ISO 9001:2008 CERTIFIED NEWSPAPER

Monday 9 September 2013 3 Dhul-qa’da 1434 - Volume 18 Number 5817 Price: QR2

Al Sada meets Clarke leads businessmen to in ODI win

Business | 17 Sport | 28

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780

Moussa heads SCH allays Egypt panel to amend fears about constitution CAIRO: Amr Moussa, a stal- wart of the government of Egypt’s veteran autocrat Hosni Mubarak, has been selected to chair the panel to amend a MERS virus constitution pushed through by the deposed Islamist president, Mohammed Mursi. Surveillance system strengthened Despite promising an inclu- sive approach, the army-backed DOHA: Despite a rise in the reply to The Peninsula yesterday. government included only two number of deaths in Qatar “At the moment there is no Islamists on the committee, due to MERS (Middle East need for any apprehension. The neither from Mursi’s Muslim Respiratory Syndrome), the SCH, HMC and PHCC (Primary Brotherhood, the target of a Supreme Council of Health Healthcare Corporation) have sweeping security crackdown. (SCH) says the situation is not strengthened the existing sur- Moussa, who was foreign min- worrying at the moment. veillance system for communi- The Foreign Minister H E Dr Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah with US Secretary of State John Kerry at a joint ister for 10 years under Mubarak, Five Qataris tested positive so cable disease control and taken press conference in Paris yesterday. won the votes of 30 of the 50 panel far, of whom three died, including measures to increase awareness members yesterday. a youth, 29, and a woman, 56. The about prevention of infection and The panel is expected to com- other two were discharged from control measures,” said the SCH. plete its work within 60 days. hospital after treatment. The “Availability of adequate diag- The constitution will then be SCH has not reported any new nostic and screening tests for put to a popular vote and pro- confirmed cases. So far more than MERS-CoV have been ensured Stop massacre in Syria: FM vide the basis for parliamentary 1,000 samples of suspected cases at the lab. We are monitoring and presidential elections and a have been tested at the Hamad the regional and international DOHA: Qatar yesterday said it is backing to the Qatar is willing to provide, Qatar is studying with its return to civilian rule early next Medical Corporation (HMC) lab- situation. Infection prevention hilt the decision of the 12 of the G-20 countries to friends and the UN what it could provide to protect year. oratory, the SCH said in a written and control measures are being take action against the Syrian regime for using the Syrian people,” he said. Qatar has backed the strengthened in all clinics and chemical weapons on its own people, Aljazeera.net Syrian opposition. Pakistan President 3 more die in Saudi hospitals (government and pri- reported yesterday. He discussed the peace process with Kerry, the RIYADH: Three more people vate),” it added. The Foreign Minister H E Dr Khalid bin Secretary General of the Arab League, Dr Nabil Zardari steps down have died of MERS in Saudi All those infected in Qatar Mohammed Al Attiyah said Doha supports the dec- El Arabi, the foreign ministers of Arab countries Arabia, the health ministry were citizens but the SCH said laration of the 12 G-20 countries to react to the use and the Palestinian Authority. At the press confer- ISLAMABAD: Pakistan said, taking the kingdom’s toll “the exact reason for this is not of chemical weapons. The declaration was made in ence, Dr Al Attiyah also underlined the need to stop President Asif Ali Zardari to 47. A Saudi man, 74, and clear”. There is no decision on St Petersburg in Russia two days ago to protect the Israeli settlements in the Palestinian occupied ter- stepped down yesterday hav- a 56-year-old foreigner, who any compulsory screening at the people of Syria, Aljazeera.net said. ritories, saying “continued construction by Jewish ing defied expectations by hold- worked in the health sector, ports of entry for those returning Dr Al Attiyah was addressing a joint news confer- settlements is an obstacle to reaching an Israeli- ing onto power for a record five died in Madinah, while another from other countries, especially ence with the US Secretary of State, John Kerry, in Palestinian peace deal”. years. His successor Mamnoon Saudi, 53, who suffered from Saudi Arabia, as World Health Paris after attending a mini-ministerial committee He stressed the need for the establishment of a Hussain, a businessman and ally chronic diseases, died in Riyadh. Organisation has not recom- session of the Arab Peace Initiative Committee. sovereign independent Palestinian state with East of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, The ministry also announced mended such tests until now, said He also renewed his call for the international com- Jerusalem as its capital. will be sworn in today. five new cases. AFP the SCH. THE PENINSULA munity to intervene to stop massacre being commit- THE PENINSULA/AGENCIES AGENCIES Continued on page 2 ted by the Syrian regime. “As for Syria and what See also pages 6 & 10 Full report on page 13 Largest photobook

Volunteers move pages of the world’s largest photobook in Berlin yesterday. Samsung presented the book, containing around 20,000 pictures on its five-by-eight-metre pages, which will be on display in the German capital until Wednesday.

Yemen separatists Qatari wins Francophone medal agree on dialogue NICE: Qatar won yesterday its first medal in the Francophone SANA’A: Yemen southern sep- Games being held in the French city of Nice. Qatar participated in aratists agreed yesterday to the seventh edition of the game for the first time. The games con- return to national reconciliation clude on September 15. talks after assurances the future Ibrahim won the bronze medal in the 66kg wrestling after defeating of their region will be discussed, Canada’s Hudson Sedrik. Ibrahim lost only once throughout the com- the UN envoy said. The Southern petition. He expressed pride at winning the first medal in the games. Movement will return to talks He said the achievement was the least he could give back to his country today, Jamal Benomar said after and thanked the President of Qatar Wrestling Federation, Zamel Al a meeting with representatives, Shahrani, for support. Qatar is participating in athletics, table tennis, who walked out last month, wrestling and judo, with a team of 24. Al Shahrani is leading Qatar’s demanding a Sana’a apology for delegation, which also include Mohammed Ahmed Al Sulaiti, head of past wars. AGENCIES Qatar Taekwondo and Judo Federation. QNA MONDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2013 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Braces not just for good looks Ganesh Srinivasan, Indian businessman, dies Expert sheds light on how braces can improve oral hygiene DOHA: Ganesh Srinivasan (pic- tured), a prominent Indian commu- DOHA: Braces improve dental reach the final shape of their nity member died here on Saturday health, while use gentle pres- bites and that is why this is con- evening following a heart attack. sure to straighten teeth and sidered the right time to proceed Srinivasan, 58, had been working as correct a person’s bite, says an with orthodontic treatment,” he general manager of Gulf Incon, a mem- expert. said. “Orthodontic treatment ber of the Teyseer Group of companies. Braces are not just for making gives faster results at this age.” He had been a resident of Qatar for your smile look better, accord- He said adults can also benefit over 30 years. Srinivasan served in sen- ing to Consultant Orthodontist from orthodontic intervention ior positions at several Indian schools at Rumailah Hospital, Dr – both for cosmetic and medical and community organisations. He was Abdulmueen Al Qahtani. reasons. However, since adults are the first president of the Indian Business “Braces can correct crooked no longer growing, treatment may and Professional network (IBPN) and a founding member of the or crowded teeth, overbites and take longer than it does for chil- Ideal Indian School and former vice president of the DPS Modern under-bites, incorrect jaw posi- dren and teenagers. Indian School. He was also a member of the Advisory Council of tion or jaw joint disorders,” says “The most common treatment the Indian Cultural Center (ICC) as well as the Indian Community Dr Al Qahtani. “If left untreated, for adult orthodontic patients is Benevolent Forum (ICBF) and founder of Music Lovers Group. He these problems can result in tooth fixed braces which stays in place was also a recipient of the M Kanjani ICBF award given in recogni- decay, gum disease, headaches and for between 12 to 18 months,” says tion of his contributions to the Indian community. earaches, as well as speaking, bit- Dr Al Qahtani. Originally hailing from the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, ing or chewing problems.” Braces or orthodontic devices Srinivasan settled in Bangaluru. He leaves wife Sree Vidya, and Dr Al Qahtani said the opti- can come in several forms, includ- two children, Rohit and Pooja. mum time to start wearing braces ing metal braces and clear or Consultant Orthodontist at Rumailah Hospital, Dr Abdulmueen Al Qahtani. The body will be flown to Bangaluru this evening, community is between the ages of nine and ceramic braces which blend with sources said yesterday. A funeral prayer will be held at the HMC 11 because except for the wisdom the natural colour of teeth. Some during the period braces are in gum. “These foods can get stuck mortuary premises today at 5pm. A condolence meeting will take teeth most permanent teeth have patients prefer custom made fixed place, hard foods such as candy, between teeth and gums or poten- place at the ICC premises tomorrow at 7pm. developed by the time a child braces bonded to the back of the raw carrots, nuts, popcorn and tially bend the wires and damage “Indian community has lost one of its pillars in socio-cultural reaches this age. teeth, making them invisible. crushed ice should be avoided, as the braces,” added Dr Al Qahtani. activities. Srinivasan had been an active supporter of ICBF activities “At this age, children usually According to Dr Al Qahtani, should sticky foods like chewing THE PENINSULA for over the past 15 years. He gave a helping hand to all community organisations,” said Nilanghshu Dey, former president of ICBF and chairman of its current advisory council. THE PENINSULA

