index loses ratify contract JACKSONVILLE: APR Energy Plc said it would move its power-producing assets from Libya to other places, 11.41 points as the government has failed to ratify its contract even two months after the company first switched off power generation. Saudi Arabia market rises Shares in the company, which rents out turbines and genera- DOHA/DUBAI: Qatar percent respectively. tors to overcome power shortages, Exchange index lost 11.41 points, Shares in major real estate fell as much as 16.6 percent to a or 0.10 percent, as it closed at developer Dar Al Arkan surged record low of 146 pence. The stock 11,836.07 points yesterday down their daily 10 percent limit in has lost 50 percent of its value from the previous closing of their heaviest trade since July since APR suspended electric- 11,847.48. 2012, extending a leg up which ity generation in Libya in early The volume of shares traded started after the company pub- November. increased to 8,718,969 from lished its fourth-quarter results The company declined to quan- 6,699,178 on Sunday, and last week. tify the financial impact of its the value of shares dropped Its profit fell 26.3 percent and decision to move the assets, but to QR417,979,503.03 from missed analysts’ forecasts, but analysts told Reuters in December QR350,346,196.06. some investors may be looking Molten nickel is poured at Nadezhda Metallurgical Plant of the Norilsk Nickel company in the Arctic city of that the company could be miss- Among the top losers were ahead to stronger results this Norilsk. The world’s largest nickel and palladium miner, has started pilot operations at its Arctic-based Talnakh ing out on $17m of revenue for Commercial Bank whose share year. concentrator plant after the first stage of an upgrade to improve productivity. every month that power genera- was down 1.49 percent to QR65.90 Some analysts think the Saudi tion remained offline. and Electricity & Water which succession could benefit the stock APR cut its 2014 adjusted core lost 2.01 percent to hit QR190. market because King Salman will earnings target last month, say- Vodafone Qatar fell 0.40 per- face pressure to ensure public ing it would be about 500-600 cent to QR15.00 and Salam support with state sector wage Aabar gets approval for purchase basis points lower than its earlier International dropped by 0.06 increases and other populist forecast. percent to QR16.40. steps that could accelerate the The company said yesterday The banking and services sec- consumer spending boom. that the assets would be reas- tor lost 0.08 percent to reach Other markets in the region of 100m Arabtec shares signed to other places imme- 3,112.72 points while the telecom were weak or flat as the price of diately, but did not specify a sector added 0.31 percent to hit Brent crude briefly dipped below DUBAI: A subsidiary of Aabar used Arabtec shares as collat- which made a remarkable volte location. 1,392.06 points. Consumer goods $48 per barrel. Investments has received regu- eral for loans. Suppose Arabtec’s face by nearly doubling its hold- Liberum analysts wrote in a and services sector lost 1.43 per- Dubai’s stock index tumbled latory approval to buy a further shares go below a certain price, ing to 34.93 percent from 18.94 note that there were opportuni- cent to hit 7,093.9 points while the 3.6 percent in a broad sell-off. 100 million shares in Arabtec, it could trigger a margin call and percent. ties in emerging markets such as industries sector fell 0.34 percent Among the most traded stocks, strengthening the Abu Dhabi cause panic. Such an approval ... But this time Ismaik is unlikely Argentina, Pakistan, Nigeria and to register 3,739.86 points. Dubai Islamic Bank lost 5.7 per- state-run fund’s hold on the would also be useful if Arabtec’s to be selling any of his remaining Egypt. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s stock cent and Emaar Properties was Dubai-listed builder, according year-end or Q1 or Q2 results are 11.8 percent stake. APR Chief Executive Laurence market rose yesterday as it traded down 5.3 percent. to a bourse filing yesterday. not good.” “He is not part of this,” a source Anderson said it would take any- for the first time since new king Local investors and those from Aabar’s move to raise its share- Aabar’s latest move would have close to Ismaik said. where from 60 to 120 days to pack took over. Other bourses in the outside the Arab world were net holding follows a bitter struggle appeared far-fetched in June, Aabar must complete the up and ship out of Libya. region were neutral or negative. sellers in Dubai yesterday, accord- with former Arabtec chief execu- when bourse data showed the approved share purchases by July Jacksonville, Florida-based After swiftly assuming power, ing to bourse data. tive Hasan Ismaik, a Jordanian secretive fund had cut its hold- 25, 2014, the statement added, APR’s focus on emerging markets the Custodian of the Two Holy Market players said oil’s businessman who took the helm ing to 18.94 percent from 21.57 although it is not obliged to buy has left it exposed to political risk in Mosques King Salman bin renewed weakness may have in 2013 as he built up his own percent over several days. any shares. countries such as Libya, where rival Abdulaziz pledged continuity in dampened retail investors’ sen- holding. That revelation led to mass “Shareholders of Arabtec are governments vie for control of vast energy and foreign policies and timent, even though Dubai’s Should Aabar buy the permit- selling of one of the main Dubai unlikely to sell now unless they energy fields more than three years appointed younger men as his diversified economy is relatively ted number of shares, its stake bourse’s most liquid securities, get a good price — at least four after veteran leader Muammar heirs, appearing to settle the suc- insulated from the negative would rise to 37.27 percent from dragging the market down with dirhams,” said Ziad Abbas, man- Gaddafi was overthrown. cession issue for years to come. effects of cheap oil. 35.6 percent at present, accord- it. From a record high of 7.40 ager of domestic capital markets, Libya accounted for about a Investors reacted positively to “We had a good a rebound in the ing to the Dubai Financial dirhams in May, Arabtec’s shares National Bank of Abu Dhabi. quarter of the company’s total the smooth succession and the oil prices (in the last few weeks), Market. ended Monday at 2.87. “Also, if Aabar wants to buy sales of $308 million in 2013 and kingdom’s main index added 0.7 they moved above $50 - and now “This is a way to buy Arabtec Ismaik quit as CEO in mid- more shares of Arabtec, it means was instrumental in the company percent as most stocks closed it seems that we are again on the shares when the share price goes June, soon after he had raised his there is a good plan for the future, turning a profit that year. In June higher. way down,” said Sebastien Henin, below a certain amount,” said Arabtec holding to 28.85 percent so shareholders may wait and not 2013, the size of the contract was Food makers Savola Group and head of asset management at The Mohammed Yasin, managing from 8.03 percent. sell immediately.” increased to 450 megawatts from Almarai were among the main National Investor in Abu Dhabi. director of NBAD Securities. In November, he then sold 16 REUTERS 250 megawatts. supports, adding four and 2.5 AGENCIES “It appears a lot of parties have percent of Arabtec to Aabar, REUTERS

Rouble weakens BoE’s Forbes Flybe shares slip as profit hints rates may rise sooner forecast disappoints LONDON: Shares in Flybe pressure will extend the period than expected Group slumped more than 20 of time that these routes take to percent yesterday after the reach maturity and deliver the full LONDON: British interest British budget airline said it contribution we expect,” Flybe said. rates may rise sooner than would break even before tax The airline said excluding costs many people expect if inflation in its financial year ending in relating to grounded Embraer rebounds strongly from its cur- March 2015 after a fall in third- E195 aircrafts and the impact of rent decline, a Bank of England quarter passenger revenue. some loan revaluations, it now rate setter said in an interview The embattled carrier posted its expected to break even before tax published yesterday. first pretax profit in four years in this fiscal year. Monetary Policy Committee the year ending March 2014, helped Liberum analyst Gerald Khoo member Kristin Forbes said by brutal cost cuts that involved said this forecast implied a 9 inflation might fall further in the giving up airport slots, slashing million pound cut to profit esti- near term, but strong growth in jobs, exiting unprofitable flight mates. He cut his target price on the United States and cheap oil routes and grounding surplus fleet. the stock to 140 pence from 180 could boost British consumption, But Flybe has since been on pence, but kept his “buy” rating. eventually triggering the need for rocky ground, swinging back to a At 0949 GMT, Flybe shares rate hikes. loss in the first half of its current were down 22 percent at 70.2 “If the risks that I’m focusing on fiscal year due to one-off costs and pence after touching 67 pence, to our last forecasts come through, a charge related to its exit from the lowest since November 8 2013. I think there is a chance that its Finland joint venture. Liberum’s Khoo attributed inflation will pick up faster than The full-year forecast yester- Flybe’s troubles to new routes people had been expecting in the day followed a 3.8 percent drop from London City taking longer medium term, which then would in passenger revenue in the final to mature, and adjustments relat- most likely merit an increase in three months of 2014 to £126.8m ing to the company retaining nine interest rates sooner than people on the back of competition on some surplus Embraer E-195 aircraft are currently expecting,” Forbes People walk past a board showing currency exchange rates in Moscow, yesterday. The Russian rouble fell new London City airport routes. for longer than hoped. told the Wall Street Journal. sharply on opening yesterday, following a weekend of violence in eastern Ukraine and threats of further “We believe that this competitive REUTERS BoE interest rates have held at a Western sanctions against Russia. record low 0.5 percent since early 2009, and financial markets do not price in an increase until midway through next year. Economists polled by Reuters forecast a hike Pakistan fuel crisis weighing on credit worthiness: Moody’s around the end of this year. Forbes’ comments chime with those of BoE Governor Mark ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Moody’s said that increasing Pakistan in September 2013 on the State utilities lose money, and reached the pumps. Carney, who said on Friday that it ongoing fuel shortage that has energy imports without addressing condition that it carry out extensive cannot pay private power gener- But Moody’s warned that the gov- was best to look through the effects led to worsening power black- structural issues that create so- economic reforms, particularly in ating companies, which in turn ernment of Prime Minister Nawaz of falling oil prices on inflation. outs is weighing on its credit called circular debt “will further the energy and taxation sectors. cannot pay the oil and gas suppli- Sharif, which made solving the Oil prices have more than worthiness and hindering its strain Pakistan’s budget and bal- Moody’s, which in July 2014 ers, who cut off the supply. energy crisis a key campaign pledge, halved since the middle of last ability to meet key reform tar- ance of payments, a credit negative”. upgraded Pakistan’s rating out- The fuel crisis began last week had so far failed to offer policy solu- year, pushing British inflation to gets laid out by the IMF, rat- “Fuel shortages also reflect the look from “negative” to “stable” in when Pakistan State Oil was tions and increasing oil supplies a 14-year low of 0.5 percent and ings agency Moody’s warned strained finances of state-owned a boon for the shaky South Asian forced to slash imports because would only add to the fiscal burden. causing two BoE policymakers to yesterday. distribution companies and the economy, said that structural banks refused to extend any more “The government’s targeted fis- drop their calls this month for The country is currently in the fuel importer, Pakistan State Oil reforms had been a “key driver” credit to the government-owned cal deficit of 4.5 percent of GDP in higher interest rates. But Carney grip of one of its worst power cri- corporation, and are a setback to in its decision last year. company, which supplies 80 per- fiscal 2015 from 4.7 percent in fiscal said rates would need to rise over ses in years due to a shortfall in the sector’s progress on reforms “Circular debt” — brought on cent of the country’s oil. 2014 is already impeded by delays the course of the next three years, imported oil, with the situation made so far under Pakistan’s by the dual effect of the govern- The shortfall led to long queues in implementing electricity tariff to stop inflation from overshoot- exacerbated Sunday by an attack financial support program with ment setting low electricity prices of angry motorists at petrol sta- adjustments and legal challenges ing the bank’s two percent target. on a key powerline in restive the International Monetary Fund.” and customers failing to pay — is tions, though these have since related to tax collections,” it said. REUTERS Baluchistan province. The IMF granted a $6.6bn loan to at the heart of the crisis. dissipated as fuel supplies have AFP TUESDAY 27 JANUARY 2015 MARKET www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

