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www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 Emir receives Tunisian premier 2022 panel Syria conflict denies threatens wrongdoing DUBAI: Qatar’s 2022 World Cup organising committee has denied being aware of any alleged payments by the former region: Qatar head of the country’s soccer association to an ex-vice presi- dent of FIFA. Envoy to UN urges international role Britain’s Daily Telegraph newspa- per reported yesterday that a com- DOHA/GENEVA: Qatar to kneel down the Syrian people and pany under the control of Mohamed yesterday warned against an destroying Syria through the use of bin Hammam paid $1.2m to Jack escalation of sectarian vio- all the internationally prohibited Warner, the former president of lence outside the Syrian bor- chemical and heavy weapons along North American soccer’s govern- ders holding the Syrian regime with the terroristic bomb barrels,” ing body Concacaf and a member responsible for creating a threat said Al Henzab. of the FIFA committee which chose to the security and stability of He said that this is the fact The Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received yesterday Tunisian Prime Minister Mehdi Jomaa. the 2022 World Cup hosts. the neighbouring countries. which created a proper environ- They reviewed bilateral relations. The Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Qatar’s organising committee The Syrian regime is the first ment that helped the extremist bin Khalifa Al Thani attended the meeting. has always denied any wrongdo- party responsible for such acts of groups to cement their presence ing and yesterday again reiter- sectarian violence and has encour- amid the chaos which the Syrian ated that its practices were above aged them for weakening the great regime has disseminated believ- board. “The 2022 Bid Committee Syrian popular revolution bearing ing it would enable it to remain strictly adhered to FIFA’s bid- slogans of freedom and dignity to in power forever. ding regulations in compliance the entire Syrian people, Faisal The Qatari diplomat wondered Lost jet: Hunger strike threat with their code of ethics,” the bin Abdullah Al Henzab, Qatar’s how the Independent International Committee said in a statement. Permanent Representative to the Commission of Inquiry on the “The Supreme Committee for UN office in Geneva said yesterday. Syrian Arab Republic was going to Delivery & Legacy and the indi- He was addressing the 25th ses- deal with the report of the Carter from relatives of passengers viduals involved in the 2022 Bid sion of the Human Rights Council - Ruck office. Committee are unaware of any Article 4 on Interactive Dialogue Such a report enjoys high cred- BEIJING: Desperate relatives the eastern province of Shandong, time.” A poem was hung on a wall allegations surrounding busi- with the Independent International ibility and worked out by three of Chinese passengers aboard speaking as the search entered its directly outside the relatives brief- ness dealings between private Commission of Inquiry on the former international prosecu- flight MH370 threatened to 11th day. Two-thirds of the passen- ing room, credited to “Xue Song”, individuals.” Syrian Arab Republic. tors with conclusive proof that go on hunger strike yester- gers on the flight, which had 239 although it was not clear whether REUTERS Al Henzab has called on the inter- the Syrian regime was carrying day as they demanded answers people on board, were Chinese. it was put up by a family member. national community to pressure the out killings and torture on a large about the missing aircraft from Outside the meeting room, a “On Malaysia Airlines our rela- Minister’s nod for Syrian regime to stop it challenging scale and in a systematic manner. Malaysian officials. woman clutching a placard reading tives have ridden, we don’t know the international resolutions and The commission was established “Now we have no news, and “Respect life. Give us back our fam- where the plane is hidden,” said CMC appointment work seriously to reach a political with a mandate to investigate all everyone is understandably wor- ilies” told reporters that the rela- the poem. “The Malaysian spokes- settlement based on implementa- alleged violations of international ried. The relatives say they will tives were going on hunger strike. man statements make us guess, DOHA: The Minister of tion of the Geneva 1 statement with human rights law since March go to the (Malaysian) embassy to She declined to say how many were and turn the search into a great Municipality and Urban Planning special emphasis on establishing a 2011 in the Syrian Arab Republic. find the ambassador,” said Wen doing so, or give her name. big mess. Let down, accusing and H E Sheikh Abdulrahman transitional government. The Commission was also Wancheng, whose son was aboard “Since they haven’t given us the deep frustration, our families are bin Khalifa Al Thani yester- He also called for taking all nec- tasked to establish the facts and the missing flight. truth about those people’s lives, all of left in desolation. We just long to day approved a decision by essary measures and procedures circumstances that may amount to “The Malaysian ambassador us are protesting,” the woman said meet one more time, counting sec- the Central Municipal Council to hold accountable those respon- such violations and of the crimes should be presenting himself here. furiously. “All the relatives are fac- onds flowing like tears in a line.” (CMC) to sack its Secretary- sible for human rights violations perpetrated and, where possible, But he’s not,” Wen said, updating ing mental breakdowns,” she added. Beijing has been critical of General Matar bin Shaheen bin and bringing them to justice. to identify those responsible with reporters after a regular meet- Wen also said some of the rel- Malaysia’s sharing of informa- Rabia Al Kuwari. “It has been clear before the a view of ensuring that perpetra- ing between Malaysia Airlines atives had stopped going to the tion, with state media and China’s The Minister also approved entire world that the Syrian regime tors of violations, including those officials and family members at a meetings, given how long they had huge army of netizens in express- appointment of Jabir bin Hamad is the sole party practising terrorism that may constitute crimes against hotel in Beijing. been waiting for information. ing anger at the handling of the Al Akhan as the new Secretary- against innocent Syrians, commit- humanity, are held accountable. “Relatives are very unsatisfied. “It doesn’t mean giving up,” he incident by Kuala Lumpur. General, Al Sharq reported. ting the most heinous crimes and THE PENINSULA So you hear them saying ‘hunger added. “It’s normal to return home. AFP THE PENINSULA massacres, using starvation policies Continued on page 8 strike’,” added the 63-year-old from Like me, I have been out for a long See also page 15 Continued on page 8

Russians celebrate Crimea union QCB governor Israel casts doubts on sees $50bn deals in 2014 release of prisoners JERUSALEM: Israel told would go free by March 29. DOHA: Qatar Central Bank Palestinian President Mahmoud “There was never any automatic Governor H E Sheikh Abdullah Abbas yesterday it might not carry commitment to release prisoners bin Saud Al Thani has projected out a final stage of a Palestinian unrelated to making progress that Qatar will sign contracts in prisoner release unless he com- in negotiations,” Livni said in a infrastructure, transport and mits to prolonging peace talks speech in southern Israel that energy and other sectors of up beyond an April deadline for a could complicate Washington’s to $50bn in 2014. deal. A senior Palestinian official efforts to salvage peacemaking. Speaking at the inauguration said there would be “big conse- She was referring to Israel’s of the 11th Meed Qatar Projects quences” if the release did not go agreement, as part of US efforts Conference 2014, Sheikh Abdullah ahead as planned. to revive Palestinian statehood bin Saud said this reflects the Israel’s chief negotiator, Tzipi talks frozen for three years, rapid and strong development Livni, issued her warning just a to free 104 inmates jailed for of the Qatari economy and the day after Abbas, at a White House attacks, many of them deadly, extended growth and expansion meeting with U S President Barack against Israelis before a 1993 expected in the next few years Obama aimed at keeping the talks interim peace deal. due to increasing need to achieve alive, voiced hope the prisoners REUTERS Qatar National Vision (QNV) Pro-Kremlin activists rally at the Red Square in Moscow to celebrate the incorporation of Crimea yesterday. 2030. He added that Qatar’s finan- cial sector has seen an enormous development and made effective contributions to the country’s economic growth. $650,000 Katara prize to boost Arabic fiction He also mentioned QCB initia- tives to achieve the goals of QNV DOHA: The recently launched encourage them toward creativ- major categories namely pub- printed and marketed. should have only one novel as 2030 with the launching of the annual Katara Prize for Arabic ity and excellence,” said Katara lished and unpublished novels Explaining the conditions of entry and respect all intellectual strategy of supervisory and reg- Novel, which carries a total General Manager Dr Khalid bin each of which will have five win- the competition, Dr Al Sulaiti and copyright rules and regula- ulatory bodies being the recent value of $650,000 is set to Ibrahim during the recent launch ners. For the published novels, said the prize is only for novels tions. A publisher can enter three one. cement a strong presence for of the website dedicated to the the five winners will each receive written in Arabic and that short novels by different novelists pub- He also noted that client Arabic novels internationally as Prize. $60,000 while five winners under stories and poems are not eligi- lished between March last year to deposits with commercial banks well as encourage Arab novel- The website www.kataranovels. unpublished category will each be ble for the contest. Also it does October 31 this year. They should have increased in 2013 by 19.7 ists to strive for excellence. com consists of sections including awarded $30,000. Among the win- not include foreign novels trans- provide 12 copies of each novel. percent to reach QR548bn “This prize is the first of its introduction of the prize, news, ners, one will be chosen to receive lated into Arabic, novels that Unpublished novels should be reg- compared to QR458bn one year kind which links novel, drama and photos, a guide for Arab novelists, $200,000 as the best novel which have won prizes before as well as istered online atwww.kataranov- before. translation, and aims to intro- questions and answers about the will be turned into drama. All the those which have been entered in els.com by October 31 this year. QNA duce excellent Arab novels to the prize besides social media links. winning novels will be translated another competition. THE PENINSULA See also page 21 world, honour Arab novelists and The prize is split into two into English, French and Spanish; The novelist should be alive, Continued on page 8 WEDNESDAY 19 MARCH 2014 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

PM meets British Minister

The Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani yesterday met British Minister of State for Trade and Investment Ian Livingston and his delegation and reviewed means of bolstering cooperation. Project to treat Syrian refugees extended DOHA: Heads of Qatar Red They will hold a press confer- patients. It also signed an MoU Crescent, Sheikh Thani Bin ence to provide details on extend- with UNHCR to provide medical Abdullah Foundation for ing the time-frame of the fund treatment for Zaatari camp refu- Humanitarian Services (RAF), and its budget. The move aims gees suffering from renal failure. Organisation of Islamic Call, to bolster efforts, mobilise sup- The fund was created to and Qatar Charity will lead port, and provide healthcare for strengthen efforts in the medical a delegation to Jordan from increasing numbers of wounded field in light of a growing number Friday to March 24. refugees fleeing Syria due to the of wounded Syrians and the insuf- They will officially announce escalating violence. ficiency of existing services which the extension of the Fund for the The first phase of the fund led to the death of a large number Treatment of Wounded Syrians began its services on November of people. Poor medical services in Jordanian Hospitals. 1 last year at a cost of QR4m, have had a major impact on the They will also discuss ways treating 273 Syrians of whom 29 Syrian people, forcing many of strengthening coordination percent were in critical condition, wounded to flee Syria in diffi- among parties to the fund and 45 percent with mild injuries and cult, lengthy and dangerous ways following up implementation of 26 percent with eye injuries. amid reports on the rise of refu- the project. They will visit the The societies delegated the gee numbers escaping to Jordan wounded at hospitals. responsibility of implementation due to the violence that erupted The visit begins with a tour of to QRC based on its expertise in nearly 2.5 years ago. the Zaatari camp to inspect the the provision of medical services A similar QRC project to treat conditions of the refugees. The that conform to the highest of the wounded began in Jordan in delegation will also visit medical international standards. 2012 at a cost of $500,000 followed service contractors at hospitals QRC has entered into agree- by a collaboration with Qatar that provides surgical operations ments with many hospitals and Charity with a budget of $1,700,000. covered by the fund. specialised medical centres in The programme has had a signifi- After that the officials will visit Jordan to treat Syrians, including cant impact on medical treatment the Qatar Red Crescent (QRC) Islamic Hospital, Dar Al Salaam and alleviating the suffering of Mission for a briefing on a psy- Hospital, Shami Centre for Eye Syrians who sustained life-threat- chological support programme Treatment, and Dhaleel Hospital ening injuries in the spine, head designed for refugees. for the treatment of kidney and blood vessels. QNA

WEDNESDAY 19 MARCH 2014 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Deal with Harvard to build sustainable sports sector

DOHA: The Doha-based International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) announced yesterday a major research collaboration with the Center for International Development (CID) at Harvard University. It will see both undertake a research project to contribute to further development of knowledge that can assist cities and coun- tries to assess their economic capabilities and identify steps to be taken to build a sustainable and robust sports sector. The project, which will uti- FROM LEFT: Dr Shaun McCarthy, Director for Research and Knowledge lise The Atlas online, a powerful Gathering at ICSS; Marcela Escobari, Executive Director, Center for interactive tool that enables users International Development (CID), Harvard University; Professor Ricardo to visualise a country’s total trade, track how dynamics change over Hausmann, Director, CID, and Mohammed Hanzab, President of ICSS, at time and explore growth oppor- the signing of the Sponsored Research Programme Agreement in Boston. tunities for more than 100 coun- tries, will be overseen by leading Professor Hausmann said: “I for Research and Knowledge economist Professor Ricardo am delighted about ICSS’ two- Gathering, ICSS who leads the Hausmann, Director, CID, year commitment to collaborate ICSS Index Project, added: “The and Professor Matt Andrews, with CID, which will enable us to research that will result from this Associate Professor of Public broaden our insights into sport at agreement will produce important Policy, Harvard Kennedy School. the city and country levels using insight and understanding into how “The agreement with CID is Product Space. sports-related services and manu- another important milestone for “Through this collaboration, we facturing industries play a central ICSS’s work in sport safety, secu- will begin to understand economic role in economies. The agreement rity and integrity. The research complexities that govern the will significantly enhance our aim project will forge a key work- development of sport as an indus- of supporting countries and cities ing relationship with one of the try. This is significant work as it in their pursuit to create sustain- world’s leading economic experts, will make a valuable contribution able sports sectors. By collaborat- who will work with ICSS to build to the public body of knowledge ing with CID’s extensive knowledge the right foundations for an ana- and help us further identify why and expertise, the alliance will add lytical framework that will assist some cities and countries are significant insight and intellectual countries and cities develop more successful than others in rigour we can build upon. We are robust and sustainable sport developing robust and sustainable excited about working with CID industries,” said ICSS President industries around sport.” and its faculty members.” Mohammed Hanzab. Dr Shaun McCarthy, Director THE PENINSULA Marri re-elected SCA President for third time

DOHA: The Sub-Committee on Accreditation Dr Al Marri said: “The re-election renews confi- (SCA) of the International Coordinating dence in QNHRC and confirmation of its credibility Committee of National Institutions for the and independence and is an indicator of the great Promotion and Protection of Human Rights support being provided by the state to the commit- (ICC), Geneva, has re-elected Dr Ali bin Smaikh tee in all matters relating to human rights at local, Marri, Chairman of Qatar National Human regional and international levels.” Rights Committee (QNHRC) President of the QNHRC also chairs the Asia Pacific Forum of committee for the third time. National Human Rights Institutions. QNA WEDNESDAY 19 MARCH 2014 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 Sheikha Moza attends CMUQ celebrations University marks 10 years of achievements, expo highlights richness of Qatari and Islamic culture

DOHA: Carnegie Mellon quartet. University in Qatar (CMUQ) It was followed by videos yesterday celebrated its 10 years and speeches highlighting the of excellence in the presence of foundation of Carnegie Mellon H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser University Pittsburg and the at a ceremony on its campus. growth of CMUQ. Representatives from Carnegie “We look forward to the next 10 Mellon University, Pittsburg, the years with great excitement. The US, Qatar Foundation, faculty and campus has exceeded our expec- members of CMUQ and alumni tations… We look forward to new were present at the event that collaborations in Qatar and other marked a decade of achievements. universities in the world,” said Dr Sheikha Moza toured an exhi- Subra Suresh, President, CMUQ. bition ‘Travelling Through Arts CMUQ offers undergraduate and Times,’ showcasing the programmes in biological sci- richness of Qatari and Islamic ences, business administration, culture, heritage and civilisa- computational biology, computer tion through more than 160 rare science and information systems. artefacts from Sheikh Faisal bin It is a branch campus of Qassim Al Thani’s private col- Carnegie Mellon University, char- lection, at CMUQ as part of the tered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, celebrations. the US. The ceremony began with In 2004, Qatar Foundation a performance by a bagpiper, invited Carnegie Mellon to join H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser with CMUQ graduates during the university’s 10th anniversary celebrations yesterday. AR AL-BAKER reflecting the Scottish heritage Education City, a groundbreak- of the university’s founder, phi- ing centre for scholarship and from the Qatar campus and more beyond numbers,” said Dr Suresh. Vice-President said, “Time and team-above-self approach. These lanthropist and steel magnate, research. than 100 alumni returned for the Among the alumni and stu- time again, we hear how pleased are the hallmarks of a Carnegie Andrew Carnegie. CMUQ has grown from 41 stu- celebrations. dents 40 percent are Qataris and employers are with their Carnegie Mellon education and that is what As a special dedication to dents in two programmes to 400 “The graduates are making sig- others from over 20 countries. Mellon hires. we have achieved on our Qatar Sheikha Moza, two miniatures students in five top programmes. nificant impact in Qatar and out- Mark Kamlet, Carnegie “They praise them for their campus.” were played by CMUQ mastisse A total of 298 have graduated side. Their impact has gone just Mellon Provost and Executive hard work, creativity, and THE PENINSULA Job opportunities ‘aplenty for computer science graduates’

DOHA: Job opportunities are highest paying over the next dec- CMUQ offers undergraduate However he added that com- aplenty for computer science ade. Job prospects have remained programmes in biological sci- puter science education has two graduates, says a graduate from strong despite economically chal- ences, business administration, main challenges in Qatar and the Carnegie Mellon University in lenging times,” he said. computational biology, computer region: The way computer science Qatar (CMUQ). “I have received many job offers science and information systems. is taught and common misconcep- Also, computer science-related from companies in Qatar and in Computer science and business tions about it. “Both spark long jobs will increase in the next 10 the US,” said Al Salama, who is administration were finely con- debates within the scientific com- years, Ahmed Al Salama said working at Sidra. nected in the recent past. munity, and I will try to address on the sidelines of CMUQ’s 10th Qatar is developing infrastruc- “Over the last few years, tech- them briefly,” he said. anniversary celebrations. ture with huge projects many of nology jobs have shifted from the There are institutions that He spoke about challenges which are related directly or indi- IT vendor community to firms have contributed to computer and benefits of computer science rectly to information and compu- using IT across various indus- science education and research, education and said, he has a focus ter technology (ICT). tries. People and enterprises are including but not limited to group of computer science stu- “Computer scientists are pro- becoming heavily dependent on Qatar Foundation, ICT Qatar dents to gather insights into bar- ducers of ICT. Hence, a large technology, and to compete in this and members and branches of riers and motivators. number of computer science market, one must acquire not only Qatar Science and Technology “Jobs are plentiful, interesting, graduates are needed to achieve business skills, but also technol- Park such as Qatar Computing CMUQ graduate Ahmed Al Salama speaking to participants on the sidelines and flexible. Studies predict com- Qatar’s mission and help it estab- ogy background that allows them Research Institute and Qatar of the celebrations. puter science-related jobs will be lish itself as a leader in computer to efficiently manage their enter- Robotic Surgery Centre and among the fastest growing and technology in the region.” prises,” he said. CMUQ. THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 19 MARCH 2014 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

PM meets Korean, Expo highlights Fath Al Kheir journey Bangla envoys DOHA: The Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E 60 photos on display at Katara Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani yes- DOHA: Sixty photos of the his- 22 to December 18 last year as terday met separately South toric voyage of the Qatari dhow a highlight of Katara’s annual Korean Ambassador Chung Fath Al Kheir are displayed at Traditional Dhow Festival. jong-ki and Bangladeshi envoy an exhibition which opened yes- It completed 850 nautical miles Sayyed Massoud Mahmoud terday at Katara Esplanade. trip from Qatar to Bahrain, Saudi Khandoukar and discussed The photos were taken by Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, the UAE cooperation. Qatari artist Ahmed bin Yousef Al and back to Qatar. Khulaifi, Chairman of the board of Katara General Manager, Dr FM receives new directors of Qatar Photographic Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti and Society, during the 27-day jour- the artist, along with other offi- ambassadors ney of the dhow around the GCC cials, opened the expo. states. Dr Al Sulaiti said the Fath Al DOHA: The Foreign Minister The Fath Al Kheir journey was Kheir journey was part of Katara’s H E Dr Khalid bin Mohamed the first of its kind, initiated by strategy to revive and maintain Al Attiyah yesterday met Katara to revive the centuries-old Qatari traditions and culture and separately the new Thai maritime heritage Qatar shares transmit them from one genera- Ambassador Piroon Laismit with neighbouring countries. tion to another. and Polish Ambassador The 45-metre long dhow, car- The expo is open to the public Katara General Manager, Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti (third right) and Qatari artist Ahmed bin Yousef Al Khulaifi Krzysztof Suprowicz who pre- rying 44 crew, sailed across the until April 3. (left) touring the exhibition at Katara Esplanade yesterday. IBRAHIM KUTTY sented copies of their creden- six GCC states from November THE PENINSULA tials. Dr Al Attiyah wished them success in their mission and relations between Qatar and their countries further progress. DFI showing films in tribute to Tati Entertainment at the core of New CEO for DOHA: Doha Film Institute’s Qatar ports firm (DFI) tribute to French come- International Food Festival dian-auteur, Jacques Tati, DOHA: The Minister of opened on Monday night at DOHA: Entertainment is at year is also back this year. Transport and Chairman of Katara. the core of this year’s Qatar The Qatar Airways Cooking Qatar Ports Management The event was attended International Food Festival Theatre will feature cooking dem- Company H E Jassim bin Seif by French Ambassador (QIFF) as organisers reveal an onstrations by award-winning Ahmed Al Sulaiti has issued Extraordinary and exciting line-up of acts during the celebrity Chef Ramzi Choueri and a decision appointing Captain Plenipotentiary Jean-Christophe four-day culinary event opening local Chef Aysha Al Tamimi who Abdullah Abbas Al Khanji as Peaucelle, Canadian Ambassador tomorrow at Museum of Islamic specialises in Qatari cuisine. Chief Executive Officer of the André Dubois, Head of the Art Park. Several chefs specialising in company. Central African Republic mis- Doha Jazz and violinist Soledad Brazilian, Italian and international sion Hamodi Check and DFI and popular local musician Tarek cuisine will also give demonstra- QR962m real CEO Abdulaziz Al Khater. Sidani will be returning to enter- tions. All will entertain the crowds As part of the worldwide cel- tain the crowds. with the demonstrations daily. estate deals ebration of Francophone week, Many new acts will be joining Also returning for the second and the Katara-DFI Cinema festivities, including multicultural, year in a row is the Dinner in the DOHA: Real estate transac- Series, the showcase will present tanoura and break dancers, a short Sky. Those wishing to add a bit tions worth QR962,230,881 four films by Tati who is a film by Doha Film Institute, a light of excitement and adventure to were registered between beloved cultural icon of France. show, light painting, pizza art, a their dining experience, can enjoy March 9 and 13 at the Ministry The films are being presented food comic, a Carnaval show and a three-course meal catered by of Justice. through new digital restorations popular characters from the chil- Renaissance Hotel as they take in The Real Estate Registration in the Gulf for the first time. dren’s show, Baraem. the stunning Doha skyline from Department said properties The Semaine de la FROM LEFT: Canadian Ambassador André Dubois, DFI CEO Abdulaziz With positive feedback on the 40 metres above ground. Visitors included open plots, two-storey Francophonie celebrations in Al Khater, French Ambassador Jean-Christophe Peaucelle, and Central entertainment showcased dur- who wish to stay a little more villas, annexes and residential Doha are being held under the African Republic Head of Mission Hamodi Check at the event. ing QIFF 2013, organisers Qatar grounded may enjoy Dinner on a buildings. Most sales were reg- patronage of the Minister of Tourism Authority and Qatar Dhow sponsored by Souq Waqif istered in Umm Salal, Al Khor, Culture, Arts and Heritage H The remaining films Mon Theatre tonight and tomorrow Airways aimed to bring more excit- Boutique Hotels or the BBQ Donut Doha, Al Rayyan, Al Shamal, Al E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al oncle (1958) and Playtime (1967) at 7.30pm, respectively. ing family-friendly acts this year. sponsored by the Diplomatic Club. Daayen and Al Wakra. QNA Kuwari. will screened at Katara Drama THE PENINSULA One of the biggest draws last THE PENINSULA

WEDNESDAY 19 MARCH 2014 08 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Global forum on policies Qatar businessmen urged to for family next month DOHA: Doha International work balance, family and intergen- gain from Tunisia’s stability Family Institute (DIFI) is cel- erational ties and families in special ebrating the 20th International circumstances. Year of the Family (IYF) by hold- Speakers include the Minister ing a conference next month where of Labour and Social Affairs H E Premier Jomaa highlights opportunities in stable economy experts, academics, researchers, Dr Abdullah Saleh Mubarak Al civil society organisations and poli- Khulaifi; Vincent Meriton, Minister DOHA: After the successful our trade is with Europe. It is Tunisian economy and take the industry and agriculture. cymakers will discuss key aspects for Community Development, Social completion of political recon- time to give an Arab dimension reforms ahead,” said Jomaa. Both sides also agreed to of social policy in an attempt to Affairs and Sports, Seychelles; ciliation, Tunisia is now look- to our relations while maintain- He said after his visit to the organise a visit for Qatari busi- change policies and empower the Tuve Martin Hugo Skenberg ing forward to bolstering its ing good relations with Europe GCC, he will be visiting the US. nessmen to Tunisia in the next family. von Beetzen, Swedish MP from economy and is pinning hope and America,” said Jomaa. The Tunisian delegation yes- two months. Under the patronage of Christian Democrat Party; Dr on Arab and GCC investors, “After three years of political terday met Qatari businessmen Qatar Chamber President, H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Bahira Sherif Trask, Professor, Prime Minister Mehdi Jomaa instability, finally we managed and officials of Qatar Chamber. Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Associate Chair, the Department said here yesterday. to create a situation for long- The meeting, in the presence Thani, said the meeting focused Education, Science, and Community of Human Development and Family Jomaa was in Doha on a visit, term political stability and this of the Minister of Finance H E on boosting economic and trade Development, the conference will be Studies, University of Delaware; heading a business delegation. is an encouraging environment Ali Sherif Al Emadi, discussed cooperation, adding that the held on April 16-17 at Qatar National and Dr Deisi Noeli Weber Kusztra, He urged Qatari businessmen for investors,” he added. issues in reciprocal investment, Tunisian side presented some Convention Centre under the theme Executive Director, National Union to invest in his country and He said after completion of with both sides agreeing on the sectors Qatari businessmen can ‘Empowering Families, A Pathway to of the Associations of Protection of benefit from opportunities in political transition, Tunisia is importance of boosting partner- invest in. Development’. Maternity and Childhood, World a stable economic and political now turning its attention to ships between the private sec- He added that the situation is Key themes include confronting Family Organisation. atmosphere. economic issues. tors in both countries. improving in Tunisia as security family poverty and social exclu- The second day will focus on fam- In an interview with Qatar “Tunisia today is more secure Qatari Businessmen is stable and economic indica- sion; ensuring work-life balance; ily and the post-2015 development News Agency, Jomaa lauded and stable but it will continue Association Chairman Sheikh tors are starting to rise. and social integration and intergen- agenda. Sessions will highlight issues Qatar’s support to his country fighting terrorism. The current Faisal bin Qassem Al Thani said “We are optimistic about the erational solidarity. More than 80 of importance to effective family pol- and said Tunisia was keen to economic difficulties are the Jomaa encouraged Qatari busi- Tunisian economy and Qatari speakers from across the world will icy design and gender equality. The further improve its ties with price for democratic transition nessmen during the meeting as businessmen are keen to explore share views and experiences regard- role of men in the family will also Qatar and other GCC countries and now we are holding dialogue he discussed highly rewarding investment opportunities there,” ing the centrality of the family and be considered in relation to design- in all sectors. with our partners in Europe and investment opportunities for he said. its role in society. In preparation ing family policies. The day will “Currently, 80 per cent of Gulf countries to support the both countries in the fields of THE PENINSULA for the forum, introductory meet- attempt to evaluate to what extent ings were organised by the United these matters have been addressed Nations Department of Economic in family policies around the world. and Social Affairs at the UN head- Speakers include Amina J quarters, and meetings with civil Mohammed, Special Adviser to society organisations in many parts the Secretary-General on Post- of the world. 2015 Development Planning; Philip Workshop on disaster risk reduction held DIFI organised expert group Hawang, Professor of Psychology, meetings in Doha in 2011 and 2013, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; DOHA: A training workshop and at European Parliament in 2011. Nassir Abdulaziz Al Nasser, UN High on ‘Disaster risk reduction The first day of the conference Representative of the Alliance of and reporting on progress will focus on family matters. Article Civilisations; Prof Dr Rolph van der in implementation of the 16 (3) of the Universal Declaration Hoeven, Human Resources and Local Hyogo Framework for Action of Human Rights stipulates that Development, International Institute (HFA)’ was conducted by the family is the natural and fun- of Social Studies, Erasmus University the Permanent Emergency damental group unit of society and Rotterdam; Taj Hamad, Secretary- Committee in association entitled to protection by society and General, World Association of Non- with United Nations Office the state. It will feature panel ses- Governmental Organisations. for Disaster Risk Reduction sions on family poverty, family and THE PENINSULA (UNISDR). The two-day workshop was held at the Officers Club at the General Directorate of Civil CMC briefed on sacking of official Defence (GDCD). UNISDR Regional Continued from page 1 week, if they have issues. He also Programme Officer Luna Abu The Minister addressed the closed offered to attend the CMC meeting Swaireh and officer Fadi Al session of the CMC yesterday which once in every two months. He said, Janan addressed the event, was attended by 22 members. He in one of the coming sessions of the opened by Brig. Hamad Al explained the reasons for sacking CMC, he will present Qatar’s urban Duhaimi, Director of Operations the secretary-general, saying it was development plan to CMC members, Department at GDCD and for the good of the council and its once it is approved by the Cabinet. Secretary of PCDAA. functioning. CMC Chairman Saud Abdulla He stressed the importance He said he had decided to meet the Al Henzab said there was no per- of the workshop and urged par- new secretary-general to explain to sonal disagreement with the former ticipants to benefit from it. him things that were not clear for the secretary-general. The workshop covered issues former secretary-general. The CMC voted to sack him related to natural disasters risk The Minister promised to meet because “he was not cooperative with reduction and national coordi- The workshop in progress. CMC members at his office every CMC members.” THE PENINSULA nation mechanisms to reduce risks. The national programme She said at the global level plays a major role in determin- increasing environmental gains to reduce risks and models of there is no state immune to ing potential losses when disas- by 2015. The workshop also best practice and how to imple- risks and natural phenomena ter strikes. addressed goals set by the UN to ment them was also highlighted, and economic losses are on the She also explained means and reduce losses, including the pro- along with implementation and rise despite technological devel- mechanisms to prevent the dan- motion of effective integration Superyacht Nirvana berths monitoring of HFA and how opment that has contributed to ger and the importance of pre- of disaster risk considerations in they can monitor and report the reduction of casualties as a paredness to reduce losses. sustainable development policies on progress and indicators to result of progress in search and Al Janan spoke about HFA, and planning, development and measure it. Abu Swaireh praised rescue. adopted by the UN’s member strengthening of institutions, at The Pearl-Qatar the committee’s efforts and dis- She said knowledge of cir- states as the main tool for risk mechanisms and capacities to cussed the concept of disaster cumstances of each country and reduction. Its main goal is to contribute to risk reduction and DOHA: The superyacht Nirvana, The visit of Nirvana coincides with risk reduction, the definition of their geographical distribution build the capacity of countries implementation of programmes one of the largest and most luxu- the third edition of the Gulf Craft natural phenomena and their of population, infrastructure and communities to cope with for emergency preparedness and rious in the world, is berthed at Exclusive Preview 2014 organised effects. and economic development disasters by reducing losses and response. THE PENINSULA Porto Arabia Marina, Gate 2 at by the UAE’s Gulf Craft, the yacht The Pearl-Qatar. builder. Built by Oceanco and exhibited by The show begins today and runs brokers Edminston & Company, the until March 21. yacht is the largest of its kind to dock While not officially part of the at the Porto Arabia Marina. It will be show, visitors show will be able to 26 Emergency Section staff training in sign language there until March 22. view the Nirvana from the Porto The length of the Nirvana is 88.5 Arabia boardwalk. DOHA: The Operation Cultural Centre for the Deaf. emergency for the deaf. Twenty- disabilities. He said the section meters. It has six lavish cabins and The visit of Nirvana, along with the Department at National The head of the section, Maj. six trainees are attending the is working constantly on train- accommodates a crew of 27. Each of Gulf Craft event, raises the profile of Command Centre (NCC) Khled Saleh Mohammed Al two-week course which includes ing its staff for best delivery its six decks is connected by a stair- The Pearl-Qatar, already the yacht- organised training in sign Ansari, said the course aimed theoretical and practical classes. of services for all segments of well and a glass lift. Other features ing playground of Doha. The Pearl- language for employees of the to raise employees’ compe- Al Ansari stressed that the society. He praised cooperation include a 3D cinema, an HD pro- Qatar will continue to be Doha’s department working in 999 tence and provide them with department is working to pro- between the department and jector, sophisticated bar and dining premier destination for serious boat emergency section. knowledge and expertise in vide the best services in case of the centre in serving the better accommodations, eight jet skis, a and yacht owners for years to come. The course was conducted in sign language so they can deal emergencies for all categories, interests of society. glass reptile house and two helipads. THE PENINSULA cooperation with Qatar Socio with complaints received at 999 including those with hearing THE PENINSULA

Four panels set up to select Arabic novels Panel mandate expanded Continued from page 1 novel to receive $200,000. Khalid in the coming years we will see a Continued from page 1 Dr Al Sulaiti stressed Katara is Al Sayed, General Supervisor of new generation of young innova- On 1 June 2012, the committed to upholding transpar- Katara Prize for Arabic Novel, said tors who will take the responsibil- Human Rights Council ency, integrity and independence a permanent centre for Arabic ity of developing the cultural scene mandated the commis- in the selection of candidates for novel will be launched in Katara. in Qatar,” said Al Sayed. sion to “urgently conduct a the Prize. Four juries will be cre- It will include a library for He urged the need to support comprehensive, independ- ated to judge the novels in various Arabic novels, a training centre, emerging novelists and encourage ent and unfettered special stages. Each jury comprises intel- an archive and database for Arabic talented youth to make them pro- inquiry” into the events in lectuals, artists and critics who are novels and a pioneering project for ductive and realise their dreams. Al Houlah. not eligible to participate in the Qatari Arabic novelists. It will also The idea of the Qatari Arabic The commission pre- competition. house a permanent exhibition on novelist initiative was inspired sented a preliminary report The first panel of judges includes the history of Arabic novels and by the prize, he added. The pro- on June 26 and reported its nine members who will select 30 photos of famous Arabic novelists gramme is open to male and female findings to the council on from the published and as many and their books. “Qatar is wit- Qataris between 18 and 30 years September 17. from unpublished novels. The nessing a significant change and who have a narrative writing abil- The council again second jury of five members will development in different aspects, ity. Twelve will be selected annu- extended the commission’s choose the best 10 novels from both including culture, art and educa- ally. They will be given monthly mandate until March 2013, categories while the third jury with tion and there is a growing inter- rewards and training and men- expanding its mandate to three members will select the win- est among Qataris and cultural tored by experts to turn their ideas include investigation into The Nirvana will be at Porto Arabia Marina, Gate 2, until March 22. ners. The fourth panel, with three and media institutions to support into a written innovative work. all massacres. members, will choose the best these developments and no doubt THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 19 MARCH 2014 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09