Pilgrims advised to consult healthcare provider Al Ijarah deploys female taxi drivers Continued from page 1 and immediately notify their local Asked if people needed to take health authority if they develop a DOHA: Al Ijarah Holding that any new precautions in view of an significant, acute respiratory ill- operates the blue-roofed taxis increase in the number of cases ness with fever and cough (severe yesterday launched the first in Qatar, the SCH said: “There enough to interfere with usual limousine service in Qatar are no new recommendations by daily activities) during two weeks driven by women. WHO and we continue to empha- after their return. The lady-driven limousines will sise the existing recommenda- WHO recommendations operate round the clock, but the tions for infection prevention.” include: Washing hands, often service will be available to only People going to Saudi Arabia for with soap and water; avoiding women and families, the company Haj and Umrah have been advised touching one’s eyes, nose, and said yesterday. Well-trained and to consult a healthcare provider mouth because germs are spread experienced women drivers have before travelling to review the this way; and avoiding close con- been employed for the service, it risk and assess whether the pil- tact with sick people. added. grimage is advisable. If you are sick, cover your Al Ijarah launched limousine People with chronic diseases mouth with a tissue when you and taxi services last year. such as diabetes, chronic lung cough or sneeze, and throw it in The statement did not disclose diseases and immunodeficiency the trash. the number of lady-driven lim- can increase the likelihood of ill- Avoid contact with other peo- ousines and whether the service ness, including MERS-CoV infec- ple and contact your family phy- will be available only in specific tion, during travel. sician to check if you need to be locations like the airport and five The lady drivers of Al Ijarah Holding. Returning pilgrims have been tested for MERS-CoV. star hotels. THE PENINSULA advised to seek medical attention THE PENINSULA MONDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 Schools reopen after long summer break Rush at airport eases as most nationals and expatriates return after vacationing overseas

DOHA: Some Indian schools here reopened yesterday after an almost 70-day summer break — the longest in memory so far. Several parents complained they had problems in sending their children back to school as they felt less enthused and lethargic. A bigger challenge the par- ents said they face is that their children have their first term examinations beginning next week — barely a week after the schools have reopened. The new academic year of Indian schools here start from April. The schools were closed for the summer after three months of studies — by June-end. Traffic snarl on the D-Ring Road in the morning yesterday. BELOW: The arrivals terminal of the Doha International “So the first term exams for Airport wearing a deserted look around 6pm yesterday. PICTURES BY SALIM MATRAMKOT different grades begin now, that is, just next week,” a parent said. “Actually, the schools should have closed for the summer after the exams as children are in no mood to study after such a long gap.” Some parents said as they forced their children to study during the long vacation, nei- ther they nor their children could enjoy the holidays. Parents also complained of escalating costs, particularly of school uniforms and textbooks. A mother of a 4th grade stu- dent of an Indian school which has its own books store in Al Wakra, claimed she had to buy a craft book worth Rs100 (QR6) in India for QR29. The school could not be con- Parents escorting their children to an Indian school early yesterday morning. tacted for comment. Meanwhile, there were traf- fic snarls on some arterial roads in May this year at 1.96 mil- in the country on the last day of early yesterday morning and later lion (1,963,124) — the maximum the month. The figure for the cur- in the afternoon after the schools recorded in the country’s his- rent is eagerly awaited by observ- reopened. One of the schools has tory — but kept sliding as people ers to know the country’s exact at least 10,000 students on its ended in early August and Eid Al at the arrivals terminal of the Official figures show that more left for overseas, most of them population that has been rap- rolls. Fitr holidays were until almost Doha International Airport has than 15,000 people had left Qatar vacationing. idly going up due to an increas- The government and a number middle of the month. substantially eased. last month as compared to July. The Ministry of Development ing influx of foreign workers to of other private and expatri- As the new academic year The terminal wore a deserted The country’s population in Planning and Statistics releases engage in the mega development ate community schools reopen begins, most nationals and expa- look last evening when a lot of August was 1.86 million, down population figures at the end of projects being launched in prepa- tomorrow — they too reopen triates are already back after flights arrive here from different from 1.88 million in July. each month — based on people ration for the FIFA World Cup after a long gap as Ramadan vacationing overseas, so the rush destinations, especially Dubai. The population had peaked (both nationals and expatriates) 2022. THE PENINSULA MONDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2013 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Boat show set to boost luxury marine industry Event to make country leading destination for boat firms