QE Indices Summary QE Index 11,836.07 0.10 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Total Return Index 17,653.39 0.10 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 4,015.81 0.50 % RATE QE All Share Index 3,044.94 0.19 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 3,112.72 0.08 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 5468.193 77.717 1.44 5447.6 5248.5 QE All Share Industrials 3,739.86 0.34 % QR150.0784 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 QE All Share Transportation 2,304.97 0.03 % Cac 40 Index/D 4643.65 2.96 0.06 4673.3 4076.16 QE All Share Real Estate 2,265.67 0.05 % SILVER UK ...... QR 5.4329 QR 5.5098 QE All Share Insurance 3,743.1 0.17 % Dj Indu Average 17672.6 -141.38 -0.79 18103.4 15340.69 QR 2.1055 Euro ...... QR 4.0642 QR 4.1207 QE All Share Telecoms 1,392.06 0.31 % CA$ ...... QR 2.8968 QR 2.9537 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 7,093.9 1.43 % Hang Seng Inde/D 24909.9 59.45 0.24 24896.22 23312.5 Services Swiss Fr ...... QR 4.0610 QR 4.1194 QE Market Summary Comparison Iseq Overall/D 5616.16 38.34 0.69 5632.06 5072.7 Yen ...... QR 0.0305 QR 0.0311 Aus$ ...... QR 2.8566 QR 2.9124 Today Previous day Karachi 100 In/D 34466.53 439.94 1.29 34414.81 32134.82 CRUDE OIL 26-01-2015 25-01-2015 Ind Re ...... QR 0.0587 QR 0.0598 Index 11,836.07 11,847.48 Nikkei 225 Index 17468.52 -43.23 -0.25 17540.92 16592.57 Pak Re ...... QR 0.0357 QR 0.0365 Change 11.41 148.62 BRENT Peso ...... QR 0.0819 QR 0.0835 S&P 500 Index/D 2051.82 -11.33 -0.55 2093.55 1737.92 % 0.10 1.27 $ 48.35 SL Re ...... QR 0.0273 QR 0.0279 YTD% 3.66 3.57 Straits Times/D 3398.52 -12.98 -0.38 3419.3 3267.89 Taka ...... QR 0.0463 QR 0.0473 Volume 8,718,969 6,699,178 DUBAI Nep Re ...... QR 0.0369 QR 0.0376 Value (QAR) 417,979,503.03 350,346,196.06 Straits Times/D 3290.99 -1.82 -0.06 3387.84 2953.01 SA Rand ...... QR 0.3143 QR 0.3205 Trades 6,191 4,752 $ 43.81 Up 12 | Down 26 | Unchanged 04 Straits Times/D 3274.06 -8.82 -0.27 3291.83 2953.01

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 26-01-2015

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A List of Shares from the world

COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED A B G Infra-T/D 157.6 -1.3 2850 Cipla-A/D 674.75 20.6 300100 Himat Seide-B/D 87.5 -0.55 24070 Kilburnengg-T/D 46.6 -0.5 13420 Patspin India-/D 8.45 0.28 4135 Imperial Tobac/D 3079 -12 657215 A C C-A/D 1541.35 -18 19895 City Union Bk-/D 93.35 -0.4 50796 Hind Motors-T/D 7.85 0.02 72592 Kinetic Eng-B/D 44.7 -0.9 2485 Radico Khait-B/D 88.25 -0.85 122576 Kingfisher/D 342.4 -1.6 2634209 Aarti Drugs-B/D 1085.1 -3.6 4958 Cmc Ltd-A/D 1893.95 3.25 7953 Hind Org Chem-/D 20.95 -0.6 33235 Kopran-B/D 54.2 -1.1 125059 Rallis India-A/D 232.45 1.95 119574 Land Secs Grou/D 1284 0 410012 Aban Offs-A/D 472.45 -18.3 267053 Colgate-A/D 1911.2 -10.6 36981 Hind Unilever-/D 962.55 18.35 255263 Lakshmi Elec-B/D 441.3 -4.1 7237 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-1.5 2836740 Beml Ltd-A/D 910.35 -2.35 89006 Escorts Fin-B/D 6.22 -0.29 12736 Indo-Tcount-T/D 377.4 1.35 15511 Mastek-B/D 408.2 -13.3 88776 Ucal Fuel-B/D 147.9 -3.9 23181 Schroders/D 2878 23 79629 Bh Electronic-/D 3216 -6.05 41765 Escorts-A/D 127.2 -2.75 173403 Indusind-A/D 858 11.6 84742 Max India L-A/D 454.55 33.55 420487 Ucal Fuel-B/D 147.9 -3.9 23181 Severn Trent/D 2139.25 -7 129057 Bharat Bijle-B/D 679.85 -19.3 8894 Essar Oil-T/D 111.1 0.15 52770 J.B.Chemical-B/D 195.7 -1.6 12078 Mrpl-A/D 50.5 2.7 274702 Ultramarine-B/D 71 0.25 9924 Smith&Nephew/D 1189 -1 634557 Bharatgears-B/D 81.4 -7.4 55071 Eveready Indu-/D 215.65 2.15 156174 Jagson Phar-B/D 35.55 -0.8 15334 Nahar Spg.-B/D 92.45 -1.25 6544 Unitech P -A/D 16.95 0.2 7345018 Smiths Group/D 1117 -3 441200 Bhartiya Int-B/D 405.5 -0.6 20661 F D C-B/D 157 -0.4 17527 Jbf Indu-B/D 247.2 -5.1 93086 Nation Alum -A/D 48.55 0.85 195418 Standrd Chart /D 938.7 -12.4 2921944 Bhel-A/D 278.95 -4.75 543024 Federal Bank-A/D 143.7 -0.1 112921 Jct 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490.5 -7.5 55225 Gammon India-T/D 22.95 -0.05 138385 Kabra Extr-B/D 95.1 -0.8 8733 Oil Country-B/D 35.3 -0.35 4754 Bg Group/D 872.8 -18.9 2635019 Century Enka-B/D 174.5 3.1 21724 Garden P -B/D 30.5 -0.25 3501 Kajaria Cer-A/D 703.5 -25.4 18102 Onward Tech-B/D 53.75 0.2 2318 Bp/D 424.238 -8.25 11531583 Century Text-A/D 564.1 -0.35 156076 Godfrey Phil-B/D 554 -5.8 3720 Kakatiya Cem-B/D 114.5 -1.3 2457 Orchid Chem-B/D 63.9 -0.9 106407 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3779.5 -11.5 1178333 Chambal Fert-B/D 65.1 0.9 124947 Goodricke-B/D 148.7 -2 12467 Kalpat Power-B/D 237.3 0.55 48931 Orient Hotel-T/D 24.35 0.75 5647 Bt Group/D 428.8 -2.3 5401459 Chola Invest-B/D 513.25 -1.85 13925 Goodyear I -B/D 618.3 3.45 3816 Kalyani Stel-T/D 156.75 -2.35 24915 Orient.Carb.-T/D 564.6 39.3 61720 Centrica/D 267.5 -2.5 3149604 Chowgule St-T/D 28 1.3 42363 Hcl Infosys-B/D 44.35 -5.2 1072866 Kanoria Chem-B/D 35.85 -1.05 8778 Orient.Carb.-T/D 564.6 39.3 61720 Gkn/D 377.2 1.9 1074163 Cimmco-B/D 74.55 -1.4 8357 Him.Fut.Comm-T/D 17.4 0.45 1923633 Kg Denim-B/D 21.85 -1.05 32739 Oudh Sugar-B/D 19.15 -0.5 3887 Hsbc Holdings/D 625.1 0.3 5296355 TUESDAY 27 JANUARY 2015 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Hawks outwit Minnesota to

