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BUSINESS | 21 SPORT | 32

Qatar and Al Rayyan in Slovenia to boost Group B at Futsal economic ties Intercontinental Cup

WEDNESDAY 4 MAY 2016 • 27 Rajab 1437 • Volume 21 • Number 6786 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

Emir receives invite from Dubai Ruler Israeli gets life QF celebrates for burning alive Palestinian teen convocation of JERUSALEM: An Israeli court yesterday handed down a life sentence to the ringleader of a Jewish gang that kidnapped, beat and burned alive a Palestinian 649 graduates teenager in 2014. Settler Yosef Haim Ben-David, 31, was sen- tenced in a Jerusalem court for killing 16-year-old Mohammed Abu Khdeir, and was also given 20 years for other crimes. He was also told to pay $39,000 to Abu Khdeir’s family. Assad warned over truce violations

WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State John Kerry warned Syrian Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received yesterday a message from the Vice-President leader Bashar Al Assad of “reper- cussions” if his regime continues to and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid flout a new ceasefire being negoti- Al Maktoum, inviting him to attend Dubai Expo 2020. The message was handed over by the UAE ated for the battered city of Aleppo. Ambassador Saleh Mohammed bin Nasra Al Ameri at the Emiri Diwan. Father Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and H H Sheikha → See also page 8 Moza bint Nasser with the graduates. Pic: AR Al Baker

H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. Father Emir H H Sheikh The students graduated from Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), QF’s partner universities Qatar’s population rises to 2.52 million and H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser attend the event. and graduate colleges in compu- ter science, design, Islamic studies, engineering, international relations The Peninsula marginal decline compared to the significant drop in traffic violations year-on-year, from 97,175 in March By Fazeena Saleem and medicine at a ceremony held at previous month (February) with a in the country by an year-on-year last year to 69,917 last month. Such The Peninsula the Qatar National Convention Cen- recorded population of over 2.54 decline of 18.4 percent. violations declined by 27.5 per- tre (QNCC). The students received million. A total of 155,584 traffic viola- cent from February this year, which rings from Sheikha Moza, Chair- DOHA: Qatar’s population increased Males constituted over 1.91 mil- tions were recorded in March last recorded 96,503 cases. person of QF before they did the by 7.7 percent in one year reaching lion of the population last month with year, which fell to 126,948 last month. Incidents of jumping red signal DOHA: Qatar Foundation (QF) yes- traditional walk through the ‘Door over 2.52 million last month, from an increase of 8.7 percent compared The data also shows a decline by 10.6 declined by 44.9 per cent, from 3,156 terday celebrated Convocation 2016 to the Future,’ symbolising their pas- over 2.34 million recorded in March to March last year, while the number percent compared to the previous cases in March last year to 1,738 cases with 649 graduates in a range of sage from QF partner universities to last year, shows data released by the of females increased by 4.6 percent, month, February, which saw 142,031 last month. There were 2,179 such diversified subjects at a ceremony the next stage of their lives. Ministry of Development Planning reaching 609,055 last month. violations. cases recorded in February this year. graced by Father Emir H H Sheikh and Statistics. The monthly report that cov- Violations caught on radar Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and H → Continued on page 4 The data, however, shows a ers a wide range of areas shows a declined by over 28 percent → Continued on page 6 02 WEDNESDAY 4 MAY 2016 HOME

Emir receives credentials of new ambassadors QU orientation for ‘early conditional admissions’

admission out of 487 applicants. requirements and the Qatari parent Students will have the opportu- rule,” Al Kuwari said. Early conditional nity to register in their programmes She said one of the key benefits admission are and receive information about the of early conditional admission stu- university, its policies, services, dents attending the orientation event provisional pending facilities, and resources as well as is that they will have a full selection successful completion extra-curricular and other student- of courses to choose from, affording of the final year related activities. them the opportunity to register for Nouf Al Kuwari, Director of the all their Fall semester classes. of high school department, stressed that ‘early con- Students who were successful in and fulfilment ditional admissions’ are provisional their early conditional applications pending successful completion of the were admitted into their college of of all admission final year of high school and fulfil- first preference, and eight of the requirements. ment of all admission requirements. nine colleges have accepted early She said applicants who did not conditional admissions for the next satisfy the requirements for Early academic year. Conditional Admission will also be The department is accepting The Peninsula considered for regular first-year regular undergraduate admission admission on July 12. applications for Fall 2016 and has “Our early conditional admis- encouraged applications from pro- DOHA: Qatar University (QU) will sions initiative allows students still spective students who did not apply hold an orientation event for ‘early enrolled in their final year of high under the early conditional admis- Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received the credentials of new ambassadors Soonthorn conditional admissions’ for this Fall, school and who have earned out- sions initiative, Al Kuwari added. Chaiyindeepum (Thailand) and Ahmed Sheikh Mohammed (Comoros) at the Emiri Diwan yesterday. on Saturday. standing grades in 11th grade and “We look forward to receiving The ambassadors conveyed to the Emir greetings of their leaders and wishes of further progress and The Admission Department said the first semester of 12th grade, your applications and final/official prosperity to the Qatari people. The Emir wished them success in their assignments. 377 applicants met the minimum to make early application to QU high school results before the dead- requirements for undergraduate upon fulfilling necessary academic line of July 14,” she added. NU-Q Class of 2016 graduates

The Peninsula graduates. Schapiro said he found it you smile and say ‘I absolutely love distressing that “only one in three my life.’” Dennis told the students that people, when asked if they are happy, they “reflect the values of this school answer ‘yes’. Students, I want you to and richly deserve the congratula- DOHA: Northwestern University in think about what makes you happy tions they receive, as one of the most Qatar graduates were told to focus on - be it your faith, your family or job academically accomplished classes happiness, appreciation, and telling satisfaction – or like for most of us, that has graduated from NU-Q,” and their story, at NU-Q’s fifth gradua- a combination of all three, ensure then asked them to take a moment tion ceremony. it is one which contributes more to to think of all of the people that had NU-Q President Morton Schapiro your life than any material wealth. helped them achieve this success and and Dean Everette E Dennis, and BBC My wish for you is that in the decades to show their appreciation by stand- journalist Lyse Doucet addressed the to come when asked if you are happy, ing and applauding all of those who

NU-Q President Morton Schapiro and Dean Everette E Dennis with graduates at the ceremony.

had supported them and helped them is part of our world. When I speak to be.” Students from Class 2016 rep- be where they are today. these children, who have been sep- resent 14 countries and are fluent in Doucet, chief international cor- arated from their families, and are nine languages, a true representation respondent at the BBC, has reported unlikely to ever return home, they of NU-Q’s multi-cultural community. from the Middle East, including the all share the same dream as you – Ten of this year’s class of students Arab Spring and the current refu- to study, and to achieve something graduated with academic honours, gee crisis. She said: “Today, we live with their lives. each of whom has made the Dean’s in the best of times, and the worst “These are the times that bring List a between five and seven times of times. As a society we are more out the best in us, and the worst in us. during their academic career with educated and more connected than Unlike these young people, you have NU-Q. The students who achieved ever – we are able to dream, and been given a chance. Whether you awards of note were: Dean’s Award: dream big. But we are also living choose to pursue journalism, mar- James Copplestone Farmer; Student in a time where wars are dragging keting or communications, tell the Leadership Award: Youmna Al Gailey; on longer than ever, and as a result story and tell it well. Tell it with pas- Communication Award: Syed Owais we face the biggest global refugee sion, tell it with empathy, tell it with Ali; Journalism Award: Ralph Mar- crisis since the second world war all the skills you have learnt here at tins; Liberal Arts Award: Tamador – where people your own age are NU-Q. Be bold, be brilliant, be the Al Sulaiti. This year the University having their dreams shattered. This best that you can be, and the better Alma Mater was sung by Ruba Nabeel crisis may seem worlds apart, but it you become, the better the world will Shaath. QTA and GU-Q to hold seminar on consumer markets

The Peninsula Executive Seminar followed by a & Executive Education at GU-Q two-day workshop and site visits to expressed her hope that this pro- Qatar’s culture and tourism land- gram will lead to more cooperation marks. In addition, a collaborative in this domain. DOHA: Qatar Tourism Authority networking event on the evening of “Today’s Hospitality Leaders have (QTA) and Georgetown University May 9, featuring renowned chefs, res- an ever-evolving set of challenges Qatar (GU-Q) are organising a sem- taurateurs and local suppliers, will that include expanding customer seg- inar on consumer markets and brand explore the ways in which Qatari and ments, to analysing emerging trends experience from May 9 to 11. Qatari-inspired cuisine can enhance and brand saturation in a global The course entitled “Creating the visitor experience. economy. To overcome these chal- Authentic Brand Experiences in the Hassan Al Ibrahim, QTA’s Chief lenges the hospitality industry faces Tourism and Hospitality Sector” is Tourism Development Officer and a a growing need for innovative leaders catered to local tourism and hospi- guest speaker at the Executive Semi- who can guide the industry forward. tality professionals to support them nar said, “Our work to develop Qatar Georgetown University’s Master of in bringing their brands to life. as a modern tourism hub with deep Professional Studies in Hospitality Registration is now open for the cultural roots depends on the pro- Management delivers unique execu- course which will be delivered by fessionals within the various sectors tive educational opportunities across Georgetown University Hospitality that travellers to the country inter- the globe and in Qatar,” she said. Management faculty, in partnership act with and each of us has a role The course targets executives, with QTA and key members of the to play in offering authentic expe- managers, planners and sales and industry in Qatar. riences to Qatar’s tourists. We are marketing teams from across the Through hands-on training and grateful to our partners at Georget- tourism and hospitality sector, interactive discussions, participants own University Qatar for contributing including airlines and other trans- will explore how tourism and hos- the expertise and unique insights of port, hotels, cultural institutions, pitality professionals can shape a the GU-Q’s Master’s in Hospitality destination management compa- traveller’s journey through Qatar by Management program faculty to the nies, tour operators, exhibition and creating memorable and authentic conversation around this topic.” event organisers, event venues, food experiences. Dr. Veronica Donahue, Act- and beverage outlets, and real estate The program includes a one-day ing Associate Dean for Continuing developers. HOME WEDNESDAY 4 MAY 2016 03 Katara launches book on Qatar’s history

Qatar in the Arab Press 1909- 1998 documents articles, reports, investigations, columns, photo- journalistic coverage and clippings published in Arabic newspapers, magazines and Dr Nadia Al Madahka (right), Director, Research Department, Katara, periodicals. and research expert Abdul Aziz Rifaat at the launch. Arabic newspapers, magazines and Qatar’s civilised history.” periodicals,” said Katara research Rifaat said preparations for the The Peninsula expert Abdul Aziz Rifaat at the book involved efforts and coopera- launch. The book was unveiled in the tion of authorities and organisations presence of Dr Nadia Al Madahka, and that more publications will fol- Director, Research Department, low. “The book is a publication that DOHA: The Cultural Village Foun- Katara. Dr Al Madahka, speaking on will continue to receive attention and dation-Katara has launched a book behalf of Katara General Manager Dr appreciation of the generations, as it that documents Qatar’s history as Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, said, reflects the importance of the cul- reflected in the Arab media. “It’s my pleasure to meet you today tural historic value,” he said. The book Qatar in the Arab Press as we celebrate the launch of a new Katara is keen to publish books to 1909-1998 was compiled by a team Katara milestone publication. contribute to achieving its objectives of researchers at Katara’s Studies “The book represents the latest of and promoting national identity in and Research Committee. “The book our documentary publications, which the Qatari society by connecting gen- documents articles, reports, investi- Katara was keen to print, publish and erations with their past civilisation gations, columns, photo-journalistic distribute in line with its commitment and reinforcing loyalty and belong- coverage and clippings published in and contribution to documenting ing to their country.

Ooredoo tv & Mozaic TV unable to air beIN Sports channels

The Peninsula with beIN Sports since October 2015, but does not expect the issue to be fixed today, as discussions are ongoing. All beIN subscribers using Ooredoo tv and Mozaic TV will not be charged for subscription until an agreement DOHA: Ooredoo has confirmed that its popular enter- has been reached. tainment services, Ooredoo tv and Mozaic TV, are The company has apologised for the disruption of the temporarily unable to broadcast beIN Sports channels. service and said it is working hard to resume broadcast- Ooredoo has been attempting to renew its contract ing beIN content as soon as possible. 04 WEDNESDAY 4 MAY 2016 HOME Sheikha Hind graduates from HEC Paris-Qatar

Continued from page 1

“It is a defining moment in our lives that transports us from the aca- demic field to the work field which should not, however, hinder us from gaining more knowledge and more experience and keeping abreast with knowledge development in our field,” said H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of QF. She also graduated yesterday from HEC Paris-Qatar with an Exec- utive MBA. Sheikha Hind, who completed her school education at QF’s Qatar Academy, said: “I am proud to return to QF not only as a graduate but also as an employee in an official posi- tion to contribute to collective effort in achieving the vision upon which this institution was based especially since it represents a sophisticated Father Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser with other officials at Qatar Foundation convocation yesterday. (RIGHT) H H Sheikha Moza bint educational infrastructure that caters Pic: AR Al Baker through its performance and outputs Nasser with H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, who received her Executive MBA from HEC Paris-Qatar. to the requirements of Qatar’s vision. Just as you are witnessing at present of sustainable economy in Qatar or University-Qatar (NU-Q), 62 from from HEC Paris-Qatar and the high- together every graduating student Noami from GU-Q, Sana Zeenal Britto the effect of QF in the labour market.” wherever they are employed,” she Virginia Commonwealth University est number of 111 students from the from across Education City, including from CMU-Q and Vignesh Shanmu- “As you are passing today to the added. The graduates at ‘Convoca- Qatar (VCU-Q), 33 Weill Cornell Medi- HBKU. Among them 44 percent are both undergraduate and postgradu- gam from WCM-Q. Shoaib Rasheed , gate of the future, you are joining tion 16’ included 89 from Carnegie cine–Qatar (WCM-Q), 68 Georgetown Qataris. ate students. a young Kuwaiti who is a media per- thousands of graduates who are con- Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q), University School of Foreign Service Each university and graduate Education City Student’s Excel- sonality and social media activists tributing each with his competence 108 from Texas A&M University at in Qatar (GU-Q), 43 from University college has its own graduation cere- lence Award was awarded to three delivered the guest speech sharing and specialization in development Qatar (TAMUQ), 41 from Northwestern College of London –Qatar (UCL-Q), 94 mony, but Convocation 2016’brought outstanding graduates Hissa Gabr Al his inspirational experience. Qatar adopts partnership RAF raises over QR11m for Aleppo programme with Nato By Sanaullah Ataullah individuals) in Qatar. The Peninsula Some donors contributed online at the RAF website during QNA Atlantic Council with Istanbul Cooper- the programme, others pledged ation Initiative Countries in Brussels, through SMS with personal details Sheikh Ali outlined Qatar’s positions and DOHA: Sheikh Thani Bin Abdul- and amount. Many headed to efforts to advance and strengthen coop- lah Foundation for Humanitarian donation booths set up by RAF DOHA: Qatari Ambassador to Belgium eration between Istanbul Cooperation Services (RAF) has raised over across Qatar. and Head of Qatari Mission to the Euro- Initiative Countries and Nato and chal- QR11m in a radio programme for The highest donation was pean Union and the North Atlantic Treaty lenges facing the Arab Gulf region and the Syrian people suffering in Aleppo QR1m by a company, followed Organisation (Nato), presented to Jens Middle East. due to intensified air raids by the by QR500,000 by another donor. Stoltenberg, Secretary General, Nato, a The meeting discussed issues related regime’s military planes. Donations between QR300,000 document of individual partnership and to regional security, terrorism, the upcom- The donation campaign and QR200,000 were also cooperation programme between Qatar ing Nato Summit in Warsaw and means received about QR1m from one received. and Nato, approved by Qatar. of enhancing cooperation between both donor and unique generosity by A child donated QR500. Addressing a meeting of the North sides. an Indian expatriate worker who “The donation by the Indian donated QR200 from his QR1,000 worker become a source of inspi- monthly earning. RAF officials taking part in the radio programme. ration and encouragement for The latest military operation people and helped attract dona- 135.284 tonnes of agricultural that created severe humanitar- tions, so it was lauded during the ian crisis in the city has prompted to set up field hospital, buy ambu- programme of Holy Quran Radio program,” said a RAF official. charity organisations in Qatar to lances and distribute cooked food on Sunday evening. RAF began dispatching cargo destroyed over violations launch massive donation drives to to beneficiaries. The programmer received humanitarian aid to Aleppo from a provide urgent relief to distressed The RAF campaign was part of overwhelming response from special fund set up for Syrian peo- Syrians. The donations will be used ‘Abwab Al Rahma’ (Doors of Mercy) philanthropists (companies and ple, in the beginning of the crisis. The Peninsula About 198 shipment weighing 135.284 tonnes were destroyed for violating the agriculture quarantine law. Agriculture quarantine is the first line of defence to DOHA: The Agriculture Quarantine protect plants from agriculture pests. It is Al Jazeera marks World Press Freedom Day Office at the Ministry of Environment last a precautionary measure to protect plants month inspected 5,845 shipment weigh- and agriculture products. Meanwhile, Al ing 92995.76 tonnes at different outlets Rayan Municipality removed 202 truck- in the country. loads of waste in Rawdat Qdeem. The Peninsula in the line of duty, and reminded freedom, to support the World and adherence to professional all involved of the fundamen- Declaration for Journalists Pro- standards contained in its ethi- tal need to protect journalists. It tection, an initiative drafted by cal charter. also stressed the need for unifying Al Jazeera in collaboration with The network demanded the DOHA: Al Jazeera Media Net- efforts among media organisations International Press Institute (IPI) release of all detained and kid- work yesterday joined media in promoting the safety of journal- and other partners. napped journalists across the professionals across the world in ists around the world. In keeping with this commit- world and proper investigations celebrating World Press Freedom Whether in war zones or other ment to free reporting, Al Jazeera into crimes committed against Day and raising awareness about areas of conflict, journalists should denounced the shutting of its journalists, especially in the Mid- the importance of the freedom of always be able to do their job with- bureaus in Iraq, Egypt and Syria, dle East, a hotbed for attacks on the press and freedom of expres- out fear of harm, the network said. and restrictions imposed on its journalists and the freedom of the sion. It called on all parties, activities and journalists else- press. Journalism is not a crime, it Al Jazeera honoured the jour- including media institutions and where in the world. is a humanitarian mission, the net- nalists who sacrificed their lives organisations that support press It reiterated its editorial policy work added. Ministry staff attend stress management training

The Peninsula

DOHA: The Ministry of Economy and Com- merce organised a workshop on ‘Art of Stress Management’ as part of its social responsibil- ity efforts. The workshop aimed to familiarise employ- ees with stress management techniques to equip them with essential tools and skills to better allocate time resources and improve perform- ance levels, maximise productivity and ensure delivery of high-quality services to the public. A large number of officials and employees from the ministry attended the event, which featured lectures by mentors from the Family Consulting Centre and Qatar Charity. Discussions focused on daily pressures faced by individuals and how to address them, in addition to offering psychological tests to Employees of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce attending the workshop. assess the level of stress experienced by an indi- vidual and identify family, social, marital and physical stress. or external) effects, symptoms, consequences achieve these goals. A Question-answer ses- Other types of stress underlined during the and treatment. The workshop also featured sion focused on how to achieve desired goals workshop were anxiety and decisionmaking training on how to manage time resources, and tasks. Participants also provided solutions difficulties, sources of stress (whether internal set life goals, determine priorities and how to during training on stress management. HOME WEDNESDAY 4 MAY 2016 05 QC appeals for Aleppo donations Charming Charlie opens showroom at Ezdan Mall Qatar Charity was the first to reach The Peninsula concept with signature double doors in vibrant pink lacquer and a res- distressed Syrians in idential-style interior that mixes the city through its feminine, mid-century accents with DOHA: Charming Charlie, the rap- luxe materials and whimsical details. field office and offer idly growing women’s contemporary “We’re thrilled to be introduc- them urgent aid. jewellery and accessory retailer, ing the Charming Charlie brand to hosted a launch event at their Ezdan Qatar,” said Charlie Chanaratsopon, Mall store yesterday. Founder and Chief Executive Officer, The store was officially inau- Charming Charlie. The Peninsula gurated by Ilona Shtrom, Senior “As one of the world’s commer- Commercial Officer, Commercial cial capitals, Doha is an essential Services at the US Embassy. market for our expanding footprint The 2,900-square-foot store is in the Middle East. It’s exciting to DOHA: Qatar Charity (QC) was the operated by Apparel Group, Charm- bring Charming Charlie’s colourful first to reach the distressed Syrians ing Charlie’s international licensing palette of accessories and playful in Aleppo, through its field office and partner, which has further growth shopping experience to more women offer them urgent aid. planned for the brand in the Middle throughout the world.” It has called for donations to sup- East this year. Charming Charlie is a women’s port the people in Aleppo through the Known for carrying a wide contemporary jewellery and acces- hashtag #Relieve_Aleppo. array of accessible fashion acces- sories retailer that offers unrivalled Youssef bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, sories merchandised by colour, the value through high-quality style and CEO, QC, said the exacerbating situa- Qatar Charity volunteers at a relief distribution centre in Aleppo. Charming Charlie store offers a full an accessible price. tion in the city has made it necessary range of products, including fashion Launched in 2004 by Chanar- for QC to take action and urgently help jewellery, handbags, apparel, small atsopon, the brand is known for Aleppo. “Our team reached the city and leather goods, scarves, watches, merchandising its broad assortment started distributing food to the dis- QA40MAFR000000000003111111001, (treatment for the injured) through ‘ES’ code to 25629. The campaign has sunglasses, a special occasion col- of products by colour, which includes tressed,” he said. or through QC’s website qcharity.org, #Relieve_Aleppo Campaign by send- a hotline for donations and is answer- lection, and more. Each location fashion jewellery, handbags, acces- People can donate to #Relieve_ QC’s headquarters and branches in ing ‘MS’ code in SMS to 23629 to donate ing any related enquiries on 11776644. showcases the brand’s newest retail sories, apparel, footwear and more. Aleppo Campaign which offers the country and the collection points QR50; 24629 to donate QR100; 82429 QC was the first to aid the Syrian peo- medical services and food to the dis- in malls. to donate QR500; and 92429 to donate ple since it has a qualified and trained tressed Syrians. Donations can be sent People can also send their dona- QR1,000. They can also donate food team with a specialised management to Al Rayyan Bank Account No. IBAN/ tions for medical and health services baskets at QR150 by sending SMS with for urgent response to disasters. Katara to stage Greek play for children

The Peninsula Cultural Village Foundation-Katara Music Academy’s Youth Orchestra will old chest, discovers what it hides and in cooperation with the Embassy of precede the theatrical play in all the ways it will change his friends’ life. Greece in Doha, and Qatar Music performances. Staged by Amalia Kosma, Elena Academy and is based on the book of The play depicts the life of a wise, Lamprou, Patrikios Kostis, Theodo- DOHA: The Short Dragon’s Code, Panayiotis Tsirides. The interactive but short dragon living by the river sia Savvaki, and Marianthi Fotaki, the a Greek play for children, will be play will be performed by a group of with his friends, a female crocodile play teaches children the importance staged at the Katara Drama Theatre Greek theatrical artistes within an with an eating obsession and her two of solidarity and collaboration in help- at 5.30pm from tomorrow until Sat- overwhelming atmosphere of interac- siblings each with his own character. ing people to overcome all obstacles Iiona Shtrom, Senior Commercial Officer, Commercial Service at the urday. tion through music and puppet shows. The climax of the play occurs in a bid to lead happy and prosper- US Embassy, inaugurating the first showroom of Charming Charlie at The play is presented by the A 30-minute concert by the Qatar when the dragon stumbles upon an ous lives. Ezdan Mall yesterday. Pic: Abdul B / The Peninsula Wyndham Grand Regency Doha’s Tangia wins Best Moroccan Restaurant Award

The Peninsula

DOHA: Wyndham Grand Regency Doha has received the highest online votes in Moroccan Dining category, with its Tangia Restaurant being awarded the Best Moroccan Restau- rant in Doha at Fact Dining Awards Doha 2016. The awards recognise excellence in the city’s food and beverage indus- try, with winners awarded based on public votes and critics’ opinion. Each category received two awards, which were divided into a popular choice decided through Officials at Fact Dining Awards Doha 2016. online voting and a critics’ choice decided by an independent panel of Qatar bloggers and industry experts. food quality set within a casual-chic Tangia is open daily for lunch and “This is a great honour for our Moroccan dinning atmosphere. The dinner from noon to midnight and hotel and a direct result of the hard Moroccan décor takes you on a jour- combines a mélange of influences work of our wonderful staff,’ said ney bursting with echoes of colour from traditional Moroccan recipes in Ayman Lotfy, General Manager. and energy, dominated by shades of a warm, contemporary setting, mak- Tangia has earned the award burgundy and subtle earth tones and ing for an ideal place to unwind. It also and votes by continuously offering with unique Moroccan art pieces dis- offers four private dining rooms for top-notch service and remarkable played throughout the restaurant. intimate social and family gatherings. New multicuisine restaurant opens tomorrow

Shalimar Durbar officials at the press conference.

The Peninsula diverse expat community and Qatari to serving, we will strive for the nationals. Mutton rana, fish tawa and best of standards,” Musthafa Shali- biryanis of various flavours will be mar, Chief Proprietor, told a press among 300-plus dishes our menu conference. DOHA: Adding more flavour to lists. Experienced chefs in the trade “Shalimar Durbar will also pro- Doha’s food landscape, a new mul- for long years in the GCC countries vide a peaceful ambience that suits ticuisine restaurant is coming up in would oversee kitchen operations. the taste of discerning patrons. We Bin Mahmoud. “Making food tasteful is one thing also provide conference room and Starting tomorrow, the Shalimar because it drives people to us. But we party hall with attentive staff for Durbar will serve a wide variety of give equal importance to making it business meetings and cultural traditional Arabian, Indian and healthy. From choosing healthy menu events. We invite you all to the inau- Chinese dishes, catering to Doha’s to natural ingredients, from cooking gural event on Garage Street.” 06 WEDNESDAY 4 MAY 2016 HOME

Ford f150 models Adelaide welcomes first QA flight from Doha of 2015 recalled over defect in any aircraft in its class, advanced air conditioning technology and full front seat belt Award-winning Qatar LED lighting, all working together to Airways will fly daily enhance the comfort of passengers while reducing fatigue after a long- to South Australia haul flight. The Peninsula city bringing visitors Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive, from 38 countries in QA Group who was on board the inau- gural flight, said: “We are proud to be Europe via its hub, the first airline to fly the Airbus A350, DOHA: The Ministry of Economy Hamad International for which we were the global launch and Commerce, in collaboration customer, to Australia. Adelaide is an with Almana Motors Company, Airport. important addition to our route map dealer of Ford vehicles, has giving QA its fourth gateway into announced the recall of Ford f150 Australia. models of 2015 over a defect in the “We are pleased to offer the front seat belts. The Peninsula people of South Australia the most The recall includes vehi- modern aircraft in the industry to cles with chassis numbers: connect them with 38 countries in 1FTEW1EF0FFA46652; 1FTEW- Europe, 21 destinations in Africa and 1EF2FFA46636; 1FTEW1EF2FF DOHA: The city of Adelaide today 27 destinations in the Middle East,” A46653;1FTEW1EF2FFA46667; welcomed the first Qatar Airways he added. 1FTEW1EF3FFA46659; 1FTEW- (QA) flight to arrive at its international South Australia’s Minister for 1EF4FFA46637; 1FTEW1EF7FF airport from Doha, Qatar. The inaugu- Tourism Leon Bignell said interna- A46664;1FTEW1EF4FFA46640; ral flight was greeted by a delegation tional visitors were critical to South 1FTEW1EF4FFA46654; of VIPs including South Australia’s Australia’s economic growth and the 1FTEW1EF5FFA46663; 1FTEW- Minister for Tourism Leon Bignell; addition of direct daily flights from 1EF6FFA46641; 1FTEW1E Adelaide Airport Managing Director Doha to Adelaide was another global F6FFA46655;1FTEW1EF8 Mark Young; the Governor of South vote of confidence in the state. FFA46639; 1FTEW1EF8FFA466 Australia, Hieu Van Le A O; and Chief “QA was named ‘2015 Best Air- 56;1FTEW1EF9FFA46651; and Executive Officer of South Australian line in the World’ and these direct 1FTEW1EF9FFA46665. Tourism Commission Rodney Harrex. daily flights will bring in more than Akbar Al Baker (front), Chief Executive, Qatar Airways Group, welcomes a VIP delegation to the flight deck The ministry said the recall is Adelaide is the fourth city in Aus- AU$41 million into our visitor econ- of Australia’s first A350 aircraft. The delegation included (from left) South Australia Governor Hieu Van Le part of its efforts to protect con- tralia to be served by QA, which has omy and create 228 jobs across the A O, Minister for Tourism Leon Bignell and Adelaide Airport Managing Director Mark Young. sumers and ensure that dealers been flying to Melbourne since 2009, state,” Bignell said. follow up on vehicle defects and to Perth since 2012 and to Sydney Adelaide Airport Managing Direc- repairs. since March this year. The new route tor Mark Young said the inaugural The ministry said it will coor- is expected to generate an estimated arrival was excellent news for both capacity per week in and out of the fully-flat beds in the sky with 80 passengers travelling from Adelaide dinate with the dealer to follow up 228 jobs across the state and contrib- the local tourism industry and South South Australia hub in the belly hold inches of seat pitch. can expect a smooth and seamless on maintenance and repairs and ute more than AU$41 million to the Australians travelling abroad. “The of the A350, connecting Australia’s The 1-2-1 configuration gives journey to their final destination via communicate with customers to local visitor economy. QA Doha-Adelaide service opens up a leading exporters to QA Cargo’s glo- every passenger direct access to an Doha. ensure repairs are carried out. The award-winning airline is the brand new link with the Middle East, bal network of more than 150 stations aisle and the on-demand à la carte The contemporary and luxurious It urged customers to report first to fly the new-generation Airbus and provides excellent connections around the world. menu service allows Business Class airport, which opened in 2014, has any violations to its Consumer A350 to Australia, connecting Aus- further afield such as with Europe QA Cargo, the third largest inter- passengers to order anything from the more than 40,000 square metres of Protection and Anti-Commercial tralian passengers to more than 150 and the UK. national cargo carrier, already carries menu at any time during the flight. retail space and restaurants includ- Fraud Department through the destinations on its route map on board “We’re excited to be the first air- more than 450 tonnes of freight in the The aircraft also features the ing more than 70 retail and 30 food call centre: 16001; email: info@ one of the youngest and most mod- port in Australia to welcome the belly hold of its Boeing 777 passenger state-of the-art Oryx One entertain- and beverage outlets, as well as a mec.gov.qa; Twitter: @MEC_Qatar; ern aircraft in the skies. new-generation Airbus A350-900 aircraft into and out of Sydney, Perth ment system, with more than 3,000 25-metre swimming pool, gym, hotel Instagram: MEC_Qatar; and the The A350 was built first and aircraft – one of the most technolog- and Melbourne per week. entertainment options on individual and spa. ministry’s mobile app for Android foremost to provide the ultimate pas- ically advanced twin-engine aircraft Passengers travelling to or from screens in all classes. Daily Flight Schedule: DOH-ADL and IOS: MEC_Qatar. senger experience with wider seats in the world.” Adelaide on board the QA Airbus A350 With an average connection time QR914 departs at 2130 and arrives at in both Business and Economy Class, The new service to Adelaide in one of its 36 Business Class seats of just 90 minutes via the airline’s hub 1700+1 and ADL-DOH QR915 leaves at the lowest twin engine noise level of will also provide 80 tonnes of cargo will enjoy one of the most comfortable at Hamad International Airport (HIA), 2125 and arrives at 0450+1. Kahramaa marks World Day of Health & Safety Deal to support orphans in Gaza at Workplace

The Peninsula DOHA: Qatar General Elec- tricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) marked World Day of Health & Safety at Workplace DOHA: Qatar Charity (QC), Qatar on April 28 under the theme Development Fund (QDF) and Wel- ‘Workplace Stress: A Collective fare Association ‘Palestine’ signed a Challenge’. cooperation and partnership agree- A large number of officials and ment to support orphans in Gaza. employees participated in activ- Two agreements already have ities and awareness lectures to been inked between QC and QDF to disseminate the importance of create job opportunities for youths implementing health and safety in Jerusalem and for “planning”. standards to ensure better health, Yousef bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, safety and a clean environment for CEO, QC, Khalifa bin Jassim Al all employees, contractors and Kuwari, General Director, QDF, and visitors. Faisal Sami Al Alami, Chairman, FROM LEFT: Faisal Sami Al Alami, Chairman, Board of Trustees, The event also included medi- Board of Trustees, Welfare Associ- Welfare Association; Khalifa bin Jassim Al Kuwari, General Director, cal camps to check blood glucose, ation, signed the agreement. Qatar Development Fund; and Yousef bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, CEO, QC, blood pressure and basic dental There is an increasing need for at the event. Pic: Qassim R / The Peninsula care and provide advice and con- childhood care in Palestine, espe- sultation on nutritions. cially in the light of the challenges Lecturers on ‘Eye Health and and difficulties the Palestinian peo- promoting the program locally and from whatever threats they face. As Maintaining a Good Eye Sight’; ple is facing. internationally according to its for Wajd program, it was launched ‘Managing Workplace Stress’’ Civic organizations are play- procedures. In addition, QC will after the last war on Gaza in 2014 and ‘Stress Management’ were An inspector from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce puts up ing important role in offering aid organize promotion campaigns to with the support of QDF to help also held. the closure notice at the main entrance of the garage. and help to the Palestinian people; introduce Wajd program so as to orphans postwar. as part of the international and allocate the necessary funds in After the signing of the agree- regional mechanisms of solidar- accordance with a plan designed ment, Khalifa said, “The partnership Pharmacy ity. There is utmost need for joint for both parties to follow. between Wajd program and Rofaqa Garage closed down cooperation between humanitar- Qatar Development Fund offers initiative has a great impact on the closed down ian and development organizations technical and financial support, development of charity and human- to reinforce their abilities to face helps in allocating resources, and itarian work regarding orphans. in Industrial Area the challenges that face humani- follows up with the execution of the Qatar Development Fund believes DOHA: The Ministry of Public tarian and developmental work in cooperation plans. Welfare Associa- in the essential role of partnerships Health has temporarily shut down Palestine. tion reviews the situation of orphans to level up charity work through the a pharmacy in the Industrial Area The agreement aims at coordi- in Gaza, coordinates with related exchange of expertise and the join- for violating Article 41 of Law No. for selling fake items nating between the efforts exerted public offices, executes the work ing of efforts in order to achieve the 3 on organising pharmacy prac- by Rofaqa initiative, carried out plans and prepares the follow-up desired goals”. tice and drug companies. by QC; and Wajd program, imple- reports. Yousef bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, The violation was detected The Peninsula pertaining to counterfeit goods and mented by Welfare Association; so QC had launched ‘Rofaqa’ initi- CEO, QC, said, “the agreement, during a campaign by inspectors non-conformance with standard as to double their contribution to ative as a humanitarian attempt to signed today, aims at coordinating from the Pharmacy and Drug specifications. serving the orphans in Gaza. look after children in general, and efforts between Qatar Development Monitoring Department at the The ministry said it is deter- Through Rofaqa, QC seeks to orphans in particular around the Fund, Qatar Charity, and Welfare ministry to ensure if it met inter- DOHA: A garage in the Industrial mined to protect consumer rights provide sponsorship for Wajd’s world. The programs it offers con- Association to help the vulnerable national standards of storing and Area has been shut down for one and will intensify its campaign to 2,127 orphans. It will do so through tribute to protecting those children groups. selling medicines. month by the Ministry of Economy crack down on all violations. Dr Aisha Ibrahim Al Ansari, and Commerce for selling and dis- According to Article 3 of the law Director of the department, playing counterfeit spare parts. on consumer protection, the decision stressed the ministry’s keenness Inspectors from the minis- of closure is to be published on the to guarantee and apply safety try fined the garage and ordered it ministry’s website and two news- Registered vehicles drop by 17.1% standards of drugs and said they closed in accordance with the pro- papers at the expense of the erring will not tolerated any violation. visions of Law No. 8/2008. garage. She said the inspection drive The law stipulates that suppli- The ministry said it will refer will continue against erring public Continued from page 1 ers must clearly display on product violators to the competent authori- increase by 14 percent compared to by over 18 percent cent year-on- and private pharmacies to ensure labels clear descriptions of goods ties for further legal action. February this year, when 8259 new year compared to March last year, no counterfeit drugs are sold. and their ingredients and refrain The ministry has urged all con- The number of new vehicles reg- vehicles were registered. when 12081 licences were issued. The ministry urged the peo- from posting any misleading or false sumers to report any violation to its istered in the country declined by The number of driving licences The number of traffic acci- ple to report any violation or information. Consumer Protection and Anti-Com- over 17.1 percent year-on-year from issued in the country also saw an dents dropped last month by over complaint or contact the min- The ministry’s inspection mercial Fraud Department and send 11,368 in March last year to 9419 last increase last month compared to six percent compared to February istry during working hours on campaign aimed to offset price complaints and suggestions through month. February, from 8,633 to 9,889. this year, from 526 incidents to 494 44315638 or 33334746 on non- manipulation and expose violations its communication channels. However, the figure reflects an However, the numbers declined incidents. working days. MIDDLE EAST WEDNESDAY 4 MAY 2016 07 Yemen delegation Egypt regime at war with the press: Media union urged to resume AFP

CAIRO: Egypt’s journalists’ union yesterday denounced what it called peace talks a decline in press freedoms and accused the regime of being “at war” with the profession after two report- of a ceasefire. The government ers were arrested. It is unlikely to resume delegation demands the immedi- Human rights activists accuse ate implementation of UN Security President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi of run- talks with the Houthis Council Resolution 2216, which calls ning an ultra-authoritarian regime in the near future on the Houthis to withdraw from that has violently suppressed all Yemeni cities that they occupied opposition since toppling Islamist in the light of their earlier and to lay down their arms. president Mohamed Mursi in 2013. continued tampering Meanwhile, the Yemeni Minis- On Sunday, police sparked media and procrastination ter of Information Dr Mohammed and opposition outrage by storming Abdulmajeed Al Qubaty said that the journalists’ union building in an and their deliberate it is unlikely to resume talks with unprecedented raid and arresting two breach of the ceasefire the Houthis in the near future in reporters. agreement, says the light of their continued tamper- A day later, the authorities ing and procrastination and their ordered the detention for 15 days of Yemeni minister. deliberate breach of the ceasefire Amr Badr and Mahmud Al Sakka on agreement. allegations of incitement to protest. In his remarks to QNA, he said The prosecutor said the pair that whether to resume the talks or would be held as part of an investi- Anatolia & QNA not after they were suspended by the gation which also includes allegations Yemeni government delegation in they had called for a “coup”. Kuwait is something cannot be pre- Badr heads the website Babawet dicted at the moment. Yanayer which is opposed to Sisi. SANA’A: Officials from the Gulf Regarding the government’s Sakka works for the same organ- States, along with UN envoy Ismail stance towards UN’s Yemen Envoy isation whose Arabic name means Egyptian photojournalists raise their cameras during a demonstration outside the Syndicate headquarters Ould Cheikh Ahmed, are intensely Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed’s efforts, January Gate in a nod to the January lobbying a Yemeni government del- the Information minister said that 2011 uprising that forced longtime in Cairo, yesterday. egation to resume Kuwait-hosted the government will remain a sup- strongman Hosni Mubarak to stand peace talks with the Shia Houthi portive his efforts to bring peace to down. The union chief addressed an media in general, and also with the raided by police. The move coin- group, a Yemeni government source Yemen. “This year we mark World Press often rowdy press conference of case of an Italian student tortured to cided with World Press Freedom Day said yesterday. The government del- Al Qubaty confirmed that the Freedom Day with Egypt down in all some 200 journalists during which death. They came via the ministry’s yesterday. egation suspended its participation government consultations delegation the international rankings,” union he was interrupted by chants against official email address, headlined as A number of Egyptian journalists in the Kuwait talks “indefinitely” on in Kuwait also supports any serious chief Yahiya Kallash told a press the police who controlled access to a normal news roundup. organised protests in Cairo to speak Sunday, citing alleged ceasefire vio- approaches to maintain security and conference ahead of a union general the building. One note recommended the out against the “oppression” and “vio- lations by the Houthis. stability in Yemen according to the meeting due on Wednesday. “Interior ministry thugs!” they ministry not back down in its con- lence” that journalists in the country The government source, who three terms of reference which are “Instead of seeing the government chanted. flict with the union, and pointed have experienced in recent years. spoke on condition of anonym- the national dialogue outputs, the take concrete measures to overcome Abuses by the police were a cat- out a need to improve its image. The European Union had warned ity due to restrictions on speaking GCC initiative and its implementa- this situation, we are surprised to see alyst for the 2011 popular uprising, Another suggested the prosecutor Egypt on Monday over the storming of to the media, told Anadolu Agency tion mechanism and the UN relevant it escalating the war against journal- but such practices have again become general impose a gag order on the the syndicate’s building a day earlier. that Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zay- resolutions. ism and journalists,” he said. commonplace. investigation of the case of doctoral Undercover police officers detained ani, Secretary-General of the Gulf Yemen has been racked by chaos Kallash denounced “unprec- Meanwhile, notes containing student Giulio Regeni. The ministry two journalists who had been hold- Cooperation Council, had arrived in and bloodshed since late 2014, when edented searches of the offices of internal instructions for Egypt’s Inte- yesterday said it had a “technical ing a sit-in in solidarity with detained Kuwait to hear the government del- the Houthis and their allies overran information providers” and the “prac- rior Ministry have been leaked to the malfunction” and would switch to colleagues. egation’s conditions for returning to capital Sana’a and several other tice of censorship before publication”. media. a gmail address. The EU described the situation as the negotiating table. parts of the country, forcing Presi- He said “29 journalists are cur- The documents outline strategies The Egyptian Press Syndicate in a “worrying development, and con- UN-brokered Yemen peace dent Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi and his rently behind bars, some of whom on how to deflect public outrage over Cairo decided to lower its flag and tinues a trend of restricting space talks began on April 11 in Kuwait Saudi-backed government to tempo- have been in custody for nearly three recent arrests at the journalists’ union replace it with black banners, just for civil society and the freedom of City following the announcement rarily flee to Riyadh. years”. headquarters, how to deal with the days after its headquarters were expression”. US Navy Seal dead in combat with Islamic State in northern Iraq

AFP Iraq could displace another 30,000 in Iraq since IS overran swathes of A US defence official said the “enemy forces penetrated” the Kurd- Iraq’s Joint Operations Command people, adding to millions who have the country in 2014. President Barack US Seal’s death as the result of “an ish peshmerga forces’ line. said IS overran the Tal Asquf area already fled their homes. Obama hailed the 2011 withdrawal of orchestrated attack with shots and Kurdish forces are deployed in and that the group was using suicide And in Baghdad, throngs of Shi- American troops from Iraq as a major multiple IEDs (bombs) going off.” Nineveh province, whose capital bombers in the ongoing fighting. BAGHDAD: The Islamic State ite pilgrims braved the threat of accomplishment of his presidency, but US Defence Secretary Ashton Mosul is IS’s main hub in the country. Romeo Hekari, who heads a (IS) group broke through Kurdish bombings by IS, which have killed US forces have been drawn back into Carter said from Germany: “Our IS attacked the peshmerga in Christian unit fighting IS under pesh- defences in northern Iraq yesterday dozens of people in recent days, to combat in the country against IS. thoughts and prayers are with that multiple areas of northern Iraq on merga command, said Tal Asquf was and killed a US Navy Seal deployed take part in a major annual religious Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook service member’s family.” Tuesday in an attempt to “thwart the back under full control. as part of the US-led coalition commemoration. said the death occurred during an A coalition military official said plan to liberate Mosul,” said Jabbar The United States announced last against the militants. The attack The fighter from the special oper- IS attack on a peshmerga position on condition of anonymity that the Yawar, the secretary general of the month that it was deploying additional came as the United Nations said ations force was at least the third north of Iraq’s jihadist-held second service member was killed at 9:30 autonomous Kurdish region’s pesh- forces to Iraq, bringing the official that fighting with IS in northern coalition member killed by enemy fire city Mosul. am (0630 GMT) by “direct fire” after merga ministry. total to more than 4,000.