DOHA: The first Qatar International Boat Show (QIBS) 2013 is set to be launched in winter promising to uplift the luxury marine industry in the country. The international event aims to provide an industry networking platform, generating solid oppor- tunities for the promotion of new boats and services and creating a luxury market for affluent Middle Eastern and Asian buyers. QIBS 2013 will showcase a promising display of yachts, boats and marine accessories at The Minister of Education and Higher Education H E Mohammed Abdul Wahed Ali Al Hammadi touring the facilities the Lusail Marina located within at the Spanish SEK International School in West Bay, after he opened it yesterday. Spanish Ambassador Carmen Lusail City between November de la Pena is also seen. 12 and 16, officials said at a press conference at the Lusail City Strategic Planning Senior Manager, Lusail Real Estate Development yesterday. Company, Abdulaziz Al Zeyara (third left) and General Manager of Mourjan The event is set to become an Marinas, Wayne Shepherd (left) with other officials at the media briefing ideal marketing and network- yesterday. SALIM MATRAMKOT Education Minister opens Qatar’s ing platform for leading industry players in the boating and mari- time sector in Qatar with around first Spanish school in West Bay 100 international and local exhibi- tors attending, 150 boats on dis- Qatar part of growing leisure play, five global and regional DOHA: The Minister of nationalities. Spanish ambassa- Spanish language in the country. launches and an estimated 15,000 boat market in the Gulf: Experts Education and Higher dor to Qatar Carmen de la Pena Principal of SEK in Doha visitors. Education H E Mohammed expressed her appreciation to Nieves Segovia highlighted the “We have already signed with DOHA: Qatar is fast becoming a key marine player in the region Abdul Wahed Ali Al Hammadi Qatar for making possible the cultural links which united Spain some of the biggest marine and with the industry’s sales of motor yachts and boats increasing who is also Secretary General of opening of the first Spanish inter- with the Arab world. leisure supply companies and dis- over 300 percent in the last five years. the Supreme Education Council national school in the country. The school initially will have tributors who seek to capitalise The country also has 1,600 berths and new water fronts, said (SEC) yesterday opened the “The presence of the SEK in grades from kindergarten to on Qatar’s booming economy and experts addressing a press conference yesterday held to announce Spanish SEK International Qatar is a milestone in the devel- grade 3 (elementary level) and the upcoming marine industry,” the first Qatar International Boat Show (QIBS) 2013. School in West Bay. opment of bilateral relations in 150 students from 27 nation- said Faysal Mikati, Vice President Also greater numbers of high performance and luxury water- The SEC said yesterday that the education field. I am sure that alities, said an SEC statement of Snow Comms – the event’s crafts are being introduced by the Qatari boat dealers and distribu- the first Spanish school in Qatar the SEK International School will yesterday. organiser. tors to cater the demand. was part of efforts to attract become a new place in this city More grades will be added in a “The plan is to put Qatar on the Water sports and activities such as fishing, diving, kite-surfing, more international schools to the to strengthen the relations and phased manner in the next two map in terms of the international wind surfing, padding and jet skiing are all experiencing a similar country and provide more options mutual understanding among years and the school will finally boat show circuits by becoming growth across the country. to students. students of different nationalities be upgraded to the secondary one of the main destinations for According to experts, Qatar is part of the growing leisure boat- After the opening, Al Hammadi and cultures,” said the ambas- level, with a total capacity of 600 regional yacht and boat com- ing market in the Gulf region. The region has one of the largest toured the facilities at the school sador, addressing the inaugural students. panies, as well as international numbers of marina developments in the world and with its residents and listened to a briefing on its ceremony. Teachers and administrative companies involved in leisure being ranked amongst the highest buyers of yachts, accounting for role and mission of promoting She added that SEK Qatar staff from 11 nationalities are and water sports, seeking invest- almost a fifth of the global super yachts market. knowledge and cultural exchange will also become a focal point for employed by the school. ment opportunities in the GCC “Recent studies on salaries of senior management executives, between students from different the teaching and promotion of THE PENINSULA markets, estimated at around who are key customers for yachts and luxury boats, have revealed QR750m,” he added. that disposable income of managers in the GCC is the highest in QIBS will host a variety of the world with all Gulf countries dominating the top six rankings,” motorboats, cruisers, yachts, fish- said Faysal Mikati, Vice President of Snow Comms – the QIBS’s ing boats, speedboats, recreational organiser. THE PENINSULA family boats up to 30m in size, and leisure marine products. Dedicated areas will also be Development Company, Abdulaziz Lusail Marina is a flagship available, offering information Al Zeyara, said: ‘’Lusail Marina yachting destination and the pre- and advice on boat servicing, aims to become the number one mier marina facility in the Middle insurance, accessories, water destination for the yachting cir- East located along the coast just sports, navigation equipment, cuit in Qatar and Lusail City is north of Doha in the Lusail City engines, fixtures and fittings as proud to be hosting the first edi- development. It features 93 mod- well as fishing products. tion of the Qatar International ern floating berths that can host Strategic Planning Senior Boat Show as we are confident it yachts of 10m to 40m in length. Manager, Lusail Real Estate will be a huge success.’’ THE PENINSULA