Bahrain clashes Egypt policeman Egypt blockade a crime jailed 10 years for Islamist against humanity: Hamas prisoner deaths CAIRO: An Egyptian court sentenced a policeman to 10 years yesterday for the deaths Rafah crossing has been shut for 40 straight days of 37 prisoners who suffocated on tear gas, one of the most GAZA: The Palestinian group against humanity by every criteria and forces near daily, since Mursi’s fall, brutal incidents in an extensive Hamas yesterday called Egypt’s a crime against the Palestinian peo- allegations the Palestinian group crackdown on Islamists. curbs on movement through its ple,” said Fawzi Barhoum, a spokes- denies. Three other offices were given crossing with the Gaza Strip a man for the Islamist movement which An Egyptian security official said suspended one-year sentences. “crime against humanity”, in an rules Gaza. that security concerns dictate the The sentences were the first unprecedented rebuke of its Arab A Hamas official said yesterday status of the crossing and that they against policemen for violations neighbour that further frays their Egypt had, for the fist time, in the regularly open it for humanitarian during a crackdown on supporters worsening ties. last few days cut off contacts with reasons, such as for patients seeking of Mohamed Mursi that has killed The closures, that Egypt says were the Gaza government because of treatment. more than 1,000 people since the introduced because of security con- the dispute over the crossing, which Egypt has also demolished hun- army ousted the Islamist presi- cerns, have cut off imports of medicine Egyptian officials did not immedi- dreds of cross-border smuggling tun- dent in July. The prisoners were and aid to the impoverished coastal ately confirm. nels through which weapons, but also killed when tear gas was fired into enclave and prevented travel by thou- Relations between Cairo and Gaza basic goods such as food and fuel, were a truck taking them from a police sands of Gazans and patients seeking have steadily declined since Egypt’s transported into Gaza. station to a prison near Cairo on treatment abroad. army ousted the country’s first elected Israel has maintained strict curbs August 18. The officer given 10 Usually open for four to six days president, Islamist Mohamed Mursi, on the movement of goods and peo- years was deputy head of the police per month, the Rafah crossing has in July. ple in Gaza since Hamas took control station who oversaw the transfer. now been shut to normal passenger Hamas is an offshoot of Mursi’s there following bloody battles with The four officers were sen- traffic for 40 straight days — although Muslim Brotherhood, which Egypt’s Palestinian rivals in 2007. tenced for manslaughter after Egyptian authorities have opened it military-backed government has The twin blockades have left the the prosecution’s investigation twice in that period for pilgims to declared a terrorist organisation. Gaza Strip’s industry and construc- A Bahraini protester holds petrol bomb as he takes cover revealed they acted recklessly Makkah. Egypt has banned all Hamas activi- tion sectors gasping for resources, from tear gas fired by police during clashes following the reckless toward the victims, “Egyptian authorities’ insistence on ties in the country, accusing it of sup- pushing unemployment to new lows funeral of a Bahraini man Jawad Ahmed Al Haawi, in the the sources added. The incident closing the Rafah crossing and tight- porting an Islamist insurgency that and deepening poverty. village of Sitra, south of Manama, yesterday. occurred at the peak of the crack- ening the blockade of Gaza ... is a crime has spread quickly, targeting security AFP down against Mursi supporters. The interior ministry said at the time that police fired tear gas when the inmates rioted as they were being transferred to Abu Zaabal prison in Cairo. The Islamist Anti-Coup Police in Cairo stop pro-Mursi press meet Alliance, which is pressing for the reinstatement of Mursi, had accused police of killing the pris- CAIRO: Egyptian police pre- of journalists in attendance and protest camps, including eight of the Muslim Brotherhood, have More than 200 policemen and oners as they were being moved. vented supporters of ousted advised the scribe to leave. An policemen. It said that exchanges been detained. soldiers have been killed by mili- Yesterday’s verdict was handed Islamist president Mohamed activist of the Islamist group said of fire erupted after “some armed Meanwhile, a new Egyptian tants based in the restive Sinai down after the court heard testi- Mursi from holding a press con- two organisers were arrested. elements suddenly opened fire” Islamist group claimed respon- Peninsula since the army over- mony from seven wounded pris- ference yesterday, asking jour- Security officials confirmed the and killed an officer calling on sibility for a spate of attacks on threw Mursi in July. Militants have oners. The court also heard from nalists to leave the venue. police intervention but not the protesters to disperse. policemen in the Nile Delta that spread their reach to the capital a justice ministry expert, who said The press conference was arrests. Yesterday’s pro-Mursi press marked an escalation of a mili- and the Nile Delta, carrying out the truck used had a capacity of called by the Islamist Anti- Police dispersed two Islamist conference was called to reply to tant campaign following Islamist car bomb and shooting attacks only 24 people, while they were Coup Alliance in response to protest camps in Cairo on August the falsified claims made in the president Mohamed Mursi’s against police targets. The state- packed with 45 that day. an official report on a deadly 14, a month after the army over- report, an email invitation said. overthrow. Ansar Al Shariah, ment, posted on Facebook and The incident came just four police crackdown on pro-Mursi threw Mursi, killing hundreds of More than 1,400 people have a name used by jihadist groups circulated on militant Islamist days after security forces stormed protest camps in August. A cor- his supporters in clashes. been killed in the crackdown on in other countries, had recently forums, said the attacks in the Nile two sit-ins of Mursi supporters respondent who went to attend The National Council for Mursi’s supporters, according to announced its formation in Egypt, Delta over the past few months in Cairo, setting off clashes that found police deployed outside the Human Rights said in a report Amnesty International. before issuing another statement were to avenge abuses against killed hundreds. Since then, secu- venue. released on Monday that 632 Thousands more, including on Monday saying it targeted 28 “our sisters,” a possible reference rity forces have continued the They took down the names people were killed in one of the Mursi and most of the leadership “treasonous” security men. to detained Islamist women. AFP crackdown on them. AFP WEDNESDAY 19 MARCH 2014 10 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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Moscow’s Crime-a Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

HE gleam of victory on Vladimir Putin’s face rivalled the glitz of the Grand Kremlin’s St George’s Hall in Moscow yesterday. Speaking to lawmakers, the TRussian President delivered a ringing endorsement of Crimea’s annexation to the Russian federation. As Putin signed Is respect for human rights papers in the presence of the head of the Crimean government Sergei Aksionov and head of the Sevastopol city administration Alexei Chaliy, the Russian national anthem heralded the joining of the autonomous Ukrainian region with Russia. evolving in China? With jubilation in Russia and Crimea and resentment in Ukraine and the West, strongman Putin’s masterstroke in BY JONATHAN POWER government. Military members of the his third term will go a long way in steeling his image and Politburo fell from half to 10pc. In 1987, consolidating his political constituency. N 1913, following the overthrow of village elections were encouraged, albeit In over ten universities In a speech laced with defiant rhetoric, Putin tried to whip up the last emperor, citizens walked, the local party representatives too often around the country Sweden’s emotions by invoking the patriotic element. “There are graves of pedalled or rickshawed to the poll- engineered their own election. Deng even Russian soldiers on the peninsula whose courage enabled Russia Iing stations — although opium foresaw that “general elections could be prestigious Wallenberg smokers, Buddhists and policemen were held in China half a century from now”. to make Crimea part of the Russian Empire in 1783,” Putin said. Institute for Human Rights forbidden from voting. In the annals of (That would be in around 2030.) The referendum, which drew heavy criticism from the West, the 2,500 years of Chinese civilisation it But in 1989 all the hopes for a demo- helps organise human rights gave a 96 percent yes vote to the question of the disputed region is the one and only time the Chinese have cratic spring were dashed. Students who courses. In Beijing University, becoming part of Russia. However, there remains a weak spot voted in a national election. had gathered in Tiananmen Square to human rights can be the Under Mao Zedong, the communist protest bad governance were crushed by for Putin. The Crimean Tatars, who are Muslims, have voiced minor subject in a degree. scepticism over separating from Ukraine. The former KGB leader who overthrew this Nationalist tanks sent in by order of Deng. Deng, government, any pretence of voting was who held no formal position but nev- spy tried to alleviate their concerns. “There was the period, given short shrift. Politics was outlawed ertheless held the final say in all major helps organise human rights courses. where the Crimean Tatars experienced injustice. It is necessary and would-be dissidents severely pun- decision making, overruled the Party’s In Beijing University human rights can to adopt political, legal measures to finalise the process of ished. Only at the top level of Chinese General Secretary, Zhao Ziyang, who be the minor subject in a degree. Over rehabilitation of the Crimean Tatars,” politics — in the ruling politburo — were favoured listening to the students and five other universities have substantial Putin mentioned Putin said. After Moscow strong- votes taken. Indeed, on some occasions, pushing along with more openness. human rights programmes. Wallenberg armed ousted Ukrainian president Mao was outvoted. Shortly after he was made to step down. even lays on programmes for the police. the West’s support But once he Many observers believe that because The Chinese professors Wallenberg Viktor Yanukovich into signing a was dead some of the “Colour Revolutions”, the Arab work with are knowledgeable and also to Kosovo in customs union, it drew Ukraine of the leadership Spring and the tense situation in Xinjian idealistic, accepting they will be unlikely reply to criticism away from the West. The European Many observers of the communist the rules against political dissent have to be promoted to the top of the academic of what he did in Union’s attempt to bring Kiev into its believe that because party did want been tightened up in recent years. tree, given their subject of interest. fold crashed as Yanukovich did a last to see a loosen- Despite that there have been ongoing “The government doesn’t care what ing up. There reforms: educational institutions have you think. It only cares what you do,” Crimea. What minute about-turn, derailing plans of the “Colour Revolutions”, the was what Bao more autonomy; and protests against is the mantra of those concerned with about demands of the 28-nation bloc to integrate Tong, personal misrule by local party officials and human rights. Thinking inside a univer- of Russia’s it into the Eastern Partnership Arab Spring and aide of deposed factory bosses have increased sharply sity is OK. Programmes. tension in Xinjian, Communist and have often been listened to and The government is prepared to pounce North Caucasus Absent from the ceremony the rules against Party chief, Zhao demands met. when that rule is broken. Xu Zhiyong provinces? was Yanukovich, who is on Ziyang, called a The legal world continues to be has been incarcerated for organising the political dissent have “freedom faction”. reformed. Last year, the Supreme New Citizens’ Movement that demands slippery ground after fleeing been tightened up. For example, in People’s Court sent a letter to a top that Chinese officials disclose their from insurgency-hit Ukraine and 1995 politburo Chinese leader with information laying wealth. (This is despite the government finding shelter in Russia. Putin railed at the West’s support member, Tian out why the courts were not working mounting a major anti-corruption cam- to Kosovo’s secession from Serbia. Moscow was never for the Jiyun, called for direct elections for as they should. They were being med- paign.) Cao Shunli has just died after right to self-determination of Kosovars. What about the right government officials. Politburo standing dled with and not allowed to do their being denied medical treatment while to self determination of the people of Chechnya and Dagestan. committee (the top organ of the party) job. Sometimes people were being con- in custody. member, Li Ruihuan, called for partial victed for crimes they had not commit- When it comes to human rights issues There has been a raging insurgency in the North Caucasus media privatisation. There were others. ted. In November, the Party’s Central you can talk to your friends without against Moscow’s rule. If the Kremlin could support separation Deng Xiaoping, an outcast under Mao, Committee announced that false con- fear of being listened to, travel abroad, of Crimea from Ukraine it doesn’t have a right to deny the who became the dominant leader shortly fessions from torture were disallowed. sound off on social media or work quietly right to self determination to the people of Chechnya and after Mao’s death, warned in 1980 of the So were so-called “re-education camps”. behind the scenes inside government and Dagestan. Incidentally, Doku Umarov, the leader of the Islamist dangers of “bureaucracy, over-concentra- The number of crimes punishable by the legal system to advocate reform. But tion of power, patriarchal methods, life death was reduced and the courts have don’t protest publicly, don’t organise and insurgency in North Caucasus was reported dead yesterday. tenure in leading posts and various privi- become more transparent. don’t write that the government must go. If it was Abkhazia and South Ossettia in 2008, and it is leges”. Voting, albeit very tightly control- Although the notion of human rights The time has not come for that. We may Crimea today, what’s next for Putin? Moldova’s Transdniestr? led, was introduced within the party. So is a relative novelty to living Chinese it have to wait, as Deng said, until 2030 The former Soviet Republic of Moldova yesterday warned were mandatory retirement ages, includ- is quite surprising how much teaching for democracy and freedom of speech to Moscow against any such adventurism in the Russian speaking ing that of the top leaders. Courts were of it is allowed. In over ten universities arrive, and for human rights to be taken region of the state. It’s becoming hard to halt Putin’s march. revived as semi-independent bodies. around the country Sweden’s prestigious seriously. Citizens were given the right to sue the Wallenberg Institute for Human Rights THE PENINSULA Only a harder stance by the West can do so. The other side Quote of Heavy fine on air polluter the day

ast week, the Beijing quality and gain strengthened public measures. However, doubts have also effect should further consolidate pub- environmental authorities trust, says a Beijing Times opinion been expressed about how rigorously lic confidence in the new regulation. issued the first fine to a piece. Beijing’s new air pollution meas- it will be enforced. The inspections found a dozen enter- Lcompany under the city’s new ures are unprecedentedly tough. The With the first enforcement of the prises had broken the regulation and Air Pollution Prevention and Control new regulation has been described new regulation the Beijing Municipal they now await their penalties. The conflict is Regulation, which came into effect on as “the strictest, most detailed envi- Environmental Protection Bureau has Hopefully, with more confidence the March 1. ronmental regulation in history”, not not only sent a warning to polluters new regulation will be able to achieve moving from a The company has to pay a 100,000 just because of the high fines that can that the days when they could con- its intentions, the public will be further yuan ($16,000) fine, which will double be imposed, the initial fine can be up taminate the air we breathe with impu- encouraged to do their bit to help pro- political one to if similar problems are found during to 500,000 yuan, but also because it nity are gone, it has also given the tect the environment. a military one the next inspection, and it must stop allows factories to be shut down, even public reason to believe that the new That is a necessary virtuous circle polluting within three days of being demolished if necessary. regulation will be effectively enforced. because air pollution and environmen- because of Russian issued the notice. Since the new regulation passed The fact that the monitoring team tal degradation have many sources The move signals the authori- the legislative procedure, the pub- launched inspections immediately and they will only be curbed with the soldiers. ties’ determination to improve the air lic has voiced its support for the after the new regulation came into efforts of all. China Daily Arseny Yatseniuk Ukrainian PM WEDNESDAY 19 MARCH 2014 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 Jumbo coverage of Malaysia’s MH370 Fascination with disaster has probably always been with us, preserved as it is in folk tales, religious parables and literature.

BY JACK SHAFER of the Malaysian criminal justice system, the Andaman Islands, life hen a big story raft locator radios, search tech- breaks, my nologies, air navigation and more. news diges- One measure of my devotion to tion knows this story is that I even watched no satiety. an oceanographer talk on Charlie WEarthquake, assassination, inva- Rose about the missing aircraft. sion, bank run, political campaign, None of my newly acquired celebrity court case, sport scandal knowledge will serve me in any or a drunk stubs his toe on the tangible way. It won’t improve Lower East Side — I can handle democracy or raise productiv- anything the press swarm sends ity. I doubt that it will even make at me. me a better journalist, although So unlike Fox News press it might make me a better con- reporter Howard Kurtz (“It’s versationalist. But the story has too much with too few facts,” he wedged its way into my conscious- said last week of the saturation ness and will persist until some- reporting by his former network, body locates the Boeing 777 and CNN, about Malaysia Airlines solves the mystery. Flight MH370), I can handle Much has been made about how any “over”-coverage the news provisional some of the findings machine chooses to throw my of journalists have been in their way. By handle, I usually mean coverage of MH370 — inaccura- avoid, but on a story like MH370, cies about the origin of the flight Malaysia’s acting Transport Minister Hishammuddin Hussein (second right) addressing a news conference on the missing Airlines flight MH370, at Kuala I desire the sort of coverage that data and what time the flight dis- Lumpur International Airport yesterday. could fill the Indian Ocean, which appeared, the provenance of the I did not know until last week had debris spotted by a satellite and an average depth of 2.5 miles. the number of no-shows for the tales, religious parables and lit- strange animals, and documen- as a journalist, as I observe my (“A lot of stock cannot be put in That fact was only one of flight. erature. In his new and excellent tary reports about appearances by colleagues pursue the MH370 the altitude data” sent from the the scores of news nuggets I’ve As my colleague Erik Wemple book, The Invention of News: How the Devil — anything potentially story. Reduced to two dimen- engines, one official told the New chewed and swallowed since the of The Washington Post explained the World Came to Know About dangerous or out of the ordinary sions, journalism is a game of York Times. “A lot of this doesn’t airliner was reported missing on last week, fast-moving stories Itself, historian Andrew Pettegree — were more than fit to print in chase, with reporters dashing make sense.”) March 8. routinely produce conflicting writes about the craving the origi- these early newspapers. The taste like bloodhounds through the If, after analysing the Nexis While I’m aware that the reports; as was the case with the nal readers of newspapers in the for news of the weird or unusual undergrowth of evidence until dump and TiVo hoard, you still flight’s fate, its back story, and Boston Marathon bombing, the late 1500s had for earthquakes, has never abated. cornering the story. The longer believe the MH370 coverage repercussions will have no impact Washington Navy Yard shootings floods, other stupendous weather Now I won’t try to advance a it takes for reporters to corner extravagant and wasteful, I give on my life, and that there aren’t and the Newtown slaughter. disasters and strange occur- theory out of evolutionary psy- the quarry, the more suspense- you permission to avert your eyes enough degrees of Kevin Bacon Dozens of conflicting reports rences. The appetite for deadly chology to explain our hunger for ful the story becomes — is there from this story. For those of us to connect me to 95 percent of emerged from the Mumbai ter- crime stories — even deadly crime peculiar news other than to say any more suspenseful story than who remain enthralled by it, who the missing passengers, I have rorist attack in 2008, the 9/11 stories taking place far away or that it seems unstoppable. Such “Alive or Dead”? have used the story as an entry clawed my way through stories attacks, the Clinton-Lewinsky years ago — would suffice. news makes some of us more The greater the suspense, the point into Malaysian politics or and even stayed up at night to scandal and even Watergate In 1586, a London printer fearful of the world. For others, greater the reader interest, and flight safety or satellite surveil- learn about transponders, the dif- reporting. I’m not making excuses named Thomas Purfoot horrified it brings calm or a sense of nor- the greater the reader interest lance, you have nothing to apolo- ferent kinds of radars, the stolen for anybody, but those who expect readers with an account of a tri- malcy, like the Londoners who the greater journalistic enthu- gize for. Readers have been giving passport business, the number of perfect reporting from the scene ple-slaying in northwest France lived through the blitz. Combine siasm to attack the tale from themselves over to grand, myste- air strips within MH370 flight of breaking news haven’t been by a Frenchman. The better a news of the weird with a mystery, the oblique angles — to plumb rious stories that don’t directly range that could have accom- paying close attention to what story conveyed the dangers of life, such as an unaccountably missing the history books for stories of affect them for five centuries. modated a landing, general they have been consuming over the more readily it was consumed. airliner on the other side of the other missing aircraft, address The news menu remains immense Malaysian political incompetence, the years. Sensationalistic accounts of world, and you have the makings the human interest elements, and varied. If you don’t like the Southeast Asian geography, satel- The human fascination with celestial visits by comets, mete- of an itch that no scratching can advance competing theories about MH370 story, do us a favour and lite telemetry, international rela- disaster has probably always been ors, and the Northern lights, sto- relieve. the flight’s fate and puncture the pick something else. tions, black boxes, the workings with us, preserved as it is in folk ries about monstrous births and I speak as a reader, but also evidence offered by authorities REUTERS Without clean air, we have nothing Is Crimea the end or the BY LUCE IRIGARAY and MICHAEL start of a bigger crisis? MARDER BY JOSHUA KEATING ir pollution is deteriorating in many places around the world. In Shanghai, ow that Crimean voters have overwhelmingly backed a union such is the oppressive smog, covering with Russia — not exactly shocking, given that there wasn’t Athe city with a toxic cloud, that author- even an option on the ballot for those favouring the status ities have had to instal gigantic TV screens to Nquo — the annexation of the peninsula seems to be all but broadcast the sunrise. Salt Lake City has such accomplished. The region formally applied to join Russia Monday, and poor air quality that chemicals in the atmos- President Vladimir Putin has said he will respect the result. The EU and phere not only give it a different hue but leave US have announced travel bans and asset freezes against a number of residents with a foul-smelling, metallic taste in senior officials in response to the vote. Foreign Policy’s Daniel Drezner has their mouths. Closer to home, Paris has expe- a good explanation of why this is probably worth doing, even though it’s rienced some of its worst air pollution in recent unlikely to push Russia to relinquish territory it now effectively controls. days, while in the EU as a whole, even at permit- In all likelihood, Crimea’s six decades as a part of Ukraine have now come ted concentrations, industrial and traffic-related to an end, whether the rest of the world recognizes it. pollution is harming cardiovascular health. But this doesn’t necessarily mean the crisis is over. Attention is now Is clean air, along with drinkable water, shifting to eastern Ukraine, where there are some signs that Russia becoming one of the most precious resources might look to expand its mandate to “protect” Russian speakers. on the planet? Or should we reframe the ques- Large pro-Russian demonstrations have been held with protesters A man looking at the Oriental Pearl TV Tower on a hazy day in Pudong, Shanghai, yesterday. tion and challenge the kind of thinking that storming government buildings in Donetsk, Kharkiv and other eastern converts everything, including the very air cities where Russian speakers are a majority. Unrecognised “referen- we breathe, into economically measurable people long to breathe in green, open spaces. and the vegetal world. Often described as “the dums” have been held in some cities, and Ukrainian-language books reserves and commodities? They do not all know what they are seeking lungs of the planet”, the woods that cover the have been burned in some places. Today we live in a world so complicated and, but they flock there, nevertheless. And, in these earth offer us the gift of breathable air by Meanwhile, just before the referendum, Russian forces moved to seize a moreover, organised so differently according to surroundings, they are generally both peaceful releasing oxygen. But their capacity to renew natural gas plant outside the Crimean border. As Mary Mycio explained the cultures we belong to, that encountering each and peaceable. It is rare to see people fighting in the air polluted by industry has long reached in Slate a couple of weeks ago, while Crimea may be culturally distinct, it’s other as humans has become almost impossible. a garden. Perhaps struggle unfolds first, not at its limit. If we lack the air necessary for a extremely economically dependent on mainland Ukraine. For this reason, However, instead of asking what it means to be an economic or social level, but over the appro- healthy life (or, indeed, for any kind of life), it the New Republic’s Julia Ioffe predicts that Russia is likely to expand human, alleged experts in various domains dis- priation of air, essential to life itself. If human is because we have filled it with chemicals and its land grab “just north and east of Perekop,” the narrow isthmus that cuss at great length how to establish coexistence beings can breathe and share air, they don’t need undercut the ability of plants to regenerate connects Crimea to the mainland. “And while you’re there, wouldn’t you among people. No doubt such an objective is both to struggle with one another. And consequently, it. As we know, rapid deforestation combined want to just take the entire Ukrainian east, the parts with the coal and relevant and urgent, but in their debates, these it appears to be a basic crime against humanity with the massive burning of fossil fuels, which the pipe-making plants and the industry?” she writes. experts in peace stray far from a solution, get- to contribute to air pollution. are largely the remnants of past plants, is an There are widespread rumours of Russia stirring up secessionist senti- ting lost in technical detail without considering Unfortunately, in our western tradition, explosive recipe for an irreversible disaster. ment in eastern Ukraine, including bussing in demonstrators. US officials the universal sharing of life, from which we could neither materialist nor idealist theoreticians The fight over the appropriation of suggest to the Daily Beast that Russian special forces may be involved. For start again. Even if it makes sceptics laugh, we give enough consideration to this basic condi- resources will lead the entire planet to an what it’s worth, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says his country have no viable solution other than to experience tion for life. As for politicians, despite propos- abyss unless humans learn to share life, both has “no plans” to send troops into eastern Ukraine. The defence minis- the universal human condition as that of a liv- ing curbs on environmental pollution, they with each other and with plants. This task is tries of Ukraine and Russia have also agreed on a truce until March 21. ing being, standing naked in the garden that the have not yet called for it to be made a crime. simultaneously ethical and political because If I had to guess, a full Russian military invasion of eastern Ukraine earth is. After all, with every breath we take, we Wealthy countries are even allowed to pollute it can be discharged only when each takes it still seems unlikely. Vladimir Putin seems to made a correct assump- expose our lungs to the outside world, regard- if they pay for it. But is our life worth anything upon her – or himself – and only when it is tion that he could seize Crimea and get away with it. But the factors less of all the barriers we have erected between other than money? Are we, then, still living? accomplished together with others. The les- that made the Crimea operation so quick and bloodless aren’t present the environment and ourselves. The resistance Or, do we only sense what life could be when son taught by plants is that sharing life aug- in the rest of the country, which is larger, less geographically isolated, to envisaging this alternative is due to a nihilistic we enjoy green spaces? ments and enhances the sphere of the living, more ethnically heterogeneous, and doesn’t have the same histori- preference for certain powers – be they material The plant world shows us in silence what while dividing life into so-called natural or cal links to Russia. Russia’s economy took a hit over Crimea, but the or spiritual, capitalist or cultural – over life itself. faithfulness to life consists of. It also helps us human resources diminishes it. We must come financial markets, at least, now seem to have accepted the current state Such a stance is both suicidal and murderous, to a new beginning, urging us to care for our to view the air, the plants and ourselves as of affairs. Putin got away with one, but going further would almost even though few people actually intend it to be breath, not only at a vital but also at a spiritual the contributors to the preservation of life surely lead to war and raise the risks for his government significantly. so negative. How can they recover their taste for level. We must, in turn, care for it, opposing and growth, rather than a mesh of quantifi- But of course, the Crimea operation didn’t appear to have been life and learn ways of cultivating it, in themselves, any sort of pollution that destroys both our able objects or productive potentialities at our planned out too far in advance either. Russia is clearly keeping its with others, and in the natural world? world and that of plants. The interdepend- disposal. Perhaps then we would finally begin options open for the rest of Ukraine, and it seems like it wouldn’t take The fact that public parks in cities become ence to which we must pay the closest atten- to live, rather than being concerned with bare much to turn this into a much larger international crisis. crowded as soon as the sun shines proves that tion is that which exists between ourselves survival. THE GUARDIAN WP-BLOOMBERG WEDNESDAY 19 MARCH 2014 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST Jordanian PM survives no-trust vote Row over Israel’s killing of judge

AMMAN: Jordan’s prime minister escaped a no-confi- dence vote by parliament yes- terday that was motivated by his government’s allegedly weak response to the killing of a Jordanian judge by Israeli soldiers. The 150-member lower house renewed its confidence in Prime Minister Abdullah Nsur (pic- tured), by an 81-29 vote, with 20 abstentions and 20 MPs absent. Incensed by the shooting death of judge Raed Zeiter at a border crossing last week, MPs had demanded the government expel the Israeli ambassador and release Jordanian soldier Ahmad Israeli troops shot dead Dakamseh, who shot dead seven 38-year-old Zeiter, a Palestinian- Israeli schoolgirls in the 1990s. Jordanian, at a border crossing They have also demanded the between the occupied West Bank An Israeli army officer comforts a wounded soldier after he is unloaded from an army helicopter at a landing base in Haifa’s Rambam Hospital, in northern government recall the Jordanian and Jordan on March 10, saying Israel, yesterday. ambassador to Israel. he had attacked them and tried to Jordan signed a peace treaty take one of their weapons. with Israel in 1994, becoming the The Palestinian Centre for only Arab country besides Egypt Human Rights disputed the Israel vows response to Golan bombing to have made peace with the army’s account, saying one of the Jewish state. soldiers pushed Zeiter after he JERUSALEM: A roadside Syrian President Bashar Al line near the Druze town of whether or not Hezbollah had Nsur told the MPs yesterday had disembarked from a bus with bomb wounded four Israeli sol- Assad’s troops. Majdal Shams. “The soldiers were been involved in the blast, which the government “does not see other passengers so that Israeli diers on the occupied Golan Netanyahu said the ceasefire in a jeep near the fence and they he said struck “adjacent to the that expelling the Israeli envoy soldiers could search it. Heights yesterday, prompting line in the Golan had remained saw something suspicious, so they fence, east of Majdal Shams, in the and calling the Jordanian ambas- Nsur has held Israel “com- artillery fire into Syria and a largely calm, despite the three- got out and that’s when the device area under Israeli sovereignty.” sador serve the path of our mar- pletely responsible” for Zeiter’s sharp warning that Israel would year civil war raging in Syria, but went off,” the source said. Israel occupied the Golan in tyr’s case,” state-run Petra news death and demanded an apology act forcefully to defend itself. that Israel would not hesitate to The Israeli army confirmed the 1967 Middle East war and agency reported. for the “hideous” killing. The army said one of the sol- act in self-defence. “We will act four soldiers had been wounded annexed it in 1981 in a move never “If we go ahead with such On Monday, the royal palace diers was severely wounded in forcefully to preserve Israel’s by an explosive device, prompt- recognised by the international moves, Jordan will face reper- said in a statement that Israeli what was the third such incident security,” he warned. ing troops to open fire on Syrian community. A Lebanese security cussions that would go beyond President Shimon Peres had in two weeks along Israel’s north- Although there was no imme- military positions. source said 10 Israeli rockets had our sorrows... It will also affect apologised to King Abdullah II ern frontier, prompting a blunt diate claim of responsibility, ana- “We view the Syrian army as slammed into an uninhabited bor- Jordan’s abilities concerning the for the killing, and that the king warning from Prime Minister lysts pointed to similarities with responsible for this incident... der area. On March 5, the Israeli Israeli-Palestinian peace talks,” had received a “similar” call from Benjamin Netanyahu. an explosion last week targeting this indicates our response to army said troops on the Golan had he said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin “Recently the border with troops along the Lebanese border, the attack,” military spokesman opened fire on Hezbollah mem- Nsur did not mention Netanyahu. Syria has filled with jihadists and which was blamed on Hezbollah, Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner bers as they tried to plant a bomb Dakamseh, who is serving a life Peres issued a statement saying Hezbollah elements, which repre- and a similar attempt in the told reporters, saying it was the near the ceasefire line. It claimed sentence for the 1997 shooting. he had called Abdullah to express sents a new threat for the state Golan on March 5. most serious incident on the to have struck the two fighters MPs were not immediatly “deep regret” for the shooting, but of Israel,” he said, referring to An Israeli security source said Golan since the outbreak of the but did not say what weapon it available for comment as they the statement did not contain a Lebanon’s powerful Shiite move- yesterday’s incident targeted a Syrian uprising in March 2011. used or whether they died. were still meeting in parliament. full apology. AFP ment, which is fighting alongside patrol driving along the ceasefire He was unable to confirm AFP

War crimes Yemen youth demand trial of proof in Syria Saleh over uprising killings

enough for SANA’A: Hundreds rallied in Yemen’s capital yesterday, on the anniversary of the 2011 killing of 45 protesters against Ali Abdullah indictment: UN Saleh, demanding that the former president and aides be tried for their deaths. On March 18, 2011, dubbed the “Friday of Dignity,” GENEVA: UN investiga- gunmen loyal to Saleh shot dead 45 protesters, most of them univer- tors said yesterday they had sity students, and wounded another 200 in just three hours, accord- expanded their list of suspected ing to figures compiled by Human Rights Watch. war criminals from both sides This was at the beginning of a popular uprising against Saleh’s three- in Syria’s civil war and the evi- decade rule inspired by the so-called Arab Spring that had already dence was solid enough to pre- swept rulers from power in Tunisia and Egypt. pare any indictment. After a year of protests and clashes between demonstrators and The UN inquiry has identified forces loyal to him, Saleh stepped down in February 2012 under a deal individuals, military units and that granted him immunity from prosecution. security agencies as well as insur- Holding up symbolic coffins, yesterday’s demonstrators chanted “no gent groups suspected of commit- immunity for the killers” and “Saleh and his aides should be put on ting abuses such as torture and trial.” The demonstration was organised by the Youth Revolutionary bombing civilian areas, it said in Council, one of the groups that led the year-long uprising against Saleh. its report to the United Nations A statement read at the demonstration in Sanaa’s Change Square, Human Rights Council. the epicentre of the anti-regime protests, called for Attorney General EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton (left) and Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif prior Some 20 investigators have Ahmed al-Awash, a Saleh appointee, to be sacked. They accuse him of to the talks between the E3+3 (France, Germany, UK, China, Russia and USA) and Iran in Vienna, yesterday. carried out 2,700 interviews with covering up for the perpetrators of the attack. victims, witnesses and defec- Saleh is still head of his General People’s Congress party and his tors in the region and by Skype critics accuse him of trying to hamper the country’s political transition. in Syria, but have never been He only agreed to step down under the UN-backed deal, brokered by Russia and US seek to forget allowed to enter the country now Gulf nations, which gave him and his aides immunity. But youth groups in its fourth year of an increas- have rejected that, and continue to stage rallies demanding justice. ingly sectarian conflict. However, despite the accu- Ukraine for Iran nuclear talks mulation of evidence, diplomats EU offers €180m aid to Jordan say it is unlikely Syria would be VIENNA: Russia, the United Washington on Monday issued be discussing a major deal with referred to the International BRUSSELS: The European Commission signed off on a 180 mil- States and other world powers the first sanctions against a hand- Tehran whereby Moscow would Criminal Court (ICC) that tries lion euro aid package for Jordan yesterday to help it assist refugees tried to put their sharp differ- ful of Russian officials. get Iranian oil in exchange for war crimes suspects in The from Syria and cope with a disruption of gas imports from Egypt. ences over Ukraine to one side Already downbeat about pros- money, goods and help in build- Hague any time soon. Under the terms of a deal signed by Economic Affairs Commissioner on Tuesday as they kicked off pects for a deal with Iran, Mark ing new nuclear reactors. As Syria has not signed the Olli Rehn and Jordan’s Finance Minister Umayya Toukan, the EU the latest nuclear talks with Fitzpatrick, a former US State This would undermine Rome statutes setting up the ICC, executive offered Amman a medium-term loan in two instalments this Iran in Vienna. Department official now at the Washington’s efforts to cut off the UN Security Council would year of ¤100m and ¤80m ($250m in total). The gathering is the second London-based International Iran’s main source of revenue -- need to make the referral. “The EU is helping Jordan to weather the severe impact of the in a series of meetings aiming to Institute for Strategic Studies, a strategy which the US credits Russia, supported by China, regional economic and political crisis,” Rehn said. “This assistance transform by July a November said the unfolding crisis made him with forcing Tehran to the negoti- has shielded its ally Syria will help ease Jordan’s financing constraints and support its economic interim deal into a lasting accord “even more pessimistic”. ating table in the first place. throughout the war, vetoing reforms.” The aid aims to help Jordan address the consequences of a that resolves for good the decade- “The Russians will ... be less Mark Hibbs from the Carnegie three UN resolutions that would number of external economic shocks, notably related to the conflict in old standoff and removes the likely to make sacrifices for the Endowment for International have condemned President Syria and the disruption in gas imports from Egypt. threat of war. sake of unity over the Iran issues,” Peace said this “huge barter deal” Bashar Al Assad’s government So far, despite disagreements Fitzpatrick said. The Iranians, he is a “carrot Moscow can dangle and threatened it with possible over the Syria conflict and other said, “now have more reason to constructively to wrestle more sanctions. issues, the six powers have shown wait out the six powers”. concessions from Iran.” “We do not lack information US seizure act of piracy: Libyan rebels a united front over Iran, but A senior US administration “Or it can move forward uni- on crimes or even on perpetra- TRIPOLI: Libyan rebels said the US seizure of a tanker that loaded events in Ukraine in recent weeks official involved in the Iran talks laterally and damage the nego- tors. What we lack is a means crude at a port under their control was an illegal act of piracy, have precipitated the worst crisis said last week that diplomats tiation,” Hibbs said. “Up to Putin by which to achieve justice and according to a statement run by a rebel television station yesterday. in East-West relations since the “hoped that the incredibly diffi- to choose.” Even without the spat accountability but this is not in Abb-Rabbo Al Barassi, the rebels’ self-declared prime minister, Cold War. cult situation in Ukraine will not over Ukraine, agreeing a lasting our powers,” Paulo Pinheiro, the said the storming of the tanker by US Navy commandos had violated Following Sunday’s referen- create issues for this negotiation”. deal will be tough for Iran and chairman of the UN commission international law, the statement said. Last week, the tanker had loaded dum in Crimea -- slammed as a Even before the Ukraine cri- the United States, China, Russia, of inquiry on Syria, told a news oil at the rebel-held Es Sider port and escaped the Libyan navy before sham by the White House and the sis erupted, Russian President Britain, France and Germany, conference. US forces seized it on Sunday night off the Cyprus coast. European Union -- Brussels and Vladimir Putin was reported to known as the P5+1. AFP REUTERS AGENCIES WEDNESDAY 19 MARCH 2014 INTERNATIONAL www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 Putin signs Crimea treaty; not to seize other regions Moscow accuses west of crossing the line on Ukraine