Not satisfied with female job rate: Saudi Minister

AFP

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s labour minister is dissatis- fied with the level of female employment in the kingdom. Female Saudi unemploy- ment rose last year to almost 34 percent while the over- all jobless rate for Saudis fell to 11.5 percent, according to official figures cited by Jadwa Investment, a local securities firm. “We tried (during) the last four years to increase the female participation in the labour market,” Labour Minis- ter Mufarrej Al Haqbani (pictured), told reporters. But still, “I am not satisfied at all” with their employment rate, he said. The kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 plan, released last week to diversify the economy away from oil, calls for increased female participation in the workforce and a lowering of overall unemployment to seven percent. More and more job sectors have opened to women, whose workforce participation — though still relatively low — has risen over the past few years. But the kingdom has some of the world’s toughest restrictions on females and is the only country where they are not allowed to get behind the wheel. While Saudi women “are highly qualified” and “ready to work”, the work environment “is not yet that good for them” but will improve, Haqbani said on the sidelines of the Euromoney Saudi Arabia Conference. Asked whether allowing women to drive could help female employment, he said: “I don’t think this is the rea- son for their participation” or not. The issue in all cases is not one for the labour ministry. “What I care about is the labour, work environment” which the ministry is trying to improve, he said. 08 WEDNESDAY 4 MAY 2016 MIDDLE EAST Israeli gets life for burning alive Palestinian teen

appeal last month, finding him sane. A court in February sentenced Yosef Haim Ben- Ben-David’s two Israeli accomplices David, 31, was to life and 21 years in prison for the killing, but he was seen to be the sentenced for ringleader. killing 16-year-old Abu Khdeir’s father Hussein, Mohammed Abu speaking ahead of the verdict, said no punishment would be enough. Khdeir, and was also “Whatever they decide, our given 20 years for wounds will not heal — the boy will not come back,” he said. other crimes. The brutal murder in 2014 shocked Israelis and Palestinians alike, and helped contribute to the escalation in violence that culmi- AFP nated in the 50-day Gaza war that summer in which more than 2,000 Palestinians and 73 Israelis died. Israeli authorities said the sus- JERUSALEM: An Israeli court yes- pects had decided to kill an Arab and terday handed down a life sentence equipped themselves with cables, to the ringleader of a Jewish gang petrol and other materials before that kidnapped, beat and burned randomly choosing Abu Khdeir. Yosef Haim Ben-David, the ringleader in the killing of Palestinian teenager Mohammed Abu Khdeir last year, is escorted by Israeli policemen at the alive a Palestinian teenager in 2014. They had tried to kidnap a child Yosef Haim Ben-David, 31, was in east Jerusalem the day before, district court in Jerusalem, yesterday. RIGHT: Suha, the mother of Mohammed Abu Khdeir, reacts to the verdict. sentenced for killing 16-year-old but were thwarted by the youth’s Mohammed Abu Khdeir, and was mother. His murder was seen as also given 20 years for other crimes. revenge for the killing of Israeli He was also told to pay 150,000 teenagers Naftali Frenkel, Gilad shekels ($39,000, ¤34,000) to Abu Shaer and Eyal Yifrach, who were Khdeir’s family. After the verdict abducted from a hitchhiking stop Solitary confinement doubles in Israeli jails was read out, angry members of Abu near the flashpoint West Bank city Khdeir’s family cursed Ben-David as of Hebron. he was taken from court. “This is an evil and cruel man AFP Committee members, who typically do not visit perpetrated systematic abuses against Palestin- Ben-David, wearing a burgundy who does not represent our civi- the countries subject to review, compile their sta- ians during interrogation. That report by rights yarmulke and a black shirt, earlier lised society,” state prosecutor Uri tistics largely from data provided by civil society groups B’Tselem and Hamoked included accounts told the court he was “sorry”. Korb said at the hearing, adding that groups and independent reports. from prisoners who said they had been bound hand “I am sorry for the family. This is the killing “brought shame upon our GENEVA: The use of solitary confinement in Modvig, who did not give statistics for 2015, and foot to a chair for hours on end and exposed to not me. I wasn’t in control,” he said. society and offended our values”. Israeli jails nearly doubled between 2012 and asked Israel to provide its own breakdown of extreme cold and heat. Abu Khdeir was kidnapped by The ruling came with tensions 2014, a UN panel investigating the Jewish state the prevalence of solitary confinement, includ- Modvig specifically criticised Israel for not Ben-David and two young accom- once again high yesterday. over a raft of alleged violations of prisoners’ rights ing why the practice appeared to have spread legally enshrining any measures limiting the use plices from Israeli-annexed east Police said they had arrested a said yesterday. dramatically. of “handcuffs and restraints” during interrogation, Jerusalem on July 2, 2014 and beaten. Palestinian teenager in Jerusalem’s In its first review of Israel since 2009, the UN He further sought figures on the number of sui- while using “immobilisation and stress positions” His burned body was found hours Old City suspected of stabbing a committee against torture questioned an Israeli del- cide attempts among those held in isolation. on prisoners being questioned. later in a forest in the western part Jewish man there late on Monday. egation over multiple reports of potentially illegal Modvig also asked the Israeli delegation In opening remarks, Israel’s deputy attor- of the city. A forensic report showed The victim, described by police conduct by security agents, especially with respect to respond to reports that Palestinian women ney general Roy Schondorf said the country was smoke in his lungs, indicating he had as “a Jewish male, aged about 60”, to Palestinian prisoners. detained in Israel were subject to “verbal sex- fully committed to abiding by the UN Convention been alive when set alight. was said by Jerusalem’s Shaarei Lead questioner Jens Modvig said the UN com- ual harassment, repeated strip searches and against Torture, “in spite of the numerous, unique Ben-David was found in Novem- Tzedek hospital to be in stable con- mittee had “received reports that the use of solitary forms of genital violence”, without listing spe- and pressing difficulties facing Israel in the fight ber to have led the assault, but his dition after treatment for a damaged confinement in Israeli jails has doubled between cific cases. against terrorism. lawyers submitted last-minute doc- lung. Since October 1, 203 Palestini- 2012 and 2014,” with the number of people held in In February, two Israeli NGOs claimed in a The government delegation is due to formally uments saying he suffered from ans and 28 Israelis have been killed isolation jumping from 390 to 755 over the period. report that the Shin Bet domestic security agency respond to the UN panel’s questions today. mental illness. A court rejected the in an ongoing wave of violence.

Palestinian shot dead in Aleppo violence claims lives of over a dozen people

West Bank AP the cessation of hostilities is brought people were killed and more than 30 the multi-pronged attack on Aleppo the city on Tuesday, killing two peo- back on track.” wounded in Dubeet hospital alone, was launched by armed terrorist ple and wounding several. Aleppo has been the center of adding that half the casualties at the groups, including Al Qaeda’s branch Also in northern Syria, warplanes Agencies violence over the past 12 days that hospital were women and children. in Syria, the Nusra Front, Ahrar Al carried out intense airstrikes on the BEIRUT: Syrian opposition fighters left more than 250 civilians dead He said the rebel bombardment Sham and the Army of Islam. city of Raqqa, the de facto capital of yesterday shelled government-held in the contested city. The city was of government-held parts of Aleppo “Our armed forces are currently the extremist Islamic State group, parts of Aleppo, killing at least 12 excluded from a truce declared uni- on Tuesday killed a total of 12 people working on repelling the attack and in the early hours yesterday. Activ- JERUSALEM: A Palestinian people, as the army claimed it was laterally by the Syrian military last and wounded more than 70. appropriately returning fire,” it said. ist groups said it was not clear if the rammed his car into a group of repelling a wide offensive by the week for the capital, Damascus, and The Lebanon-based Al Mayadeen Information Minister Omran Al warplanes were Russian or those of Israelis in the occupied West Bank rebels in the country’s largest city. its suburbs and the coastal province TV that has reporters in the govern- Zoubi warned militants they will face the US-led coalition. yesterday, injuring three people Activists, meanwhile, said gov- of Latakia. ment-held parts of Aleppo showed harsh retaliation for the shelling of The Observatory, which has before being shot dead, the Israeli ernment forces were also shelling Syrian state TV said shells hit damage on both sides of the street civilian areas, saying the govern- a network of activists around the army said. rebel-held parts of the city, killing a government-held area during in front of the hospital, which also ment’s “patience is running out and country, said there were more than “An assailant rammed a vehicle two people and wounding several. morning rush hour, killing seven appeared heavily damaged. if they don’t stop targeting civilians 35 air raids and that 18 people were into three Israelis in a car ramming The escalation came as the diplo- people and wounding at least 35, Cars in the street were scorched in the coming hours ... they will pay killed, including five members of the attack northwest of Ramallah,” a matic focus moved to Moscow where while activists reported two dead in and some were turned over. The a high price.” Islamic State group. It said dozens statement said of the latest in more the UN envoy for Syria started talks a rebel neighborhood. Hours later, shops on the other side of the street The activist Britain-based Syr- were wounded. than seven months of attacks. in efforts to restore a piecemeal some rockets hit a hospital killing showed moderate damage as smoke ian Observatory for Human Rights The anti-IS group Raqqa is being “Forces responded to the immi- cease-fire that would also include and wounding dozens of people, the still climbed out of the wreckage. confirmed the shelling of govern- Slaughtered Silently said the airstrikes nent threat and fired towards the the contested northern city. TV said. The Syrian military said in a ment-held parts of the city, and also killed 10 and wounded dozens — but assailant, resulting in his death.” Staffan de Mistura is expected The TV said one of the rockets statement it is repelling a wide scale said that seven were killed, includ- different casualty figures are com- The injured Israelis were taken to to push that the truce also cover hit the Dubeet hospital in the cen- attack on Aleppo launched by “ter- ing a child. mon in the chaos of Syria’s civil war. hospital for treatment, the statement Aleppo, which has seen an escala- tral neighborhood of Muhafaza. The rorists” — a government term that The Observatory said more than The group said there were calls from added without giving further details tion in violence in recent weeks. TV did not give a breakdown of the includes all armed groups fighting 50 were wounded, including some mosque loudspeakers for the residents about their condition. De Mistura’s meeting with For- casualties. President Bashar Assad’s forces. who were in critical condition, which to donate blood. IS suffered major set- However, the Magen David eign Minister Sergey Lavrov came “Shells and mortar rounds are Yesterday’s statement said the could raise the death toll. backs over the past months in Syria Adom rescue service said one a day after he met with US Secre- raining down on every neighborhood attack was preceded by heavy shelling The Observatory and another against government forces and US- of those hit by the car had been tary of State John Kerry in Geneva. Aleppo,” said Aleppo-based health of residential areas of the city, which activist group, the Local Coordina- backed Kurdish fighters including badly injured. The Palestinian In opening remarks in Moscow, de official Mohammad Hazouri, speak- caused civilian casualties, including at tion Committees, said government the loss of the central historic city of health ministry said the attack Mistura said “we need to make sure ing from Al Razi hospital. He said four a hospital that was hit. The army said forces also shelled rebel-held parts of Palmyra. occurred at a checkpoint, but did not immediately name the assail- ant. The attack was the latest in a wave of violence that has killed Palestinian agency seeks 204 Palestinians and 28 Israelis $92.3m Dutch grant to Lebanon for refugees since October 1. funding from Gulf nations Earlier yesterday, police said they had arrested a Palestinian AP teenager in Jerusalem’s Old City suspected of stabbing a Jewish man AFP in his 60s there late on Monday. Israeli forces overnight BEIRUT: The Netherlands has granted Leb- detained six Palestinians from a anon ¤80m ($92.3m) until the end of 2017 to number of West Bank districts, help the tiny Arab country cope with hun- UNITED NATIONS: The head of the UN Palestinian refugee said security and Palestine Prison- dreds of thousands of Syrian refugees. agency yesterday urged Gulf countries to donate millions er’s Society sources. Israeli police The announcement was made yester- to help UNRWA avoid a funding crisis. detained an 18-year-old Palestin- day by Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte Last year, the agency was hit by a major funding crisis ian for allegedly being involved in during a brief visit to Beirut, where he met that threatened to affect the opening of schools. a stabbing attack against an Israeli, with Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam An appeal by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to in his 60s, in Jerusalem earlier Salam before visiting an informal refugee donors helped resolve the crisis, but the agency still has a Monday evening. The Israeli sus- settlement in southern Lebanon. funding gap of some $80m. tained light injuries after being Rutte says a memorandum of “We’d be very appreciative to have countries that stabbed in his back on al-Wad understanding to provide more export have come forward last summer to help, and in particu- Street in the Old City. opportunities for Lebanese agriculture was lar three Gulf states — Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates This came as police shut down also signed. Lilianne Ploumen, the Dutch and Kuwait — renew their generosity this year,” said Pierre all entrances to the Old City with Minister for Foreign Trade and Develop- Krahenbul, UNRWA’s commissioner-general. metal barricades and prevented ment Cooperation, says her country has “If we could have that, we’d be able to avoid another Palestinians from entering and been supporting Lebanon, which “needs crisis this summer,” he said. exiting the city for several hours support from the international community.” Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte (right) talks with Syrian refugees during his visit Established in 1950, UNRWA helps some five million in their search for the suspected Lebanon is home to more than a mil- at Al Zahrani refugee camp in southern Lebanon, yesterday. Palestinians living in Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and in the attacker. lion registered Syrian refugees. Palestinian territories. ASIA / PHILIPPINES WEDNESDAY 4 MAY 2016 09 Japan to lease military aircraft to Philippines

AFP train pilots and aircraft mechanics, aircraft, Kyodo News said. The Philip- Gazmin said he plans to discuss with is a big help because we don’t have the ministry said. The planes can be pines has been seeking to strengthen his Japanese counterpart the terms such a capability, Gazmin said. Under the accord, used as surveillance aircraft, accord- ties with Japan, its former World War of the lease of the Japanese Maritime In a telephone call Monday with Tokyo will lease up ing to local media. II rival, as tensions mount over dis- Self-Defense Force TC 90 aircraft Gazmin, Japanese Defense Minister TOKYO: Japan will lease military air- It will be Japan’s first lease of puted South China Sea waters, almost when they meet on the sidelines of Gen Nakatani “reaffirmed the trans- craft to the Philippines in another sign to five TC-90 training its Self-Defence Forces’ aircraft to all of which are claimed by China. an annual meeting of defence min- fer” of the Japanese planes which will of deepening security ties between aeroplanes and help another country after it recently The southeast Asian country has a isters in Laos later this month. be useful for humanitarian and disas- the two former foes to counter Bei- lifted a self-imposed ban on weap- severely under-equipped military. The Asian allies, which have sep- ter-response missions and maritime jing’s increasing regional influence. Manila train pilots and ons exports. Aside from the Philippines, Viet- arate territorial conflicts with China, security,” the Philippines defense The agreement was made on aircraft mechanics. “We agreed that it is important nam, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan have been deepening their security department said. Monday afternoon during telephone for all the countries in the region also have overlapping claims to the ties. They signed an agreement in Feb- They agreed that cooperation by talks between Japan’s Defence Min- The planes can be to strengthen cooperation in order contested waterway. ruary to allow Japan to supply defense their countries “is indispensable,” with ister Gen Nakatani and his Philippine used as surveillance to maintain peace and stability of The Philippine defence chief equipment and technology to the Phil- Nakatani stressing the relationship “is counterpart Voltaire Gazmin, the aircraft. the South China Sea,” Nakatani told said yesterday his government has ippines, Tokyo’s first such pact with crucial for peace, stability and pros- ministry said. Tensions in the South reporters. “We believe that improving agreed in principle to lease five Japa- any Southeast Asian country. perity” in the region, the department China Sea — through which one the Philippines’ capability will lead nese surveillance planes to be used in Japan’s efforts to ease restric- said. third of the world’s oil passes — have to stability in the region,” he added. patrolling disputed areas of the South tions on its def1ence forces to provide Both agreed to reschedule a meet- mounted in recent years since China military facilities. Under the accord, The TC-90 is capable of flying China Sea and in search-and-rescue equipment to Asian allies paved the ing after Nakatani postponed a trip to transformed contested reefs into arti- Tokyo will lease up to five TC-90 some 1,900km roughly double the missions during disasters. way for Tokyo to offer the patrol air- the Philippines last month because of ficial islands capable of supporting training aeroplanes and help Manila flight range of the Philippine navy’s Defence Secretary Voltaire craft to the Philippines, he said. “This twin quakes in southern Japan, it said. Aquino vows to crush Wings of two planes collide Daesh-linked militants in Indonesia

Anatolia of the state, but I am confident that AFP our security sector is not relenting, the military and the police, to end this Abu Sayyaf problem.” ZAMBOANGA CITY: Philippine The Philippines and Indonesia JAKARTA: Two Indonesian pas- President Benigno Aquino III has have reiterated that their govern- senger planes clipped wings as vowed to devote all his energy to ments did not pay a $1m ransom they were about to take off from “crushing” Daesh-linked militants demanded for the 10 sailors’ release, Jakarta’s main airport, an airline in the country’s troubled south, after but refused to comment on whether said yesterday, the latest accident the beheading of a Canadian hostage their employer had contributed to in the country’s beleaguered avi- and the release of 10 Indonesians, the demanded sum. ation sector. local media reported yesterday. The Abu Sayyaf is notorious The planes operated by “The Abu Sayyaf has been caus- for beheading victims after ran- domestic carrier Lion Air were ing too much damage for a very long soms have failed to be paid for their Sunday heading towards a run- A boy sits in a burnt area after a fire destroyed shelters at a camp for internally displaced Rohingya Muslims time now and they are really horren- release. The group is believed to way at Soekarno-Hatta airport, dous... this problem must be curbed,” still be holding more than a dozen in the western Rakhine State near Sittwe, Myanmar, yesterday. just outside the capital, when their The Philippine Star quoted him as captives including four Malaysians wings collided. saying. kidnapped off the coast of Malaysia’s There was only minor dam- On Monday, the Abu Sayyaf freed eastern Sabah state in early April. age to the planes and no one was 10 Indonesians who were abducted Other hostages include a Cana- Fire destroys 2,000 homes in Yangon injured, said Edward Sirait, general in late March from a tugboat off the dian, a Norwegian and a Filipino affairs director at Lion Air. After majority Muslim island province of woman seized alongside Ridsdel in the collision between the Boeing Tawi-Tawi, which lies between the September, a Dutch national kid- and Airbus aircraft, all the pas- southern Philippines and Malaysia. napped more than three years ago AFP Rohingya confined to a network of were affected, but exact numbers are sengers were transferred to other Their release came six days after in Tawi-Tawi, a Chinese national and bleak camps in Rakhine state. unconfirmed,” it said, adding that planes to continue their journeys, the Abu Sayyaf beheaded a Canadian six other Filipinos. Aquino’s term is Authorities said a cooking stove humanitarian organisations were to Bali and Sulawesi islands, he hostage, 68-year-old John Ridsdel, set to end July 1, without the passage caused the blaze at the Bawdupa working to provide shelter and other said. after a $6m ransom failed to be paid. of a proposed autonomy law on the YANGON: A major fire yesterday camp near the state capital Sittwe, necessities. Part of one of the aircraft’s Aquino told reporters on Mon- country’s south -- Bangsamoro Basic damaged or destroyed the homes of with strong winds believed to have It said 44 barracks-style housing wings was damaged and a fire day that his administration would Law (BBL) -- that would have sealed some 2,000 Rohingya Muslims liv- spread flames from house to house blocks, which hold up to eight fami- broke out, but all on board were continue its all-out offensive against a peace process aimed at bringing an ing in a camp for people displaced in the tinder-dry area. lies each, were completely destroyed evacuated safely and there were the group and would be relentless in end to a decades-old conflict. by 2012 communal fighting in west- A statement from the United by the fire. Up to nine more were no injuries. its cooperation with security forces. The country’s one-time largest ern Myanmar. Nations Office for the Coordination badly damaged. Indonesia’s air travel indus- “I just want to reiterate that we ethnic Moro rebel group, the Moro The charred remains of wooden of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Some 140,000 people, mainly try is booming, with the number in this administration talk to every- Islamic Liberation Front, had warned shelters and twisted metal roofs were said initial reports suggested 14 Rohingya, have been trapped in grim of domestic passengers growing one who wants to have a dialogue that failure to pass the law could lead visible through a thick haze of smoke people had been injured, with uncon- displacement camps since they were significantly over the past dec- with us,” he said. “Those who only to frustration among the indigenous after the fire broke out in the early firmed reports that there could have driven from their homes by waves ade, but it has a dismal air safety understand force or violence must people and Daesh-linked groups morning, a stark reminder of dire been fatalities. “An estimated 440 of violence between Buddhists and record and reputation for chaotic also be shown force and ruthlessness gaining influence. living conditions for over 100,000 households (about 2,000 individuals) minority Muslims four years ago. regulation.

Out in the open Baidu CEO summoned over death of student after cancer treatment

AFP question-and-answer forum, in the Economic Information Daily, February. He had borrowed money which is owned by the official Xin- to cover his costs. Wei accused the hua news agency, yesterday quoted hospital of exaggerating the treat- sources as saying. BEIJING: Authorities have sum- ment’s efficacy and accused Baidu of “Baidu has been operating in moned the head of Baidu after the ranking medical information search a grey area where the rule of law, death of a student who sought a can- results by the amount paid by adver- business profits and public inter- cer cure on the Chinese search giant, tisers, denouncing it as “evil” and ests are intertwined,” a columnist reports said yesterday, prompting a warning other cancer patients “not wrote yesterday in the Global Times barrage of criticism for prioritising to be cheated”. newspaper, which is close to the rul- paid search results. Baidu says it differentiates paid ing Communist Party. “Baidu must Wei Zexi, 21, had already been entries in its search results. But amid face discipline by authorities for its diagnosed as having a terminal soft mounting public anger, the Cyber- unscrupulous activities driven by tissue disease when his family found space Administration of China said desire for profits,” it added. an experimental immunotherapy in a statement that it has launched a Baidu said it “welcomed” the treatment at a Beijing hospital run joint investigation with the country’s probe and would “fully cooperate” by the armed police force via a Baidu health authorities and business reg- with investigators. In a separate search. ulator into Baidu. statement emailed yesterday, a Residents looks on as firefighters try to put out a fire that swept over several houses in a residential Wei spent more than $30,000 on The company’s chief executive company spokeswoman said: “Our area in Manila yesterday. No one was hurt in the fire, according to initial reports. the therapy but it failed, he said in Robin Li has also been asked by the deepest condolences go out to Wei a posting on zhihu.com, a Chinese Internet regulator to answer queries, Zexi’s family.” Senator alarmed by Duterte’s plan allowing guerrillas to play political role

AP In his latest controversial remark, IV, a former navy officer, told report- a failed mutiny in 2003. “It’s going to scrutiny on Monday accounts in one lawyer went to the bank “for show and Mayor Rodrigo Duterte told report- ers the military, which has a history of be very easy to recruit people for such bank branch allegedly containing at to buy time,” carrying a request for ers his administration would be an failed coup attempts, could get restive military interventions.” least $4.5m. bank certification that the accounts all-inclusive one in which communist if Duterte wins the presidential race Trillanes, a vice presidential can- Lawyer Salvador Panelo, who did not hold 211 $4.5m and for the MANILA, PHILIPPINES: A Philippine guerrillas could take part in decision- and considers giving political conces- didate supporting another presidential met with Trillanes at the bank, said accounts’ balance instead of a record senator expressed alarm yesterday making. He had earlier expressed sions to the rebels. candidate, earlier alleged that Duterte Duterte gave him a special power of of all transactions. over a presidential frontrunner’s plan openness to a coalition with revolu- “There is a faction in the military had about $51.1m in bank accounts attorney to ask the bank to turn over Trillanes said if Duterte wins the to allow communist guerrillas to play tionary forces but later clarified that that is averse to any form of power- that he did not declare publicly as records but that the bank asked for May 9 presidential race, he will advo- a political role in the government if he an all-inclusive government might be sharing with the communists that required by law. He said the mayor seven days to comply. The accounts cate that Filipinos find “creative ways” wins, saying this would cause rum- better so as not antagonize the mili- Duterte is proposing,” said the sen- “failed in the truth challenge” when are held by Duterte jointly with his to stop him from being sworn into blings within the military. tary and police. Sen. Antonio Trillanes ator, who was among the leaders of he reneged on a promise to open for daughter. Trillanes said Duterte’s office on June 30. 10 WEDNESDAY 4 MAY 2016 VIEWS

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected]

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR HUSSAIN AHMAD [email protected] London Mayor Boris Johnson (centre) speaks as British Prime Minister David Cameron (right) and mayoral candidate Zac Goldsmith (left) attend a campaign rally in Richmond, London, Britain, yesterday. Mayoral elections in London are to be held tomorrow.

EDITORIAL Pyongyang’s threat Waste management: A he reclusive communist state of North Korea is continuing to defy the international community with its nuclear weapons programme by coming up with Tnew provocations. According to the latest report, critical need of our time Pyongyang is said to have amassed enough fissile material for 20 bombs, which has caused intense concern among its neighbours and the international community considering that the environment. Such items com- collecting, hauling, and dispos- materials, and all other indus- the regime of Kim Jong-un has been on an unprecedented drive to prise up to 30% of the garbage and ingnearly 4,000 tons of waste trial and consumer goods, thereby need to be disposed of in properly every single day. If we place this assuring long-term availability of boost his country’s nuclear capabilities since the start of this year. engineered and secure disposal much waste in a soccer field, it will the limited mineral and energy International condemnations, both from individual countries and facilities to prevent its release into fill 15 of them to a height of 10m resources while, at the same time, agencies like the United Nations, have failed to deter him from his water, land, and air. each day. Obviously, we have to do reducing greenhouse gas emissions actions. Even sanctions, and the threat to impose more of them, Landfill is a good example everything possible to reduce the by leaving more trees to absorb CO2. have failed as Kim Jong-un pursues a suicidal, self-defeating of a well-engineered waste dis- volume of the waste. A proven way Each resident of Qatar produces policy of amassing nuclear capabilities in a desperate attempt posal facility. Unlike a ‘hole in the is to use the hierarchy of the 3Rs between 1.6 to 1.8 kg of solid waste ground’ landfills are designed and which stands for Reduce, Reuse, on a daily basis, which puts us as to enhance his influence among his own people and threaten his constructed under full compliance and Recycle. The first and the fore- one of the top most waste gen- enemies. Kim’s nuclear misadventures also assume significance with the applicable environmental most step is to reduce our use of erators among the high income because the ruling Workers’ Party regulations, giving due consider- materials–we should buy and use countries of the world. With con- congress is scheduled to open on Friday. By Dr Syed E Hasan ation to site geology that includes only as much as we need so that tinued development of the country, As North The Party Congress is a major political topography, nature of earth materi- there is no unused or unwanted and using a conservative estimate Korea ritual in North Korea which is keenly als and their engineering properties, stuff that will find its way into the of the annual population growth awaited by the entire party and state depth to groundwater, and eval- trash can. The second R emphasizes rate of about 2.5%, Qatar’s waste acquires uation of natural hazards. This is cutting down and eliminating use quantity is estimated to increase to machinery and it’s natural that Kim more nuclear Gone are the days when would want to address the Congress waste management was capabilities, as an influential and powerful leader. an issue of no concern it’s time to Kim is expected to use the congress to the public. Now it has Ybecome a major problem that eve- look at new to consolidate his grip on power and reinforce the totalitarian one-party ryone has to deal with because continued ignorance has taken ideas to system. The importance of the congress and will continue to take a heavy address this can be gauged from the fact that the toll in terms of our health, well- threat. entire country, especially the capital, being, and environmental pollution. is in a state of emergency for the event. According to a recent report by the Travel to and from Pyongyang is being United Nations Environmental Pro- Obviously, gramme, “Managing solid waste halted, checks are being carried out throughout the city, and the we have to army is on standby. Anyone indulging in suspicious activities or well and affordably is one of the key challenges of the 21st century, do everything getting into trouble with the authorities before the congress is and one of the key responsibilities being treated as a political offender and is arrested. of a city government.” possible to The news of Pyongyang acquiring fissile material for 20 Most of us don’t realize full reduce the volume bombs comes after reports of several failures of its tests. But it severity of the problem–we con- of the waste. A has been trying relentlessly and assiduously, and is expected veniently put our trash in a plastic to continue on this path. Tensions in the region have increased bag, place it outside our home, for- proven way is to use the get what happens to it afterwards, due to North Korean belligerence, while international efforts to and let the municipality worry about hierarchy of the 3Rs which restrain the country have failed. Even the UN Security Council’s the rest. For a majority of people stands for Reduce, Reuse, decision in March to impose tougher sanctions had little impact. the problem of waste disposal and Recycle. Interestingly. ends with the trash pickup. This It’s time for the international community to look at other approach, that was an accepted options other than sanctions to persuade or force Pyongyang societal norm of the past, is no more to behave like a normal state. But that’s easier said than done. tenable because what happens to followed by meticulous engineering of disposal items. Instead of using over 4,730 tons per day by 2030— the trash after it is picked up and design and construction to ensure plastic bag for grocery shopping an increase of 21%. This is a huge A leader who lives in isolation and subjects his people to misery until its permanent disposal and, safe operation and maintenance of we should use reusable cloth bag; increase compared to other devel- can’t be expected to be easily threatened. But a solution will even decades afterward, is a story the landfill; and to safely collect, instead of one-time use of throw oped countries (e.g. USA: 12%), and emerge if China and the rest of the world are united in addressing that few are aware of; and only a remove and treat the leachate— away batteries, we should switch highlights the critical but urgent this threat. handful realize the horrible health a toxic soup of dissolved metals, to rechargeable ones. Substitut- need for adoption of 3Rs across and ecological consequences of not non-metals, dangerous chemicals, ing disposable paper and plastic all segment of the Qatari society. managing the waste in a proper and other harmful substances. The cups and plates with reusable and This can be accomplished by a sus- manner. This article aims at pre- design also ensures that the garbage durable plastic or ceramic dinner-, tained program of public education, senting some basic aspects of waste is covered with suitable soil at the silver-, and glass ware will go a long media publicity; competition and management, its importance to our end of each day’s work to prevent way in prolonging the life of land- incentives for waste reduction and society, and how each member of its exposure to the weather, pest, fills and also help conserve natural increased recycling in educational Quote of the day the community can be a part of the vermin, etc. This technique of iso- resources. Recycling is the last of institutions, government offices, solution to the “waste problem” lating the waste is what makes the the three ‘Rs’ which is self-explan- private businesses, and homes; and I will make my that is posing a serious challenge landfill“sanitary” and such well- atory: of the discarded materials possibly imposing fee for exceed- contribution towards to both the developed and devel- designed and engineered landfills we should take out all that can be ing permitted number of trash bags oping countries worldwide. are appropriately called sanitary recycled. Paper, plastics, metals generated by home owners. ensuring that other The first thing we have to recog- landfills. cans, used clothes, furniture, and A sound and well-implemented political forces are nize is that the garbage that comes One of the key aspects of the electronics that have not reached waste management policy can lead stronger than the National out of our homes is not a simple mix- waste issue is lack of public aware- their end-of-life stage, should be to zero waste.If each of us does our Front in France. ture of ordinary materialspaper, ness and the prevalent attitude routinely recycled. part, we can make the Earth livable plastic, metal cans, food waste, that garbage is a dirty business This simple idea can be adopted for our future generations! packaging materials, etc. It also and “out of sight out of mind” is by everyone and therein lies the contains discarded batteries, paints, the best approach to manage it. value of this strategy. By implement- The writer is a Fellow of the Geo- Angela Merkel cleaning supplies, electronics, and The reality is quite the opposite: ing 3Rs in our daily life, we should logical Society of America and a German Chancellor many other items that contain with each person producing 1.7 kg also be able to conserve valuable Fulbright Senior Scholar at Qatar Uni- toxic chemicals and cause seri- of waste every day, Qatar munic- natural resources used to manu- versity, and teaches a course in solid ous damage to human health and ipality has an enormous task of facture steel, autos, construction and hazard waste management.

EDITORIAL TEL: 44557741 / 44557743 FAX: 44557746 / 44557758 P. O. BOX: 3488, DOHA, QATAR E-MAIL: [email protected] ADVERTISING TEL: 44557837 / 780 FAX: 44557870 CLASSIFIED: 44557857 E-MAIL: [email protected] SUBSCRIPTION / HOME DELIVERY TEL: 44557809 /839 FAX: 44557819 E-MAIL: [email protected] OPINION WEDNESDAY 4 MAY 2016 11 A year on, Asia’s boat people trapped in desperate limbo

AFP

ne year after struggling ashore during Southeast Asia’s human- trafficking crisis, Sonamia and hundreds of other desperate ORohingya migrants remain in limbo, forgotten footnotes as record numbers worldwide flee violence and persecution. Sonamia was among about 400 starving people plucked to safety off Indonesia from an overloaded green boat that became emblematic of the crisis, its emaciated passengers pleading for help as countries in the region rejected them in an impasse that triggered global outrage. Under pressure, Indonesia and Malay- sia eventually allowed Rohingya boat people to land, pending resettlement within a year. But none have been resettled, hun- dreds are stuck in camps and detention centres, and some have once again risked their lives by taking to the high seas at the hands of people-smugglers. “I have learned to wait,” Sonamia, who goes by one name, told AFP at a temporary shelter in Bayeun village in Indonesia’s Aceh province. The 42-year-old is still tormented by nightmares of what was termed an appalling game of human “ping-pong”, with boats bouncing between unwelcom- ing countries as food and water ran out. “I feel upset every time I recall that, Rohingya migrants sit on a boat drifting in Thai waters off the island of Koh Lipe in the Andaman Sea. because it felt like we were not human,” he said. About 1,000 Rohingya, a Muslim networks that ferry migrants to Malaysia. “Here we only eat, sleep and pray,” Many perish en route, and harrowing and hopes among Rohingya that the recent minority that has fled persecution in The traffickers subsequently aban- said Abdul Rasyid, 25, one of a handful stories of abuse and exploitation by traf- end of military rule could bring a favour- mostly Buddhist Myanmar, were wel- doned boatloads of migrants at sea, of “green boat” survivors still in Aceh. fickers are common, including demands able Myanmar government policy change comed ashore in staunchly Islamic Aceh, leaving several thousand to be rescued “We are not allowed to work here that relatives back home pay ransoms toward them. but only around 300 remain. or swim ashore. although I need money to send to my before their migrant kin are allowed to Last week, however, 14 Rohingya The rest are believed to have quietly Indonesia and Malaysia have not signed family in Myanmar.” move on to Malaysia. migrants were found abandoned by peo- sailed for Muslim-majority Malay- the UN refugee convention, complicating Traffickers have in recent years taken But since the crisis, migrant num- ple-smugglers in a southern Thai forest sia—attractive because of its relative the already difficult resettlement process. tens of thousands of desperate Bangladeshi bers have dropped sharply, said UNHCR after entering via a new route. affluence—where they face uncertainty The UNHCR says the process has and Rohingya migrants—many of whom Malaysia representative Richard Towle. “The smugglers and traffickers are as illegal immigrants. become further paralyzed as Europe’s pay for passage with their life savings— Rohingya migrants and activists say enormously adaptable,” Towle said, Bleak prospects - own migrant crisis overwhelms coun- on the dangerous sea voyage to jungle possible reasons include the crackdown, warning that governments must remain In Malaysia, 371 Rohingya who were tries that might normally accept refugees. camps along the Thai-Malaysian border. global exposure of the journey’s dangers, vigilant. “When you see the number of Syrians and others arriving by boat in Europe, and the crisis that the European coun- tries are facing there, resettlement out Traffickers have in recent years taken of this region has to be seen in that con- tens of thousands of desperate text—and it’s very, very difficult now,” Thomas Vargas, the UNHCR’s represent- Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants ative in Indonesia, told AFP. — many of whom pay for passage UNHCR officials—who complain they with their life savings — on the were not consulted beforehand on the one-year resettlement deadline—say that dangerous sea voyage to jungle timeframe was unrealistic, especially camps along the Thai-Malaysian given the long refugee queues. Malaysia already has about 158,000 border. registered asylum-seekers, includ- ing 55,000 Rohingya, though most are believed to be content to earn money working illegally rather than be resettled. allowed in amid the crisis remain shut Indonesia has more than 7,000 reg- away in an immigration centre, govern- istered asylum-seekers. ment officials say. Life goes on - The United States has agreed to take The Rohingya still stuck in Aceh a 52, but resettlement prospects for the rest year later are trying to get on with their remain bleak, the UN High Commissioner lives at temporary shelters built across for Refugees (UNHCR) says. the province by the International Organ- Several hundred Bangladeshis were ization for Migration (IOM), subsisting also among the boat people but most have largely on donated food and supplies. been labeled economic migrants and are Some have married, babies have been in various stages of being sent home. born, and others have planted vegetable Last year’s crisis began when Thailand gardens or are training as auto mechan- discovered mass graves in a human-traf- ics or learning sewing. But they cannot ficking camp along its southern border work legally, making a normal existence and launched a crackdown on the brutal impossible. A Rohingya boy standing next to a mural at the Rohingya housing complex in Blang Ado in North Aceh. Europe’s refugee deal with Turkey is working, sort of

Bloomberg and before Macedonia closed its bor- a deal with Libya like the one it made already in Turkey for each unvetted Unfortunately, in too many coun- der with Greece, up to 10,000 asylum with Turkey, because Libya barely has refugee Turkey accepts from Greece tries in Europe, even one refugee is seekers a day crossed the Mediterra- a government. Instead it is negotiating -- is limited to 72,000 people. Once too many. Austria has toughened It’s undeniable that he European Union’s deal with nean to the Hellenic Republic. Hundreds with other countries whose citizens refugees are no longer attempting the immigration rules to enable it turn Turkey to control the flow of died in the attempt. often arrive to Europe by way of Libya, trip from Turkey, the “one-for-one” away virtually all asylum seekers, for the agreement is Trefugees to Europe has been a Now as few as 50 people per day such as Nigeria. deal implies that there will also be no example, while the U.K. parliament saving lives. It may success -- if success is defined nar- are arriving on the Greek islands. It’s These are ad hoc solutions. more resettlement. has blocked a plan to accept 3,000 rowly. A lasting solution to this crisis, undeniable that the agreement is sav- Attempting to close off each emerg- Refugee resettlement is critical, unaccompanied Syrian children. also allow Europe however, will require more than simply ing lives. It may also allow Europe to ing avenue of emigration is a hopeless because it provides a legal and safe Conflict in the Middle East has to keep open its closing off one way onto the continent. keep open its internal borders, which undertaking. For both humanitarian way for those fleeing war to apply for caused this crisis. Fear and lethargy The deal, under which Turkey brings huge economic benefits to the and security reasons, the refugee cri- asylum in the West. But any program in Europe have made it worse. Arriving internal borders, accepts refugees from Greece in entire continent. sis demands a more comprehensive has to be big enough to give refugees at a comprehensive solution may be which brings huge exchange for 6 billion euros ($6.9 Meanwhile, refugees are finding response. some reasonable hope of success. Last beyond Europe’s leaders at the moment. billion) and the right for its citizens other ways to get to Europe. In April, Last year, more than 1 million asy- year, EU officials floated a proposal to Make no mistake, however: Respond- economic benefits to to visa-free travel in Europe, is an some 500 people died when their boat lum seekers arrived in the EU. The core resettle 200,000 refugees annually. ing to each emergency is necessary, the entire continent. almost (but not quite) unbearable capsized en route from Libya to Italy. innovation of the Turkish deal -- the That’s still not enough, but it’s better but it is far from sufficient. compromise. Before the agreement, To close this passage, the EU can’t cut EU’s acceptance of one vetted refugee than 72,000.