Ministry accepts applications for pvt sector jobs

DOHA: The Ministry of applications for social securities specially those that were under Labour and Social Affairs has and the allowances for housing the Ministry of Social Affairs started receiving job applica- and senior citizens to the cus- before the merger. tions from Qatari citizens seek- tomer care centre in the pro- The departments include those ing employment in the private posed restructure of the ministry. of housing, social security, family sector. The existing customer care development, senior citizens, IT The ministry has shifted to centre of the ministry at Barzan and planning. its new headquarters to the City Tower has stopped receiving any The remaining departments Tower recently. applications. will be shifted soon to the new The ministry has also decided Six departments have been headquarters. to shift the section that receives shifted so far to the new premises THE PENINSULA MONDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 Qatar Airways ties up with British Airways for frequent flyer programme Doha set to host DOHA: Qatar Airways yes- Executive Club members are exclusive privileges and bene- redeem their Qmiles for award network,” continued Al Baker. annual District terday announced to have now able to earn miles, and fits designed to make travelling tickets, excess baggage or mer- “Passengers of both airlines established an immediate can begin redeeming them as even more rewarding. chandise through Qatar Duty traveling to and from the UK, partnership with British of October 1 on each other’s “The benefit partnering with Free or Oryx Galleria in Doha. Africa, Australia and Asia now Cooling Summit Airways between the airlines’ flights. British Airways brings to our “This Frequent Flyer have more flexibility and fre- frequent flyer programmes, Privilege Club is Qatar customers is the added oppor- Programme partnership also quency when they route trip DOHA: Leading experts and said a statement issued by the Airways’ way of saying thank tunity to earn Qmiles,” said gives British Airways custom- through Doha as Qatar Airways technology providers from national carrier. you to its customers for choos- Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways ers an opportunity to attain flies five flights daily to London across the region are set to get Qatar Airways Privilege Club ing to fly with the airline. Chief Executive Officer. credit for destinations through- Heathrow Airport.” together at the upcoming ‘5th members and British Airways Members enjoy a range of Privilege Club members may out the entire Qatar Airways THE PENINSULA Annual Middle East District Cooling Summit’ to discuss the latest ‘District Cooling’ tech- nologies and solutions aiming to ensure more economical and energy efficient infrastructure development. The three-day conference Six to receive WISE awards this year will be held here at the Grand Hyatt Hotel from November 26 to 28, said a statement issued by Over 500 vie for prestigious award; annual summit to be held in Doha from October 29 to 31 Fleming Gulf, organiser of the event. DOHA: The World Innovation Maoris and iThraYouth Initiative The annual event will also have Summit for Education (WISE) in Eastern Province, Saudi a parallel three-day exhibition has announced six winners of Arabia, for innovative and hands which will feature the latest tech- the 2013 WISE Awards. The on education on science, technol- nology offerings in the market winning projects were cho- ogy, engineering and mathemat- from some of the world’s leading sen for their tangible, posi- ics to young people. providers of products and services tive impact upon society and Medersat received the special in the District Cooling sector. their innovative approach to mention for ‘access to educa- Among the key topics and solving important educational tion.’ This emphasis reflects the products to be discussed and challenges. support of Qatar Foundation showcased at the conference, Originating from Morocco, Chairperson H H Sheikha Moza workshop and exhibition are: United Kingdom, Ireland, bint Nasser for United Nations Government regulations with Canada, New Zealand and Saudi Millennium Development Goal DC based approaches in GCC Arabia, the winning initiatives (MDG) 2 on achieving universal countries; Energy conservation were selected by a Jury of lead- primary education. through employment of District ing education experts following a A Jury composed of leaders Cooling; Integration of Green pre-selection of 14 WISE Awards from the education world, chaired Building solutions for efficient finalists. by H E Dr Sheikh Abdulla bin District Cooling; Is tri-genera- The awards have been given Ali Al Thani, Chairman of WISE, tion an answer to DC in Qatar?; to Medersat in Casablanca, selected the winning projects Alternative water sources for effi- Morocco for promoting quality from a short list of 14 finalists. cient District Cooling; and Project preschool and elementary edu- In total, WISE received more Finance for District Cooling. cation in rural areas, PEAS in than 500 applications for these The keynote addresses at London, United Kingdom, for prestigious Awards. the event are to be delivered by promoting equality in African Dr Al Thani said: “The WISE Dr Loay bin Ahmad Sa‘ad Al schools, ALISON, Advance Awards Jury has identified six Musallam, CEO, National Water Learning Information Systems diverse projects from around Company from Saudi Arabia; Online in Ireland for providing the world that represent inspir- Ahmad M bin Shafar, CEO, high quality free education and ing models for all who seek to EMPOWER from the UAE; and work place skills online to anyone overcome obstacles to education. Medersat which promotes quality preschool and elementary education in poor rural areas in Morocco, Senegal, Dr Mishan Al Otaibi, Assistant via interactive, self placed mul- For five years the WISE Awards Congo, Brazzaville and Mali, is one of the WISE winners this year. Undersecretary of Planning and timedia, Pathways to Education; have been building a community Training Ministry of Electricity Toronto, Canada for helping of education pioneers from across and Water, State of Kuwait. underprivileged students gradu- the educational spectrum, includ- Awards winners will join their fifth annual WISE Summit, Since 2009 the WISE Awards In addition, a distinguished ate from high school and access ing non-governmental organisa- peers to inspire positive change which will take place from have helped to disseminate some panel of speakers from Qatar, the post secondary education, Te tions, academia and both the in education.” October 29 to 31 at the Qatar of the most effective practices in UAE, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Kotahitanga in Hamilton, New public and private sectors, who The six 2013 WISE Awards National Convention Center addressing urgent global chal- will be joined by expert resource Zealand, for improving edu- are having a growing and sus- winning projects and the other under the theme “Reinventing lenges in education. persons from the USA, the UK cational opportunities for the tainable impact. The 2013 WISE finalists will participate in the Education for Life”. THE PENINSULA and Germany. THE PENINSULA MONDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2013 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST British firms Turkey bolsters supplied chemicals to its defences Assad: Report