MOSCOW: Russian President William Hague said London had after Crimea,” Putin said. “We do Vladimir Putin, defying suspended military cooperation not want a partition of Ukraine.” Ukrainian protests and Western with Russia. Setting out Moscow’s view of sanctions, signed a treaty yes- In his speech, Putin lambasted the events that led to the over- terday making Crimea part of Western nations for what he throw of Yanukovich in a popular Russia but said he did not plan called hypocrisy, saying they had uprising last month, Putin said to seize any other regions of endorsed Kosovo’s independ- the “so-called authorities” in Kiev Ukraine. ence from Serbia but now denied had stolen power in a coup, open- In a fiercely patriotic address to Crimeans the same right, he said. ing the way for extremists who a joint session of parliament in the “You cannot call the same thing would stop at nothing. Kremlin, punctuated by standing black today and white tomorrow,” Making clear Russia’s concern ovations, cheering and tears, Putin he declared to stormy applause, at the possibility of the US-led said Crimea’s disputed referendum saying that while he did not seek Nato military alliance expanding vote on Sunday, held under Russian conflict with the West, Western into Ukraine, he declared: “I do not military occupation, had shown the partners had “crossed the line” want to be welcomed in Sevastopol overwhelming will of the people to over Ukraine and behaved (Crimean home of Russia’s Black be reunited with Russia. “irresponsibly”. Sea fleet) by Nato sailors.” To the Russian national He said Ukraine’s new leaders, Moscow’s seizure of Crimea Pro-Kremlin activists rally at the Red Square in Moscow to celebrate the incorporation of Crimea yesterday. anthem, Putin and Crimean in power since the overthrow of has caused the most serious East- leaders signed a treaty on mak- pro-Moscow president Viktor West crisis since the end of the ing Crimea part of Russia, declar- Yanukovich last month, included Cold War and Putin showed no ing: “In the hearts and minds of “neo-Nazis, Russophobes and sign of backing down despite the Biden reassures Nato allies people, Crimea has always been anti-Semites”. threat of tougher sanctions. and remains an inseparable part Putin thanked China for what In Crimea, where his speech WARSAW: US Vice-President a lever of political pressure, and was not surprisingly rejected by of Russia.” he called its support, even though and the signing ceremony were Joe Biden told Nato allies in reviewed their mutual commit- virtually the entire world”, Biden, Parliament was expected to Beijing abstained on a UN resolu- broadcast live, his words caused eastern Europe yesterday that ments as members of the Nato standing alongside Tusk, told a begin ratifying the document tion on Crimea that Moscow had rapture for some. the alliance was unwavering military alliance. news conference. within days. to veto on its own. He said he was “Putin’s done what our hearts in its commitment to protect Biden spoke moments after “We join Poland and the inter- The speech drew immediate sure Germans would support the were longing for,” said Natalia, a them from attack, offering Russian President Vladimir Putin, national community in condemn- hostile reaction in Kiev and the Russian people’s quest for reunifi- pensioner who sells snacks in a reassurance after what he at a ceremony in Moscow, signed ing the continuing assault on West. Ukraine’s foreign ministry cation, just as Russia had supported kiosk in the centre of Simferopol, called Russia’s “land grab” in a document on Crimea’s admis- Ukraine’s sovereignty and territo- said it did not recognise the pact, German reunification in 1990. the region’s capital. “This finally Ukraine’s Crimea peninsula. sion into the Russian Federation, rial integrity and the blatant viola- which showed how Russia posed And he sought to reassure brings things back to what they Biden was in the Polish capital although Ukraine’s government tion of international law,” he said. a threat to international security. Ukrainians that Moscow did should be after all those years. For at the start of a two-day mission and Western powers have said “Russia has offered a variety US Vice-President Joe Biden, not seek any further division of me, for my family, there can be no to demonstrate to countries on they will not recognise the move. of arguments to justify what is on a visit to Poland, called their country. Fears have been bigger joy, for us this is sacred.” Russia’s western borders, nervous Putin acted after a referendum nothing more than a land grab Moscow’s action a land grab and expressed in Kiev that Russia Feride Kurtbedinova, a high they could be next in line after vote in Crimea, a majority eth- But the world has seen through stressed Washington’s commit- might move on the Russian- school student and a member of Crimea, that the United States nic Russian region of Ukraine, Russia’s actions and rejected the ment to defending the security speaking eastern parts of Crimea’s Muslim ethnic Tatar stands by them. in favour of union with Russia logic, the flawed logic, behind of Nato allies on Russian borders. Ukraine, where there has been minority, said: “After Putin met After talks with Polish Prime following mass unrest that top- those actions.” Polish Prime Minister Donald tension between some Russian- with the Tatar leaders, that made Minister Donald Tusk, Biden pled Kiev’s pro-Russian president. Biden said that the events in Tusk said Russia’s move on speakers and the new authorities. it for me. He showed respect, gave said they had discussed ways to The West called the referendum a Crimea were a reminder to Nato Crimea was unacceptable to “Don’t believe those who try to us security guarantees, for Tatars reduce the region’s dependence on Moscow-orchestrated sham. members that they need to stand the international community, frighten you with Russia and who that is important.” imported Russian gas, which US Russia’s leaders had “rushed an together. while British Foreign Secretary scream that other regions will follow REUTERS officials say the Kremlin uses as illegal referendum in Crimea that REUTERS

Serbia nets Nigeria to use soft tactics to curb Boko Haram violence alleged Balkan ABUJA: Nigeria’s national at engaging communities in the Nigeria is Africa’s top oil pro- people from the Kanuri eth- in the region, began working security advisor yesterday said struggle against extremism. ducer but more than half of its nic group and analysts have closely with the Kanuri commu- drug boss with the authorities would begin “We believe that we can win the 170 million people live on less than argued that engaging Kanuri nity last year by providing train- using a “soft approach” to war against terror by mobilising $2 per day. leaders should become a key ing and other support to vigilante stem the Boko Haram Islamist our family, cultural, religious and Boko Haram, which has said it plank of the counter-insurgency groups which had formed to fight help from CIA violence raging across the national values,” Dasuki told a wants to create a strict Islamic strategy. the Islamists. northeast. news conference. state within Nigeria, has carried The rest of northern Nigeria The armed forces have praised BELGRADE: Alleged Balkan Sambo Dasuki said the mili- Analysts and Western dip- out attacks across the mainly is dominated by ethnically Hausa the contributions of the vigilan- drug boss Darko Saric, one of tary would continue to battle the lomats have consistently said Muslim north over the last four Muslims. More than 700 people tes, especially in terms of intel- the most wanted figures in the insurgents, who are blamed for that Nigeria cannot defeat Boko years. But the recent violence has have been killed in 40 separate ligence, but the violence has crime-riddled region, surren- killing thousands of people since Haram with force alone and they been concentrated in the north- attacks across the northeast in persisted, including a number of dered to Serbian police yester- 2009, but the government was have called for massive economic east, the insurgents’ historic 2014 alone, according to Human attacks on defenceless civilians day as a dragnet involving the also set to use “a carrot and stick development programmes in the stronghold. Rights Watch. and at least two strikes on major CIA closed in on him in Latin approach”. deeply poor north to curb the The northeast, like Boko The military, currently waging military bases. America, Serbian authorities The new strategy was aimed violence. Haram itself, is dominated by an offensive against Boko Haram AFP said. Serbia’s government said the 43-year-old had set no conditions for his surrender, other than to see his wife, son and daughter for 30 minutes at Podgorica airport Amnesty slams Cyprus in neighbouring Montenegro en route from an unspecified third country to Belgrade. Saric, a Serbian citizen of treatment of migrants Montenegrin origin, faces 13 indictments including the traf- NICOSIA: Amnesty committed no crime from her ficking of 5.7 tonnes of cocaine International yesterday con- children,” said Elsayed-Ali. from South America to Europe demned what it termed the Cyprus ombudsman Eliza and laundering of ¤22m in Serbia. “shameful” treatment of Savvidou has also criticised such After almost five years on the migrants and asylum-seekers detentions, while children’s rights run, Serbia said it had located in Cyprus, saying they were commissioner Leda Koursoumba Saric moving within four Latin being detained in prison-like said authorities have a legal obli- American countries and that, conditions for extended periods gation to ensure the child is prop- having realised his arrest may awaiting deportation. erly cared for while the parent is be imminent, he had offered to Refugees from the Syrian con- in custody. surrender. flict and women separated from Amnesty said at least one per- “On February 24, his lawyer con- children figure among those son at the island’s main immigration tacted the Serbian government and detained in the EU member detention centre, Menoyia, had been offered his unconditional surren- state, it said in a report which the held for 22 consecutive months — in der, which we accepted,” Serbian Cyprus government immediately violation of an EU maximum of 18 Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar rejected as “one-sided”. months — awaiting deportation. Vucic told a televised cabinet “By detaining scores of peo- Menoyia is “a prison in all but session. He said Serbian and ple for months at a time, Cyprus name. Behind a double metal Montenegrin security officers had Greenpeace activists on rubber dinghies and holding placards with text reading ‘Stop Risking Europe!’ at the is displaying a chilling lack of fence... detainees are forced to live been in the third country, and that Fessenheim nuclear power plant in Fessenheim, France, yesterday. compassion and a complete dis- in cramped conditions and only Saric was escorted to Montenegro regard for its international obli- allowed outside the building for 2.5 and then on to Belgrade. gations,” said Sherif Elsayed-Ali, hours each day,” said Elsayed-Ali. “Our huge efforts have borne Greenpeace activists in French break in held Amnesty’s head of refugee and He said: “Cypriot authorities... fruit,” Vucic said, adding that par- migrant rights. have displayed a ruthless and ticular gratitude was owed to the FESSENHEIM, France: the activists did not enter build- continues to function normally,” “It is shameful to think that arbitrary attitude to locking up CIA. Television pictures showed a French police arrested 57 ings and the Fessenheim plant’s the EDF spokesman said. within the EU people who have migrants. “The fact that EU laws handcuffed Saric emerging from a Greenpeace activists who used security was not compromised. After police wound down the committed no crime are being allow people who have not com- Serbian plane in Belgrade in jeans a truck yesterday to ram their A CGT union official said all protest inside the plant, more held in harsh prison-like condi- mitted a criminal offence to be and a white shirt and stepping way into a nuclear power plant French nuclear plants were on activists arrived on a canal outside tions for prolonged periods, in effectively imprisoned for up to into a police vehicle. operated by EDF in eastern maximum security alert follow- on inflatable rafts and unfurled some cases for up to 18 months 18 months is appalling.” The breakthrough came two France, the organisation said. ing the incident. anti-nuclear banners. or longer,” he said. During a visit earlier this days after a parliamentary elec- The activists hung anti-nuclear An EDF spokesman said moni- President Francois Hollande Amnesty cited two cases of for- month, Amnesty said it found tion won in a landslide by Vucic’s banners from the Fessenheim toring had been stepped up and has promised to close Fessenheim eign women detained and forcibly nine Syrian refugees among those centre-right Progressive Party plant, the oldest in operation in precautionary measures taken. by 2016 and cut France’s reliance separated from their young chil- held at Menoyia, including at least thanks, in large part, to Vucic’s role France. Greenpeace activists have The protesters used a truck to on nuclear energy to 50 percent dren, who were handed over to one who had applied for asylum. as leader of a popular campaign a history of breaking into nuclear break through two security bar- of its electricity mix from 75 per- social services. The women, long- “It is incomprehensible that the against crime and corruption. plants in France and about 30 riers early in the morning, a local cent now. time residents of Cyprus and mar- Cypriot authorities are detaining It follows the arrest last year in were arrested last July after government official told journal- Greenpeace wants Fessenheim’s ried to EU citizens, told Amnesty Syrian nationals in Menoyia when Serbia’s former Kosovo province entering EDF’s Tricastin plant ists. Police later surrounded and two 900-megawatt reactors, which that the separation had had “dev- it is Cyprus’ official policy not of Naser Kelmendi, blacklisted by in southern France. entered the plant. have been in operation since 1977, astating effects on their children”. to return Syrians to Syria,” said the United States on suspicion of France’s nuclear safety author- “There has been no impact on to be shut immediately. “There can be no excuse for Elsayed-Ali. trafficking drugs to Europe. ity said that in the latest protest, the security of the plant, which REUTERS separating a woman who has AFP REUTERS WEDNESDAY 19 MARCH 2014 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL NSA can retrieve, replay phone calls NSA capable of recording all calls in the targeted foreign nation; Snowden promises more revelations

WASHINGTON: America’s identify the country where the the privacy rights of Americans has been charged in the United private data of millions of Internet easily note anything from book National Security Agency has system is being used, and other and foreigners. The agency also States with espionage, dismissed and telephone customers. browsing at Amazon.com to visit- technology that is capable of nations where it may be used in renewed its criticism of the the public debate about whether Snowden argued that if he had ing websites. recording the phone calls of an the future. stream of leaks from Snowden. he is a heroic whistle-blower or gone to the US Congress with his People should be able to book entire country and replaying If true, the programme would Dozens of documents leaked by traitor. Instead, he used the con- concerns he would have risked air travel, order books, make them later, a report based on be more powerful than any other Snowden have sparked outrage ference organised by educational being “buried along with the phone calls and send text mes- leaked documents said yesterday. that the NSA has, allowing the in the United States and abroad non-profit organisation TED information”. Snowden instead sages without worrying about how The Washington Post, cit- spy agency to tap into the entire about the vast capabilities of the (“Technology Entertainment urged the “adversarial press” to it will look to an agent of the gov- ing papers released by the network from a country. intelligence programmes. US offi- Design”), to call for people world- challenge government and ignite ernment, Snowden declared. former NSA contractor Edward Jameel Jaffer of the American cials have defended the tactics wide to fight for privacy and public debate “without putting “More communications are Snowden, said the eavesdropping Civil Liberties Union called the as necessary to thwart terror Internet freedom. national security at risk.” being intercepted in America agency’s equipment functions like report “a truly chilling revelation”. attacks, though President Barack Internet creator Tim Berners- He argued that the dangers about Americans that there are in a time machine by being able to “The NSA has always wanted to Obama has ordered reforms for Lee briefly joined Snowden’s critics have played up regarding Russia about Russians,” Snowden reach into the past. record everything, and now it has the surveillance programs. interview with TED curator Chris disclosure of information have not said. He argued that the NSA was The report said the NSA can the capacity to do so,” Jaffer said. Snowden, separately, emerged Anderson, and came down in the materialized, and insisted that making the US, and the world, collect 100 percent of the calls “The question now is simply from his Russian exile yesterday hero camp. he remains comfortable with his less safe by lobbying for weak of a target country, reaching as whether we have the political will in the form of a remotely-control- When Anderson posed the decisions. He depicted the NSA’s standards that could open back far back as one month with tools to impose reasonable limits on the led robot to promise more sensa- question to the TED audience — Prism programme for getting user doors into online venues or serv- called MYSTIC and RETRO. NSA’s authority — that is, whether tional revelations about US spying known for famous, innovative, and information from Internet firms ices such as online commerce or The leaked documents say the we have the political will to protect programs. influential attendees — the idea as a way for the US government banking. technology can “retrieve audio of our democratic freedoms.” The fugitive’s face appeared on that Snowden was a force for good to “deputize corporate America “Our basic freedoms are not interest that was not tasked at Zeke Johnson at Amnesty a screen as he manoeuvered the met with applause. “Hero patriot to do its dirty work.” a partisan issue,” Snowden said. the time of the original call.” International USA said: “The wheeled android around a stage or traitor; I would say I am an And he blasted a US secret ‘It is up to us to protect them; it A classified summary of the NSA is making George Orwell at the TED gathering, addressing American citizen just like anyone court for seldom rejecting National is up to us to preserve the open program cited by the Post said an seem unimaginative. If true, this an audience in Vancouver without else,” Snowden said. Security Agency requests to com- Internet.” Snowden endorsed NSA collection system can store latest revelation should be a clar- ever leaving his secret hideaway. “What really matters here is pel Internet titans to turn over the campaign by Berners-Lee billions of calls in a 30-day rolling ion call for reform.” The National “There are absolutely more rev- the kind of government we want; user data and US legislators for for a global Magna Carta lay- buffer that clears the oldest calls Security Agency did not confirm elations to come,” he said. “Some the kind of Internet we want.” showing little oversight. ing out values and rights on the as new ones arrive. or deny the report but said in a of the most important reporting He sais he was inspired to pass a Snowden urged Internet com- Internet. “A Magna Carta for the The newspaper said that at the statement that its electronic spy- to be done is yet to come.” huge trove of NSA files to report- panies to stand against online Internet is exactly what we need,” request of US officials it had with- ing was not “arbitrary,” and noted Snowden, a former National ers when he saw US spying tactics snooping by encrypting online Snowden said. held details that could be used to that its methods respect laws and Security Agency contractor who going too far and intruding into the activity by default so spies could AFP

Lottery win prediction comes true US dismantles Judge blocks 9/11 plotter global child from testifying at NY trial porn website

NEW YORK: A US judge role in Al Qaeda and had noth- didn’t know? He doesn’t touch it. WASHINGTON: The United blocked America’s most high- ing to do with a 2001 plot to bomb Not even with a 10-foot pole,” he States announced yesterday profile terror detainee yester- a transatlantic US passenger jet. added. Mohammed’s responses that it has dismantled a mas- day from testifying in a New He refused to testify by audio or to written questions were vetted sive international online child York courtroom to defend video-link from the US military by US intelligence and submit- pornography ring, one of the Osama bin Laden’s son-in-law. prison but government prosecu- ted to Abu Ghaith’s lawyers last largest such operations ever “I have considered this very tors said even a deposition would Thursday. uncovered. carefully. It’s much ado about be irrelevant and prejudicial. Abu Ghaith is most famous Authorities said they arrested nothing. It’s not admissible,” Judge Kaplan, who at one point asked for appearing in a video with and charged 14 suspects in the Lewis Kaplan told the southern whether he had the right to sub- bin Laden the day after the 9/11 secret, members-only online district court in Manhattan. poena Mohammed, ruled there attacks. The prosecution says he network, which had more than Suleiman Abu Ghaith, who was “nothing at all” in the 14 was hired to recruit young men 27,000 subscribers. The website’s married Bin Laden’s daughter pages that would be admissable. all over the world for Al Qaeda. juvenile victims, who numbered Fatima, is on trial for conspiracy “The application is denied. It is The defence argues that, while more than 250, reside in five for- to kill Americans, conspiracy to in my view baseless, entirely base- Abu Ghaith made incendiary eign countries and 39 US states, support and supporting terrorists. less,” the judge told court. Kaplan remarks, he did not conspire officials said. Authorities said the The 48-year-old from Kuwait said there was no evidence that to kill Americans and was not victims, were, for the most part, denies the charges. He faces life Abu Ghaith ever met Mohammed, involved in the shoe bomb plot. boys between the ages of 10 and 17. imprisonment if convicted by a nor that the two had any dealings Abu Ghaith is the most high- Among the countries where jury at the trial, which is expected on the December 2001 shoe bomb profile alleged Al-Qaeda mem- victims were found are Great to conclude within days. plot, hatched in Afghanistan at a ber to face trial in a US federal Britain, Canada, New Zealand, His defence lawyers extracted time when Mohammed may have court rather than at Guantanamo Australia and Belgium. The 14 pages of written testimony been in Pakistan. Bay, which the White House has organisation is “one of the larg- from Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, “There is not even evidence in promised to close. est known online child exploi- the self-styled 9/11 mastermind this document that Khalid Sheikh US prosecutors say Abu Ghaith tation operations in history,” held at Guantanamo Bay, saying Mohammed was in the same worked for Al-Qaeda until 2002, Department of Homeland that it disputed key elements of country as the defendant during when he fled Afghanistan for Iran. Security chief Jeh Johnson said. the prosecution’s case. the relevant period,” Kaplan said. He was captured in 2013 and Among the suspects taken into Mohammed had claimed Abu “Does he address what brought from Jordan to the US. custody was Jonathan Johnson, 27, Neil Trotter (left) and Nicky Ottaway celebrate their £107.9m jackpot win Ghaith never played a military Suleiman Abu Ghaith knew or AFP the administrator of the website, in the EuroMillions draw at Wotton House, Dorking, Surrey, yesterday. which operated out the southern A car mechanic from Britain revealed he had predicted he would be US state of Louisiana. If con- a multi-millionaire “this time tomorrow” just hours before he won the victed, Johnson faces 20 years Two dead in Seattle copter crash to life in prison, said Kenneth jackpot. Neil, 41, from Coulsdon in south London, said he had told staff Allen Polite, US Attorney for the in his father’s office on the day of the draw that he was feeling lucky. Eastern District of Louisiana. “These indictments represent a strong coordinated strike... against child pornography and those who allegedly seek to harm Coulson saw details of our most vulnerable citizens, our young children,” Polite said. The illicit website operated on hacked Royal calls: Court a hidden service board on the Tor network from about June 2012 until June 2013, when Johnson LONDON: Andy Coulson, 2011 due to escalating coverage of was arrested. The Tor network British Prime Minister David the phone-hacking scandal which is set up to conceal user’s location. Cameron’s ex-media chief, led Murdoch to close the paper Authorities said at the time it agreed to have the phones of and sent shockwaves through the was dismantled, the illegal web- royal aides monitored and saw British establishment. site contained more than 2,000 transcripts of hacked voice- Goodman told London’s Old shared webcam-captured videos mails when he was editing a Bailey court the deal to monitor of mostly juvenile boys enticed by Rupert Murdoch tabloid, a the phones of senior aides to Prince the website’s operators to produce former reporter said yesterday. William and his brother Harry was The scene of the wreckage where a television news helicopter crashed near the Space Needle in Seattle, sexually explicit material. Clive Goodman, the ex-royal edi- agreed at a meeting he had with Washington, yesterday. At least two people were killed when a news helicopter crashed, setting cars on fire. AFP tor of Murdoch’s now defunct News Coulson at the end of 2005. He said of the World tabloid, told a London he needed the editor’s approval as court Coulson had approved a £500 he had no budget from which to ($830) weekly payment to a pri- make the payments. vate detective who later hacked “I said that ... Glenn Mulcaire phones of staff working for Queen had offered to monitor three Elizabeth’s grandsons. royal phones for us,” said British govt boosts childcare allowance Goodman also told the court Goodman. “We could monitor he had shown Coulson full tran- them or he could monitor them LONDON: Britain’s coalition election campaign. Fiscal policy is costs paid for the government. The workers and ultimately benefit scripts of hacked messages and for £500 a week. The editor government unveiled a larger- expected to be key battleground first £10,000 ($16,600) of child- the economy. The budget, to be told him how private investigator agreed to a two-month trial.” than-expected scheme to help in the run-up to the election that care per year will be eligible for delivered by Conservative finance Glenn Mulcaire could supply the Goodman said the trial was cut the cost of childcare for looks set to be a tight battle with the scheme, meaning voters will minister George Osborne today, is numbers needed to access voice- extended and payments contin- working parents yesterday in Labour currently slightly ahead receive an annual break of up to expected to give a sober analysis mails. The former reporter, 56, ued on an ad-hoc basis until both an appeal to voters squeezed by in opinion polls. “Tax free child- £2,000 for each child. of the challenge that Britain still and Mulcaire were both jailed in he and Mulcaire were arrested in several years of stagnant wages care is an important part of our It had been expected that only faces to get its finances and debt 2007 for hacking the phones of August 2006. and rising prices. long-term economic plan,” said £6,000 of costs would be eligible levels under control. the senior royal aides. Under the deal, Mulcaire, who The joint announcement by Cameron. “It will help millions of for the scheme which is expected The latest YouGov survey has Coulson, 46, who edited the had suggested to him that the Prime Minister David Cameron, hard-pressed families with their to benefit 1.9 million families. The Labour with 40 percent support, tabloid at the centre of a phone- information about voicemails had a Conservative, and his Liberal childcare costs and provide finan- Labour party welcomed steps to help the Conservatives with 32 per- hacking scandal for four years, has come from British security serv- Democrat Deputy Prime Minister cial security for the future.” parents, but said the government cent, the anti-European Union UK always denied any knowledge of ices who were already monitoring Nick Clegg, comes on the eve of By mid-to-late 2015 working action was “too little, too late”. Independence Party with 11 per- the practice. He joined Cameron’s the royal family’s phones, received Britain’s annual budget statement parents with children under 12 will Consultancy KPMG said cent, and the Liberal Democrats office after leaving the newspa- £12,300. which will set the tone for a 2015 have 20 percent of their childcare the scheme could free up more with 9 percent. REUTERS per. Coulson resigned in January REUTERS WEDNESDAY 19 MARCH 2014 ASIA / PHILIPPINES www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15 Jet search area as large as Australia Motive behind plane’s disappearance still unknown

KUALA LUMPUR: An inter- an hour after take-off early on sources said efforts by various national land and sea search March 8. governments to investigate the for a missing Malaysian jet- Investigators piecing together backgrounds of everyone on the liner is covering an area the patchy data from military radar flight had not, as of Monday, size of Australia, authorities and satellites believe that some- turned up links to militant groups said yesterday, but police and one turned off the aircraft’s iden- or anything else that could explain intelligence agencies have yet tifying transponder and ACARS the jet’s disappearance. to establish a clear motive to system, which transmits mainte- A European diplomat in Kuala explain its disappearance. nance data, and turned west, re- Lumpur also said trawls through Investigators are convinced crossing the Malay Peninsula and the passenger manifest had come that someone with deep knowl- following a commercial aviation up blank. edge of the Boeing 777-200ER and route towards India. One source familiar with US commercial navigation diverted Malaysian officials have back- inquiries said the pilots were Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, tracked on the exact sequence being studied because of the tech- carrying 12 crew and 227 mainly of events - they are now unsure nical knowledge needed to disable Chinese passengers, perhaps thou- whether the ACARS system was the aircraft’s communications A pilot on board RAAF AP3C Orion aircraft during a search operation yesterday. sands of miles off its scheduled shut down before or after the last systems. course from Kuala Lumpur to radio message was heard from the The New York Times cited only one of the possibilities under added that US and European run- any sign of the plane. Beijing. But intensive background cockpit - but said that did not senior US officials as saying that investigation. ways also featured. What happened next is less checks of everyone aboard have make a material difference. the first turn back to the west Malaysian police have searched “Generally these flight simula- certain. The plane may have flown so far failed to find anyone with a “This does not change our belief, was likely programmed into the the homes of the captain, Zaharie tors show hundreds or even thou- for another six hours or more known political or criminal motive as stated, that up until the point aircraft’s flight computer, rather Ahmad Shah, 53, and first officer, sands of runways,” the officer said. after dropping off Malaysian mili- to hijack or deliberately crash the at which it left military primary than being executed manually, Fariq Abdul Hamid, 27, both in “What we are trying to see is tary radar about 200 miles north- plane, Western security sources radar coverage, the aircraft’s by someone knowledgeable about middle-class suburbs of Kuala what were the runways that were west of Penang Island. and Chinese authorities said. movements were consistent with aircraft systems. Lumpur close to the airport. frequently used. We also need to But the satellite signals that Malaysian Acting Transport deliberate action by someone on Malaysia Airlines Chief Among the items taken for see what routes the pilot had been provide the only clues were not Minister Hishammuddin Hussein the plane,” said Hishammuddin. Executive Ahmad Jauhari Yahya examination was a flight simula- assigned to before. This will take intended to work as locators. told a news conference the “That remains the position of the told yesterday’s daily news confer- tor Zaharie had built in his home. time, so people cannot jump the The best they can do is place the “unique, unprecedented” search investigating team.” ence that that was “speculation”, A senior police officer with gun just yet.” plane in one of two broad arcs - covered a total area of 2.24 million China’s ambassador to Malaysia adding: “Once you are in the air- direct knowledge of the investi- Thailand said yesterday a re- one stretching from Laos up to nautical miles, from central Asia said his country had carried out craft, anything is possible.” gation said the programmes from examination of its military radar the Caspian, the other from west to the southern Indian Ocean. a detailed probe into its nationals Malaysian officials said on the pilot’s simulator included data had picked up the plane re- of Indonesia down to the Indian Flight MH370 vanished from aboard the flight and could rule Monday that suicide by the pilot Indian Ocean runways in the tracing its route across Peninsular Ocean off Australia - when the civilian air traffic control screens out their involvement. or co-pilot was a line of inquiry, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Diego Garcia Malaysia. The Thai military had last signal was picked up. off Malaysia’s east coast less than US and European security although they stressed that it was and southern India, although he previously said it had not detected REUTERS Sailor dies as ships collide Vietnam urges dialogue on sea row Emergency in Bangkok

off Tokyo Bay TOKYO: Vietnam’s president “Countries concerned should dispute with China. Tokyo has yesterday warned against the not make the situation complex, called for stronger security ties ends as protests ease TOKYO: One Chinese crew use of force in territorial dis- but rather exercise self-restraint. with Asean members to try to BANGKOK: Thailand April 30, Prime Minister Yingluck member was killed and nine putes as his nation and its They should neither use force nor ease the growing territorial announced yesterday the end Shinawatra’s office said. were missing after two cargo neighbours lock horns with an threaten to use force.” tensions. of a nearly two-month state of “We’re confident that we can ships collided at the mouth of increasingly assertive China Sang did not make a direct ref- At a joint press briefing yester- emergency in Bangkok and sur- handle the situation so the cabi- Tokyo Bay early yesterday, over competing claims in the erence to any particular country. day evening, Sang and Japanese rounding areas, hoping to lure net agreed to revoke the state of Japan’s coastguard said. South China Sea. But Vietnam and three other PM Shinzo Abe said they dis- back foreign visitors following emergency as requested by many The Panamanian-flagged President Truong Tan Sang members of the Association of the cussed regional peace, loans and an easing of deadly political parties,” Yingluck told reporters. Beagle III, a 12,630-tonne made the comments in Japan’s Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) grant aid to Vietnam as well as protests. “The cancellation is to build vessel carrying steel coil, parliament during a four-day visit. -- the Philippines, Malaysia and the possibility of Japan sending The use of emergency rule dealt confidence in the economy and descended after colliding with “Vietnam has always maintained Brunei -- have opposed Beijing’s patrol boats to the country. a blow to the tourism industry the tourism sector,” she said. the South Korean-registered these principles over maritime attempt to claim almost all of the “The two countries’ coopera- during what is usually peak sea- International tourist arrivals Pegasus Prime in the Uraga disputes -- resolution by peaceful South China Sea. tion in maintaining order in the son, and raised fears of a drop in were down roughly eight percent waterway. means, compliance with interna- Sang said he hoped to sea and air is extremely impor- foreign investment. last month from a year earlier, 12 of the 20 Chinese crew tional law, and respect for each strengthen ties with Japan, tant for regional peace and stabil- The state of emergency will with Bangkok’s airports seeing aboard Beagle III were rescued other’s due rights and sovereignty,” which is also embroiled in a ity,” Abe told reporters. be replaced by the Internal a drop of more than 18 percent, but one of them was later con- the Vietnamese leader said. separate and bitter territorial AFP Security Act from today until according to official figures. AFP firmed to be dead, an official said. “We are continuing to search for the eight others still miss- Anti-China protest ing” he added. The Japanese coastguard had sent two helicopters and one plane as well as 17 patrol ships to the site. The crew of the 7,406-tonne Pegasus Prime -- six South Koreans and eight people from Myanmar -- were mostly unhurt, but two Koreans sus- tained minor injuries when they tried to lower a lifeboat, the Japanese official said. The sea was not believed to be rough at the time of the collision, according to the coastguard. Thailand nabs known hacker BANGKOK: An infamous computer hacker has been arrested in Thailand at the request of Switzerland on Anti-China activists use chairs to block the entrance to the Taiwanese parliament as it prepares to pass suspicion of hacking into trade and services agreements with China during a parliamentary session, in Taipei, yesterday. bank computer systems in Europe, an official said yesterday. Farid Essebar, who has dual Moroccan-Russian national- Philippine ties vital: US commander ity, was detained in Bangkok last week, according to Police Colonel Songsak Raksaksakul MANILA: The US Pacific between the Philippines and the western Philippine island of the Department of Special commander yesterday China in the South China Sea. of Palawan and about 1,100 kilo- Investigation, Thailand’s equiv- emphasised the Philippines’ China said its coastguard metres from the nearest major alent of the FBI. importance as a military on March 9 blocked two Chinese land mass. “He is wanted under an ally, as Filipino forces were Philippine-flagged vessels China claims most of the international arrest warrant involved in an increasingly approaching Second Thomas South China Sea, even waters for deception and hacking the tense standoff with Chinese Shoal, which is guarded by a approaching the coasts of IT systems of financial institu- ships in the South China Sea. small group of Filipino marines its neighbours. Philippines tions,” Songsak said. “Our 62-year alliance with but is also claimed by China. grounded an old navy ship at A Thai court will now the Philippines remains key The Philippine military Second Thomas Shoal in 1999, decide whether to extradite to our efforts to ensure the evaded the blockade by airdrop- four years after China built the 27-year-old suspect to stability and prosperity of the ping supplies to the troops. structures on a nearby Filipino- Switzerland, which sought the Western Pacific,” Rear Admiral The shoal is part of the claimed reef. Filipino troops have international warrant. Robert Thomas told reporters Spratlys, a chain of islets and kept a presence there ever since. Police are searching for two in Manila. reefs that sit near key ship- On Monday, Chinese foreign more Russian suspects from He sailed to the Philippine ping lanes, are surrounded by ministry spokesman Hong Lei the same gang believed to be capital yesterday aboard his rich fishing grounds and are warned that China “will never in Thailand. command ship, the USS Blue also believed to lie atop huge allow any form of occupation” AGENCIES Ridge, days after the latest of oil and gas reserves. They are of the Second Thomas Shoal. a series of hostile encounters around 200 kilometres from AFP WEDNESDAY 19 MARCH 2014 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN Suicide attack kills 16 in Afghanistan Despite tightening of security for the presidential poll, bombing occurred at a crowded Tuesday bazaar