All thoughts and views expressed in these columns are those of the writers, not of the newspaper. All correspondence regarding Views and Opinion pages should be mailed to the Editor-in-Chief. 12 WEDNESDAY 4 MAY 2016 ASIA / AFRICA

Thailand bans Sydney blames refugee advocates for mishaps ‘rude’ opinions ahead of crucial Reuters the second such incident in a week. which holds about 850 people, closed the asylum seekers false hope they already been through a great deal, A 23-year-old Iranian man also last week after its Supreme Court would one day be settled in Australia. many have fled war and persecution, referendum set himself on fire last week in pro- ruled the facility unlawful. Her said some advocates were some have already suffered trauma,” test against his treatment on Nauru The harsh conditions and reports “encouraging some of these people the office of the United Nations High SYDNEY: Australia blamed refugee and later died. The Somali woman of systemic child abuse at the camps to behave in a certain way”. Commissioner for Refugees in Aus- Reuters advocates yesterday for “encourag- has been transferred to Australia for have drawn wide criticism inside and “The recent behaviours in Nauru tralia said in a statement. ing” asylum seekers held in remote treatment, officials said. outside Australia and have become a are not protests against living con- “The consensus among medical camps towards acts of self-harm after Under Australia’s hardline major headache for Australian Prime ditions. They aren’t protests against experts is that conditions of deten- a woman set herself on fire, while the immigration policy, asylum seekers Minister Malcolm Turnbull during health care, they aren’t protests tion and offshore processing do BANGKOK: From the question of United Nations renewed its criticism intercepted trying to reach Aus- campaigning for likely July elections. against the lack of financial support,” immense damage to physical and Britain’s palace in Europe to the of Australia’s harsh immigration pol- tralia after paying people smugglers Australia however has vowed Dutton told a news conference in Can- mental health,” it said. choice of New Zealand’s flag, ref- icy. are sent for processing to camps on there will be no change to the pol- berra. However, the peak UN body A boat believed to be carrying erendums worldwide are usually Australian officials said an uni- Nauru, which holds about 500 people, icy, which has been pursued by for refugees said such incidents in the asylum seekers from Sri Lanka had preceded by unbridled debate. Not dentified 21-year-old Somali woman and on Manus Island in Papua New successive governments. Yesterday, camps, which hold asylum seekers been intercepted near the remote so under Thailand’s junta. was in a critical condition after she Guinea. They are told they will never Immigration Minister Peter Dutton fleeing violence in the Middle East, Australian Indian Ocean territory Many Thais are chafing under set herself alight at an Australian be settled in Australia. acknowledged there had been a rise Afghanistan and South Asia, were a of the Cocos Islands, the Australian strict new regulations governing detention camp on the tiny South The Papua New Guinea govern- in cases of self-harm in the camps but result of Australia’s tough offshore Broadcasting Corporation reported discussion ahead of an August 7 Pacific island of Nauru on Monday, ment ordered the Manus Island camp, accused refugee advocates of giving detention polices. “These people have later on yesterday. referendum on a military-backed constitution. The junta that seized power in a May 2014 coup has already threatened to jail any- one campaigning for or against Move to ensure supreme power the constitution, which critics say Baby rescued 3 entrenches the military’s political influence. The 14 rules, which were issued by the Election Commis- days after Kenya sion and formally became law on Monday, make even well-mean- ing discussion risky, say academics and experts. Under the regulations, Thais building collapse must express their opinions with “polite words ... without distort- ing the facts”. “Rude, aggressive, or fate of her parents was not clear. intimidating” interviews with the The girl was being treated in hos- media are banned. So is organis- The child, who had pital. The collapse of the building ing a panel discussion “with intent been buried for was the latest such disaster in a fast to incite political unrest”. expanding African city that is strug- Also forbidden are “T-shirts, about 80 hours, was gling to build homes fast enough. pins and ribbons” that encour- found in a bucket Like many other cities in age others to campaign Violators wrapped in a blanket. Africa, the population of Nairobi can be jailed for up to 10 years. has climbed dramatically in recent Dissenters in military-run Thai- She appeared years. The Kenyan capital had land often receive lengthy prison dehydrated, and with almost 3.5 million people in 2011, sentences under draconian laws about a third bigger than a decade on computer crime and royal no visible physical earlier, according to UN figures. defamation. injuries. Governments have struggled Participants for the Seventh Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) arriving in Pyongyang. The referendum will be a test to provide basic infrastructure and After four years of top-level reshuffles, purges and executions, Kim Jong-un will formally cement his of the junta’s popularity and a bureaucratic processes to ensure unassailable status as North Korea’s supreme leader at a landmark ruling party congress this week. potential flashpoint in a turbu- planning rules are met. lent political scene, say analysts. Many Kenyans who come to Reuters the city in search of work end up in one of several slums, such as Kib- era, made up of makeshift homes of wood and corrugated iron sheets. Hit-list targets teachers & politicians in Dhaka NAIROBI: Rescue workers pulled out Others live in slightly better off a one-year-old girl from the rubble but still poor districts, like Huruma, of a building in Kenya’s capital yes- where concrete buildings have risen terday more than three days after it rapidly amid potholed roads and AFP named was the head of Rajshahi Uni- secular and liberal activists and reli- than 1,000 students and teachers collapsed following days of heavy ropey power supplies. Heavy rains versity, where a liberal professor was gious minorities by suspected Islamist and students rallied on the Rajshahi rain. At least 21 people have so far have caused other collapses in Nai- hacked to death by suspected Islam- militants. The Islami Liberation Front University campus yesterday to pro- been confirmed dead after the six- robi but without such high death ists less than two weeks ago. said its objectives were to establish an test at the murder of English professor storey residential block in Nairobi’s tolls. The Interior Ministry said the DHAKA: Bangladesh police were “The leaflet bears the name of Islamic caliphate in Bangladesh by Rezaul Karim Siddique, who was a poor Huruma district crumbled on Huruma building had been ear- investigating a new hit-list that Islami Liberation Front. It said it toppling what it called the “repres- poet and leading cultural activist. Friday night. Police are questioning marked for demolition as it was built includes the head of a university, has launched a mission to kill the 10 sive” government. Shortly after his killing, which the owners after President Uhuru close to a river, but the order had not journalists and ruling party officials, people” Natore police chief Shymal Police in the city of Rajshahi said has been claimed by the Islamic Kenyatta ordered them detained. been carried out by local officials. It after a series of gruesome killings. Kumar Mukherjee said. they had provided security for those State group, two gay activists were “The child, who had been bur- urged developers to adhere to safety Police said they were taking “We don’t know anything about named and were investigating the hacked to death elsewhere. Their kill- ied for about 80 hours, was found in standards. seriously the threat to kill 10 peo- this group. There are no previous authenticity of the threat. ings were subsequently claimed by a bucket wrapped in a blanket. She After visiting the site on Satur- ple listed in a leaflet that was sent information about this group. We “We’re giving special atten- a Bangladeshi branch of Al Qaeda. appeared dehydrated, and with no day, Kenya’s president ordered other to a press club in the northwestern have taken the matter seriously,” he tion to these people,” deputy chief Teachers and students have been visible physical injuries,” the Kenya buildings to be surveyed to ensure town of Natore on Monday by a hith- said. The Muslim-majority nation is of Rajshahi police Sardar Tamizud- boycotting classes at the university Red Cross said in a statement. The they were safe. erto unknown group. Among those reeling from a string of killings of din Ahmed said. Police said more since Siddique’s murder on April 23. Singapore detains 8 Bangladeshis for alleged IS links Canadian held in Nepal

AFP AFP sniper rifle, plus a list of Bang- government through the use of ladesh government and military force, establish an Islamic State officials targeted for attack, it in Bangladesh and bring it under KATHMANDU: Nepal authorities have detained a Canadian software devel- said. The ministry said the men (Islamic State’s) self-declared oper working in the country over a series of tweets deemed to “disturb social SINGAPORE: Singapore said yes- were members of a clandes- caliphate,” the ministry said. harmony”, an immigration official said yesterday. terday that it had arrested eight tine group set up in Singapore It added that five other Police detained Robert Penner on Monday afternoon at the request of Bangladeshi men who allegedly in March by 31 year-old Rahman Bangladeshi men had been Nepal immigration authorities, who say his tweets contravene the terms of plotted to carry out terror attacks Mizanur, who called the group investigated but not found to be his working visa. and assassinations in their home “Islamic State in Bangladesh”(ISB). involved in ISB. They nevertheless Penner tweets frequently on political issues in Nepal, most recently to country to establish an Islamic They had initially planned possessed jihadi-related material condemn the arrest of a Nepali magazine editor who has since been freed on state. The migrant workers were to go to Syria to join the Islamic and been repatriated to Bangla- the orders of the Supreme Court.“Evidence shows that he has been spreading arrested in April under Singa- State (IS) group but decided to desh, the statement said. messages that disturb the social harmony, peace and security of the coun- This picture shows the eight held in pore’s Internal Security Act which return to their homeland. Bangladesh police said they try,” said the department’s information officer Bishwo Prakash Neupane. Singapore with alleged IS links, (from top allows for detention without trial, “As they felt that it would arrested five suspected Islam- “We have the authority to cancel a person’s visa if they are found indulging left), Islam Shariful, Mamun Leakot Ali, Md the home ministry said in a state- be difficult for them to make ist militants yesterday who had in such activities,” Neupane said. Penner’s lawyer Dipendra Jha said immi- Jabath Kysar Haje Norul Islam Sowdagar, ment. their way to Syria, they focused been deported from Singapore, gration officials were threatening to cancel his visa. “But there is no concrete Miah Rubel, Rahman Mizanur, Sohag Ibrahim, Items seized from them their plans instead on return- after being alerted to their alleged evidence he has indeed disturbed peace and harmony. No action has taken Sohel Hawlader Ismail Hawlader and Zzaman included manuals on bomb-mak- ing to Bangladesh to overthrow extremist activities by authorities place to support that allegation,” Jha said. Penner has been working in Nepal Daulat ing and how to use a 0.50 calibre the democratically-elected in the city-state. for the technology outsourcing company CloudFactory for about four years. Zimbabwe puts wild animals up for sale amid devastating drought

Reuters Wildlife Management Authority said. in the cash-strapped country that the authority said in a statement. protested loudly last year when Zim- out underground wells. The pri- There were no details on the ani- has largely been deserted by foreign It asked interested Zimbabweans babwe exported 60 elephants, half of vately-owned Zimbabwe Independent mals on offer or their cost, but the donors since 1999. Selling the animals to get in touch and did not men- them to China, where the animals are newspaper reported in February that southern African country’s 10 national would give some of them a new home tion foreign buyers. Parks authority prized for their tusks. Bubye Conservancy, a private game HARARE: Zimbabwe put its wild ani- parks are famed for their huge pop- and ease financial pressure on the spokeswoman Caroline Washaya- About 54,000 of Zimbabwe’s park in southern Zimbabwe, could mals up for sale yesterday, saying it ulations of elephants, lions, rhinos, parks authority, which says it receives Moyo would not say whether the 80,000 elephants live in the western be forced to kill 200 lions to reduce needed buyers to step in and save the leopards and buffalos. little government funding and strug- animals could be exported or how Hwange National Park, more than over-population. beasts from a devastating drought. A drought across the region has gles to get by on what it earns through many it wanted to sell. four times the number it is supposed Many hunters have stayed away, Members of the public “with the left more than 4 million Zimbabwe- hunting and tourism. “We do not have a target. The to hold, the agency says. the paper quoted Bubye general man- capacity to acquire and manage wild- ans needing aid and hit the crops they “In light of the drought ... Parks number of animals depends on the The drought is expected to worsen ager Blondie Leathem as saying, since life” - and enough land to hold the rely on for food and export earn- and Wildlife Management Authority bids we receive,” she said. an already critical water shortage in the furore over the killing of Cecil, a animals - should get in touch to reg- ings, from maize to tobacco. It has intends to destock its parks estates There was no immediate com- Hwange, which has no rivers and rare black-maned lion, by a US den- ister an interest, the state Parks and also exacerbated an economic crisis through selling some of the wildlife,” ment from the wildlife groups that relies on donors to buy fuel to pump tist last year. PAKISTAN WEDNESDAY 4 MAY 2016 13

World Press Freedom day in Kabul MQM accuses US tells Pakistan paramilitary of killing prominent it will have to member fund F-16s itself Reuters

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi raised the possibility of the fighter Movement (MQM), the secular jets being used against Pakistan’s party that governs the port city of US State Department neighbour India, with whom it has Karachi, yesterday accused the said congressional fought three wars. India objected to regional paramilitary Pakistan the deal. Rangers force of killing another opposition meant Pakistan’s military says the F-16s one of its members while in their funds from the US it already owns have been integral custody. in fighting the Pakistani Taliban and MQM accuse the Rangers of Foreign Military its allies in the country’s tribal areas, having carried out dozens of extra- Financing allocation particularly due to the aircraft’s judicial killings of party members could not be used to precision strike and night-flying since the force launched a crack- capability. down on crime in Karachi in 2013. buy the aircraft. US State Department spokes- Last year, the UN Working Afghanistan’s Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah cuts a cake during the World Press Freedom Day in man John Kirby said congressional Group on Enforced or Involuntary opposition meant funds from the Kabul yesterday.. Disappearances referred 55 cases US government’s Foreign Military of illegal abductions of MQM work- Reuters Financing allocation could not be ers to the government, concluding used to buy the aircraft. a “pattern of specific targeting” of “Given congressional objections, the MQM by Rangers. we have told the Pakistanis that they MQM said Aftab Husain, a WASHINGTON: The United States should put forward national funds prominent party activist and an has told Pakistan it will have to for that purpose,” he told a regular Army courts sentence 11 aide to Farooq Sattar, MQM leader finance the purchase of American news briefing. in the National Assembly, was F-16 fighter jets itself after members Kirby said he believed that effec- arrested at his house on May 1 and of the US Congress objected to using tive engagement with Pakistan, died two days later. government funds to pay for them. including supporting its counter- Taliban militants to death The Rangers, who answer to The US government said in Feb- terrorism effort, was “critical” to the Ministry of Interior and to the ruary it had approved the sale to promoting democracy and stability. army, say Husain was “wanted in Pakistan of up to eight F-16 fighter Sartaj Aziz, Pakistan’s foreign several criminal cases” and had jets built by Lockheed Martin Corp, policy chief, told reporters in Islam- AFP belonged to the Tehreek-e-Taliban killed. The attack sparked wide- died of a heart attack. as well as radar and other equipment abad that while the US had barred Pakistan which is waging a bloody spread outrage and led to a series of “During custody he com- in a deal valued at $699m. use of the funds for F-16s, the allo- insurgency against the military and measures aimed at combating terror. plained of chest pain yesterday However, Republican Sena- cation of roughly $240m could be the government. Among other measures the morning and was rushed to the tor Bob Corker said he would use used “for other purchases”. ISLAMABAD: Pakistan military Pakistan has been battling a government ended a six-year mora- hospital where he died,” the Rang- his power as chairman of the Sen- “We will examine this with the courts have sentenced 11 Taliban mil- homegrown Islamist insurgency for torium on executions — initially only ers said in a statement. ate Foreign Relations Committee to suppliers to see if there is an alter- itants to death for terrorism-related over a decade following its decision to for people convicted of terrorism but MQM have their main support bar use of any US funds for the deal native source of financing,” he said. offences, the army said yesterday. side with the US-led coalition which later for all capital offences. base in Karachi, but law enforce- to send a message to Pakistan that it “So if any arrangements can be The nation has hanged hundreds toppled the Taliban in neighbouring Pakistan also amended its consti- ment agencies and many residents needed to do more in the war against made, we will buy them, otherwise of people — 326 last year alone — Afghanistan. tution to allow military courts to try accuse the party of racketeering, militants. obviously we will have to look for since lifting a moratorium on the Since June 2014 its troops have terror suspects for a two-year period. the abduction, torture and murder Corker’s stance reflected deep planes from somewhere else,” Paki- death penalty in December 2014. been engaged in a full-scale offensive Supporters of the courts say cases of opponents and holding the city unhappiness among both Democrats stan’s foreign policy chief said. The “hardcore terrorists” had against Taliban and other militants previously dragged on for years and to ransom by calling mass strikes and Republicans in Congress about Lockheed Martin said in March it been convicted of offences includ- in the North Waziristan and Khyber many suspects escaped punishment at will. what they see as Islamabad’s policy was using its own funds to pay sup- ing killing and kidnapping civilians, tribal districts in the northwest. due to legal loopholes or intimidation London-based MQM founder of supporting elements of the Taliban pliers and stave off closure of its F-16 attacks on the armed forces and The fight gained renewed impe- of witnesses. and leader Altaf Hussain called and the Haqqani network blamed for fighter jet production line as it waited police, and destruction of schools tus following a Taliban massacre at But the country’s growing use for an independent investigation attacks in Afghanistan. to finalise orders from Pakistan and and communications infrastruc- a Peshawar army school in Decem- of the death penalty has come in for into Husain’s death by Pakistan’s Members of Congress also other countries. ture, an army statement said. The 11 ber 2014 in which 134 children were international criticism. Supreme Court.

Laying down arms Beijing irked by Islamabad’s delay in Gwadar project

Internews against Tehran. The Gwadar project The official said that the neigh- was also conceived to meet an obli- bour was upset over the lack of gation regarding the IP gas pipeline progress, adding that a high level project. delegation comprising members of ISLAMABAD: China is reportedly The official said that the Chinese the Chinese firm and Exim Bank of upset over the slow progress made side had asked Pakistan to apply for China visited Pakistan, but could not in awarding the $2bn commercial the loan, but this process has been meet any finance ministry official. contract that includes laying a gas delayed as the government wanted “They had to meet junior level offi- pipeline and setting up a LNG ter- to have the PC-1 approved from the cials in the Economic Affairs Division minal in Gwadar. Planning Commission. (EAD),” the official added. A senior government official said The slow progress apparently The China Pipeline Bureau (CPB) that while a Chinese firm had sub- stems from one minister in the gov- was designated by the Chinese gov- mitted the commercial bid for the ernment who is reluctant to release ernment to implement the project. contract, it had not been opened yet. funds. Officials said that Chinese banks had Even after several months, no deci- Under the proposed structure of offered financing at the rate of Libor sion has been taken on the contract, the project, the Chinese side is to pro- plus 2.25 per cent. much to the dismay of the Chinese vide 85 per cent financing under the The official said that the finance side. The LNG Gwadar pipeline government-to-government deal to ministry was to arrange 15 per cent project was planned as an alterna- implement the LNG Gwadar termi- financing through Gas Infrastructure A group of Taliban members are seen as they surrender to the authorities in Cevizcan, Afghanistan, tive solution to the Iran-Pakistan nal and pipeline project. The finance Development Cess (GIDC) levy being yesterday. 17 Taliban members laid their arms down and surrendered. (IP) gas pipeline project, which has ministry, however, is reluctant to collected from gas consumers for gas not moved ahead due to sanctions release the remaining amount. import projects. Taliban threats force Afghan boy, fan of Messi, into exile

AP more and more serious. The Ahmadi family first traveled and converted the main Kabul soc- Ahmadi said he feared that his to the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, cer stadium into a stage for public son Murtaza would be kidnapped but couldn’t stay there long because executions. after becoming an Internet sensa- of the high cost of living. They later After the Taliban were toppled, KABUL: The family of a 5-year-old tion — both at home in Afghanistan moved to Quetta. Afghanistan saw a rebirth of sports Afghan boy (pictured) who received and beyond — after pictures of him “In the letter, the Taliban asked across the country. The insurgents autographed shirts from his soccer wearing a Messi shirt made out of a why my son was not learning the perceive most of today’s sporting hero Lionel Messi was forced to leave striped plastic bag went viral. Quran (Islam’s holy book) in an events as corrupt Western influence. Afghanistan amid constant telephone Ahmadi said that at first he was Islamic school and why I was instead Earlier this year, the Afghan threats and a menacing Taliban let- not sure who was behind all the allowing him and encouraging him to soccer federation had promised to ter, the boy’s father said. phone calls, and that he thought it play soccer,” he added. arrange a meeting between Messi, a Mohammad Arif Ahmadi — whose might criminal gangs seeking to extort When the threatening phone calls UNICEF goodwill ambassador, and son grabbed headlines when he was money and falsely thinking the fam- became more menacing, the family Murtaza. There were reports that photographed wearing a home- ily might have made lots of cash amid decided to go and “that was the main either Messi would come to Afghani- made Argentina shirt with No. 10 on the boy’s international popularity. But reason that I left my homeland,” he stan to visit the boy or that some other the back — said they have moved to he said he realized it was the Taliban added. “I sold all my belongings and arrangement would be made, such as neighboring Pakistan and settled in after he received a call from a local brought my family out of Afghani- sending the boy to Spain, where Messi the city of Quetta, hoping for a bet- driver in the area who told him he was stan to save my son’s life as well as plays with Barcelona, or arranging a ter life there. bringing him a letter. “It was a letter the lives of the rest of the family,” the meeting in a third country. “Life became a misery for us,” said sent by the Taliban,” Ahmadi said. father said. But none of the options worked Ahmadi, speaking to AP over the tele- The Taliban have not commented The Taliban banned some sports out, Ahmadi said. phone from Quetta. He added that the the case of the 5-year-old Murtaza — though not men’s soccer — as “Still, Murtaza hopes that one day family didn’t want to leave Afghani- and their spokesman was not imme- “un-Islamic” during their brutal five- he would be able to meet his hero, stan, but the threats were just getting diately reachable for comment. year reign between 1996 and 2001 Messi,” the father added. 14 WEDNESDAY 4 MAY 2016 INDIA

Big B and Rahul aide involved in chopper deal: BJP Kangana win

IANS Secretary to Shri Rahul Gandhi,” February 2013. Kanishka Singh rejects preposterous propaganda by the BJP. Somaiya tweeted. Somaiya also these allegations in their entirety,” the “Vitriolic of BJP government and its top honours BJP MP Kirit Somaiya appealed to the CBI and Enforcement Congress said. “In so far as Kanishka multiple leaders to propagate conspir- accused Kanishka Directorate to “check the connections Singh is concerned, he has absolutely atorial falsehood everyday appears NEW DELHI: The BJP yesterday of AgustaWestland Helicopters and nothing to do with the matter. Singh to have reached an extreme. Latest IANS accused Kanishka Singh, an aide Singh of having Common Wealth Games, EmarMGF wishes for parties, including Agus- instance is the completely preposter- to Congress vice-president Rahul shares in Emaar MGF company, Kanishka Singh to Rahul taWestland or Hashke or Emaar-MGF, ous and baseless allegations of BJP Gandhi, of being involved in the Agus- Gandhi.” Asked about Somaiya’s alle- to be punished in the harshest possi- MP Kirit Somaiya against Kanishka taWestland and 2010 Commonwealth Land Ltd, a real estate gations, Congress vice president Rahul ble way if found guilty,” the statement Singh,” party spokesperson Randeep NEW DELHI: The 63rd National Games (CWG) scams. company that also has Gandhi accused the BJP government said. “Kanishka Singh has nothing to Surjewala said in a statement. Film Awards ceremony here yes- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP of targetting him. do with (it) and has been on estranged “We want to remind the BJP that terday got a dash of glitz and Kirit Somaiya accused Kanishka Guido Ralph Haschke, “I was always targetted and I terms with the Rajiv Gupta family Modi government is in power for last glamour of Bollywood with Singh of having shares in Emaar MGF one of the accused in am happy to be targeted,” he told (Emaar-MGF) who, though related, two years.” “Instead of relying upon Amitabh Bachchan and Kangana Land Ltd., a real estate company that the AgustaWestland reporters. fell out in 2005 when Rajiv Gupta pro- friendly media leaks, insinuations, Ranaut getting Best Actor and Best also has Guido Ralph Haschke, one of Kanishka Singh described “all pounded a Will of Ved Prakash Gupta innuendos and falsehood, BJP gov- Actress honours. the accused in the AgustaWestland case. the allegations as baseless, false which Kanishka Singh and his mother ernment should conclude the inquiry President Pranab Mukherjee case, as its director. and given with an ulterior political say is a case of forgery and fabrica- and give the harshest punishment to presented the awards at the cere- “Hashke is/was the Director in motive” “Somaiya has been making tion, and the matter has been pending those found guilty of any allegation mony at Vigyan Bhavan, which got Emaar MGF, who was found involved was formed by family of Mr. Kan- these false allegations about Kan- in court since then,” it added. The of bribery in AugustaWestland case,” talent from all the regional cine- in CWG scam. Emaar MGF company ishka Singh, who is advisor/Principal ishka Singh with malafide intent since Congress described the allegations as Surjewala added. matic worlds across India under one roof. A total of 21 awards were given by the President in the Non-Fea- ture Film category while the Up for sale number of awards in Feature Film Panel unhappy over category were 51. And to add to it, three awards were given to Best Writing on Cinema. While Amitabh, dressed up in delay in Rafale deal a black suit, picked up the award for his act as a Bengali father in “Piku”, which also starred Deep- ika Padukone, Kangana looking IANS account while finalising the IGA radiant in off-shoulder gown got (inter-governmental agreement), the honour for her superlative dual which is still under negotiation.” act in “Tanu Weds Manu Returns”. According to sources, the law She has previously won National NEW DELHI: As negotiations ministry has cautioned the govern- Awards twice for her roles in between India and France for the ment on some clauses in the draft “Fashion” and “Queen”. sale of 36 Rafale jet fighters are on, IGA, including a clause on mate- In the Feature Film category, a parliamentary panel yesterday rial breach. The law ministry also the award for the Best Feature expressed its displeasure over the suggested that the liability clause Film was given to filmmaker S.S. non-conclusion of the deal. should be stringent. The deal for the Rajamouli’s southern magnum Parliament’s standing committee purchase of Rafale jets in fly-away opus “Baahubali: The Beginning”, for the defence ministry said in its condition was inked during Prime produced by Shobu Yarlagadda report: “The committee are unhappy Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to and Arka Mediaworks Pvt Ltd. A Kashmiri woman carries pottery items in a basket for sale in the market on the outskirts of Srinagar, to note that although a considerable France in April last year. The talent of the Hindi film time has elapsed, negotiations with Both the sides also agreed to yesterday. According to these potters, their next generations are mostly not keen to continue with industry was lauded along with France on Rafale (fighter aircraft) conclude the IGA for the aircraft’s the business as most people no longer prefer pottery items due to the lifestyle changes and use of regional film industries like Ben- could not be taken to a logical end.” supply after which a negotiating modern utensils. gali, Marathi, Punjabi, Tamil, The panel is headed by Bharatiya team was constituted. Telugu and Assamese. Janata Party’s Major General B.C. The negotiations have since been Khanduri (retd). According to the stuck on account of various factors, report, the government told the including price and offset clause. committee that the initial deal for As for the deal for 126 medium the sale of 126 Rafale jets could multi-role combat aircraft which Jisha murder: Two suspects questioned in Kerala not be concluded as Dassault Avi- was cancelled, the defence ministry ation of France did not confirm the told the committee that the contract agreement. negotiations in the case could not Earlier in the day, Defence Min- be concluded because Dassault Avi- IANS capital -- and much of the country will be able to reach a conclusion,” are awaiting the forensic and medical ister Manohar Parrikar told the ation “did not confirm compliance -- in December 2012. Jisha, 27, was said Inspector General of Police reports. Evidence is being gathered. A Rajya Sabha that the government with certain terms of RFP (request found murdered on April 28 at her Mahipal Yadav, who is heading the lot of people have been questioned,” will take into account the law min- for proposal) and its bid”. home near a canal in Perumbavoor probe team. Yadav told reporters at he said. The two being questioned istry’s observations regarding the The government informed the ERNAKULAM: Police yesterday here by her mother, a labourer. Her the scene of the crime that the two now were two of Jisha’s friends at inter-governmental agreement while committee that a separate proposal questioned two friends of a young body was badly mutilated. There were people being examined were sus- a private hospital near here where signing the deal. will be moved for additional funds poor woman brutally murdered, a injuries on her private parts, accord- pects, not accused. she worked.Chief Minister Oommen In a written reply, Parrikar said: in the 2016-17 fiscal to procure 36 crime that has generated widespread ing to police. Police are waiting for Additional Director General of Chandy said the government wanted “The ministry of law and justice has Rafale aircraft, which was agreed anger in Kerala. The crime is being forensic reports to know if the vic- Police K. Padmakumar said police the probe to be headed by “a very made certain observations and the upon in a government-to-govern- compared with the rape-cum-mur- tim was raped and then murdered. believed at this point that the crime senior official. Nothing will be left to same will be adequately taken into ment deal in April last year. der of Nirbhaya that shook the Indian “It is a matter of time before we was committed by one person. “We chance to bring the culprits to justice”.

Hungry stomach Supreme Court wants government to consider Uttarakhand floor test

ANS resolving the political imbroglio in that even if it sustains the President’s the hill state through a floor test as it rule, there has to be a floor test. adjourned till Wednesday the hearing To the court’s suggestion, Rohatgi on Uttarakhand that was schedule to had then said that it would not be NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court commence at 2pm yesterday. possible that president’s rule is yesterday asked the central govern- The matter was to be heard by imposed, then put it in abeyance for ment to consider the possibility of the bench of Justice Misra and Jus- the floor test, and then brought back. a floor test in Uttarakhand, which tice Shiva Kirti Singh, but the latter is Uttarakhand was plunged into is under President’s Rule since now a part of a special bench to hear political uncertainty after nine Con- March 27, to ascertain the legisla- a batch of applications challenging gress legislators, including former tive strength of ousted chief minister the NEET for admission to medical chief minister Vijay Bahuguna, whom Harish Rawat. schools. In the course of the hearing Rawat replaced, revolted and turned A bench headed by Justice Dipak of the central government’s appeal to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Misra asked Attorney General Mukul against Uttarakhand High Court The crisis peaked on March Rohatgi to take instructions from order quashing President’s rule, the 18 when the assembly passed the the government on the possibility apex court had on April 27 asked Appropriation Bill by voice vote of holding the floor test under the if President’s Rule could be kept in even as the opposition had sought court’s supervision and intimate the abeyance for two to three days and recorded voting. Speaker Govind Residents receive free food donated by a community kitchen on a hot afternoon in New Delhi yesterday. court about it. It said that even on an the strength of a government tested Kunjwal declined the request, lead- earlier occasion, it had asked about on the floor of the assembly. It said ing the BJP to cry foul. Delhi govt asks SC to relax ban order as taxi drivers continue protest

IANS Dozens of drivers protesting and engaged the drivers in discus- their taxis were impounded. “The Tuesday urged the apex court to relax one of the worst-polluted in the world. against a Supreme Court ban on die- sion from about 9am. entire process took 45 minutes to an its order banning cabs on operating on The Delhi government said it was sel- and petrol-driven cabs parked “We tried to reason with them that hour. By then, there were jams eve- diesel and petrol, a headed by Chief “fully committed for tackling pollu- their taxis on the Mahipalpur flyover their protest was causing hardships to rywhere,” he said. He said the traffic Justice T.S. Thakur asked it to give a tion. However, a problem has arisen NEW DELHI: Commuters in Delhi leading to the Indira Gandhi Interna- people and this wasn’t fair. We told eased after about three hours and roadmap for phasing out diesel cabs for the citizens”. continued to face hardships for the tional Airport causing major snarls. them that if they had issues with any there was no traffic jams later in the and switching over to cleaner com- Delhi Transport Minister Gopal second successive day yesterday as The road linking Delhi with Noida in judicial ruling, they must talk to the day. According to the Delhi govern- pressed natural gas (CNG) fuel and Rai also held a meeting with the taxi taxi drivers blocked three major roads Uttar Pradesh and another in south government,” Joint Commissioner of ment, there are over 60,000 diesel listed the matter for Wednesday. drivers, owners and taxi unions seek- in the morning, causing traffic snarls Delhi linked to Gurgaon in Haryana Police Sharad Aggarwal said. cabs registered in the city of which The court also said that its order to ing their suggestion to present their across several parts of the city. The was blocked. In no time, hundreds of He said that some of the driv- about 29,000 cars have an all- ban diesel and petrol taxis was not to side to the apex court. After the meet- Delhi government urged the Supreme vehicles were caught up on both sides ers who accepted the reasoning took India permit while the rest have city cause any inconvenience to the peo- ing, Krishan Yadav, president of the Court to relax its order banning die- of the roads -- like on Monday. away their taxis. Those who refused permits. ple but to curb rising pollution levels Indian Tourist Transporters Associ- sel and petrol cabs. Police reached all three spots to were taken to a police station and As the city government on in the capital city, considered to be ation said. INDIA WEDNESDAY 4 MAY 2016 15 India & Italy should agree on marine’s bail: Tribunal

AP case and who has jurisdiction. Italy a stroke in India. Both India and Italy Jaitley, speaking yesterday in Parlia- contend about yesterday’s news. He has also complained bitterly about the welcomed the tribunal’s ruling, which ment on behalf of the foreign affairs knew it was a crucial step.” India has The two countries fact that, in four years, had been shared with officials from minister. In Rome, the defense min- accused Girone and Latorre of kill- should present their India has never formally charged the two countries on Monday. India ister expressed confidence that Italy ing the fishermen in Indian waters NEW DELHI: The international tri- the two with a crime. An arbitra- was happy that the ruling confirmed would be proven right through the while the Italians were assigned to bunal in The Hague said yesterday arguments to India’s tion tribunal is hearing the dispute its jurisdiction to decide bail, while arbitration process. anti-piracy duties aboard an Italian that India and Italy should agree on Supreme Court. over jurisdiction, and in the ruling Italy found relief in the possibility of “There are still bureaucratic mat- commercial ship, the Enrica Lexie. conditions that could allow an Italian announced yesterday said the two Girone’s return. “We see the tribu- ters to carry out” regarding Girone’s Italy says the marines thought marine to return to his country while countries should approach India’s nal’s order not just as a recognition return, Italian Defense Minister Rob- the fishermen were pirates and that an arbitration process continues in the The case against Salvatore Girone Supreme Court about changing of India’s consistent positions and key erta Pinotti told reporters in Rome the shooting occurred in interna- fatally shootings of two Indian fisher- and another Italian marine, Massi- Girone’s bail terms to allow him to arguments but also as an affirmation yesterday. tional waters. India has insisted it has men in 2012. The two countries should miliano Latorre, has strained relations return to Italy. Latorre has been in his of the authority of the Supreme Court But she said she had spoken with jurisdiction, while Italy has argued present their arguments to India’s between India and Italy, with the two home country since September 2014 of India,” both marines on Monday, and that the case should be heard in an Ital- Supreme Court, the tribunal said. countries arguing over the facts of the on medical treatment after suffering Indian Finance Minister Arun Girone appeared to be “relieved and ian court.

Telangana heat wave Rescue drill US religious intolerance death toll rises to 219 report ignored

IANS IANS be paid the compensation. Earlier, families of victims above 65 years were not eligible for compensation. NEW DELHI: India yesterday said Meanwhile, the met department it took “no cognizance” of a report HYDERAABAD,: The death toll due has extended the heat wave warn- by a United States agency that lam- to heat wave in Telangana shot up to ing for two more days. It said many basted the Bharatiya Janata Party 219 as 41 more deaths were reported parts of the state are likely to record (BJP) government over rising reli- during last 24 hours, officials said maximum temperature between 41 gious intolerance in the country. yesterday. As many as 23 deaths and 45 degrees Celsius. “We take no cognizance of were reported from the worst-hit Ramagundam was the hottest their report,” an external affairs Nalgonda district since Monday. The place in the state yesterday with ministry spokesperson said about district now accounts for 76 deaths mercury rising to 46.4 degrees. the report by the US Commission in the overall toll for the state. Mahabubnagar, Hanamkonda, on International Religious Free- An official in the state disaster Bhadrachalam and Adilabad also dom (USCIRF). management department said that recorded over 44 degrees temper- The report, the spokesperson 12 more deaths were reported from ature. It was between 42 and 42 said, “has failed to show proper Khammam district. The death toll in degrees Celsius in other districts. understanding of India, its con- Mahabubnagar district stands at 35, Hyderabad was relatively better stitution and its society”. Indian Coast Guard personnel participate in a mock drill during the National Maritime Search and followed by Medak at 31, Khammam at 41. The weather was cloudy and “India is a vibrant pluralistic at 22, Adilabad at 19, Karimnagar parts of the city also received rains Rescue Workshop and Exercise (SAREX) in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Mumbai, yesterday. society founded on strong demo- at 16, Ranga Reddy 10, Nizamabad accompanied by strong winds. cratic principles.” nine and Warangal one. No deaths Parts of Telangana continued to have so far been reported from receive light rains with squalls under Hyderabad. the influence of upper air trough Officials said the deaths were extending from Vidarbha to Comorin confirmed by three-member com- across Telangana, said Hyderabad Ethics committee recommends Mallya’s expulsion mittees formed in every ‘mandal’ Meteorological Centre. to verify the deaths. Each commit- The met department has also tee, comprising the mandal revenue issued heat wave warning for parts officer, medical health officer and of Andhra Pradesh over next two IANS be appropriate for me to disclose what After the report is submitted in and verify facts before calling me a local sub-inspector of police, con- days. It also forecast thunderstorm transpired in the meeting. Hopefully, the upper house, a final decision rests defaulter.” Another tweet yesterday ducted an inquiry before confirming with squalls at few places. the report of the committee will be with the Rajya Sabha chairman.m said: “7686 Wilful Defaulters Owe if the death occurred due to heat Parts of coastal Andhra and submitted today in the Rajya Sabha,” a Sources said the chairman has not PSU bank Rs.66,190 cr -- easy to wave or not. Rayalaseema regions recorded NEW DELHI: The ethics committee member of the ethics committee said. yet accepted his resignation. Mallya blame only Mallya.” Mallya is wanted The families of the victims temperatures, two to four degrees of the Rajya Sabha has recommended However, sources said the committee sent his resignation to Ansari on Mon- for defaulting bank loans to the tune are eligible for a compensation of above normal. The maximum tem- expulsion of independent member, has recommended Mallya’s expulsion. day, a day before the ethics panel was of Rs.9,000 crore. Rs.50,000 from the government. perature was above 43 at Nandigama liquor baron Vijay Mallya, a day after Sources also said the panel wants to meet. He is an independent member Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao and Jangamaheswarapuram in he sent his resignation to Chairman Mallya’s resignation to be rejected, He later tweeted: “In all humility from Karnataka, and his term ends last week directed that families of coastal Andhra and at Anantapur Hamid Ansari. and his expulsion initiated through and not in defiance as they report, on June 30. This is his second term all victims irrespective of their age and Tirupati in Rayalaseema “We met yesterday but it will not due procedure. I would like Indian media to check in the upper house.