LONDON: British compa- nies sold poisonous chemicals on Syria border to the Bashar Al Assad-led Syrian government that could have been used in the alleged chemical weapons attack in Additional troops deployed Damascus, killing around 1,400 people, the Daily Mail reported HATAY: Turkey has bolstered Turkish daily Hurriyet also yesterday. its defences and deployed addi- reported yesterday that several During the period of July 2004- tional troops on its southeast- Turkish fighter jets took off for a May 2010, the British govern- ern Syrian border in recent patrol flight from a southeastern ment had issued five licences to days as the United States tries air base near the Syrian border two companies that allowed them to build international support due to ‘increased activity’ in the to sell to Syria sodium fluoride, for a military strike on Syria. area. a chemical used to make sarin, The reason for the additional State news agency Anatolian the report said. The British gov- security measures were not reported on its website (www. ernment on Saturday admitted clear but Prime Minister Recep aa.com.tr) that similar deploy- that the chemical was delivered Tayyip Erdogan has repeatedly ments including tanks further to Syria, it added. said Turkey was ready to take east along the border in the Kilis In a clear breach of interna- part in any international coali- and Gaziantep provinces. An undated image shows German navy electronic surveillance vessel ‘Oker’. Army commanders loyal to Syrian tional protocol on the trade of tion against Syria. Turkey has already been bol- President Bashar Al Assad urged for chemical weapons to be used on rebels, a German newspaper reported dangerous substances, the British Ankara has been one of the big- stering security along the 900km yesterday. The commanders had been requesting permission for more than four months to use chemical weapons, firms delivered sodium fluoride to gest critics of President Bashar Al frontier over the past year as the the Bild am Sonntag reported, quoting a German naval intelligence unit. The radio traffic of the commanders was a Syrian cosmetics company. Assad’s government and is openly civil war in its southern neighbour intercepted by the Oker, a naval intelligence boat stationed off the coast of Syria, the report said. According to intelligence supporting the rebels fighting to has spilled onto its own soil. It said experts, Assad’s government uses overthrow the Syrian leader. late last month that it had already such companies to divert chemi- Asked yesterday what Turkey’s sent aid workers trained to identify cals into its weapons programme, role would be in a potential coa- and decontaminate chemical weap- the newspaper said. lition against Syria, Erdogan ons victims to the Syrian border Assad denies ordering gas attack “These are very disturbing rev- said: “Whether it would be as in preparation for another possible elations uncovered by the Daily an opposing force or supplying poison gas attack. WASHINGTON: Syrian Washington says killed some 1,400 and they should not get involved Mail regarding the provision of forces to provide logistical sup- Turkey is sheltering more than President Bashar Al Assad has people including about 400 chil- and that they should commu- sodium fluoride to Syria. At no port, all this would be determined a quarter of the 2 million Syrians denied he was behind a chemi- dren. Graphic videos released on nicate to their Congress and to time should we have allowed by circumstances.” who have fled the fighting since cal attack last month and called Saturday showed dozens of peo- their leadership in Washington President Assad’s regime to get The US Congress is due to March 2011. on lawmakers to reject planned ple, including children, writhing not to authorise a strike.” its hands on this substance,” the debate this week whether to US military strikes warning of on the ground with convulsions, Assad further “suggested that Daily Mail quoted British MP authorise the use of force after ISRAEL TO BE NOTIFIED possible retaliation, CBS televi- some apparently foaming at the there would be, among people Thomas Docherty, also a mem- US President Barack Obama Meanwhile, the United States sion said yesterday. mouth and vomiting as rescuers that are aligned with him, some ber of the Commons Arms Export proposed limited strikes on Syria would notify Israel hours in “He denied that he had any- sought to help them. kind of retaliation if a strike was Controls Committee, as saying. with the aim of punishing Assad’s advance of an attack on Syria, an thing to do with the attack,” CBS But Assad challenged the made,” Rose said. “Previously we thought that government for what Washington Israeli official said. Asked how veteran correspondent Charlie US administration of President Congress is due to begin full while export licences had been says was the use of chemical much advance notice Israel would Rose said, after earlier interview- Barack Obama to provide the evi- debate this week on whether to granted, no chemicals were actu- weapons on Syrian civilians. get from its U.S. ally about such ing Assad in Damascus. dence as it seeks to build domestic approve Obama’s plans for limited ally delivered. Now we know that Automated firing units using attacks, an Israeli official briefed “He denied that he knew there and international support for mil- military strikes on Syria when it in the build-up to the Syrian civil Stinger missiles for very short on contacts with Washington said: was a chemical attack, notwith- itary strikes against the Syrian returns from its summer break war, British companies — with range air defences have been set “Hours.” standing what has been said and regime for breaking international today. But there is a deep scepti- the backing of our government up on top of a high hill in Turkey Israel plans to deploy anti-mis- notwithstanding the videotape. He conventions with its alleged use of cism among a war-weary American — were supplying this potentially overlooking the Mediterranean sile systems and troop reinforce- said there’s not enough evidence to chemical weapons. public over a new American military lethal substance,” Docherty said. right on the Syrian border town ments on its Syrian and Lebanese make a conclusive judgement. “He said that he did not nec- engagement in the Middle East. “While the last export licence of Yayladagi in Hatay province. fronts if Obama green-lights “The most important thing, as essarily know whether there was Assad had also appeared con- was issued in May 2010, these The defence system’s radar was strikes against Syria. Reuters he says, is that ‘there’s no evi- going to be a military strike. He cerned that any military strike licences are obtained prior to active, witnesses said. television filmed what looked like dence that I used chemical weap- said that they were obviously could help tip the balance in manufacture and the industry Convoys of military vehicles an Iron Dome missile interceptor ons against my own people’,” Rose as prepared as they could be for favour of the opposition, speak- standard is for four to five months have moved between bases near battery being positioned on the said. Assad’s rare interview with a strike,” Rose added, citing his ing about “the lessons that he to pass before the chemicals are the southeastern border over the outskirts of Jerusalem yesterday. an American network is to be interview with Assad. The Syrian learned from his father, that war delivered. past week, carrying equipment An Israeli military magazine, aired on CBS today. leader also “had a message to the was ruthless”, Rose added. “So, we are looking at late 2010 and military personnel. Neither Bamahane, said a month ago there The United States has led the American people that it had not The veteran correspondent for the British supplies of sodium the Turkish military nor the were six such batteries deployed charge that Assad ordered a sus- been a good experience for them added it was clear that Damascus fluoride reaching Syria. The gov- Ministry of Defence were avail- around the country and occasion- pected chemical attack against to get involved in the Middle East is closely watching the intense ernment has some very serious able to comment on the additional ally rotated geographically. the residents of a Damascus in wars and conflicts,” Rose said. debate in the United States. questions to answer,” the MP said. measures. REUTERS suburb on August 21, which “The results had not been good AFP IANS