extend record win streak Detroit Lions’ quarterback Matthew Stafford (right) talks to Atlanta Falcons’ quarterback NBA: Superb James fires 34 points in Cavs’ victory over Thunder Matt Ryan during the Pro Bowl in Glendale, Arizona on Sunday. ATLANTA: Paul Millsap tal- The Hawks offence has been lied 20 points and six assists as superb during the historic streak, the Atlanta Hawks won their scoring 100 or more points a Falcons’ 16th straight game with a 112- dozen times. 100 victory over the Minnesota Dennis Schroder’s layup in the Timberwolves yesterday. final seconds of the first quarter Ryan throws Atlanta established a franchise staked Atlanta to a 25-24 lead record with their 15th consecutive going into the second, where win on Friday night and have won Atlanta started to pull away deciding TD 29 of their last 31 NBA games. in front of a crowd of 18,000 at “We made a couple of big plays Philips Arena. in triumph down the stretch and found a way The Hawks began the second to win when we didn’t play our on a 12-2 surge, in which Mike best. That is a good sign,” said Scott’s three-point play preceded GLENDALE, US: Atlanta Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer. a Kyle Korver free throw which quarterback Matt Ryan threw Millsap also had five boards and capped the surge for a 37-26 lead the deciding touchdown pass four steals in the win. Al Horford at the 8:47 mark. to Jimmy Graham late in the tallied 19 points, six boards and Teague drained a pair of free fourth quarter on Sunday as four assists, while Jeff Teague throws just before the half to Team Irvin edged Team Carter added 15 points and seven helpers stake Atlanta to a 61-47 lead going 32-28 in the NFL Pro Bowl. for Atlanta, who hasn’t lost since into the break. The 45th edition of the all- being routed by the Milwaukee The Hawks were up 86-77 star event featured teams picked Bucks on December 26. after three quarters and the by Hall of Fame receivers Cris The Hawks previously won 14 Timberwolves were unable to get Carter and Michael Irvin. in a row from November 16 to any closer than six the rest of the Lions quarterback Matthew December 14, 1993, the last time way. Stafford took most of the snaps they won a division title. Cavaliers 108, Thunder 98 for Team Irvin, throwing for Thaddeus Young finished with LeBron James overcame Kevin 316 yards and two touchdowns, 26 points, seven assists and six Durant in the only battle this including one of two caught by rebounds to lead the Wolves, who season between the two most Broncos receiver Emmanuel have dropped four consecutive recent MVP award winners, Sanders. contests and 20 of their last 22. and the Cleveland Cavaliers won Colts quarterback Andrew Minnesota have the worst their sixth straight with a vic- Luck, the first overall pick in record in the league with just tory against the Oklahoma City Atlanta Hawks’ guard Jeff Teague (left) and forward Paul Millsap (right) celebrate their victory over Oklahoma the skill-position portion of the seven wins. Thunder. City Thunder at Philips Arena, in this January 23 file photo. draft, threw a pair of first-quar- James had 34 points and seven ter touchdown passes for Team rebounds, and Kevin Love had 19 Carter, and the Saints’ Drew NBA Results points and 13 rebounds for the the Golden State Warriors to and two fouls shots with 9.4 sec- game-high 26 points to lead the Brees also tossed two scores in a Toronto 114 Detroit 110 Cavs, who look a different team a hard-earned victory over the onds left to lead the New Orleans Miami Heat to victory over the losing effort. LA Lakers 87 Houston 99 since a pair of trades in recent Boston Celtics. Thompson tallied Pelicans to victory over the Dallas Chicago Bulls. The game at University of Atlanta 112 Minnesota 100 weeks reshaped the roster. 52 points on Friday, including an Mavericks. Davis’ two free throws Clippers 120, Suns 100 Phoenix Stadium in the sub- Durant, a forward, had 32 NBA scoring record for a quarter with 12.3 seconds left gave New Chris Paul collected 23 points urb of Glendale, Arizona was a Orlando 99 Indiana 106 points and nine assists for the with 37 points in the third. Orleans the lead for good at 107- and 12 assists and the Los Angeles curtain raiser to next Sunday’s Denver 115 Washington 117 Thunder (22-22), who closed Against Boston, Stephen Curry 106, he then stole a pass and Clippers used a 15-0 run midway Super Bowl 49 between reigning San Antonio 101 Milwaukee 95 a five-game trip through the chipped in 22 and had 11 assists added two more from the foul line through the fourth quarter to win NFL champions Seattle and New New Orleans 109 Dallas 106 Eastern Conference with a pair and the Warriors (36-6) won their for the Pelicans (23-21). their fourth straight game. England. Golden State 114 Boston 111 of losses. 19th in a row at home. Dallas (30-15) was led by Monta Blake Griffin matched Paul’s The Seahawks stunned Green Phoenix 100 LA Clippers 120 Warriors 114, Celtics 111 Pelicans 109, Mavericks 106 Ellis, who scored a game-high 36 points tally and added seven Bay 28-22 in overtime to win the Klay Thompson followed up Anthony Davis scored a team- points on 16-of-26 shooting. rebounds and seven assists, while National Football Conference title Cleveland 108 Oklahoma City 98 his record-setting performance high 28 points, made a critical Heat 96, Bulls 84 Isaiah Thomas had 25 points for game and punch their ticket to a Chicago 84 Miami 96 with a 31-point game to lead interception of an inbounds pass Dwyane Wade scored a Phoenix (26-20). AGENCIES second straight Super Bowl. The Seahawks arrived in Phoenix on Sunday, and fans were already out in force near their hotel, cheering the team buses as they arrived. Quarterback Russell Wilson Tavares excels as Team Toews wins All-Star tie said the Seahawks were settling in quickly to the sometimes fre- netic Super Bowl week routine. NEW YORK: John Tavares told reporters of his milestone Team Foligno’s Marc Andre- “What it really comes down tied an NHL All-Star Game performance.”It’s something you Fleury, who stopped only nine of to is playing great football come record with four goals and don’t really think about going into 16 shots in the second period. game day, and that’s the goal,” Team Toews set a scoring mark a game like this. “It was so long, probably the Wilson said. of their own in a 17-12 triumph “It’s pretty special, and cer- longest 20 minutes of my career,” The Patriots advanced to over Team Foligno on Sunday. tainly one (game) I won’t forget.” Fleury said. the Super Bowl with a 45-7 Captains Jonathan Toews and Johansen finished with two “We are at this game to have win over Indianapolis, but the Nick Foligno selected their sides goals in a losing effort for Team fun, but at one time, it was romp has been overshadowed on Friday and neither team dis- Foligno. frustrating.” by “Deflategate,” with the NFL appointed in the highest scoring Jakub Voracek added three Boston’s Patrice Bergeron probing accusations that under- NHL All-Star Game ever. goals for the winning team as he and Toews each had one goal inflated balls used by New The 29-goal total at Nationwide played for former coach Peter and four assists as team mates, England in the first half of the Arena in Columbus, Ohio, topped Laviolette. while Chicago’s Patrick Kane and game were the result of deliber- the previous mark of 26 set in The game maintained a brisk Tampa Bay’s Steven Stamkos ate cheating. 2001. pace throughout and after the netted two goals apiece for Team The Patriots were due to arrive Tavares, the 24-year-old New contest was tied at 6-6 in the sec- Foligno. in Phoenix on Monday, and if York Islanders standout, stole the ond period, Team Toews pulled The friendly showcase even fea- they can’t leave the Deflategate headlines but it was hometown away with four straight goals and tured a fake fight late in the sec- controversy behind, they can at favourite Ryan Johansen of the never allowed their opponents to ond period when Alex Ovechkin least look forward to dodging the Columbus Blue Jackets who took close within three thereafter. and Foligno pretended to get into vicious winter storm barrelling MVP honours through a fan vote The free-scoring nature of the an exchange with Mark Giordano A puck gets past Jaroslav Halak (left) of the Team Toews during their All- down on the northeastern United on Twitter. game ensured it was a bad night and Brent Seabrook, much to the Star game against Team Foligno in Columbus, Ohio on Sunday. States. “It’s pretty cool,” Tavares for the goaltenders, especially delight of the crowd. REUTERS “It’ll be nice to be in some 70 degree weather (21 Celsius),” wide receiver Julian Edelman said from the Patriots’ training base. Since the NFL opted to switch the Pro Bowl to the week before Lucco team impresses the Super Bowl, players from the championship contenders haven’t taken part. In their absence -- and the at Middle East Cup absence of other selected play- ers who opted out, such as Green DOHA: Lucco racing team fin- driving competition is simply Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers ished second in the first round beyond compare. and Broncos signal-caller Peyton The French pair of and fourth on the second round Each series proves to be more Manning -- some rule changes Ludovic Loffreda in the competitive adrenaline- exciting than ever. The French spiced up the contest. (centre) and packed Radical Middle East pair, Loffreda and Lutter, did hold That included narrowing of the Lutter pose after Cup 2014/15 championship held their titles with a tight grip. goal posts from 18 feet (5.5 meters) the presentation in Losail International Circuit “Finishing second in this race to 14 feet across, and Colts kicker ceremony following in Qatar over the weekend. is still an accomplishment for us. Adam Vinatieri missed two extra the Radical Middle This is the second round of the We really had a close fight with point attempts and a field goal East Cup 2014/15 championship from a total of six the other drivers who were really effort for the winners. Cowboys rounds. good,” said Loffreda. head coach Jason Garrett opted held at the Losail Ludovic Loffreda revved up his “It’s our first time to race here to keep the Team Irvin offense on International speed as he tries to come after and I must say that this was really the field on fourth-and-goal with Circuit in Doha this Sergey Shalunov team on the first is a big test for us. But like the his team trailing 28-25 with 3:14 weekend. race. rest, we wanted to make sure that remaining. Emerging as first place winners our first race of the year would be Graham made the decision pay in the first series held in Dubai a good one so we just remained off by hauling in Ryan’s quick Autodrome in December last year, focused,” he added. slant pass. Ludovic admitted that it was a Race enthusiasts can follow the Odell Beckham, fresh off a sea- bit challenging this time in the next round of the Radical Middle son with the Giants that could Qatar race. East Cup on February 5 and 6 at earn him offensive rookie of the The battle between other the Losail International Circuit, year honors, made two impressive Radical drivers on this ultimate in Qatar. THE PENINSULA catches in the first half. AFP TUESDAY 27 JANUARY 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23 Haas wins second Humana Challenge American survives scare at final hole to earn a one-stroke victory over five players