Mother’s care Parliamentary panel raps govt for Pathankot air base security lapses

IANS headed by P Bhattacharya of the ‘high-security’ airbase”. It alleged Congress, lamented how Indian the “airbase’s security cover was security agencies “were so ill-pre- not robust (with) a poorly guarded pared to anticipate (terror) threats in perimeter wall”. NEW DELHI: The government yes- time and counter them swiftly and The panel said during its visit to terday came under a sharp attack decisively”. “Something is seriously the airbase, it found there were no from a parliamentary panel for lapses wrong with our counter-terror secu- roads around the perimeter wall of and failures in the Pathankot air base rity establishment,” said the report by the airbas complex where the heav- security, and said “something was the parliamentary standing commit- ily armed terrorists were holed up seriously wrong” with India’s coun- tee for home ministry. before they were gunned down in a ter-terror mechanism. The report comes in the wake battle that lasted for 72 hours. A report by the parliamentary of the Pathankot terror attack that It said shrubs and trees on the standing committee on the home killed at least seven Indian security premises were found to have grown ministry, which provides parliamen- personnel at the sprawling air base long enough to help “terrorists in hid- tary oversight on internal security, complex which houses some of India’s ing and making difficult for security red-flagged India’s overall security high-value security assets, including forces in flushing (them) out”. apparatus to battle cross-border fighter jets. The committee ques- The panel also highlighted the terrorism. tioned how the “Pakistani terrorists” “very questionable and suspicious” It said the January 2 strike at managed to cross the border “despite role of Punjab Police. The commit- the Indian Air Force (IAF) base in fencing, floodlighting and patrolling tee asked why Punjab Police “took a Pathankot was preventable after by” Indian frontier guards. long time in arriving at the conclusion Egrets protect their eggs on a tree in Panbazar area at the banks of the Brahmaputra river in Guwahati, “concrete and credible intelligence The panel “is unable to under- that” the abductions by the attackers inputs” were received about a pos- stand that in spite of terror alert of Superintendent of Police Salwinder yesterday. sible attack by terrorists from across sounded well in advance, how ter- Singh, his friend and the cook “was the border with Pakistan. The panel, rorists managed to breach the not just a criminal robbery”. Charity develops app to identify poorest girls to help prevent trafficking

Reuters developed by Accenture Labs and Thomson Reuters Foundation. schemes, counselling or vocational Instead, they end up sold into prosti- phones, with more than 1 billion the charity Child in Need Institute “So we can plan our interven- training, Bhattacharya said. tution in cities such as Mumbai and users. Mobile applications for serv- (CINI), has been used to track more tion and bring immediate solutions West Bengal is both a source and New Delhi. GPower is particularly ices ranging from weather reports to than 6,000 families in 20 villages to prevent the occurrence (of traffick- a transit state for women and chil- suited for rural India, where mobile commodity prices and health serv- MUMBAI: A tablet-based applica- in West Bengal. The application sets ing, child marriage and child labour), dren trafficked into the sex trade. connectivity is patchy and electricity ices are gaining popularity among tion that helps to identify some of the out a series of questions on health, rather than trying to do something The state accounted for about a fifth supply is irregular, said Sanjay Podder, rural users. poorest girls in eastern India has the nutrition, protection and education after the fact.” The questionnaire take of India’s 5,466 cases of human traf- managing director at Accenture Labs “The problem in India is one of potential to prevent human traffick- to determine the vulnerability of the about 30 minutes to complete and the ficking reported in 2014, according to in Bengaluru. “It can easily be scaled scale - there is only so much that an ing, early marriage and child labour, respondent. “The technology helps analysis takes minutes. Based on the official data. Many of the victims are up to include other parameters or to NGO can do in terms of reach,” Pod- according to a charity which has us identify the most vulnerable of information collected, a community from rural areas in the state or from address other social problems in the der said. “To address social problems, developed the app. the girls in minutes,” CINI’s assistant worker decides whether girls are neighbouring Bangladesh, lured by country,” he said. India is the world’s technology is not just nice to have, it The GPower, or Girl Power, app director Indrani Bhattacharya told the candidates for government welfare the promise of good jobs or marriage. second-biggest market for mobile is necessary,” he said. 16 WEDNESDAY 4 MAY 2016 EUROPE / UK Spain to hold fresh elections on June 26 Czech govt democracy following the death of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy— long-time dictator General Francisco whose conservative Popular Party okays ‘Czechia’ Spain never had Franco in 1975. (PP) won the December election but to repeat elections “It the first time that this has hap- lost its majority—gave up trying to as shorter name since the country pened in the democratic era because form a government for lack of support. we were unable to fulfill the mandate The Socialists (PSOE) —who came PRAGUE: The Czech gov- returned to citizens gave us to reach an agreement second in the polls with just 90 par- ernment has approved a democracy. with a sufficient majority to form a liamentary seats out of 350—were plan to use “Czechia” as government”, Lopez told reporters. tasked by the king to try and bring one-word version of the Spain will be left with a caretaker other parties together in a coalition, country’s name along- government for several more months but ultimately failed. side the official Czech AFP as it battles a high unemployment rate Socialist leader Pedro Sanchez Republic. of 21 percent and European Union’s managed to strike a deal on a gov- Unlike most Euro- highest public deficit after Greece’s. ernment with centrist upstart pean countries, the December’s vote put an end to Ciudadanos—which came fourth in Czech Republic has MADRID: Weary Spaniards will head Spain’s traditional two-party sys- the election—but the two parties had lacked a one-word ver- back to the polls for the second time tem as voters fed up with austerity, too few seats in parliament to win a sion of its name in foreign in six months after King Felipe yester- unemployment and corruption scan- vote of confidence. languages. Now, the day called fresh elections for June 26, dals flocked to new groups, resulting He then tried to enlist the support country can use the name King Felipe VI signing the royal decree for dissolution of the Chambers which surveys suggest may result in in a hung parliament. of far-left party Podemos, whose 65 “Czechia” (pronounced yet another hung parliament. Spain has never had a coalition parliamentary seats would have got of Spanish Parliament and the date for new general election, at King’s CHEHK’-ee-uh) in English, The king signed a decree dis- government and parties tried in vain it through, but failed. office in La Zarzuela Palace, Madrid, yesterday. “Tschechien” in German solving parliament in after political since the polls to cobble together an But polls suggest that fresh elec- or “Tchequie” in French, parties failed to agree on a coalition alliance which had enough support to tions will do little to change the Rajoy’s conservatives could gain worked with the Socialists. translations of the Czech to install a new government following be able to pass a parliamentary vote December outcome, which saw four ground, while new far-left party Analysts say parties will likely word “Cesko.” inconclusive December 20 elections. of confidence. parties win much of the parliamen- Podemos may lose as some of the five be more willing to compromise after The Foreign Minis- Spain never had to repeat elec- Much of the negotiations had cen- tary seats—but not enough each to million people who voted for the party fresh polls as voters will be impatient try will ask the United tions since the country returned to tred around left-wing parties after gain power. and its allies believe it should have for a government to be formed. Nations shortly to include the new name option in its databases. Poll fever Jihadist suspect goes Spanish police arrest four for on trial in Germany extremist links MADRID: The Interior Min- istry yesterday said that AFP situation,” he told the court, speaking the police have arrested rapidly and with nervous gestures. four people in the Ladjevardi then justified his trip Madrid area suspected of to Syria, saying “I wanted to help peo- spreading pro-jihad prop- FRANKFURT: A German jihadist sus- ple”. Although he said he had become aganda and recruiting pect went on trial yesterday for war more religious before his departure for followers. crimes in Syria after allegedly posing Syria, Ladjedvardi denied being part A ministry statement for photographs holding the severed of any jihadist groups. said Civil Guard police heads of two victims of the conflict. Instead, Islam and sports helped yesterday arrested two At the first trial in Germany for him turn around his life, he said, after Moroccans in the town war crimes committed in Syria’s a youth marred by alcohol and can- of Pinto and one Moroc- five-year-old war, Aria Ladjedvardi, nabis abuse as well as delinquency. can and a Spaniard in 21, told the court he “didn’t want to Through Facebook, he contacted the town of Ciempozue- be in” the incriminating pictures, an acquaintance who had left for los, south of the Spanish and he “could not imagine that they Syria and subsequently helped Lad- capital. would be circulated on social media”. jevardi in his journey there. The statement said Prosecutors have accused Lad- He admitted that he was given the four formed part jedvardi of a war crime as he had training in weapons usage, but of an organised group treated the unidentified victims “in a insisted he was not part of any that worked intensely to Leader of the British opposition Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn unveils his party’s latest poster campaign degrading and humiliating manner”. jihadist group and had no contact spread extremist mate- in London yesterday, ahead of the forthcoming local elections on May 5. The photographs in which Lad- with jihadists throughout his trip rial on the Internet. It said jedvardi appears were taken in the to Syria. the group made contact spring of 2014 and posted on Face- The prosecution has been una- with hundreds of people book. Federal prosecutors believe ble to determine which group trained and then selected some he and two fellow fighters took the the accused in weapons handling. to be radicalized and pictures to belittle their victims, Neither was it able to establish the indoctrinated. EU says Brexit uncertainty whom they considered infidels or identities of the beheaded victims non-believers. and on which side of Syria’s warring They also believe that Ladjed- parties they belonged. Kosovo airport vardin, a German of Iranian origin, Ladjevardi was arrested in Octo- shut after jet to weigh on UK economy travelled to Syria in early 2014 to ber 2015 in the Frankfurt region, join one of the jihadist groups after police raided his apartment. engaged in fight against President He has been in custody ever since. skids off runway Bashar al-Assad’s regime. But Lad- Prosecutors are currently inves- Reuters GDP growth in Britain of 1.8 percent might happen to either the British jedvardi, who risks at least one tigating 10 cases of alleged atrocities PRISTINA: A Turkish Air- this year and 1.9 percent next. or euro zone economies if Britain year in prison, contested the claims in Syria or Iraq, along with more than lines jet carrying 143 “Risks to the outlook are tilted to leaves the EU —a process that would at the opening of his trial in Frank- 30 cases of suspected membership of passengers and eight the downside, reflecting less favoura- be begun by the vote next month but furt, arguing that he was in Syria a terrorist group involving jihadists crew from Istanbul skid- BRUSSELS: The European Union ble external demand and uncertainty would only be completed after nego- to help victims of Assad’s regime. returning from the Middle East. ded off the runway while said uncertainty before next month’s in the lead-up to the June referen- tiations of a least two years. According to Ladjedvardi, vil- The investigations have gained landing at Kosovo’s sole referendum on EU membership may dum,” the Commission report said. “Our forecasts are built on the lagers in the province of Idlib were momentum with arrival of over a airport, officials said. hurt British economic growth this It also said the uncertainty posed a assumption of no policy change and for alerted to the gruesome scene of the million asylum seekers last year, “Turkish Airlines flight year but it shied away from any com- risk to euro zone economic growth, the UK we know what no policy change severed heads by a child. about 40 percent of whom fled the TK1018 from Istanbul had ment yesterday on what may happen which posted a surprise 0.6 percent means of course so we are not going to Ladjevardi, who was the only wars in Syria and Iraq. a minor incident and fortu- if Britain quits the bloc. surge in the first quarter. comment ... not on this issue,” Econom- foreigner in the group, said he was Authorities dealing with asy- nately no one was injured,” In its latest round of economic The Brussels-based Commission ics Commissioner Pierre Moscovici told then forced to pose for a picture too. lum requests have picked up and airport spokeswoman Val- forecasts, the European Commis- was at pains to stress, however, that reporters when asked about the pos- “We were in a war zone... I did forwarded on average 25 to 30 tip- entina Gara said. sion, the bloc’s executive, predicted it was making no forecast for what sible effects of Brexit on the economy. what I was required to do in the offs a day to prosecutors. “The airport will remain closed until some initial technical inves- tigations are finished.” A flight from Brussels Britons more worried about Military exercise was diverted to Tirana, Albania. Scottish independence Couple held for

Reuters Scots voted 55-45 percent killing 2 women against independence in a referen- dum in 2014, but the SNP then took all but three of Scotland’s 59 seats BERLIN: German author- EDINBURGH: Britons are more at the Westminster parliament in a ities say a couple in worried about the prospect of Scot- British election in 2015. custody for allegedly land gaining independence than of The number of Britons who want holding a woman captive the United Kingdom leaving the to stay in the European Union has for nearly two months European Union, a poll published risen over past four weeks, an online and abusing her so badly yesterday found. poll by market research company that she died are believed A BMG poll in Scotland’s Herald Opinium Research for the Observer also to have killed a sec- newspaper found that 68 percent of newspaper showed on Saturday. ond woman. voters cited Scottish secession from Meanwhile, the campaign for The suspects are a the United Kingdom as their least Britain to leave European Union saw 46-year-old man and preferred option when compared its lead narrow slightly over rival “In” his 47-year-old ex-wife, to Britain leaving the EU, which got campaign, according to online poll who lives with him. Pros- 32 percent backing. The survey can- published by opinion poll firm ICM. ecutors said the woman vassed 1,512 people across the UK Forty-five percent voters were in confessed to killing the between April 21 and 26. favour of Brexit against 44 percent second victim with him The Scottish National Party, who believe Britain should remain in 2014 and burning the expected to easily win elections for in the 28-member bloc, not count- body. The man denies the US armoured vehicles arrive in Moldova at the crossing point Sculeni, 135 km East of Chisinau, Moldova, Scotland’s devolved parliament on ing undecided voters. A similar poll allegations. The two have Thursday, has pledged another inde- published last week by ICM found 44 yesterday to take part in ‘Pioneer Dragon 2016’ joint military exercise with the Moldovian national been under investigation pendence vote if Scotland is forced percent of voters wanted to remain army, held for the first time in Moldova. since April 21. out of the EU “against its will.” in the EU. EUROPE WEDNESDAY 4 MAY 2016 17 French parliament begins talks on labour bill

years in power. But since March 9, employers’ federation Medef, said the thousands of people in cities around reform worried his members and “will With 12 months until France have demonstrated against fail to create jobs”. the presidential what they see as a reform weighed “In its current state, the bill really in favour of businesses. scares us,” he said. “I would really like election, the bill With 12 months until the presiden- the lawmakers to go back to the ini- is likely to be the tial election, the bill is likely to be the tial spirit of the bill. last of its size to be introduced by Hol- “This labour market needs to be last of its size to lande’s government. unlocked. The whole world says so, be introduced It also has the unenviable record Brussels says so and all the interna- by Hollande’s of being the reform that has brought tional organisations say so,” he said. the most Socialist supporters onto the Labour Minister Myriam El government. streets during Hollande’s rocky time Khomri was set to address the con- in office. cerns in the parliament. As lawmakers began discussion to Police braced for fresh clashes examine the bill yesterday, unions and with protesters after many of the AFP student organisations held another demonstrations against the bill demonstration outside the National descended into violence. Assembly parliament building. Authorities believe troublemak- PARIS: The French government’s con- Unions fear it will erode the cher- ers—the so-called “casseurs”, or tested labour reform bill finally reached ished rights of workers on full-time breakers—have mingled with protest- parliament yesterday, having sparked contracts, while student organisa- ers to foment clashes with riot police. two months of mass protests, but nei- tions—who have been at the forefront Demonstrators on the other hand French Prime Minister Manuel Valls speaks during the questions to the government session at the National ther employers nor unions are happy. of the protests—believe it will fail to accuse police of heavy-handed- Assembly in Paris, France, yesterday. The government says the bill is create “real” jobs for young people. ness which they claim is fuelling the designed to unlock France’s rigid In response to the opposition, violence. Participation in the demon- labour market and cut stubbornly high the government has watered down strations reached its peak on March The reform was also central theme Opposition to the bill also inspired Christophe Sirugue, Socialist law- unemployment of around 10 percent— its original proposals, with the result 31 with nearly 400,000 people on of traditional May 1 workers’ march in the “Nuit Debout”, or “Up All Night” maker presenting the bill to parliament, the issue that has dogged Socialist that employers are now worried. the streets. In protests last Thursday, Paris, which descended into clashes movement, which has grown to said several points still needed “clarifi- President Francois Hollande’s four Pierre Gattaz, the head of the those numbers had fallen to 170,000. between masked protesters and police. encompass a range of causes. cation” but he expected the bill to pass.

Promoting EU Nato may rotate four Patricia Espinosa likely to be next battalions in Eastern states UN climate chief

Reuters a three-day trip to Germany, declin- ing to enter into details about the Reuters deliberations by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. STUTTGART, Germany: The Nato “We’re obviously involved in OSLO: Former Mexican Foreign alliance is weighing rotating four those discussions. I just don’t want Minister Patricia Espinosa has battalions of troops through Eastern to get out in front of where that goes.” been nominated to be the new UN member states, US Defence Secre- US officials say the goal in climate chief, helping to bolster a tary Ashton Carter said, in the latest Europe is to move increasingly from 2015 Paris Agreement to shift the proposal by allies to guard against efforts to reassure allies to broader world economy from fossil fuels, aggressive behaviour by Russia. activity to deter any aggressive officials said yesterday. The Baltic states - Estonia, Latvia moves by Russia. The US has already Christiana Figueres, a Costa and Lithuania - which joined Nato in budgeted to sharply boost military Rican who is stepping down in July 2004, have requested greater pres- training and exercises and last month after a six-year term as head of the ence of the alliance, fearing a threat announced it would deploy continuous UN Climate Change Secretariat, from Russia after it annexed the Cri- rotations of US-based armored bri- wrote in a Tweet that UN Secretary- mea peninsula from Ukraine in 2014. gade combat teams to Europe. General Ban Ki-moon nominated Carter acknowledged Nato delib- Carter’s trip to Germany will Espinosa to succeed her. erations included the deployment include meetings with Army Gen- The Bonn-based Secretariat of the four battalions to the Baltic eral Curtis Scaparrotti as he takes said the appointment needs to be states and Poland. The Wall Street over as the next Nato Supreme Allied approved by an 11-member UN Journal said this would likely total Commander Europe. bureau, whose members represent German Chancellor Angela Merkel chats with pupils on her arrival at the French high school about 4,000 troops split between the Scaparrotti told a Senate hearing groups of governments worldwide Franzoesisches Gymnasium Berlin, in Berlin, Germany, yesterday. Merkel visited the school to discuss United States and its allies. last month that a resurgent Rus- and is now led by French Environ- European Union-related issues as part of the EU Project Day, in which German politicians across the “That’s one of the options that’s sia was displaying “increasingly ment Minister Segolene Royal. country are visiting schools to raise awareness of the role of the European Union among high school. being discussed,” Carter told report- aggressive behaviour that challenges The bureau has no record of ers traveling with him at the start of international norms. challenging nominations by the Sec- retary-General, diplomats say, even though some had expected that the job would shift from Latin America. Security checks at Espinosa, 57 and who works as Fatal helicopter crash due to technical error: Investigators Mexico’s ambassador to Germany, Brussels Airport won high marks for presiding at annual UN climate negotiations in Reuters accident. We don’t think it was due to commercial operations could resume Super Pumas in the long-term. Cancun, Mexico, in 2010 when she causes delays human misinterpretations,” director outside UK and Norway, saying ini- In total there are 179 H225 hel- was foreign minister. of the board’s aviation department, tial evidence did not suggest a link icopters in service worldwide, Delegates gave her a standing Kaare Halvorsen, told reporters. between the accidents and two North including 40 operating in the North ovation after she brokered a deal to Reuters OSLO/PARIS: A helicopter crash that He also confirmed statements by Sea ditching in 2012. Sea. get negotiations on limiting global killed 11 oil workers and two crew on helicopter operator, CHC, that the two The Super Puma is workhorse of “We’re continuing to work with warming back on track after the Friday off the Norwegian coast was pilots did not have time to send an oil industry, ferrying workers to and our customers to prioritize the avail- failure of a fractious 2009 sum- BRUSSELS: New security checks due to a technical fault, not human emergency message before the crash. from offshore installations. Helicop- ability of alternative resources and mit in Copenhagen. at Brussels Airport, where suicide error, Norway’s Accident Investiga- Separately, aviation sources said ter operators said they had been able will provide as much capacity as pos- The job of the new UN cli- bombs killed 16 people, are cre- tion Board said yesterday. the European Aviation Safety Agency, to maintain service despite the flight sible using those resources,” a CHC mate chief will be to oversee and ating huge queues and causing An Airbus H225 Super Puma hel- which regulates the airworthiness bans by using Sikorsky helicopters. spokesman said. strengthen that agreement. The passengers to miss flights, a sit- icopter ferrying passengers from a of helicopters, was discussing with “We have other aircrafts in our Separately, oil firm Shell said on United Nations says the Paris deal, uation even the airport operator Norwegian oil platform crashed in Airbus whether to issue a directive fleet so we’re using those,” said a Monday it was suspending all flights is too weak to achieve a goal of lim- described as “bizarre”. the North Sea, killing all 13 people. ordering checks on the Super Puma. spokeswoman for operator Bristow in Norway with CHC but would iting a rise in temperatures blamed Belgium’s main airport reo- “We are as certain as we can be Airbus, which had initially urged Group, adding it was too early to say continue using the firm in other for stoking more droughts, floods, pened part of its main departure that a technical error caused the a halt to all Super Puma flights, said whether it would have to replace its countries. heatwaves and rising sea levels. hall on Monday, bringing capac- ity up to about 80 percent from 20 percent when operations ini- tially restarted a month ago, after the attack on March 22. France hits out at Peace message But passengers complain that police checks at the entrance to the building are not only causing US-EU trade pact delays but created a new security risk by making a huge crowd of people congregate outside. AFP could grind to a halt because of Among the stranded passen- Washington’s reluctance to make gers was former Belgian prime concessions. “In view of the United minister Yves Leterme who missed States’ state of mind today, that flight to Budapest after queuing for PARIS: France yesterday took aim at seems to be the most likely option,” two hours and 40 minutes. a vast but controversial EU-US pact chief French trade negotiator Mat- “In the coming weeks I’ll think to create a free-trade zone covering thias Fekl told French radio. twice about choosing Brussels Air- 850 million people, with President Given France’s weight in the EU, port,” Leterme said. “I think Paris Francois Hollande threatening to “there cannot be an agreement with- is the better option.” veto it as it stands. out France, and much less against The airport’s manager blamed He warned Paris would reject France,” said Fekl. the police unions, which took the the Transatlantic Trade and Invest- The French comments reflect decision to screen all passengers ment Partnership (TTIP) “at this deep suspicion in Europe that the and their luggage at the entrance. stage” because his country opposes deal will erode ecological and health “We worked day and night “unregulated free trade.” regulations to the advantage of big to reopen the airport and some “Never would we accept the business. police union representatives undermining of essential principles Washington and Brussels want hold on to that bizarre system of our agriculture, culture, of mutual the mega-deal completed this year of pre-check-ins”, president of access to public markets,” Hollande before US President Barack Obama the board of Brussels Airport told a left-wing political conference. leaves office, but it has faced mount- A visitor looks at press cartoons displayed as part of the open-air travelling exhibition ‘Cartoons for Marc Descheemaecker wrote on Earlier yesterday, a top French ing opposition on both sides of the Peace’ along the banks of Geneva Lake, in Geneva, Switzerland, yesterday. Facebook. trade official warned that the talks Atlantic. 18 WEDNESDAY 4 MAY 2016 AMERICAS

Trump links Trump aims to Cruz’s father to knock out Cruz JFK’s assassin AFP

WASHINGTON: Donald Trump in Indiana alleged yesterday that White House rival Ted Cruz’s father was with John F Kennedy’s killer shortly before “I don’t think he’s got the tem- the US president was assassinated, perament to be president,” Trump prompting Cruz to brand the Repub- In the Democratic said of Cruz in an interview with Fox lican frontrunner a “pathological liar.” camp, Hillary Clinton News after polls opened. The startling allegation, and “People are tired with what’s Cruz’s full-throated retort, occurred and Bernie Sanders happening with these politicians on the morning of a crucial primary were locked in a and they’re just tired of seeing our election in Indiana where Trump country get ripped off.” is seeking to land a knockout blow closer race. Clinton and her rival Bernie against his chief challenger for their Sanders were locked in a closer race party’s nomination. in Indiana, with the former secre- Trump, parroting a recent story by tary of state in the lead by just under National Enquirer tabloid, took to Fox AFP seven percentage points, according News to say the Cruz’s father Rafael to the RealClearPolitics poll average. Cruz, an immigrant from Cuba, was The 68-year-old Clinton is “with Lee Harvey Oswald” before the already so far ahead overall that assassination. Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz, his wife Heidi Cruz and their children stand together during a WASHINGTON: Indiana voters cast Sanders’ only hope now lies in the “I mean, the whole thing is ridic- their ballots in key US presidential unlikely scenario of her failing to campaign rally in Indianapolis, Indiana. ulous. What is this? Right prior to his primaries yesterday, with Republi- win a majority of delegates in the being shot, and nobody brings it up,” can Donald Trump hoping to knock primaries, in which case her nom- falls short of a majority in round one. Trump has so far amassed 1,002 “We need a trade policy which Trump said. “I mean, what was he out his rivals and Hillary Clinton ination could be contested at a Should Cruz fall short, even his delegates, according to CNN’s tally. works for the middle class and work- doing—what was he doing with Lee seeking to further cement her status Democratic convention in July. supporters see an extremely steep He needs just under half of the 502 in ing families and not just for the CEOs Harvey Oswald shortly before the as the Democrats’ presumptive pick. Cruz was counting on a similar road ahead. play in the remaining 10 contests to of large corporations,” he said. shooting? It’s horrible.” The latest contest in the 2016 scenario, with Indiana acting as a Indiana’s primary awards 30 lock in the nomination. Cruz is at 572 “Secretary Clinton has supported Trump’s remarks incensed Ted race for the White House is seen as Trump firewall, blocking him from delegates to the state’s winner. The delegates. The map currently favours virtually every one of these disastrous Cruz, who delivered a blistering take- a day of reckoning for the movement receiving the 1,237 delegates nec- remaining 27 are awarded three each Trump, who is polling well ahead in trade agreements and that is an area down of the celebrity billionaire. to “stop Trump” led by his closest essary to secure the nomination at to the winner of the state’s nine con- the largest states yet to vote—Califor- of strong disagreement that the vot- “Donald Trump alleges that my rival Ted Cruz. the Republican convention in Cleve- gressional districts. nia and New Jersey. ers of Indiana and America will have dad was involved in assassinat- But the billionaire real estate land in July. If Trump sweeps the state, “it could Clinton needs only 21 percent of to consider.” ing JFK,” a visibly angry Cruz told mogul—who has thus far defied all Mathematically eliminated from be over,” former Cruz spokesman Rick remaining Democratic delegates to win Either candidate needs 2,383 del- reporters. “Let’s be clear, this is nuts,” political logic to lead the Republican winning outright, Cruz’s goal is to Tyler acknowledged on MSNBC. her party’s nomination. egates for victory. Currently Clinton he said. “Yes, my dad killed JFK, he race—looked set to deliver a death snatch victory on a second ballot, But if Cruz pulls off an upset, Tyler But Sanders, wasn’t losing hope. has 2,179 including 513 superdelegates, is secretly Elvis, and Jimmy Hoffa is blow to Cruz, with a new NBC poll when most delegates become free said he would be strongly positioned Courting the union vote in Indiana, while Sanders has 1,400 including 41 buried in his backyard.” giving Trump a 15-point advantage to vote for whomever they choose— in California, which votes on June 7 on where manufacturing has taken a hit, superdelegates, according to CNN’s Cruz slammed Trump for several over the conservative Texas senator. but which will only be held if Trump the final day of the Republican race. Sanders sought to focus on trade. tally. minutes unabated. Ex-NY assembly Speaker Probe sought against Brazilian leader Neves awaits sentence for graft AFP scandal centered on state oil giant Petrobras executives and politicians Neves, the head of the centre-right Petrobras that is also hurting Rous- to let them divvy up contracts with PSDB party, narrowly lost to Rousseff in seff’s political future, an adviser to the company and overbill it by bil- the 2014 presidential election. AP Bharara also is investigating the prosecutor said. lions of dollars. The case comes as speculation Cuomo’s office, looking into poten- BRASÍLIA: Brazil’s chief prosecutor The case stems from accusations Neves’s office said the senator had swirls over who could be Brazil’s next tial conflicts of interest and improper asked the Supreme Court to authorise by Senator Delcidio do Amaral, who done nothing wrong. “References to president, with Rousseff facing likely bidding in a signature state economic a corruption investigation of oppo- agreed to cooperate with investi- Senator Aecio’s name are all based impeachment before the senate. NEW YORK: Former New York development programme in Buffalo. sition leader Aecio Neves, one of gators after being arrested in the on hearsay, there is no proof or evi- The leftist president is accused assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, a The prosecutor also examining con- embattled President Dilma Rouss- Petrobras probe. He said Neves dence of any irregularity,” an adviser in the impeachment case of illegally consummate backroom dealer who sulting work done by one of Cuomo’s eff’s top rivals. received bribes from a corruption told journalists. doctoring the government’s accounts. wielded power for more than two former top aides in 2014, when the Chief prosecutor Rodrigo Janot scheme at electric company Furnas “These are old questions that have But she is also under fire over a decades, awaited his sentence on aide spent eight months on leave. In wants to investigate Neves over that allegedly worked in much the already been the subject of previous deep recession and the explosive, far- federal corruption charges in one response, Cuomo’s administration is allegations he took bribes from a same way as the Petrobras operation. investigations, which were thrown reaching Petrobras scandal—even the steepest falls from grace in the conducting an internal review. corruption scheme at a state electric In that case, investigators say out, or questions that have no rela- though she has not been implicated state’s lineup of crooked politicians. Silver was first elected in 1976 company, a case linked to a wider construction firms bribed corrupt tion to the senator.” in that personally. The 72-year-old Manhattan and served as speaker for 21 years, Democrat was expected to plead becoming the classic Albany insider for leniency during a hearing at with power to control bills and state which prosecutors sought more spending singlehandedly in back- than a decade behind bars for caus- room negotiations. Known for his Flood impact Judge denies ing “immeasurable damage” to the often inscrutable comments, Silver public trust. gained the nickname “the Sphinx.” request to Silver was convicted last year in Prosecutors say Silver came to a $5m corruption case alleging he trade his office for $4m in kick- overturn order traded favours to enrich himself and backs from a cancer researcher and then lied about it. His former Senate real estate developers. They said he counterpart, Republican ex-Major- amassed more than $2m in assets on WhatsApp ity Leader Dean Skelos, is also set and arranged to receive a $70,000 to be sentenced this month after annual pension from the state. being convicted of using his posi- Defence lawyers have sought AP tion to arrange payments and a job leniency for Silver, citing his age, for his son. health and good deeds. In an April 14 Silver and Skelos comprised two letter to the judge, Silver asked that SAO PAULO: A judge yesterday of the so-called “three men in a room” she consider the “good things” he’s refused to overturn a judicial order who control state government, and done as she decides his punishment. suspending service by the messag- their cases produced marquee con- Silver’s lawyers have cited ing service WhatsApp in Brazil for victions in Manhattan US Attorney his efforts after 9/11 and Super- 72 hours. The suspension went into Preet Bharara’s ongoing quest to clean storm Sandy to aid his community, effect Monday shortly after it was up a state government he has called a including personally delivering food ordered by Judge Marcel Maia Mon- “cauldron of corruption.” More than 30 supplies to a lower Manhattan apart- talvao, in Sergipe. Judge Cezario other state lawmakers have left office ment building after the devastating Siqueira Neto yesterday morning under a cloud of criminal or ethical storm. They also say he made vast refused to reverse the decision. allegations since 2000. improvements to education, includ- A court official in Sergipe The third man in the room, Dem- ing starting a formal mentoring said the suspension was ordered ocratic Governor Andrew Cuomo, programme that drew hundreds of because WhatsApp has repeat- promised sweeping reforms to New students to the Assembly each year. edly failed to turn over information York’s anti-corruption laws after last “I failed the people of New Members of Argentinian government’s Cabinet visiting Villa Paranacito, affected by floods in the last about its users for an investigation year’s convictions. But so far, there York. There is no question about four months due to Uruguay and Parana rivers overflowing, in the province of Entre Rios, Argentina. into drug trafficking and organ- has been no significant action. it,” he wrote. ized crime. WhatsApp officials have estimated that the service is used by 100 million Brazilians. “Yet again millions of inno- cent Brazilians are being punished Spring rains could spur more US rangeland fires because a court wants What- sApp to turn over information we repeatedly said we don’t have,” the messaging service’s CEO Jan Koum Reuters for summer, the 2016 season appears of large timber fires in the months Service, told reporters. land, about half of that in Alaska said on his Facebook page. “We more primed for frequent fires in open ahead, forecasters said. The “fine fuels” profile was pre- alone, and destroyed some 4,500 encrypt messages end-to-end on grasslands and chaparral than for the But even where rainfall remained dicted for rangelands in portions of homes, according to National Inter- WhatsApp to keep people’s infor- big, long-burning timber blazes that at or below normal levels, such as in Arizona and New Mexico in May and agency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho. mation safe and secure, we also LOS ANGELES: A wet winter and dominated 2015, they said. Southern California, it was enough June, extending into parts of Cal- The agency said 13 US wildland don’t keep your chat history on our spring in the American West has set Winter and spring storms that hit to spur heavy growth of grass and ifornia, Nevada and Idaho by late firefighters died in the line of duty servers.” “We have no intention of the stage for a wildfire season likely the West in recent months, should off- brush that will dry out over the sum- summer. Above-normal wildfire last year. At least five civilians died compromising the security of our to see more fast-spreading range- set some of the lingering effects of a mer, creating a potent buildup of “fine potential was also forecast through- in wildfires last year, all of them in users around the world,” he added. land blazes fueled by thicker growth prolonged drought that helped make fuels” that could explode under the out the summer for Hawaii. California. The bulk of the devasta- The suspension is the lat- in grass and brush than last year, gov- 2015 a record wildfire season. right conditions. Overall, the forecast differs con- tion occurred in heavy timber blazes est chapter in a dispute between ernment fire forecasters said. The added moisture, especially “Moisture is a double-edged siderably from the outcome of last that typically are slower moving than Brazilian law enforcement and Although forests are expected to from snow melt at higher eleva- sword,” Jeremy Sullens, a national year’s wildfire season, which black- range fires but burn over longer peri- Facebook, which bought What- bear their share of fire activity typical tions, will probably delay the onset wildfire analyst for the US Forest ened a record 10.1 million acres of ods of time. sApp in 2014. AMERICAS WEDNESDAY 4 MAY 2016 1917 California Muslims sue over hijab discrimination

police in Long Beach forcibly removed telling her she was “not allowed to the type of discrimination faced by The women, six of whom wear the wearing the hijab.” The owner of the a suspect’s headscarf while another wear her hijab” and that policemen women who wear a hijab.” headscarf, allege that management restaurant, Shallom Berkman, could One of the lawsuits suit alleges that a group of women were “allowed to touch women.” The Long Beach Police Depart- had asked them to vacate their table not be reached for comment. claims that police in were kicked out of a Laguna Beach The suit states that Powell “suf- ment said in a statement that Powell’s on April 22 on grounds that the res- But in interviews with local coffee house for being Muslim. fered and continues to suffer extreme hijab was taken off in line with the taurant was busy and that the policy media, he denied discriminating Long Beach forcibly According to the complaint shame, humiliation, mental anguish department’s policy to remove cer- limited seating to 45 minutes when against the women and pointed out removed a suspect’s against the city of Long Beach and its and emotional distress” as a result of tain items from inmates—including no free tables are available. that his wife was a Muslim. headscarf. police department, Kirsty Powell and her experience. belts, shoe laces and head coverings— When the women refused to leave, The two lawsuits come as police her husband were pulled over by two “The actions taken by the Long for their own protection. the coffee house called in the police., in Los Angeles and San Francisco officers while driving home in May Beach police officers were unwar- “We respect the religious rights the women alleged. have come under scrutiny over racist of last year. ranted and a serious violation of Mrs and beliefs of all people and under- Dan Stormer, whose law firm is and objectionable text messages and AFP She was subsequently arrested on Powell’s bodily integrity,” said Yalda stand the sensitivity of this matter,” representing the women, told report- emails, several of which target Muslims. two outstanding warrants—one linked Satar, attorney for the Los Angeles police chief Robert Luna said. “The ers that it was clear his clients were On Sunday, a senior official at the to her sister allegedly falsely using her chapter of the Council on American- policies we have in place are for the targeted because of their religion. “At Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Depart- identity and one in relation to a 2002 Islamic Relations, which filed the suit safety of the individual, other individ- the time when our clients were there, ment stepped down after outrage over LOS ANGELES: Two lawsuits filed in shoplifting incident at a grocery store. on behalf of Powell. uals and police employees. there were several dozen free tables,” emails he sent three to four years ago California claim that Muslim women Powell, who is African American, “The manner in which Mrs Powell In a separate lawsuit, a group of he said. mocking Muslims and others. were discriminated against in sepa- alleges that while being booked at the was treated by LBPD officers was sim- seven women claim that they were “There were people who were In San Francisco, several police rate incidents because of their religion police station, one of the officers for- ply a show of authority over a woman kicked out of Urth Caffe, in Laguna there before our clients arrived and officers have resigned or retired over and for wearing the hijab. cibly removed her headscarf in view of colour who was unable to protect Beach, last month because they were they were not asked to leave. Those racist text messages they exchanged Onen of the suits claims that of other male officers and inmates, herself, and is another example of Muslims. people were white and they were not among each other.

Probe sought Getting back on track against Cristina Man charged with plot and son to blow up synagogue

AP AFP that Yom Kippur, one of the most important Jewish holidays, would be “a good day to go and bomb them,” BUENOS AIRES: A federal prose- according to the criminal complaint. cutor asked that former president WASHINGTON: A Florida man has He also recorded farewell videos Cristina Fernandez de Kirch- been arrested and charged with try- in which he made threats and said ner and her son be investigated ing to blow up a synagogue with a goodbye to his family. for possible illegal enrichment in fake bomb following an FBI sting “I don’t like what is going on in connection to two businessmen operation. James Gonzalo Medina, this world. I’m going to handle busi- accused of money laundering and 40, was accused of intending to use ness here in America. Aventura, tax evasion. a “weapon of mass destruction” at watch your back. IS is in the house,” Fernandez was dogged by a synagogue in the city of Aventura the complaint said he declared in corruption allegations during her near Miami, the US Justice Depart- one video. eight years in the presidency. ment said. Rabbi Jonathan Berkun and Since leaving office in Decem- FBI had earlier placed him under other officials from the Aventura ber she has also been included in surveillance after he expressed anti- Turnberry Jewish Centre said on investigations involving allega- Semitic sentiments to an undercover Twitter that the synagogue and its tions of money laundering and informant. The criminal complaint affiliated school were open and state fraud. says Medina claimed to have con- “operating as usual”. Federal prosecutor Carlos verted to Islam about four years “The synagogue was never Rivolo made the formal request ago and planned to claim that the at risk nor are there any credible to Judge Claudio Bonadio. He is so-called Islamic State group had threats directed against the con- overseeing an investigation of a planned the attack. gregation at the present time,” they real estate company owned by After Medina studied the syna- added. Fernandez and her son Maximo gogue, he was given an inert device Medina, who was charged yes- Kirchner and its ties to business- he believed to be a bomb. He was terday, could face life in prison. He men Lazaro Baez and Cristobal arrested while en route to the has not yet been indicted. Workers prepare to fix the railroad tracks after a freight train that derailed last week, with some of Lopez. Under Argentine law, a synagogue. The FBI employs a network request for an investigation pre- the cars leaking chemicals, in Washington DC. In an April 1 conversation, of informants that is estimated to cedes any charges, which must be Medina told the undercover officer number at least 15,000. decided on by a judge. The Los Sauces company was established in 2006 by Fernandez’s late husband and predecessor as president, Nestor Kirchner. Pros- FBI returns to home of man linked to $500m Boston art heist ecutors say the company rented properties from Baez, who was arrested last month on money laundering accusations, and Lopez AP 79-year-old Gentile knows about the searched a backyard shed. stolen paintings, and McGuigan has at a Rhode Island jail, including giv- who is being probed for possible still-unsolved 1990 theft at the Isa- Federal officials declined to say denied prosecutors’ allegations that ing them information on who to call tax evasion. Both businessmen bella Stewart Gardner Museum in why the FBI agents went to Gen- Gentile is a made member of the Phil- about the art and what code name are being investigated for illegal Boston. Thirteen pieces of art worth tile’s home. Gentile’s lawyer, A Ryan adelphia Mafia. to use. enrichment during the 12 years HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT: Fed- an estimated $500m were stolen and McGuigan, who was at the scene, also Assistant US Attorney John Dur- McGuigan has alleged that that the presidential couple was eral authorities returned to search the never recovered, including paintings declined to comment. ham has said in court that Gentile because the FBI believes Gentile has in power. Connecticut property of a reputed mob- by Rembrandt and Edouard Manet. No “The FBI is conducting once told an undercover FBI agent not been forthcoming with everything The case was launched after ster suspecting of having knowledge one has been arrested. court-authorised activity ... in con- that he had access to two of the sto- he knows about the heist, the agency an opposition legislator charged about the largest art heist in US history. Authorities have searched Gen- nection with an ongoing federal len paintings and could negotiate the has set him up for arrests twice in the that the renting of properties by FBI agents went to the Manches- tile’s home before, including one time investigation,” said Kristen Setera, a sale of each for $500,000. last three years. the Los Sauces company covered ter home of Robert Gentile. It wasn’t with ground penetrating radar in his spokeswoman for the FBI in Boston. Durham also has said that Gentile is charged with selling a up payments to the Kirchners immediately clear why they were yard in what Gentile’s lawyer called “We will have no further comment authorities have evidence Gentile, loaded .38-caliber revolver for $1,000 for granting the two business- there. Agents sent up a small tent in a veiled attempt to find the artwork. at this time.” who currently is charged in a weap- to a cooperating government witness at men public works contracts and the front yard. The agents also have removed Gentile has told authorities that ons case, talked about the paintings his Manchester home. He has pleaded other projects. Federal prosecutors believe the items from Gentile’s house and he doesn’t know anything about the with at least three fellow prisoners not guilty and is detained without bail.

Brothers wanted in Washington Hope for children killings spotted in Mexico

AP resident, after the Reeds “fled his Their vehicles were found on place” on their way to Mexico. The April 14 after being dumped over an friend, who hasn’t been charged with embankment. Detectives concluded any crimes, allegedly gave the broth- the couple had been killed after they EVERETT, WASHINGTON: Two ers $500 cash and an Acura. searched the vehicles and the home brothers charged with murder in the Last month investigators ques- where John Reed recently lived. presumed killing of a missing Wash- tioned a woman who lived with Tony Snohomish County Sheriff’s ington state couple have been spotted Reed in Ellensburg, Washington, who spokeswoman Shari Ireton has said in Mexico, and authorities are seek- couldn’t find her iPhone. Investigators she did not have information about ing the records of a cellphone they say that was the phone used by the any issues between John Reed and believe was recently used by one of brothers and that data from it could Patenaude and Shunn. But she noted them. help lead them to the Reeds by track- that others had said there was a Search warrant records filed by ing their movements. property dispute. Other records filed sheriff’s investigators in Snohomish “I also believe this is a phone Monday include court orders freez- County Superior Court say several number that Tony and John are still ing bank accounts of the brothers’ sightings of 53-year-old John Blaine using today, while avoiding appre- parents, whom authorities say were Reed and 49-year-old Tony Clyde hension and the records requested given at least $96,000 in cashier’s Reed in Mexico have been reported will assist law enforcement in iden- checks by John Reed. as recently as April 21, The Seattle tifying their current location,” Recently obtained warrants Times reported. Snohomish County Sheriff’s Detec- allow investigators to search wells Records also show investigators tive Brad Walvatne wrote in court and other areas of the missing cou- got a warrant for data for an iPhone documents. ple’s property and Reed’s former land. used to make two unanswered calls Documents do not give details of Investigators have received approval Children attend a class of paint graffiti in the municipality of Soacha, on the outskirts of Bogota, where on April 17 to a friend of the broth- the sightings in Mexico. to search another neighbor’s property an NGO promotes activities among some 300 at-risk children and teenagers. Through hip hop, graffiti ers in Phoenix. The calls were made Neighbors reported 46-year-old where detectives previously recov- art and other activities, the Proyecto de vida (Life Project) foundation the NGO Children of Hope - is to the friend, described in records Monique Patenaude and 45-year-old ered a shotgun and all-terrain vehicle seeking to keep children in vulnerable situation away from drug addiction and crime. as a former Arlington, Washington, Patrick Shunn missing on April 12. apparently left by John Reed.