MAZAR-I-SHARIF: A sui- aged six and seven. intervention since 2001 has made cide bomber killed at least 16 Northern Afghanistan is gen- progress in establishing a func- people at a crowded market erally more peaceful than the tioning state system. in northern Afghanistan yes- south and east but Islamist Karzai, who is barred from terday, officials said, despite a insurgents, rival militias and serving a third term in office, has tightening of security for presi- criminal gangs are active in consistently said Afghanistan dential elections less than three some districts. will hold a safe and clean elec- weeks away. Six Afghan employees of the aid tion, despite previous violence There was no immediate claim group ACTED working on rural and allegations of massive fraud of responsibility for the attack development projects were shot when he won the last poll five in Maimanah city, the capital of dead in Faryab in December by years ago. remote Faryab province which suspected Taliban gunmen. “We should try our best for borders Turkmenistan and has The United Nations envoy to a transparent, free and secure a mixed population of Uzbek, Kabul warned on Monday that election,” he told parliament on Turkmen and Pashtun ethnic election-related violence was on Saturday. groups. the rise in Afghanistan, where Yesterday he condemned the A week ago Taliban insur- Nato combat troops are with- Faryab bombing as a “terrorist gent leaders vowed to target the drawing after 13 years of fighting attack” plotted by foreigners. presidential election, urging their a fierce Islamist insurgency. The election front-runners are fighters to attack polling staff, “Security will have a major Abdullah Abdullah, who came voters and security forces before impact on these polls,” Jan Kubis second in 2009, former foreign the April 5 vote to choose a suc- said in an address to the UN minister Zalmai Rassoul and cessor to Hamid Karzai. Security Council in New York, former World Bank economist “It was a suicide bombing in the adding he was “gravely disturbed” Ashraf Ghani. middle of Maimanah city during by the Taliban threat to unleash Unidentified men shot dead two the Tuesday bazaar,” provincial “a campaign of terror”. of Abdullah’s aides in the western governor Mohammadullah Batash Previous Afghan elections city of Herat in early February. said. have been badly marred by vio- The next president will face “The blast happened on the lence, with 31 civilians and 26 a testing new era as the Afghan main roundabout, which was soldiers and police killed on army and police take on the very crowded. The bomber used polling day alone in 2009 as Taliban without the assistance of a three-wheeler packed with the Islamist militants demon- 53,000 Nato combat troops. explosives.” strated their opposition to the Karzai yesterday nominated Abdul Ali Haleem, the provin- US-backed polls. Yunus Qanooni to replace Vice- Police officials inspect the site of a suicide blast in Faryab, northern Afghanistan, yesterday. cial health director, said 16 peo- Another bloodstained election President Marshal Mohammad ple had died and 40 were treated would damage claims by inter- Qasim Fahim, who died 10 days an ethnic Tajik, and he may play a Rassoul and Ghani are seen as while Abdullah draws widespread for injuries, among them a preg- national donors that the hugely ago of natural causes. key role in deal-making after the competing for the Pashtun vote, Tajik support. nant woman and two children expensive military and civilian Qanooni, like the late Fahim, is election results. which is the largest ethnic bloc, AFP

Rebels seek Pakistan court jails British release of 300 US wheat technology for Pakistan ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani Taliban have asked woman for drug-smuggling ISLAMABAD: The United currently utilised in Pakistan. project achieved the goal of the government to release States has transferred latest The USDA-sponsored project increased productivity by intro- 300 people they say are non- RAWALPINDI: A court in Britain. Her lawyer Shehzad wheat sowing technology to has imported research-grade ducing disease-resistant wheat combatants, as part of an Pakistan yesterday jailed a Akbar said she had no idea there Pakistan, aimed at increasing wheat planters for provincial and varieties, building research capac- ongoing peace process to end British mother-of-three for life were drugs in her luggage and healthy wheat production. university partners to increase ity, improving disease surveillance the seven-year insurgency. for attempting to smuggle 63 they would appeal. The US Department of Pakistan’s wheat productivity. systems, developing seed distri- A list handed over by the kilogrammes of heroin out of Legal charity Reprieve urged Agriculture (USDA) under the Ministry of National Food bution systems and modernis- Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan the country. the British government to help. US-Pakistan Wheat Productivity Security and Research (MNFS ing national crop development includes women, children Khadija Shah, who is from the “This is a terrible outcome for Enhancement Project (WPEP) and R) Secretary Seerat Asghar programmes through upgrading and elderly, a negotiator for central city of Birmingham and Khadija and her baby Malaika,” handed over these sowing plant- said, “Although population of the infrastructure and equipment, the group said, adding their of Pakistani descent, was arrested Maya Foa of Reprieve said in a ers to various research insti- country is growing fast, we have he said. release would boost dialogue at Islamabad airport in May 2012 statement. tutions and universities at a been successful in catering to Pakistan is fully prepared to that began in February. when the drugs were found in her “As happens in hundreds of ceremony jointly organised the increasing food needs due to cope with the challenges of UG99 luggage. cases, she was used as a drugs by the USDA, International research conducted in the agri- crop disease, as scientists have Fund to receive She was convicted and sen- mule without her knowledge, and Center for Maize and Wheat culture field.” developed new crop varieties tenced at a special narcotics yet is facing life in a Pakistani Improvement (CIMMYT), He said, “The wheat sowing to cater to the increasing food foreign grants court in Rawalpindi, the twin city prison.” Pakistan Agricultural Research technology should have been requirements, he said, adding of Islamabad, according to legal A spokesman for the British Council (PARC) and several transferred three decades ago; that the Pak-US collaboration ISLAMABAD: The papers. She was also fined 300,000 High Commission in Islamabad Pakistani agriculture institutions however, it is never too late, add- in agriculture field resulted in Pakistan Development Fund rupees ($3,000) said they were providing consular and universities. ing that the planters will par- establishment of several agricul- (PDF) will serve as a pool to Shah, 26, who was six months support to Shah and her family. Initially, these planters will be ticularly help small farmers to ture universities and institutions receive foreign grants, aids pregnant when she was arrested, Pakistan’s war-torn neighbour utilised on pilot projects in these enhance their crop productivity.” in the country. and loans for mega projects denied the allegations. She gave Afghanistan is the world’s larg- institutions and would be repli- “The planters will be handed USDA Agriculture Counsellor Prime Minister Nawaz birth to a daughter in September est producer of opium, the raw cated to transfer the technology over to the local manufacturers to in Pakistan Clay Hamilton said Sharif plans to start. “We 2012 while in custody on the drugs material for heroin. Efforts to cut to farmers to enhance their crop replicate the technology to ensure that the transfer of planters are working on infrastruc- charges. production have failed in the 13 productivity. that farmers take benefit of this to Pakistan is a symbol of long ture projects costing $20bn Her other children, a five- years since US-led forces toppled This technology will replace technology,” he said. collaboration between the two to $25bn,” Finance Minister year-old boy and a four-year- the Taliban regime there. the traditional hand-sowing crop PARC Chairman Dr Iftikhar countries. Ishaq Dar told The News daily. old daughter, have returned to AFP system and antiquated machinery, Ahmad said that the WPEP INTERNEWS “Funds to be transferred to PDF by friendly countries will be shifted by their cen- Craftsmanship tral banks into the State Bank of Pakistan. All will be official transactions.” Khyber govt speeds up Dar said although the gov- ernment welcomes grants and gifts, it has not sought any efforts for Education City money from them. However, the finance minister has been brief- PESHAWAR: The Pakistan Some 20 state-run universi- ing foreign dignitaries on the Tehreek-e-Insaf-led Khyber ties have expressed willingness to projects, focusing on financial Pakhtunkhwa government has set up campuses in the city. The constraints and funds Pakistan expedited efforts to set up the University of Bedfordshire has can mobilise on its own. Education City, an iconic project already inked a Memorandum of that would help establish the Understanding (MoU) with the Tunnel farming party’s image of change. provincial government to set up its “Formal work on the project campus. “Efforts are also on to sign gains popularity has already been started. The a similar MoU with the University feasibility report has been made, of Bradford,” Asad Qaiser said. PESHAWAR: Farmers Section-4 imposed for land acqui- The provincial assembly in Pakistan’s Khyber sition, and more importantly, speaker said the provincial gov- Pakhtunkhwa province are the education authority for the ernment would fully support and treading into tunnel and net purpose has been formed,” said provide free land to the world farming as both techniques Asad Qaiser, a senior leader of universities that want to set up have paid dividends in the PTI and speaker of the Khyber regional campus in the area. central and southern districts Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, here The provincial government has of the province, according to yesterday who considers the also reached an understanding stakeholders. A Pakistani craftsman hammers a pattern onto an aluminium window frame at his shop in Lahore yesterday. Education City as one of his with the British Council, which Off-season vegetable pro- Seventy percent of Pakistan’s 167 million people live in rural areas where centuries-old traditions of making and four priorities. His other priori- recently arranged a visit for the duction has becoming popu- using earthen pots and decoration pieces are mostly found. ties, besides development of his government representatives to lar with horticulturists after native district, Swabi, are educa- the United Kingdom where they some colleagues in Peshawar, tion programme for orphans and participated in an international Nowshera, Mardan, and Swabi street children on the pattern of education roundtable. districts profited from tomato Ummah Welfare Trust, estab- Asad Qaiser said the UK visit and cucumber yields in the Sindh lifts ban, to recruit 7,000 policemen lishment of industrial estate and provided them a good opportunity past couple of years. construction of expressway from to share the idea with the lead- “Tunnel farming provides KARACHI: The government in They said Sindh chief minister would serve in different Sindh dis- Motorway to Chakdara. ing educationists from across the answers to depleting farming Pakistan’s Sindh province has Syed Qaim Ali Shah finally gave a tricts. The proposal was forwarded Asad Qaiser was quite serious world. Khalid Khan, additional areas and increasing demand lifted the ban on recruitment nod to the proposal, issuing formal to the Sindh IG seeking his nod to about the Education City, which, secretary higher education, who is for vegetables due to population “only for the police,” allowing directives to the home and finance relax the curbs so the people for the he said, he was pursuing person- supervising the project, told The growth,” said Fazle Mabood, the provincial institution to departments so the recruitment of essential service could be hired.” ally. “The Education City would News that they have arranged head of the Directorate of hire some 7,000 constables on a policemen could be initiated. The He was sure that the move be established at an area of 30,000 meetings with all the stakeholders Agriculture Extension, Khyber proposal of the security admin- process would take a few weeks to would help the Sindh police in canals of land near Karnal Sher to ensure early execution of the Pakhtunkhwa. A couple of istration, which argued for take off, they added. many ways as the growing secu- Khan Interchange on Motorway project. He said technically speak- years ago the province took a enhanced manpower of the law- “There are initially 7,000 open- rity challenges and “consist- in the Nowshera district.” ing, formal work on the proposed cue from Punjab where tunnel enforcement agency amid grow- ings for constables,” acting Sindh ent policing efforts in Karachi” “Initial work for the project Education City has been started farming has been under prac- ing security challenges and the IG Iqbal Mahmood said yester- required a much larger force than has been done. Budget would and the idea would soon be trans- tice for some time. ongoing “Karachi operation,” day. “Among them, 2,700 would the existing one. be announced for it in the next lated into practical shape. AGENCIES officials and sources said. be posted in Karachi and the rest INTERNEWS phase,” he said. INTERNEWS WEDNESDAY 19 MARCH 2014 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 17 Jogi, Pilot in Kejriwal vows Congress list; no ticket to defeat Modi for Kalmadi

NEW DELHI: The Congress yesterday declared its third in Varanasi list of party candidates fielding former Chhattisgarh chief min- ister Ajit Jogi from Mahasamund AAP releases seventh list and giving its ticket from Pune to Vishwajeet Kadam in place of NEW DELHI: AAP leader by two days as the city admin- sitting MP Suresh Kalmadi. Arvind Kejriwal yesterday istration did not give permission The party has fielded cricketer- vowed to defeat BJP’s prime due to legislative council polls, a turned-politician Mohammed ministerial candidate Narendra party leader said. “The district Azharuddin from Tonk-Sawai Modi in the Lok Sabha election magistrate rejected our permis- Madhopur in Rajasthan. in Varanasi. sion for a rally on March 23 as The list of 58 names declared “I was reading in some news- legislative council elections are to yesterday included its Rajasthan papers that it will be a symbolic take place the same day. The rally unit chief Sachin Pilot (Ajmer) fight (in Varanasi) and it is Modi will now be held on March 25,” and its Haryana unit chief Ashok who will win,” Kejriwal told a an Aam Aadmi Party leader said. Tanwar (Sirsa). There was specu- meting of Muslims from across Kejriwal quoted some people as lation that both Pilot and Tanwar the country here. saying that Modi would provide A member of a non-governmental organistation displays a badge saying ‘Me and My Vote not for Sale’ to create were seeking a change of seat but “I want to tell him (Modi) that “stability” if he became the prime awareness among people for the general elections, in Bangalore, yesterday. both will be contesting from the I am going (to Varanasi) not only minister. But the AAP leader said seats they won in 2009. Other to fight but I am going to defeat “stability” was not as important prominent names in the list from him,” he said. as providing security to citizens. Rajasthan include union minister Kejriwal said the Aam Aadmi He asked if the victory of WikiLeaks denies endorsing Chandresh Kumari (Jodhpur) and Party’s “success story” of Delhi the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Jyoti Mirdha (Nagaur). — when the party won 28 of the Pradesh, while supposedly pro- The list includes names of sev- 70 seats and formed a govern- viding political stability, had led eral sitting MPs including five ment that lasted 49 days — would to matching security for Muslims from Delhi. There was intense be repeated in the Lok Sabha in the state. “Some people say we Modi as ‘incorruptible’ speculation if Kalmadi, who had election. don’t have an economic vision won Lok Sabha elections thrice, “In the Delhi (assembly) elec- for the country,” he said. “All NEW DELHI: In an embarrass- In another US cable, posted 2011 expressed happiness about would be given Congress ticket tions, nobody knew our candi- these can come later. The most ment to the BJP, whistleblower online by WikiLeaks, the consul the revelations. On his web- from Pune. Kalmadi, a former dates. But they defeated those important thing now is to battle website WikiLeaks has denied general quotes former Congress site, Modi said March 22, 2011: chief of the Commonwealth who were MLAs for 20 years. I corruption.” it endorsed the party’s prime party MP and former minister “WikiLeaks cables are accurate. Games Organising Committee, is feel this will be repeated in the Some of the organisers urged ministerial candidate Narendra Digvijay Sinhji of the erstwhile I am glad to learn that America an accused in a corruption case 2014 general election.” Kejriwal to ensure better educa- Modi as “incorruptible”, and princely state of Wankaner in admits Modi is incorruptible. He related to the 2010 sporting event. Kejriwal, who was repeatedly tion and governance for Muslims posted a cable quoting Congress Saurashtra as saying that Modi informed media that the cable He was arrested for his alleged cheered, was addressing a meet- which, they said, the Congress workers as praising him. “lacks the polish and refinement” presents an honest account of his role in awarding a contract for ing of Muslims attended by over and the BJP had not been able to WikiLeaks said in a tweet that to become a national leader. talk on human rights issue with installing the Timing-Scoring- 500 professionals and intellectu- give for decades. its founder Julian Assange “has However, Sinhji says a reason the American official.” Result system to Swiss Times als from several places including Meanwhile, the AAP announced never spoken about Modi in any “why Modi could face challenges The whistleblower website Omega at an exorbitant cost of New Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai its seventh list of 26 candidates manner whatsoever. US docs we in becoming a national leader: was forced to issue a clarification Rs141 crore, allegedly causing and Hyderabad. for the Lok Sabha polls, fielding published say both good and bad Modi’s reputation for being com- after Modi fans posted online a a loss of over Rs95 crore to the There was a roaring approval activist S P Udayakumar from things about Modi”. pletely incorruptible is accu- photo of Assange with the blurb public exchequer. He was later when the former Delhi chief Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. “No WikiLeaks document says rate, and if he were to become a “America fears Modi because released on bail. IANS minister demanded to know who Lawyer Himmat Singh Shergill Modi is ‘incorruptible’, rather national leader he would crack they know that he is incorrupt- from among the audience will go will contest for the Anandpur he is popular because ‘viewed’ as down on corruption throughout ible” with the whistleblower’s to Varanasi to support him in the Sahib seat in Punjab. ‘incorruptible’,” the website said. the BJP.” sign. The post was re-tweeted Mulayam to election. Amid cries of “Inquilab The party has announced six It posted a November 27, 2006 In his comment at the end of by one of BJP’s communication Zindabad”, scores of hands went candidates in Bihar, eight in Tamil cable by US Consul General in the cable, Owen said: “We believe cell officials of Maharashtra on contest from up in the hall. Nadu, four in Uttar Pradesh, Mumbai Michael S Owen quot- Sinhji’s comments on Modi are January 25 this year. Kejriwal has said that he will and one each in Maharashtra, ing Rajkot Congress party leader indeed accurate: Ironically the Reacting to the controversy, Azamgarh also hold a rally in Varanasi to decide Tripura, Sikkim, Rajasthan, Manoharsinh Jadeja as saying that man most hold accountable for BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi if people want him to take on Punjab, Puducherry, Mizoram and Modi was completely incorruptible. the communal violence of 2002 said: “The nation does not need a Modi, who the BJP has fielded Manipur. With the release of its The cable quoted Jadeja as saying may now be the most ardent certificate from Julian Assange or in the Hindu holy town in Uttar seventh list, the AAP has so far “Modi’s accomplishments are unde- defender of communal harmony, WikiLeaks about Modi, and nei- Pradesh. announced 268 candidates for the niable”, and that he is “viewed as at least on the surface.” ther does Modi to win the elec- The rally scheduled to be held 543-seat Lok Sabha. someone who is completely incor- After the cable was posted tions. What the people want is on March 23 has been postponed IANS ruptible and can deliver the goods”. online by WikiLeaks, Modi in just good governance.” IANS It’s raining cash Tharoor complains against in Andhra, LUCKNOW: Samajwadi Party opposition for slander supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav Rs38 crore seized (pictured) will be contesting THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: violation of the code,” Tharoor’s from two constituencies in the HYDERABAD: It’s raining The ghost of deceased Sunanda complaint claims. Lok Sabha polls — Mainpuri cash in Andhra Pradesh as Pushkar appears to be dog- His complaint also named the and Azamgarh. the politicians in the southern ging her husband Congressman Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Announcing Mulayam Singh’s state have broken all previous Shashi Tharoor, who yester- Mahila Morcha for putting up candidature from Azamgarh, records of using money power day filed a complaint against hoardings, which show him gar- party general secretary Ram to bribe the voters. two Left leaders and the BJP landed with “chappals” and being Gopal Yadav said this was done on Police have seized nearly Rs38 Mahila Morcha for slander. beaten by women. “popular demand”. Party insiders, crore unaccounted money in dif- In his complaint filed before “All these are examples of a however, admitted that the rethink ferent instances during the ongoing the chief electoral officer (CEO), sustained campaign of vilification was forced by the candidature of search operations across the state Tharoor, a candidate from the and defamation by both the LDF BJP’s prime ministerial candidate since the Election Commission prestigious Thiruvananthapuram (Left Democratic Front) and the Narendra Modi from Varanasi. announced the schedule for simul- parliamentary constituency, has BJP, intended to portray me as Party strategists were wor- taneous elections to Lok Sabha and accused Communist Party of someone who harms women and ried that Modi contesting from the state assembly. India (CPI) legislator V S Sunil using false stories about the tragic Varanasi could have a cascad- During last 10 days, police Kumar of seeking to damage his death of my wife to assassinate ing effect on neighbouring seats, seized Rs38 crore in various parts image on television by calling him my character,” Tharoor said. and hence pitting Mulayam from of the state. According to state’s Pushkar’s “murderer”. He added that the personal Azamgarh, a predominantly chief electoral officer Bhanwarlal, Pushkar, a businesswoman, attacks were a “desperate ploy” Muslim-Yadav constituency, was Rs36 crore was seized during was found dead Jan 17 this year by his opponents who have no the best bet to stave off any Modi the entire campaign period in under mysterious circumstances answer to the “development effect, a party leader said. 2009. “This shows money is play- at a five-star hotel in Delhi. The work” he has done. Another party leader said ing a key role in the elections in death had triggered media frenzy. Demanding stern action, the Samajwadi Party would also Andhra Pradesh,” he said. “Such an outrageous falsehood is Tharoor asked election observ- like to woo the Other Backward In addition to the cash, police both defamatory and violates the ers to make note of such slander Classes, which account for over have also seized about 20kg of model code of conduct,” Tharoor against him at the corner meet- 35 percent of votes in the region. gold and 121kg of silver. Police and said in his complaint. ings organised by the Left and the Mulayam Singh is re-contesting income tax authorities are probing Tharoor, a former United BJP. Tharoor is pitted in a trian- from Mainpuri, the family pocket these cases of unaccounted money. Nations official also accused M gular contest against CPI candi- borough in central Uttar Pradesh, More than 6,550 litres of liquor was Vijayakumar, a former speaker date Bennet Abraham, a doctor which has twice sent him to the also seized by the authorities in and ex-CPI(M) legislator of tar- by profession, and veteran BJP Lok Sabha. The Samajwadi Party various parts of the state. nishing his image. “In almost all leader O Rajagopal. In his first has 22 members in the current Lok Bhanwarlal said 900 checkposts Sikh youths perform fire-breathing as they demonstrate Gatka martial arts TV channels, there was news that outing in 2009, Tharoor won by Sabha while the BJP has 10 from were set up to search the vehi- skills while welcoming BJP senior leader and candidate for Amritsar’s showed M. Vijayakumar speaking a margin of 99,998 votes. He filed the state. BJP national president cles while 1,142 flying teams were parliamentary seat Arun Jaitley to an event in Amritsar yesterday. that I have a doctorate in ‘violence his nomination papers Tuesday. Rajnath Singh is also contesting constituted to check the flow of against women’, which is also a IANS from Uttar Pradesh. IANS money and other items to bribe the voters. The CEO appealed to people not to accept money, liquor AAP drops Delhi candidate, or other articles for casting the 4,059 booths in Kashmir ‘critical’ vote as both offering and accept- ing the same for vote is a punish- JAMMU: Due to the prevail- (CAPF) and the state armed stations as per the directives of fields Rakhi Birla able offence. ing security situation in Jammu police (SAP) during. During the the election commission. The Election Commission had and Kashmir, as many as 4,059 meeting, Narula said the state has As many as 376 people have NEW DELHI: The AAP yesterday withdrew the candidature of already flagged Andhra Pradesh, polling booths in the state’s 9,633 polling stations and out of been bound to keep the peace, Mahendra Singh from the North West Delhi Lok Sabha constituency Tamil Nadu and Karnataka for total 9,633 polling stations have these, 4,059 polling booths at 3,461 957 non-bailable warrants have for his alleged involvement in criminal cases. Former Delhi minister having the highest incidence of been declared as critical, a top polling station have been declared been executed, 171 hamlets inden- Rakhi Birla will be fielded from the seat, a party official said. money playing a key role in the election official said yesterday. “critical locations”. tified as vulnerable and 143 people “The decision was taken by the party, as he gave some personal elections. A review meeting here chaired Rajendra stated that the force indentified as probable source of reasons,” Aam Aadmi Party spokesperson Nagendar Sharma said. He Officials say the cash seizure by chief electoral officer Umang deployment for the elections is trouble. said Singh has agreed to withdraw from the contest. Singh said he had this time is more because a Narula and attended by Special being made keeping in the view The logistical arrangements “no complaints with the party decision”. series of elections are scheduled Director General of Police (DGP) that the election commission has for the para military forces being “I will still be a (party) member and campaign (for the AAP),” he in Andhra Pradesh. The elections K Rajendra, the police nodal already extended the time of poll made in this regard for troopers said, adding that the party was free to pick the best available candidate. to urban and rural local bodies officer for the state, discussed in from 7am to 6pm. During the coming from outside the state for Earlier, an AAP leader said that the party was unaware of the cases are also slated on March 30 and detail the issue of mobilization meeting, he said so far 817 licensed performing election duties were filed against Singh, a social activist. Rakhi Birla, a former journalist, April 6 respectively. and districtwise deployment of weapons owned by civilians have also discussed. was the youngest minister in the 49-day-long Arvind Kejriwal govern- IANS central armed paramilitary force been deposited in various police IANS ment in Delhi. IANS WEDNESDAY 19 MARCH 2014 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA

A day after Holi Notorious wildlife Sikh children in poacher Sansar Chand dead most US schools JAIPUR: Notorious wildlife poacher Sansar Chand died of cancer at a hospital here yes- terday, a doctor said. Sansar Chand, who was under- targets of hate going trial on charges of killing several tigers in Rajasthan’s Sariska Tiger Reserve, was Abuse associated with post 9/11 bias admitted to the Sawai Man Singh Hospital here few days ago. WASHINGTON: Sikh chil- according to the report. The Resident of New Delhi, he is dren in American schools have bullying of Sikh children is believed to be India’s biggest wild- been punched, kicked, have had often associated with post-9/11 life criminal who has been respon- their turbans ripped off by fel- bias, the report found with epi- sible for more tiger and leopard low students and called “Bin thets such as “terrorist” or “Bin deaths than anyone else. Laden” or worse. Some have Laden” frequently accompanying Sansar Chand was undergoing even had to face abuses like “Go verbal and physical abuse. trial in connection with poaching Home Terrorist”. Statistically speaking, more of tigers at Sariska in Alwar dis- Their only fault is that they than half of Sikh children in US trict. “He was lodged in the Alwar are Sikh students who live in schools endure bullying with Central Jail and was brought to accordance with the tenets of over two-thirds of turbaned Sikh SMS Hospital. Tumours were their faith, says a new report on children among its worst vic- Children play with coloured water during ‘Huranga’ at Dauji temple near Mathura yesterday. Huranga is a detected in his lungs, brain and bullying against Sikh American tims, according to a new national game played between men and women a day after Holi, during which men drench women with liquid colours spinal cord. The cancer was in the school children. The report was report. and women tear off the clothes of the men. last stage,” the doctor said. IANS prepared by the Sikh Coalition, Focused on Seattle, an umbrella organisation of the Indianapolis, Boston, and Fresno, Sikh community. California metropolitan areas, the “I was in California like seven, report titled Go Home Terrorist: six years ago. It was me and my A Report on Bullying Against Sikh brother, we had jooras (uncut hair American School Children was Toyota workers union softens wage hike demand tied in a topknot)... Just us two released last week on Capitol Hill, were Sikh... For two years, we got the seat of the US Congress. It is bullied, came home crying every based on surveys and focus groups BANGALORE: Agitating Toy- for lower than Rs4,000 per month and the remaining are on con- company due to recession, slow- day,” said L Singh, one of the bul- of over 700 Sikh school children ota’s workers yesterday said as it was the same amount given tract in both the factories. down in sales and steep depre- lied children cited in the report. and interviews of over 50 Sikh that they are open to lower last fiscal (2012-13). Management As negotiations broke down ciation of rupee against dollar “Mom got tired of it. She went students in the four metropolitan their wage hike demand to per- should be reasonable to our latest late on Monday, union represent- this fiscal. “We have had a meet- to school. They didn’t do any- areas during 2012 and 2013. suade management to lift the demand,” Kumar said. atives and management officials ing only with the minister. I think thing about it. Teachers were According to the National lockout declared on Sunday. The Japanese firm’s Indian met Karnataka Labour Minister it is important that the minister racist out there... I was in 5th Centre for Education Statistics, “We are open to reduce our joint venture’s plants are located Parameshwar Naik to resolve the understands there is a recession grade, and my dad took us to a 32 percent of all students aged 12 wage hike demand to Rs4,000 at Bidadi, about 30km from here, deadlock. and our present position. I can- barber shop. My mom was cry- to 18 report that they are bullied per month from Rs8,000 asked with a capacity to rollout about “We are discussing the wage not talk about any solution but we ing, my dad was crying. It was in school. Turbaned Sikh chil- earlier for fiscal 2013-14 in view 700 cars a day. Maintaining that hike issue with management and want the workers to get back, as the day we just (took our patka) dren therefore likely experience of the increase in cost of living the lockout was illegal, Kumar union. The deputy labour com- we produce 700 cars every day and off, and we cut our hair. We went bullying at more than double the and more workload, as we want said there were no threats to missioner will take a decision, that is being affected,” he said. back to school and we still got national rate, the report said. management to lift lockout imme- management from either the as we are trying to reach out for Refuting reasons manage- bullied. And we had to move out Sikh children have called on diately,” Toyota Kirloskar Motor union leaders or employees. a fair settlement. We hope both ment cited for declaring lock- to Indiana, just because of the educators and administrators to Ltd Union president Prasanna “How could management the plants will re-open soon in the out, Kumar said no trouble was bullies (in California),” he said. teach more about Sikhs and the Kumar said here. declare lockout when reconcili- interest of workers and the com- created on the shop floor and no “Bullied in California. Bullied Sikh religion in order to build As the Toyota Kirloskar Motor ation talks were going on and pany,” Naik told reporters after worker resorted to slow down to in Indiana. Bullied when he main- understanding in school, it noted. Ltd joint venture revises wages the deadlock is an industrial an hour-long meeting with both reduce production. “We did not tained his religiously mandated The report cites lack of federal annually, its management agreed dispute,” he said, accusing the the parties separately here. go resort to production delay. On uncut hair. Bullied after he cut data on the bullying of Sikh school to increase its offer to Rs3,050 company of trying to bring in Emerging out of the meeting, contrary, management is respon- it. Left to his own devices to end children as a systematic concern from Rs2,400 mentioned earlier. a new work culture “with more Toyota Kirloskar Motor vice- sible for reducing the production it. That’s the story of L Singh that should be addressed in order However, the union leader said production for less pay”. chairman Shekhar Viswanathan as sales declined and reduced the which captures the experience to better diagnose and target this was not enough. Of the 6,400 employees, about said he had briefed the minister working time,” Kumar claimed. of young Sikhs across America,” efforts to solve the issue. IANS “We will not be able to settle 4,000 of them are union members on the present position in the IANS

Delhi to appeal court order Govt silent on on Agusta money return 1962 India-China war report leaks NEW DELHI: India yesterday have already been delivered. said that it will appeal against The CBI has registered a case NEW DELHI: Citing the the Italian court order rejecting against 19 people, including six extreme “sensitive nature” of its attempt to recover ¤300m companies to probe the alleged the contents, the government in bank guarantees provided kickbacks in the deal. The defence yesterday declined to comment by AgustaWestland in a ¤560m ministry had in February last on sections of a classified report contract for 12 VVIP helicopters year, after the arrest of then on the 1962 India-China war that was cancelled in January Finmeccanica CEO Giuseppe Orsi that have been posted online. over alleged graft. in Italy, had frozen all further Sections of the classified “The government of India will be payments to AgustaWestland, Henderson-Brooks report have filing an appeal against the order with around 45 percent of the been put online by Australian jour- of the Italian court in Milan in the total contract value having been nalist Neville Maxwell. The BJP case relating to encashment of already paid to the company. said the report should be released. bank guarantees in the contract India has already cashed in two The report analysed the causes for the procurement of 12 VVIP bank guarantees worth Rs2.4bn sub- of India’s humiliating defeat in the helicopters from AgustaWestland mitted in the State Bank of India, 1962 border war against China International Ltd. Simultaneously, while it is demanding encashment and allegedly put the blame on the the government will vigorously for the guarantees with Deutsche then government of prime minister pursue all options for encashment Bank abroad. Orsi and former Jawaharlal Nehru and the military of the bank guarantees,” a defence AgustaWestland head Bruno leadership for India’s defeat. ministry official said here. Spagnolini, who have both denied The defence ministry said it has The defence ministry had signed the allegations, are on trial in Italy. “come across news reports which a contract with AgustaWestland, The origins of the deal go state that an Australian journalist the British subsidiary of Italian back to 2005, when an Indian has put out sections allegedly from aerospace major Finmeccanica, daily had reported that a tender the Henderson Brooks Report on in February 2010 for the 12 heli- floated by the defence ministry the India-China conflict of 1962”. copters for the Indian Air Force had invited information from The report, authored by Lt Gen Communications Squadron that Agusta-Westland, among other Henderson Brooks and Brig P S ferries dignitaries like the presi- companies, of its helicopters for Bhagat, details military and polit- dent, the vice president and the trail testing for a possible induc- ical blunders by India that led to prime minister. Three helicopters tion into the IAF. IANS the defeat. IANS

Playing cricket

Boys play cricket with improvised sticks and a plastic ball along the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar yesterday.