LA QUINTA, USA: Bill Haas Second-round leader Matt rolled in some huge birdies and Kuchar finished with a five-under US PGA Humana made some key pars on the back 67 and he ended tied for second Bill Haas of nine to beat five challengers by along with Charley Hoffman (64), one shot and win the PGA Tour’s Brendan Steele (64), Park Sung- the United Challenge Humana Challenge on Sunday. Joon (65) and Steve Wheatcroft States poses Leading scores after “This is unbelievable. This is (67) at 21-under 267. Kuchar was with former Sunday’s fourth round of great,” said the 32-year-old Haas. the highest ranked player in the US President the US PGA Tour’s $5.7m Haas shot a final round 67 to tournament. Bill Clinton Humana Challenge (USA finish the week at 22-under-par Rookie Justin Thomas, who and the unless noted, par-72): 266 and win for the sixth time on shared the third-round lead with trophy after 266 Bill Haas 67-63-69-67 the PGA Tour. This is Haas’s sec- Haas, Erik Compton and first- winning the 267 Matt Kuchar 65-64-71-67, ond victory at this event, which round leader Michael Putnam, final round of Charley Hoffman 71-63- he also won five years ago. finished with a three-under 69 the Humana 69-64, Steve Wheatcroft “I was fighting it today,” Haas and tied for seventh with Webb Challenge in 65-67-68-67, Brendan Steele said. “You can see on the last hole Simpson (64) and Boo Weekley partnership 67-68-68-64, Park Sung Joon that I was grinding it out to the (65) at minus-20. (KOR) 68-67-67-65 end. Compton could not make with The 268 Boo Weekley 70-66-67-65, Webb “I was lucky enough to make enough birdies down the stretch Clinton Foundation Simpson 70-66-68-64, Justin a couple of putts. The one on No. and he carded a two-under 70 to Thomas 68-63-68-69 16 was huge. I knew I needed that finish tied for 10th at 19-under on the one to at least give me a chance 269. Putnam (72) ended two shots Arnold 269 Erik Compton 66-66-67-70, Ryan Palmer 71-61-68-69, Francesco here on 18.” behind Compton at 17-under 271, Palmer Molinari (ITA) 64-71-67-67, Colt Coming down to the par-five tying him for 15th. Private Knost 71-67-68-63 final hole, Haas needed a par to Defending champion Patrick Course in win. A bogey by Haas would have Reed needed to go low on La Quinta, 270 Nick Watney 67-64-71-68 forced a six-way playoff, which Sunday to try and defend his title, California, 271 Alex Cejka (GER) 68-64-70-69, would have tied a US Tour record. but he fired a one-under 71 to on Sunday. Lucas Glover 68-69-66-68, Haas was able to scramble for par finish tied for 24th at 15-under Martin Laird (SCO) 68-66-68-69, and win on the Arnold Palmer 273 with Phil Mickelson (68). Michael Putnam 63-67-69-72, Private Course. AFP Shawn Stefani 75-66-63-67 In-form Australians chase Blunted bowling leaves world fifth World Cup at home champions India vulnerable

SYDNEY: Australia are peak- tri-series, while Finch has five NEW DELHI: Loaded with ing at the right time for a crack tons, four of them last year. free-stroking batsmen but miss- at their fifth World Cup triumph Throw in Smith, the expe- ing match-winning bowlers, and will go into next month’s rienced Shane Watson, possi- Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s India tournament at home on top of bly George Bailey depending on will look to chase down — rather the rankings. Clarke’s availability, batting all- than defend — the World Cup Under the attacking coaching rounders Glenn Maxwell, James title they won four years ago. of Darren Lehmann (pictured), Faulkner and Mitchell Marsh and In Rohit Sharma, the only the Australians have registered Australia have plenty of runs in batsman with two 200s in one- some impressive results and have their ranks. day internationals, Virat Kohli, only lost one of their last 11 ODIs. Mitchell Johnson, the ICC Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina Australia accounted for the Cricketer of 2014, leads the and the explosive Dhoni, India third-ranked South Africans 4-1 attack with fellow left-armer possess destructive batting in a series at home last November Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood firepower. and have begun their current tri- and Pat Cummins offering pace But the frail bowling attack series with wins over England and and venom. remains a worry, as was evident Bhuvneshwar Kumar (left) and Ishant Sharma India. While the Australians are well during the recent Test series in Lehmann and fellow selectors stocked with fast bowlers, there is Australia where the hosts piled up in 2011 with an experienced squad last five years, a testimony of his have assembled a strong playing some concern over the selection of 500-plus totals in each of the four that included seasoned cam- hunger for big scores. group around a core of key play- pressure is going to be as impor- Xavier Doherty as the specialist matches during a 2-0 win. paigners like Sachin Tendulkar, Dhoni, the peg around whom ers — David Warner, Steve Smith, tant because they’ve got the play- attacking spinner. Former captain Sunil Gavaskar Virender Sehwag, Gautam India’s fortunes will revolve, is a Mitchell Johnson and possibly ers and the skill sets to be able to The Australians relish play- lashed out at the present set Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh Zaheer leader and batsman tailor-made skipper Michael Clarke, fitness win this World Cup, it’s just how ing aggressive cricket under of seamers comprising Ishant Khan and Harbhajan Singh. for limited-overs cricket whose issues depending. they manage the pressure around Lehmann and Warner has already Sharma, Mohammed Shami, The present squad has just four improvised big-hitting has won Clarke has been troubled by being the home team,” Indian bat- been told by Cricket Australia to Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Umesh players — Dhoni, Kohli, Raina many a battle for India. hamstring and back problems ting great Rahul Dravid argued. “stop looking for trouble” after his Yadav, saying India needed to and Ashwin — who were part of But the current tour of throughout the southern sum- The home team have tradi- recent clash with Indian batsman unearth new bowlers. that winning combination, leav- Australia resembles the one mer and selectors have imposed tional rivals England first up on Rohit Sharma. “You can’t keep them going ing the team short of World Cup in 1992 when Mohammad a deadline of February 21 on the February 14 at the Melbourne The explosive opener was fined because they have done nothing experience. Azharuddin’s men were thrashed star batsman to add some cer- Cricket Ground, the venue for half his one-day match fee by the in the past few years,” Gavaskar The nucleus of the squad is the 4-0 in the Test series, lost out in tainty to their team deliberations. the March 29 final. ICC for confronting Sharma and said. same which helped India win the the tri-series also featuring the Given Smith’s phenomenal The Australians also have Sri demanding he “speak English” “They are not penetrative Champions Trophy one-day tour- West Indies and failed to make form with the bat this season Lanka, New Zealand Bangladesh during Australia’s four-wicket enough and it did not look as if nament in England in 2013, but a the knock-out cut in the World — three ODI centuries since and associate teams Afghanistan win in Melbourne this month. they wanted to take 20 wickets.” power-packed batting display is Cup. October — there are those who and Scotland in their pool and will New Zealand cricket great The same seam attack will fea- needed to succeed again. This time, Dhoni’s team have say Australia may not even miss have home advantage for all but Martin Crowe called Warner’s ture in the World Cup alongside Rohit Sharma, who followed his lost the Tests and are in danger Clarke’s leadership and batting. their pool game with the Black behaviour “thuggish” and three frontline spinners in off- one-day 209 against Australia in of missing the tri-series final, Australia’s biggest challenge Caps in Auckland on February 28. slammed him as being the most spinner Ravichandran Ashwin 2013 with a scintillating world indicating an over-exposure to will be how the team handles the Much will depend on Australia’s juvenile cricketer he had ever and left-armers Ravindra Jadeja record score of 264 against the Australian conditions could again external pressures as the host ability to get quick runs at the top seen. and young Akshar Patel. West Indies last year, is expected prove detrimental. nation that will decide its win- of the innings and they have the But it’s like water off a duck’s “Big totals are needed to win,” to fire at the top of the order But a win over Pakistan in ning chances. right ammunition with adventur- back for coach Lehmann, who India’s first World Cup-winning despite a poor Test series. their first match in Adelaide on The Australians didn’t cope in ous opening pair of Aaron Finch said: “David’s an aggressive char- captain Kapil Dev said. Kohli, recently appointed Test February 15 — India have never 1992 when they last hosted the and Warner. acter and we support that. It’s “We will be better off chasing captain after Dhoni quit the lost to their arch-rivals in the sport’s showpiece and they missed Warner has three ODI centu- just making sure he does the right targets rather than giving bowlers longer format, is one of the fin- World Cup — will be the tonic out on the semi-finals. ries, including a recent 127 off thing on the ground. We’ll work a target to defend.” est batsmen in the modern game Dhoni needs to revitalise the side. “How they deal with that 115 balls against England in the with him with that.” AFP India won the title under Dhoni with 21 one-day centuries in the AFP ODI between Australia and India rained out Shikhar Dhawan of India runs off PCB, players discuss contracts the field as rain interrupts play during the ODI match against KARACHI: Pakistan cricket “There were some reservations Australia at the Sydney Cricket authorities and players yester- which we are sure will be resolved Ground yesterday. Play was day said they were working at in the next couple of days,” said abandoned owing to incessant resolving a potentially desta- the spokesman. rain. After a delayed start due to bilising contract row a month “As per the rules these con- a steady drizzle, India, asked to away from the World Cup. tracts are extendable by 180 days bat first, reached 69 for the loss The Pakistan Cricket Board which is what has been done.” of two wickets in 16 overs before (PCB) earlier this month The PCB had added newcom- rain fell again. Shikhar Dhawan’s announced it would extend exist- ers Sohail Khan, a medium-pacer, wretched form continued ahead ing annual contracts for another and leg spinner Yasir Shah to of next month’s World Cup and three months, apparently wanting the existing list of 31 players who the left-handed opener was to give the next set of long-term were awarded central contracts in contracts on the basis of per- A, B and C category on the basis out for eight, edging Mitchell formances during cricket’s pre- of performance and seniority last Starc to Aaron Finch at slip, in mier tournament, which is this year. a major worry for the defending year hosted by Australia and New Former players and officials champions. Ambati Rayudu Zealand. Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Afridi have termed the central con- (23) was the other batsman out But the players, including skip- will play for Northamptonshire tract row as “damaging” with the with David Warner completing per Misbah-ul Haq, have refused in the first six rounds of English World Cup just three weeks away. a brilliant running catch off to go along with the makeshift cricket’s 2015 T20 Blast The 11th edition of the 50-over Mitchell Marsh. Australia have arrangement. competition, the Midlands county mega event runs from February already qualified for Sunday’s Speaking on the condition of said yesterday. “He doesn’t need 14 to March 29. final in Perth with three wins from anonymity, a senior player told a big introduction. He is one of Pakistan will fly to Australia on AFP: “First the board has drafted February 5 to play two World Cup their first three matches. India the top one-day cricketers of the a short-term contract and sec- warm-up matches on February and England, who have one win last decade,” Northamptonshire ondly the incentives given to the 9 and 11. They start their World against the same opponents, coach David Ripley said. will face off at WACA ground in players have been changed, so we Cup campaign with a highly Perth on Friday with the winners are in talks with the board to the matter was being negotiated charged match against arch-rivals advancing to meet the hosts. solve the matter”. and said that it had acted in line and defending champions India in A PCB spokesman confirmed with its own rules. Adelaide on February 15. AFP TUESDAY 27 JANUARY 2015 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland hits a return against Guillermo Garcia-Lopez of Spain.