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER Minimum: 28o C Maximum: 42o C

FAJR 03.34 am ZUHR 11.31 am MAGHRIB 06.08 pm HIGH TIDE 02:15 - 15:30 Hazy to misty with some clouds. SHOROOK 04.56 am ASR 02.59 pm ISHA 07.38 pm LOW TIDE 09:00 - 21:15

20 WEDNESDAY 4 MAY 2016 MORNING BREAK

ONLINE CHART BUST Most people Creative world www.thepeninsulaqatar.com don’t need to fast prior to MOST READ cholesterol check Air strikes hit Islamic State 1 stronghold in Syria Reuters

Syria: Ahrar al-Sham warns against 2 Russian intervention DENMARK: Most people don't need to A hot day with temperature fast overnight before getting their blood 3 approximately 40 degree drawn for a cholesterol test, according to a group of experts. Cholesterol test results obtained one to six hours after a meal were not signifi- TWEET OF THE DAY cantly different from results obtained after a fast, researchers found. "It could be implemented tomorrow with no problems at all," said lead author Dr. Borge Nordestgaard, of the Univer- sity of Copenhagen in Denmark. "Today, the key players for keeping the fasting A museum worker poses beside ‘Hot Spot 2013’, a work of art by Lebanese-born Palestinian installation procedure are the laboratories drawing artist Mona Hatoun, at a preview of an exhibition of her work at the Tate Modern in London, Britain, the blood. They simply could change the yesterday. procedure tomorrow, and then nobody would fast anymore. That is what we did in Denmark – and patients, clinicians and laboratories were all happy with the change." Nordestgaard said that Health in an email that doctors essentially just always Art museum to reopen doors had patients fast before a cholesterol test. "So people got used to it without question- ing the fasting procedure," he said. AFP exhibition space. The brick struc- mobile that hangs in the atrium above Typically, blood is drawn for a choles- ture that has housed the SFMOMA the central staircase. "The signature terol test - known as a lipid panel - after a since 1995 in downtown San Fran- material in this building is glass," INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY person has fasted for at least eight hours, cisco is now attached to a huge said museum director Neal Benezra. the researchers write in the European SAN FRANCISCO: The San Francisco 10-floor "annex." Outside, a wavy "You know right away that we want Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Thani Heart Journal. Museum of Modern Art reopens in white facade made of more than 700 you to come in. We're transparent, bin Abdullah Al Thani In 2009, Denmark began using non- mid-May after an ambitious $305m fiberglass-reinforced polymer pan- we're open, and we're free at the first (right), Vice-Chairman fasting cholesterol tests. One advantage, expansion and face lift that aims to els seems to come alive as the light floor level." When SFMOMA opened and Managing Director, the researchers say, is that forgoing fasting rival the world-class art spaces of bounces off at different angles. its doors in the 1990s, the neighbor- Dar Al Sharq Group, with simplifies the process for patients, doctors New York, Paris or London. Snohetta says the facade is meant hood was shabby and affordable. the Editor In-Chief of The and laboratories. Also, patients are more The revamped museum will to represent the waves in the San Today the area has dramatically gen- Peninsula, Dr. Khalid bin likely to get the test. be unveiled on May 14 following a Francisco bay and the city's iconic trified and become a symbol of the Mubarak Al-Shafi, on the Nordestgaard said people should "stop three-year upgrade entrusted to the fog banks. At ground level, large glass vast income disparity caused by the sidelines of the Labour Welfare Conference held on fasting before a lipid profile test, or even Norwegian architecture firm Sno- windows invite pedestrians to enter high-tech boom that began in nearby Sunday at St. Regis Hotel. better push their local laboratory to stop hetta -- best known for the dramatic and visit the massive steel artwork Silicon Valley. The new museum, the requirement for fasting before choles- new Alexandria Library in Egypt -- by Richard Serra titled "Sequence," or Benezra stressed, “embraces the terol and triglyceride testing." that included more than doubling the the "Untitled" eight-meter-wide white community”it is rooted in. Beijing rock Scientists win $3m for music venue to shut its doors detecting Einstein’s waves

Reuters Reuters tiny ripples in space and time first theorized by Einstein a century ago, capping a decades-long quest. BEIJING: Mao Live House, a leg- Einstein predicted gravitational endary live rock music venue in NEW YORK: Researchers who waves as part of his seminal theory Beijing, shut its doors on the week- helped detect gravitational waves of general relativity, which explained end, the latest closure to hit China’s for the first time, confirming part of gravity as distortions in both space music scene. Albert Einstein’s theory in a land- and time caused by bodies of matter. Owner Li Chi said the club, mark moment in scientific history, LIGO’s three founders - Rainer popular among fans of punk, will share a $3m Special Break- Weiss, Kip Thorne and Ronald metal and alternative rock since it through Prize, according to the Drever, who dedicated much of their opened nine years ago, was forced prize’s selection committee. careers to gravitational wave detec- to close due to tighter rules on live The Breakthrough Prizes for sci- tion - will share $1m. performances and rising rent. entific achievements were created More than 1,000 contributors “Originally nobody paid any by Russian billionaire Yuri Milner to the project will also split $2m attention to us because this mar- along with several technology pio- equally. ket is small. Now the market has neers, including Facebook founder “That’s much more modern and gotten big, so we’re facing legal Mark Zuckerberg and Google co- much more the way that physics gets issues regarding the legitimiza- founder Sergey Brin. In February, a done,” said Weiss, a professor emer- tion of commercial support,” he team from the Laser Interferometer itus at the Massachusetts Institute of A rare violet uncut diamond discovered in August 2015 at Australia's remote Argyle mine. told Reuters during the club’s last Gravitational-Wave Observa- Technology, of the decision to honor public concert. Singers in China tory (LIGO) announced a pair of giant the entire team. “You can’t credit just have long had to contend with offi- laser detectors had measured the the three of us for this.” cial restrictions, despite a thriving music scene. China’s censors are notoriously sensitive not just to Rare violet diamond found subversive political content, but also references to sex, drugs and religion. China has tightened control AFP carat, oval-shaped diamond. "Impos- Diamonds for sale as part of the over almost every aspect of civil sibly rare and limited by nature, the annual Argyle pink diamonds tender society since 2012, citing the need Argyle Violet will be highly sought can fetch US$1-2m a carat. As a basic to shore up national security and after for its beauty, size and prove- rule of thumb, pink and red diamonds stability. Mao Live House closed SYDNEY: A rare violet diamond, the nance," Rio Tinto Diamonds general are worth about 50 times more than its doors to the public on Sun- largest of its kind ever found at Aus- manager of sales, Patrick Coppens, white diamonds. Rio Tinto said violet day but Li said he was looking for tralia's remote Argyle mine, will be said in a statement. diamonds were extremely rare with another location in Beijing. Several the centrepiece of Rio Tinto's annual Rio Tinto did not put a figure only 12 carats of polished stone pro- other Beijing clubs have closed in pink diamonds showcase, the com- on its worth, but said it had been duced for the tender in 32 years. "This recent weeks.,An owner of Dusk pany said yesterday. assessed by the Gemological Insti- stunning violet diamond will capture Dawn Club said on the messaging The rough gem, discovered in tute of America as a notable diamond the imagination of the world's leading app WeChat that it had reopened August 2015 at a mine where more with the colour grade of Fancy Deep collectors and connoisseurs," Argyle on Monday after being forced to than 90 percent of the world's pink Greyish Bluish Violet. It is not known pink diamonds manager Josephine close on April 21. A Chinese media and red jewels are produced, orig- how diamonds acquire their col- Johnson said. website had quoted the Dongcheng inally weighed 9.17 carats and had oured tinge but it is thought to come The 2016 tender will begin pri- District Culture Committee as say- etchings, pits and crevices. After from a molecular structure distor- vate trade viewings in June and travel ing the club had to stop all business weeks of assessment, the Argyle tion as the jewel forms in the earth's to Copenhagen, Hong Kong and New Dr Kip Thorne of Caltech listens during a news conference to discuss activity and “rectify” itself. Violet was polished down to a 2.83 crust or makes its way to the surface. York, Rio Tinto said. the detection of gravitational waves in Washington. www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAGE | 22 QE 9,939.03 -153.04 PTS PAGE | 24 DOW 17,760.70 -130.46 PTS Monetary policy and HSBC net FTSE100 6,202.56 -40.02 PTS liquidity squeeze profit falls weigh on GCC banks BRENT $45.04 -$1.04 by 18%

WEDNESDAY 4 MAY 2016 • 27 Rajab 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

Qatar and Slovenia to boost economic ties

further boost the economies of both of the economies. and knowledge-based society. He also the countries. During the meeting Sheikh Ahmed pointed out that Qatar has issued and Sheikh Ahmed bin Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim was said the Qatari-Slovenian cooperation amended several laws and legisla- Jassim co-chairs the speaking at the first session of the is showing promising future as there tions as part of its efforts to improve first session of the Qatari-Slovenian joint committee on are ample of untapped potential and ‘the ease of doing business’ in Qatar economic and commercial coopera- capabilities in both sides. with an aim at encouraging trade and Qatari-Slovenian tion yesterday in Slovenian capital city The combined value of bilateral investment. joint committee in Ljubljana yesterday. trade jumped to QR82.4m in 2015 from He added that Qatar has also taken The Minister met with the Presi- QR45.2 in 2013, witnessing a sharp initiative with regard to commercial Ljubljana. dent of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut increase of over 82 percent within arbitration to protect the interests of Pahor. Sheikh Ahmed also met with two years. He emphasised that more local and foreign investors and busi- Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and efforts are required to expand the vol- nesses. The Minister invited experts, Foreign Minister, Karl Erjavec, and ume of bilateral trade and cooperation business leaders and other stakehold- The Peninsula Minister of Economic Development by establishing partnership in different ers to come out with productive ideas, and Technology, Zdravko Pocivalsek. promising sectors of both the econo- suggestion, and recommendations to During the meetings, both sides mies and diversifying the areas of trade turn the first session of the meeting a reviewed bilateral relations between exchange. great success. DOHA: The Minister of Economy and the two friendly countries and ways The Minister noted that industry During the meeting, they discussed Commerce H E Sheikh Ahmed bin of enhancing them along with aspects Minister of Economy and Commerce H E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin chambers of both the countries can a host of areas of cooperation which Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani has of joint cooperation, especially in eco- Mohammed Al Thani with Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign play big role to encourage private sec- included trade, investment, transport stressed the need for enhancing eco- nomic, trade and investment areas. Minister, Karl Erjavec, in Ljubljana yesterday. tor businesses to establishing strategic and communication, energy and indus- nomic relations between Qatar and Both the countires exchanged views partnership for mutual interests. try, small and medium entreprises, the Republic of Slovenia. The Minister and discussed aspects of coopera- Meanwhile, the Qatari Minister on economic and commercial coop- During his speech Sheikh Ahmed agriculture , infrastructure and con- said that the two countries will look tion to promote economic, trade and along with Erjavec co-chaired the eration, which was held in Ljubljana. also highlighted Qatar’s experience and struction sector. And both sides agreed to expand trade volume and prioritise investment relations between the two meeting of the first session of the The two-day meeting discussed bilat- efforts towards achieving economic to cooperate to boosting the volume of investments in fields that would help countries. Qatari-Slovenian joint committee eral cooperation in different sectors diversification to become a sustainable bilateral trade and investments. Total broad money supply Ooredoo signs network expansion deal with Nokia at QR506bn in March The Peninsula Al Sayed, Chief Executive Officer, Ooredoo Qatar. By Mohammad Shoeb change of 0.52 percent, while cash “This is another important The Peninsula equivalents, including deposits, development in our relationship recorded a positive year-on-year DOHA: Ooredoo yesterday with Ooredoo Qatar, and we con- change of 6.5 percent. announced that it has signed a three- tinue the successful deployment of The 27th edition of the monthly year deal with technology leader LTE technology across the country. DOHA: Qatar’s total broad money bulletin (Qatar; Monthly Statistics), Nokia, as it continues to enhance the Our mobile broadband technology supply, which is termed in eco- which provides statistics and macro strength, speed and coverage of the allows service providers to keep nomics as ‘M2’, was recorded at analysis of some key sectors, includ- Ooredoo Supernet in Qatar. pace with fast-growing customer about QR506bn during March 2016, ing inflation, demographic changes The agreement, which will see data demands now and into the showing a marginal increase of 0.23 in Qatar, suggest that the prices of Nokia upgrading and expanding future,” said Bernard Najm, Vice percent compared to February 2015, consumable items in March have Ooredoo’s existing mobile broad- President and Head of the Middle according to the Monthly Statistics become more than three percent band network across the country, East Market Unit, Nokia. bulletin released by the Ministry of costlier than a year before. will help meet Qatar’s ever-grow- As part of its Supernet initia- Development Planning and Statistics. The General Consumer Price ing data demands by implementing tive, Ooredoo has deployed Nokia’s The M2 is defined as a measure of Index (CPI), a measure of inflation, Nokia’s 2G, 3G, 4G, 4G+ LTE radio LTE-Advanced carrier aggregation money supply that includes cash and of March 2016 showed an increase of network based on its Flexi Multi- technology to offer subscribers with checking deposits (called M1) as well 3.3 percent compared to March 2015. radio 10 Base Station technology, compatible mobile devices up to 375 as ‘near money’, which include assets This year-on-year price surge its core network elements includ- megabits-per-second speeds in busy that are highly liquid but not cash, was primarily due to the increase ing Evolved Packet Core (EPC)and areas of Doha, Qatar’s capital and for instance savings deposits, money in prices of consumer goods which Home Subscriber Server (HSS), as most populous city. In a recent dem- market mutual funds and other time are broadly classified in eight well as NetAct OSS, using the com- onstration, the companies achieved deposits which are less liquid and not major groups, namely: “Recrea- pany’s professional services. peak data rates close to 600 Mbps. as suitable as exchange mediums but tion and Culture” by 11.2 percent, Nokia’s Flexi Multiradio 10 This is the latest in a series of can be quickly converted into cash or “Education” by 7.1 percent, “Hous- Base Station is the world’s smallest technology enhancements with Nokia checking deposits. ing, Water, Electricity and Gas” by high-capacity, software-defined, Yousuf Abdulla Al Kubaisi (left), Chief Operating Officer, Ooredoo Qatar, for Ooredoo. Similarly cash equivalents 5.4 percent, “Furniture and House- multi-technology base station, and and Bernard Najm, Vice-President and Head of Middle East Market Unit, In 2015,Ooredoo began to deploy which includes deposits, increased hold Equipment” and “Transport“ will provide Ooredoo customers with Nokia, at the agreement signing ceremony. Nokia’s ‘small cells’ in popular by 3.5 percent during March 2016 by 1.5 percent each, “Miscellaneous more network capacity, more effi- network hotspots across the coun- compared to February 2016, as it Goods and Services” by 1.4 percent, ciency and more flexibility. with a range of international tech- actively boost network performance try, enabling Ooredoo to provide recorded about QR662bn. In con- “Restaurants and Hotels” by 1.1 per- “We continue to enhance the nology leaders such as Nokia. By from 2G through to 4G+, and deliver advanced voice and data services trast, total broad money supply (M2) cent, and “Communication” by 0.2 Ooredoo Supernet to deliver the best deploying these cutting-edge technol- a host of social, financial and busi- to its customers even in the most recorded a negative year-on-year percent. possible Internet experience, working ogies from Nokia, we will continue to ness benefits for Qatar,” said Waleed crowded indoor and outdoor areas. India renegotiates LNG agreement with Qatar: Indian minister

IANS joint venture Petronet LNG and Ras prices,” he said. The revision, appli- Pradhan said. the year 2015,” he said. non-subsidised cooking gas, which Gas of Qatar in late-December last cable from January 1, has led to He also said RasGas will also The new contract is effective from consumers buy after exhausting their year, Petroleum Minister Dharmen- making liquefied natural gas (LNG) not seek Rs 12,000 crore from Pet- January 1, 2016 and ends in 2028. quota of 12 cylinders per year, was dra Pradhan told the Lok Sabha in a cheaper for the end consumers, he ronet for under lifting LNG by 38 “Going by the old long-term gas raised on Sunday by Rs 18 per 14.2- NEW DELHI: India has renegoti- written reply. added. percent. contract price, we have succeeded in kg cylinder. It now costs Rs 527.50 in ated favourably its LNG agreement “Earlier, the prices during 2015 In return for the renegotiation, “RasGas and Petronet LNG Ltd renegotiating a benefit of Rs 16,000 Delhi as against Rs 509.50 previously. with Qatar to bring down the cost of were in excess of $12 per mBtu Petronet LNG has signed an agree- agreed to reschedule the LNG quan- crore in this calendar year,” Prad- Rates vary according to different local importing natural gas to less than $5 (million British thermal unit). The ment for additional import of 1 million tity not taken by Petronet LNG Ltd han had said in his address here at levies. per unit from $12. current price applicable under the tonnes of LNG per year for about 12 during 2015 to a future period and the signing of the modification to the The hike comes after three This was effected by an agree- contract works out to less than $5 years with effect from January 1, RasGas has agreed to waive the take gas sale-purchase agreement. straight monthly reductions. Prices ment signed here between state-run per mBtu based on prevailing crude 2016 at the prevailing market prices, or pay liability under the contract for Meanwhile, the price of were last cut by Rs 4 on April 1. 22 WEDNESDAY 4 MAY 2016 BUSINESS Monetary policy and liquidity squeeze weigh on GCC banks

policy and liquidity squeeze are two Director, Research commented: “With formation should further accelerate. be allowed to dip into them in peri- of the main challenges that banks in credit growth slowing down, limited “We see only limited possibil- ods of stress” Arqaam Capital report the Middle East & North Africa region possibilities to boost Net Interest Mar- ities to cushion Profits and Loss “We see ample opportunities expects revenue will have to grapple with, according to gins (NIM) and a market reduction in statement from the worsening asset for banks in the region with strong a new research report entitled ‘MENA loan origination fees, banks are focus- quality due to three reasons, namely and sustainable growth in Economic growth for Gulf banks Financials-Selective Opportunities” ing on costs, though this is unlikely to the implementation of IFRS 9 rules Profit and Risk Adjusted Return on to be fairly limited as released by Arqaam Capital, the provide a substantial cushion if the by 2019, which forces banks to pro- Capital generation. These banks will higher assets yields emerging markets investment bank. downturn were to worsen. Having vision on expected losses rather be better positioned to tap liquidity The report expects revenue said that, most banks have reported than incurred losses, the relatively and to some extent capital, which are being offset by an growth for Gulf banks to be fairly excellent quality of earnings with limited over-provisioning of exist- should allow them to capture more increase in the cost of limited as higher assets yields are very rich build-up in general provi- ing NPLs given overall low NPL market share as other banks may being offset by a substantial increase sions. We estimate understatements levels and the stress in the SME sec- slam on the brakes. We also see deep liquidity. in the cost of liquidity, with banks in reported earnings of 10-25 percent valuations have started to reflect this, tor which is likely to start affecting value in some stocks with price dis- and governments having to source over the last few years.” despite the relief rally year- to- date of larger corporates.” location and in certain banks where funding outside their home mar- “Under the stress scenario where about 30 percent,’ Jaap added ‘Having said this, banks have been restructuring could unlock substan- kets at wider spreads. Additionally, we model for a 50bps increase in The report also highlights that the bolstering their balance sheets with tial shareholder value. In addition, The Peninsula some Gulf banks, particularly in additions to loan loss reserves, com- reported Non Performing Loans (NPL) rich general provisions, and have been regulatory reforms can also present Qatar have to bring back substan- mercial banks will continue to report evolution is understating the under- understating earnings and capital great opportunities as is the case tial negative USD positions to below double digit RoE (return on equity), lying deterioration in asset quality. ratios, with general provisions of 1-4 for certain insurance companies in 25 percent of shareholders’ equity, thanks to solid pre-provision prof- This is due to NPL write-offs and percent of Risk Weighted Assets. As a Saudi Arabia helped by a huge pri- DOHA: Headwinds from significant protecting the banks from a poten- its, mainly reflecting fairly high NIMs using some of the over-provisioning. result P&Ls may not worsen as much vatization drive and crackdown on fiscal consolidation coupled with the tial depeg. by international standards and low As economies further slow down and – if they slowdown the pace of addi- poor underwriting and pricing prac- repercussions of a tighter monetary Jaap Meijer, (pictured) Managing operating costs. Encouragingly, most lending standards further tighten, NPL tions to general provisions or would tices.” Jaap said. Hilton’s Conrad Hotels & Resorts expected to open in early 2019

By Sachin Kumar and fitness facilities and an outdoor Hilton Worldwide in a statement. The Peninsula swimming pool. Dining options will Qatar is implementing many include seven restaurants and bars, mega infrastructure projects in the offering diners upscale culinary run up to the 2022 Football World experiences. Hilton Worldwide is a Cup. The world cup will result in DOHA: Global hospitality major global hospitality company, com- strong inflow of tourists in Qatar Hilton Worldwide is setting up prising more than 4,660 managed, and many hospitality companies another hotel in Qatar. Conrad Hotels franchised, owned and leased hotels have announced to set up hotels here. & Resorts, part of Hilton Worldwide’s and timeshare properties with nearly “We now feature 24 destinations luxury hotel portfolio, has signed an 765,000 rooms in 102 countries and globally and with our expansion into agreement with Assets Real Estate territories. Qatar we fully expect the brand to QIIB Chief Executive Officer Abdulbasit Ahmed Al Shaibei and senior officials with the visiting students. Development Company for the 325 “Momentum for growth in Qatar’s resonate strongly with travellers to guestroom Conrad Doha which is hospitality offering continues at a this rapidly evolving Gulf country,” expected to open in early 2019. strong rate, owing to the significant said John T A Vanderslice, Global QIIB hosts Qatar Academy students Hilton Worldwide already oper- focus being put on the country’s Head, Conrad Hotels & Resorts. ates Hilton Doha and the recently future as a truly international des- Conrad Doha will offer Conrad opened DoubleTree by Hilton in tination, in line with Qatar’s 2030 Concierge mobile app, which gives Doha. Comprising 295 guestrooms Vision. We are delighted to have con- global luxury travelers the ability to The Peninsula bank. He said: “The young people are the very basis and 30 suites Conrad Hotels & Resorts firmed our latest Conrad hotel for the customise details of their hotel stay of our hope. We are all relying on this generation to will also offer around 1,000 square region, which joins a selection of before, during, and after each visit achieve more growth, prosperity and progress for our metres of events space including prestigious properties in outstanding via a smartphone or tablet. The app beloved country, Qatar.” a Grand Ballroom for corporate destinations worldwide,” said Carlos will help guests in pre-selecting bath DOHA: As part of its Corporate Responsibility Programme, The Chief Executive Officer reminded the students events and social occasions. Guests Khneisser, vice president of devel- amenities or checking-in while in- QIIB recently hosted two groups of students from Qatar that success is the fruit of commitment and often bears will be able to enjoy luxurious spa opment, Middle East & North Africa, transit from the airport. Academy on its “Professional Day”. The Qatar Academy out of a strong personality. “Success can be achieved students visited different sections of QIIB, where senior when we are always ready to give our best and gain executives detailed to them the various Islamic banking experiences from our classrooms at different stages of operations, customer service, information systems, types education. In addition to our life experiences, practical of banking services, accounts managing and issues related activities as part of the curriculum have a great impact Workz gets award from Vodafone to the issuance of cheques and other financial instruments. and get rooted in our minds”, he said. The students were QIIB Chief Executive Officer Abdulbasit Ahmed Al briefed about the opportunities available at the QIIB for Shaibei personally welcomed the visiting students to the the qualified hands. The Peninsula

QIB is diamond sponsor of meet on HR DOHA: Workz Group, the mobile products and solutions provider, was formally recognised for its role in the The Peninsula and organization. the development and promotion of success of long-term partner Voda- At the conference, experts will human capital, in line with Qatar fone Qatar. discuss 12 topics related to invest- National Vision 2030”, said Khalefa Vodafone Qatar awarded Workz ment in human resources, including Al Mesalam, QIB Head of Human the ‘Best Experience Support Partner’ DOHA: Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) is the healthcare, education, development Capital Group. during their 2016 CXO Awards cer- diamond sponsor of the International of human performance professionally “As a leading financial institu- emony held in Doha on March 28, a Conference on Investment in Human and academically, modern training and tion, we place strategic emphasis on platform which gives recognition to Resources, which is organised by Ibhar development trends, and the role of education and the nurturing of tal- those who achieve service excellence Academy. The event is taking place at society in building human capacity.The ent and believe this event is well in for Vodafone Qatar. the Sheraton Doha Hotel tomorrow conference will also address training line with our commitment to develop Vodafone Qatar and Workz, under the theme “Building Human requirements for career development human capital. Therefore, we at QIB whose partnership dates back to the Vodafone and Workz Group officials at the award ceremony. Capital Comes First.” and the importance of online train- operate in accordance with a strategy operator’s launch in Qatar in 2008, Developing human resources ing for the public and private sectors that focuses on implementing com- have jointly developed many inno- of approximately $360,000 in London event with an exclusive gift and building their capacities, start- as well as means of maximizing the prehensive and high-quality training vative products for the telecoms the month of promotion, this lead box designed in collaboration with ing from health, education, and social potential of human resources. programmes based on the latest industry. Vodafone Qatar to adopt scratch Workz. During the 9-year part- interaction are considered key ele- “We are pleased to support this developments in the industry”, added Last year, the companies pio- and win promotion for all its nership, the companies have also ments to achieve the goals of Qatar important event that acknowledges Al Mesalam. QIB has already made neered the introduction of a upcoming recharge card projects. brought to market ‘smart’ recharge National Vision 2030. These ele- human capital in our industry as well strides towards the goal of developing scratch and win promotion for Vodafone Qatar also introduced cards that allow users to quickly add ments are also essential for building as seeks to ensure further diversifica- human capital in the banking indus- the operator’s recharge cards. The the first-ever dual country telecoms phone credit by scanning a QR code human capital, for every institution tion and growth in the sector through try in Qatar. campaign saw a revenue increase plan which was launched at a VIP with their smartphone. Commercial Bank announces Qatar Motor Show prize winner US auto sales ‘rose’ in April

DOHA: Commercial Bank, Qatar’s Groenewald. Reuters first private bank, has announced Dean Proctor, Commercial the grand prize winner of its Qatar Bank EGM, Chief Consumer & Pri- Motor Show campaign. vate Banking said: “Being the Official NEW YORK: US auto sales pulled Commercial Bank was the Official Bank Sponsor and the only bank away from a weak start to the year Bank Sponsor of the Qatar Motor Show participating at the Qatar Motor in April, with analysts forecasting 2016 and ran a campaign to coincide Show 2016 is a sign of our commit- a historically stong month and a with the show, with exceptionally low ment to the vehicle finance market, record-shattering 2016. Solid job vehicle loan rates and added bene- where we continue to innovate growth, low petrol prices and easy fits including a three-month grace and lead both in terms of quality of credit lured shoppers to showrooms period, reduction on vehicle insur- service and very competitive offers. as spring weather got underway. ance rates and petrol vouchers. All We’re proud to once again be asso- After a lackluster March for auto customers who secured a Commer- ciated with such an important local sales, April would bring a rebound, cial Bank Vehicle Loan of QR50,000 event for the motor industry and are said Jessica Caldwell, Edmunds. or more during the six-week campaign delighted by the results of another com director of industry analy- period were automatically entered into successful campaign.” sis, before the Tuesday data was a prize draw. He added: “Commercial Bank released. To conclude a successful Qatar rewards and values all our custom- “Considering that April is typ- Motor Show Campaign, the lucky ers with the best-in-market vehicle ically the calm before the storm of winner of the brand new 2016 solutions throughout the year and summer sales, there’s every reason 5 door Mini Cooper grand prize we congratulate the lucky winner to believe that 2016 will be a year Commercial Bank officials with the prize winner. was announced as Eileen Sharon of our grand prize draw.” for the history books,” she said. BUSINESS WEDNESDAY 4 MAY 2016 23 Katara showcases luxury portfolio at Dubai ATM & AHIC

opened Simaisma, a Murwab Resort ATM is a globally acclaimed annual in Qatar and Switzerland’s lavish Art business-to-business exhibition which At the ATM, Katara Nouveau style Royal Savoy Lausanne features products, services and desti- Hospitality exhibited were also showcased at ATM for the nations of the world under one roof. first time. ATM has attained recognition over the its portfolio of local “Our participation at ATM 2016 years as a convention that supports and international presented yet another opportunity growth and promotes increased net- hotels, including those for Katara Hospitality to display its working among industry players and diverse portfolio of iconic hospital- suppliers. operated by Murwab ity gems located in key global travel Katara Hospitality also took part Hotel Group. markets, as well as our quest for in this year’s edition of AHIC which excellence within the sector. It has was held under the theme “Eye on the been an honour to be among the glo- Future: Vision for success”. As a plati- bal hospitality giants showing their num sponsor for the event for the first The Peninsula product offering at this esteemed time, Katara Hospitality showcased travel trade event,” said Hamad its strong position as an expert in the Abdulla Al Mulla, Chief Executive field of global hotel investments, with Officer of Katara Hospitality. an enviable hotel portfolio of 34 lux- DOHA: Katara Hospitality, the lead- Katara Hospitality also intro- ury properties across Qatar, Europe, ing global hotel owner, developer and duced “Katara Specialties” at this Africa and Asia. operator based in Qatar, participated year’s ATM, a contemporary ini- Katara Hospitality continues to in the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) tiative designed to highlight the be well-recognised as a Qatar-based held from April 25 to 28 and Arabian evolution of the organisation’s food company exhibiting keen strategic Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC), and beverage concepts. intent while focusing on the future which took place from April 26 to 28 Katara Specialties which serves to of its international growth prospects in Dubai. create authentic Qatari cuisine mys- in key travel destinations. At the ATM, Katara Hospitality tique has been rolled out across all 23 “AHIC has for many years fostered exhibited its portfolio of local and operational Katara Hospitality hotels dialogue among key stakeholders and Katara Hospitality officials at the conference venue in Dubai. international hotels, including those in 11 countries. organisational senior executives on operated by Murwab Hotel Group, the The concept has been created such topics as global trends in hos- company’s standalone hotel operat- to showcase the rich Qatari herit- pitality, investment opportunities Al Mulla. “We look forward to future strategic development. Partner- success throughout the years, Katara ing division which showcased the age and Arabian hospitality, while and the future of the hotel industry, opportunities for sharing industry ing with some of the world’s finest Hospitality leverages from over 45 company’s own operator brands The adding to the diverse and enrich- with combined outcomes influencing insights at platforms presented by brands such as Marriott Interna- years of experience in the luxury Bürgenstock Selection in Switzer- ing dining experiences for esteemed Katara Hospitality’s continued expan- AHIC,” he added. tional, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, hospitality sector and continues land as well as Murwab Hotels and guests. sion plan as an international beacon As Qatar’s flagship hospitality Mvenpick Hotels & Resorts, FRHI to exhibit commitment to Qatar’s independent non-branded upscale Bringing together thousands of of corporate and investment success company, Katara Hospitality has and The Peninsula Hotels hav- market and international hospital- properties in Qatar. The recently buyers and travel trade professionals, in the luxury hospitality sector,” said set high standards for growth and ing supported Katara Hospitality’s ity landscape. IIA holds seminar on new trends in IPPF Toyota scores with two wins at MECOTY Awards The Peninsula

The Peninsula improving on the model’s character- istic ruggedness and performance, DOHA: The Institute of Internal also impressed the judges by being Auditors (IIA) Qatar recently held a more occupant-focused and easier seminar titled “The new International DOHA: Toyota has once again to drive than ever before. Professional Practice Framework achieved success in the 2016 Mid- Expressing his delight for this (IPPF)” at Oryx Rotana Hotel. The dle East Car of the Year (MECOTY) win, Takayuki Yoshitsugu, Chief presenter, Basem Hijaz, is the Chief Awards, the premier annual award Representative of Middle East & Auditor at Qatari Investors Group and for the region’s automotive industry, North Africa Representative Office, is a qualified CIA, CPA, CISA & CFE. winning the award in the ‘Best Mid- Toyota Motor Corporation, said: Basem had conducted over 100 train- size Sedan’ category for its popular “Winning both these awards is a sig- ings in Internal Audit topics mostly as Camry model (pictured), while also nificant achievement and reflects the a forum speaker. securing the ‘Best Midsize Truck’ success of our approach in develop- The International Professional award for the Hilux. The awards ing vehicles that have an emotional Practices Framework (IPPF) is the were chosen by a jury of 12 inde- appeal while surpassing expecta- conceptual framework that organises pendent motoring journalists from tions on the rational element with authoritative guidance promulgated leading automotive publications better quality, durability and relia- by the Institute of Internal Auditors. throughout the Middle East. bility. From the design to the overall A trustworthy, global, guidance-set- Toyota raised the bar in the mid- driving experience both in terms of ting body, the IIA provides internal size sedan segment with a bold performance and comfort, we have audit professionals worldwide with redesign of the Toyota Camry to managed to create a strong impact authoritative guidance organized in add a new chapter in the illustrious in terms of the Camry and the Hilux. the IPPF as mandatory guidance and history of the world’s most popular We would like to take this opportu- recommended guidance. mid-size sedan. With a striking new nity to thank our customers for their Basem started his presenta- design, new model grades and more support and feedback, which have The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Qatar officials and guests during the seminar. tion with a question: Why a relook dynamic handling, the new model played an integral part in helping us at standards? The impetus for this puts the Camry in a league of its own create ever better vehicles.” arose with many changes finan- by providing stakeholders with guidance of the new IPPF, a set of ten to the Standards to better reflect the which was illustrated by the decision cial regulators were attaching to risk-based, objective and reliable Core Principles was added. The Core Core Principles. The ultimate goal of the judging panel to select it as the the work of internal auditors. These assurance, advice and insight.” Principles comprise the fundamentals is to have a framework where con- best in its category. changes, plus others forthcoming, Achievement of the mission is essential to the effective practice of formance with the Code of Ethics The introduction of the eighth were considered likely to increase supported by the entire IPPF, includ- internal auditing. The Core Principles and the Standards achieves con- generation of the Hilux in the Mid- the pressure on boards to more spe- ing the mandatory elements of the can be used as a benchmark against formance with the core principles,” dle East adds to its stellar reputation cifically understand the important Definition, Core Principles, the Code which to gauge the effectiveness of Basem stated. over the years for its quality, dura- role internal auditing plays in over- of Ethics, and Standards, as well as an internal audit activity. The core The presenter expressed his hap- bility and reliability (QDR). The new all good governance. all recommended guidance. The rec- principles are integrity, competence, piness about the number of events the model is a complete redesign of one It is the first time since the estab- ommended elements of the IPPF are objectivity, alignment with strategy, IIA Qatar was conducting and he was of the world’s best-known and best- lishment of the IIA in 1941, Internal implementation guidance and sup- well positioned and resourced in the proud that one of the IIA Qatar Board loved nameplates with numerous Audit has a defined mission statement plemental guidance. It describes organization, quality, communica- Members, Sundaresan Rajeswar, was changes in response to customer and core principles. The Mission of practices for effective implementa- tion, risk based assurance, insight and selected to the global research com- demands and feedback to exceed Internal Audit reads; “To enhance tion of standards. organizational improvement. mittee which shows the maturity of all their expectations. and protect organizational value As part of the mandatory “The changes are recommended the Internal Audit in Qatar. The latest Hilux model while

Malabar Gold’s 150th outlet Gulf Air’s FalconFlyer and Europcar in deal

The Peninsula

MANAMA: Gulf Air, the Kingdom of Bahrain’s national carrier, yesterday announced a partnership between the airline’s FalconFlyer Loyalty Pro- gramme and Europcar, the European leader in vehicle rental services and a major mobility player. The partnership will see Gulf Air FalconFlyer members benefit from Europcar’s mobility services, obtain- ing access to one of the largest car rental networks, spanning over 140 Gulf Air and Europcar officials signing the agreement. countries, and accruing FalconFlyer Loyalty Programme miles on every partner with Europcar and broaden “We are delighted to provide Gulf Europcar rental. the distinctive offering and privileges Air FalconFlyer Loyalty Programme The partnership agreement was available to Gulf Air’s FalconFlyer members with our expertise and signed by Ahmed Janahi, Gulf Air A/ Loyalty Programme members. We quality of services. Thanks to the Chief Commercial Officer and Marcus look forward to working closely with impressive coverage of our net- Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan inaugurating the 150th outlet of Malabar Gold & Diamonds in Bernhardt, Chief Commercial Officer, Europcar and building a mutually work, Gulf Air FalconFlyer Loyalty Europcar Group, at the national car- rewarding partnership.” Programme members can now have Belagavi, Karnataka, India. Also seen are M P Ahammed, Chairman, Malabar Group; Asher O, Managing rier’s head office in Muharraq. Commenting on the agreement a Europcar vehicle awaiting them Director - India Operations, K P Abdul Salam, Group Executive Director; and other officials and guests. Janahi welcomed the agree- Marcus Bernhardt, Chief Commer- upon arrival at their destination – ment, saying: “We are delighted to cial Officer, Europcar Group, said: at greater benefit to them.” 24 WEDNESDAY 4 MAY 2016 BUSINESS

China’s AIIB to Eurozone growth co-finance first project with forecast cut amid ADB in Pakistan risks and Brexit Reuters SHANGHAI: China-backed Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank That is unacceptable and requires (AIIB) will jointly finance a major determined action from gov- new highway in Pakistan in its first External risks include ernments, both individually and co-financed project with the Asia the possibility that collectively.” Development Bank (ADB), the two Eurozone nations are still deal- policy banks said. slower growth in ing with the threat of a new crisis The announcement on the emerging markets, in debt-hit Greece, which nearly project, a 64km-long stretch of crashed out of the currency a year the M4 highway that will connect particularly China, ago, as wrangling continues over its Shorkot to Khanewal in Pakistan’s could trigger huge bailout. Punjab province, was made as the stronger spillovers or The EU warned that the “uncer- two banks signed an agreement to tainty surrounding the forecast is jointly finance projects at an ADB turn out worse than extraordinarily high”, suggesting meeting in Germany on Monday. major revisions to the outlook could This would make it one of the expected. HSBC branch at the financial Central district in Hong Kong. be expected in the future. first projects to win backing from “External risks include the possi- the newly-established AIIB, which bility that slower growth in emerging launched in January with the sup- AFP markets, particularly China, could port of US allies including Australia trigger stronger spillovers or turn out HSBC net profit falls by 18% and Britain — despite opposition worse than expected,” the commis- from Washington. It is expected sion’s forecast said. to lend $10bn-$15bn a year for the BRUSSELS: The EU cut yesterday It also pointed to domestic AFP beat analysts’ consensus forecast first five or six years. its eurozone growth forecasts for problems in Europe that posed of $4.3bn. In early London deals, “I am delighted to take a further this year, warning that global risks “considerable” risks, including HSBC’s share price was up 0.3 per- step forward in our partnership with including the slowdown in China the slow pace of reforms “and the cent at 454 pence. The capital’s ADB,” AIIB’s President Jin Liqun said. and the danger of Britain leaving uncertainty ahead of the UK’s EU LONDON: HSBC yesterday said its benchmark FTSE 100 index was “AIIB looks forward to deepening the bloc were harming the eco- referendum”. net profit fell almost a fifth in the first down 0.6 percent overall. HSBC last our already strong relationship and nomic recovery. These dangers “could prove to be quarter, with Europe’s biggest bank year announced a radical overhaul expanding our collaboration as The European Commission, the stronger than expected”, the commis- hit by “extreme levels” of markets to cut costs that included shedding we seek to address the significant EU’s executive arm, also warned sion warned. Britain’s own economy volatility, while bad loans doubled. 50,000 jobs worldwide, exiting infrastructure financing needs in that major member states France, faces risks from the June 26 referen- Equity and currency markets unprofitable businesses and focus- the Asia Region.” Spain and Italy were on course to dum with the EU firmly slashing its from Asia to the Americas were sent ing more on Asia. The M4 will connect with break the bloc’s rules on public growth outlook for the UK. into meltdown at the start of the year Gulliver said there was growing other highways to connect the spending. It projected annual growth of 1.8 as a growth slowdown in China and momentum in the bank’s Asia busi- cities of Faisalabad and Multan. Warning of increased global percent in 2016 and 1.9 percent in plunging oil prices fanned concerns nesses, with “strong business wins” The AIIB listed the M4 project as risks for the 19-country single cur- 2017, compared to its earlier forecast about the world economy. after HSBC’s investment in the region. its first “business opportunity” rency area as it continues its sluggish in February of 2.1 percent for both In comments included in the energy and mining sectors. But, like many global banks, it on its website on April 11 with an recovery, the Commission trimmed years. Moscovici said that the fore- earnings statement, HSBC Chief HSBC shares rose however, with has continued to face turmoil in glo- estimated project cost of $273m. its 2016 forecast to 1.6 percent from cast was based on Britain remaining Executive Stuart Gulliver (pictured) traders welcoming the group’s bet- bal financial markets, while stricter It said that ADB will be the lead 1.7 percent. in the EU. said the group’s performance in the ter-than-expected pre-tax result. regulations have driven up costs. co-financer and will administer The commission also said that The commission said inflation January-March period “was resil- The bank added that it was on track “One of the headwinds HSBC the project on behalf of the other the eurozone growth would accel- would also continue to be very low ient in tough market conditions that to reach cost targets after a radical has been battling is a deterioration financing partners. erate to 1.8 percent growth next and far off the 2.0 percent target at affected the entire banking sector”. overhaul announced last year. of its loan book, with impairment The banks have sought to year, instead of the earlier forecast the European Central Bank. The Com- The first two months of the year “It’s tough out there for banks, costs doubling from last year, led play down concerns the AIIB will 1.7 percent. mission slashed its inflation forecast saw “reduced client activity” in for- and HSBC is no exception, partic- by problems with borrowers in the compete with existing Western- “Growth in Europe is holding up for the eurozone to 0.2 percent in 2016 eign exchange and stocks, with a ularly seeing as it is increasingly energy and mining sectors,” said ana- dominated multilateral investment despite a more difficult global envi- and to 1.4 percent in 2017. partial recovery in March, added the focusing its business on Asia, which lyst Khalaf. banks. The AIIB and World Bank ronment,” said EU Economic Affairs The ECB has cut interest rates to British bank that is focused on Asia. is a weak market right now,” said HSBC revealed in February that it signed a framework agreement to Commissioner Pierre Moscovici, who zero percent, beefed up its contro- HSBC said its net profit fell 18 per- Laith Khalaf, senior analyst at Lon- is one of the banks being investigated co-finance projects last month. unveiled the forecast at a press con- versial bond-buying programme and cent to $4.3bn (¤3.7bn) in the first don-based stockbrokers Hargreaves by the US Securities and Exchange China and Pakistan have forged ference in Brussels. made vast amounts of cheap loans quarter compared with one year ear- Lansdown. “However... things Commission in relation to its hiring closer ties over the past year with “The recovery in the euro area available to banks in a bid to jump- lier, while revenues were down four weren’t quite as bad at HSBC as inves- practices in Asia-Pacific. a plan to build an economic cor- remains uneven, both between start inflation. Nonetheless, inflation percent at almost $14bn. tors had feared.” It came as the bank tried to move ridor of energy and infrastructure member states and between the in the eurozone was negative 0.2 Bad loans surged $692m to Although pre-tax profits were beyond recent scandals, including the projects between the two countries weakest and the strongest in society. percent in April. $1.16bn year-on-year, related to the down 14 percent at $6.1bn, the result rigging of foreign exchange markets. that is worth an estimated $46bn. Australia cracks Bitcoin claim ripples through down on global firms avoiding tax virtual currency world