Thousands rally, Strike ‘illegal’ under UN charter: Iran FM calling for Tunisian BAGHDAD: Iran’s foreign minister table long, long, long time ago.” Zarif made government to go slammed potential US-led air strikes against the remarks during a one-day trip to Iraq, his Syria as “illegal” on a visit to Baghdad yes- first since being appointed foreign minister by BARDO: Thousands of terday, while his Iraqi counterpart warned President Hassan Rowhani in mid-August, and Tunisians took to the streets of they would hinder efforts towards a politi- after meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Bardo, near the capital Tunis, cal solution. Al Maliki earlier yesterday. late on Saturday, calling for the Mohammad Javed Zarif said military action Zebari, meanwhile, warned that any strikes government led by the moder- was barred under the United Nations char- “would hinder political efforts” to help end the ate Islamist Ennahda party to ter, but Washington is pressing for the strikes 30-month war in neighbouring Syria. step down. in response to an alleged chemical weapons And in a rare cross-sectarian show of unity They were marking the end of attack the White House says was carried out on the subject, Iraq’s parliament speaker cau- a 40-day period of mourning after by the regime of Syrian President Bashar Al tioned against military action. “The military the assassination of opposition Assad. strike will not be beneficial towards Syria and leader Mohamed Brahmi, shot “Civilised countries, 65 years ago, took the will ignite a fire that will possibly extend to dead outside his home on July 25. options off the table when they rejected in the Iraq and nearby countries,” Osama Al Nujaifi Protesters gathered at Bab charter of the United Nations resort to force said in a separate news conference in Baghdad. Saadoun, on the outskirts of as an illegal practice,” Zarif said, speaking in Nujaifi’s comments were a rare criticism of Tunis, before marching to Bardo English at a joint press conference with Iraqi the potential strikes by a Sunni Arab leader. square, the scene of regular pro- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javed Zarif (left) with his Iraqi counterpart Hoshyar Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari. “Why (do) Iran, a staunch supporter of the Assad regime, tests after the killing of Brahmi. Zebari in Baghdad yesterday. The United States will ignite a fire across the Middle they (countries supporting a strike) call them- actively opposes plans by the US and France Demonstrators carrying por- East if it attacks Syria, Zarif said on a visit to Iraq, warning Western powers against selves civilised nations and continue to insist to launch a military strike against Damascus traits of Brahmi chanted slo- warmongering. on all options being on the table?” he said. over its suspected use of chemical weapons in gans paying tribute to him and “All options have been removed from the deadly attacks on August 21. AFP denouncing the government. The authorities have blamed Brahmi’s killing, and the murder in February of another opposition figure, Chokri Belaid, on Salafist militants. But many opposition supporters blame the government Sudan woman risks flogging to protest ‘Taliban’-like law for having failed to crack down on Islamist extremists in the wake of KHARTOUM: A Sudanese woman says maintain “public order”. “This public order “There are many (who) wear it because restaurant were flogged. A professional Belaid’s killing. she is prepared to be flogged to defend law changed Sudanese women from victims they are afraid, not because they want to worker who asked to be identified only Some members of Brahmi’s the right to leave her hair uncovered in to criminals,” says Hamed, a divorced com- wear it,” she said, speaking at her family’s as Rania said she was detained but not family have accused Ennahda defiance of a “Taliban”-like law. puter engineer who runs her own company. home and dressed in blue jeans which could charged, once for leaving her hair uncov- itself of being behind his assas- Amira Osman Hamed faces a possible “This law is targeting the dignity of get her into trouble if she went outside. ered and a second time for wearing trou- sination, a charge the party has whipping if convicted at a trial which could Sudanese people.” Hamed said she was Hamed was charged in 2002 for wear- sers. “Why women in Sudan cannot have repeatedly denied. come on September 19. Under Sudanese visiting a government office in Jebel Aulia, ing trousers but a lawyer helped her get the right to decide what to wear, if they Members of Brahmi’s family law her hair — and that of all women — is just outside Khartoum, on August 27 when off with only a fine, rather than a flogging. want to cover or not?” Rania asked. and a number of friends of Belaid supposed to be covered with a hijab. But a policeman aggressively told her to cover Most women do not have the benefit She and Hamed say application of the law marched at the head of the rally. Hamed, 35, refuses to wear one. her head. “He said, ‘You are not Sudanese. of legal assistance and are too ashamed is uneven, because at high-end restaurants Brahmi’s widow had made it Her case has drawn support from civil What is your religion?’” to tell their families about their arrest women can leave their hair exposed without clear that government represent- rights activists and is the latest to highlight “I’m Sudanese. I’m Muslim, and I’m not under the morality law, leaving them at risk of arrest. Sudan’s national police spokes- atives would not be welcome at Sudan’s series of laws governing morality going to cover my head,” Hamed replied. the mercy of the court and vulnerable man could not be reached for comment. any of the ceremonies in memory which took effect after the 1989 Islamist- Her dark hair, tinged golden, is braided to sexual harassment by police, she says. Asked about the activists’ concerns, of her husband. She too called for backed coup by President Omar Hassan Al tight against her scalp with a flare of curls “Daily, Sudanese women are flogged in the Rabbie Abdelatti Ebaid, a senior official the government to go. Bashir. “They want us to be like Taliban at the back. Hamed said she was detained court under this law.” from the governing National Congress Party, The National Salvation Front, women,” Hamed said in an interview, refer- for a few hours, charged, and then bailed. In 2009, the case of journalist Lubna said President Bashir is seeking views from an umbrella group of opposition ring to the fundamentalist militant move- At her first court appearance on Ahmed Al Hussein led to a global outcry a wide spectrum of society on a new draft parties that has led the cam- ment in Afghanistan. September 1, when the case was delayed and spotlighted women’s rights in Sudan. constitution for Sudan. The constitution, paign against the government She is charged under Article 152 which until later this month, about 100 women Hussein was fined for wearing slacks in pub- from which laws derive, will be designed to since Brahmi’s murder, promised prohibits “indecent” clothing. Activists say and some men gathered to support her. lic but she refused to pay. She spent one day take into consideration the will, culture and to keep up the pressure on the the vaguely worded law leaves women sub- Many of the protesting women had their behind bars until the Sudanese Journalists’ customs of the people while “respecting the government. ject to police harassment and dispropor- heads uncovered, as did Hamed who says Union paid the fine on her behalf. human being”, he said. Hamed hopes the laws AFP tionately targets the poor in an effort to she has “never, ever” worn a hijab. Others rounded up with her in a will change. AFP MONDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2013 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07