Australian Open Results MELBOURNE: Collated Venus reaches quarters as results from day eight of the Australian Open at Melbourne Park on Monday: Men’s Singles Fourth Round: Stan Wawrinka (SUI x4) bt Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP) 7-6 (7/2), 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (10/8); Kei Nishikori (JPN x5) bt David Ferrer (ESP x9) American players advance 6-3, 6-3, 6-3; Milos Raonic (CAN x8) bt Feliciano Lopez (ESP x12) 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, 6-7 (7/9), 6-3; Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) bt Gilles Muller (LUX) 6-4, 7-5, 7-5. The Australian Open: Novak Djokovic sets up quarters against Raonic Women’s Singles Fourth Round: Dominika Cibulkova (SVK x11) bt Victoria Azarenka (BLR) 6-2, 3-6, 6-3; Serena MELBOURNE: A scintillating Williams (USA x1) bt Garbine Muguruza (ESP fireworks show that illuminated Raonic creates Canadian history x24) 2-6, 6-3, 6-2; Madison Keys (USA) the cityscape and commemo- bt Madison Brengle (USA) 6-2, 6-4; Venus rated Australia Day fittingly in reaching Aussie quarters Williams (USA x18) bt Agnieszka Radwanska capped an explosive perform- (POL x6) 6-3, 2-6, 6-1. ance by Venus Williams and the MELBOURNE: Milos Raonic became the first Canadian man to Stars and Stripes brigade at the reach the Australian Open quarter-finals in 47 years with a five- Australian Open yesterday. set win over Feliciano Lopez on Monday. Quarter-Final The fireworks display, which The eighth seed thundered down 30 aces as he made the last has disrupted play previously at eight with a 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, 6-7 (7/9) 6-3 win over 12th-seeded Lopez Line-ups Rod Laver Arena, began minutes in 3hr5min on Hisense Arena. after Venus advanced to her first Next up will be a quarter-final against either world number one MELBOURNE: The Grand Slam quarter-final since and four-time champion Novak Djokovic who beat Luxembourg’s Australian Open men’s quar- the 2010 US Open with an upset Gilles Muller yesterday. ter-final line-up: win over sixth seed Agnieszka Venus Raonic created Canadian tennis history by becoming the first Rafael Nadal (ESP x3) vs Radwanska. Williams man since Michael Belkin in 1968 to win through to the quarters Tomas Berdych (CZE x7) The 34-year-old’s victory of the US at the Australian Open. Andy Murray (GBR x6) vs ensured three American women He also equalled countryman Robert Powell’s feat of playing in celebrates Nick Kyrgios (AUS) would be in the last eight of a three Grand Slam quarter-finals set back at the 1908, 1910 and 1912 after Stan Wawrinka (SUI x4) vs Grand Slam for the first time Wimbledons. Kei Nishikori (JPN x5) since the 2004 US Open as she victory in “It’s great to be doing what I’m doing and that it is making a dif- joined younger sister Serena and her singles ference,” Raonic said. Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) vs teenager Madison Keys. match “It is, I guess, part of some history, if you look really deep. But at Milos Raonic (CAN x8) Men’s top seed Novak Djokovic against the end of the day, at the same time, I’m always pushing myself for also moved up a gear to beat Poland’s what I want to achieve.” Luxembourg’s Gilles Muller and Agnieszka The big-serving 24-year-old, who reached the semi-finals at last Nadal seeks next faces Milos Raonic, who Radwanska year’s Wimbledon, had two match points saved when he was serving became the first Canadian male on day for victory in the fourth set. to maintain since Robert Powell in 1912 to eight of Lopez took it to a fifth set, but Raonic broke the Spaniard in the reach a third career Grand Slam the 2015 eighth game and then blasted three straight aces on the way to Berdych quarter-final. Australian serving it out in the following game. “Not having played Gilles before Open in “I’m happy with the sort of attitude that got me through,” he said. was tricky coming in,” Djokovic Melbourne “I stayed calm even though things weren’t always panning out domination said in a courtside interview. “I yesterday. how I would have liked. did find it uncomfortable at times “I came up with the right play on my first match point. He came MELBOURNE: Rafa Nadal but I found a way through.” up with a great shot. Missed a lot of break point opportunities, but will hope to make it 19 wins in US Open finalist Kei Nishikori’s overall I can’t complain too much. succession against seventh seed quest to become the first Asian “I fought my way through to the second week.” Tomas Berdych today to book male to win a Grand Slam Raonic hit an extraordinary 81 winners and first served at 75 an Australian Open semi-final advanced with a clinical victory percent, winning 79 percent. His monster serve was only broken berth and continue his impres- over Spanish ninth seed David once by Lopez. sive comeback from injury and Ferrer. “I’m moving better. I feel like I have it within myself. I just got illness. “I was feeling a lot of confidence to bring it out,” Raonic said of his chances of progressing further The third seeded Spaniard (because) I had nothing to lose so in the tournament. played only a handful of matches I played almost 100 percent ten- “I’m going to always focus on myself first, make sure that I get in the second half of 2014 but has nis,” said the Japanese. my things in order, get my things organised, play my game, then grown in stature and confidence Nishikori will meet defending throughout the match make the adjustments I have to,” he said. with every outing at Melbourne champion Stan Wawrinka in the REUTERS Park, the last a straight sets quarter-finals after the Swiss demolition of 14th seed Kevin exacted some 2014 French Open Anderson. revenge with a four-set victory service game of the decider and Hard-hitting Czech Berdych, over Guillermo Garcia-Lopez. eventually ended the 21-year-old’s rated as one of the top male That French Open victory by resistance. players yet to win a Grand Slam, the Spaniard ensured Wawrinka “I had to play the best match will have to overcome the mental became the first Australian Open of the tournament or else I was burden of having not beaten the champion to lose in the first going to be out,” Serena said. 14-times major champion since round at Roland Garros since “When I have to go up a level, I Novak 2006 in the third match at Rod Petr Korda in 1998. have to. I can’t afford to stay at Laver Arena. Djokovic Serena also avenged an early the same level or I will be where Women’s second seed Maria of Serbia loss at the 2014 French Open to I was at the French Open.” Sharapova will also be on her Garbine Muguruza with a tough Williams will meet last celebrates guard against a member of three-set victory over the hard- year’s beaten finalist Dominika after ‘Generation Next’ when she plays hitting Spaniard. Cibulkova who outslugged twice defeating Canada’s Eugenie Bouchard in The American was justifiably champion Victoria Azarenka. Gilles the second match at Rod Laver nervous, having failed to advance It was the Belarusian’s earli- Muller of Arena, a rematch of their French further than the quarter-finals in est exit at Melbourne Park since Luxembourg Open semi-final last year. her last three Australian Opens she lost at the same stage in 2011 in Melbourne Bouchard was overhauled in as she self-destructed against to China’s Li Na, though after an yesterday. three sets by the eventual cham- lower-ranked opponents. injury-plagued 2014 the unseeded Djokovic won pion Sharapova at Roland Garros After they shared the first 25-year-old was pleased with her 6-4, 7-5, 7-5. but believes she is better prepared two sets Williams, battling a progress on her comeback. for the Russian this time. cold, somehow managed to hold “I think there are a lot of posi- Another Russian, Ekaterina off six break points in her first tive things to take from here. It’s Makarova, will bid for her a good start,” she said. maiden semi-final at the year’s Azarenka’s exit passed the man- first grand slam when she takes tle of the most dangerous outsider on the much-improved Romanian to watch to 19-year-old power- Simona Halep in the opening hitting Keys who is coached by match REUTERS former world number one Lindsay Davenport. Keys, who destroyed twice Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova in the third round, was equally as destructive in her 6-2 Nishikori loves Florida base 6-4 win over compatriot Madison Brengle as she set up a clash MELBOURNE: As a culinary destination, quarter-final at the Australian Open. Having 25-year-old told reporters. “You know, lots against Venus. Florida makes a great tennis base, according become the first man from an Asian country of people recognise me. Not easy to walk on “I haven’t been in this situation to Kei Nishikori, who pines for the food of to reach the final of a Grand Slam at the US the street. But I really enjoy living in Japan before,” said Keys. “I’m going to his home country Japan. Open, Nishikori’s progress at Melbourne Park because that’s my home. I feel more comfort- make the most of it but, at the Like dozens of tour players, Nishikori has will no doubt raise hopes he can go one better able living in Japan. same time, no matter what I’m been based in the southern US state for years, in the year’s first major. “They have much better food, I have to say. not really going to be satisfied honing his game in the sun at the start of People in Florida probably would not be But Florida, they have a great facility in IMG Milos Raonic of Canada after with any win. I want to be at the each season. A massive celebrity in Japan and jumping up and down about it, according to Academy, good players I can train with. winning against Feliciano Lopez end of the tournament holding one of the highest-paid players in the game, fifth seed Nishikori. “They have everything. So I really like living of Spain in Melbourne. the trophy up. That’s my goal in Nishikori’s straight sets thrashing of David “Yeah, (in) Florida nobody talks to me. in Florida. But maybe after I retire, I might the long run.” REUTERS Ferrer yesterday put him into his second In Japan, yes, it’s a little bit different,” the move to Japan.” REUTERS TUESDAY 27 JANUARY 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25 QSL gifts ticket takings Van Praag to bid for FIFA presidency