AFP AFP Jason Park of the South Korean- based software form Korbit echoed the view that “Nakamoto was not a CANBERRA: Australia yesterday one person.” Park added that Bitcoin unveiled a further push to crack NEW YORK: The world of virtual “is already run by a community not down on tax avoidance by multi- currencies was stunned Monday one person,” and argued that “there national companies, imposing a 40 when Australian entrepreneur Craig is no founder.” percent penalty rate on firms that Wright claimed to be the creator of BlockCypher chief executive shift profits offshore. the Bitcoin. The shockwaves were Catheryne Nicholson said she was The revenue-raising measure, clear as cypto-currency specialists not persuaded by the news, saying which is similar to the so-called gathered in New York for a confer- Wright could remove any doubt by “Google Tax” introduced by Brit- ence on the blockchain technology producing the “keys” that unlock the ain last year, was a key part of the behind Bitcoin and similar virtual Bitcoin cryptographic codes. nation’s annual budget. forms of money. “I don’t believe him, I am still It is forecast to raise Aus$3.9bn “It’s nicer if we keep the myth,” skeptical,” she said. Since the Bit- (US$2.95bn) over the next four said Dirk Avau, founder and chief coin was launched in 2009, it has years when combined with a executive of the financial tech firm gained notoriety as a shadowy cur- broader tax avoidance package. Intellect Technologies, at the Con- rency for illicit transactions. The package includes stronger sensus 2016 conference. “If the myth But the blockchain technology A woman walks past ANZ Bank automatic teller machines (ATMs) in Sydney yesterday. protections for whistleblowers and now is broken, it’s unfortunate. It was behind Bitcoin, which offers verifi- harsher penalties for multination- a wonderful story about an inventor able online ledgers, has been touted als that fail to meet tax compliance who managed to change the world.” as a way to potentially transform or disclosure obligations. ANZ Bank’s interim profit slumps Wright was named by three banking and other kinds of finan- “Everyone has to pay their fair media outlets — the BBC, The Econo- cial transactions. share of tax, especially large corpo- mist and GQ magazine — and posted A consortium of global banks rates and multinationals, on what a blog on his website claiming credit including Morgan Stanley, HSBC, they earn here in Australia,” Treas- AFP ANZ slashed its interim dividend for future profit growth. for creating Bitcoin, a digital cur- UBS, Credit Suisse, Barclays, Soci- urer Scott Morrison told parliament seven percent to 80 cents. “This result reflects a challenging rency created by supercomputers ete Generale and Commerzbank are in his budget speech in Canberra. Despite this, its share price rock- period for banking and we have taken and then traded online or exchanged working with the finance tech star- “New measures... include eted after initially plunging, ending the opportunity to move decisively and for goods and services by a peer-to- tup R3 to use blockchain technology embracing a new diverted profits SYDNEY: ANZ Bank’s interim net profit 5.56 percent higher at Aus$25.05. adapt to the changing environment by peer network of computers. for a wide range of applications. tax, as implemented in the United slumped 22 percent yesterday on the “Overall, while the result was a building a simpler, better capitalised Little biographical detail is Others moving forward include Kingdom, that taxes multinationals back of impairment and restructuring slight miss, it is pleasing to see ANZ and more balanced bank,” he said. “We known about Wright, who describes Bank of America, Citigroup and on income they have sought to shift charges, but the result was welcomed taking the right actions to address have strong underlying drivers in our himself as a cyber-security expert Goldman Sachs, which is working on offshore at a penalty rate of 40 per- by the market as the lender repositions the market’s concerns,” said Water- Australia and New Zealand consumer and was born in Brisbane but, its own virtual currency. Jeffrey Wal- cent, that is higher than the current for a challenging future. mark Funds Management analyst and small business franchise and we according to The Economist, has now lis of Noble Markets said the news company tax rate (of 30 percent).” The Australia and New Zea- Omar Joshi in explaining the share have seen good early progress in trans- moved to London. At the New York about the creator doesn’t matter. The government added that land Banking Group’s result for the price reaction. IG Markets chief strat- forming Institutional Banking. conference and elsewhere, the news “The space has already moved Aus$679 million would be allo- six months to March 31 came in at egist Chris Weston added: “The cash “This has been supported by pru- was greeted by some with disbelief. on regardless of the identity of the cated to the Australian Tax Office Aus$2.73bn ($2bn), while cash profit, earnings are well below consensus, dent capital management and tight Matthieu Riou, founder of the person,” he said. “It’s irrelevant over four years to set up a task- which strips out one-off and other but this seems a function of a sizeable control of costs with total expenses, blockchain tech platform BlockCy- because the momentum of the Bit- force focused on clawing back items, was Aus$2.78bn. restructuring charge and therefore excluding the impact of specified pher, said he believes Wright was coin has extended beyond one revenue from international firms The drop was largely down to they are not as bad as feared.” items, being lower for the first time “part of the whole thing” but not the individual... This is an industry.” as well as wealthy people. There Aus$717m in one-off net charges, With banks juggling new rules in seven halves.” Elliott added that sole creator of Bitcoin, which has been Gabriele Domenichini of the has been a global push, including including an accounting change to that demand they hold more reserves banking was experiencing rapid attributed until now to someone using Italian-based blockchain associ- in Australia, for large local and its software capitalisation policy, a as a buffer against mortgages, and shifts in technology and regulation the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. ation Assob.it said the news could international companies to stop write-down related to the value of fears over rising bad loans, ANZ chief against a backdrop of low economic “I don’t think that he did it be a “disruption” that impacts the using sophisticated structures to its investment in Malaysia’s AmBank, executive Shayne Elliott said the one- growth, volatile financial markets by himself,” Riou told AFP at the value of the Bitcoin, but only in the avoid or lower their tax payments. and restructuring. In a surprise move, off charges better positioned the bank and rising credit costs. conference. short term. BUSINESS WEDNESDAY 4 MAY 2016 25

BNP Paribas first China and Japan big European bank to post growth to slow better profits sharply: IMF AFP PARIS: France’s BNP Paribas yes- terday became the first European major bank to post a profit rise for on edge. “Asia remains the most the first quarter, delighting ana- dynamic part of the global economy lysts and sending its shares sharply While Asia remains but is facing severe headwinds from higher. the global growth a still weak global recovery, slow- Net profit grew by over 10 ing global trade, and the short-term percent year-on-year to ¤1.8bn engine, the external impact of China’s growth transition,” ($2.1bn) for the first three months environment is the Fund said. of the year, thanks to one-off gains “To strengthen its resilience to but also to improving credit risk, becoming much more global risks and remain a source it said in a statement. The bank’s difficult. of dynamism, policymakers in the shares soared more than 3.5 per- region should push ahead with cent in early Paris stock market structural reforms to raise produc- trading to ¤47.51. tivity and create fiscal space while Analysts forecasts had centred AFP supporting demand as needed.” on a ¤1.3bn net profit. Even stripping The Fund predicted growth in out non-recurring gains, including A file picture of visitors looking at cars at the booth of BMW during the 66th IAA auto show in Frankfurt. Asia to come in at 5.3 percent this from a downward revision of the HONG KONG: China and Japan’s year and next, down from its previ- company’s debt value, net profit was economies are expected to slow ous forecast of 5.4 percent. still up four percent, outperform- sharply over the next two years but China’s economy, the world’s BMW races ahead to quarterly records ing major European rivals Deutsche Asian growth will remain strong as second biggest and a crucial driver Bank, BBVA or Barclays. domestic demand takes up the slack of global growth, is tipped to expand Net banking income slipped two from weak global trade, the IMF said 6.5 percent this year — the lower end percent, but was still better than yesterday. of Beijing’s target — and 6.2 percent AFP or a drop of 0.3 percent from the Sales to Asia were also up strongly, market forecasts. The impact of low Government stimulus meas- in 2017. The figures are well down year-earlier figure, largely due to rising by 9.9 percent to 183,204, with interest rates on retail bank income ures, lower commodity prices and from the 6.9 percent seen in 2015, “unfavourable currency factors, such sales in China up 10.5 percent. By con- was limited, with the segment’s rev- low unemployment will help drive which was the slowest rate in a quar- as the value of the British pound and trast, sales to the Americas decreased enues slipping just 0.7 percent. regional expansion, the International ter of a century, but slightly better FRANKFURT,: German carmaker the Chinese renminbi against the by 8.7 percent to 100,245 units and Finance and investment Monetary Fund said, and called on than the IMF’s October outlook. BMW yesterday said the road towards euro,” the carmaker said. sales in the US alone were down 10.8 banking revenue fell 19 percent, leaders to push on with reforms. “While Asia remains the global its full-year targets was clear after it Underlying, or operating, profit percent at 81,601 vehicles. however, as tough international However, in its Regional Eco- growth engine, the external envi- clocked up record sales volumes and fell by 2.5 percent to €2.46bn, but Nevertheless, investors did not market conditions took their toll. nomic Outlook for Asia and the ronment is becoming much more earnings in the first three months. bottom-line net profit rose by 8.2 appear to be particularly impressed A drastic 27.5-percent fall for Pacific, the Fund also warned of difficult,” said Rhee Chang-Yong, “The BMW group remains confi- percent to €1.64bn, “also marking a and BMW shares were among the provisions against loans going bad several external challenges, from director of IMF’s Asia and Pacific dent in achieving its forecast targets new first-quarter record,” BMW said. main losers on the Frankfurt stock was a great boost for BNP Paribas weakness in advanced economies, Department. The Fund noted China’s for the current financial year,” said “Our first-quarter performance exchange yesterday, shedding three results, mostly thanks to an improv- weak global trade and increasingly leadership is trying to transform the chief executive Harald Krueger. is further proof of our ability to gen- percent, while the overall market was ing situation in Italy and a better volatile global financial markets. country’s growth driver away from a “We reaffirm our targets for the erate positive earnings with our core down by around 1.6 percent. repayment rate on personal loans. Since its previous outlook on reliance on government investment full year. We forecast slight increases, business, despite a volatile environ- The first-quarter results were “BNP Paribas reported this the region in October, global mar- and exports to one dominated by and thus new record figures for sales ment,” said CEO Krueger. “solid”, even if revenues came in a bit quarter good revenues resilience kets have seen wild volatility, with domestic consumption. volume and group profit before tax in “The decisive factor for us is not lower than expected due to exchange despite a particularly unfavour- worries over China’s economy and It also warned of the spillover 2016,” Krueger said. short-term profit but sustainable, rate effects, said DZ Bank analyst, able environment: interest rates plunging oil prices hammering effects of China’s slowing growth In the period from January to profitable growth.” In regional terms, Michael Punzet. “With first-quarter still low, stock market crisis, wait- shares in January and February, on other economies that rely on the March, BMW sold a total 557,605 sales volumes grew by 9.5 percent numbers only just matching expecta- and-see attitude by debt investors,” wiping trillions off valuations. While country to drive their own expan- vehicles worldwide, a record for the to 257,120 vehicles in Europe, with tions, and weaker numbers in China, the bank said. BNP Paribas also there has been a slight recov- sion, including weaker trade and first quarter, it said. That translated double-digit growth seen in Britain, the share is likely to react negatively,” managed to beef up its capital ery since March, investors remain commodity prices. into revenues of €20.85bn ($24bn), France and Italy. said LBBW analyst, Frank Biller. adequacy ratios, reserves it must set aside against unforeseen risk. “The group’s balance sheet is rock-solid,” the bank’s chief Jean- Philips to spin off Lufthansa shares plunge Laurent Bonnafe said. lighting branch UBS warns of in ‘historic’ IPO on first-quarter loss jittery investors &

AFP low interest rates AFP The airline is also benefitting from further fuel cost reductions, AFP THE HAGUE: Electronics giant she said. “We are seeing significant Philips announced yesterday it pricing pressure at our passenger was floating its lighting arm on the FRANKFURT: Lufthansa shares airlines, and even more at Lufthansa ZURICH: Swiss banking giant UBS stock market in a “historic” initial nosedived yesterday after the Ger- Cargo. But the substantial unit cost said yesterday it is being squeezed public offering, aiming to spin off man airline said one-off effects and reduction at our passenger airlines by low interest rates, a strong Swiss at least a quarter of the division’s price pressures pushed it into a loss has more than made up for the pric- franc and jittery investors staying shares. in the first three months of the year. ing declines,” Menne said. out of the markets, warning that the “The offering would consist Lufthansa shares were among Lufthansa said it did not expect underlying risks are unlikely to be of a sale of existing shares only the biggest losers in morning trade to see any easing of the pricing pres- resolved in the foreseeable future. held by Royal Philips, the current on the Frankfurt stock exchange, sures in the passenger and cargo UBS issued the warning as it sole shareholder of Philips Light- shedding nearly six percent in a transport sectors. reported that its net profit tum- ing. The offering and listing, and market that was down by around “The trends we have seen in bled 64 percent from a year earlier their timing, are subject to, among 1.4 percent. the last few months are likely to to 707m Swiss francs ($742m) in other factors, market conditions,” Lufthansa said in a statement continue throughout the present the first quarter of 2016. Income the Amsterdam-based Philips said that it booked a net loss of ¤8m quarter,” said Menne. slumped 22 percent to 6.8bn Swiss in a statement. ($9.2m) in the period from January “The intensity of the compe- francs in the same period. Philips in late 2014 announced it to March, compared with a profit of tition and the resulting pricing A negative financial mar- was selling off its core lighting busi- ¤425m a year earlier. pressures will not ease. This is why ket, “substantial volatility”, and ness — a mainstay of its income for But the airline pointed out that it is important that we continue to underlying economic and political more than a century — to focus the year-earlier figure had been work consistently on our cost posi- uncertainty had frightened away more on medical equipment. boosted by one-off financial gains. tions,” she said. investors, leading to “abnormally But since then Philips said it At an underlying level, earn- Looking ahead to the full low” trading volumes in the first has been examining its options, ings before interest and tax (EBIT) year, Lufthansa said its forecasts quarter, UBS said in a statement. hesitating between a straight sale showed a loss of ¤49m, compared remained unchanged. “We expect Though some factors had sta- and an IPO. Philips said it would with a much deeper loss of ¤144m a to achieve an adjusted EBIT slightly bilised, the underlying economic retain the majority stake in the year earlier. First-quarter revenues above the previous year result of 1.8 and political risks were still scar- lighting arm “with the aim to slipped by 0.8 percent to ¤6.92bn. billion euros,” the company said. ing away investors, the bank said, fully sell down over the next sev- “We have seen a solid start into “This forecast does not, however, adding that they are unlikely eral years” as it shifts its focus to the new business year,” said chief include the negative result impacts to resolved in the “foreseeable healthcare products. financial officer, Simone Menne. of possible strike actions.” future”. Planes of the Lufthansa airline stand on the tarmac in Frankfurt airport. “Today’s announcement is a historic one for Philips as we aim to separate our company into two market-leading companies focused on capturing opportuni- Australia’s central bank cuts interest rates to 1.75% ties in the health technology and connected LED lighting solutions markets respectively,” Philips chief executive Frans van Houten said. AFP appropriate following “information for the currency,” ANZ Research said together with ongoing very subdued which for almost 25 years has avoided Philips sold its first light bulb a showing inflationary pressures are in a note. ANZ added that “the bank is growth in labour costs and very low falling into recession, posted a better few years after it was founded in lower than expected”. likely to follow up with another rate cost pressures elsewhere in the world, than expected GDP reading of 3.0 per- 1891, but for the past dozen years “The board judged that prospects cut in the near term”. In his statement, point to a lower outlook for inflation cent last year, while the jobless rate has increasingly shifted its focus SYDNEY: Australia’s central bank cut for sustainable growth in the econ- Stevens said inflation had been quite than previously forecast,” Stevens said. slipped to 5.7 percent in March—the on medical equipment, which now interest rates by 25 basis points to a omy, with inflation returning to target low for some time but recent data were The RBA, which targets an under- lowest in two-and-a-half years. accounts for more than 40 percent historic low of 1.75 percent yesterday over time, would be improved by eas- “unexpectedly low”. lying inflation rate of 2.0-3.0 percent, But the economy still faces an of sales. A household name around following lower than expected infla- ing monetary policy at this meeting,” Inflationary data released late last noted that the economy appeared to uncertain period ahead as growth the world for home appliances, tion, sending the currency down. he added. While the stock market month showed that consumer prices be rebalancing following the mining slows in its largest trading partner Philips said in April it had earned The Reserve Bank of Australia closed up more than 2.1 percent after fell in January-March for the first time investment boom. China and Stevens noted uncertainty ¤37m ($41.5m) in net income for (RBA) had remained on hold for the the announcement, the Australian since 2008, during the global finan- “GDP growth picked up over about the global economic outlook. the first quarter, compared with past year, having already cut bor- dollar fell sharply — dropping more cial crisis. For the year to March, 2015, particularly in the second half Westpac’s Bill Evans said that ¤100m in the same period in rowing costs to try to spur growth as than one percent to 75.84 US cents. inflation came in at just 1.3 percent, of the year, and the labour market while Tuesday’s cut came as a sur- 2015. The group however in Janu- the economy exits an unprecedented “The RBA’s decision to cut rates well down from the 1.7 percent over improved,” Stevens said. prise, the decision would not have ary announced net profit in 2015 mining boom. will keep a lid on further appreciation the year to December. “Indications are that growth is been taken without a “realistic expec- up by 55 percent to ¤645m com- Governor Glenn Stevens said the in the Australian dollar, and increases “While the quarterly data contain continuing in 2016, though probably tation” that a further cut was likely, pared to ¤415m in 2014. board now considered another cut the likelihood that we have seen a peak some temporary factors, these results, at a more moderate pace.” Australia, possibly in August. 26 WEDNESDAY 4 MAY 2016 BUSINESS

QE INDICES SUMMARY QATAR STOCK EXCHANGE QE Index 9,939.03 1.52 % QE Total Return Index 16,080.69 1.52 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 3,879.75 1.79 % QE All Share Index 2,777.18 1.46 % QE All Share Banks & Financial Services 2,684.82 0.97 % QE All Share Industrials 3,067.46 1.40 % QE All Share Transportation 2,516.27 0.77 % QE All Share Real Estate 2,453.19 3.08 % QE All Share Insurance 4,316.67 0.20 % QE All Share Telecoms 1,137.67 1.96 % QE All Share Consumer Goods & Services 6,456.7 1.75 %

QE MARKET SUMMARY COMPARISON 03-05-2016 Today 02-05-2016 Previous day Index 9,939.03 10,092.07 Change 153.04 95.91 % 1.52 0.94 YTD% 4.7 3.23 Volume 8,965,527 9,337,098 Value (QAR) 317,934,001.83 268,406,172.16 Trades 4,811 4,599 Up 06 | Down 34 | Unchanged 02

WORLD STOCK INDICES Index Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low All Ordinaries 5311.997 -4.007 -0.08 5379.6 4762.1 Cac 40 Index/D 4454.82 25.86 0.58 4607.69 3892.46 Dj Indu Average 17773.64 -57.12 -0.32 18351.4 15370.3 Hang Seng Inde/D 21067.05 -320.98 -1.5 21794.84 18278.8 Iseq Overall/D 6161.41 -76.67 -1.23 6791.68 5611.89 Karachi 100 In/D 34567.52 -151.77 -0.44 34881.67 29785 Nikkei 225 Index 16147.38 -518.67 -3.11 18951.12 14865.77 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 2134.72 1810.1

EXCHANGE RATE Currency Buying Selling US$ QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 UK QR 5.3149 QR 5.3927 INTERNATIONAL MARKETS - A LIST OF SHARES FROM THE WORLD Euro QR 4.1611 QR 4.2453 COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME CA$ QR 2.8833 QR 2.9490 NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED Swiss Fr QR 3.7772 QR 3.8728 Yen QR 0.0339 QR 0.0348 A C C-A/D 1420.1 -22.9 13593 Electrosteel-B/D 18.8 -0.1 53017 Kakatiya Cem-B/D 299.4 -0.5 29801 Til Ltd.-T/D 320.3 -8.3 1002 Aus$ QR 2.7721 QR 2.8424 Aarti Drugs-B/D 460.4 -12.1 3026 Emco-B/D 27 -0.25 20602 Kalpat Power-B/D 211 1.15 1855 Timexgroup-T/D 36 1.4 80395 Ind Re QR 0.0540 QR 0.0553 Aban Offs-A/D 225 4.15 799944 Escorts Fin-B/D 4.05 -0.14 9685 Kalyani Stel-T/D 167.3 -3.4 25445 Tinplate-B/D 66.9 -9.15 252506 Pak Re QR 0.0344 QR 0.0351 Aegis Logis-B/D 117.35 2.15 115043 Escorts-A/D 173.75 4.75 481426 Kanoria Chem-B/D 65.05 1.1 10582 Ucal Fuel-B/D 104.8 -0.8 7081 Alembic-B/D 36.75 -0.45 52056 Eveready Indu-/D 248.6 -3.75 11242 Kg Denim-B/D 88 2.45 5797 Ucal Fuel-B/D 104.8 -0.8 7081 Peso QR 0.0761 QR 0.0786 Alok Indus-A/D 4.57 -0.04 599228 F D C-B/D 177.6 -2.55 4395 Kilburnengg-Xd/D 57.75 -1.65 2084 Ultramarine-B/D 122.7 0.9 3604 SL Re QR 0.0256 QR 0.0253 Apollo Tyre-A/D 162.15 1.95 177386 Federal Bank-A/D 46.55 0.6 1467616 Kopran-B/D 52.3 0.45 70884 Unitech P -A/D 4.74 0 4668646 Taka QR 0.0467 QR 0.0470 Asahi I Glass-/D 162 -0.95 8726 Ferro Alloys-B/D 5 0.05 19870 Lgb Broth-B/D 462 -15 3179 Uppergsugar-T/D 125.9 5.6 10627 Nep Re QR 0.0340 QR 0.0346 Ashok Leyland-/D 105.75 -0.85 1821473 Finolex-A/D 361 -2.6 4502 Lloyd Metal-B/D 27 -0.3 16160 LONDON SA Rand QR 0.2541 QR 0.2594 Bajaj Hold-A/D 1440.05 7.8 3306 Gail-A/D 367.1 6.8 106504 Lok.Hous&Con-B/D 6.42 0.4 307409 Ballarpur In-B/D 17 -0.29 328613 Galada Power-B/D 13.65 -0.49 1740 Lupin-A/D 1617 9.25 47774 3I Group/D 475.7161 -8 1708042 Bata India-A/D 580 -6.05 35605 Gammon India-T/D 11.91 -0.17 60966 Lyka Labs-T/D 77.6 -1.5 10213 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 3071.9 -4 704452 GOLD AND SILVER Beml Ltd-A/D 916.55 -2.8 9769 Garden P -B/D 24.15 0.55 6968 Mafatlal Ind-B/D 305 5.7 1371 Barclays/D 173.217132 -2.9 63013667 Bh Electronic-/D 1193 10.25 11087 Godfrey Phil-B/D 898.05 -7.05 35845 Mah.Seamless-B/D 202.1 -1.5 8485 Bp/D 376.420362 -8.55 37805374 GOLD QR152.6287 per gramme Bhansali Eng-T/D 18.8 0 10312 Goodricke-B/D 183.9 3.7 22151 Mangalam Cem-B/D 262.6 -5.3 7139 Brit Am Tobacc/D 4170.833872 -16 2656366 SILVER QR2.1002 per gramme Bharat Bijle-B/D 1082.5 27.25 15721 Goodyear I -B/D 502 -2.7 2650 Mastek-B/D 144.9 0.2 18655 Bt Group/D 444.4021106 8.95 23169247 Bharatgears-B/D 81.3 1.1 1408 Hcl Infosys-B/D 42.15 0.65 578563 Max Financial-/D 369.7 5.1 11387 Centrica/D 238.716531 -0.5 11161087 Bhartiya Int-B/D 546 6.2 6912 Him.Fut.Comm-T/D 18.1 -0.25 1077087 Mrpl-A/D 69.15 1.6 83402 Gkn/D 282.2586 -8.1 4791598 Bhel-A/D 127.8 2.4 670371 Himat Seide-B/D 243.45 9.25 107448 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 27.7 0.25 2590 Hsbc Holdings/D 457.1589 -14.85 37436672 Bhuwalka Stl-X/D 6.46 -0.34 2606 Hind Motors-T/D 5.2 -0.05 16437 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 27.7 0.25 2590 Kingfisher/D 364.958098 -6.2 6979129 Reforms fail to lift Bom.Burmah-B/D 404 0.65 20780 Hind Org Chem-/D 17.4 0.95 38950 Nahar Spg.-B/D 105.5 0.95 10785 Land Secs Grou/D1139.6114 -8 2727085 Bombay Dyeing-/D 49.9 0.75 316075 Hind Unilever-/D 864.35 -2.3 38911 Nation Alum -A/D 46.4 0.55 87310 Legal & Genera/D 224.2 -4.1 15430066 Saudi index; Gulf dips Camph.& All-B/D 586 -1.1 2205 Hind.Petrol-A/D 841.15 6.75 66129 Navneet Edu-B/D 88.65 2.5 24624 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 67.07 -1.04 160030652 Canfin Homes-B/D 1231.95 28.45 9165 Hindalco-A/D 98.65 2.3 1923255 Nepc India-T/D 1.46 -0.03 7400 Marks & Sp./D429.993013 -8.9 5237661 Reuters Caprihans-Xc/D 96.1 1.1 3965 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 1092.75 3.95 206820 Neuland Lab-B/D 736.25 -16.25 1193 Next/D 5120.284314 -65 809089 Castrol India-/D 394.85 -1.5 34762 I F C I-A/D 25.25 -0.2 458974 Nrb Bearings-B/D 124 -0.9 2161 Pearson/D 804.1864 -9.5 3187950 Century Enka-B/D 201.6 1 18214 Idbi-A/D 68.65 -0.55 536558 O N G C-A/D 218 0.1 279987 Prudential/D 1355.368231 -27.5 3802931 DUBAI: Gulf stock markets fell back yesterday because Century Text-A/D 638.55 0.1 161446 India Cement-A/D 92 2.8 512302 Oil Country-B/D 28.7 0.5 6181 Rank Group/D 241 -7 194307 of lower oil prices and a lack of positive drivers, while Chambal Fert-B/D 63.7 2.85 197936 India Glycol-B/D 87.45 1.05 7888 Orchid Pharm-B/D 40.95 -0.55 68666 Rentokil Initi/D 177.6161 -0.8 2706170 Saudi Arabia’s bourse failed to get an immediate boost Chola Invest-A/D 849 53.15 31805 Indian Hotel-A/D 103.8 -1.35 10423 Orient Hotel-T/D 22 0.05 1975 Rolls Royce Pl/D 680.8282 -24.5 4964268 from reforms designed to stimulate trading and draw Chowgule St-T/D 17.5 -0.01 1025 Indo-Tcount-T/D 1066.05 14.1 5430 Orient.Carb.-T/D 474.3 -1.7 2422 Rsa Insrance G/D 459.1 -0.5 1827027 fresh foreign money. Cimmco-B/D 71.7 0.85 1850 Indusind-A/D 1044.05 -5.15 69829 Orient.Carb.-T/D 474.3 -1.7 2422 Sainsbury(J)/D 288.9 -2.9 4524822 Brent crude futures fell about 1 percent yesterday after Cipla-A/D 538.3 1.3 293764 J.B.Chemical-B/D 250.15 5 8058 Oudh Sugar-B/D 76.7 3.8 135396 Schroders/D 2517.459536 -54 438915 a 3 percent drop on Monday. The Saudi index fell 1.2 per- City Union Bk-/D 94 0.35 11372 Jagson Phar-B/D 34.3 -0.05 9015 Punjab Chem.-B/D 165 8 4808 Severn Trent/D 2227 -3 643032 cent as petrochemical blue chip Saudi Basic Industries lost Colgate-A/D 846 4.55 10858 Jamnaauto-B/D 142.9 2.5 32703 Radico Khait-B/D 88.3 0.1 12055 Smith&Nephew/D 1157.197846 -13 2564320 2.4 percent. Jarir Marketing fell 1.5 percent and Saudi Hol- Container Cor-/D 1366.2 16.85 13730 Jbf Indu-B/D 222.8 11.85 73085 Rallis India-A/D 196.5 2 50166 Smiths Group/D1107.6676 -29 1346592 landi Bank lost 1.9 percent as both stocks went ex-dividend. Dai-Tichi Kar-/D 400 -6.9 2253 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.31 -0.01 43652 Rallis India-A/D 196.5 2 50166 Standrd Chart /D552.017236 -18.5 9371469 The Capital Market Authority said it would lower Dcm Shram Ind-/D 129.8 4.5 3614 Jct Ltd-B/D 3.99 -0.12 485886 Reliance Indus/D 417.7 -2.7 73880 Tate & Lyle/D 588 -8.5 958661 the minimum assets-under-management requirement Dhampur Sugar-/D 89.35 0.95 151398 Jik Indust-B/D 0.81 0.03 3020 Ruchi Soya-B/D 27.2 -1.35 121873 Tesco/D 173.7329 -1.2 22425618 for foreign institutions investing directly in the market, Dr. Reddy-A/D 3012.1 -82.2 18232 Jindal Drill-B/D 174.9 -5.3 24503 S Bk Bikaner-B/D 515.15 -7.9 4886 Unilever/D 3061.044153 -52.5 2010785 and ease foreign ownership restrictions. For example, E I H-B/D 103.3 0.6 4054 Jktyre&Ind-A/D 83.7 -0.2 139481 Samtel-Xt/D 7.5 -0.08 1000 United Util Gr/D 939.5 2 1444677 each foreign investor will be allowed to own a stake of E.I.D Parry-A/D 228 -1.65 26713 Jmc Projects-T/D 226 2 1045 Saur.Cem-B/D 62.65 -1.2 24589 Vodafone Group/D 219.2 -4.7 56098193 just under 10 percent of a single company; previously, Eicher Motor-A/D19874.75 -157.9 2926 Kajaria Cer-A/D 1060.65 8.4 16337 Thirumalai-B/D 243.4 16.8 85861 Whitbread/D 3912.135683 -140 943150 the ceiling was 5 percent. Meanwhile, the Saudi Stock Exchange said it would introduce the settlement of trades within two working days of execution, a reform that could help the market join MSCI global indexes. Currently, settlement is same- day, which is inconvenient for many foreign investors. The reforms will not be implemented before 2017, China and banks rattle European stocks and other factors such as high valuations and low oil prices have also been deterring foreign investors, so the market did not react. AFP seem to have finished with risk Swiss francs. The European Union, said analyst Jasper Lawler at CMC two percent after Australia’s cen- Dubai’s index sank 1.8 percent, while Abu Dhabi aversion,” said market analyst Yoav meanwhile, yesterday cut its euro- Markets. Attention is already turn- tral bank slashed interest rates to a dropped 2.0 percent as some banks remained soft after Nizard at FXCM online brokerage. zone growth forecasts for this year, ing to the release of US jobs data on record low after inflation last week last week’s disappointing first-quarter earnings, with “The bad manufacturing and warning that global risks includ- Friday. Many expect a slowdown came in well below expectations. Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank losing 4.3 percent. LONDON: European stock mar- non-manufacturing PMI figures ing the slowdown in China and the in hiring, which would also push In Mumbai. profit booking, Qatar fell 1.5 percent as real estate firm Ezdan Hold- kets slumped yesterday, dragged from China this week have resur- danger of Britain leaving the bloc the Fed to further delay tighten- along with caution over upcom- ing, which lost 2.7 percent on Monday after reporting its down by weak bank results and rected fears that risk getting worse were harming economic recovery. ing monetary policy. ing quarterly results and negative first-quarter earnings, dropped a further 3.8 percent. disappointing Chinese data as the as the slowdown in China appears Yet the euro hit an eight-month The US currency also fell to global cues, dragged the Indian Egypt’s market, reopening after two days of public EU cut its forecast for eurozone inevitable. high at $1.1616, but that was more 105.55 yen, an 18-month low. The equity markets lower. holidays, tumbled 3.1 percent. Orascom Telecom Media growth. But the euro still man- Chinese factory activity fell by due to data released Monday that yen has also rallied as the Bank of This led to the barometer sank 6.8 percent, continuing a slide triggered by its report- aged to reach an eight-month 0.3 point to 49.4 in April, accord- showed that growth in US factory Japan shocked markets last week 30-scrip Sensitive Index (Sensex) ing a big loss for 2015 late last week. high against the dollar, which ing to the private Caixin survey activity slowed last month. by not expanding its stimulus. of the BSE swinging in the range of HIGHLIGHTS tumbled also versus the yen on of purchasing managers, further Following last week’s soft con- Wall Street stocks also fell yes- over 500 points during the volatile SAUDI ARABIA: The index fell 1.2 percent to 6,638 dwindling prospects of a further below the 50 level that separates sumer spending report and news that terday, with the Dow dropping 1.1 trade session. The key index closed points. hike in US interest rates any time growth from contraction. the world’s top economy expanded percent approaching midday, tak- the day’s trade deep in the red. DUBAI: The index dropped 1.8 percent to 3,324 points. soon, according to analysts. Meanwhile in Europe, weak less than expected in the first quarter, ing cues from poor European bank The barometer index, opened at ABU DHABI: The index slipped 2.0 percent to 4,382 London’s benchmark FTSE earnings updates from German investors are seeing less likelihood earnings and weak Chinese man- 25,500.14 points, closed at 25,229.70 points. 100 index closed the day down titan Commerzbank and Swiss of a hike in US interest rates in June, ufacturing data. points — down 207.27 points or QATAR: The index fell 1.5 percent to 9,939 points. 0.9 percent, while in Paris the lender UBS were only partly off- leading to a softer dollar. Nevertheless Shanghai stocks 0.81 percent from the previous EGYPT: The index tumbled 3.1 percent to 7,532 points. CAC 40 retreated 1.6 percent and set by better-received numbers out “The weak US first quarter rallied, ending three days of losses, close at 25,436.97 points. Simi- KUWAIT: The index edged up 0.1 percent to 5,375 in Frankfurt the DAX 30 tumbled of HSBC and BNP Paribas, whose growth figures on top of a cautious as speculation swirled the Chinese larly, the wider 50-scrip Nifty of points. 1.9 percent to fall below the 10,000 share prices rose. Commerzbank’s statement from the Federal Reserve government would introduce new the National Stock Exchange (NSE) OMAN: The index rose 0.5 percent to 5,984 points. points level. stock dove 9.6 percent to €7.32 and has seen market expectations for measures to support the market. ended 58.90 points or 0.75 percent BAHRAIN: The index fell 0.3 percent to 1,109 points. “European stock markets don’t UBS tumbled 7.5 percent to 15.29 a June rate hike fall to 12 percent,” And Sydney soared more than down, at 7,747 points. BUSINESS VIEWS WEDNESDAY 4 MAY 2016 27

India’s coal efficiency Risks rise as hedge funds drive risks ire of powerful unions place record bet on oil

Reuters the reforms. Early last year, the unions planned a strike to protest against moves to open up the coal lans by India’s coal sector to private firms and sell a monopoly to buy billions 10 percent stake. But they called of dollars of new machin- off a five-day stoppage on its ery and outsource work second day after Goyal formed a Pare facing resistance from pow- committee to look into their con- erful unions worried about job cerns so that they “do not have to losses, in a potential blow to go on strike again”. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Coal India officials also say promise to bring electricity to all. they constantly talk to workers State-run Coal India Ltd, the on various issues, but union lead- world’s biggest coal miner, has ers, including BMS’s Rai, said they already doubled output growth would resist any move deemed since Modi came to power two “anti-labourer”. “The government years ago, owing to the removal is doing this slowly, so that there of hurdles to production like envi- is not much protest all of a sud- ronmental clearances and land den,” said D D Ramanandan of acquisition. The increase turned the All India Coal Workers Fed- coal shortages at India’s power eration, which says it represents plants to oversupply, making it more than 100,000 Coal India one of the administration’s big- employees and contractors. gest successes. “We have consistently opposed The next phase of restruc- this policy and will sit together turing the notoriously inefficient with all the unions to decide the behemoth is likely to be harder, future course of action,” Ram- however, and is crucial to the anandan said. Federal Coal government’s ambition to sell 10 Secretary Anil Swarup and sev- percent of the $27bn company to eral senior Coal India officials A worker under an oil well checks the oil pumping equipment at Gudong oilfield which is a part of China's Shengli oilfield, raise funds for further growth said the company planned to and investment. New Delhi also push ahead. Dongying, China. wants to double annual output It wants to spend billions of to 1 billion tonnes by 2019/20 to dollars over the next few years, meet future demand, and to do including around $1.3bn this year, Reuters Traders and analysts are divided over that it must radically increase to buy equipment and expand whether hedge funds and other money productivity. mines, where workers often use managers are now fully invested in crude, Coal India’s output-per-man shovels and picks to dig for coal edge funds increased their net heightening the risk of reversal, or could still shift is estimated at one-eighth of underground, one of the officials long positions in Brent and WTI increase their position further. Peabody Energy Corp, the world’s said. The company also plans to derivatives by 7 million barrels Since the start of the year, hedge funds largest private coal producer that stop filling most vacancies aris- to a record 663 million barrels have added almost 195 million barrels of recently filed for bankruptcy pro- ing from retirements over the next in the week ending April 26. additional long positions in Brent and WTI, tection. Already, labour unions, three years, and outsource more HEven though oil prices have already risen while cutting short positions by 235 million. The brutal squeeze on with a history of hostility towards mining to private companies, the by roughly $20 per barrel (70 percent) from The brutal squeeze on former hedge fund former hedge fund short management, are pushing back on officials added. their low in January, hedge funds are more short positions has been at least as impor- Coal India’s plans, fearing mod- “Outsourcing helps in more bullish than at any time since oil prices tant as the emergence of fresh long positions positions has been at ernization and outsourcing will ways than one,” Swarup told started slumping in the summer of 2014. in pushing prices higher. least as important as hit jobs, said leaders of two unions Reuters. “If they bring in efficient Hedge funds and other money managers But with hedge fund short positions that cover a majority of the com- technology, because they are paid held futures and options contracts equiva- down from a recent peak of 392 million bar- the emergence of fresh pany’s 371,000 employees. for that, it will make the people in lent to 791 million barrels of crude betting rels in the second week of January to just long positions in pushing Strikes, sometimes every Coal India understand they too on a further rise in prices and just 128 mil- 128 million barrels there are not many more few months, have disrupted out- can become more efficient.” lion barrels gambling on a fall. short positions to squeeze. prices higher. put, although under Modi the The government’s produc- The record net long position in crude On the long side, hedge funds have unions have been more coop- tion and productivity plans have easily surpasses previous peaks set in May already amassed a record number of con- erative. “High-tech mining will drawn support from the London- 2015 (572 million barrels) and June 2014 as tracts. Past experience indicates that this in February was flattered by baseline mean fewer job opportunities for based World Coal Association, a ISIS fighters threatened the could be a close to their maximum position. effects, there is no doubting the underlying labourers and no job guarantee trade group of coal producers and oilfields of Iraq (626 million But oil prices are less than half of the strength of fuel demand from US motorists. for existing employees,” said Baij mining equipment makers. Coal barrels). level that they were in June 2014, so the dol- At the same time, US oil production Nath Rai, president of Bharatiya India’s equipment orders, some Large concentrations of lar amount of hedge fund positions is still has fallen by more than 3 percent over Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), which says already placed, are a bright spot long or short positions are relatively modest, which could indicate they the last 12 months and is down almost it represents 100,000 Coal India for machinery makers such as US often followed by a sharp have further scope to add long positions. 570,000 barrels per day (6 percent) from employees and contractors. firm Caterpillar, Japan’s Komatsu reversal in prices when On balance, the hedge funds’ record net its peak (“Petroleum Supply Monthly”, EIA, “We strongly protest this, and and India’s Larsen & Toubro, at a holders try to lock in their long position has shifted the balance of price April 29). So far this year, the hedge funds have already taken up the issue time when most miners are scal- profits by liquidating some risks towards the downside in the short term. and market fundamentals have both been with the government. They will ing back production amid a global Large concentrations of their positions, triggering But it has to be set against the funda- pushing in the same direction. not dare do anything if there is a supply glut. of long or short a rush for the exit. mental supply-demand picture, where the The liquidation of previous hedge fund strong protest.” The BMS’s view Coal India unit Mahanadi positions are often The accumulation of balance of risks appears to be shifting to short positions and accumulation of long is likely to carry extra weight, as Coalfields pioneered outsourc- such a large net long posi- the upside (“Oil rally is not just about hedge ones has accelerated a rise in crude prices it is loosely affiliated with the ing of mining work a few years followed by a sharp tion over the last 17 weeks funds”, Reuters, April 29). that would probably have occurred in any Hindu nationalist group Rashtriya ago and is now the company’s big- reversal in prices could indicate an increas- US petrol consumption averaged 9.2 mil- event given the gradual rebalancing of the Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which gest producer and fastest growing ing risk crude prices will lion barrels per day in February, stronger physical crude market. is the ideological parent of Modi’s unit. Deepak Srivastava, Maha- when holders try to pull back and give up at than expected, according to monthly data But it is no longer obvious hedge funds Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). nadi’s chief vigilance officer, said lock in their profits least some of their recent published by the US Energy Information and fundamentals will work in the same Rai said Piyush Goyal, minis- around 90 percent of the unit’s gains in the short term. Administration on April 29. direction in the next couple of months. ter for power, coal and renewable mining work is done by contrac- by liquidating some Crude prices have been Record petrol consumption in the United There is now some tension between energy, had been trying to con- tors who have performed better of their positions, closely correlated with the States is consistent with separate data show- hedge fund positioning (which suggests vince unions to play along with than in-house miners. triggering a rush for accumulation and liquida- ing traffic volumes on US highways rising price risks are biased to the downside in tion of hedge fund positions by between 5 percent and 6 percent year- the short term) and the tightening supply- the exit. in Brent and especially WTI on-year in February. Even if the strength demand balance (which indicates price since the start of 2015. of implied gasoline demand and driving risks could still be tilted to the upside). Latin America eyes volcanoes to fire up clean development

Reuters as worsening droughts, or changes in the sur- carbon neutrality, and has said it aims to do lot of potential but our hands are tied because face temperature of the Earth. Harnessing this this by 2021. Becoming carbon neutral will we are not allowed to do deep research in pro- energy from deep under their own territories also help the country adapt to the impacts of tected areas. There is no way to confirm the exico and Costa Rica aim to build could prove a cost-effective way to power the climate change, said Laura Lizano, energy direc- concrete geothermal potential because we can- on their position as Latin America’s economies of Mexico and Central American tor at Costa Rica’s Ministry of Environment and not get into the parks,” Moya said. leading producers of geothermal states from a domestic source, experts say. Energy. For decades, Costa Rica and Mexico have power to help meet the challenges “One of the main benefits is that countries “We want geothermal to remain an impor- been the region’s two geothermal leaders. Mexi- Mthey face of curbing planet-warming emissions can ... become independent from the fluctua- tant source for the country. Central America co’s Ministry of Energy (SENER) points to studies and making their energy supplies secure. Latin tions of foreign markets,” said Emilia Rodríguez, is very vulnerable to climate change and this that suggest there is a potential of 1 gigawatt Latin America relies America relies on hydropower for 55 percent of a Costa Rican lawyer specialising in renewa- source could be an important asset to deal with of geothermal energy for every active volcano. on hydropower its total electricity generation, and the burning bles. “It also supplies the cleanest and greenest extreme weather,” Lizano said. With more than Mexico has around 25 volcanoes. of fossil fuels for around 40 percent, accord- energy.” Geothermal has the smallest green- 100 hotspots, volcanoes, cinder cones and hot The country ranks third among producers for 55 percent of ing to the Inter-American Development Bank. house gas footprint per kilowatt of any power springs identified in Costa Rica, geothermal of geothermal electricity globally, with just over its total electricity At present, geothermal makes up only 5 generation technology, according to the Geo- can play a critical role in reaching a sustaina- 1,017 MW of installed power capacity and 839 percent of installed power capacity in Central thermal Energy Association, an association of ble clean energy mix, experts say. MW currently in operation. It built Latin Amer- generation, and America, according to the Economic Commis- US companies developing geothermal resources But engineering consultant Paul Moya, who ica’s first geothermal plant in the early 1970s. the burning of sion for Latin America and the Caribbean. But worldwide. witnessed the kick-off of geothermal explora- Renewables account for 18 percent of Mex- this could change, given growing political inter- In 2015, 73 percent of Costa Rica’s energy tion in Costa Rica in the 1970s, said the country ico’s energy mix, according to SENER, but the fossil fuels for est in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and generation came from hydropower and 13 per- faces challenges to optimising development of government aims to produce 35 percent of its around 40 percent, the goal adopted by governments in the new cent from geothermal. Even so it already ranks the power source. electricity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2024. according to the Paris climate change agreement to keep global seventh among the 25 countries producing geo- Current law forbids the exploitation of geo- A law passed in 2014 allows private inves- temperature rise “well below” 2 degrees Cel- thermal power, according to the International thermal power inside Costa Rica’s national parks tors to enter the emerging energy market. This is Inter-American sius above pre-industrial times. Geothermal Association. Last year the nation’s and protected areas, Moya said. The expansion likely to bring about an increase in the propor- Development Bank. The planet’s core heat delivers a clean, lim- sole electricity provider went 255 consecutive of the Las Pailas project, a geothermal power tion of Mexico’s power derived from geothermal itless and continual supply of energy along a days without burning any fossil fuels to gener- station with a projected capacity of 55 mega- energy, from 2 percent to more than 10 percent, string of mountains and active volcanoes in ate power. watts (MW), is located adjacent to the Rincón said renewable energy expert Beatriz Olivera, Latin America. Geothermal power is not vul- The country of 5 million inhabitants wants de la Vieja National Park. who teaches at the National Autonomous Uni- nerable to the effects of climate change such to become the first in the world to achieve “It is a legal constraint. We know we have a versity of Mexico. 28 WEDNESDAY 4 MAY 2016 BUSINESS