WEDNESDAY 19 MARCH 2014 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME US teen News in Numbers MIDDLE EAST WEALTH REPORT who sued CHART: 3 Fajr (Dawn) 4:24 Shorook (Sunrise) 5:40 parents Zuhr (Noon) 11:42 Asr (Afternoon) 3:08 drops case Maghrib (Sunset) 5:45 Isha (Night) 7:15 NEW YORK: A New Jersey teenager who drew interna- tional attention when she sued her parents for financial sup- WEATHER port after leaving home in a dispute yesterday dropped the case against them, according to Today Thursday Friday Weather Conditions: court records. Partly cloudy Clear Partly cloudy Rachel Canning, 18, filed papers Partly cloudy to dismiss the lawsuit in New and hazy. Jersey family court, saying the decision was voluntary. An analysis of where and how SWFs from the Middle East have deployed their High: 29° High: 30° High: 27° The lawsuit’s dismissal ends Low: 18° Low: 21° Low: 21° a public battle between Canning capital suggests a canny tendency towards snapping up high-profile assets that and her parents that raised might have fallen on tough times, as well as a willingness to play a long game, questions about the obligations investing in illiquid holdings for an extended period of time. Above all, however, of non-divorced parents in New Jersey to continue to financially these funds are seen as an insurance policy for the long term, reflecting the DOHA - SUN & SEA support adult children after they determination of policymakers throughout the Middle East to avoid the so-called SUN TIDE SEA leave home. Canning returned to her par- resource curse that has blighted countless other countries, and to ensure the WIND SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW ents’ home in Lincoln Park, New prosperity generated by oil and gas today will last long after these natural reserves 05:40 17:45 06:15 & 19:00 00:15 & 12:30 5-15 KT Jersey, last week after a four- have been depleted. month estrangement that began THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW when she turned 18, the legal age HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER of adulthood. She had sued her parents, Sean SWF’s by Funding Source MUSCAT 31/21 Partly cloudy 32/21 Clear and Elizabeth Canning, for her MAKKAH 31/23 Thunderstorm 31/20 Clear private high school tuition, living KUWAIT 27/18 Clear 27/17 Partly cloudy expenses and access to a college BAHRAIN 27/20 Clear 30/18 Partly cloudy fund, arguing that though she did SANAA 28/11 Rain 28/12 Clear not reside with them, she was not RIYADH 31/19 Clear 32/19 Partly cloudy legally emancipated and therefore Entrepreneurship Middle East DUBAI 31/22 Clear 31/23 Clear was entitled to their financial care 42pc 35pc Her parents said they would BAGHDAD 26/12 Clear 27/12 Clear North and continue to pay for their daugh- South America THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW ter’s education and expenses if she 3pc returned home to complete high HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER school. Other Canning contended in her 2pc ATHENS 21/13 Clear 20/12 Clear lawsuit that she was emotion- WASHINGTON 10/04 Chance of showers 15/03 Partly cloudy ally abused and effectively aban- Europe SYDNEY 27/19 Chance of storm 26/19 Partly cloudy doned. Her parents argued that 17pc Asia LONDON 17/09 Mostly cloudy 14/07 Mostly cloudy their daughter had disciplinary problems at home and school and 40pc PARIS 20/13 Clear 18/12 Partly cloudy would not conform to house rules Africa ISTANBUL 15/08 Clear 16/07 Chance of rain Family business that included curfews and chores. 3pc MANILA 33/24 Clear 31/24 Partly cloudy During the estrangement, 58pc DHAKA 37/21 Clear 36/20 Clear Rachel Canning had been living DELHI 29/15 Partly cloudy 31/16 Clear with a friend’s family, who also ISLAMABAD 26/12 Clear 26/14 Partly cloudy funded her lawsuit. Source : http://www.campdenwealth.com REUTERS

Cops hunt for man involved in Rolling Stones cancels Australia tour SYDNEY/NEW YORK: The Jagger, 70, said through a statement yesterday. favoured by Hollywood stars. Cartier jewellery Rolling Stones cancelled a con- spokesperson he was “completely Jagger and bandmates Ronnie Pop singer Madonna in a state- cert in Australia, leaving their shocked and devastated”. Wood, Keith Richards and Charlie ment described Scott’s death as store robbery ‘Down Under’ tour in limbo The news of Scott’s death Watts landed in Perth on Monday “horrible and tragic.” Supermodel yesterday, after lead singer stunned friends, clients and fellow in their private jet, emblazoned Naomi Campbell, who knew NEW YORK: A man with Mick Jagger’s girlfriend L’Wren designers. Hollywood star Nicole with the famous tongue and lips Scott for many years, said she links to an interstate robbery Scott was found dead in her Kidman, a friend of 25 years, was logo. The aircraft remained on the was the “epitome of elegance and crew was being sought in con- Manhattan apartment. “heartbroken and in shock right tarmac. Jagger’s daughter, Georgia femininity.” nection with the daytime heist Scott, a 49-year-old fash- now and unable to say anything,” May Jagger, also cancelled a Anna Wintour, Vogue editor-in- of a Cartier jewellery store in ion designer and former model, her spokeswoman said. planned appearance at Australia’s chief, also expressed her sadness. New York City in January, the was found hanging from a scarf The Rolling Stones had been Melbourne Fashion Festival this “L’Wren was a total perfec- FBI said yesterday. on Monday, police said, adding due to kick off a six-concert week, according to local design tionist, someone who absolutely Ralik Hansen, 28, has been they were treating her death as Australia and New Zealand leg house Camilla, for whom she was embodied everything her marvel- charged with robbery following a suicide.. of their world tour today in Perth A file picture of British rock legend scheduled to model. lous clothes stood for: strength the January 31 smash-and-grab A medical examination to in western Australia. But the Mick Jagger (left) and US stylist Scott and Jagger had been of character combined with a of a Cartier store on Manhattan’s determine the exact cause of group’s Australian publicist yes- L’Wren Scott. dating since 2001 and were often confident and powerful style,” Fifth Avenue, the FBI said in a death was set yesterday. terday said the concert would not seen at celebrity events, with the Wintour wrote on Vogue.com. press release. He remained at “The examination is scheduled be going ahead. concerts would be affected. “No 6-foot, 3-inch tall former model Although Kidman, Amy Adams large, the FBI said. for today and it may or may not Frontier Touring declined to further information is available towering over her rock-star boy- and Penelope Cruz were pictured Hansen also is accused of par- yield a manner of death by later comment on whether Jagger and at this time, ticket holders are friend. Scott became one of New in Scott’s creations on the red ticipating in at least two robberies today,” said Julie Bolcer, a spokes- other band members were plan- asked to hold on to their tickets York’s most famous designers carpet, her company was mak- in New Jersey and Virginia, the woman for the Office of Chief ning to return to the United States until a further update is avail- over the last decade and was best ing losses. FBI said. Medical Examiner. or whether other Australian able,” Frontier Touring said in a known for her slim-fitting dresses REUTERS “Hansen is a member of a vio- lent interstate robbery crew from Brooklyn and has family in the state of Georgia and the country Dance of the Vampires of Panama,” the statement said. Authorities say Hansen was one of five masked men who stormed Rights film festival the Cartier store and used ham- mers to smash glass displays and grab more than $700,000 worth of watches before disappearing into opens in Romania crowds of midday shoppers and tourists on Fifth Avenue. Four other people have been BUCHAREST: The One World Czech president Vaclav Havel, the arrested in connection with the Romania international human icon of the anticommunist move- Cartier robbery and linked to the rights documentary film festi- ment in the region. crime ring, the FBI said. val which opened in Bucharest Its seventh edition comes as The crew’s high-profile heists on Monday reviews the strug- “for the first time since 1989, a included a smash-and-grab gles of eastern Europe since wind of solidarity” is blowing over attack on a jewellery store inside the collapse of communism 25 the region, with thousands of pro- the Borgata Hotel and Casino in years ago. testers taking to the streets last Atlantic City last July, authori- A quarter century after the fall year in Ukraine, Bulgaria, Bosnia ties said. of the Iron Curtain, “we still have and Romania against a political A day after the Cartier robbery, to fight against corruption and class accused of nepotism, organ- two of the suspects were arrested prejudices but we are free,” the isers said. in Brooklyn while wearing the Czech ambassador to Romania A highlight of the “25 Years stolen watches, police said. Jiri Sitler said at the opening Later” category, “The Family”, REUTERS ceremony. a documentary by German film- “Others must still fight for maker Stefan Weinert, explores their basic freedom and their the damage inflicted by the com- state, as we have seen recently in munist dictatorial regime on the case of the aggression against human beings. Ukraine and the so-called refer- Members of the audience will endum in Crimea,” Sitler added be encouraged to tell their own to hearty applause. stories of life under communism Actors perform during the presentation of the musical “Le Bal des Vampires” (Dance of the Vampires) directed One World Romania, among on camera, to be compiled and by Polish-French film director Roman Polanski at the Mogador theatre in Paris. the most important festivals of its shown at the closing ceremony kind in eastern Europe, was cre- on Sunday. ated under the patronage of late AFP Wednesday 19 March 2014 18 Jumadal I 1435 Volume 19 Number 5608 Price: QR2

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Emaar plans Work on Ras Laffan 2 to start in April Dubai, London Petrochemicals sector emerges as major driver of Qatar’s diversification dream listing for unit BY SATISH KANADY and a 250 thousand tonnes per 760,000 t/y of polypropylene and DUBAI: Dubai’s Emaar annum OXO products. 83,000 t/y of butadiene. Detailed Properties plans to list its shop- DOHA: The petrochemicals Besides the mega-size projects, submissions are due in March ping malls and retail unit in sector is set to emerge as the there are other large and medium and commercial bids in April. both Dubai and London, the major driver of Qatar’s diver- sized projects under considera- The contract award is scheduled company’s chairman Mohamed sification dream with at least tion, such as Butadiene extraction for August 2014, with start-up Alabbar was quoted as saying three mega projects, along with and Elastomer Complex. Most of in 2018. All the three planned yesterday. several other small projects. these projects are targeted to projects are approaching the “This will be a dual listing. These are expected to be opera- be on stream between 2018 and FEED phase. The next stage We are a Dubai company so we tional between 2018 and 2020. 2020. Qatar’s planned investments is to look for EPC partners to have to be in Dubai, but we will The foundation stone for the in the downstream sector will share QP’s journey with large and list in London. I would like to QP’s joint venture new conden- increase Qatar’s export portfolio medium-sized businesses targeted do this quickly and am shooting sate refinery (LR2) will be laid of chemicals and petrochemicals to be in the subsequent phase. for before Ramadan,” Arabian next month. The planned LR2 to 23m tonnes per year by 2020. “The increase in Qatar’s export Business magazine quoted Alabbar condensate refinery would be “The upcoming projects are capacity by 2020 is an ambitious as saying in an interview. similar in configuration to the going to build a solid foundation goal but one that we are confident In Dubai, the listing will occur Laffan Refinery 1 (LR1), which for diversification and expansion. that we can achieve. The develop- on Nasdaq Dubai, the smaller of started operations in September The new intermediate and deriva- ment will allow us to build a solid the emirate’s two stock exchanges, 2009, and would have a processing tive products from these projects foundation for further diversifi- Alabbar was quoted as confirming capacity of 146,000 barrels a day could be the source of further Mohammed Nasser Al Hajri at the MEED’s Qatar Projects meet. ABDUL BASIT cation and future growth.. The in the interview. of condensate. opportunities and future growth upcoming diversification and Asked to comment on the QP’s downstream mega projects in the industry. These diversifica- engineering design (FEED) Karaana Project, said. expansion offers many oppor- report, an Emaar spokesperson namely Al-Karaana, Al-Sejeel and tions in Qatar will create oppor- phase which will confirm the As part of the expansion of tunities for growth and achieve said: “Emaar is planning a pro- the gasoline and aromatic projects tunities for Medium and Small final project configuration. The the petrochemicals sector, Qatar the objectives of QP and Qatar’s posed secondary listing of up to 25 are also taking forward steps. The Enterprises, which is an important world scale gasoline and aromat- Petroleum plans to raise its pro- National Vision and we look for- percent of the shares of Emaar’s scope under consideration for part of achieving Qatar National ics project is soon going into a duction from 9m tones a year (t/y) ward to working with everyone malls business in the next one the Al-Karaana Petrochemical Vision 2030”,. Mohammed Nasser defining phase of FEED. For these to 23m t/y by 2020. To achieve and partnering with them in our year, depending on market Complex project includes a world- Al Hajri, Director of Downstream projects, the next phase will be this goal, QP and Qapco have journey”, Al Hajri said. conditions.” scale steam cracker, with feed- Ventures, QP noted while address- engineering procurement and joined forces to develop a 1.4m t/y “Going forward, the non-hydro- On Saturday, Dubai’s largest stock coming from natural gas ing the MEED’s Qatar Projects construction (EPC) phase. ethane cracker at Ras Laffan. The carbon sector would contribute listed property developer said it projects in Qatar; a 1.5m tonnes- conference here yesterday ‘Al-Karaana project will be Al-Sejeel Petrochemical complex 50 percent of Qatar’s GDP”, com- would list 25 percent of its shop- per annum mono-ethylene glycol Al-Karaana and Al-Sejeel major driver of Qatar’s diversi- will produce 850,000 t/y of high- mented Ali Al Kuwari, Acting ping malls and retail unit in a plant a 300 thousand tonnes per Mixed feed cracker projects fication dream,” Stjin van Els, density polyethylene, 430,000 Group CEO, QNB. public offer expected to raise annum linear alpha olefin unit; are currently in the front end Chief Executive (Designate), Al t/y of low-density polyethylene, THE PENINSULA between DH8-9bn. REUTERS

Ashghal tops list with UK eyes major role in Qatar’s development

BY MOHAMMAD SHOEB Qatar, UK’s exports of goods to the construction sector, there $50bn projects on offer Qatar in 2013 increased to £1.46bn, are several other areas where we DOHA: The visiting UK up by 11.45 percent compared to can expand the relationships. For Minister of State for Trade and £1.31bn in 2012. Qatar’s exports of example, the UK has a lot exper- DOHA: The presentations on Investment, Ian Paul Livingston goods to the UK stood at £2.56bn tise in running a large and very the first day of MEED’s Qatar (pictured), yesterday said the during 2013. However, the data for complex railways system, which Projects conference saw Qatar volume of Qatar-UK bilateral the exports of services for 2013 was has witnessed over 50 percent traf- Petroleum being positioned as trade, which crossed the £5bn not available. fic growth over the last 10 years. In one of Qatar’s top five project (QR30.28bn) mark in 2012, The UK is also keen to play a addition, we also have a world-class owners. With about $18.3bn can be increased further by significant role in Qatar’s devel- aviation industry which has a lot schemes currently out to ten- expanding the areas of coopera- opment story as the Gulf state is to contribute.” der, the largest of which are tion between two countries for set undertake approximate $220bn Recently there were a lot of neg- two massive petrochemicals mutual benefits. worth of investments over the next ative reports in the international projects that will support “The UK and Qatar share an eight to 10 years in various sec- media, particularly in British Qatar’s National Vision 2030. important trading relationship, tors of the economy, which include press, about the treatment of con- Qatar Public works Authority which can be enhanced further. I development of several mega infra- struction workers in Qatar, which tops the list of Qatar’s biggest am here to deepen and strengthen structure projects. many believed, was motivated by projects owners with over $49.9bn this relationship by encouraging “With the host of big infrastruc- the vested interests of construction worth of projects, followed by trade and investments between ture projects coming up in the run- lobbies to create undue pressure on Qatari Diar with $47.8bn. Qatar two countries for mutual benefits,” up to the 2022 World Cup, the UK, the Gulf state. Rail is next with $40.2bn, followed said Livingston. Qatar’s exports to with the wealth of expertise, par- Asked about the authenticity by Barwa Real estate Company the UK in 2012 reached £3.2bn ticularly with the recent experi- of those reports, he said: “I can’t of expertise related to health and with $25.8bn. (QR19.38bn), which constituted ence of hosting the ‘London 2012 guarantee that all the reports were safety of construction workers.” Addressing the opening ses- predominantly export of Liquefied Olympics’, which is considered as authentic and reliable, but what I According to Livingston there sion, Ali Al Kuwari, Acting Group Natural Gas as UK sources about one of the most successful games can say is that the Qatari govern- are over 150 UK-based companies CEO, QNB said the country is 20 percent of its domestic demand in the recent history, can play a ment has taken the issue, rather operating in Qatar, and the size of expected to roll out an estimated for gas from Qatar, while UK’s significant role. Expertise of UK than the reports, very seriously. British community in the country $165bn worth projects in the next exports to Qatar for the same year companies can be used in running And we welcome the government’s has crossed over 20,000, which is four years. The country’s private stood at £1.8bn (QR10.68bn). sport events, stadiums and their intervention to improve the situ- continuing to grow with a rate of Ali Al Kuwari. ABDUL BASIT sector will play a key role in the According to latest figures pro- construction,” he said. ation. We are very much ready to 10 percent annually. development boom.. vided by the British Embassy in “Apart from cooperation in provide further assistance in terms THE PENINSULA Al Kuwari noted the biggest spending would be in the infra- structure and service sectors. The banking sector will be supporting the private sector in a big way. Qatar is major driver of the region’s banking growth. The Technology key to energy sector growth country’s banking sector is cur- rently witnessing 10-15 percent DOHA: With global energy between industry, government growth, mainly supported by demand expected to increase and academia has the potential projects. by about 35 percent by 2040 as to reap maximum rewards, not QNB is committed to support compared to 2010, the indus- only within the energy industry, the local economy in line with the try’s approach to meeting the but as applied to other industries Qatar National Vision 2030. QNB energy challenges of the next and sectors as well. also act as conduit to leverage 30 years must be to encourage “ExxonMobil has been able to FDI to Qatar as well as incuba- technological advancements at make full use of Qatar’s collabora- tor to go abroad. every link in the energy chain tive environment as we progress Addressing the opening session, and in every sector of society, research efforts that are coordi- Stijn van Els, the Chief Executive said experts speaking at the nated with vested stakeholders (Designate) of Al Karaana Project ‘Gulf Intelligence Qatar Energy within the State of Qatar, includ- highlighted the project’s mile- R&D Forum’ held yesterday. ing the Ministry of Environment stones, phases and upcoming Bart Cahir, President and and the Ministry of Municipality third party opportunities. He said General Manager of ExxonMobil and Urban Planning,” said Cahir. the mixed-feed cracker will use Stijn van Els. ABDUL BASIT Qatar said that the members of “The role of technology and ethane and propane to produce 1.1 the energy industry have to work innovation does not end with the million t/y ethylene and 170,000 together to continually spur fur- inauguration of our projects. They t/y of propane, along with other loans, and Islamic financing . “we ther advancements and break- will continue to play a strategic plastics. are right now in the middle of throughs in the efficient use of role for many years to come,” said Later, talking to the media FEED phase. Financing will be resources, while upholding the Hamad Rashid Al Mohannadi, Stijn said the financing of the done along side of the EPC.” highest safety and environmen- RasGas, Chief Executive Officer, project would be a mix of bank THE PENINSULA tal standards. The collaboration RasGas. THE PENINSULA The audience at the forum yesterday. KAMMUTTY VP WEDNESDAY 19 MARCH 2014 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS Lukoil hopeful Malaysia looks to boost trade with Qatar DOHA: Bilateral trade between Qatar and Malaysia has dropped by 20.8 percent of gas deal in from $1.58bn (QR5.75bn) in 2012 to $1.25bn (QR4.55bn) in 2013 after recording 30.7 per- cent growth in 2012, latest data provided by Malaysian govern- Empty Quarter ment officials show. The Qatar-Malaysia bilateral trade volume over the last several Saudi needs gas to cover demand years has increased significantly. Since 2005, when total trade KHOBAR/MOSCOW: after signing a deal,” he said. value was merely about $150m Russia’s Lukoil is negotiating Because such production would (QR546.2m), has now grown by a deal with the world’s top oil be more expensive than conven- more than ten-fold. exporter Saudi Arabia to tap tional output, the firm is trying According to the statis- unconventional gas deposits in to negotiate a higher price with tics complied by the Malaysia the kingdom’s “Empty Quarter” Saudi authorities in its joint ven- External Trade Development desert region, the company’s ture, industry sources said. Corporation (MATRADE), bilat- overseas unit said. The sources said no deal had eral trade between the two coun- Saudi Arabia has kept its vast yet been reached as further stud- tries peaked in 2011 to reach at oil reserves off-limits to foreign- ies needed to be carried out by $1.69bn (QR6.15bn), registering a Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammad Al Thani (left), Chairman of the Qatar Chamber, Dr Wong Lai Sum ers, but needs natural gas to help Lukoil and Saudi Aramco to esti- whopping growth of 325 percent (centre), CEO, MATRADE and Ahmad Jazri bin Mohammed Johar, Malaysian Ambassador to Qatar, inaugurating cover domestic power demand mate how much unconventional compared to $398m (QR1.45bn) KAMMUTTY VP and conserve oil for export. It gas was available. in 2010. Qatar is the third largest the Malaysian Trade Centre yesterday. invited investors a decade ago to Saudi Aramco and the Saudi trading partner of Malaysia in the find and produce gas in the Empty oil ministry were not immediately GCC region, after Saudi Arabia Qatar have also dropped by 23.2 quality Malaysian products to the centre showcases Malaysian Quarter region in Saudi Arabia’s available to comment. and the UAE, and 30th largest in percent from $1.34bn in 2012 to the West Asian markets, includ- products and services in a southeast, also known as Rub Husseini said: “At this time the world. $1.03bn in 2013. Malaysia’s major ing Qatar, MATRADE yesterday sophisticated and contemporary Al Khali. But foreign companies there isn’t enough data to deter- Qatar’s major import items imports from Qatar include cured inaugurated a dedicated facility, environment. which formed joint ventures with mine how much gas may be recov- from Malaysia include equip- oil, refined petroleum, LNG, ‘Malaysia Trade Centre’ (MTC) The MTC is expected to pro- state oil firm Saudi Aramco to erable, what levels of production ment and engineering, machin- chemical and petrochemical prod- to tap business opportunities in vide information on Malaysian look for conventional gas, includ- can be achieved, and what levels ery, appliances, wood products ucts and manufactures of metal. the region. The idea of establish- businesses across diverse indus- ing Lukoil, Royal Dutch Shell and of expenditures are likely to be and other manufacturing goods, Malaysia is striving to enhance ing a trade centre was mooted by tries. There are huge opportuni- Sinopec, have failed to find com- required.” “It appears that the but the volume of Qatar’s imports its trade volume with Qatar and the Malaysian Prime Minister ties to discover the ideal business mercially viable deposits beneath decision-makers may now be from this Fareastern country taking a host of steps to promote during the visit of Qatar’s former partner from Malaysia’s leading the sea of sand dunes. thinking that since there are has decreased by 7.85 percent to bilateral trade and investments Prime Minister and Foreign companies for sourcing of high So Saudi authorities are now source rocks in the region, there $220.23m in 2013 from $239m in between two countries. Minister in December 2011. quality products and services. seeking to focus the search on may be some formations where 2012. Malaysia’s imports from Aiming at exporting high Occupying an area of 584 sqm, THE PENINSULA unconventional deposits — very fracking can be successful in deep, high-temperature reser- generating unconventional gas voirs that would require more production.” complex and expensive technolo- The higher cost of extracting gies to exploit. unconventional gas was not the Vodafone Qatar, “The assumptions of the ini- only obstacle to production — Iran oil exports show steady increase tial gas exploration agreements scaling up and sustaining uncon- do not exist anymore because in ventional gas operations at a Advanced Tech spite of a decade of exploration, meaningful level of supply would TOKYO: Iran exported more —which came in at 105,824bpd in and rivalling the 564,536bpd that no commercial gas discoveries also present major technical chal- crude than allowed under January and 117,857bpd in February the nation’s refiners received in have been made,” said Sadad al- lenges, Husseini said. Western sanctions for at least — Tehran’s exports have busted January. In comparison, China sign agreement Husseini, a former senior execu- Shell said it was not currently a fourth straight month in the sanctions limits at least since imported 428,840bpd of Iranian oil tive at Saudi Aramco. “Therefore drilling in its Rub Al Khali ven- February, as ship loading data November. for all of 2013, according to cus- DOHA: Vodafone Qatar and the exploration programme could ture but said it was in regular dia- showed top clients again bought The loading volumes exclude con- toms data. China’s February import IT service provider Advanced be redefined as a change to uncon- logue with Saudi officials, without more than 1 million barrels per densate, a light oil, that Iran exports numbers are not due out until later Technologies and Solutions have ventional gas exploration with elaborating. day (bpd) of Tehran’s oil. to China and other consumers. this week. signed a partnership agreement higher costs and new buy-back An industry source familiar The rise in sales to Iran’s main Ever since the 2012 sanctions India lifted 304,286bpd of crude to deliver vehicle tracking solu- terms,” said Husseini, who now with the matter said China’s clients, mostly in Asia and including were imposed, five buyers — China, in February, according to the load- tions and software development owns an energy consultancy firm Sinopec had suspended drilling Turkey, comes after an agreement India, South Korea, Japan and ing data. Iran’s second-biggest cli- services to businesses in Qatar. said. operations in the Empty Quarter. that eased some of the sanctions Turkey — have bought nearly all of ent imported 412,000bpd in January “The partnership with Vodafone Lukoil is still on the hunt for A Sinopec spokesman could not aimed at the Opec member’s Iranian crude exports. and averaged 195,600bpd in arrivals will bring innovative technolo- desert gas and is now evaluating be reached for comment. nuclear programme. The November The intake of Iranian oil by Asian in 2013. gies and solutions to the Qatari the possibility of production from Saudi Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi deal also freed up $4.2bn in oil pay- buyers alone has topped 960,000bpd South Korea loaded 214,286bpd in market with our services like an unconventional deposit. has estimated that the kingdom ments to Tehran, but it does not since November, government and February, mostly for March arrival vehicle tracking system, software “This is tight gas. The negotia- has over 600 trillion cubic feet allow for shipments to increase. industry data has shown, and add- dates. Japan loaded 140,000bpd in development, Mobile applica- tions are under way. No details of unconventional gas reserves, In total, February crude load- ing in an average 100,000bpd of February. It purchased 210,517bpd tions, ERP system, web develop- on deal and future production more than double its proven con- ings by Iran’s top four buyers crude for Turkey, the exports have from Iran in January and reduced ment and web designing services,” plans yet,” said a spokesman for ventional reserves. Saudi Aramco - China, India, Japan and South breached 1 million bpd at least since imports by 6.4 percent to 177,414bpd said Ayham Daood, Executive Lukoil Overseas, which operates has embarked on an unconven- Korea - rose to 1.16 million bpd then. in 2013, marking its lowest daily Director, Advance Technologies the group’s foreign upstream tional gas programme and has versus 994,669bpd lifted in January, China lifted 502,500bpd in crude imports from Iran in more and Solutions. projects. “Yes, we are hopeful and made appraisals and drilled in a according to a loading plan. February, again taking its pur- than 30 years. Mohammed Al Yami, Director will continue evaluating drilling few areas. REUTERS Adding in oil lifted by Turkey chases back to pre-sanctions levels, REUTERS of External Affairs, Vodafone Qatar said: ”Our partnership with Advanced Technologies and Solutions with deliver an Training on communication at Bedaya important tailored business solu- tion that will help business’s in DOHA: Bedaya Centre for Entrepreneurship differences between several communication and Qatar to be more effective,” said will host an exclusive two-day training for behavioural styles allowing participants to under- Mohammed Al Yami, Director of entrepreneurs and business professionals stand their own strengths as well as possible External Affairs, Vodafone Qatar. on May 25 and 26. This announcement was pitfalls in everyday communication. Vodafone are leaders in the made during Bedaya Centre’s monthly Second The two-day training workshop will make par- vehicle tracking solutions mar- Sunday Networking event where many young ticipants experience and aware how subconscious ket with existing partnerships entrepreneurs and business professionals behaviour influences our everyday communica- with some of the world’s leading gathered on March 9. tion and stress levels, whether individually, in car manufactures including Audi, Held at Katara, the event featured a talk on company teams or stakeholder relationships. BMW and Volkswagen. Advanced Effective Communication by Bart Burghgraef, Held on the second Sunday of every month, the Technologies and Solutions are founder of ViewsUnlimited, an action learn- Bedaya Centre’s “Second Sunday Networking” the leaders in Qatar for vehicle ing consultancy focusing on behavioural style, series aims to provide young entrepreneurs with tracking systems, software devel- interpersonal and group communication. The the opportunity to meet, network and exchange opment and web services since company will deliver the training in partnership ideas with their peers, mentors and advisors 2009. Advanced Technologies and with Bedaya Centre. from the industry. The Centre is a partnership Solutions’ T-Qat provides GPS During the highly interactive session between Qatar Development Bank and Silatech. based vehicle tracking solutions. Burghgraef discussed and demonstrated the THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA

Troika reaches Nigeria’s Oil & Gas conference Greek debt deal BRUSSELS: Greece’s international creditors have reached an agree- ment with Athens on efforts to stabilise the crisis-hit country’s public finances, clearing the way for its next debt aid pay- ment, EU sources said yesterday. Separately, a European Commission spokesman said, “we have now agreed on all of the most impor- tant policy areas” of the programme. “The talks have been long because the subjects are difficult but we are now very close to a staff- level accord,” EU economic affairs spokesman Simon O’Connor said. The latest talks on bail- out programme began in From left: Morenike Adewunmi, Shell’s Government relations and Compliance Manager, Cornelius Zegelaar, September but the gov- senior VP and MD, Nigeria, of Addax Petroleum, Elizabeth Proust, MD and CEO of Total E&P, Nigeria, and ernment has baulked at Mutiu Sunmonu, Country Chair, The Shell Petroleum Development Company at the opening of the Nigeria demands for austerity Oil & Gas 2014 conference in Abuja yesterday. measures. AFP WEDNESDAY 19 MARCH 2014 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23

Indian shares French protest against reforms Russia’s Rosneft Qatar Exchange hit new peak on considers $66bn foreign buying rouble bond offer

MUMBAI: India’s benchmark MOSCOW: Russia’s biggest oil index adds stock index raced to a record company Rosneft is consider- high yesterday as foreign inves- ing offering 2.4 trillion rubles tors bought shares on hopes ($66bn) in ruble-denominated that a new pro-business govern- bonds to finance its colossal 17.11 points ment would emerge from elec- debt in possible response to the tions which start next month. weakening ruble and the risk The Bombay Stock Exchange’s of sanctions over Russia’s sei- (BSE) benchmark index gained zure of Crimea, a report said Emaar lifts Dubai stock market 1.06 percent to touch a life- yesterday. time high of 22,040.72 points in The Kommersant business daily DOHA: Qatar Exchange pur- Dh12-15 in the long term,” the morning trading, before closing said the state-controlled company sued its upswing trend yester- brokerage said in a note. at 21,832.61 points, 0.10 percent was “discussing the possibility” day adding 17.11 points, or 0.15 Many analysts have fair-value higher than Monday’s closing. of launching the unprecedented percent, to advance to 11,418.76 estimates for Emaar above Dh10. The momentum in markets high-volume bond offering if the points from 11,401.65 on Sunday. MubasherTrade Research said it could last until April with election ruble comes under further mar- The volume of the shares traded had added the stock back to its results in May providing the next ket pressure, which would make up to 15,391,745 from 14,644,221 on list of regional favourites, and set of cues, analysts said. it more expensive to pay back its Monday and the value of shares that the retail unit’s listing would Growth slackened last year to a dollar-denominated debt. increased to QR779,921,303.34 effectively lift the firm’s net asset decade low of 4.5 percent and the Kommersant said that from QR689,574,299.79 Monday. value by around 30 percent to government expects 4.9-percent Rosneft’s total debt amounted Among the top gainers were Dh12 per share. expansion in this fiscal year to to 1.9 trillion rubles ($52.4bn) Qatar Insurance, which was Dubai’s index gained 2.7 percent March 31. The results of the gen- at the end of 2013 partly due to up 0.79 percent to QR64, Doha to 4,234 points. It faces technical eral election, to be held in phases, its acquisition of TNK-BP Bank gained 0.70 percent to resistance at 4,242-4,255 points, are due in mid-May. from BP and a consortium of QR57.20, Vodafone Qatar added the March and February peaks. Foreign institutional investors Russian billionaires, which meant 0.65 percent to QR12.30 and Gulf Other property-related stocks have purchased $7.4bn in local it took on $16.8bn in syndicated International was up by 7.11 per- in Dubai also gained, including equities and debt so far in the loans. cent to QR84.40. construction firm Arabtec which fourth quarter of the current fis- “The company has taken cred- The banking and financial sec- rose 2.5 percent as investors bet cal year, data from the Securities its from Western banks and the tor index lost 0.55 percent, while on strong financial results and and Exchange Board of India ruble instrument is diversifica- consumer goods and services sec- a generous profit distribution showed. Maruti Suzuki rose 7.58 tion,” it quoted a source as saying. tor index gained 0.50 percent. The before its board meeting. percent to Rs1,868.85 per share The paper that bankers industrial sector added 1.64 per- The firm said later that its while Financial Technologies believed that despite the huge size cent, while insurance sector up fourth-quarter income had more gained 4.99 percent to Rs378.95 Private and public sector workers demonstrate against the of the offering it would be readily 2 percent. than tripled to Dh122m, and pro- per share. AFP responsibility pact in Marseille yesterday. French labour unions taken up by the markets. AFP Elsewhere in the region, posed a 10 percent cash dividend marched against the government’s economic reform programme. Dubai’s Emaar Properties broke for 2013 along with a 30 percent major chart resistance to lift the bonus share issue. It paid no div- emirate’s stock market index yes- idend for 2012. Analysts had on terday for a third straight session, average expected a fourth-quarter while most Gulf markets rose as profit of Dh79.50m. global jitters over the Ukraine In Abu Dhabi, the index gained Ukraine issue hits Russian privatisation plans crisis partially eased. 0.5 percent largely on the back MOSCOW: Russia said its we could do it in the third and Bond deals put on hold include Crimea and blasted the West, but Emaar jumped 5.4 percent to of the banking sector. Abu Dhabi long-delayed privatisation pro- in the fourth quarter,” Interfax Russian bank Promsvyazbank markets took some cheer from Dh9.75 in its heaviest trading vol- Commercial Bank , which said gramme could be postponed news agency quoted her saying. which said it was delaying a road- comments that pacified concerns ume since April 2012, confirming last week that it would continue again, the latest victim of a She mentioned airline Aeroflot, show to investors. Credit firm Russia would try to seize other a break above Dh9.16-9.20, the a share buy-back, climbed 1.5 deepening economic crisis over shipping group Sovcomflot and oil TCS said it would only consider Ukrainian regions. “We still need February and March highs. percent. Ukraine that has put off IPOs, major Rosneft as candidates for a Eurobond issue once conditions to see how or if ... the world reacts Shares in Emaar have been Kuwait’s Noor Financial debt issues and conferences. privatisation deals this year. were favourable again. As interna- to a formal assimilation into gaining since the company at the Investment Co, which dropped Russia’s MICEX index, already Telecoms groups Rostelecom tional investor sentiment towards Russia,” said one emerging mar- weekend announced a higher 2013 4.8 percent on Monday after hurt by an economic down- is also on the privatisation list Russia took a hit, conferences have kets banker. “But (there) seems to dividend and a plan to list its shop- Pakistan’s central bank blocked turn, has fallen 13 percent this although Kommersant newspa- also been put on hold. Russia’s be a little more optimism around.” ping mall unit. They were boosted the sale of its stake in Karachi- year, while the rouble is down per yesterday reported that it largest bank Sberbank postponed Putin’s decision to raise the further yesterday, when Emaar based Meezan Bank , shed 11 percent against the dollar on was delaying its planned second- one of the country’s highest pro- stakes in Ukraine has caused chairman Mohamed Alabbar was another 1.7 percent. But the concerns about the impact of ary public offering, scheduled for file investment conferences while concerns of lasting damage to quoted as saying in a magazine overall Kuwaiti index gained 0.7 deteriorating relations with the the first half of the year, due to VTB Capital, the investment Russia’s economy. “The economic interview that the unit would list percent. West. The escalating worries over turbulent markets. Rostelecom banking arm of Russia’s second- situation shows clear signs of a in both Dubai and London, and Saudi Arabia’s bourse was the Ukraine have caused deals to be declined to comment. largest bank VTB, postponed an crisis,” Deputy Economy Minister aimed to do so before end-June. lone loser in the Gulf, down 0.4 put on ice as bankers and inves- Other equity offerings have investment forum. Sergei Belyakov told a local The stock faces another barrier percent on above-average volume. tors weigh the potential costs of been put on ice as companies wait Depositors have also been bet- business conference in the first at Dh9.75 and then at Dh10.50, “I think it could be related to tougher sanctions from the West. for the situation to improve, bank- ting on the rouble’s decline and acknowledgment by a Russian according to NBAD Securities. oil prices,” said Sebastien Henin, Olga Dergunova, head of the ing sources and sources familiar moving money, bankers said. One official of an economic crisis. “Any break over Dh10.60 shall portfolio manager at The National state property management with the deals have said. Several banker at a Russian retail bank, Russia’s Deputy Minister ignite further buying towards Investor. QNA & REUTERS agency, said that Russia’s govern- IPOs are in the wings including who declined to be named, said of Industry and Trade Alexey ment could postpone major pri- German retailer Metro’s Russian there had been evidence of cus- Rakhmanov said any action in vatisation deals expected in the wholesale business, children’s tomers changing money from terms of sanctions would be recip- QATARI MARKET second quarter if the Ukrainian goods retailer Detsky Mir, and roubles into dollars and euros. rocal and that Russian industry Bond Coupon Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P crisis took a heavy toll on the econ- credit company Credit Bank of Putin yesterday fiercely could survive, but conceded the Qatar Govt 5.15% 4/9/2014 USD 100.25 0.15% Aa2 AA omy. “It may obviously (happen), Moscow. defended Russia’s actions in risk to the country. REUTERS Qatar Govt 3.125% 1/20/2017 USD 105.63 1.10% Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 6.55% 4/9/2019 USD 120.00 2.33% Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 5.25% 1/20/2020 USD 113.63 2.71% Aa2 AA Cairn Energy tax row Qatar Govt 4.5% 1/20/2022 USD 108.50 3.26% Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 9.75% 6/15/2030 USD 154.75 4.84% Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 6.4% 1/20/2040 USD 117.00 5.20% Aa2 AA puts India buy-back Qatar Govt 5.75% 1/20/2042 USD 108.00 5.20% Aa2 AA Qatari Diar 3.5% 7/21/2015 USD 103.56 0.81% Aa2 AA Qatari Diar 5% 7/21/2020 USD 110.88 3.10% Aa2 AA plan of shares on hold Comqat 5% 11/18/2014 USD 102.50 1.17% A1 A- Comqat 3.375% 4/11/2017 USD 104.25 1.94% A1 A- LONDON: London-listed The company was ordered QIB 3.856% 10/7/2015 USD 104.00 1.23% NR NR oil and gas explorer Cairn not to sell its shares in Cairn QNB 3.125% 11/16/2015 USD 103.25 1.13% Aa3 A+ Energy has called a halt to India during the investigation, QNB 3.375% 2/22/2017 USD 104.25 1.87% Aa3 A+ a $300m share buy-back limiting the firm’s ability to programme until a review raise cash from selling its 10 Doha Bank 3.5% 3/14/2017 USD 104.13 2.07% A2 A- of its Indian income taxes is percent holding in Cairn India, Qtel 3.375% 10/14/2016 USD 104.88 1.43% A2 A- resolved, knocking its shares valued at around $1bn. “Whilst Qtel 7.875% 6/10/2019 USD 124.00 2.89% A2 A- sharply lower yesterday. this shouldn’t be an issue in the Qtel 4.75% 2/16/2021 USD 107.13 3.58% A2 A- India’s tax authorities had near term, it may limit flex- Qtel 5% 10/19/2025 USD 103.00 4.66% A2 A- contacted Cairn Energy in ibility further down the line,” Rasgas 5.5% 9/30/2014 USD 102.38 0.95% Aa3 A January to discuss income tax equity analysts at Liberum Rasgas 5.832% 9/30/2016 USD 106.50 3.13% Aa3 A assessments dating back about said. seven years, making it the lat- Cairn Energy’s Chief Rasgas 5.298% 9/30/2020 USD 107.88 3.92% Aa3 A est foreign firm to be embroiled Financial Officer Jann Brown SOVEREIGNS in the country’s tax crackdown said the company was in the Bond PDA* Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P to try to cut its budget deficit. process of compiling the infor- Abu Dhabi Govt 5.5% 4/8/2014 USD 100.33 -1.34% Aa2 AA Other foreign multinational mation requested and would Abu Dhabi Govt 6.75% 4/8/2019 USD 122.00 2.13% Aa2 AA companies have also been tar- send it to the tax authority geted, including Anglo-Dutch in April. Cairn Energy shares Dubai Govt 6.7% 10/5/2015 USD 107.75 1.58% NR NR oil major Shell, South Korea’s were the biggest faller among Dubai Govt 4.9% 5/2/2017 USD 108.00 2.23% NR NR LG Electronics and France’s London’s FTSE 250 companies, Dubai Govt 7.75% 10/5/2020 USD 124.13 3.58% NR NR Capgemini . down 11 percent at 1023 GMT. Dubai Govt 6.45% 5/2/2022 USD 117.13 3.96% NR NR Cairn Energy said it would The oil and gas explorer Qatar Govt 4% 1/20/2015 USD 103.00 0.38% Aa2 AA suspend its buy-back as of also announced annual results Bahrain Govt 6.273% 11/22/2018 USD 114.38 2.95% NR BBB March 21 in the light of the tax yesterday, where it reported Bahrain Govt 5.5% 3/31/2020 USD 107.63 4.06% NR BBB review, the outcome of which it a higher-than-expected loss said would shape the compa- after tax of $556m due to Egypt Govt 5.75% 4/29/2020 USD 102.50 5.26% Caa1 B- ny’s way forward beyond 2014. soaring costs for unsuccessful Morocco Govt 4.5% 10/5/2020 EUR 105.25 3.58% NR BBB- Cairn has completed about one exploration in Morocco and the