NYON, SWITZERLAND: Dutch FA President Michael from Bayern friendly van Praag is to stand as a candi- date for the presidency of world soccer body FIFA, his associa- Qatar Charity to use proceeds to help Syrian refugees tion said. “Michael van Praag is a candi- date to succeed Sepp Blatter as DOHA: The Qatar Stars League President of FIFA,” said a state- (QSL) yesterday donated all ment. “On Tuesday, Praag sends the proceeds raised from ticket his official candidacy with the sales of the friendly between FC required five letters from associa- Bayern Munich and the Qatar tions who support his candidacy Stars Team to Qatar Charity, to FIFA headquarters in Zurich,” which will utilise it to help it added. Syrian refugees. Former FIFA deputy secre- A cheque worth a significant tary general Jerome Champagne amount was presented to Qatar and Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein Charity during a ceremony at of Jordan have already declared Michael van Praag Qatar Charity Headquarters yes- their intention to run and chal- terday. Talal Al Balooshi, Captain lenge incumbent Sepp Blatter. a fifth four-year-term. European of the Qatar Stars Team, Abdulla So, too, has former France soccer’s governing body UEFA did Al Dossari, Qatar Charity’s international David Ginola, in not immediately promise support. Executive Director of Collections, what is widely regarded as a pub- “UEFA believes there should be and Khalifa Saleh Al Haroon, licity stunt. an open and public debate about QSL’s Executive Director of The Dutch FA made the the future of FIFA, we believe it Marketing and Communications, announcement as Van Praag was would be positive for football if were present at the event. taking part in the UEFA execu- credible candidates seek nomina- Al Balooshi said: “I am per- tive committee meeting in Nyon, tions,” secretary general Gianni sonally very happy that through Switzerland. Van Praag, 67, left Infantino told a news conference. the match we played against FC the meeting without talking to “There is no candidate of Bayern Munich early this month, reporters. UEFA, as a matter of fact because we are now able to help Syrian “It is well known that I am very UEFA has no vote.” refugees. This is not the first time worried about FIFA,” said van Blatter, 78, will be standing that the Qatar Stars League has Praag on the Dutch FA website. for a fifth mandate at the FIFA shown support for good causes, The captain of the Qatar Stars Team, Talal Al Balooshi (left), hands over a souvenir to Qatar Charity’s Executive “It is high time that the organisa- election on May 29 and is widely and it certainly won’t be the last. Director of Collections Abdulla Al Dossari at the headquarters of Qatar Charity in Doha yesterday. tion is fully normalized and puts regarded as the clear favourite to Qatar Charity is well known for its full focus back on football. win. the great work it does to help time as we enter the coldest win- besides being an opportunity for is not merely symbolic but effec- “For a time, I hoped that there Candidates have until Thursday, those less fortunate and we look ter months and our support is the Qatar Stars to develop their tive in helping people who really would be a credible opponent, exactly four months before the forward to continuing to support most needed to help relieve suf- game, the occasion enabled the need it. It is the responsibility of but that’s simply not happened. vote, to confirm their bids. these efforts in the future.” fering. We will be collaborating QSL to make this significant all organisations to do what they Then you must not only use words “From now until May 29, there Al Dossari thanked the QSL with charities within Syria to see donation. can to support charitable causes but also act decisively and take must be an open debate, a public for its donation. “I would like to how best this donation, along with Al Haroon said: “The partner- and we will continue to do all we responsibility. Therefore I present debate about the future of foot- thank the Qatar Stars League others, can be utillsed,” he said. ship between the Qatar Stars can through football to help oth- myself now as a candidate.” ball, and on May 29, each associa- for this donation which will go The friendly between Bayern League and Qatar Charity is a ers. This is a further testament Last year, van Praag had pub- tion will decide according to their towards helping Syrian refugees. Munich and Qatar Stars Team long one and this donation dem- that football is truly a beautiful lically urged 78-year-old Blatter conscience,” said Infantino. It comes at a particularly crucial took place on January 13 and onstrates that the collaboration game.” THE PENINSULA not to stand for what would be REUTERS Lampard, Terry turned my career around: Drogba

LONDON: Didier Drogba has at me because it was not the real at the start of the season. While “I will certainly be playing next paid tribute to the inspirational Didier so I was really sad. he was returning, his great friend season,” said the Ivorian who is way Chelsea team-mates Frank “But I’m really happy because Lampard was leaving, the club’s also an ambassador for Turkish Lampard and John Terry helped now they know who I am. They all-time record goalscorer signing Airlines. turn his career around after suf- know I’m passionate and when I a permanent deal with New York “I want to compete, I want fering some difficult times in his do things I give all my heart. City before going out on loan to to play in the Premier League early days at Stamford Bridge. “Being around players like Manchester City. because it is the best league in The powerful Ivorian striker, Frank and John and to see the The former England midfielder the world.” signed in a big-money deal from way Frank was dealing with the will be back at Stamford Bridge Of more immediate concern to Olympique de Marseille 11 years press, always clean, a gentleman, I on Saturday when Chelsea, who Drogba, though, is that Chelsea ago, was frequently criticised by think it helps. You have to take it have a five-point lead over the bounce back quickly from their reporters for the theatrical way as an example and for me he was Premier League champions, take shock 4-2 home defeat by third he would go to ground but he said a big example.” on City in a title showdown. tier Bradford City in the FA Cup Lampard and Terry made him Drogba scored 157 goals in 342 “He is going to come back as on Saturday. clean up his act. appearances in his first spell at a legend, the man who helped Next up for the Londoners is “I’m very proud because I Chelsea, scooping up silverware the club win so many trophies the second leg of their League managed to push things and along the way. in the last 11 years,” said Drogba Cup semi-final with Liverpool also that I learned from my mis- He left in a blaze of glory by who had an almost telepathic on Tuesday and the striker has takes,” Drogba told Reuters in an scoring the equaliser in normal on-the-field understanding with Wembley firmly in his thoughts. interview, his relationship with time and then the penalty shoot- Lampard. Drogba has a remarkable the media turning full circle on out winner when the Londoners “I expect the reception will be record at the famous old north- Sunday night when he was hon- landed their maiden Champions fantastic for him. He was involved west London venue, having scored oured by the Football Writers’ League title in 2012 against in more than half of the goals I eight goals in eight appearances Association for his outstanding Bayern Munich at the German scored...so I owe him a lot.” there. contribution to the game. club’s Allianz Arena. Drogba turns 37 in March but “All I can say is I’ve been lucky “I tried to learn the culture in After short spells in China and he is not yet ready to hang up his to score every time I have been order to know them (the media) Turkey, Drogba made an emo- boots and is hoping to be offered there which makes it a very spe- THE GOOD OLD DAYS: Didier Drogba (left) and Frank Lampard better, to change. I needed to tional return when he signed a a new contract by Chelsea at the cial stadium for me,” he said with change the way they were looking one-year contract with Chelsea end of the season. a grin. REUTERS

Pacquiao plans Armstrong would race clean if Mayweather England add Croft now but not in 1995 says no again and Day to squad

LONDON: Banned cyclist attempts to rubbish their allega- LAS VEGAS: Filipino boxing LONDON: England have England’s fly-half pecking order, Lance Armstrong (pictured) tions of doping. star Manny Pacquiao has a plan added forwards Tom Croft limped off with a knee problem says he would not have needed “I would want to change the in place if yet another bid to and Christian Day to their Six during the first half of Saracens’ to resort to doping in the sport’s man that did those things, maybe fight Floyd Mayweather fails — Nations training squad as injury 18-6 Champions Cup defeat current era and what happened not the decision, but the way he a May 30 bout, possibly against cover, the Rugby Football Union by Clermont on Sunday, while years ago should be seen in the acted,” he continued. England’s Amir Khan. announced yesterday as fitness Eastmond injured his shoulder context of the times. “The way he treated people, the Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum problems continued to pile up in Bath’s 20-15 win over Glasgow “If I was racing in 2015, no, way he couldn’t stop fighting. It told ESPN that a backup plan for Stuart Lancaster’s side. the same day. I wouldn’t do it again because was unacceptable, inexcusable.” if a hoped-for May 2 block- Leicester flanker Croft and For Lancaster, who will hope to I don’t think you have to,” the His seven Tour victories buster against unbeaten US star Northampton lock Day joined coach England to World Cup glory Texan said in an interview on between 1999 and 2005 have Mayweather falls through is a the squad as England assessed on home soil later this year, it all Monday. been rescinded but not assigned fight four weeks later in Las injuries to Geoff Parling and Tom adds to a growing injury list ahead “If you take me back to 1995, — supported by a further 1,000 to anyone else because of the Vegas, New York, London or Abu Wood. of the Six Nations opener away when doping was completely pages of evidence — finally led prevalence of doping at the time. Dhabi. Parling injured his knee early to Wales in Cardiff on February pervasive, I would probably do it to Armstrong’s confession in an The American was resolute when “A lot of places around the on in Leicester’s 26-7 European 6 with the likes of centre Manu again.” interview with US chat-show host asked about the titles. world want to host a Manny Champions Cup defeat by Ulster Tuilagi (groin) and lock Joe A cancer survivor and once Oprah Winfrey in January 2013. “I think there has to be a win- Pacquiao fight,” Arum said. “He’s on Saturday, while Wood was Launchbury (neck) already side- a hero to millions, Armstrong “When I made the decision ner, I’m just saying that as a fan. an international icon, and I have went off with an ankle problem in lined with long-term problems. was stripped of his seven Tour (to dope in 1995), when my team I don’t think it sits empty... I feel been approached by a number of Saints’ 32-8 home loss to Racing “The players will be fully de France victories and banned made that decision, when the like I won those Tours,” he said. people looking to host a Manny Metro. assessed once they get into camp for life from racing in 2012 by the whole peloton made that deci- He is pondering reengag- Pacquiao fight.” England also have injury con- this evening and it’s too early US Anti-Doping Agency after it sion, it was a bad decision and an ing with the cancer charity he Arum also said that Khan, a cerns regarding the backline trio to give any definitive news on accused him in a report of engi- imperfect time,” he said. stepped away from at the height former welterweight champion, of fly-half/centre Owen Farrell their status,” Lancaster said neering one of the most sophisti- “But it happened. And I know of the scandal and is still lob- is the leading candidate, although and midfielders Brad Barritt and yesterday. cated doping schemes in sports. what happened because of that. I bying to have his ban decreased Khan would also be a top con- Kyle Eastmond. “Tom’s ankle and Owen’s knee Following his return from can- know what happened to the sport, so he can compete in sports like tender to fight Mayweather if However, Northampton cen- have been scanned. Owen will see cer in the late 1990s, Armstrong I saw its growth.” triathlons. Pacquiao is not his choice. tre Luther Burrell is expected a specialist this evening and we was regularly subjected to claims Armstrong said he regretted Asked if people were ready for Khan and Pacquiao have also to return to training on Friday will be able to provide an update of doping, which he stoutly refuted the “unacceptable and inexcus- his return to public life, he said: been sparring partners before in after suffering concussion against on him and the other injured until the release of USADA’s “rea- able” behaviour with which he “Selfishly, I would say ‘yeah, we’re training camps run by trainer Racing. players tomorrow (Tuesday), soned decision”. subjected other riders and figures getting close to that time.’” Freddie Roach while working Farrell, who appears to have along with any other potential The 200-page document within the sport during numerous REUTERS with both fighters. AFP fallen behind George Ford in additions to the squad.” AFP TUESDAY 27 JANUARY 2015 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT South Korea shatter Iraq’s dream Asian Cup semi-final: Jeong-Hyeop, Young-Gwon score in emphatic 2-0 triumph