BACK TO BUSINESS sight Secrecy and hierarchy haunt EM challenges unlikely to be Japan’s corporate culture overcome soon

By Linda Sieg general of the Hong-Kong based Reuters economies likely weighing on Reuters Asian Corporate Governance Asso- growth both in 2016 and 2017, ciation, said. Requiring two outside the IMF said earlier. directors — Toshiba had four on its “Some of these challenges 16-member board even as the scan- he weakness of emerg- are unlikely to be overcome spate of high-profile dal brewed — is insufficient if they ing economies could quickly,” the ECB said. “The scandals at leading Jap- lack they lack the authority or inde- prove lasting as deep- impact of weak investment, anese companies show pendence to challenge the CEO and seated structural infrastructure bottlenecks and reforms and rhetoric other inside directors. Tproblems rather than fleet- capacity constraints could be aimed at improving the “Most outside directors won’t feel ing troubles are the root cause, stronger than expected.” Acountry’s corporate governance do they ought to be questioning the cor- posing a risk to growth even “The rebalancing process not go far enough to unwind the cul- porate culture. They were invited to in advanced economies, the that is under way is necessary to ture of secrecy and hierarchy that the board and they feel they ought European Central Bank said ensure sustainable growth over plagues Japan Inc. to be polite,” said Nicholas Benes, yesterday. the medium term, but the tran- Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (pic- representative director of the Board ECB President Mario sition path is likely to be bumpy tured) won applause for introducing Director Training Institute of Japan. Draghi has repeatedly cited and risks will tend to be on the new corporate governance rules over Better protection for whistleblow- subdued growth in emerging downside,” the ECB added. the past two years in bid to attract ers like Woodford would help. The market as a drag on the euro Potential growth has been foreign investment and shake-up government has a hotline for anon- area recovery and one of the declining for years and some Japan’s too-cozy corporate culture. ymous complaints but provides little reasons underpinning its ultra- indicators suggest that emerging But scandals including Mitsubishi protection or incentive for employees easy policies. markets were already overheat- Motor Corp’s admission that it used to speak out. Bolstering such protec- Elaborating on this point ing during their boom years, as non-compliant fuel economy testing tion would tell companies they have in a regular economic bul- suggested by surging private methods for decades and last year’s no alternative than to run a clean letin, the ECB said potential debt ratios. admission by laptop-to-nuclear con- inward-looking corporate culture for recent scandals coming to light. ship, Benes said. growth among some key emerg- Risings external debt is a glomerate Toshiba Corp that it had that values unquestioning loyalty to “Bad things happen at big companies. Glimmers of change have ing economies has weakened, particular concern as countries inflated profits suggest much more top bosses. The question is, how are they dealt emerged. Retail group Seven & i raising the risk of a “siza- increasingly rely on foreign cur- remains to be done. “Japanese corporations still have with,” said Jesper Koll, CEO of fund named an executive backed by US ble” negative impact on global rency, especially dollar-based Nearly five years after Michael significant problems with the secrecy manager WisdomTree Japan. “Sweep- activist investor Daniel Loeb as pres- growth. financing, raising stability risks Woodford was fired for exposing a of their corporate dealings and lack ing them under the carpet is no longer ident of its parent company earlier It cited waning productiv- and blunting the positive impact cover-up at Olympus Corp, the Brit- of transparency in their finances an option.” this month, prompting its 83-year-old ity growth, weak investments, of currency depreciation, a nat- ish ex-CEO of the Japanese medical and operations,” said Thomas Experts also warn against whole- patriarch Toshifumi Suzuki to resign. rising external debt, tighter ural defence against economic imaging gear maker says he’s still Clarke, director of the Key Univer- sale adoption of a US model tying Battered Sharp Corp’s recent financing conditions and dete- turbulence, the paper concluded. treated like a pariah in Japan, a view sity Research Centre for Corporate executive compensation to short- choice of Taiwan’s Foxconn as its riorating demographics as some Financing conditions for not uncommon in a corporate culture Governance at the University of Tech- term investor returns. Some caution successful takeover suitor may also of the reason behind the fading emerging markets have also where whistleblowers are more often nology in Sydney. against at pointing the finger just at reflect the drive for better corporate momentum. tightened with capital outflows disdained than admired. Abe’s policy team introduced Japan, given scandals around the governance. Key emerging economies picking up toward the end of last “It is evident to me that 80 per- a new corporate governance code world, including Volkswagen’s cheat- Still, broader and deeper change have been under strain this year, pushing up bond yields, cent or more of senior business in 2015, setting rules on disclosure, ing on emissions. will take time, bolder reforms and year with China’s slowdown and widening credit spreads and leaders (in Japan) consider me as shareholders’ rights and independ- “If you start looking around the education at all corporate levels, as rebalancing setting off waves of weighing down on equities. someone who betrayed my company,” ent directors. world, Japan has its problems, but are well as among institutional investors turbulence on financial markets Investment growth is also Woodford, who now runs a business While not legally binding, the they really any worse than anywhere often wary of challenging manage- earlier this year. falling and several major emerg- consultancy and lives in London, told Tokyo bourse requires listed firms else?” said Andrew DeWit, a professor ment. “It is a cultural issue — they Although emerging markets ing economies are running up Reuters in a telephone interview. “I’m to “comply or explain” why not, and of policy studies at Rikkyo University have to give up hierarchical obedi- still generate 70 percent of glo- against demographic problems, seen to be a leper in Japan.” a “stewardship code” introduced the in Tokyo. Still, big gaps remain to be ence,” said University of Technology’s bal growth, their growth rate facing a dwindling or stagnating Better protection for whistleblow- year before was supposed to encour- filled in Japan. Clarke. “They have to do this because declined for the fifth straight workforce, putting downward ers, training for board directors and age disgruntled investors to speak out. “At the level of policy, it is if they cannot be more alert and agile year last year with many key pressure on growth. stiffer penalties are among the meas- Experts laud the changes and say dramatic, but the content is under- as companies, they will not succeed ures experts prescribe to change an they may even be partly responsible whelming,” Jamie Allen, secretary in the modern world.”

While Halliburton and Baker Hughes expected the Capital proposed merger to result compelling benefits to shareholders, challenges in obtaining remaining Dave Lesar, Chairman and Comment regulatory approvals severely damaged the deal...... Chief Executive of Haliburton

TOP TWEETS BLOGS AND VIEWS Turkish consumer IMF @IMFNews Name in the Market prices rise Wealth Adviser 0.78% in April Slowdown and rebal- Tracking expenses is no fun. But ENERGY LOANS FALL ancing in China could not tracking spending means have adverse effect in Reuters short term on partner- that many people have no idea country GDP growth how much they actually spend. Expenses are a key factor in urkish consumer prices UN Climate Action @ rose a less-than-expected making decisions about retirement 0.78 percent in April from a UNFCCC T timing, launching a new business month earlier, data showed yester- Ban Ki-moon nomi- day, potentially strengthening the nates Patricia Espinosa or making a big purchase, such as case for the central bank to further for new UNFCCC cli- cut rates when it meets this month. mate chief role a vacation home. Once again, slowing food inflation helped cool the price Deutsche Bank @ growth, the data showed. April’s DeutscheBank data was below a forecast for a 1 DealB%k percent rise in a Reuters poll. On #Japan: Contrary to an annual basis, prices rose 6.57 expectations, no #QE percent, the data from the Turkish at #BoJ. JPY makes Statistics Institute showed. gains on USD. Inflation “The sharper-than-expected targets still way off. It is shaping up to be another grim decline in Turkish inflation last year for the nation’s (US) biggest month, to 6.6 percent year-on-year, supports our view that the central Marmore MENA @ banks. They were hit hard by a bank’s current easing cycle has fur- marmoremena bad environment for trading and ther to run,” said William Jackson, an economist at Capital Economics Cheap oil to hurt UAE deal-making. in London in a note to clients. realty further; house Turkey’s central bank has cut prices to drop 10% in 2016: S&P its overnight lending rate from 10.75 percent to 10 percent over its last two meetings. www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAGE | 35 PAGE | 36 Selby sees off Top athletes ready Ding to claim World to kick off Diamondd Championship crown League season

WEDNESDAY 4 MAY 2016 • 27 Rajab 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

ENGLISH PREMIER TOP SCORERS OF LEAGUE TABLE ENGLISH P W D L G/f G/a Pts PREMIER LEAGUE Out of the blue Leicester 36 22 11 3 64 34 77 25 Harry Kane (Tottenham Tottenham 36 19 13 4 67 28 70 Hotspur) Arsenal 36 19 10 7 59 34 67 23 Sergio Aguero (Manchester City) Man City 36 19 7 10 68 38 64 22 Jamie Vardy (Leicester City) Man Utd 35 17 9 9 43 31 60 18 Romelu Lukaku (Everton) West Ham 35 15 14 6 60 43 59 S’ampton 36 16 9 11 53 39 57 17 Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City) Liverpool 35 15 10 10 59 48 55 14 Jermain Defoe (Sunderland) Odion Ighalo (Watford) Chelsea 35 12 12 11 55 48 48 Stoke 36 13 9 14 38 52 48 12 Olivier Giroud (Arsenal) Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal) Everton 35 10 14 11 55 49 44 Watford 35 12 8 15 36 42 44 11 Diego Costa (Chelsea) Marko Arnautovic (Stoke City) Swansea 36 11 10 15 37 50 43 Gylfi Sigurdsson (Swansea City) West Brom 36 10 11 15 32 46 41 Troy Deeney (Watford) B’mouth 36 11 8 17 43 63 41 10 Shane Long (Southampton) C Palace 36 10 9 17 36 46 39 Sadio Mane (Southampton) Newcastle 36 8 9 19 39 64 33 Graziano Pelle (Southampton) Andre Ayew (Swansea City) Sunderland 35 7 11 17 40 58 32 Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur) Norwich 35 8 7 20 35 61 31 9 Roberto Firmino (Liverpool) Aston Villa 36 3 7 26 27 72 16 Anthony Martial (Manchester Note: Top four teams qualify for United) Champions League; teams finishing Georginio Wijnaldum (Newcas- A Leicester City supporter celebrates near the Haymarket Memorial Clock Tower after the English Premier League soccer match between 5th-6th qualify for Europa League; tle United) Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, in Leicester, Britain, on Monday. Leicester was crowned English Premier League champions for thefirst time bottom three teams relegated to Andy Carroll (West Ham United) in the club’s history clinching the title after a tie between Chelsea and Tottenham. Championship Dimitri Payet (West Ham United) Leicester’s fairytale becomes a reality

FOOTBALL: ENGLISH Fans in Leicester, population Last year’s relegation PREMIER LEAGUE 330,000, gathered to watch the game in bars and pubs and roared on Chel- battlers outshine sea, the outgoing champions, as if some of the supporting their own team. as they watched Monday’s game at There were scenes of delirium at glamorous teams to the home of talismanic striker Jamie Hogarths pub, near Leicester Cathe- seal a credible title Vardy. dral where 15th-century monarch The players can now look for- king Richard III was reinterred in ward to another title party when they March last year. lift the trophy at their 32,000-seater Supporters spilled into the streets King Power Stadium following Satur- afterwards, chanting the names of AFP day’s home game with Everton. Ranieri and top-scorer Vardy, whose “It’s an unbelievable feeling. I’ve 22 goals include a Premier League never known anything like it,” said record of netting 11 games in a row. Vardy. “We were scrapping to stay in “This year I got married and had LEICESTER, United Kingdom: the league last season and on Satur- a baby, but this tops it all,” said jubi- Thousands celebrated and millions day we’ll be lifting the trophy. lant fan Steve Robinson, 26. around the world watched in won- “It’s the biggest achievement in Ranieri, who was reportedly der as 5,000-1 underdogs Leicester the history of a great club and we all flying back from Italy after visiting City completed arguably the great- feel privileged to be part of it.” his 96-year-old mother when Mon- est fairytale in sporting history by With the Premier League a glo- day’s result came in, said he never becoming English Premier League bal sporting phenomenon, attracting expected to win the Premier League champions. billions of pounds in television rights when he was hired last year. Second-placed Tottenham Hot- deals, Leicester’s triumph has been “I’m so proud,” the 64-year-old spur’s 2-2 draw at Chelsea late on followed worldwide. Italian, who had never previously Monday was enough for last year’s The Foxes’ previous best season won a league title, told the club relegation battlers to seal a scarcely in the English top flight was a sec- website. credible title after outshining some ond-place finish in 1929, and their “I never expected this when I of football’s most glamorous teams. last piece of silverware was the 2000 arrived. I’m a pragmatic man.” Masterminded by manager Clau- League Cup. Leicester Mayor Peter Soulsby dio Ranieri, Leicester’s season of 22 “I’ve never known a spirit like suggested there could be “streets wins out of 36 games and just three the one between these boys. We’re named after him, freedom of the city, defeats was enough to make them like brothers,” said captain Wes statues” in Ranieri’s honour. champions with two games to spare, Morgan. British Prime Minister David with Arsenal, Manchester City, Man- Britain’s newspapers turned Cameron sent his congratulations, chester United and Liverpool all blue in homage, while The Econo- calling it an “extraordinary, thor- trailing behind. mist magazine asserted: “There has oughly deserved” title. After fighting off relegation last never been a more improbable vic- FIFA, world football’s governing year and being rated 5,000-1 for the tory in any sport.” body, congratulated the Foxes on a title at the start of the season, the Former Leicester and England “magical story”. Thai-owned club pulled off a shock striker Gary Lineker, 55, called it After a night of car horns honk- rated by many as the biggest seen in “the biggest sporting shock of my ing in celebration, the title was the sport. lifetime”. sole topic of conversation in the city The modest East Midlands club “I can’t think of anything that on Tuesday. are England’s first new champions surpasses it in sporting history,” the Many people were wearing their since Brian Clough’s Nottingham BBC TV presenter said. Leicester scarves in the streets, where Forest in 1978, and their surge in the “I got emotional. It was hard to the champagne bottle clean-up oper- world’s most watched football league breathe. I was a season ticket-holder ation was under way. has won them admirers across the from the age of seven. This is actu- In the Gourmet Cafe, waitress globe. ally impossible.” Stacie, 25, said takings were down, Dancing fans waving blue and Twitter said Leicester’s win trig- likely “because people didn’t go to white flags poured onto the streets gered an 86 percent increase in work”. of Leicester, while footage on Twitter activity on the social media site in “They are not hungover yet -- a showed the team celebrating wildly Britain. lot of people are still drunk.” 30 WEDNESDAY 4 MAY 2016 SPORT

Foxes ‘will not sell’ Leicester ‘magic’ hailed globally stars, vow Thai owners led by new FIFA President Gianni Infantino, clamoured to hail the per- Miracles don’t exist petrators of one of the sport’s most AFP in football, it’s a just incredible tales. “It’s one of these beautiful football reward for their year stories that only football can write, BANGKOK: Leicester City’s Thai of hard work, says that nobody would have believed pos- owners vowed yesterday to resist Real coach Zidane sible at the beginning of the season,” any pressure to sell the much- declared Infantino. coveted stars who have propelled “This is the magic of football.” them to an unlikely English Pre- Everybody concurred with this mier League victory. sentiment, be it in Madrid, where Star striker Jamie Vardy, fleet- Reuters even combatants in today’s Champi- footed winger Riyad Mahrez and ons League semi-final paid tribute to midfield enforcer N’Golo Kante the Foxes, or Rome, where the Italian have caught the eye with out- Prime Minister wanted to salute the standing displays and would likely LONDON: Leicester City’s exultant city’s popular son Ranieri. command massive transfer fees if players and beaming manager Clau- “The greatest achievement in the sold. dio Ranieri went back to work in a history of English soccer was led by But speaking to Thai tel- daze yesterday as the sports world an Italian. Fantastic Mr Ranieri,” PM evision, club vice-chairman saluted their outlandish Premier Matteo Renzi tweeted. Aiyawatt Srivaddhanapra- League triumph as the perfect exam- “They’ve had an amazing sea- bha said the Midlands outfit ple of the “magic of football.” son. Miracles don’t exist in football; was under no pressure to sell At their training ground in Leices- it’s a just reward for their year of hard -- and had in fact already con- ter, sleepless but bright-eyed players work,” Zinedine Zidane, the French tacted a number of potential continued in party mood as, amid great who manages Real Madrid, new recruits. much festivity, training took on a fes- added before their second leg with “Leicester is not the team tive air while the club’s Thai owner Manchester City. A man cycles past an advert on a bus stop in Leicester, Britain, yesterday. Leicester City’s Premier League that will sell players -- as I said flew in by helicopter to congratulate Back at the Premier League head- title dream became a reality on Monday as their only remaining challengers Tottenham Hotspur drew 2-2 at on the first day... we want to cre- them. quarters in London, chief executive Chelsea to complete one of the greatest ever sporting achievements. The Foxes’ Premier League campaign ate a foundation of the team. They Meanwhile, the football world, chairman Richard Scudamore told has captivated fans in the provincial English city as well as sports fans worldwide. have grown together,” Top, as he is better known, told Channel 3 the BBC that “it’s probably the biggest let a Vardy lookalike fan join the team players to be developed later by other television. sporting story ever and the biggest bus to pose with his hero. teams,” he said. “All players want to stay and sporting achievement ever. Ranieri, who had missed Mon- There is no chance of the cel- want to see how far the team can “Nobody saw it coming. So here day’s fun and games with his team ebrations ceasing any time soon go... everyone is happy.” we are, it’s made mugs of all of us and for a quiet celebration with his wife at before Saturday, when captain Wes Top’s billionaire father Vichai that is just the most fantastic feeling.” home, embraced his players at train- Morgan will pick up the trophy at the Srivaddhanaprabha bought the That feeling was still coursing ing and also the club’s Thai owner, Foxes’ last home game of the season club in 2010 with cash from his through Leicester’s players, who had Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, after the against Everton at the King Power wildly successful duty-free busi- all gathered at star striker Jamie Var- billionaire disembarked from his Stadium. ness, King Power. dy’s house on Monday night to watch helicopter. “I can’t wait to lift the trophy The team defied 5000-1 odds nearest challengers Tottenham Hot- Srivaddhanaprabha’s son Aiya- and get my hands on it. I am going to win the Premier League on spur’s 2-2 draw at Chelsea, the result watt provided the best news for to try and hold back the tears, it is Monday night, after second-placed which sealed the title. Leicester fans when he gave a TV going to be very emotional, it is the Spurs failed to win at Chelsea. After singing and bouncing up and interview to Thai television on Mon- biggest moment of my life,” said Meanwhile, Leicester City down for the cameras during desul- day night, insisting that the club had Morgan, who like so many of his enjoyed a celebratory lunch at Leicester City’s Italian football manager Claudio Ranieri (right) is tory training, they all headed to one no intention of selling any of their best team mates, has been transformed an Italian restaurant in the city mobbed by fans as he leaves an Italian restaurant after having lunch of Ranieri’s favourite pizza restau- players. from a supposed journeyman into yesterday. with his players in the centre of Leicester on Monday. rants for lunch but still had time to “We are not a team who produces a colossus. Italian manager Ranieri, star striker Jamie Vardy and Thai chairman Vichai Srivaddhana- prabha were in attendance at the San Carlo restaurant to celebrate the first title in the club’s 132-year history. Five sporting fairytales to rival Leicester Restaurant manager Andrea Villotti revealed that the Leices- ter party had dined on lobster but AFP unbeaten run of 42 games (the equiv- squad together when Yugoslavia fresh-faced 17-year-old from Ger- English jump racing jockey Bob not pizza during a two-and-a-half- alent of an entire season) stood until were barred from the 1992 Euro- many won the grass-court Grand Champion was diagnosed with tes- hour lunch and that Ranieri and Arsenal’s Invincibles in 2004. pean Championships because of civil Slam’s traditional warm-up at ticular cancer in 1979 and given his players had politely declined Muhammad Ali 1974 war, the Danes -- who had been run- Queen’s Club in London, he was between six and eight months to champagne. LONDON: Five sporting fairytales Ali’s refusal to be drafted for the ners-up to the Yugoslavs in qualifying dubbed a “future Wimbledon cham- live. But he opted to endure the then “It was a dream, a dream to rival Leicester City’s against-the- Vietnam War had meant a three-year -- were given little hope. A 0-0 draw pion” by the media. Little did they new and painful chemotherapy treat- come true,” he told Britain’s Press odds Premier League triumph: exile from boxing in what should against England and defeat to hosts realise the prediction would come ment and was remarkably back in Association. “They’re really nice Nottingham Forest 1977-79 have been his prime years. On his Sweden did little to dispel the notion, true only three weeks later. the saddle just a year later. He had people.” Brian Clough’s miracle men return he lost to Joe Frazier and Ken but a 2-1 win over fancied France put Unseeded, and with many of his long believed that Aldaniti had the Villotti said the restaurant would seem to be the closest pred- Norton, meaning nobody but Ali them into the semi-finals and they early matches going largely unno- potential to win the “world’s great- would honour Leicester’s success ecessors to Leicester’s title triumph. himself thought he could beat the squeaked past the Netherlands on ticed on outside courts, Becker est steeplechase” over the gruelling with a special dish, something But where Leicester have billionaire fearsome George Foreman who had penalties. The might of world cham- battled to the final where he over- four-and-a-half miles of Aintree’s “blue” and with “a little bite”. Thai owners, Clough’s Forest once dismantled Norton and Frazier both pions Germany awaited in the final came Kevin Curren. The South famous course, despite the horse After news of Leicester’s dining held cheese and wine events to raise inside two brutal rounds. but Denmark rode their luck with African had conquered both Jimmy being almost constantly being treated plans leaked out, restaurant staff funds. Despite that, Clough led them But Ali’s “rope-a-dope” tactics in goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel prov- Connors and John McEnroe in ear- for a variety of injuries. had to cover up the windows with to the Football League championship the “Rumble in the Jungle” in Zaire ing impregnable and goals from lier rounds but couldn’t cope with the Their partnership and victory in large tablecloths as a huge throng at the first time of asking with four saw him knock out an exhausted John Jensen and Kim Vilfort taking teenager’s confidence and fearless the 1981 Grand National was one of of fans gathered outside. games to spare, and then two consec- Foreman in the eighth round and the team that had failed originally approach as Becker won the first of pure emotion and inspired the move Vardy invited his team-mates utive European Cups, dethroning the win back the heavyweight title at to qualify for the tournament to the his three titles at the All-England club “Champions” in which John Hurt round to his house to watch Mon- all-conquering Liverpool side of Bob the age of 32. most unlikely of victories. 6-3, 6-7, 7-6, 6-4. starred as the jockey. Now 67, Cham- day’s 2-2 draw between Chelsea Paisley -- the Barcelona of their day Denmark, Euro ‘92 Boris Becker, Wimbledon 1985 Bob Champion, Grand National pion continues to work tirelessly to and second-place Tottenham Hot- -- in both competitions. Their record Given a week’s notice to put a When, in June 1985, a 1981 raise money into cancer research. spur, which handed Leicester the title. El Jaish and Al Rayyan to clash in Emir Cup semi-finals

The Peninsula

DOHA: EL Jaish and Al Rayyan registered identical straight sets wins to move into the semi-finals of the Emir Cup Volleyball. Yesterday at the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiya Arena, Al Rayyan trounced Al Sadd 3-0 (25/15, 25/17 and 25/18) to qualify for the last four stage. In the other quarter-final, El Jaish got the better of Al Shamal 3-0 (25/19, 25/22 and 25/21). El Jaish and Al Rayyan will clash in the best-of- three semi-finals, in what will be a repeat of the Qatar Cup final, which Al Rayyan won. Emir Cup Volleyball Results Al Rayyan bt Al Sadd 3-0 (25/15, 25/17 and 25/18); El Jaish bt Al Shamal 3-0 (25/19, 25/22 and 25/21) Today’s matches 4.30 pm – Police vs Al Gharafa Action from the Emir Cup volleyball match between El Jaish and Al Shamal at Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiya Arena 6.30 pm – Al Arabi vs Qatar SC in Doha yesterday. El Jaish bt Al Shamal 3-0 (25/19, 25/22 and 25/21) to reach the semi-finals. In the other Venue: Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiya Arena match, Al Rayyan beat Al Sadd 3-0 (25/15, 25/17 and 25/18) to reach the last four stage. SPORT WEDNESDAY 4 MAY 2016 31

Bale seeks to seal Real Madrid banking on fit Ronaldo Real resurgence on biggest stage goal power against Manchester City AFP MADRID: A year ago as Gareth Bale sneaked out the side exit to to miss Madrid’s last three games in charge of the team in January after Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu all competitions and has resumed Rafael Benitez was sacked, said fail- stadium he was engulfed by cat Striker Benzema and full training. ing to reach the Champions League calls and insults by his own fans. Casemiro to miss out But Benzema is yet to recover final in Milan on May 28 would be a They were infuriated at his from a hamstring problem and “failure”. inability to take a slew of chances today’s Champions Casemiro is still out after a knock to “Until now we have said we as Madrid bowed out of the Cham- League semi-final the hip sustained in Saturday’s 1-0 haven’t achieved anything. We are pions League semi-finals to win at Real Sociedad. in good form, but our aim is to do Juventus. return match “Cristiano is fine, he is 100 per- everything possible and try and go Twelve months on, Bale is the cent. He has trained and will be with through. man fit and in form as Real looked us tomorrow, there is no risk,” Zidane “But it will be very difficult. If we to seal their place in a 14th Euro- told a news conference. don’t get through, it’ll be a failure.” pean Cup final on Wednesday Reuters “We need a 100 percent Cris- City coach Manuel Pellegrini when Manchester City visit the tiano,” he said. “He’s a different made eight changes to his team Bernabeu with their semi-final player. His numbers show that and against Southampton on Sunday, in delicately poised a 0-0 after the I’m happy he’s with us tomorrow. I’d preparation for the trip to Madrid, but first leg. MADRID: Real Madrid are hoping have liked Karim and Casemiro to the plan backfired as they lost 4-2. Bale has stood up to be the fit-again Cristiano Ronaldo can be there too, but others will play and The Chilean was unapologetic counted in the absence of injured lead them into the Champions League that’s that,” added Zidane. about resting some of his players as three-time World Player of the final although strike partner Karim “Karim’s situation is different. He his side look to reach a first Cham- Year Cristiano Ronaldo in recent Benzema and midfielder Casemiro still has a problem and we don’t want pions League final. weeks to keep Madrid’s hopes of will miss today’s return match with to take any risks,” he said. “I would do exactly the same a La Liga and Champions League Manchester City. The club’s all-time leading scorer again because we have an important double alive. Ronaldo completed a full train- Ronaldo has 47 goals in all competi- game on Wednesday,” said Pellegrini. For the first time in his three ing session on Monday for the first tions this season. Real are eyeing their 14th final years in Madrid, the Welshman time since injuring his hamstring His hat-trick in the quarter-final appearance, 60 years after defeating has stamped his authority on against Villarreal on April 20 and is second leg against VfL Wolfsburg Stade de Reims 4-3 to win the inau- the side to demonstrate he could expected to start the semi-final sec- overturned a two-goal deficit from gural competition. prove to be Ronaldo’s succes- ond leg against City who were held to the first match, averting an embar- The Madrid heavyweights have sor as top dog at the Bernabeu as a 0-0 home draw in the first game. rassing exit for Zinedine Zidane’s progressed in seven out of eight Euro- president Florentino Perez hoped The 10-times European cham- side. pean ties after being held to a goalless when shelling out over 100m euros pions scraped a 1-0 win at Real “Casemiro does not have a seri- draw in the first leg, losing only to ($114m) to secure his services from Sociedad in La Liga on Saturday ous injury but he has a bruise and did Spartak Moscow in the 1991 Euro- Tottenham Hotspur. without their two top scorers. not train today. We will try and play pean Cup quarter-finals. By Bale’s own admission, his Portugal marksman Ronaldo took the same way and put someone else Real are also unbeaten in their second season in the Spanish cap- no part in last week’s tie in Manches- in his position. Casemiro is Casem- last four Champions League matches ital was one to forget as Madrid ter while France forward Benzema iro but we have a big squad and there at the Bernabeu against English ended the campaign without a went off at halftime. Although Real are other players who can do what opposition. major trophy having promised so had the better chances they were he does.” “Home advantage will help. The much during a 22-game winning noticeably lightweight up front in Brazilian midfield anchor Casem- fans have to support us, we’re count- run from September to January. the second period. iro has grown into one of Madrid’s ing on them and I’m sure they won’t “Maybe last season I didn’t play Zinedine Zidane said Ronaldo “is most important players in the last let us down,” said midfield anchor- to anywhere near to my potential,” Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo (front) and team-mate Gareth 100 percent” and will face Manches- two months. man Casemiro. he said recently. ter City. Real are on their best run of form “When they get behind us they Bale take part in a training session at Valdebebas training ground in “It’s good to have a bad sea- Ronaldo has recovered from a this season, having won 10 league help a lot. Manchester City have to Madrid, on the eve of the UEFA Champions League semi-final second son, you really do learn a lot about hamstring injury which forced him games in a row. But Zidane, who took feel that the Bernabeu is strong.” leg football match against Manchester City. yourself and I feel this season I took last season on board. “I understand the game a lot more over here and hopefully there is a lot still more to come in the future.” UEFA admits Kosovo in step towards World Cup Bale has already experienced Champions League glory, scoring in the final against local rivals Atletico Madrid to deliver Real’s AFP other breakaway regions applying for a war between ethnic-Albanian treasured “La Decima” - a 10th membership. and Serbian forces in 1998-99 and European Cup. But Vokrri said UEFA had to vote declared its independence from Ser- Yet, even that didn’t shield the for footballers. bia in 2008. 26-year-old from the criticism that BUDAPEST: UEFA admitted Kosovo “What message are we sending It is now recognised by more than followed last season. as its 55th member in a narrow vote the youth of Kosovo,” the federation 100 countries, but it is not a member Bale has often struggled to yesterday, boosting its hopes of com- president told the congress before the of the United Nations. adapt to his surroundings in the peting in the 2018 World Cup despite vote. The Olympic appearance will Spanish capital and the pressure warnings from former ruler Serbia. “Sixty percent of the population be another victory in its battle for that comes with being the world’s The UEFA congress voted 28 to of Kosovo are aged under 27. Can international recognition while the most expensive player. 24 with two votes declared invalid to we really keep them away from this prospect of at least taking part in He has yet to speak to the accept Kosovo, which will also have a privilege.” European club and international media in Spanish, although he team at the Olympics for the first time Switzerland, which has several tournaments could see a new force claims to be able to make himself at the Rio de Janeiro Games in August. ethnic Kosovo players in its national emerge. understood in the dressing room. FIFA will now decide at its con- team, including Xerdan Shaqiri, “Kosovo has many football tal- Yet, his image as an over- gress in Mexico City on May 13 Granit Xhaka and Valon Behrami, ents. We need to provide them with priced and injury-prone luxury whether to become the last major also opposed the vote. proper infrastructure. I believe that has been transformed in recent sporting federation to admit Kosovo. Though FIFA statutes would have Kosovo’s national team will be among weeks as he led a fightback from The Kosovo Football Federation to be changed, Switzerland and Alba- the best in Europe,” the Kosovo pres- 2-0 down to win 3-2 at Rayo Val- hopes that if FIFA gives its green light, nia fear they could lose players to the ident said. lecano with a double last weekend it will get a late place in a European Delegation members of Kosovo celebrate their UEFA membership Kosovo national side. UEFA membership is only the first and followed that up with the win- qualifying group for the World Cup in after the 40th Ordinary UEFA Congress at the Hungexpo Fair Center in “It is unfair to put pressure on stage of getting into the Champions ner as an under-strength Real won Russia in two years. Budapest, Hungary, yesterday. players,” said Swiss Football Associ- League or the European Champion- a 10th consecutive La Liga game “We are very happy today of ation general secretary Alex Miescher. ship however. 1-0 at Real Sociedad on Saturday. course,” federation president Fadil was broadcast live on four major TV step will be Kosovo’s membership in “They will not have to choose for a Its stadiums and clubs will have Madrid sports daily AS’s Vokrri told AFP. channels and by radio stations. FIFA,” he added. country, but against one,” he told the to be approved by UEFA’s club com- front page on Saturday morning “Now we have to wait and see President Hashim Thaci said: Passionate speeches were made congress. mittee and then the UEFA executive declared: “The league goes through what FIFA decides in 10 days in Mex- “After three decades of isolation for for and against Kosovo’s membership European football officials did will have to football to let Kosovo onto Bale.”Whilst his talent was doubted ico, but we hope for the best, that we Kosovo football, Kosovo’s member- at the congress. not rule out action by opponents of the international stage. by few, the character, personality can compete in the World Cup.” ship in UEFA marks a new page, a Serbia’s Football Association the vote at the Court of Arbitration UEFA could also decide to keep and leadership shown by Bale in There were also new celebra- historic day. president Tomislav Karadzic said it for Sport. Kosovo and Serbian teams apart in Ronaldo’s absence has surprised tions in Kosovo where the congress “I strongly believe that the next would open up a “Pandora’s Box” with Kosovo was at the centre of European competitions. many in Madrid. Yet, his resurgence still lacks the kudos of a famous Champi- ons League night at the Bernabeu. Bale has yet to register a goal ACL: Thompson steers in this season’s competition, whilst Ronaldo has 16 in 10 games -- including a stunning hat-trick that Victory into knockouts turned around a 2-0 first leg deficit to Wolfsburg in the quarter-finals. AFC Champions AFP looked to be cruising into the knock- out stages at 2-0 up until Ademilson League Results pulled one back for Gamba in the Melbourne: Results from the AFC 84th minute, setting up a nervy Champions League yesterday: finale. Group G MELBOURNE: Departing veteran But Victory made it through Melbourne Victory (AUS) 2 (Berisha Archie Thompson extended his to join A-League rivals Sydney 13, Thompson 16) Gamba Osaka Melbourne Victory career when he FC in the next phase, in what (JPN) 1 (Ademilson 84) struck a rare AFC Champions League has been a strong perform- Suwon Samsung Bluewings (KOR) goal to steer his team into the last 16 ance by the Australian teams 3 (Kim Gun-Hee 7, 55, Min Sang-Gi yesterday. heading into their domestic 52) Shanghai SIPG (CHN) 0 Thompson, 37, who shed tears post-season. Group H last week when announcing the Victory qualify second in Group Guangzhou Evergrande (CHN) 1 end of his 11-year Victory stint, net- G behind Sven-Goran Eriksson’s (Gao Lin 2) Sydney FC (AUS) 0 ted what turned out to be a crucial Shanghai SIPG, whose 0-3 defeat at second goal in a tense 2-1 win over the hands of Suwon Samsung Bluew- Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN) 1 Koki Yonekura (left) of Gamba Osaka sends a header towards goal during the AFC Champions League Gamba Osaka. ings ultimately made no difference (Lubijankic 87) Pohang Steelers In their final group game, Victory to the standings. (ACL) football match against Melbourne Victory in Melbourne yesterday. (KOR) 1 (Veselinovic 65) 32 WEDNESDAY 4 MAY 2016 SPORT

Nadal makes Futsal Intercontinental Cup: commanding start in Madrid Qatar’s Al Rayyan in Group B AFP MADRID: Fourteen-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal stretched his perfect start to the European clay-court season to 11 Home side tied with matches with a routine 6-3, 6-3 win over Russia’s Andrey Kuznet- Benfica, Magnus sov to reach round three of the Futsal and Inter Madrid Masters yesterday. Fresh from victories in Monte Movistar as eight Carlo and Barcelona, Nadal will teams to clash for continue his quest for a fifth title in Madrid against American Sam title in Doha next Querrey or France’s Lucas Pouille month tomorrow. Nadal is looking for a record 50th career clay-court title in the Spanish capital and was rarely The Peninsula troubled by the world number 39 Kuznetsov. The Spaniard raced into a 3-0 first-set lead and one break was DOHA: Qatar’s Al Rayyan yesterday enough to seal the set as he staved were placed in Group B of the eight- off break points in the fourth game. team of the Futsal Intercontinental Kuznetsov made a more pos- Cup to be held in Doha next month. itive start to the second to lead The June 24 to 29 tournament 3-2, but was blown away as Nadal, will contested by eight teams from ominously for his rivals later in the three continents, organisers said at week, found his rhythm to win the the draw ceremony held at Aspire last four games. Academy. Nadal’s path to the final was Benfica, Magnus Futsal and Inter eased as his potential quarter-final Movistar are the other three sides opponent Roger Federer withdrew placed in Group B. due to a back injury on Monday. In Group A, Tasiyat Daryaei, Former Brazilian futsal player Alessandro Rosa, the Brand Ambassador of Futsal Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2016 showcases his skills during However, he could face Dynamo Moscu FC, Carlos Barbosa Andy Murray in the semi-finals the Draw Ceremony of the event at Aspire Dome yesterday. BELOW: (From left) Javier Lozano, President of LNFS, Mansoor Al Ansari, QFA and FC Barcelona Lassa will lock in a repeat of last year’s final as Secretary-General, Rosa and Carlo Cutropia, President of 380 Around Marketing in a group photo with the Futsal Intercontinental Cup. Pics: horns to reach the knockout stages Baher Amin/The Peninsula defending champion Murray gets of the six-day event. his tournament underway against Qatar Football Association’s (QFA) Czech veteran Radek Stepanek Secretary General Mansoor Al Ansari champions in one event. Futsal will later on Tuesday. said the event will be a regular feature gain momentum in this region.” Frenchman Gael Monfils con- for the next five years including the Brazilian futsal great Alessan- tinued his fine form after losing to inaugural edition next month. dro Rosa Vieira - popularly known Nadal in the final of Monte Carlo “We have the honour of organ- as Falcao - said: “At the outset, I want last month as he saw off Kevin ising this tournament in Doha for to thank QFA. I know there’s a big Anderson 6-4, 6-1. the next five years as it showcases infrastructure in the this country. We Controversial Australian Nick our strong commitment to not only know 2022 FIFA World Cup will be Kyrgios set up an enticing sec- develop but also to positively impact held here. This is a great opportunity ond-round clash with fourth seed futsal across three continents - Asia, to take futsal to new audiences in a Stanislas Wawrinka as he battled Europe and South America,” Al Ansari football-loving country.” past Argentine Guido Pella 7-6 said in his opening remarks. He added: “We have heard Loz- (9/7), 6-4. President of LNFS Javier Lozano ano and others talk about futsal in A dreadful week for Bulgaria’s said: “Qatar is investing a great deal of Qatar. This is not something new. I Grigor Dimitrov continued as he resources, spending time and money have seen high level stadiums and exited in the first round 7-6 (7/3), into bringing top-notch events includ- human skills are all available in 6-3 to Pablo Carreno Busta two ing events for women athletes.” Qatar.” days after defaulting in the final “Mr Ansari you have achieved Al Ansari said: “We are proud to of the Istanbul Open for a racquet- a great deal of success over the last present the teams with state of the smashing tirade. few years. You will get to see a beau- art facilities which will encourage In the women’s Madrid Open tiful show showcased by top players. I them to display their best per- there was a better day for the would like to renew my thanks to QFA formance when aiming to win this favourites after a series of high- and others for bringing this event to tournament.” profile exits left just five seeds left Qatar,” Lozano said. “The Qatar Football Association in the draw. Carlo Cutropía, President 380 will spare no effort to ensure that World number seven Simona Around Marketing, said: “We would this event is organised to the high- Halep thrashed Karin Knapp 6-1, like to thank QFA President and Sec- est of standards and has allocated 6-1 to set up a third-round clash retary General in bringing this event Aspire’s Ladies Sports Hall as well as with Timea Bacsinszky as the to Qatar. We will bring this event in the recently-opened Ali Bin Hamad 10th seed overcame Ekaterina record time. We will have 3 world Al Attiyah Arena in Al Sadd,” Makarova 6-4. 5-7, 6-4. Al Nuami heads into MERC 2 battle with slender lead

The Peninsula JORDAN RALLY

DOHA: Nasser bin Saleh Al Attiyah may be the firm favourite to win the Jordan Rally outright in depth: Khaled and Emad Juma add power for a 10th time at the Dead Sea this week, but to the home challenge and they will be sup- there’s another equally as important compe- ported by the other Jordanian crews of Ihab tition running minutes behind the Qatari and Al-Shorafa and Hazem Attiyat and Lina Hadidi involving a whole host of the region’s lead- and Barkev Shadian in their respective Mit- ing drivers. subishi Lancer and Subaru Impreza. The FIA Middle East Rally Championship’s Teams complete the second day of their Group N series has been renamed MERC 2 this reconnaissance of the special stages on year and has already become a battle ground Wednesday, before the event gets underway for drivers from Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, with a ceremonial start and super special stage Italy, Turkey, Italy, Jordan and Lebanon on the in Abdali, Amman’s new business, commer- opening two rallies in Qatar and Kuwait. cial and leisure hub, on Thursday afternoon. Qatar’s Rashid Al Nuami currently holds The meat of the action takes place in the a two-point advantage over fellow country- Dead Sea and Jordan Valley areas on Friday man Abdullah Al Kuwari in the MERC 2 points’ and Saturday. standings, although Kuwait Rally runner-up Meshari Al Thafiri and Lebanon’s rising star FIA MERC 2 Rodolphe Asmar are five and eight points Positions after round 2: behind, respectively. 1. Rashid Al Nuami (QAT) 44 pts “It’s important that we carry out an accu- rate recce and make no mistakes,” said Al 2. Abdullah Al Kuwari (QAT) 42 pts Nuami’s Italian navigator Nicola Arena. 3. Meshari Al Thafiri (KWT) 39 pts “These stages are tricky and can easily 4. Rodolphe Asmar (LEB) 36 pts catch you out. 5. Yigit Timur (TUR) 29 pts “MERC 2 cars are not as strong and as for- Qatar’s Rashid Al Nuami takes a two-point MERC 2 lead into this weekend’s Jordan Rally. 6. Khalifa Al Attiyah (QAT) 24 pts giving as the R5s and we need to drive quickly, but also keep one eye on not damaging the car. 7. Stephano Marrini (ITA) 20 pts MERC 2 has become very popular this year and 8. Rakan Al Rashed (SAU) 18 pts we are looking forward to an exciting fight Cyprus, Oman and Dubai. Saudi Arabia’s that make the three-day Jordan Rally such a last year’s Jordan Rally Group N winner and 9. Vedat Diker (TUR) 7 pts with a string field over the next few days.” Rakan Rashed and Turkey’s Vedat Diker will unique challenge. his female navigator Nancy Al-Majali will be 10. Husam Salem (JOR) 5 pts catapult themselves into contention with a Jordan’s Husam Salem collected five aiming for another podium finish in their Mit- 10. Salem Ali (KWT) 5 pts The series is still wide open with five ral- good result this weekend along the notori- championship points at the opening round subishi Lancer Evolution IX. lies remaining this season in Jordan, Lebanon, ously difficult, smooth and flowing stages in Qatar and missed round two in Kuwait, but The MERC 2 entry in Jordan has strength 12. Elie Chachati (LEB) 2 pts SPORT WEDNESDAY 4 MAY 2016 33