*Periodic Distribution Amount third of the buy-back. North Sea. IMPORTANT NOTE: “Throughout its history of The company’s costs for Published by HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, P O Box 57, Doha, Qatar which operating in India, Cairn has unsuccessful exploration rose is licensed and regulated by Qatar Central Bank and Jersey Financial Services been fully compliant with the 34 percent year on year to Commission. Information quoted is from publicly available sources or proprietary tax legislation in force,” Cairn $213m, which included $107m data and subject to change. HSBC accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising out of the use of all or part of this material. This information is general and does not Energy Chief Executive Simon spent on drilling offshore take into account individual circumstances, objectives or needs. The price of bonds Thomson said on a conference Morocco and $81m in the can and does fluctuate. The secondary market for bonds may not provide significant call. “We intend to take what- Norwegian and UK parts of liquidity or may trade based on prevailing market conditions. Past performance is not ever steps are necessary to the North Sea. a reliable indicator of future performance. You should consider these matters and consult your financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions. protect our interests.” Cairn Energy said on In January, India’s tax Monday that it had plugged authority had requested fur- and abandoned a well in ther information on Cairn Morocco, a country whose off- Energy’s 2006 income tax that shore resources are tipped as pre-dated the flotation of its one of this year’s promising Cairn India business in 2007. exploration areas. REUTERS WEDNESDAY 19 MARCH 2014 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS German court clears European bailout fund No obstacle for Germany to take part in €500bn ESM

KARLSRUHE: Germany’s the Bundestag or lower house more than that of any other coun- highest court yesterday ruled of parliament must “remain the try. Germany was one of the last once and for all that the place in which autonomous deci- countries in the region to ratify European bailout fund is in line sions on revenue and expendi- the rescue fund, in late 2012. with the country’s constitution, ture are made, including those Finance Minister Wolfgang throwing out a raft of objections with regard to international and Schaeuble welcomed the ruling, by eurosceptics. European liabilities.” saying it would “boost confidence Confirming a preliminary rul- “As before, it is a matter of and strengthen credibility.” ing from September 2012, the finding a way out of the crisis In the run-up to its definitive Federal Constitutional Court that is sustainable, realistic and judgement yesterday, there had issued its final judgement, saying has democratic and constitutional been no suggestion the court it saw no obstacle to Germany tak- backing,” Vosskuhle said. — which Chancellor Angela ing part in the €500bn European Throughout the eurozone Merkel has always had to take Andreas Vosskuhle (2nd left), President of Germany’s Constitutional Court (Bundesverfassungsgericht), pronounces Stability Mechanism (ESM), set turmoil since 2010, euroscep- into account in her decisions on the verdict on the ESM with his colleagues of the second senate, at the constitutional court in Karlsruhe, yesterday. up to bail out troubled countries tics have repeatedly asked the European policy — would deviate and their banks. Constitutional Court in the south- from the line it has taken so far. “there are important reasons to The constitutional court will ESM, which is an important part “The constitutional complaints western city of Karlsruhe to rule In a separate ruling last month, suggest that it goes beyond the issue its judgment on the OMT of the eurozone financial stabil- ... lodged against the establish- on whether new EU crisis-fight- however, the court for the first ECB’s monetary policy mandate after the ECJ makes its ruling, ity architecture,” said Berenberg ment of the European Stability ing tools comply with Germany’s time passed a case up to the and infringes on the powers of not expected before mid-2015. Bank economist Christian Schulz. Mechanism ... are partly inad- constitution. European level, the Luxembourg- the member states and contra- But observers said the ECJ as a “But the €500bn ESM is not big missible and for the remainder The red-robed judges have based European Court of Justice venes the ban on monetary deficit European body was unlikely to enough to defend large countries unfounded,” the court ruled. always validated European deci- (ECJ). At issue was the European financing,” it argued. overturn an anti-crisis measure like Italy against market turbu- “Despite the liabilities assumed, sions, or sent them to a European Central Bank’s OMT bond pur- Nevertheless, the court said it that has been instrumental in lences,” he cautioned, saying it the budgetary autonomy of the court, while reinforcing the chase programme, which euro- “believes it is possible” that limi- restoring calm to the markets. had been the ECB’s OMT pro- German Bundestag is sufficiently German parliament’s right to be sceptics had argued overstepped tations could be applied to the Analysts welcomed the con- gramme which had brought the safeguarded,” it said. consulted. the central bank’s mandate and OMT programme in such a way stitutional court’s final ruling on single currency area back from Nevertheless, presiding judge Germany’s share of the ESM was tantamount to printing as to make it compatible with EU the ESM. “The decision removes the brink of a possible break-up Andreas Vosskuhle insisted that bailout fund amounts to €190bn, money. In the court’s opinion, law. remaining uncertainty about the of the euro. AFP

UK shakes up Bank of England’s top deck Oriental Weavers ups

LONDON: Britain shook up the BoE’s eventual exit from the upper echelons of the Bank its quantitative easing policy — dividend, profit rises of England yesterday, nam- under which it amassed $624.2bn ing two new deputy governors of government bonds — as well as the revamp of the central as reviewing the way the central CAIRO: Egypt’s Oriental Last year, the company paid a bank under its new boss Mark bank gathers intelligence on mar- Weavers, the world’s biggest dividend of 1.50 pounds a share on Carney gathered pace. kets which has come under scru- machine-woven carpet maker, results for 2012, unchanged from The government and the BoE tiny recently after claims that said yesterday it would pay a the payout the previous year but announced the appointments London traders manipulated key dividend of 2 Egyptian pounds down from the 2 pounds a share of Monetary Policy Committee foreign exchange rates. ($0.29) a share after its net paid in 2011. member Ben Broadbent and Broadbent was formerly an profit for 2013 rose almost 30 Egypt revised stock market International Monetary Fund economist at investment bank percent. regulations earlier this year to official Nemat Shafik, who will Goldman Sachs and is the first Shares in Egypt’s Oriental boost trading and attract more be the first female MPC mem- external member of the MPC Weavers on Monday hit their investment and a listed com- ber since 2010. Broadbent will to take up a position as deputy highest level since 2007 after the pany no longer needs permission succeed Charlie Bean as deputy governor at the central bank. He company said it was considering from the Egyptian Financial Nemat Shafik (left) and Ben Broadbent. governor responsible for mon- will be responsible for the BoE’s splitting each of its shares into Supervisory Authority to split its etary policy on July 1. Shafik will analysis of Britain’s economy, as five in a bid to boost liquidity and shares if it complies with pre-set take on the newly created role of Committee, which regulates and British nationality — has well as bank notes. trading. rules. deputy governor for markets and banks, and the rate-setting MPC. been the IMF’s deputy managing Britain’s finance ministry also Net profit rose to 369.12m The board of Oriental Weavers banking from August 1. Shafik will take the MPC seat cur- director since April 11 and before named Anthony Habgood as Egyptian pounds last year on sales has agreed the share split but the Both deputy governors will rently held by the BoE’s executive that was the top civil servant at chairman of the BoE’s Court of up 13 percent at 5.52bn pounds, company said the final decision serve five-year terms and sit director for markets, Paul Fisher. Britain’s overseas aid department. Directors, which supervises the boosted by new designs, Oriental would be taken at an extraordi- on the BoE’s Financial Policy Shafik — who has Egyptian, US She will be responsible for central bank. REUTERS Weavers said in a statement. nary general meeting. REUTERS Moody’s slashes FDI in China rises 10.4pc in Jan-Feb BEIJING: Foreign direct there were various development Canada’s Nexen. “Therefore, over- ministry said. US investors piled investment (FDI) into China problems within the country”. seas investment in the first two $711m into the country during the Argentina rating as increased 10.4 percent year on He did not give specifics, but months last year spiked, which... period, up 43.3 percent. year in the first two months of a string of data has indicated a made this year’s year-on-year “Investment from the 10 Asian 2014, the government said yes- slowdown in the world’s number comparison base very high,” he countries and the US maintained terday, while the country’s out- two economy. said. The January-February figure relatively fast growth,” the min- inflation stays high bound investment slumped. Separately, Chinese overseas would have marked a 33.6 percent istry said. FDI, which excludes invest- investment in the two months increase if the Nexen deal was Investment from South Korea ment in financial sectors, totalled fell 37.2 percent year-on-year excluded from the comparative soared 224 percent to $834m, WASHINGTON: Moody’s persistent capital outflows and $19.31bn cumulatively in January to $11.54bn, the ministry said, data, he added. the ministry said, but did not lowered its credit rating for a lack of access to international and February, the commerce min- with investment to Hong Kong By far the greatest proportion give an explanation for the leap. Argentina by one step, citing debt markets,” Moody’s said. istry said in a statement. and the European Union lead- of investment in China comes Investment from the European a sharp fall in the country’s “Lack of confidence in govern- Foreign investors “remained ing the decline. But Shen said from a group of 10 Asian coun- Union declined 13.8 percent to reserves and inconsistent eco- ment economic policies, including confident in investment in that a high comparison base in tries and regions including Hong $1.05bn. Of China’s outbound nomic policies. one of the region’s highest infla- China”, ministry spokesman the same period last year was Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Thailand investment, 65.4 percent of the The fresh blow to the country tion rates, will make it difficult to Shen Danyang told reporters, but behind the fall, mainly due to the and Singapore. total, or $7.55bn, went to Hong came as Buenos Aires reported prevent continued capital flight.” acknowledged that “international close of China National Offshore FDI from those economies Kong, ASEAN, the EU, Australia, that prices rose 3.4 percent in Moody’s pointed to the govern- investment remained low and Oil Corp.’s $15bn takeover of rose 11.6 percent to $16.94bn, the the US, Russia and Japan. AFP February over January, taking ment’s incomplete reform stance, the annual inflation pace to more allowing the peso to sharply than 40 percent. Moody’s cut the depreciate and float somewhat, rating to Caa1 from B3, putting it but not taking action to cut huge Carbon tax to hit Hyundai sales in the mid-range of “speculative” subsidies that are draining expen- or junk bonds. The agency also ditures. A consequence is that Car registrations cut its outlook for Argentina to the government will continue to negative from stable—a warning print money to cover its short- move up in EU that the South American country falls, Moodys said, contributing could face another downgrade. to inflation. Monday’s official PARIS: New car registrations Moody’s said a sharp fall in the inflation report showed a slightly in the European Union — a key government’s foreign exchange slower pace of rise from January’s indicator of economic health reserves, to $27.5bn from $52.7bn 3.7 percent monthly pace, but it — rose in February, industry in 2011, increases the risk that was still much higher than the data showed yesterday, but still Buenos Aires “may not meet its rate of the past two years. remained close to a historic low. foreign-currency debt service It was the second month in a The European Automobile obligations.” row that the government has used Manufacturers’ Association It added that “an inconsistent its new price index, generally seen (ACEA) said that demand for policy environment” increases as credible after years of under- cars in the 27 EU countries it the likelihood that reserves will reporting inflation. surveys (Malta is not included) remain under pressure through Economy Minister Axel Kicillof rose by 8 percent, the sixth con- 2015. It said the country faces linked the rising prices to “a lot secutive gain. persistent capital flight and of price distortion in January and However, the overall total of declining trade surpluses, which February,” related in part to the cars registered (861,058) was the will further erode reserves, which effective devaluation of the peso second-lowest result for February the government must use to pay after the central bank stopped since ACEA started collected its bond holders. intervening in the market for EU-wide data in 2003. In addition, confidence in the several days. The car sector in countries currency is falling in part because Moody’s meanwhile warned still recovering from the euro- of the perception that the govern- that policy—higher interest zone crisis generally fared better ment is not addressing the other rates and faster depreciation of than others, with Spain showing problems, Moody’s said. the peso—would hurt economic South Korean Hyundai Motor Group’s cars are seen on a truck at the company’s shipping yard at a port in a 17.8-percent rise in new regis- “Argentina is one of the few growth, further challenging the Pyeongtaek. Hyundai fears a proposed tax on vehicle carbon emissions will slash its domestic sales by up trations and Italy up 8.6 percent. Latin American countries with government’s ability to adjust to 10 percent and is pressuring the South Korean government to reverse course. Eurozone powerhouse Germany a capital account deficit due to policy. AFP reported a 4.3-percent. AFP WEDNESDAY 19 MARCH 2014 BUSINESS VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25

Saying ‘Just get a job’ is like Money is just an IOU, and yelling ‘Just rain’ in Sahara BY ERICA BUIST the banks are rolling in it n a society where it’s considered rude to answer “yes” to BY DAVID GRAEBER as it wishes. But it is also careful not to print money as they can into the banks, without the question “Does anyone want the last scone?” (especially too much. In fact, we are often told this is producing any inflationary effects. if they’re at the next table, I’ve learned), it’s amazing how ack in the 1930s, Henry Ford is why independent central banks exist in the What this means is that the real limit Imany people will happily go up to a young job-seeker, pick supposed to have remarked that first place. If governments could print money on the amount of money in circulation is up their last shred of self-esteem and dunk it in their tea until it it was a good thing that most themselves, they would surely put out too not how much the central bank is willing disintegrates into soggy clumps. My year spent blogging jobless- Americans didn’t know how much of it, and the resulting inflation would to lend, but how much government, firms, ness landed me a job, and doctorate-level knowledge of what not banking really works, because throw the economy into chaos. Institutions and ordinary citizens, are willing to borrow. to say to a jobless youngster. Bif they did, “there’d be a revolution before such as the Bank of England or US Federal Government spending is the main driver in Today’s youth has spent years chasing qualifications no one tomorrow morning”. Reserve were created to carefully regulate the all this (and the paper does admit, if you ever asks us about. The notion that algebra would ever be useful Last week, something remarkable hap- money supply to prevent inflation. read it carefully, that the central bank does seemed fishy, but the grown-ups insisted: education, no matter pened. The Bank of England let the cat out It’s this understanding that allows us to fund the government after all). So there’s no how apparently arbitrary, leads to jobs. of the bag. In a paper called “Money Creation continue to talk about money as if it were a question of public spending “crowding out” But the minute we graduated, something switched in employers’ in the Modern Economy”, coauthored by limited resource like bauxite or petroleum, private investment. It’s exactly the opposite. heads. The same generation who had us sit Sats and the 11-plus three economists from the Bank’s Monetary to say “there’s just not enough money” to Why did the Bank of England suddenly and the 12-plus and Sats again and mock GCSEs and real GCSEs Analysis Directorate, they stated outright fund social programmes, to speak of the admit all this? Well, one reason is because and AS-levels and A-levels and BAs and MAs and MScs and that most common assumptions of how bank- immorality of government debt or of public it’s obviously true. The Bank’s job is to actually PhDs decided education is an afterthought. Experience is what’s ing works are simply wrong, and that the kind spending “crowding out” the private sector. run the system, and of late, the system has really important. Which none of us had, because we’d been busy of populist, heterodox positions more ordi- What the Bank of England admitted this not been running especially well. It’s possible pretending Romeo and Juliet weren’t just horny teenagers and narily associated with groups such as Occupy week is that none of this is really true. that it decided that maintaining the fantasy- Pythagoras wasn’t the most tedious bastard that ever existed. Wall Street are correct. In doing so, they have In other words, everything we know is land version of economics that has proved so We were told that education was a ticket to employment, when effectively thrown the entire theoretical basis not just wrong – it’s backwards. When convenient to the rich is simply a luxury it really it’s more like vague directions to the station. for austerity out of the window. banks make loans, they create money. This can no longer afford. But politically, this is We’ve all watched the Gen Y horror show unfold. We all know To get a sense of how radical the Bank’s is because money is really just an IOU. The taking an enormous risk. Just consider what many entry-level positions are now filled with cycles of interns, new position is, consider the conventional role of the central bank is to preside over might happen if mortgage holders realised that underemployment is cleverly hidden by internships or zero- view, which continues to be the basis of all a legal order that effectively grants banks the money the bank lent them is not, really, hour contracts, that an unprecedented number of jobs created are respectable debate on public policy. People the exclusive right to create IOUs of a cer- the life savings of some thrifty pensioner, but part-time. By October last year, long-term youth unemployment put their money in banks. Banks then lend tain kind, ones that the government will something the bank just whisked into exist- had risen to four times the 2004 figures (oh, and tripled in the that money out at interest – either to con- recognise as legal tender by its willingness ence through its possession of a magic wand first three years of the coalition). sumers, or to entrepreneurs willing to invest to accept them in payment of taxes. which we, the public, handed over to it. So telling a young person, “Just get a job” is not tough love. It’s it in some profitable enterprise. True, the There’s really no limit on how much banks Historically, the Bank of England has like going to the Sahara, looking up and yelling “Just rain!” Which fractional reserve system does allow banks could create, provided they can find some- tended to be a bellwether, staking out seem- is weird. Stop it. Graduates expect too much. That’s the line – to lend out considerably more than they one willing to borrow it. Since the beginning ing radical positions that ultimately become often stated as if it came out of the blue. After our American- hold in reserve, and true, if savings don’t of the recession, the US and British cen- new orthodoxies. If that’s what’s happening dream style “You can do anything!” upbringings, apologies if it suffice, private banks can seek to borrow tral banks have reduced that cost to almost here, we might soon be in a position to learn takes us a while to recover from the disappointment of realising more from the central bank. nothing. In fact, with “quantitative easing” if Henry Ford was right. it was all, well, a dream. The central bank can print as much money they’ve been effectively pumping as much THE GUARDIAN The “job snobs” snub acknowledges that traditionally com- petitive industries are double-locking their doors, while ignoring the fact that low-skilled jobs are as rare as a worm concussion; a branch of Costa in Nottingham received 1,701 applications for eight positions. Not to be outdone, Asda got over 2,500 applications for 300 BY MANUFACTURER jobs. They should give scratch cards out with applications to Car sales in the EU Year-on-year double your chances of a win. It’s not arrogance, it’s the embers of In thousand units change in % optimism. Do you think snobbery comes easily to someone who’s rejected for a cleaning job for “not having enough experience”? (I For February 2014, provisional VW 212.0 8.0 knew I shouldn’t have put my mum as a reference for that one.) PSA 104.1 3.6 Lest we forget, our parents and teachers asked what we wanted BY MARKET to be when we grew up, then demanded a ransom of education, Year-on-year Renault 86.4 11.7 good grades, experience and a charming interview manner. We’ve In thousand units change in % 64.7 done what you asked, society! Release the jobs! GM 12.6 Does anyone actually believe this hippy hogwash? That “positive Germany 209.3 4.3 Fiat 58.1 5.6 thoughts” are a mystical good-things magnet? Sorry to shoot down those bluebirds that dress you in the morning, and put them in France 141.3 -1.4 Ford 57.4 12.2 a pie, but positive feelings don’t attract positive events. They’re Italy 118.3 8.6 BMW 47.9 2.8 a result of them. Only actions matter – as long as job-seekers tweak their CVs Spain 68.8 17.8 Daimler 44.0 3.9 for every job and turn up to interviews prepared and smiling, it UK 68.7 3.0 Toyota 37.7 16.2 really doesn’t matter if they’re dead inside. Empathise. Don’t leap around shouting “Be positive!” like an Belgium 46.1 1.6 Hyundai 29.7 -3.4 inappropriate funeral director. Damned if I do, job snob if I don’t. Netherlands 33.6 5.4 Nissan 29.2 2.3 And thanks for reminding me that I’ve spent thousands of pounds to beg someone to let me stack their yoghurts. Poland 32.6 35.2 Kia 23.5 8.0 Yes, I did partake in a few rounds of “Who can earn the least 27.6 14.9 for longest?” but I had to fund my expensive habit of paying for Austria 30.2 Volvo 13.7 things. Don’t prod a spot this sore. An internship is not a job, it’s Sweden 21.5 20.5 Suzuki 12.2 33.1 a barricade dressed as a stepping-stone. Plus you’re bringing back 14.8 11.5 bad memories – the excruciating awkwardness of parachuting into Denmark 20.5 Mazda 23.7 an office for a two-week internship can’t be overstated. Czech Rep. 12.8 21.0 Honda 8.0 -11.0 Free time? When your life is a cycle of applying for jobs, listen- 12.8 7.2 ing to crickets and crying into sponges, you don’t get to clock off. Ireland 20.6 Jaguar Land Rover 0.2 Also, what fun is there for the jobless? Perhaps taking some sort Portugal 10.5 40.2 Mitsubishi 5.3 25.3 of revenge on the Employed? Deliberately getting to the front of the Starbucks queue at 08:56 and saying “Umm … what’s actually Others 42.3 11.0 Others 7.2 39.9 in a latte?” Going to a pub on a Friday night and joining in some random work drinks, claiming to work in accounting and watch Source: European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) them pretend to remember the time we met at the water cooler? Staff, 18/03/2014 Well I did, and I just felt silly. THE GUARDIAN

A decade after debt relief, Africa’s rush to borrow stirs concern BY TOSIN SULAIMAN like China and Brazil. Up to 30 Nevertheless, the study finds confidence, yields on Ghana’s sov- year. The market has less faith dynamic of lend and forgive.” low-income sub-Saharan African that on average there has only ereign debt are higher than for than the government that future The challenge for governments early a decade after countries had their debts reduced been a modest rise in debt-to- any other African country with growth will be enough to repay will be to ensure that borrowed Nelson Mandela and under the IMF and World Bank’s GDP ratios in nearly a decade. an actively traded international debtors, said Antoon de Klerk, a funds are invested wisely and not anti-poverty activists Highly Indebted Poor Countries In the 26 African HIPC ben- bond, at around 9 percent for its fund manager at Investec. mismanaged. NBono and Bob Geldof (HIPC) initiative, which was later eficiaries studied, nominal public 2023 Eurobond and over 20 per- In Zambia, ministry of finance Eurobonds may also be a short- persuaded the rich world to for- supplemented by the Multilateral debt fell from a GDP-weighted cent for domestic debt. permanent secretary Felix term funding solution for Africa give Africa’s crushing debts, many Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI). average of 104 percent of GDP Zambia’s story is in some ways Nkulukusa said concessional as tapering of the US Federal countries’ debt levels are creeping An estimated $100bn of debt before relief, to 27 percent by a slow-motion version of Ghana’s. financing from the IMF and Reserve’s bond-buying stimulus up again, which could undermine was wiped out, easing countries’ 2006 when most had received full Africa’s biggest copper producer, World Bank was insufficient to ends an era of low interest rates the region’s growth boom. onerous debt burdens, often the debt relief. Half a decade later the which sold a hugely oversub- fund big infrastructure projects, in the rich world that sent inves- As African states line up to join result of loans taken on by cor- ratio was at 34 percent. scribed debut $750m Eurobond in forcing the country to turn to pri- tors rushing to higher-yielding the growing club of dollar bond rupt regimes. These had meant Ghana, which sold a new $750m 2012 and plans to return to the vate creditors. emerging markets. issuers, economists and analysts more being spent on debt service Eurobond and bought back a por- market, was also downgraded by “The pace of borrowing is sus- Investors will do more home- warn of a slide back into indebt- payments than on health and edu- tion of the 2017 issue last year, Fitch last year. Zambia’s debt is tainable because we are not going work on issuers’ fundamentals edness that could undo recent cation combined. shows how growing debt levels can around 30 percent of GDP, still to be borrowing forever,” he said. than in the past and ask tougher economic gains and create a Although debt sustainability threaten countries’ fiscal dynam- quite low. The government needs The World Bank and IMF questions about use of funds, “Eurobond curse” to match the in Africa has improved since the ics. Ghana’s stability and roaring to spend on roads and energy but say Ghana and Zambia’s debt is bankers say. A key test will be if distorting “resource curse”. debt relief initiative, a forthcom- economic growth, reaching 14.5 economists worry its current pace sustainable at current levels but infrastructure investments gener- In 2007, Ghana became the ing World Bank paper warns of a percent in 2011, have made it an of borrowing cannot be sustained. Ghana is vulnerable to shocks. ate returns that enable govern- first African beneficiary of debt risk of over-borrowing, especially investor favourite. But the govern- For Michael Cirami, an emerg- Despite misgivings about cer- ments to service their debts. relief to tap international capital by countries expecting new rev- ment’s inability to tame widening ing markets fund manager at tain countries, Africa is still in Nick Dearden, director of the markets, issuing a $750m 10-year enues from resource discoveries. fiscal deficits has led to a deteriora- Eaton Vance Corp, Ghana and a fundamentally different place World Development Movement, Eurobond. Since then, previ- One of the coauthors of the study tion in its debt ratios. Its debt now Zambia challenge the notion than it was 20 or 30 years ago says governments should use bor- ously debt-burdened countries, shared its findings with Reuters. represents just over half of its GDP, that sustained growth is a given when the old debts were taken rowed funds to reduce commod- such as Senegal, Nigeria, Zambia In Ghana, Uganda, Mozambique, from 32 percent in 2008. for African nations. While inter- on, thanks to robust growth and ity dependency, still a widespread and Rwanda, have also put their Senegal, Niger, Malawi, Benin and An expanding current account national bonds bring countries better public sector management, problem for Africa. names on the list of bond issuers. Sao Tome and Principe, debt levels gap has hit the cedi currency, into the global financial market said Todd Moss, a senior fellow at “Getting more minerals out of Governments seeking to replace are creeping back up. If all continue which has weakened more than and scrutiny from investors can the Washington-based Center for the ground may be very beneficial declining foreign aid and pay for to borrow and grow at current 9 percent against the dollar this improve policymaking, there may Global Development. for Western nations... but if it’s infrastructure are also taking rates their debt indicators could year, after a 24 percent slide in also be a flip side of looser fiscal Borrowing from private credi- not developing African economies concessional funds from multi- be back to pre-relief levels within 2013. Fitch downgraded the cocoa, policy, he said. tors also puts a higher burden on in a genuine way they’re likely to lateral institutions, more expen- a decade. Others with rapidly ris- gold and oil producer to B from Ghana’s GDP will likely only leaders to be responsible, Moss be left with the debt and none of sive commercial bank loans and ing debt ratios include Ethiopia, B-plus last October. grow by 4.8 percent in 2014, the said, “whereas borrowing from the resources they’ve invested in.” bilateral financing from lenders Tanzania and Burkina Faso. In a sign of waning market IMF says, from 5.5 percent last the World Bank, there’s clearly a REUTERS WEDNESDAY 19 MARCH 2014 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MARKET

QE Indices Summary QE Index 11,418.76 0.15 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Total Return Index 16,846.17 0.33 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 3,478.24 0.18 % RATE QE All Share Index 2,913.32 0.31 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 2,735.41 0.55 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 5360.247 25.064 0.47 5477.3 5072.7 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 6,926.59 0.50 % QR159.5496 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 Services Cac 40 Index/D 4313.42 41.46 0.97 4432.5 4080.6 QE All Share Industrials 4,054.31 1.64 % SILVER UK ...... QR 6.0186 QR 6.1021 QE All Share Insurance 2,799.09 2.00 % Dj Indu Average 16247.22 181.55 1.13 16588.25 14382.09 Euro ...... QR 5.0329 QR 5.1028 QE All Share Real Estate 2,166.16 0.23 % QR 2.4635 CA$ ...... QR 3.2673 QR 3.3315 QE All Share Telecoms 1,501.48 0.11 % Egypt Cma Gn Idx 1026.29 32.57 3.28 999.95 312.38 QE All Share Transportation 1,993.1 0.19 % Swiss Fr ...... QR 4.1457 QR 4.2039 Hang Seng Inde/D 21583.5 109.55 0.51 23469.33 21197.78 Yen ...... QR 0.0355 QR 0.0362 QE Market Summary Comparison Aus$ ...... QR 3.2840 QR 3.3495 Today Previous day Iseq Overall/D 4931.41 -11.3 -0.23 5195.97 4522.4 CRUDE OIL 18-03-2014 17-03-2014 Ind Re ...... QR 0.0590 QR 0.0602 Index 11,418.76 11,401.65 Karachi 100 In/D 27246.97 17.87 0.07 27427.04 25273.11 Pak Re ...... QR 0.0365 QR 0.0372 Change 17.11 70.60 BRENT Nikkei 225 Index 14411.27 133.6 0.94 16164.01 13995.86 Peso ...... QR 0.0805 QR 0.0821 % 0.15 0.62 $ 106.48 SL Re ...... QR 0.0276 QR 0.0282 YTD% 10.01 9.85 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 1883.57 1536.03 Taka ...... QR 0.0463 QR 0.0475 Volume 15,391,745 14,644,221 DUBAI Nep Re ...... QR 0.0371 QR 0.0378 Value (QAR) 779,921,303.34 689,574,299.79 Straits Times/D 3093.84 1.7 0.05 3187.8 2953.01 SA Rand ...... QR 0.3363 QR 0.3431 Trades 9,805 9,441 Straits Times/D 2971.47 22.7 0.77 3035.78 2657.77 $ 103.33 Up 17 | Down 18 | Unchanged 05

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 18-03-2014

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A List of Shares from the world

COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED

A C C-A/D 1258 9.25 25246 Century Text-A/D 340.2 4.9 85494 Him.Fut.Comm-B/D 8.01 -0.02 188221 Kalpat Power-B/D 87.2 1.75 21230 Orchid Chem-B/D 53.6 4.85 113085 Kingfisher/D 411.8 -2.3 1261496 Aarti Drugs-B/D 280.2 21.35 20792 Chambal Fert-B/D 39.7 0.7 68891 Himat Seide-B/D 56.5 -0.85 17960 Kalyani Stel-B/D 54.25 -0.35 45186 Oudh Sugar-B/D 20.75 0.4 13358 Land Secs Grou/D 1052 3 403060 Aban Offs-B/D 481.8 8.9 315786 Chowgule St-T/D 9.71 -0.49 2150 Hind Motors-B/D 7.03 0.02 50518 Kanoria Chem-B/D 27.45 0.45 7077 Radico Khait-B/D 142.45 0.9 123954 Legal & Genera/D 229.8 0.4 1833949 Ador Welding-B/D 136.05 0.6 1902 Cipla-A/D 385.95 0.1 203403 Hind Org Chem-/D 11.29 -0.19 13947 Kinetic Eng-B/D 39.75 0.85 12859 Rallis India-B/D 164.55 4.65 10346 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 79.92 0.42 26047855 Aegis Logis-B/D 149 0.5 5116 City Union Bk-/D 49.65 0.25 30593 Hind Unilever-/D 556.35 2.05 92966 Kopran-B/D 22.75 -0.1 16708 Rallis India-B/D 164.55 4.65 10346 Marks & Sp./D 468.4 2.1 1706805 Ahmed.Forg-B/D 130.05 21.65 128097 Cmc Ltd-B/D 1408.85 -5.8 4102 Hind.Petrol-A/D 294.55 9.5 169932 Lakshmi Elec-B/D 229.25 -12 16074 Reliance Indus/D 364.05 4.75 135385 Next/D 6615 -100 247535 Alembic-B/D 13.93 -0.24 64695 Colgate-A/D 1318.3 7.65 4997 Hindalco-A/D 114.85 -0.4 461570 Laxmi Prcisn-B/D 33 -0.1 1901 Ruchi Soya-B/D 29.4 -0.55 55487 Pearson/D 1035 12 1021845 Alok Indus-B/D 6.6 -0.05 540305 Container Cor-/D 829.75 7.45 89315 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 851.45 -5.35 93625 Lgb Broth-B/D 323.4 6.9 1659 Thirumalai-B/D 89.8 -1.4 7749 Prudential/D 1357 1 1186315 Apollo Tyre-A/D 136.05 3.15 674542 Dai-Tichi Kar-/D 51.35 -0.1 4265 I F C I-A/D 24.9 0.05 1165465 Lloyd Metal-B/D 6.7 -0.15 2221 Til Ltd.-B/D 152.8 -9.85 3780 Rank Group/D 142.6 0.2 27823 Asahi I Glass-/D 53.1 -0.6 6222 Dcm Financia-B/D 0.75 0.03 4494 Idbi-A/D 59.65 0.65 226818 Lok.Hous&Con-B/D 14.57 0.63 390378 Timexgroup-B/D 9.79 0.19 36226 Rentokil Initi/D 127.1523 -0.8 463415 Ashok Leyland-/D 17.5 0.05 627597 Dhampur Sugar-/D 39.85 2 1522298 Ifb Agro-B/D 184 -6.75 3143 Lumax Ind-B/D 311.6 -11.3 7728 Tinplate-B/D 48.65 -0.3 15513 Rolls Royce Pl/D 1049 2 1161155 Bajaj Hold-A/D 975 16.3 4438 Dr. Reddy-A/D 2792.1 16.2 26160 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 78 1.45 10317 Lupin-A/D 930.65 -14.9 57018 Ub Engineer-B/D 9.31 -0.48 6326 Rsa Insrance G/D 96.05 -0.45 5846810 Ballarpur In-B/D 11.93 0.08 76327 E I H-B/D 63 -0.15 26647 India Cement-B/D 54.9 0.45 95744 Lyka Labs-B/D 10 -0.26 11088 Ultramarine-B/D 51.6 -0.75 4869 Sainsbury(J)/D 314.5 3.1 11201467 Banaras Bead-B/D 27 1.05 5000 E.I.D Parry-B/D 131.35 -0.55 7191 India Glycol-B/D 89.15 -1.05 20193 Mafatlal Ind-B/D 114.8 -1.45 1701 Unitech P -A/D 11.93 -0.25 3416109 Schroders/D 2629 30 77807 Bata India-A/D 1089.25 -10.3 12038 Electrosteel-B/D 14 0.27 114256 Indian Card-B/D 88.9 6.4 3152 Maha Scooter-B/D 457.9 -3.15 1593 Severn Trent/D 1841 10 177326 Bayer Crop-B/D 1468 -21.25 2163 Emco-B/D 25.95 0.1 49898 Indian Hotel-A/D 69.95 0.95 40258 Mangalam Cem-B/D 109.6 0 4747 LONDON Smith&Nephew/D 932 3.5 377772 Beml Ltd-B/D 266.95 6.35 138841 Escorts-B/D 113.45 -3.65 341263 Indo-Bcount-B/D 36.8 0.3 8629 Maral Overs-B/D 17.9 1.15 2002 Smiths Group/D 1342 3 189543 Bh Electronic-/D 1024 22.4 4370 Essar Oil-A/D 50.9 -0.45 390944 Indusind-A/D 482.55 14.7 3363996 Mastek-B/D 208.75 0.15 38865 3I Group/D 399.8 -3.7 285554 Standrd Chart /D 1205.438 13.5 1636971 Bhansali Eng-B/D 11.5 0.33 2352 Eveready Indu-/D 42.8 0.05 27244 J.B.Chemical-B/D 127.5 -2.5 64089 Max India L-A/D 204.2 5.35 27481 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 2814 -26 222294 Tate & Lyle/D 633 -4.5 543949 Bharat Bijle-B/D 440.65 6.1 13498 F D C-B/D 128 4 18184 Jagatjit Ind-T/D 50.8 2.4 2510 Mrpl-A/D 42.35 0.75 57666 B Sky B/D 936.5 0.5 1314265 Tesco/D 302.37 2.8 8504646 Bharatgears-B/D 37.95 -0.85 1840 Federal Bank-A/D 85.95 2.55 177705 Jagson Phar-B/D 9.42 -0.42 1836 Nahar Spg.-B/D 94.75 0.3 15884 Barclays/D 235.304 4.3 14521041 Unilever/D 2367 -3 1074776 Bhartiya Int-B/D 200 -5.15 11748 Ferro Alloys-B/D 5.1 0.14 8576 Jbf Indu-B/D 69 0.5 9756 Nath Seeds-T/D 3.85 -0.1 10864 Bg Group/D 1085.325 5 1225088 United Util Gr/D 794.5 2 461535 Bhel-A/D 188.45 0.9 521411 Finolex-B/D 194 1.2 9278 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.4 0.01 6987 Nation Alum -A/D 35.25 0.3 23944 Bp/D 479.25 2.4 5059423 Vodafone Group/D 224.45 -1.55 21560161 Bom.Burmah-B/D 95.5 1.55 12458 Gail-A/D 369.45 -2.45 33261 Jct Ltd-B/D 1.71 -0.01 32351 Navneet Edu-B/D 56.85 1 30191 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3219.584 19.5 676718 Whitbread/D 4322 0 76899 Bombay Dyeing-/D 54.3 2.05 326274 Gammon India-B/D 13.4 0.09 9971 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 2.36 0.21 2625 Nepc India-B/D 2.36 -0.02 15680 Bt Group/D 392.556 -1.6 4759315 Canfin Homes-B/D 188.95 2.3 8979 Garden P -B/D 40 2.1 10746 Jik Indust-T/D 0.89 -0.04 12975 Neuland Lab-B/D 265.6 2.3 201490 Centrica/D 335.137 2.8 4383550 Caprihans-B/D 39 0.6 3084 Goodricke-B/D 138.85 0.15 5068 Jktyre&Ind-B/D 160.4 1.7 128433 Nrb Bearings-B/D 42.95 0.7 17242 Gkn/D 385.6 3.8 1201457 Castrol Ind-T/D 296.95 -0.9 28878 Goodyear I -B/D 415.1 4.35 5160 Jmc Projects-B/D 83.65 3.5 9051 O N G C-A/D 324.75 2.05 509708 Hsbc Holdings/D 598.1 1.1 8900919 Century Enka-B/D 132.4 0.05 53356 Hcl Infosys-B/D 36.85 -1.95 2239154 Kajaria Cer-B/D 320 -0.75 4800 Onward Tech-B/D 48.1 0.4 14208 Imperial Tobac/D 2408 -11 2095071 WEDNESDAY 19 MARCH 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27 Defending champ Miami gets boost Murray looks for from Nadal, Federer consistency MIAMI: Andy Murray will Swiss great was clearly a force to have to solve the problem of his be reckoned with now that he has patchy play quickly if he hopes to put his injury-marred 2013 cam- 19 of top 20 men’s and women’s players for Sony Open defend his Miami ATP Masters paign behind him. title against a star-studded field. “Roger is playing at a very high MIAMI: After missing last Murray departed Miami last level,” Djokovic said. “He has more year’s Sony Open, both world year ranked second in the world depth on his shots, especially from number one Rafa Nadal and after a razor-thin victory over the backhand side. He gives him- 17-times grand slam winner David Ferrer in the final gave him self an opportunity to finish with Roger Federer return to South his second Sony Open title. the forehand. He serves well. He Beach this week along with their He went on to claim a second just played better than he did in box office punch. Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, the last 13, 14 months.” There will be no shortage of but the 26-year-old has yet to Federer, who had fallen to tennis glitterati around Miami reach a final since having back eighth in the world, heads into for the next fortnight with 19 of surgery in September and is cur- Miami back at number five. the top 20 men’s and women’s rently ranked sixth in the world. He is returning to Key Biscayne players in action at Crandon Park The Scot was at a loss to explain after skipping the tournament last but perhaps none more welcome a third-set collapse against big- year, and after winning the title than Federer and Nadal as their serving Canadian Milos Raonic in Dubai and reaching the final absence last year left a hole that in the fourth round at the Indian in Indian Wells in back-to-back could not be filled. Wells Masters last week and events the 17-time Grand Slam Nadal and Federer are box office admitted his confidence was at champion left himself some wig- gold for any tournament and with low ebb. gle room with regard to playing the Spaniard missing due to a That will put him at a distinct another tournament so soon. knee injury and the Swiss maestro disadvantage against the likes of “I will see how I feel over there,” on an extended break last year’s world number one Rafael Nadal, Federer said shortly after the attendance dropped 5.5 percent who returns to Miami after skip- Indian Wells final. “Most likely, to 308,000. ping last year’s tournament to rest yes, I will play.” “Anytime you have two stars his troublesome knees. Women’s world number one the size of Roger and Rafa, guys World number two Novak Serena Williams returns to defend who are bigger than the sport, Djokovic also arrives in Florida the title she won last year with a bigger than tennis, missing it brimming with confidence, hav- victory over Maria Sharapova in hurts,” tournament director Adam ing secured his first title of 2014 the final. Barrett said on Monday. with a triumph over a revitalized Williams, owner of 17 Grand “These guys are superstars, they Two volunteers huddle under an umbrella as a rainstorm hits at the Sony Open tennis tournament in Miami, Florida, Roger Federer in the Indian Wells Slam titles and a record six Miami draw crowds whether they are at final on Sunday. trophies, will no doubt be eager to yesterday. Matches have been delayed at the tournament, which runs through March 30. the airport, a hotel or walking “It was the first final I played get back on track after her season- through a mall. this year,” Djokovic noted. “It was opening triumph in Brisbane was “Anywhere they go they are unfold, we will be close to records But it is the bottom half of the Miami, will open her title defence necessary for my confidence and followed by a fourth-round loss at going to bring additional crowds, every year. The only thing that draw where the real intrigue lies in the second round against either hopefully I can carry that into the Australian Open and a semi- both tennis and non-tennis folks.” really takes records out of the with world number two Djokovic, Italian Francesca Schiavone or Miami and the rest of the season.” final loss to France’s Alize Cornet With a promising weather fore- equation is rain.” fresh off a win at Indian Wells, Kazakhstan’s Yaroslava Shvedova. Djokovic was especially pleased at Dubai in February. cast and line-up that includes The women’s main draw got two-time winner Federer and Fourth seed Sharapova is on the that he came through some tough Sharapova will try to bounce world number one Serena under way with first-round holder Murray all eager to add same side of the draw as Williams three-set matches, including ral- back from a third-round loss to Williams, Maria Sharapova, matches yesterday while the men’s another Miami title to their along with in-form Italian Flavia lying from a set down against Italian qualifier Camila Giorgi at defending men’s champion Andy main draw begins today. resumes. Pennetta, who is carrying the Croatian Marin Cilic in the fourth Indian Wells. The Russian reached Murray and three-time winner After a first-round bye, Nadal For Murray, who maintains momentum from her victory at round and Federer in the champi- her fifth Miami final last year, but Novak Djokovic the Sony Open will open action against the win- a residence in Miami, the Sony Indian Wells. onship contest. has never won the title. could set record ticket sales this ner of Dutchman Robin Haase and Open will be a bit of a home The other side of the draw fea- Getting through the tense China’s Australian Open cham- year. Australian Lleyton Hewitt, who game but his road to the final is tures second-seeded Australian encounters quelled the doubts pion Li Na arrives in Florida “A lot of it has to do with will be chasing his 600th career a daunting one with a possible Open champion Li Na of China, he’d felt upon arriving Stateside after a semi-final defeat to even- how the draw unfolds,” Barrett win. last-eight clash with Djokovic third seed Agnieszka Radwanska for the two big hardcourt tourna- tual champion Flavia Pennetta in said about a possible attendance Third-seeded Australian Open and a semi-final meeting with a of Poland, the 2012 champion and ments without a title for the first Indian Wells. record. “A lot of years when you champion Stanislas Wawrinka, re-energised fifth seed Federer, runner-up at Indian Wells, and time in years. Li struggled with her serve in set record attendance you get and big hitters Canadian Milos coming off a runner-up finish in Venus Williams, who has three Djokovic avenged a loss to the California desert, but hopes to intriguing matches. Raonic and American John Isner Indian Wells. Sony titles in her trophy case. Federer in the semi-finals at have the problems ironed out. “Every year you wait, you let it lurk as danger men. Williams, a six-time winner in REUTERS Dubai in February, but said the AFP St Louis reach milestone Indiana beat Philadelphia NEW YORK: David Backes The Boston Bruins won their literally had the bounces go their NEW YORK: Lance it allowed the Hawks to close to scored twice in the third period ninth straight game and beat the way, twice collecting goals that Stephenson scored 25 points and NBA Results within 1 1/2 games of the Bobcats to break a 1-1 tie and goalie Ryan Minnesota Wild for the first time went in off Canucks defenseman Paul George added 24, leading Atlanta 97 Charlotte 83 in the battle for the seventh spot in Miller made 16 saves to lead the at TD Garden. Ryan Stanton. the Indiana Pacers to a 99-90 the Eastern Conference standings. Indiana 99 Philadelphia 90 St Louis Blues to a milestone The victory moved the Bruins Steven Stamkos also netted for victory over the Philadelphia Kenneth Faried scored 18 points Brooklyn 108 Phoenix 95 victory over the Winnipeg Jets. five points ahead of the idle Tampa Bay. 76ers. and grabbed 16 rebounds, guard Ty The Blues (47-14-7), who won Pittsburgh Penguins at the top of Vancouver (31-30-10) rallied The loss was the Sixers’ 21st in Oklahoma City 97 Chicago 85 Lawson added 19 points, and the for the eighth time in nine games, the Eastern Conference and also with three goals in the third a row, setting a club record. They Houston 124 Utah 86 Denver Nuggets stopped the Los lead the NHL on 101 points and lifted Boston into a three-way period but it was too little too late. are five short of the NBA record Dallas 94 Boston 89 Angeles Clippers’ 11-game winning passed the 100-point plateau for tie for second place in the overall Jeff Halpern scored the game- of 26 consecutive losses set by the Denver 110 LA Clippers 100 streak. the sixth time in franchise history league standings. winning goal and Mike Smith 2010-11 Cleveland Cavaliers. Nuggets forward J.J. Hickson and the first since 2000-01. Red-hot Jarome Iginla scored made 36 saves as the Phoenix Stephenson scored 19 points in campaign for the franchise since contributed 21 points and 11 St Louis lead San Jose, Anaheim twice, and fellow right wingers Coyotes defeated the Los Angeles the first half and led the Pacers 1999-2000. rebounds. and Boston (all on 97 points) in Loui Eriksson and Reilly Smith Kings. Phoenix (33-25-11) won for (50-17) in scoring for the first time The Celtics (22-46) have Los Angeles guard Chris Paul the battle for the President’s also scored for the Bruins. Iginla the first time in three games to in nearly two months. dropped five in row, and finished had 29 points and seven assists, Trophy with 14 games remaining. had his team-leading 24th and remain in the thick of the Western The Sixers (15-52) have not won the season 0-15 against the West and Blake Griffin finished with 26 Eric O’Dell scored the lone goal 25th of the season. Conference wild-card race. The since Jan. 29, when Evan Turner, on the road. Boston have lost seven points and 12 rebounds. for the Jets (31-30-9), who have Goaltender Tuukka Rask, win- Kings (37-25-6) lost their third now a Pacer, scored the game-win- of their last eight against Dallas. Deron Williams scored 28 points lost seven of eight. ning his sixth straight, made 33 consecutive game. ning basket in a 95-94 win over Paul Millsap scored 28 points on 11-of-13 shooting while record- saves, yielding only a goal to right Halpern’s fourth goal of the sea- Boston. and the Atlanta Hawks continued ing three steals as the Brooklyn winger Jason Pominville, who son came after a review at 16:55 Oklahoma City Thunder for- their mastery over the Charlotte Nets defeated the Phoenix Suns. NHL Results netted his 26th of the season for of the third period, as his shot ward Kevin Durant tallied 35 Bobcats. It was the Nets’ eighth win in Los Angeles 3 Phoenix 4 Minnesota (35-23-10). from the goalmouth appeared points, 12 rebounds and five assists The Hawks (30-35) rallied from 10 games as they are three games Tampa Bay took a 3-0 lead into to be saved by Kings goaltender to lead his team over the Chicago a 10-point deficit in the first half over .500 for the second time this Boston 4 Minnesota 1 the final period and held on for Jonathan Quick but was ruled Bulls. and took control of the game by season. Tampa Bay 4 Vancouver 3 their third consecutive victory. otherwise. For the 32nd consecutive game, outscoring Charlotte 30-16 in the The Suns have lost four of St. Louis 3 Winnipeg 1 The Lightning (37-24-7) REUTERS Durant scored at least 25 points, third quarter. their last six in the hunt for the the second-longest streak in the It was Atlanta’s 11th straight final playoff spot in the Western NBA over the past 50 years, victory over Charlotte span- Conference. according to the Thunder. ning the past three seasons, and REUTERS Russell Westbrook added 17 points and nine assists for Oklahoma City, while Taj Gibson NFL: Colts owner arrested led Chicago (37-30) with 16 points in the defeat. INDIANAPOLIS: of support, thoughts and prayers. Irsay could face four felony The Houston Rockets returned Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Impossible to tell u how much counts of possession of control- home after losing three in a row Irsay is facing possible felony this means,” Irsay posted on his led substances. on the road to torch the Utah Jazz charges after his arrest for Twitter account. The Colts said in a statement: 124-86. alleged intoxicated driving, Irsay was arrested by police “We are gathering information at Houston forward Terrence authorities said. in the Indianapolis suburb of this time regarding last night’s Jones scored 13 of his 30 points in The National Football League Carmel on Sunday night, said incident involving Jim Irsay. the third quarter as the Rockets team owner was booked into jail Bryant Orem of Hamilton County “The team will issue additional (45-22) extended their home win- shortly after 3am on Monday Sheriff’s department. statements when the facts are ning streak to a season-high nine after being arrested for operat- Carmel police said Irsay was sorted and we are aware of the games. ing a vehicle while intoxicated stopped shortly before midnight next steps to this process. Utah (22-46), meanwhile, lost and possession of a controlled after officers saw him driving “Many fans have reached out for the 10th time in their last 11 substance. slowly and failing to signal for a to express their concern and we games. His bail was set at $22,500 turn. appreciate their support. Dirk Nowitzki scored 19 points and he was released from jail He was taken into custody “The club continues to fully as the Dallas Mavericks opened an on Monday. He is scheduled to after failing sobriety tests and support Mr Irsay, but must eight-game homestand with a win appear in an Indianapolis court multiple prescription drugs were refrain from commenting further over Boston. Denver Nuggets point guard Ty Lawson (3) drives to the basket against Los on March 26. found in the vehicle that were not at least until formal charges have The Mavs improved to 41-27 Angeles Clippers small forward Danny Granger (33) and power forward Blake “Deepest thx to family, friends, associated with prescription bot- been filed.” and matched their victory total of Griffin (32) in the first quarter of their game at the Pepsi Center. fans, colleagues for the messages tles that were found. AFP last season, the first non-playoff WEDNESDAY 19 MARCH 2014 28 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Afghanistan send Bangladesh thump Nepal Hong Kong packing for second win CHITTAGONG: Bangladesh Scoreboard Win keeps alive Afghans’ hope of reaching next round put in a clinical perform- ance to defeat new-comers Bangladesh vs Nepal Nepal by eight wickets in the Brief Scores: CHITTAGONG: Mohammad World Twenty20 in Chittagong Nepal 126-5 in 20 overs (P. Khadka 41, S. Shahzad and Shafiqullah Shafiq yesterday. Vesawkar 40; Al-Amin Hossain 2-17) hit aggressive half-centuries The hosts, who fielded after Bangladesh 132-2 in 15.3 overs (Anamul to help Afghanistan beat Hong winning the toss, kept Nepal down Haque 42, Shakib Al Hasan 37 not out) Kong by seven wickets in the to 126-5 in their 20 overs before Bangladesh won by eight wickets. World Twenty20 tournament reaching the modest target in 15.3 in Chittagong yesterday. overs. Shahzad notched up a fiery Opener Anamul Haque scored a The second straight win puts 53-ball 68 while Shafiq smashed 33-ball 42 with five boundaries and Bangladesh in a strong position a career-best 50 not out off just two sixes and shared an opening to qualify for the Super-10 stage 24 balls to help Afghanistan reach stand of 63 with Tamim Iqbal (30). from Group A. They now play their 154-run target with 12 balls Shakib Al Hasan hit four sixes Hong Kong in their last match to spare in the Group A match. in his 37 not out and Sabbir while Nepal meet Afghanistan. Shahzad, who was in miserable Rahman made 21 not out to com- Afghanistan and Nepal have one form in the preceding Asia Cup plete the chase. win in two games while Hong Kong and was out for nought in the Nepal’s modest score was built crashed out of the event with two first game against Bangladesh, hit around a polished 35-ball 41 by defeats in as many games. three sixes and six boundaries in skipper Paras Khadka and a Afghanistan beat Hong Kong a chancy knock. 43-ball 40 by Sharad Vesawkar, by seven wickets earlier yesterday. Shafiq completed the task with who shared a 85-run stand for the Ireland and the Netherlands a well-timed boundary to com- fourth wicket. won their first matches in Group plete his maiden fifty and seal But the experienced pair failed B on Monday. the win. to speed up things in the final overs Two teams from each group Shahzad had his full share of against some tight Bangladeshi will qualify for the Super-10 stage, luck. Sloppy Hong Kong fielding bowling. starting from March 21. gave him two lives, on 25 and 64. Paceman Al Amin Hossain was The final will be played on April And when he was finally dis- the pick of the home bowlers with 6 in Dhaka. missed in the 16th over with 38 2-17 in four overs. AFP still needed, the Afghans were far from home. But Shafiq hit three sixes off Afghan cricketer Shafiqullah Shafiq reacts after scoring a half century during the ICC Twenty20 World Cup fifth paceman Aizaz Ahmed’s 17th over to reduce the target to 11 runs. qualifying cricket match against Hong Kong at the Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong yesterday. Hong Kong had lost their first match to Nepal and a are out of the tournament. the result of the next match and 102-3 in the 14th over, Hong Kong second defeat means they Afghanistan, who went down hopefully we can make it to the should have put together a higher to hosts Bangladesh in their first next round.” total then their 153-8. Scoreboard game, earned a lifeline with yes- Hong Kong, who chose to bat, But spinners Mohammad Nabi terday’s win as they try to get got off to a disastrous start when (2-27) and Hamza Hotak (2-32) Afghanistan vs Hong Kong through to the next round. they lost opener Irfan Ahmed to put the brakes on Hong Kong’s Brief scores: Shahzad said he was happy to the first ball of the match, bowled progress. Hong Kong 153-8 in 20 overs (M. Chapman contribute after his recent loss by left-arm paceman Shapoor The top team from each of the 38, Waqas Barkat 32, Jamie Atkinson 31; of form. Zadran who finished with 2-27. two preliminary groups will join Shapoor Zadran 2-27, Mohammad Nabi “I didn’t play well in the last It was left to Mark Chapman the eight seeded teams in the 2-27; Hamza Hotak 2-32) few matches so the coach told (38), Waqas Barkat (32) and Super-10 stage, starting March Afghanistan 154-3 in 18 overs (Mohammad me to take my time,” he said. Jamie Atkinson (31) to put the 21. Shahzad 68, Shafiqullah Shafiq 51 not out) “Everybody supported me. It was innings back on track with some Ireland and the Netherlands Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim jumps to catch the ball as Nepal’s Afghanistan won by seven wickets. a good fifty for me and it was a sensible batting. won their opening matches in Sharad Vesawkar plays a shot during their ICC Twenty20 World Cup sixth good win for us. In T20, every- Barkat and Chapman added Group B on Monday. qualifying match at the Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong. thing is possible. We need to see 60 for the third wicket and at AFP Speed: Australian Rugby: Ireland, England eye World sports need access Cup after dramatic Six Nations LONDON: Ireland deservedly won Telegraph. “We desperately want to hemisphere “big three” are now set the Six Nations but it was World take the next step in 2015 and win the to tour South Africa without both Cup hosts England who had argua- Six Nations Championship. Then our injured captain Sam Warburton and to police intelligence bly even greater cause for optimism sights will be set on the World Cup.” star full-back Leigh Halfpenny. looking ahead to the 2015 global Ireland have never got beyond the “The two games we lost, both teams MELBOURNE: Australia is closing legis- report alleged criminal figures were also jamboree. quarter-finals of a World Cup but kicked more than we did, particularly lative loopholes to fight sports-related cor- involved in the supply of banned performance- The Irish gave retiring centre great that could change next year. Their Ireland who played a lot of one-pass ruption but needs to allow police to share enhancing drugs among players. Brian O’Driscoll a fairytale farewell new coach, Joe Schmidt, won the Six rugby and tried to negate a lot of our more information with sports administra- No convictions have been recorded as a result with a dramatic 22-20 win against Nations at his first attempt and the strengths,” said Wales coach Warren tors, former International Cricket Council of a comprehensive probe sparked by the report, France in Paris on Saturday that saw way in which they tactically over- Gatland. boss Malcolm Speed has said. which was slammed as a witchhunt by athletes them take the title in the final match whelmed two-time defending cham- France gave glimpses of class Speed, ICC chief executive from 2001-08, and administrators alike, but Speed said it had of the Championship. pions Wales 26-3 was a testament to against England and Ireland with now heads the Coalition of Major Professional served its purpose. But it is not results against each the New Zealander’s astute planning. wing Yoann Huget impressive. and Participation Sports (COMPPS), an advo- “I think the politicians overcooked the pud- other that will determine whether The spine of the Ireland side looks That suggested their enduring issue cacy group representing the governing bod- ding at the time but each of the sports has Europe’s finest can lift the World sound, with full-back Rob Kearney, was the somewhat erratic team selec- ies of top Australian sports including cricket, treated that (report) as a very stern reminder Cup but how they perform against the half-backs Jonathan Sexton and Conor tion of coach Philippe Saint-Andre. rugby and soccer. that they need to do what they can to prevent southern hemisphere giants of defend- Murray, back-row Peter O’Mahony “Of course we can win the World Australia has been on the front foot drafting the influence of international matchfixers,” he ing champions New Zealand, South and prop Cian Healy all impressing Cup,” said Saint-Andre. “We are a legislation to fight betting-related corruption, said. Africa and Australia. during this Six Nations. young team and working really hard and convicted two British footballers in Victoria “The Victorian Premier League case is a And it is here a youthful England For Wales, away losses to both to iron out some things that aren’t state in December using new legislative powers. good example of that,” he said, referring to the side, who might have enjoyed a Grand Ireland and World Cup pool rivals right but we are getting there.” World soccer’s governing body FIFA extended match-fixing scandal in Victorian soccer. Slam but for a frantic final five min- England denied them the chance of For bottom of the table Italy, who a lifetime ban globally on the players on Monday “It’s gamblers in a foreign country using a utes during an opening defeat by a record third successive outright Six lost all five matches this Six Nations it after they were banned in Australia for seeking Victorian event of which there is very little bet- France, could have the edge. Nations title. was yet another gruelling tournament. to corrupt outcomes in Victoria’s state-level ting in Australia to corrupt an outcome. They, unlike their Home Nations A lack of direction behind the Scotland, last-minute winners competition. “Given the timing of the ACC report, and rivals, know what it is to beat the All scrum was a problem in both their over Italy, had an otherwise dire Six Speed welcomed a move by Australia’s later the same year we have the first known Blacks, and they will travel to New defeats, with neither Rhys Priestland Nations, culminating in a record 51-3 Queensland state announced this week to instance of an international matchfixer oper- Zealand for a post-season tour buoyed nor Dan Biggar convincing at fly-half. defeat by Wales in Cardiff where full- introduce legislation targeted at betting-related ating in Australia, I think that’s very timely by the emergence of a world-class sec- Wales, who’ve suffered 18 straight back Stuart Hogg was sent off. crime in sports, but said bureaucracy was slow- and all of the sports have taken serious notice ond row pairing in Joe Launchbury losses at the hands of the southern AFP ing the fight against corruption. of that.” and Courtney Lawes. “It’d be great if police forces had increased Queensland state, home to Super Rugby’s Meanwhile half-backs Owen Farrell capacity to share information with sporting Queensland Reds and a number of top pro- and Danny Care were increasingly bodies about suspicious activity,” Speed said by fessional sports franchises, will join three of assured in a back division where full- telephone yesterday. Australia’s six states in introducing legislation back Mike Brown excelled in both “The police forces are restrained by legisla- targeting betting-related corruption in sports. attack and defence. tion in some states from providing that infor- Speed urged Western Australia and Tasmania England, the lone European win- mation. It might be that police forces see a states to commit to the same. ners of the World Cup, can take heart player who is not committing a criminal offence “Western Australia state that their existing from recalling that Clive Woodward’s but is associating with known criminals. legislation, their general fraud legislation which global champions didn’t complete the “They’re limited in their ability to pass that is not specific to sports betting, covers the situ- Grand Slam until months before they information to sporting bodies. ation,” said Speed, a former barrister. triumphed at the 2003 edition. “And the sporting bodies, particularly the “I don’t believe that’s the case. In the end a 52-11 hammering of AFL (Australian Football League), have been “We don’t want to see a situation where a Italy in Rome wasn’t enough for pushing for that wider power for some time.” match-fixer or corrupter can come to Australia England to snatch the title on points The AFL, governing body of the popular and commit an offence in one state or terri- difference from Ireland and captain indigenous football code Australian Rules, has tory and do the same act in another state and Chris Robshaw promised it would be been wary of players associating with criminal not commit an offence. We don’t want to see a spur to better things. figures after an explosive report last year found forum shopping where match-fixers come into a “We made a vow to each other links between professional sports and organised particular state because the legislation is more in Rome on Saturday that next Ireland captain Paul O’Connell poses for pictures with fans as he holds the Six crime. favourable to them.” year is going to be our year,” said Nations trophy on arrival at Dublin International airport earlier this week. The Australian Crime Commission (ACC) REUTERS the Harlequins flanker in the Daily WEDNESDAY 19 MARCH 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 29 Contador triumphs at Aspire Park events promote Tirreno-Adriatico active lifestyle Expectations from Spaniard high after dismal 2013 DOHA: Hundreds of people also admitted their delight with flocked to Aspire Park this their new sport and urged their MILAN: Former two-time weekend to participate in four friends to come along next Tour de France champion community activities organised weekend. Alberto Contador signalled by Aspire Logistics, including an “Kayaking is such a nice and his return to form by securing hour-long kayaking class, which relaxed sport to do, I think it’s overall victory at the Tirreno- proved hugely popular with both something that all children in Adriatico stage race following families and day visitors. Qatar should try at least once”, the final time trial yesterday. Having never tried a water said Abdulla, while Mohamed Italian Adriano Malori sport before, Jafar Abdulla Al added, “I was worried it would be (Movistar) won the concluding Khayat, a Qatari father, was one a little difficult but everything is stage of the ‘Race of the Two of those inspired to take up kay- very safe and they have instruc- Seas’, a flat 9.1km race against aking regularly along with his tors to teach you before you get the clock which finished on the sons Abdulla, 14, and 11-year-old into the water. It is actually quite palm tree-lined seafront of San Mohamed. an easy activity and a very good Benedetto del Tronto. Speaking after a paddle on way to keep fit and healthy.” Malori completed the course Saturday, Jafar said, “I came In addition to the kayaking in a winning time of 10min 13sec, along last week and had so much classes, other weekend community leaving former world time trial fun with my two boys that I regis- events currently being offered by champion Fabian Cancellara sec- tered straightaway to come again. Aspire Logistics include a basket- ond at 6sec with Britain’s Bradley Kayaking really is a fantastic ball and volleyball league. Wiggins, the Olympic cham- sport and I think we have really Meanwhile, a special ‘kids art in pion in the discipline, in third connected as a family paddling the park’ class is also being offered at 11sec. together at this beautiful lake in to families with younger children. However all eyes were on the sunshine. The free-to-enter events are Spaniard Contador, on whom “There are only a few places in open to all members of the pub- expectations will now be high Qatar where you can experience lic who register online, and are after a dismal 2013 season in something like this — and I am so designed to encourage beginners which he tried in vain to beat grateful to Aspire for hosting this to take up an activity full-time. Chris Froome at the Tour de free event,” he continued. “The The basketball and volley- France, where he finished fourth plan now is to come again next ball leagues will continue for the behind the triumphant Briton. weekend and I am also thinking immediate future. The kayaking Contador, who finished sec- that I might buy a kayak so that class is set to finish next weekend ond overall recently at the Tour we can all go again in the future.” and resume later in the year. The Overall winner, Spanish cyclist Alberto Contador (centre) of Tinkoff-Saxo, second-placed Colombian Nairo of the Algarve, took the overall His sons Abdulla and Mohamed THE PENINSULA lead after an impressive ride on Quintana (left) of Movistar and third-placed Czech Roman Kreuziger of Tinkoff-Saxo celebrate on the podium stage five when he launched an after the last stage of the 2014 Tirreno-Adriatico cycling race in San Benedetto del Tronto, central Italy, yesterday. attack in the final 30km, caught an earlier escape group and then stage race since the Tour of Spain victory as the turning point. but, after organisers altered the beat his stage rivals to win atop in 2012. “It’s just special to see this kind course by removing a key climb, the outrageously steep ‘Muro di “The boys rode with great self- of riding,” the Frenchman said. the Pompeiana, it is expected to Guardiagrele’. belief and confidence throughout “It makes the race more excit- suit the sprinters this year. His performance left over- the entire race,” sport direc- ing and it shows that it can be Contador’s bid was arguably night leader Michal Kwiatkowski, tor Philippe Mauduit said of done if the team is supportive boosted by the retirement from of Omega-Pharma, trailing his Tinkoff-Saxo team of which and the riders are determined the race of Sky’s Richie Porte, a home six minutes behind and Contador was part. enough. And of course, you have pre-race contender, who pulled gave Contador a 2:08 lead on “I think they knew that they to have the legs to do it.” out prior to stage five due to Colombian Nairo Quintana of were a part of a very strong squad. Tirreno-Adriatico is one of illness. Movistar. It was incredible to witness the two major races, along with His fellow Australian, former The 31-year-old Spaniard two victories in the mountains, Paris-Nice — which finished on Tour de France winner Cadel protected his lead on Monday’s where the team worked superbly Sunday — in which many riders Evans, pulled out prior to the sixth stage, won by sprinter Mark together and Alberto’s solo ride compete to help hone their form time trial in order to return home Cavendish, and lost only three crowned the whole experience.” for Milan-SanRemo. and prepare for the Giro d’Italia, seconds to Quintana on yester- Mauduit highlighted The first major classic of the which begins on May 9. People kayaking during community activities organised by Aspire Logistics. day’s test to claim his first major Contador’s fifth stage season will be held on Sunday AFP Manila Metrostars to meet Maersk Oil Qatar to back Schools Pampanga’s Pride in final DOHA: The Manila Metrostars one of the berths to the finals of pulled out a Houdini act in the the most coveted PIBAQ league Olympic Program for three years dying seconds and escaped championship. with a 71-70 squeaker over the Pampanga quelled a last ditch Mindoro L Arc En Ciel, while stand by Batangas in the home DOHA: The Maersk Oil Qatar Olympic Committee will 2013-2014 to be concluded at 50m freestyle, 50m breaststroke, Pampanga’s Pride dumped the stretch to forge the win and book Qatar board and officials have serve the country socially and Aspire Dome tomorrow and on 50m backstroke, 50m butterfly, fighting Batangas Barakos the last seat to the finals. expressed great pleasure in pro- bring valuable gains to Qatari Friday. 200m individual and 50x4m relay. squad, 81-71, in a pair of gruel- From a 71-59 advantage with viding support to the Schools people” added Sheikh Faisal. At the elementary school level SOP Swimming Events ling semi-finals matches early 1:21 remaining in the match, the Olympic Program, which has Sheikh Faisal also described there were 98 students from 34 Director Ibraheem Al Rumaihi in the week on the road to the Barakos crawled back and engaged adopted the theme “Sport and SOP as a pioneer programme schools in the first level and 153 lauded the student’s response to championships of the Pinoy the northerners in an end game Integrity” for 2013-2014, for because it includes students (both students from 47 schools in the the game and appreciated their Basketball in Qatar (PIBAQ) exchange at the stripe before three consecutive years. male and female), who represent second level. At the intermedi- widely-praised performance dur- Ambassador Cup, which will be succumbing to a 10-point final In a press release on Monday, a significant section of the Qatari ate school level, 198 students ing the preliminary rounds. He held this coming Friday at the margin. Maersk Oil Qatar Deputy community. These students will from 39 schools took part, and said such talents and skills were Al Gharafa Training Gym. The winner-take-all cham- Managing Director Sheikh Faisal one day play a significant role in 169 students from 40 secondary expected to generate champions With the game tied at 70-all and pionship game will be played bin Fahad Al Thani said: “We are Qatar’s comprehensive develop- schools level participated in the in future. with barely a fraction of a second at 10.30 am on Friday, follow- very delighted to be an integral ment under the leadership of the competitions. Al Rumaihi also expressed left in the game clock, Sandie ing the battle for the third place part of this pioneer programme Emir, H H Sheikh Tamim bin The elementary students com- the hope that the students (both Limin was fouled on his attempt between Mindoro and Batangas at for both youth and sport in the Hamad Al Thani, he said. peted in several swimming cate- male and female) would display to the basket and cashed in on his 9 am, and will be graced by the country, as our constructive stra- Under the theme “Sport and gories, include 25m freestyle, 25m a high level performance in the second gift shot point to register Philippine Ambassador to Qatar, tegic partnership with the Qatar Integrity” swimming competi- breaststroke, 25m backstroke, final competitions of Schools the game-clinching solitary point Crescente Relacion. Olympic Committee will bring tions for the learning stages 25m butterfly, 100m individual Olympic Program. He invited all that sent Manila to the finals A tribute to the Philippine valuable gains to Qatar commu- got an overwhelming response and 25x4m relay. swimming lovers to attend the against Pampanga. Ambassador, and organised in nity individuals”. from students at the prestig- Likewise, intermediate and SOP finals. The game was tight throughout, cooperation with the Philippine Sheikh Faisal confirmed that ious Schools Olympic Program secondary schools competed in THE PENINSULA characterised by seven deadlocks Embassy in Qatar and the United Maersk will provide all support and 12 lead changes, as Filipino Filipino Organisations in Qatar to the SOP’s long-term objec- basketball stalwarts led by red (UFOQ), the eight-week tour- tives, which mainly aim to help shirts’ Mardie and Sandie Limin, nament, which is also called involve youth and students in and Mindoro’s Ronnie Cajayon McDonald’s Qatar inter-province sport and exercise and in adopt- and Michael Paderes, played tournament, aims to generate ing a healthy lifestyle. Sheikh their hearts out and led their funds for the victims of Typhoon Faisal expressed appreciation for respective squads to a heads-up Haiyan. the SOP objectives because they semi-final battle and a crack at THE PENINSULA are in line with social investment programmes adopted by the com- pany, especially their health and safety aspects. “Maersk runs multiple social Preparations on for Islamic Triathlon investment programmes, basi- cally providing value-added DOHA: The Organising Committee of the 15th edition of Islamic projects that are in compliance Triathlon Championship held a coordination meeting at the QOC with Qatar National Vision 2030. Headquarters on Monday. Our commitment towards social To be held on March 22, 2014, the championship competitions will run responsibility makes us keen to under the supervision of the QOC in collaboration with Qatar Shooting back these productive initiatives. and Archery Federation (QSAF), Qatar Swimming Association (QSA) Furthermore, our investments are and Qatar Endurance Committee (QEC). focusing on three fields, health, Mohammad Essa Al Fadalah, the Championship executive director, safety and education, beside abil- announced that the competitions will begin with the endurance race ities-building, environment and that is scheduled at the Marathon Village in Sealine, followed by the culture” said Sheikh Faisal. swimming event to be also held in Sealine, and the shooting event at “Maersk believes that its sup- the QOC annual winter camp (Al Ennah). port to the SOP for three consec- An official speaking at a Schools Olympic Program event. QNA utive years in collaboration with WEDNESDAY 19 MARCH 2014 30 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