Fuel shortage in Gaza Strip Brotherhood Egyptian army head faces new murder case, presses air says judiciary

CAIRO: Egypt’s state prosecu- tor said yesterday that Muslim strikes in Sinai Brotherhood supreme guide Mohamed Badie would stand trial in a second case over clashes in which several dem- Jihadists claim Cairo bomb attack onstrators were killed, judicial sources said. CAIRO: Egyptian military The group blamed Ibrahim Fourteen people, includ- helicopters hit militants in and army chief Abdel Fattah Al ing several top figures in Sinai yesterday as an Al Qaeda Sisi for the killings of hundreds the Brotherhood, the group inspired group in the peninsula of Islamist supporters of Mursi, from which ousted president claimed credit for a bombing overthrown by the military in a Mohammed Mursi hails, will that targeted the interior min- popularly backed coup on July 3. stand trial along with Badie at a ister last week. “We call on all Muslims in Egypt date that has yet to be decided, The Ansar Beit Al Maqdis to stay away from all military and the sources added. group said in a statement that interior ministry installations to They are to be prosecuted one of its suicide bombers was preserve their lives,” it added. in connection with the deaths behind Thursday’s blast in Cairo If proven, the group’s claim of seven people on July 16 on targeting the convoy of interior would show it has the reach to Palestinian boys are reflected in a mirror as they wait with their father to fill their motorcycle rickshaw with the sidelines of a demonstra- minister Mohamed Ibrahim, who strike in Egypt’s capital and fuel at a station in the northern Gaza Strip yesterday. Gaza Strip is experiencing a shortage in fuel smuggled tion in Cairo calling for Morsi’s survived the attack. Its statement, elsewhere in the country even as via tunnels dug beneath the Gaza-Egypt border as Egyptian security forces have stepped up a crackdown reinstatement. posted on jihadist forums, came as the military engages it and other campaign on the tunnels since last July, Among those to be tried with military helicopters launched air jihadist groups in Sinai. him are senior Brotherhood strikes for a second day on sus- Militants in Sinai had limited member Mohammed Al Beltagui, pected militant hideouts in north their attacks to the peninsula Essam Al Erian, deputy head of Sinai, witnesses said. and neighbouring Israel, bomb- Daughter of Libya its political wing the Freedom and The military has poured troops ing tourist resorts in south Sinai Sudan bombs buffer zone Justice Party, firebrand preacher and armour into Sinai to quell an between 2004 and 2006, and Safwat Hegazy and Mursi’s sup- insurgency that surged after the had never before claimed credit ex-spy chief freed plies minister Bassem Ouda. army overthrew Islamist presi- for attacks elsewhere in Egypt. position near Juba, kills 2 Badie’s first trial, on allegations dent Mohammed Mursi on July 3. Militants have launched almost TRIPOLI: The daughter of of having incited the murder of The army described the operation daily attacks on the security JUBA: The Sudanese Armed earlier positions in North Jau to Libya’s ex-spy chief Abdullah anti-Mursi protesters, is due to as “the largest military operation forces since the military over- Forces on Saturday killed two comply with a border security Senussi, who was reportedly resume on October 29. to purge Sinai of terrorism”. threw Mursi. people when they bombed a mechanism agreed on at peace kidnapped last week, has been Along with his two deputies, The military has so far killed Deadly violence had surged in South Sudanese army position talks in September 2012. freed, a member of her tribe who are also in jail, he is also “nine terrorists” and destroyed the peninsula after former presi- close to the town of Jau, which The mechanism provides for said yesterday. accused of involvement in the militant hideouts and weapons dent Hosni Mubarak was top- lies in a buffer zone along the a distance of 20km maintained Senussi was intelligence chief deaths of protesters who stormed depots, said army spokesman pled in a popular uprising in 2011, common border, South Sudan’s between Sudanese and South for Libya’s long-time dicta- and torched the Brotherhood Colonel Ahmed Aly in a state- creating a security vacuum. For army said. Sudanese forces along the bor- tor Muammar Gaddafi, and his headquarters on June 30 as mil- ment on Facebook. years Sinai has defied the central “The SAF carried out the bomb- der. Chuol said the attack was a daughter Unud had completed a lions took to the streets demand- It was not immediately possible government’s authority, with its ing with MiG-29 fighter jets. They “provocation”. 10-month jail term when she was ing Mursi’s resignation. to authenticate the statement by Bedouin population complaining dropped two bombs on our defen- “If they continue it is up to us snatched on Monday. Since Mursi’s overthrow by the Ansar Beit Al Maqdis — Partisans of poverty and discrimination. sive position in Jau yesterday,” said to decide” whether to retaliate,” Unud Senussi “was freed yes- army on July 3 and his detention, of Jerusalem in English — which The surge in militant attacks James Kong Chuol, a major gen- he said, adding he had instructed terday (Saturday) evening and is more than 2,000 members of the was accompanied by what there and elsewhere around the eral commanding a division of the his men to be on high alert. currently safe with members of her Brotherhood have been arrested. appeared to be still images of the country has raised fears of a Sudan People’s Liberation Army Jau, in Unity state’s Pariang family in Brak Al Shati” in south- The military-backed interim bombing that targeted Ibrahim. revival of the Islamist insurgency close to the border. County, has been bombed by the ern Libya, Abdelkader Belgacem, government also launched a “God has allowed your brothers that plagued Egypt in the 1990s. “An SPLA soldier and his wife SAF before, notably in February a member of the Magerha tribe, to bloody crackdown on pro-Mursi in Ansar Beit Al Maqdis to shat- On Tuesday, the military staged lost their lives. Six other people and July of this year. The latest which she belongs, said. protest camps in August, killing ter the security organisation of the intense strikes in the Sinai which including a four-year-old girl were incident comes just days after an “Unud is due to spend some at least 1,000 people in one week, murderer Mohammed Ibrahim a security source described as the injured,” Chuol said yesterday. apparently harmonious conclu- time in the south before going to mostly backers of the toppled through a martyrdom operation,” “biggest aerial assault of its kind” Chuol said SPLA’s foremost sion to a one-day summit between Egypt to join her mother and sis- Islamist president but also dozens the group said in the statement, in the peninsula. positions are now in South Jau. the two former civil war foes. ter,” Belgacem added. of policemen. pledging further attacks. AFP They pulled back 10km from AFP AFP AFP MONDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2013 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF KHALID AL SAYED [email protected]