SYDNEY: South Korea stormed into the Asian Cup Abdulrahman final with a clinical 2-0 victory over Iraq yesterday, avenging a painful defeat at the same stage fit for Aussie eight years ago. Goals from Lee Jeong-Hyeop and Kim Young-Gwon did the clash, says job for the Koreans, who domi- nated a wet semi-final in Sydney UAE coach to move a step closer to ending a South title drought dating all the way Korea’s Lee back to 1960. Jeong-Hyeop NEWCASTLE: The United They face hosts Australia or the celebrates Arab Emirates coach Mahdi Ali United Arab Emirates this week- after scoring has assured that key midfielder end in their first final appearance Omar Abdulrahman will be fit a goal against at Asia’s showcase tournament in to play in today’s Asian Cup Iraq during 27 years. semi-final against Australia. “We can’t speak anymore about their Asian Ali dismissed suggestions that pressure,” South Korea’s coach Cup semi- Abdulrahman was carrying an Uli Stielike told reporters. final match at injury from Friday’s quarter- “We came to Australia as the the Stadium final win over Japan, insisting the third-ranked team in Asia and Australia 23-year-old was ready to go. we have achieved all the goals we in Sydney, “We don’t have any injuries in set. What comes now is extra. yesterday. our team. Omar was not limping We have already taken a big step RIGHT: Kim and ran normal,” Ali told report- forward.” Young-Gwon ers yesterday. The German insisted that of South “Everybody is ready for the South Korea’s 1-0 win over Korea (left) game. Hamdan Al Kamali was Australia in the group stage would celebrates injured before the game against count for little if, as he predicted, after scoring Japan in training, but we have no they meet the Socceroos again on South Korea’s other injuries.” Saturday. second goal. Ali also scoffed at comments “You know what Australia team by Australian defender Trent we played that day,” he sniffed. Sainsbury that Abdulrahman was “(Mile) Jedinak injured, (Tim) ‘not the hardest worker’, refusing Cahill on the bench, (Mathew) to buy into any pre-game trash Leckie on the bench, (Robbie) talking. Kruse on the bench,” he added as “We don’t keep attention about his phone went off. what they are saying here,” Ali “My wife,” deadpanned Stielike, said. “Omar Abdulrahman, he before continuing: “We didn’t play shows all the talent and skill and the best Australia team. For me he is one of the best players in the there is no doubt they will reach tournament. the final and we have to be pre- “We don’t need to say anything pared to play the best Australia to glance in a free kick from Kim the break, chesting down a high looking forlorn in a plastic pon- celebrations among the massed about that... what the Australian team.” Jin-Su after 20 minutes. ball for Kim to smash home from cho, barked out orders to his ranks of Korean fans in the crowd team are saying, this is something There was no repeat of Iraq’s Golden boy Son Heung-Min the edge of the box. troops, but there was little left of 36,000. to concern them. We are only shock win over South Korea in had already forced goalkeeper Skipper Ki Sung-Yueng stung in the tank after battling fierce “We knew it was going to be concerned about our team.” 2007, when they won a dramatic Jalal Hassan into a smart save Hassan’s gloves with another rivals Iran to a standstill in the tough said,” said Shenaishil. UAE will go into the match at penalty shoot-out before complet- with a long-distance rocket before howitzer from long range as quarter-finals. “Korea have a quality team Newcastle’s Hunter Stadium as ing their fairy tale run by beating Lee – a surprise Asian Cup call- South Korea continued to swarm Iraq, who prevailed 7-6 on with a lot of players in top leagues clear underdogs but not without Saudi Arabia to lift the trophy in up by Stielike – netted his second forward, the mercurial Son prov- penalties after a helter-skel- in the world. For us there were a some hope. Jakarta. goal of the tournament. ing a different class as he ghosted ter 3-3 draw, rarely threatened lot of positives to take from the They had to dig deep to beat South Korea, still to concede in Lee, who scored in the 1-0 win effortlessly past Iraq’s bedraggled despite the threat posed by 2007 tournament,” he added. Japan on penalties after they fin- their five matches, simply over- over Australia in the group stages, players. hero Younis Mahmoud, and Australia take on the UAE in ished tied at 1-1 after extra time. powered the Iraqis, Lee climbing turned provider five minutes after Iraq coach Radhi Shenaishil, the final whistle triggered wild the second semi-final. AFP AFP Lyon stretch lead with another

Paris Saint- Germain’s win as Ibrahimovic lifts PSG Swedish midfielder PARIS: Lyon reeled off their league’s top scorer pressure because effort hit the bar. Elsewhere Zlatan seventh consecutive Ligue 1 with 21 goals, had to everyone thought we Sunday, Evian helped their hopes Ibrahimovic Ligue 1 Results win on Sunday, a 2-0 defeat of come off with a thigh were going to win, of avoiding relegation with a 1-0 reacts after Results from Sunday’s 10-man Metz pushing them problem minutes matches at Ligue 1 but Metz posed us win over Toulouse which pushed scoring a four points clear, as Paris Saint- after his spot-kick, a lot of problems,” them three points clear of the Evian Thonon Gaillard FC 1 goal against Germain (PSG) moved level awarded for defender he said. Ibrahimovic drop zone. Toulouse 0 Saint- with second-placed Marseille. Guido Milan’s foul on once again proved Caen midfielder Julien Feret Etienne Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored Rachid Ghezzal. Olympique Lyon 2 Metz 0 the undoing of St helped the Normandy side claim during the only goal in a 1-0 win at St Milan picked up a Stade Rennes 1 Caen 4 Etienne, after he their second straight 4-1 victory, their Ligue Etienne that allowed champions harsh red card for his St Etienne 0 Paris St Germain 1 also scored the goal this time against his former club 1 match PSG to move level on points with indiscretion. Stade de Reims 0 Racing Lens 0 that eliminated them Rennes with three decisive passes at the out-of-sorts Marseille who lost Coach Hubert from the League Cup and a goal five minutes from time. Geoffroy 2-1 at Nice on Friday. Fournier confirmed that on January 13. Feret set up Sloan Privat to Guichard PSG and Marseille have 44 Lacazette would miss next week’s Despite the closeness of the head in after just four minutes, Stadium points after 22 games, four behind trip to Monaco and was doubtful result, the Parisians dominated, and was hand to tee up Lenny in Saint- Lyon, who the Parisians will play for the game against PSG the fol- and with defender Thiago Silva Nangis five minutes after the Etienne on at the Gerland Stadium in two lowing week. in form confirmed they have break before netting a third Sunday. weeks’ time. “We’ll have to wait for a full regained some of their solidity in himself, as Damien Da Silva com- A 31st minute penalty from report from the club’s medical defence. pounding Rennes’ misery with a Alexandre Lacazette and a late staff before we know how long he The visitors could have dou- minute to go. Caen move off the second from Corentin Tolisso will be out,” said Fournier. bled their account after 70 min- bottom of the table to 18th place proved the undoing of Metz who But Fournier expressed satis- utes but Italian midfielder Marco as midtable Rennes notched up a drop to bottom of the table. faction with the result. Verratti’s shot was blocked by St sixth game without a win to set The only downside for Lyon “We feel like we’ve done a job Etienne defender Paul Baysse, themselves up a nervous trip to came when Lacazette, the today. We were under a lot of and six minutes later a Cavani PSG next weekend. AFP Life easy next to Messi, says Neymar Real collaborating

MADRID: Brazilian star easy.” Neymar has yet to win a with transfer inquest Neymar has given four-time major trophy in Barca colours World Player of the Year Lionel after the Catalan giants missed MADRID: Real Madrid direc- collaborate with them in every- Messi the credit for his upturn out last season for the first time tor of institutional relations thing they ask of us. in form during his second sea- in six years. Barcelona’s Emilio Butragueno has insisted “We have peace of mind with son with Barcelona. On a personal note, his season player Neymar the European champions will the procedures at Real Madrid.” Neymar was set up twice by was blighted by injuries, as well from Brazil collaborate with FIFA over any Barcelona are currently serving Messi to bag a double against the controversy surrounding his attends investigation into their recruit- a one-year, two transfer window, Elche in a 6-0 rout on Saturday to transfer from Santos which led a news ment of players under the age of ban on signing players handed take his tally for the season to 19 to the club being accused of tax conference 18. down by FIFA due to irregulari- goals in just 24 games, four more fraud and the resignation of pres- during a Madrid sports daily AS ties in the signing of non-Spanish than he managed in the entirety ident Sandro Rossell. commercial reported yesterday that football’s minors between 2009 and 2013. of his debut campaign in Spain. And the Brazilian captain has governing body had requested “FIFA is currently gathering event in “Of all the players I have seen bounced back admirably from see- information from Real on any all the relevant information and Barcelona, play, Messi is the best and I will ing his dreams of World Cup glory foreign national players under the documentation in order to be in always have enormous respect on home soil ended by breaking yesterday. age of 18 registered in 22 youth a position to properly assess the for him,” the 22-year-old said two vertebrae during his coun- teams with which Real Madrid matter,” a FIFA spokesman said yesterday. try’s 2-1 quarter-final win over have agreements. in a statement. “We are getting better all the Colombia in July. “Firstly, we are in agreement Madrid beat off competi- time and together we can do great “In the first season I had to get with FIFA on this matter,” said tion from around Europe to things. If you have a good rela- to know everything and I have Buragueno at the unveiling of seal the signature of 16-year- tionship off the field it can influ- always said that I have many “I have evolved professionally who are world icons. It is a pleas- Brazilian midfielder Lucas Silva old Norwegian teen prodigy ence things on it. things to achieve and I still feel and personally, I have learned ure to be able to train with them.” as a Madrid player on Monday. Martin Odegaard last week from “To play beside the best is very that. from players I have by my side AFP “We are continuing to Stromsgodset. AFP SRI LANKA’S WEEKLY NEWS UPDATES    TUESDAY 27 JANUARY 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27