COMMERCIAL BANK GRAND PRIX LOSAIL INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT I don’t expect to be 100 • MARCH 20, 21, 22, 23 2014 Today 19/03/2014 09:00-11:00 (120min) Shell Advance ATC, Test Session 1 12:00-14:00 (120min) Shell Advance ATC, Test Session 2 16:00 Photo Opportunity: 2014 Movistar Yamaha MotoGP percent in Qatar: Marquez YZR-M1 Unveiling (Starting Grid) Thursday 20/03/2014 12:30-13:30 (60min) Shell Advance ATC, Test Session 3 The good news is I am getting better, says MotoGP World Champion 13:45-14:30 (45min) National Superbike, Free Practice 15:15 Media Opportunity: Moto3™ class group photo DOHA: MotoGP World some valuable points and then get (Starting Grid) Champion Marc Marquez of up to 100 percent by round two 15:30 Moto2™ class riders' briefing (Press Conf. Room) Spain says he is ‘unlikely to be in Austin. Arriving in Qatar as 15:45 Media Opportunity: Moto2™ class group photo 100% fit in Qatar’ where the World Champion is something (Starting Grid) new season kicks off later this new to me - to defend the title 16:00 MotoGP™ class riders' briefing (Press Conf. Room) week. - and I know that from the first 16:15 Media Opportunity: MotoGP™ class group photo Pre-season preparations were session the eyes of the world will (Starting Grid) a struggle for Marquez when he be on us. Taking my first MotoGP 16:30 First time riders' briefing (EMC Room) broke his right fibula during a dirt podium here last year was special track training session in Spain and I have good memories.” 18:00-18:40 (40min) Moto3™, Free Practice 1 last month, forcing him out of two Marquez has featured the 18:55-19:40 (45 min) Moto2™, Free Practice 1 crucial MotoGP tests ahead of his Qatar podium in all three classes, 19:55-20:40 (45 min) MotoGP™, Free Practice 1 second campaign at the top level. a third in MotoGP (2013), a win Previously he had headed the in Moto2 (2012) and another 20:55-21:35 (40 min) Moto3™, Free Practice 2 timesheets on all three days of third place in 125cc (2010). 21:50-22:35 (45 min) Moto2™, Free Practice 2 MotoGP’s first 2014 tests in hot His team-mate Dani Pedrosa and humid Sepang. has had a more straightforward 22:50-23:20 (30 min) National Superbike, Qualifying The 21 year-old has been work- pre-season. Friday 21/03/2014 ing hard since his injury, under- “It’s been pretty positive and 13:20-13:40 (20 min) National Superbike, Warm Up taking specific rehabilitation and we completed a lot of laps in physiotherapy, but his level of both Sepang and Phillip Island,” 13:55-14:25 (30 min) Shell Advance ATC, Free Practice 1 competitiveness for round one Pedrosa said in the same report. 15:35 National Superbike, Race 1 (15 laps) in Qatar will only become clear “We’ve made a lot of progress once he gets back on his Honda but as always there is room to 16:40-17:10 (30 min) Shell Advance ATC, Free Practice 2 RC213V. improve. Since we finished in 17:20/17:30 Medical Inspection / Track Inspection “Obviously it was very disap- Australia, I’ve been concentrat- 18:00-18:45 (45 min) MotoGP™, Free Practice 2 pointing for me to miss two tests ing on my fitness and focusing on but the good news is that I’m get- the start of the season, my days 19:00-19:40 (40 min) Moto3™, Free Practice 3 ting better and the bone is mend- are pretty hectic with the various 19:55-20:40 (45 min) Moto2™, Free Practice 3 ing,” Marquez said in a report training regimes,” Pedrosa added. 20:55-21:40 (45 min) MotoGP™, Free Practice 3 posted on www.motogp.com. “The race weekend in Qatar is File photo of MotoGP World Champion talking “I’ve been exercising more, so quite long - as it stretches over to reporters after one of the races last season 22:10 National Superbike Race 2 (15 laps) (above). RIGHT: Marquez rides during the I’ll have to see how I am in Qatar four days - and the grip level is Saturday 22/03/2014 - I don’t expect to be 100%, but I always quite low the first practice. qualifying session at Ricardo Tormo racetrack will try my hardest,” the Spaniard Now I’m looking forward to the in Cheste, near Valencia in the final race meet 18:00-18:40 (40 min) Moto3™, Qualifying added in the report. start of the Championship.” of the season in this November 2013 file photo. 18:55-19:40 (45 min) Moto2™, Qualifying “The important thing is to take WWW.MOTOGP.COM 19:55-20:25 (30 min) MotoGP™, Free Practice 4 20:35-20:50 (15 min) MotoGP™, Qualifying 1 21:00-21:15 (15 min) MotoGP™, Qualifying 2 QMMF Racing Team ready for Moto2 Sunday 23/03/2014 16:50-17:10 (20 min) Moto3™, Warm Up 17:25-17:45 (20 min) Moto2™, Warm Up challenges in 2014, says Al Attiyah 18:00-18:20 (20 min) MotoGP™, Warm Up 19:00 Moto3™, Race (18 laps) 20:20 Moto2™, Race (20 laps) DOHA: QMMF Racing Team is 22:00 MotoGP™, Race (22 laps) relying on a blend of Australian riding experience and raw Spanish talent to produce the goods in the new season, the Ecclestone team’s chief said in an interview yesterday. wants fans to Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah, President of QMMF and the chief QMMF Racing Team, has roped feel the noise in Spanish Championship winner LONDON: Formula One Roman Ramos to join Australia’s supremo Bernie Ecclestone has seasoned Moto2 rider Anthony said he will try to make new- West for the 2014 season that look machines sound “more like kicks off on Sunday. racing cars” after organisers of “It is a big challenge for us. We the season-opening Australian are ready for the new season. We Grand Prix threatened to sue will do our best. We have good for breach of contract. plans in place,” Al Attiyah said The sport is pushing the yesterday. “Our target is the same boundaries of hybrid technology from beginning. We want to start this year with 2014’s F1 machines on the right note,” Al Attiyah, running races on 35 percent less who is Vice-President at FIM and Rider Roman Ramos of Spain (left) and experienced Australian Moto2 campaigner Anthony West are seen inside the QMMF Racing Team garage in fuel than last season. FIA, added. this February 2014 file photo taken in Jerez, Spain. BELOW: West (green helmet) and Ramos are seen during pre-season testing sessions in Valencia. Turbocharged engines are back “The official testing was good for the first time since 1988, with in Valencia and Jerez. Anthony last year’s 2.4-litre V8s replaced (West) is the main rider. Ramos “The feedback of the engineers colours. Even on the suits. We will by 1.6-litre V6s. is the winner of the Spanish and mechanics is very good. They be coming with different colour or But Australian Grand Prix Championship. We are lucky to say he (Ramos) is a good profes- shades. We will unveil them this chairman Ron Walker, while have him in the team,” Al Attiyah sional and educated. He is very week. Everyone can come and delighted with the overall suc- said when asked to comment on supportive of the mechanics and support our team. cess of Sunday’s season-opening the make of his Moto2 team. the team. He will develop with us “We are confident. We have event won by Nico Rosberg in a “He (Ramos) has better expo- because of his level,” Al Attiyah promising riders. I am sure we Mercedes, said the lack of noise sure. He is a promising rider for said. are going to do good results,” Al was not what he paid for or what the future. We may create a new “For him it is first year. It will Attiyah said. “We are thinking on the fans expected. market to him. He is progressing be difficult for him. It is a massive those lines for the first five years “I was absolutely delighted with very good,” Al Attiyah said. challenge for him. In the first year because we have to build a strong the whole weekend, but I was not Last year, QMMF Racing we are willing to have him pro- team. We are looking to compete too happy with the sound,” he told Team feature in the Moto2 World gressing well with better times. with the 40 teams. Fairfax radio, adding that if you Championship with Indonesia’s We need to build data for him. “Then we got an experienced sat in the grandstand you could Rafid Topan to partner West. “We know the situation but I rider in Anthony West. We were hardly hear the cars coming down Topan’s penchant for crashes in am sure he do surprises for us. lucky. He has helped us a lot. We the home straight. 2013 saw QMMF roping in Ramos He has that ability. We will give hope we can produce more good “We are resolving that with for the news season. maximum support from our side,” results. We hope better results Bernie (Ecclestone). It’s clearly Ramos’ pre-season spark has the QMMF president said. are seen. We know it is not easy. in breach of our contract. delighted Al Attiyah. “We have redesigned our bike This is very important that we “I was talking to him last night get good exposure for our team. (Sunday) and it’s not what we But still we need a long time to paid for. It’s going to change. He’s create riders with character,” Al horrified about it. It will be an Attiyah said. issue for all promoters all round After his final pre-season test the world. “It is a big at Jerez, Ramos said: “My track Ecclestone, in comments car- challenge for us. knowledge from the Spanish ried by British media yesterday, Championship helped me a lot at said: “I was not horrified by the We are ready for Jerez. I am also very happy with noise, I was horrified by the lack the new season. We the work and the ambience in the of it. team, they are all great guys and “And I was sorry to be proved will do our best. We true professionals.” right with what I’ve said all along; have good plans in The 23-year-old added: “At these cars don’t sound like rac- times, I still can’t believe that ing cars. place.” I am now competing against “I’ve been speaking with Jean the best in the world. I want to West, 32, said: “All in all, we are The Australian added: “Now, (Todt, president of the FIA, Nasser bin Khalifa thank QMMF for the opportu- starting to head in a really good we are starting to understand Formula One’s governing body) Al Attiyah, QMMF nity to ride for Qatar in the World direction with the new bike. I am the new chassis and the Ohlins this (Monday) afternoon and Championship and for putting able to push harder and I know suspension, which makes me con- what I’ve said is that we need to President their trust in me. I will try eve- where the front wheel is, whereas fident for the season. I am sure see whether there is some way of rything to give them the results last year, it often felt as if I was about further improvements as making them sound like racing they expect and deserve.” going blind into the turns.” we go along.”THE PENINSULA cars.” AFP WEDNESDAY 19 MARCH 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 31

Totti strikes as Roma scrape Lekhwiya down Udinese win

MILAN: Captain Francesco Totti scored on his return from a month-long injury lay-off as Roma scraped a 3-2 win over Al Ittihad 2-0 Udinese to reduce the gap on leaders Juventus to 14 points on Monday night. Al Rayyan lose to Al Shabab in Riyadh Earlier, third-placed Napoli had pulled level on points with Roma thanks to a 90th minute strike DOHA: Lekhwiya picked up on the right of the box. Nam from Gonzalo Hugauin which their first win in Group C of AFC Champions stepped up to drill the ball into secured the points away to Torino. the AFC Champions League League Results the top left corner, giving the However Roma restored their as Sebastian Soria’s first-half SINGAPORE: Results from group games in the goalkeeper no chance. But that three-point cushion on Rafael strike and a penalty by Nam AFC Champions League yesterday: would not be the end of the mat- Benitez’s side after a tense finale Tae-hee after the interval gave ter as Al Montashari, who had caused by Dusan Basta’s 80th Group E the Qatari league leaders a been booked for the original foul, minute header for the visitors. 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia’s Al Cerezo Osaka (JPN) 4 (Kakitani 4, Minamino continued to argue his case with Roma have reinforced their Ittihad yesterday. 34, 82, Forlan 90+3) Buriram United (THA) 0 the referee and received a red grip on second place, synony- A night of misery for the visi- Pohang Steelers (KOR) 2 (Kim Tae-Su 32, Kim card for his troubles. mous with the last automatic tors at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Seung-Dae 78) Shandong Luneng (CHN) 2 In Riyadh, Brazilian midfielder Champions League qualifying Stadium was made worse when (Vagner Love 13-pen, 23-pen) Rafinha struck twice early in the spot, but despite having a game captain Hamad Al Montashari Group G second half as Al Shabab of Saudi in hand the Giallorossi remain 14 was sent off after taking his pro- Melbourne Victory (AUS) 1 (Barbarouses 9) Arabia returned to winning ways points adrift of Juventus, who had tests with the referee too far after Yokohama F. Marinos (JPN) 0 in the AFC Champions League Andrea Pirlo to thank for an 89th he had given away the penalty late Guangzhou Evergrande (CHN) 3 (Gao Lin 18, with a 4-3 win over Qatari side Al minute winner in a tense finale at in the game. 20, Liao Lisheng 61) Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors Rayyan in a see-saw match at the Genoa on Sunday. With the win, Lekhwiya moved (KOR) 1 (Dong-Gook 38) King Fahd International Stadium Totti, meanwhile, welcomed his up four points, two behind Group Group C yesterday. sixth goal of the season but told C leaders Al Ain while Al Ittihad In a match that saw the lead Sky Sport Italia: “It was nice to Lekhwiya 2 ( Sebastian Soria 22, slipped to the bottom of the sec- change hands several times, the score but the important thing was Nam Tae-hee 79) tion after suffering their second visitors took a 3-2 lead into the to win this game to make sure we loss in three games. Group A interval after a Kalu Uche brace stay in front of Napoli. We have Quarter-finalists in the AFC Al Shabab 4 (Al Marshadi 3, Ahmed Ibrahim and a delightful curler by Sayaf to defend second place.” Champion League last year, 22, Da Silva Francisco 48, 56) Al Rayyan ( Mohsin cancelled out goals by Coach Garcia, however, added: Lekhwiya have struggled to get Kalu Uche 9, 41, Sayaf Mohsin 18) Majed Al Marshadi and Ahmed “That was the most difficult off the mark in the group stage Otafy. encounter at home in 15 or 16 this season after coming through But Rafinha made it 3-3 with a games. We got the points but we the play-offs last month. back to goal before turning past deflected shot early in the second made life difficult for ourselves.” But they began the match well Mohammed Al Amri and firing half before turning in a cross by Totti enjoyed a dream return and offered much of the early the ball into the far corner of the Hassan Muath for the winning to the Olympic Stadium when threat against their Saudi visi- net. goal. he picked up the rebound from tors, who struggled to get a foot- Al Ittihad were an improved With the win, the Saudi club Gervinho’s close range shot fol- hold in the game. side after the break as they moved up to second in Group A, lowing Miralem Pjanic’s delivery And they took a deserved lead pushed for an equaliser but they one point behind leaders Al Jazira and drilled past teenage goal- in the 22nd minute when Nam’s were dealt a huge blow when of the United Arab Emirates, who Qatar Lekhwiya’s Sebastian Soria (right) celebrates after scoring a goal keeper Simone Scuffet. powerful shot deflected off a they conceded a penalty in the drew 2-2 in Iran with bottom side with team-mate Mohammed Mussa against Al Ittihad of Saudi Arabia Gervinho finally looked back defender to Soria, who control- 79th minute after Al Montashari Esteghlal earlier yesterday. during their AFC Championship League match in Doha, yesterday. to top form and eight minutes led the ball in the box with his appeared to catch Youssef Msakni AGENCIES later a run down the right flank allowed the Ivorian to square for Mattia Destro and although he had to round Scuffet the Italian found the net with a low angled Moyes dismisses United job speculation strike. Minutes later Antonio Di Natale tested De Sanctis with MANCHESTER, United reports in British newspapers club is the biggest club in the “It has been a difficult season a curling shot which the keeper Kingdom: Manchester United yesterday that Moyes could be at world. It might not feel it today, for everyone. We are not used to dived to parry. The visitors finally manager David Moyes (pic- risk if United are eliminated by but it will rise again.” losing games, but everyone fights reduced arrears six minutes into tured) yesterday brushed off Olympiakos. Some newspapers United have lost seven of their for this club, everyone loves this the second half when Totti was suggestions that his position is said he has three games to turn 14 games since the start of 2014, club. dispossessed in midfield and the under threat ahead of a crunch around United’s fortunes. but Moyes says that he continues “In life, you always have a sec- ball found Giampiero Pinzi, who Champions League game against But Moyes insisted that his to receive support from his sto- ond chance. I am not going to tell took a few touches before beating Olympiakos today. position is secure. ried predecessor Alex Ferguson, you we are going to qualify, but I De Sanctis with a smart angled “My future has not changed “I have a great job, and I know who personally recommended his promise we are going to fight and strike from the edge of the area. one bit,” he told reporters at Old the direction I want to go in. We appointment. the fans will be proud of us after The goal shook Roma, whose Trafford who pressed him about know we have put ourselves in a “He has been incredibly sup- the game.” defence minutes later had to rely United’s struggles this season. poor position, but we have belief.” portive,” Moyes said. “I speak with Centre-backs Chris Smalling on the reflexes of De Sanctis to “We know we have put our- Asked if he had been given him regularly and see him at the (hamstring) and Jonny Evans rush out and block Di Natale’s selves in a poor position, but we assurances by the United hierar- games. He’s very supportive. (calf) are both expected to miss drive from close range. have belief,” added Moyes. chy that there is no threat, Moyes “He told me before I came in Wednesday’s match after sitting At the other end Totti’s shot Trailing 2-0 to the Greek side replied: “The biggest assurance is that it was a difficult job, but he out training on Tuesday, while under pressure spun wide of in the last 16, United must become that they let me get on with the is always here to help. (Director) club-record signing Juan Mata is Scuffet’s upright and then only the sixth team to overturn a job. David Gill, (vice chairman) Ed cup-tied. Gervinho bundled wide under deficit of two goals or more in the “They never discuss it (his (Woodward), all the board are Moyes also revealed that the pressure from Silvan Widmer. competition’s knockout phase to future). We talk about the future, very supportive.” club’s Japanese playmaker Shinji Vaseilos Torosidis gave Roma go through. we make big plans going forward. Defender Patrice Evra appeared Kagawa, who last started a game a much-needed cushion when he Since Moyes took over this That is why they gave me a six- beside Moyes at Tuesday’s press on January 22, would play some carried the ball through Udinese’s season, United have also strug- year contract. This is not a club conference and while he was at a part in the match. defence to beat Scuffet with a low gled to get a qualifying place for that works on a short-term vision; glories. “I actually think they have loss to explain United’s current “Shinji is an important player shot inside the keeper’s near post. next season’s Champions League. it is a long-term one.” seen some defeats they wouldn’t predicament, he told the fans to for us,” he said. Roma looked to be heading for They are now 12 points below the United’s supporters continued have expected and they have expect a much improved perform- “It has been a difficult time and a comfortable win, but from a cor- top four in the Premier League to provide vocal backing to the stuck with the team throughout,” ance against Olympiakos. he has not played as often as he ner in the 80th minute De Sanctis after Sunday’s 3-0 loss at home team during the chastening loss said the former Everton manager. “When you win, you win would have liked. Shinji is some- had to pull off a one-handed save to Liverpool. They are out of both to Liverpool and Moyes remains “They have seen great success together. When you lose, you one we like and will definitely be before seeing Basta’s shot from domestic cup competitions. confident that he is capable of here in the past and will see great lose together,” said the France involved at some point tomorrow.” the rebound fly by him and into The team’s travails prompted restoring their team to former success again in the future. This left-back. AFP the net. AFP Guangzhou go top; Forlan off mark for Cerezo

SINGAPORE: Trophy-holders Muriqui, last season’s top-scorer straightforward win for the home Guangzhou Evergrande seized in the competition, was injured in side against Buriram. Yoichiro Huang control of their AFC Champions the pre-match warm-up. Kakitani grabbed his third goal Bowen (right) League group with a 3-1 win And the China international of the tournament after only four of China’s over Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors took full advantage, opening the minutes and Takumi Minamino Guangzhou yesterday, as Uruguay star Diego scoring at the Guangzhou Tianhe struck twice before Forlan, ex- Evergrande Forlan scored his first goal for Stadium after 18 minutes with a Manchester United and Atletico tussles for Cerezo Osaka. close-range finish before deftly Madrid, scored in stoppage time. the ball A first-half double from heading his side 2-0 ahead two Chinese side Shandong Luneng against Han Guangzhou striker Gao Lin and minutes later. squandered an opportunity to Kyo-won of a third from Liao Lisheng, either Jeonbuk, who have met open up a three-point lead after South Korea’s side of Lee Dong-Gook’s solo Guangzhou in the group stage in they allowed 10-man Pohang Jeonbuk effort, settled a flowing game each of the past three seasons, Steelers to battle back from two and lifted the Chinese champi- pulled a goal back before half-time goals down for a 2-2 draw in Hyundai ons three points clear in Group through skipper Lee Dong-Gook, South Korea. Motors dur- G. who pounced on the rebound after The match began disastrously ing their AFC Marcello Lippi’s men are now his own header hit the post. for the home side, who had Shin Champions in familiar territory halfway But the hosts restored their Kwang-Hoon sent off for deliber- League group through the group stage as they two-goal cushion just after the ate handball and then saw Vagner G first round bid to become only the second hour-mark when Liao Lisheng Love tuck away the resulting pen- football team to successfully defend the flicked home a cross by influen- alty after 13 minutes. match at the AFC title, under their illustrious tial Italy midfielder Alessandro Another handball 10 minutes Tianhe Sport and newly re-signed manager. Diamanti to make it 3-1. later saw Shandong awarded Center in Elsewhere, Uruguay interna- Earlier Melbourne Victory another penalty and Love once Guangzhou tional Forlan opened his account secured their first win in Group again converted for his fourth goal in south- for Japan’s Cerezo Osaka in their G thanks to a ninth-minute of the tournament. ern China’s 4-0 win over Thai champions goal from New Zealand striker But Pohang fought back with Guangdong Buriram United, and Melbourne Kosta Barabarouses which captain Kim Tae-Su reducing the province, Victory got the first win of their proved enough to upset Japan’s deficit in the 32nd minute before yesterday. campaign. Yokohama F. Marinos 1-0. Kim Seung-Dae levelled the Guangzhou In the clash between the top In Group E, Forlan netted scores with 13 minutes remaining. two teams in Group G, Gao his first goal in five domestic Both sides now have five points, beat Jeonbuk was only handed a spot in the and Asian games for new club one more than Cerezo. 3-1. Guangzhou starting line-up after Cerezo Osaka to round off a AFP Wednesday 19 March 2014 18 Jumadal I 1435 Volume 19 Number 5608 Sport Price: QR2

Durant’s Marquez gears Thunder roll up for Qatar over Bulls challenge

Sport | 27 Sport | 30

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Hosts Australia Man United try to top seeds for 2015 Asian Cup

MELBOURNE: Hosts Australia have been named top salvage season seeds for the 2015 Asian Cup ahead of next week’s draw and will avoid being drawn in the same group as defending cham- Zenit hoping for miracle in Dortmund pions Japan. Australia, who were beaten by the ‘Blue Samurai’ in the 2011 MANCHESTER, England: do and that is concentrate on our final in Qatar, are in the first of If history was the only decid- Champions League own game,” he said. four pots with top-ranked sides ing factor then Manchester Champions League last-16, second-leg fix- “We know our opponents very Iran, Japan and Uzbekistan. United would be highly fancied tures (all matches 1945 GMT) well and we know that 2-0 is not While the seedings are based to overturn their 2-0 first leg Playing today a serious advantage. We need to on the latest FIFA world rank- defeat against Olympiakos and score to make sure we make it ings, Australia (ranked 63rd) get Manchester United vs Olympiakos Piraeus reach the quarter-finals of the difficult for them as we know the top seed as hosts. Iran are Champions League today. Borussia Dortmund vs Zenit St Petersburg that United have a strong desire the top FIFA ranked team at But the reality for Manager to turn the tie around.” 42, followed by Japan (48th) and David Moyes and his stutter- the Greek side’s woeful record on Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund Uzbekistan (55th). The seedings ing team is that present form, the road against English clubs, host Zenit St Petersburg in the are: Pot 1 (teams ranked 1-4): rather than past successes, will does offer hope. second leg of their Champions Australia, Iran, Japan, Uzbekistan have a far bigger influence at Old Until Olympiakos triumphed League last 16 tie today with the Pot 2 (teams ranked 5-8): South Trafford. in Athens on Feb. 25, United Russians admitting they need a Korea, UAE, Jordan, Saudi Arabia United’s unimpressive season had won all four of the previous minor miracle to progress. Pot 3 (teams ranked 9-12): Oman, reached a new low on Sunday matches between the clubs. They Last season’s runners-up China, Qatar, Iraq Pot 4 (teams when they were crushed 3-0 at have also won all five matches Dortmund enjoyed a 4-2 win in ranked 13-16): Bahrain, Kuwait, home by bitter rivals Liverpool, they have played against Greek the first leg in St Petersburg three North Korea and Challenge Cup a result that left last season’s clubs at home while Olympiakos weeks ago and Zenit have since Manchester United’s Scottish Manager David Moyes (right) and 2014 winners. The March 26 champions seventh in the Premier have lost all 11 of the matches sacked Italian coach Luciano Manchester United’s French defender Patrice Evra attend a press confer- draw in Sydney will feature 15 League with just a remote possi- they have played in England. Spalletti. ence at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, yesterday, ahead confirmed sides and the winner bility of a top-four finish. That sorry sequence began Former Chelsea and Tottenham of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg match today. of the AFC Challenge Cup 2014 Their only realistic hope of with a 4-0 loss at West Ham Hotspur manager Andre Villas- will take the final slot. AFP competing alongside Europe’s United in the old European Cup Boas was named as his successor elite next season would now Winners’ Cup in 1965 and has on Tuesday and will be unveiled at appear to be by somehow win- continued since with subsequent a press conference on Thursday. ning the competition for a fourth defeats at Tottenham Hotspur, Former Paris Saint-Germain time in May, starting by knocking Liverpool (twice), Newcastle midfielder and ex-Russia cap- Olympiakos out on Wednesday. United, Chelsea, Manchester tain Sergei Semak will be on the “The players are well aware of United (twice) and Arsenal (three touchline in Dortmund as Zenit’s what it means on Wednesday and times). But they arrive at Old interim coach. what we have got to do,” Moyes Trafford buoyed by a comprehen- “We want to peform with dig- said. sive title victory, even if Sunday’s nity in the return match with “We’ve got something to go for 2-0 win over Panthrakikos was Borussia. Of course our chances so hopefully we can do that.” achieved behind closed doors. are slim, but miracles sometimes Misfiring United, who last While United have been in the happen,” Semak said ahead of the failed to qualify for the Champions unfamiliar position of looking up game. Both teams come into the League 18 years ago, have no guar- at the leading pack in the Premier Westfalenstadion clash on the antees at all of achieving their League, the Piraeus club have back of defeats. aim against the Greeks who have been head and shoulders above Zenit went down 1-0 at the just won their domestic title for their domestic rivals this season. hands of reigning champions the fourth successive season, the Spanish coach Michel is not CSKA Moscow on Saturday and 16th time in 18 campaigns they getting carried away with their it was the second consecutive have ended as champions and the chances of reaching the last eight Russian Premier League match 41st in all. for the first time since 1999. in which they have failed to score. Their head-to-head record, and “We aim to do what we always AGENCIES Villas-Boas to take charge as Zenit manager

MOSCOW: Ambitious Russian side Zenit St Petersburg yes- terday named ex-Chelsea and Tottenham boss Andre Villas- Boas as their new manager, as the club seek to break through into the top ranks of European football. The 36-year-old Portuguese han- dler, who first made his name with Porto, will officially sign for Zenit on March 20, taking over from Italian Luciano Spalletti, who was sacked last week. Villas-Boas will receive at least 8.5m euros ($11.8m) a season as well as possible bonuses, the R-Sport news agency quoted a source in the club as saying. He takes over just a day after Zenit play at Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League last 16, with the Russians needing to overturn a 2-4 first leg deficit. Caretaker manager Sergei Semak will be in charge for that game. “Zenit has agreed terms on a contract with new head coach Andre Villas-Boas,” Zenit said in a statement. “The contract will be signed and Mr Villas-Boas will be pre- sented in St Petersburg as Zenit’s new head coach on March 20.” Zenit’s owners, the Russian state-controlled gas giant Gazprom, will be looking beyond this season in signing Villas- Manchester United’s Japanese midfielder Shinji Kagawa (left) and team- Boas as they seek glory on the mate English striker Danny Welbeck take part in a training session. European stage. AFP