Rugby: Eels docked 12 points for Olympics: The Games flame salary-cap breach

AFP arrives in crisis-hit Brazil

SYDNEY: Australian National Rugby League side Parramatta Eels were yesterday docked 12 points Plenty of tension and fined Aus$1m ($769,700) for salary cap breaches, throwing across the country their season into turmoil. as Rio de Janeiro Before the sanction, the Eels were fifth on the ladder with 12 prepares to welcome points, two behind joint leaders athletes and fans for North Queensland Cowboys, Mel- the biggest sports bourne Storm, Cronulla Sharks and Brisbane Broncos, all on 14. show on Earth They now drop to zero, effec- tively starting again after nine rounds and will only be allowed to accumulate points once necessary AP changes have been put in place. The NRL also issued notices asking three members of the club’s BRASÍLIA: Brazil’s embattled pres- board and two of their executive ident said the Rio de Janeiro Games to show why their registrations will be “the most successful Olym- should not be cancelled. pics in history” as she ignited the They include chairman Steve flame yesterday for a nationwide Sharp and chief executive John torch relay that organizers hope will Boulous, with the Eels given “a build enthusiasm for the event amid reasonable time” to respond before the country’s deep political and eco- the penalties are enforced. nomic crisis. The NRL said an investiga- President Dilma Rousseff presided tion showed that since 2013 the over the flame ceremony in Brasilia, Eels had been “operating a system even though she faces impeachment designed to enable it to exceed the and is unlikely to be in office when salary cap without detection and South America’s first Olympics open give its team an unfair advantage”. in less than three months. “As the governing body, we “Brazil is ready to host the most have a responsibility to act in the successful Olympics in history,” Rous- Brazilian Olympic Committee President Carlos Arthur Nusmann holds interests of the game for the long seff said in a speech to off the torch the Olympic flame as he arrives in Brasilia from Geneva, beginning the term,” NRL chief Todd Greenberg relay, which will reach 329 Brazil- flame’s journey across the country before the start of the 2016 Olympic said. ian cities and end on August 5 at the Games on August 5. The torch will travel to more than 300 towns and “At times, it gives us no pleas- opening ceremony in Rio’s Maracana cities carried by some 12,000 relay runners before arriving on August 5 ure to have to do so and this is stadium. at the mythic Maracana to kick off the first Olympics in South America. one of those. But we have to take Rousseff is expected to be sus- a stand on behalf of the fans, the pended from office next week as the club and the game.” country’s senate hears an impeach- agencies “who have experience with a difficult period, a very difficult, Claudio, who will also captain yesterday a few hundred protesters A salary cap, currently ment case against her, which means terrorism.” critical period in the history of our Brazil’s Olympic volleyball team, was gathered on a relay route controlled Aus$6.1m a team, was introduced Vice President Michel Temer is likely “The Olympic torch will be democracy of dealing with the prob- followed by Brazilian mathematician with a heavy police presence. to help ensure fairer competition to be president during the Games. received with joy in all cities in our lems. ... It’s important to fight, and we Artur Avila Cordeiro de Melo. One sign in English read: “Oly- between NRL teams. Rousseff spoke for 20 minutes, immense Brazil,” she said. know how to fight.” The relay across Brazil will Impeachment is here.” Another read: The NRL alleged the Eels paid promising Rio is ready with com- “The flame will illuminate a hos- The Olympic flame arrived in a involve 329 cities and 12,000 torch- “Our democracy is at risk.” players undisclosed remuneration pleted venues and top security. pitable and responsible country.” lantern on a flight from Switzerland bearers. Rio organizers hope it will Colonel Jose Vicente da Silva, a from their own resources, used “Brazil is completely ready to She also touched on the political and was taken to the Planalto presi- spark excitement for the games, which former head of public security, said third party agreements in breach offer protection to the athletes, the and economic turmoil rocking South dential palace. has lagged as Brazil battles bribery in a recent interview that he expects of salary cap rules, and conspired technical staffs, heads of delegations, America’s largest country. The first torchbearer was double and corruption scandals, its deepest demonstrations along the route. with club suppliers to inflate tourists, and journalists — to all our “We know political problems exist gold-medal winning volleyball player recession in decades and the Zika “Wherever the torch goes, there will invoices to raise cash that was then visitors,” she said. in our country today,” she said. Fabiana Claudino, who set off on the virus outbreak. be a camera on it,” Silva said. “There given to players. The Eels have yet Rousseff said the country was “We know there is political first leg through the capital after the Security experts are expect- will be banners for or against Presi- to respond but over the weekend working with international security instability. Brazil will be capable in torch was ignited by Rousseff. ing protests during the relay, and dent Rousseff.” they hired a law firm, claiming the club had been denied an opportu- nity to discuss the findings despite them being aired publicly. Chiefs beaming Pyeongchang chief resigns to focus on business after signing Reuters scrambling to find a replacement just be successfully addressed,” it said in Cho had spearheaded forced a Korean Air flight crew star McKenzie 646 days before the start of Asia’s first a statement. Pyeongchang’s bidding committee chief off the plane because she was Winter Olympics outside of Japan. “We look forward to Korea host- when it was awarded the Games in unhappy about the way she was SEOUL: Cho Yang-ho has resigned as “For the past two years, I have ing excellent Olympic Winter Games 2011 and the 67-year-old was praised served macadamia nuts. Reuters head of the 2018 Pyeongchang Win- truly put forward my very best efforts in 2018.” for his devotion to the role, travel- The incident, dubbed the ‘nut rage’ ter Olympics organising committee to work with every member of the Hanjin Group, which also con- ling the world to promote the South case, stoked widespread ridicule, as (POCOG) in order to focus on his trou- organising committee to prepare a trols the nation’s flag carrier Korean Korean alpine town’s bid. well as outrage over the conduct of WELLINGTON: The Waikato bled Hanjin Shipping business, the successful Olympic and Paralym- Air, a corporate sponsor of the Games, Kim Jin-sun’s abrupt resignation the country’s powerful family-run Chiefs have tied down 21-year- body said yesterday. pic Winter Games in 2018,” he said said in a statement Cho would “devote as organising committee head in 2014 conglomerates called ‘chaebol’. old exciting prospect Damian Cho, the chairman of South yesterday. all his energy to take care of cur- sparked calls for Cho to take over and However, the POCOG chair- McKenzie for another two years Korean conglomerate Hanjin Group, “I give my assurances that I will rent issues within the group, such as while he was reluctant to do so due to man went some way to restoring in a major coup for the twice Super had been at the helm of the organ- continue to support Pyeongchang Hanjin Shipping.” concerns his business commitments his family’s reputation by getting Rugby champions. ising committee since August 2014 through to the Games in 2018.” “Even when returning to the took up too much of his time, he even- Pyeongchang preparations off the Fullback McKenzie has been and was widely credited with bring- The International Olympic Com- group’s management, Cho will not tually ceded to the requests. ground, pushing venue construc- key in the Chiefs’ table-topping ing sponsors on board and giving mittee said it respected his decision spare any effort and support for the Cho’s time as POCOG president tion along and getting major firms resurgence this season, leading stalled preparations for the Games a and noted the progress in prepara- successful hosting of the Pyeongchang was not always plain sailing, though. Samsung and LG to pour in funds to the competition in tries and points shot in the arm. tions made since he took over two Winter Olympics,” it added. Concerns about costs and con- support the Games. scored while being widely touted However, with Hanjin Shipping, years ago. Late last month, Hanjin Ship- struction setbacks raised speculation South Korea’s two biggest auto- for an All Blacks call-up for the South Korea’s largest shipper by “There remain a number of ping said it would ask creditor banks last year that some of the events makers, Hyundai Motor Co and its June internationals against Wales. assets, facing severe financial diffi- important steps to be taken ahead to restructure its debt. It had debt of might have to be moved away from affiliate Kia Motors Corp, also signed Invercargill-born McKen- culties, Cho needed to focus his efforts of the Games and the IOC remains 5.6tn won ($4.92bn) and a debt-to- Pyeongchang, perhaps even to Japan. on as sponsors, agreeing to provide zie hails from Otago Highlanders on restructuring and stabilising the confident that through our close equity ratio of nearly 850 percent as Cho also had much-publicised vehicles and pump in cash to help territory but was swooped up by company, POCOG said in a statement. cooperation with the Pyeongchang at the end of 2015, according to the family issues to deal with in 2014 with the running of the multi-sports the North Island’s Chiefs after Cho’s departure leaves organisers 2018 Organising Committee these will company. when his eldest daughter, Heather, event. impressing at the junior world championships in 2014. His new deal will keep him at the Hamilton-based side until the end of the 2018 season. “We’re absolutely rapt that Mother and son aim to make history in Rio Damian’s committed here long- term,” Chiefs coach Dave Rennie said. “He’s an impressive young man -- competitive and resilient AP European championships in February to snatch at more modern facilities. Over the decades, “Why did it surprise everyone so much?” with a skillset to rival anyone in a surprise Olympic qualifying spot. Vakhtang Salukvadze has mentored his daugh- she said. “We’re athletes. There’s no conflict the competition. He plays with a “I am very happy as the representative of the ter and grandson as they became world-class between us.” free spirit, is courageous and is a TBILISI, GEORGIA: Going into her eighth Georgian shooting federation but a million times shooters, but he won’t be going to Rio because In the 120-year history of the modern Olym- pleasure to coach.” Olympics, former shooting champion Nino happier as a mother that my son managed to do of his age. pics, it has not been uncommon for fathers and At 1.75 metres (5ft-9in), McKen- Salukvadze has plenty of reasons to be proud this,” the 47-year-old Salukvadze said. “His dream always was to see me and my sons to compete at the same games, a reflection zie is pint-sized in the modern of her long career. In the 28 years since she won a 25-meter pis- son competing at the same Olympic Games. We of the historical preponderance of men’s events game but has impressed with his She has something even more special to cel- tol gold medal for the Soviet Union at the 1988 made his dream true earlier then he thought,” on the program, but mother-child partnerships defensive prowess and raised eye- ebrate in Rio de Janeiro: She and her 18-year-old Seoul Games, Salukvadze and her family have Nino Salukvadze said. “He’s 85 and taking into are much rarer. brows with a try-saving tackle on son will both be competing. kept Olympic shooting alive in the former Soviet account the Brazilian weather and the length of Olympic historian Bill Mallon said there the Crusaders’ Nemani Nadolo While there have been previous cases of republic of Georgia. the flight, it was decided that he’ll stay home.” have been 56 cases of fathers and sons at the in February that sent the bulky parents and their children competing at the Salukvadze and her father handle the coach- Salukvadze briefly became a celebrity dur- same games, 12 of father and daughter, two of Fiji-born winger flying over the same games, this is believed to be the first time ing at a tiny range in the basement of the Sports ing the 2008 Beijing Olympics, which took place mother and daughter, but none of mother-son touchline. He has also become a mother and son will participate in the same Ministry which she helped pay to build. The main during a war between Georgia and neighbor- — until now. renowned for breaking into a Olympics. hall is bedecked with her medals, but the range ing Russia. After winning a bronze medal, she While Salukvadze won gold at her first toothy grin every time he lines up Salukvadze’s son, Tsotne Machavariani, shot can hold only five shooters at a time, mean- kissed a Russian shooter on the podium in a Olympics, her son said he’s not under pressure for a kick off the tee. a personal best in the 10-meter air pistol at the ing mother and son often head abroad to train demonstration of peace. to match her achievement. 34 WEDNESDAY 4 MAY 2016 SPORT

Baseball: Cubs thrash NBA: Thunder roll Spurs, Pirates as Mets down Braves

NEW YORK: Highlights of Mon- day’s Major League Baseball games. LeBron leads Cavaliers Cubs 7, Pirates 2 Jason Hammel raised his record to 4-0 and Anthony Rizzo hit a pair of doubles as the Chicago NBA PLAYOFF RESULTS Cubs beat the Pittsburgh Pirates We are going to get 7-2 on Monday night. LOS ANGELES: Results from NBA Hammel’s ERA rose to 1.24 better as the series playoff matches on Monday: after entering the game with a goes on. It’s a great Eastern Conference National League-leading 0.75 start to the series, At Cleveland mark as he gave up two runs and Cleveland 104 Atlanta 93 five hits in five-plus innings with says NBA superstar (Cleveland lead series 1-0) three strikeouts and one walk. His streak of five straight starts of LeBron James after Western Conference allowing one run or fewer ended. 104-93 victory At San Antonio The Cubs improved to 18-6, San Antonio 97 Oklahoma City 98 tops in the major leagues, and (Series tied at 1-1) avoided losing consecutive games for the first time this season while AFP LEFT: Oklahoma City Thunder winning for the fifth time in six guard Russell Westbrook goes games. to the basket against the San Mets 4, Braves 1 LOS ANGELES: NBA superstar Antonio Spurs during the first Bartolo Colon threw eight LeBron James led the way as the shutout innings Monday night to half of their NBA game at the Cleveland Cavaliers finally broke the earn his 220th career victory -- AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas, Atlanta Hawks’ resistance to seal a second all-time among pitchers 104-93 victory and take a 1-0 lead in USA, BELOW: Kevin Love (right) of born in the Dominican Repub- their Eastern Conference semi-final the Cleveland Cavaliers defends lic -- and the New York Mets hit play-off series on Monday. against Jeff Teague of the Atlanta three homers during a four-run James scored 25 points and came Hawks during the second half of first inning before cruising to a up with two big steals late in the their NBA game. 4-1 win over the Atlanta Braves at fourth quarter to help the Cavaliers Citi Field. seize the early initiative in the best- Colon allowed seven hits and of-seven series at Cleveland’s Quicken walked none while striking out Loans Arena. seven in breaking a second-place Kyrie Irving added 21 points with a game-high 27 points with six assists to underscore his value to the fran- tie with Hall of Famer Pedro Mar- eight assists and one rebound as the and three rebounds. Paul Millsap chise as free agency looms. LaMarcus tinez. The all-time leader in wins well-rested Cavaliers dominated added 17 points while Kent Baze- Aldridge, meanwhile, contributed 41 by Dominican-born pitchers is against a weary Atlanta. more finished with 16 points for the points for the Spurs in vain, with three Hall of Famer Juan Marichal, who The Cavs had benefited from more beaten visitors. assists and eight rebounds. earned 243 victories. than a week off after wrapping up a Atlanta had fought back to within Kawhi Leonard weighed in with Rangers 2, Blue Jays 1 4-0 sweep of the Detroit Pistons in four at 92-88 with 3:11 left on the 14 points for San Antonio, with Argen- Nomar Mazara and Brett the first round. clock before James dispossessed tina’s Manu Ginobili the only other Nicholas hit solo home runs as A satisfied James suggested Cleve- Schroder and converted a three-point Spurs player to make double digits Texas defeated Toronto. land had benefited from eight days play to stretch the Cavs lead. with 11. Mazara, whose home run in off against an Atlanta side who were “I just like how our guys come The Thunder were forced to the eighth inning broke a 1-1 tie, taken to six games by the Boston Celt- together when things get tough now,” endure a nervous finish as the Spurs also threw out a runner at the plate ics in the previous round. Cavs coach Tyronn Lue said. fought back to within one point in the from right field in the bottom of the “Give a lot of credit to the Atlanta “That’s the biggest thing for us. closing seconds. eighth to preserve the lead. Hawks, they brought it today,” James We’ve got a great team. When things Durant made a superb jumper Giants 9, Reds 6 said. get tough, we have to come together with 33 seconds left to give the Thun- Brandon Crawford hit a go- “Obviously, you could tell they even more.” der a 96-91 lead but the Spurs hit back ahead, three-run home run in the went through a longer series than Game two in the series takes place with an Aldridge three-pointer. seventh inning as the San Fran- us,” he said. in Cleveland today. Westbrook made two free throws cisco Giants rallied for a 9-6 “We’re going to get better as the In Monday’s other game, Russell with 18.3 seconds on the clock to give victory over the Cincinnati Reds in season goes on but it’s a great start Westbrook scored 29 points as the Oklahoma City a 98-94 lead. the opener of a three-game series to the series.” Oklahoma City Thunder bounced But a clumsy foul on Aldridge as Monday night at Great American James, meanwhile, was pleased back to beat San Antonio 98-97. he attempted a three-pointer gifted Ball Park. with his own contribution to the Just two days after suffering a San Antonio three free throws which there’s a reason they have a record organisation offensively was really Reliever Vin Mazzaro (1-0) victory. 32-point blowout defeat on Satur- he duly drained to make it 98-97. here at home that they do,” Thunder poor,” Popovich said. earned the victory in his debut “I had to make some plays for this day, Westbrook and Kevin Durant San Antonio had one last stab head coach Billy Donovan said, refer- “I thought we lost the game three for the Giants, and Santiago Casilla team,” James said. “They look at me both produced big games to propel at snatching victory but Patty Mills’ ring to San Antonio’s formidable 40-1 times tonight and got back in it. So recorded his fifth save. as the leader of this team every sin- the Thunder to a crucial victory. three-point attempt with two sec- regular season record at home. give our guys credit for hanging in Brewers 8, Angels 5 gle night.” Westbrook’s haul was matched onds left missed and the Thunder San Antonio coach Gregg Pop- there at least. Ryan Braun had three hits Germany’s Dennis Schroder was by another masterful performance were home. ovich blamed his team’s offensive “But individually we have to play and Jimmy Nelson struck out six the top scorer for Atlanta, pouring on from Durant, who added 28 points “It’s a hard place to win, and organisation for the defeat. “Our smarter.” as the Milwaukee Brewers posted consecutive victories for the first time in two weeks, defeating the Los Angeles Angels, 8-5, Monday night at Miller Park. Braun continued his early- NHL: Murray the hero as Penguins post win season tear, posting his second consecutive three-hit game to raise his average to .372 on the year, while the Brewers combined AFP eight games. The Penguins kept the for 14 hits in all. pressure on, and this time a Letang Cardinals 10, Phillies 3 pass from deep in his zone began a Shut down over the weekend WASHINGTON: Rookie goalie Matt 2-on-1 break, with 39-year-old center by Washington pitching, the St Murray made 47 saves while standing Matt Cullen’s pass from the left circle Louis Cardinals bounced back in up to Washington Capitals’ avalanche deflecting off rookie Kuhnhackl and a big way on Monday to snap the of shots, and the Pittsburgh Penguins past Holtby. Philadelphia Phillies’ longest win- turned two goals a minute apart into Later in the period, Letang leveled ning streak in four years. a 3-2 victory on Monday in Game 3 of Capitals left winger Marcus Johans- Twins 6, Astros 2 the Eastern Conference semi-finals. son with an apparent shoulder hit to Jose Berrios recorded his first The Penguins grabbed a 2-1 lead the head, putting Johansson out of the career victory and was backed by in the best-of-seven series. game briefly. the slugging of Brian Dozier and Game 4 will be today in The hit angered the Capitals, who Byung Ho Park as the Minnesota Pittsburgh. Matt Murray (30) of the are without suspended defenseman Twins took the opener of their Patric Hornqvist and Tom Kuh- Pittsburgh Penguins Brooks Orpik through Game 5 for his three-game series with the Hou- nhackl scored before the midpoint celebrates with team- Game 2 hit to the head of Penguins ston Astros 6-2 on Monday night of the first period, and Carl Hagelin defenseman Olli Maatta, who sat out at Minute Maid Park. mates after defeating added a goal in the second to make Monday. Several Capitals players later Nationals 2, Royals 0 the Washington Capitals it 3-0 and the Penguins, the NHL’s went out of their way to hit Letang, Gio Gonzalez kept the Royals best team over the last two months, 3-2 in Game Three of who was upset himself after Nicklas off balance through six innings held on to top the Capitals, easily the the Eastern Conference Backstrom clipped him with a knee to lead the Washington Nationals league’s best team all season. Second Round during the to the head following Letang’s hit on to a 2-0 victory over the Kansas Alex Ovechkin scored his first 2016 NHL Stanley Cup Ovechkin late in the second. City Royals Monday in the opener goal of the season against the Pen- play-offs at Consol Energy of an inter-league series. Gonzalez guins in the third period, and linemate Center in Pittsburgh, Nick Bonino (13) of the Pittsburgh scattered four hits and outdu- Justin Williams scored in the final Pennsylvania. Penguins shoots on Braden Holtby eled Kansas City starter Edinson minute as they tried frantically to of the Washington Capitals. Volquez in front of 32,394 at Kauff- rally. Pittsburgh goaltender to ever win in -- and are 6-2 in the post-season. 35:22 in Pitts- man Stadium. However, it was not enough as the postseason, improved to 5-1 in the Capitals goalie Braden Holtby burgh’s 2-1 win in Mariners 4, A’s 3 the 21-year-old Murray, the youngest play-offs. made 20 saves. Game 2 Saturday, Robinson Cano and Nelson Murray’s saves were the most by At least statistically, the Capitals threw the puck Cruz each had three hits, and NHL PLAY-OFFS a Pittsburgh goaltender in a regula- were dominant from the start except up ice to rookie the Seattle Mariners withstood a tion-length play-off game. in the number most important: goals. Conor Sheary to two-homer game by Khris Davis RESULT Murray, who began the season in They doubled up the Penguins in start a 3-on-2 to defeat the Oakland A’s 4-3 at NEW YORK: Result from the NHL the minors and played only four NHL shots for most of the first two periods break. the Oakland Coliseum on Mon- Play-offs 2nd Round match between games until March, made the differ- -- it was 28-14 after two -- yet Mur- Defenseman day night. Pittsburgh and Washington on Mon- ence as the Penguins were outshot ray turned away scoring chance after Trevor Daley’s Padres 2, Rockies 1 day (home team in CAPS) 49-23 yet still controlled the score- scoring chance as Pittsburgh opened slap shot from the The Padres scored two first- 1 2 3 T board even as the Capitals controlled up a 3-0 lead. Penguins defense- high slot deflected inning runs before making an out, Pittsburgh 2 1 0 3 the stats sheet. man Kris Letang appeared to be in off Hornqvist’s and James Shields and three reliev- The Penguins, on the fringe of the the center of everything, and a pair stick and into ers pitched San Diego to a 2-1 win Washington 0 0 2 2 playoff race much of the season, have of stretch passes by him led to two the net at 6:37 over the Colorado Rockies in the (Pittsburgh lead the best-of-seven series won 20 of 24 games since March 8 -- goals in exactly a minute. -- Hornqvist’s opener of a three-game series at by 2-1) with Murray in net for 11 of the wins Letang, who played a remarkable fourth goal in Petco Park. SPORT WEDNESDAY 4 MAY 2016 35

Delhi thrash Selby sees off Ding to claim Gujarat by 8 wickets

IANS

World Championship crown DELHI: Rishabh Pant (69) and Quinton de Kock (46) produced a match-winning opening stand to semi-final and this year was one step guide Delhi Daredevils to a con- up, so maybe next year I’m going to vincing eight-wicket victory over The Englishman win it,” said Ding after a defeat that Gujarat Lions in an Indian Premier downs his Chinese left Canada’s Cliff Thorburn (1980), League (IPL) match at the Saurash- the Republic of Ireland’s Ken Doherty tra Cricket Association Stadium counterpart 18-14 to (1997) and Australia’s Neil Robertson here yesterday. seal second title in (2010) as the only non-British win- Batting first, Gujarat posted three years ners of the World Championship since 149-7 in 20 overs, thanks to a the modern era tournament started much-needed half-century by in 1969. Dinesh Karthik (53). Meanwhile a delighted Selby In reply, riding on an impres- AFP added: “It was a tough final and with sive 115-run opening partnership the amount of pressure Ding is under, by Pant and de Kock, Daredevils from China alone but to play like that. chased down the total comfort- I can’t imagine how he could do that. ably posting 150-2 with 16 balls SHEFFIELD: Mark Selby denied Asia “In the first to 18, a 6-0 lead is not to spare. Chasing a target of 150, its first snooker world champion by a huge one, especially against some- Delhi got off to a rollicking start, beating China’s Ding Junhui 18-14 one like Ding. courtesy openers Pant and de in the World Championship final on “He played fantastically earlier Kock. Monday. today and I had to just hang on to The duo helped the team score It was the second time in three him...I saved my best performance 61 runs without losing a wicket years that the Englishman had won for the final and I only had two good after the completion of powerplay. snooker’s most important prize. sessions in the tournament. Luckily Earlier, asked to bat by the vis- Selby was ahead throughout in my ‘B’ game is pretty good.” itors, Gujarat were off to a poor the final at Sheffield’s Crucible The- Victory ensured a double sporting start, losing their top order within atre but Monday’s concluding session triumph for world number one Selby’s the first four overs. With the hosts saw Ding, who bases himself in the home town of Leicester in the English struggling at 24-3, Gujarat skipper northern English city for much of the Midlands on Monday. Suresh Raina (24) and Karthik set snooker season, close the gap to 16-14 Minutes before he completed his 51-run partnership. before the 2014 champion prevailed. victory, Leicester City were crowned “I had a very bad start 6-0 down, English Premier League football I couldn’t win a frame. I was a bit champions after nearest pursuers Tot- SCOREBOARD nervous as I hadn’t been in a (World tenham Hotspur could only manage GUJARAT LIONS Championship) final before,” the a 2-2 draw away to Chelsea. D R Smith c Morris b Nadeem 15 29-year-old Ding, who had to come “To be Premier League champions England’s Mark Selby poses with the trophy after beating China’s Ding Junhui in the final of the World through qualifying in order to reach is a fantastic achievement and I want Snooker Championship at the Crucible theatre in Sheffield, northern England, on Monday. B B McCullum b Khan 1 the main draw of this year’s edition to say well done to (manager) Clau- A J Finch c Pant b Nadeem 5 after dropping out of snooker’s top 16, dio (Ranieri) and the boys,” said Selby. S K Raina st de Kock b Mishra 24 told the BBC. Ding, 7-10 behind overnight, won Selby would lead going into the con- doubled a red into the middle pocket where he several times produced bril- K D Karthik b M Shami 53 Tipped to be a world champion Monday’s 50-minute opening frame cluding session. Ding pulled one back and then, with the scores level at liant recovery shots, meant he’d won R A Jadeja (not out) 36 ever since winning the UK Cham- before taking the next on the black to to close to within two before Selby 60-60, produced a superb thin cut three frames in a row and stopped pionship, snooker’s second-most cut Selby’s lead to 11-10. ended the session with a break of 55. on the last black. However, Ding then Selby potting a ball for nearly an hour. J P Faulkner b Morris 7 important tournament as a teenager However, Selby won three of the Selby then took the first two produced a well-complied break of Now Ding was just two frames Ishan Kishan (run out) 2 in 2005, next four frames to stay in front with frames of the evening session to go 73, although that still left him 12-16 behind at 14-16. Extras (LB-3, W-3) 6 Ding said he hoped Monday’s dis- a handy lead. 16-11 in front thanks to contributions behind. The next frame lasted nearly an Total (for 7 wkts in 20 overs) 149 play would act as a springboard to The pair then exchanged centu- of 55 and 46. But the resilient Ding then cut the hour but Selby won it 59-11 before a Fall of wickets: 1-17, 2-17, 3-24, 4-75, eventual world title success. ries to leave Selby narrowly ahead. Ding had a chance to close the deficit even further with a break of 70 break of 74 in the 32nd completed his 5-127, 6-138, 7-149. “Five years ago I was in the Breaks of 52 and 68 then assured gap in the next at 60-31 up but Selby before a superb contribution of 103, march to the title.

Bowling: S Nadeem 3-0-23-2 (1w); C H Morris 4-0-32-1 (1w); Z Khan 4-0-27-1 (1w); Mohammed Shami 4-0-31-1; A Mishra 3-0-19-1; J P Duminy 2-0-14-0. Registration for Ramadan AFC Champions League DELHI DAREDEVILS Q de Kock c Smith b Kaushik 46 R R Pant c Karthik b Jadeja 69 Sports Festival opens S V Samson (not out) 19 J P Duminy (not out) 13 Extras (LB-1, W-1, NB-1) 3 The Peninsula juniors and AZF employees, which Total (for 2 wkts in 17.2 overs)150 will take place in Aspire Dome, as Fall of wickets: 1-115, 2-121. well as a table tennis tournament for persons with special needs in Bowling: P Kumar 2-0-20-0 (1w); D S DOHA: Aspire Zone Foundation the multipurpose hall. Kulkarni 2-0-24-0; S K Raina 4-0-34-0; S (AZF) yesterday announced that In addition, and as part of its Kaushik 4-0-29-1; D R Smith 2-0-12-0; J registration for the annual Ram- efforts to raise awareness of the P Faulkner 1-0-9-0; R A Jadeja 2.2-0-21-1 adan Sports Festival (RSF), which is importance of exercise, the Aspire (1nb). taking place over two weeks during Dome will be open for members of Ramadan, from June 10 to June 24th, the Step into Health initiative as a will open tomorrow. walking venue every day through- In line with the success of previ- out Ramadan. ous editions, AZF is this year offering The Aspire Zone Sand pitch will QCA to organise a unique programme of activities, host a beach soccer tournament, including two new sports, as part where 8 teams with 8 players per camp for women of its efforts to facilitate the partic- team will compete over 5 days. ipation of as many members of the This year’s edition will also fea- cricketers community as possible. ture the introduction of a cricket Futsal, Football, Basketball, Vol- tournament, as well as the return of leyball, Table Tennis, and Walking remote-controlled car racing, fol- The Peninsula contests will take place in one place. lowing the great success it achieved Shanghai’s Li Haowen (right) in action against Suwon’s Yang Sang-min during their AFC Champions This year’s festival includes 11 in the 2014 edition. League Group G match at Suwon World Cup Stadium in Suwon, South Korea, yesterday. Suwon won 3-0. sports-focused activities, attracting The cricket tournament will see DOHA: The Qatar Cricket Associa- a larger number of sports enthusiasts six teams of nine battle it out over tion (QCA) has planned to organise and catering to their various needs. two days, while the remote-con- a coaching camp for women crick- Male sports competitions will trolled car races will feature two eters soon. include: basketball, 12 teams with 8 categories of contestants. The basic purpose of the camp players per team for 5 days; football, Tournaments will take place Emir Cup: Fifty One East, Sony partner by the QCA is to unearth fresh tal- 16 teams with 15 players per team every day from 9:30PM until mid- ent and groom them for the future. for 8 days; volleyball, 8 teams with night and winners will be awarded The QCA General Secretary, 9 players per team for 5 days. prizes of varying values. Manzoor Ahmad, while providing The Foundation has also More information could be with QFA for sixth consecutive year details about the camp, informed included Futsal Competitions for gained from www.lifeinaspire.qa that the association wished to gather new faces, train them and The Peninsula division clubs of the Qatari football Association, who has invested a lot provide playing opportunities to league structure. of effort to turn the tournament into female players so that the QCA Bader Al Darwish, Chairman an engaging and unique experience could popularise the game fur- and Managing Director of Darwish for everyone in the country,” said Al ther and have a bigger talent pool DOHA: Fifty One East, Qatar’s Holding, said: “We are proud of our Darwish. for its national team. favourite department store, and Sony long term partnership with the QFA Mansoor Al Ansari, General-Sec- All the women players, who Middle East and Africa have further to support the most prominent event retary of Qatar Football Association have been in Qatar for the last strengthened their support of the in Qatar, the annual Football Emir (QFA), said: “We are very pleased that two years or are born here or annual Emir Cup by their continuous Cup, knowing that football is the most Sony and Fifty One East are partner- have played good cricket in their partnership with the Qatar Football popular sport in the region.” ing with us for the sixth consecutive respective countries, are eligible Association (QFA). “Fifty One East and Sony have year,” he said. for the selection camp. Sony is the Official Sponsor of the been strongly linked to significant “This partnership will enable Another condition for the Emir Cup for the sixth year consecu- sports happenings in Qatar and the innovative and exciting ways to bring aspiring players is they have not tively; reaffirming their commitment Emir’s Cup tops off our track record. excitement to our Emir Cup fans in figured in any QCA organised towards the country’s sports events The tournament has grown year on Qatar this year and will see Sony tournament. Those who are inter- in general, and this popular football year to become the most energetic and Fifty One East’s involvement ested in the trials may contact the event, in particular. sporting event in Qatar that brings in Qatar’s most prestigious football QCA Office at landline number Organised by QFA, the Emir Cup together the entire community and tournament of the year through a 44651514 for more details or reg- is the 44th edition of the revered promotes local talent, he added. comprehensive promotional cam- ister themselves through emails The file picture shows action from the futsal tournament during 2015 tournament in men’s football, and “This is our sixth year in our paign,” the QFA General-Secretary at [email protected] and edition of Aspire Zone Ramadan Sports Festival. is played by the first and second partnership with the Qatar Football added. [email protected]. 36 WEDNESDAY 4 MAY 2016 Top athletes ready to kick off season

Barshim, Femi, Haroun and Balla lead Qatari hopes for Friday’s showdown

The Peninsula

DOHA: Reigning Olympic champi- ons Christian Taylor, Aries Merritt and Ezekiel Kemboi will be among the stars who will kick off their 2016 Diamond League campaigns when the international track and field series commences in Doha this Friday. For the seventh straight year, Doha’s Qatar Sports Club Stadium will host the opening competition of the IAAF Diamond League, the 14-meeting series that this year takes on added significance as athletes pre- pare for August’s Summer Olympic Abdalelah Haroun celebrates after winning silver in the men’s 400 metres during the IAAF World Indoor Games in Rio de Janeiro. Athletics Championships in Portland, Oregon in this March 15, 2016 file photo. Haroun is one of the Qatar’s Taylor, a four-time winner of the medal hopes for Friday’s IAAF Diamond League meet at the Qatar SC Stadium. RIGHT: Kenya’s Olympic star series’ Diamond Race Trophy in the triple jump, notched his second world Ezekiel Kemboi is set for 3,000m steeplechase contest. title last year with an 18.21m leap that elevated him to the No.2 posi- tion all-time. world at the moment, who won the history’s fifth fastest at 3:27.64. Qatari A prodigious talent, Haroun set an Barshim, the 2014 world indoor cham- His stand-out campaign, which world indoor title in March and is the IAAF DIAMOND LEAGUE: hopes are high in several events. Asian U20 record last year clocking pion, will command the spotlight, in saw him short-listed for world athlete year’s fastest at 13.08. MEN’S PREVIEW After equaling his own 9.91 Asian 44.29, the eight fastest performance a field that includes world champion of the year honours, began in Doha After clocking 9.99 in the 100m record in the 100m last month, Femi of the year. Derek Drouin of Canada, China’s where he jump beyond 18 metres last month, the 22-year-old earned Ogunode will be among the favour- He’ll face a daunting line-up in his world silver medallist Zhang Guowei only to finish second, two centimetres the distinction of being the only man includes five 2015 world champi- ites in the men’s 200m. He is also first Doha main stage debut lead by and Erik Kynard of the US, the Olym- behind Cuba’s Pedro Pablo Pichardo to run under 10 seconds in the 100m onships, 1,500m ace and Doha fan the Asian record holder in the 200 LaShawn Merritt, a former Olympic pic silver medallist. in what was the finest triple jump and under 13 in the 110m hurdles. favourite Asbel Kiprop from Kenya at 19.97. and two-time world champion. In a non-scoring 800m race, competitions in history. The field also includes David among them. He’ll face Panama’s Alonso Merritt, last year’s World Cham- two-time Asian champion Musaeb This year Taylor will take on Oliver of the US, a former world The 2008 Olympic champion, who Edward, the Diamond Race winner pionships silver medallist and the Abdulrahman Balla is looking to Teddy Tamgho of France, another champion and meeting record holder notched his third world title last year, in the event in 2014 and 2015, Wal- meeting record holder at 44.19 (2014), kick off his outdoor campaign with member of the event’s exclusive (12.95) who’ll be chasing a fourth Doha is the fastest in the field at 3:26.69, the ter Dix of the US the meeting record illustrated impressive early season a fast time to make amends for his 18-metre club. victory. third best performance of all-time. holder, and rising US star Ameer Webb form with a 19.78 career best and unfortunate race at the World Indoor Merritt, the world record holder Meanwhile, Kemboi, a two-time A two-time winner here, Kiprop is who clocked 19.91 last month. world lead in the 200m in Nassau on Championships final. He’ll face former in the 110m hurdles, continues his Olympic gold medallist and four-time the meeting record holder at 3:29.18, In the 400m, local eyes will fall on April 16. world indoor champion Abubaker comeback after undergoing a kid- world champion in the 3,000m stee- the fastest ever performance in the Qatar’s latest hot prospect, 19-year- The field also includes London Kaki of Sudan. ney transplant surgery last year just plechase, leads a traditionally strong month of May. old Abdalelah Haroun who took silver Olympic silver medallist Luguelín And in the discus throw, world four days after taking bronze at the field which includes his Kenyan com- The strong field includes Elijah at the World Indoor Championships in Santos of the Dominican Republic champion Piotr Malachowski of world championships. patriot Jairus Birech, the series winner Motonei Manangoi, the 2015 World March and a gold medal at the Asian and Machel Cedenio (44.36 PB) from Poland leads a reunion of the top He’ll face Jamaican Omar McLeod the past two seasons. Championships runner-up, and per- Indoor Championships, held in Doha Trinidad & Tobago. three finishers from last year’s world (12.97 PB), the hottest hurdler in the The men’s programme also ennial speedster Silas Kiplagat who is last February. In the high jump, local hero Mutaz championships. Clash of the titans as Ayana meets Cheruiyot for 3,000m dominance

The Peninsula battle of global champions, Olga Rypakova of Kazakhstan, the 2012 Olympic champion, and Cater- ine Ibarguen of Colombia, the 2013 DOHA: A clash between world and 2015 world champion, who has champions Almaz Ayana and Vivian dominated the event the past three Cheruiyot is expected to be among seasons. the chief highlights on the women’s No stranger to Doha, Rypakova is programme at the IDL Doha 2016 unbeaten in seven indoor and outdoor meeting, the opening competition of competitions in the Qatari capital the 14-meeting IAAF Diamond League dating back to 2008. series, on Friday. Yulimar Rojas of Venezuela, the Ayana, who raced to 5,000m surprise winner at the World Indoor gold at last year’s World Champi- Championships, is also in the field. onships in Beijing, and Cheruiyot, German Katharina Molitor, the the 10,000m victor, will face off in world champion in the javelin throw, the 3,000m, traditionally one of the headlines her event as she targets strongest events at the Doha compe- her first career victory in Diamond tition which kicks off the series of the League series action. world’s finest one-day track and field She’ll face African record holder competitions for the seventh consec- (69.35m) Sunette Viljoen of South utive year. Africa, the bronze medallist at the Cheruiyot’s triumph in Beijing past two world championships, was the fifth at a World Champi- and Lu Huihui of China, the sil- onships for the 32-year-old Kenyan ver medalist from last year’s world whose previous season-long consist- championships. ency on the track was rewarded with The 800m features a clash Diamond Race Trophies in 2010, 2011 between 2013 world champion Eunice and 2012. Sum of Kenya, a three-time Dia- Meanwhile, Ayana, 24, is the Ethi- mond Race series winner, and Caster opian national record holder in the Semenya, the 2009 world champion 3,000m, her 8:22.20 set last season who recently notched an impressive ranking her 11th fastest of all-time. Kemi Adekoya of Bahrain, this year’s surprise world indoor 400m 400m/800m/1500m triple victory at Almaz Ayana of The pair is among six current champion is expected to give tough fight to two-time world champion the South African Championships. Ethiopia will square world champions who will be mak- Zuzana Hejnova of the Czech Republic in Doha’s Diamond League which Elsewhere on the infield, Sandi off with Vivian ing their 2016 international debuts at will kicks off the series of the world’s finest one-day track and field Morris of the US leads the field in the Cheruiyot for 3,000m the Qatar Sports Club. competitions for the seventh consecutive year on Friday. pole vault. title on Friday. Another is Dafne Schippers, The 23-year-old, who finished who won the world 200m title last second at the World Indoor Champi- summer with a sterling 21.63 run, for 200m in Gainesville on April 22, In the 400m hurdles, two-time onships in March, is unbeaten in four a performance that elevated the the fastest in the world. world champion Zuzana Hejnova of competitions outdoors this spring and Katerina Stefanidi (4.71m PB), who arrives in the Qatari capital on the 23-year-old Dutchwoman all the She’ll face Tori Bowie of the US the Czech Republic, who also struck leads the world with a 4.81m leap. took World Indoor Championships heels of her gold medal showing at way up to the No. 3 position all-time. the 2015 world bronze medallist and Olympic bronze four years ago, will She’ll face a solid Greek 1-2 punch bronze. Kiriakopoulou, who has the World Indoor Championships, is Schippers also took silver in the Jamaican Veronica Campbell-Brown, face Kemi Adekoya of Bahrain, this with Nikoleta Kiriakopoulou, the a best of 4.83m, won in Doha two the class of the field. Her main chal- 100m in Beijing, the event which she’ll whose long list of accolades include year’s surprise world indoor 400m bronze medallist at last year’s World years ago. lenge is expected from Anita Marton be headlining in Doha. She’s already back-to-back Olympic 200m titles in champion. Championships and 2015 Diamond And in the women’s shot put, of Hungary, who took silver behind off to a fast start, having clocked 22.25 2004 and 2008. The triple jump features another Race winner, and her teammate Michelle Carter of the US, who Carter in Portland.