LANKADEEPA MIDDLE EAST WEEKLY PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY BY DAR AL SHARQ                  !"#$%&'()#*#+,'-*,)# ‘Qatar proves capacity to stage mega events’

DOHA: The Qatar 2015 Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, Organising Committee has President of the Qatar 2015 received overwhelmingly posi- Organising Committee, who has France’s Valentin Porte tive feedback from participating made this event such a success,” attempts a shot on delegations at the 24th Men’s he added. goal during the 24th Handball World Championship, One of the key talking points of Men’s Handball World as the tournament moves into the contest has been the success Championships Eighth the final week. of Arab nations so far. Three out Final match against Speaking on the sidelines of the of the five teams from the MENA Argentina at the Ali Bin event, Mohamad Jabor Al Mulla region progressed beyond the pre- (pictured), Assistant Director liminary rounds, and Al Mulla Hamad Al Attiyah Arena General of Qatar believes this augurs in Doha, yesterday. 2015 Organising well for the future of Committee, said: “We handball. have received posi- The support of the tive feedback from fans – and the grow- the delegations, and ing crowds that have the testimonials from swelled the stadiums the participants and as the Championship the International has progressed – is Handball Federation another positive fac- speak highly about tor for the future. Qatar’s capacity to “The Qatari fans host truly impressive have enabled the sporting events.” national team to “This Championship has shown achieve its remarkable success that Qatar is ready and we are so far, and we hope the support able to host the most prestigious continues throughout the tourna- Germany, France cruise sporting events. We are receiving ment. Coach Valero has demon- strong support from all the inter- strated remarkable qualities as a national delegations present,” he leader and we believe, with the said. people’s support, we will continue “I would like to pay tribute to to progress in this contest.” into quarters at Worlds the commitment of H E Sheikh THE PENINSULA Germans face Qatar in last 8; Poland, Denmark also win

DOHA: A strong German side, who only qualified for the men’s World Handball championships via a wildcard, set up a mouth- watering quarter-final clash with hosts Qatar after powering past Egypt 23-16 yesterday. Germany and Qatar will meet tomorrow in what promises to be one of the tournament’s best clashes. Olympic and European champi- ons France, Poland and Denmark also cruised into the quarterfinals French players Thierry Omeyer (left), Kentin Mahe (centre) and Nikola after winning their respective Karabatic celebrate after winning the Qatar 2015 Men’s Handball World matches. Championship 2015 match against Sweden at the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Germany, the 2007 world cham- Arena at Al Sadd Club in Doha, in this January 24 file photo. pions, had initially failed to qual- ify for this year’s tournament but were reprieved after the Oceania region of the International We want to make Handball Federation failed to supply a team for the event. Germany quickly dominated Monday’s showdown with Egypt, German players celebrate after winning the Qatar 2015 24th Men’s Handball World Championship pre-quarter- history, says Mahe taking control early on and lead- final match against Egypt at the Lusail Multipurpose Hall outside Doha, yesterday. ing 9-4 after just 19 minutes. DOHA: Handball has always tournament on the winners’ Germany went into the break been in the centre of the Mahe podium. We only focus on our big leading 12-8, thanks largely to family’s life: Pascal Mahe was a goal, which is to become part of Patrick Groetzki’s fine perform- successful player, later coach, the Olympic handball tournament ance, scoring five goals from five Iran taste first major victory so it was obvious that his son at Rio 2016, and the shortest way shots. Kentin would fill his footprints. to Rio is by winning the World But any hopes Egypt – spurred The 23-year-old Kentin, born in Championship here in Doha.” on by a huge following at the sta- Paris, moved to Germany when Q: What is your role in the dium in Lusail – had of reducing in handball with Chile scalp his father became coach on the hierarchy of the French team? that deficit virtually disappeared other side of the border. Kentin Mahe: “We have three within the opening 10 minutes DOHA: Iran claimed their first Coached by his father at club ‘groups’ in our team: First of all of the second half when the ever win at the global stage at Dormagen, Kentin became youth there are the experienced play- Germans extended their lead to handball when they edged out and junior national team player ers who became world champions 18-10. Chile in a close contest of the for France, was awarded Most already in 2001 or won all titles Still Egypt fought hard President’s Cup yesterday. Valuable Player at the U-18 from 2006 on. The second group to reduce the gap but found The first President’s Cup European Championship, was consists of players like Accambray Germany’s defence, marshalled by clash between Chile and Iran at Jalal Kiani of part of the French team at the or Barachet, who have been a Erik Schmidt, too hard to break Duhail Sports Hall started with Iran in action Youth Olympic Games and had part of the team since 2011, but down. the Iranians scoring the opener his debut in the senior team in also were World, European and during the At the other end, Uwe in the first minute. The Chileans 2010, at the age of 19. Olympic champions already. Qatar 2015 Gensheimer ended up as top replied almost immediately (1:1 Since 2013 the centre back and And I belong to the group of scorer with six goals. after 1:20). 24th Men’s left wing has been under con- youngsters, who play their first The team that knocked The Chileans took the lead Handball tract at former EHF Champions major tournament or played it in Germany out of the qualify- and started to build up steadily World League winners HSV Hamburg. Denmark in 2014. We represent ing tournament to get to Qatar, on their advantage, making it 8:4 Championship After having been being reserve the new generation. And we hope Poland, also qualified for the last after 12 minutes. President’s player at the 2014 European to be as successful as the older eight on Monday, scraping past Salinas was particularly active Cup match Championship, when France took generation. We want to make his- Sweden. for Chile at this stage scoring the against Chile their third gold medal on conti- tory like they did, and we have all France pummelled Argentina majority of Chilean goals. at the Duhail nental level, Kentin Mahe has the way ahead.” 33-20 after dominating the game Closer to the middle of the first Handball now become a key player in the Q: Most of your ‘handball right from the begining. On the period the Iranians got their act Sports Hall team of coach Claude Onesta at life’ you have lived in Germany. other hand, Denmark defeated together and started to catch in Doha, the 24th Men’s Handball World Didn’t you ever consider playing Iceland 30-25 after a tough bat- up with the Chileans eventually yesterday. Championship in Qatar. for the German national team? tle to move into the quarter-final leveling up the score (8:8 after He spoke about his career in an Kentin Mahe: “In 2007 I was of the event. AFP 15 minutes). The Iranians edged interview the excerpts of which contacted by the German youth ahead after 12:11 after the 22nd are as follow. national team coach, and almost th minute). Q: Compared to the European at the same time I received my 24 Men’s Handball From there onwards it was all Championship one year ago, first invitation to the French about Iran capitalising on their what is different for you? youth team. So I had to make a World Championship newly found thirst for goals. The Kentin Mahe: “I have more decision. Finally the French fed- roles were quickly swapped. Now responsibility on the court. In eration was more eager to get me, Results the Chileans were chasing the The Iranian team came across was reduced to just 2 goals 2014, I was more or less a specta- and I feel more at home in the Last 16 runaway Iranian advantage. more effective in terms of their (32:30). In the last minute Iran’s tor – now I am part of the team. French team.” Germany 23 Egypt 16 Despite all the Chilean efforts scoring abilities and slightly Allahkaram Esteki saw a red This is a new experience for me, Q: Which teams can stop France 33 Argentina 20 the Iranians held on to their lead better organised in defence too, card. but I think I managed to help the France on the way to gold? come half-time. The half-time keeping their lead at 31:29 with Yet the Iran team stood their French team so far. It is great Kentin Mahe: “There are many Poland 24 Sweden 20 score read Iran 19 Chile 18. only 5 minutes left on the clock. ground and were the winners in fun.” teams who go for gold this time. Denmark 30 Iceland 25 In the second half the Chileans While Salinas was still doing a the end holding onto their one- Q: How huge is the pressure And as usual, we do not speak President’s Cup looked very determined to do bulk of the Chilean sharp shoot- goal win (32:31). Salinas was on you and the team, as every- about any potential opponents or Saudi Arabia 27 Algeria 25 something to change the situa- ing, the overall majority of the Chile’s top scorer with 18 goals body predicted that France are the final until we have reached it. Belarus 37 Bosnia Herzegovina 29 tion. Yet the Iranians clearly had Iranian team were on the score and Kiani, Allahkaram Esteki and favourites for winning gold? The most important match for us Iran 32 Chile 31 their own agenda and picked up sheet. Mousavi were the joint top scor- Kentin Mahe: “Frankly, I do now is the eighth-final. If we win from where they left off (26:22 for By the time there were 3 min- ers for Iran with 5 goals each. not feel any pressure. We all this we can talk about the last 8 Czech Republic 32 Russia 30 Iran after 44 minutes). utes to go the Iranian advantage THE PENINSULA know how it works to finish a sateg.” THE PENINSULA Tuesday 27 January 2015 Sport 7 Rabial II 1436 Volume 19 Number 6323 Price: QR2

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Markus Olsson (centre) of Sweden in action against Michal Szyba of Poland during their Qatar 2015 24th Men’s Handball World Championship Round of 16 match at the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena in Doha yesterday. Poland beat Sweden 24-20 in the eighth- final match. The Polish team outplayed their rivals in the second half, promising another great match in their upcoming quarter- final against Croatia. SEE ALSO PAGE 27

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