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR HUSSAIN AHMAD [email protected]

EDITORIAL TEL: 44557741 / 44557743 FAX: 44557746 / 44557758 P. O. BOX: 3488, DOHA, QATAR E-MAIL: [email protected]

ADVERTISING: TEL: 44557837 / 780 FAX: 44557870 CLASSIFIED: 44557857 E-MAIL: [email protected]

SUBSCRIPTION / HOME DELIVERY TEL: 44557809 /839 FAX: 44557819 E-MAIL: [email protected] SUBSCRIPTION RATES: ANNUAL QR 675 6 MONTHS QR 340 Editorial

Abe’s victory Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

APANESE are partying. And for the right reason. Tokyo was selected as host of the 2020 Summer Olympics on Saturday, setting off a celebration in a nation fighting Joff two decades of deflation and still recovering from a A weak strike on Syria nuclear disaster. The Japanese capital easily beat out and Madrid in an International Olympic Committee vote. After two rounds of voting at a hotel ballroom in , IOC President Jacques Rogue walked to the stage and is better than none opened a white envelope, and said: Tokyo. Television images showed Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and other BY FREDERICK W KAGAN The Washington debate is parsing convey to a Free Syrian Army fighter officials erupting into a spasm of joy, which was matched by this issue too finely. At the end of the that the United States really is on his celebrations across Japan. The victory in the Olympics vote HE idea is gaining ground in some day, Syrians are going to see one of two side when almost all of the amendments is another feather in the cap for Abe, who is flying high after circles that an excessively limited things: Either nothing will occur, and to the use-of-force resolution involve Tstrike against Bashar al-Assad’s they will be left to fight Assad’s bru- limiting the strike, ruling out ground an enormous success in lifting his country out of economic chemical weapons program would tality on their own, or US missiles will forces, and demanding that the presi- gloom. The 2020 Olympics now will give a tremendous boost undermine US credibility and interests explode on military facilities and units dent identify offsetting spending cuts in to the country. First, it will boost confidence in a country more than would a decision not to strike. flying Assad’s flag. Some may be disap- the defense budget or elsewhere — and which is suffering on multiple fronts – due to the Fukushima On its face, this argument is appealing: pointed that larger plumes of smoke are then the bill is still defeated? nuclear disaster, and a population which is both shrinking and After all the buildup and expressions not rising from more Assad facilities, but Internationalists making the case for of moral indignation, supporters of among Syrian rebels there would be no a stronger response will be more than graying, and its younger generation growing more pessimistic intervention would, of course, feel let doubt that the United States had taken matched by isolationists delighting in and withdrawn. Secondly, economically it will be a win-win down by a weak attack. Assad and his their side and hurt their enemy. having kept the United States out of situation, with huge projects likely to be lined up for the event, Russian and Iranian backers would no And that logic would hold true for “someone else’s war.” In fact, the iso- and markets reaping the benfits. doubt declare that they have once again Syrians even if US officials then said, lationist narrative is rapidly becoming To win its case in the vote, Tokyo projected itself as the defeated the great superpower. And the no, Washington hasn’t taken their side. dominant. To Syrian fighters, the mes- safer choice amid turmoil in media may fill with questions about the Rhetoric may be real in Washington, but sage will be unambiguous. United States’ strength and determina- smoke and debris tell their own story on A better option, of course, would be the Middle East and runaway tion. But even a weak strike is more in the ground. a robust strike coupled with meaning- unemployment in parts of Europe. line with U.S. interests than a refusal to The situation has taken on this cast ful support to the Free Syrian Army. Tokyo winning It also had previous experience of strike or, worse, largely because of the nature of the U.S. The Obama administration makes a the vote to host hosting international events before. congressional debate. If President Barack Obama had bad mistake by defining both the strike It was the venue of Olympics action blocking not declared the use of chemical weapons and its justification exclusively in terms 2020 summer in 1964 and the World Cup — any attack. Not a “red line,” if he had not said that he of punishing Assad for using chemical just US credibility intended to punish Assad by using force weapons and denying that it intends for Olympics is co-hosted with South Korea — in At this point, either action or but also the will of and if Congress were not now consider- the strike to alter the balance of power another feather 2002. the Syrian opposi- ing a resolution to authorise the presi- in Syria. The United States has impor- That Tokyo won the vote by inaction will affect tion is at stake. dent to use force, then an argument for tant national interests in weakening in the cap of Especially building a more robust domestic and Iran’s most important ally in the Levant, a huge margin of 60-36 against the balance. Istanbul, after Madrid was after this lengthy international coalition before launching ensuring that Lebanese Hezbollah’s first Prime Minister buildup and pub- a more meaningful strike would have invasion of another country fails and eliminated in the first round, Even weak action Shinzo Abe. lic debate, Syrian some validity. But that series of events showing Iran that even the deployment shows the confidence in Tokyo would keep hope rebels and their and the delays in promised U.S. aid have of Revolution Guard training teams can- and Abe’s leadership. For Turkey, alive among supporters would already caused the opposition to seri- not save Tehran’s proxies. it was a bitter defeat. Istanbul, the opposition. view a U.S. failure ously question whether the United States At this point, either action or inac- the country’s largest city, was pursuing the Olympics for the to act as aban- supports them. tion will affect the balance. Even weak fifth consecutive time and has never hosted an international Inaction would donment of their Rumours are circulating in Syria that action would keep hope alive among the probably convince cause. In particu- the United States has cut some kind of opposition. Inaction would probably con- sporting event of such magnitude —World Cups and Olympics. lar, the moderate deal with Assad and secretly wants him vince them that they’re on their own. Organizers hoped to bring the Games to a Muslim-majority them that they’re Syrian opposi- to win. From the perspective of a fighter This wouldn’t be the first time that a nation for the first time. Perhaps Turkey’s chances were on their own. tion, which relies in Damascus, there is logic to that think- US administration has disappointed sabotaged by the current turmoil in Syria. With the Syrian on support from ing: Obama has said that he wants Assad allies with inadequate support or weak crisis continuing unabated, with unknown consequences for the United States to go and that he would use force if Assad strikes. Although it has generally been the neighbouring countries, some OIC members might have and its allies, would be devastated. These used chemical weapons. Congress has possible, over time, to recover from people are the majority of the opposition. been pushing for more aid to the opposi- such disappointments by increasing thought it prudent to spurn Istanbul. Tokyo also argued The Al Qaida franchises that have no tion. Assad crossed the red line, Obama support and other demonstrations of its case convincingly. In their pitch to IOC voters, Tokyo’s expectation of US aid and other terror- punted to Congress . . . and Congress commitment, overcoming the sense of organizers touted their city’s modern infrastructure and ists are estimated to comprise 15 percent refuses authorisation to attack. How abandonment likely to be instilled by transportation system, as well as its low crime rate. Their only to 20 percent of Syria’s opposition fight- is a rebel leader to make sense of that inaction at this point might be impos- worry was the fear caused by the Fukushima nuclear leaks. ers. So at this moment, inaction is likely sequence of events? “Congress voted to sible. The president created this sour to strengthen Assad, Iran, Hezbollah and stop the president from attacking Assad choice between an inadequate strike and But 2020 is many years away and the Fukushima concerns Al Qaida — and weaken the lone group because it wanted to hit Assad harder, no strike. It is a choice between a bad are highly unlikely to persist until then, with the government whose interests coincide with America’s even though it doesn’t really think the option and a less bad option. already pursuing remedial measures • at all. president will do so?” How does one WP-BLOOMBERG Letters Quote of Qatar’s urban planning concerns the day ith reference to article, building glass towers. Overall defi- plots located within the crowded areas city. Doha should not be focused on ‘Municipalities set to ciency in urban foresight will not be in Doha are still being built-upon(e.g. just building up infrastructure to sup- decide building colours’, able to manage the increasing volume Najma, Mansoora, Muntazah). port a world cup. This hasty, spur-of- Was a resident of Qatar of traffic in the coming years. Vehicle Common sense says that such empty the-moment approach to get things Each time a round and an architect by profession I have parking is already an intrinsic problem. plots should be utilized for enabling accomplished is not going to benefit of negotiations is to say that the logic behind Qatar’s Construction managers have blindly vehicle parking and also providing the country or its residents in anyway. current urban planning highlights prepared road construction plans breathing spaces, green parks and Lessons should be learnt from supposed to start, serious concerns. If scrutinised, current without taking into account efficient breakpoints for pedestrians. All future case-studying city plans of cities like it’s preceded by progress in urban infrastructure and diversions for current and future traffic developments must be moved to the Dubai & Abu Dhabi. The engineering architecture seems to be frail in terms volumes. In the coming years, the roads outer parts of Doha so that volumes arena should convince the elite that the a declaration of of character and functional approach. in Doha are going to be inevitably jam- of settlements are distributed evenly future of Doha desperately lies in logical continued or new Is the idea of developing an ‘instant city’ packed with vehicles and residents will through the country. Creation of multi- design for the benefit of the residents, going to be a harmful one? be frustrated with road blocks due to ple ‘Doha-like’ satellite townships with controlled urban growth, efficient use settlements (by In this part of the world, where inefficient road planning. highway access should be the primary of per-capita income, value-engineer- Israel) and this is a H E Dr Khalid bin methods of keeping the heat out and I’m forced to question the feasibil- aim rather than building dense infra- ing and acceptance of one’s cultural source of concern preventing its transfer are required, ity of the current Master Plan devised structure and buildings in and around setting. Mohamed Al Attiyah architects instead celebrate with for Doha, as the few remaining empty the already congested parts of the Romi Sebastian, Doha-Qatar for us. Qatari Foreign Minister MONDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2013 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 Americans not keen to police the world The desire of foreign policy elite to continue to demand that the US remain the indispensable nation and global policeman has come face to face with a public tired of war and foreign policy failure.

MICHAEL COHEN Yet, while Obama will speak to to want to stick their neck out the American people and make for a military strike that has little fter 12 years of his case for military intervention public support. endless war; after in a nationally televised address Beyond the political games- Afghanistan, after on Tuesday, few political observ- manship, opposition is due to the Iraq, after Libya, ers believe he will win the day, fuzziness of the White House’s after the drones in though one cannot discount the strategic plan. While norm APakistan, Yemen and Somalia, the possibility. enforcement and deterring future American people have had enough. It is an extraordinary turn of chemical attacks can be a justifi- There is perhaps no better expla- events, one that goes so strongly able rationale, the idea that the nation for the rather remark- against the currents of recent his- US would engage Syria over one able situation unfolding now in tory that it may come to repre- category of weapons while doing Washington. President Obama sent a sea change, not just in how nothing to stop the civil war that has gone to the US Congress to the US employs military force in has taken more than 100,000 lives ask for a military authorisation the future but in the very con- seems illogical to many. for the use of force against Syria struct of US foreign policy. No The lack of strategic objectives, after its international-norm- longer it appears Americans or a vital US interest or a fall- breaking use of chemical weapons and Congress are willing to give back plan if Assad is not deterred against its own people. the commander-in-chief a vir- from continuing to gas his people, Protesters march to urge Congress to vote against a limited military strike on Syria, in Los Angeles, California, Such requests are something of tual blank cheque. Why is this is raising doubts about the effi- yesterday. a pro forma exercise for US presi- happening? cacy of intervention. And truth be dents. When the commander-in- Part of the reason is poli- told: The White House has done Damascus. They misread the pub- in a political no man’s land. been quagmire after quagmire, chief wants to go to war, Congress tics. Republicans, who in recent a dreadful job of making the case lic’s appetite for yet another war Winning a vote in Congress trillions of dollars in costs and is usually happy to comply — if years have rarely met a military for war. and were further blindsided by will mean squandering political tens of thousands of dead and it is asked for permission, which engagement they didn’t enthusi- In August 2012, Obama laid David Cameron’s stunning failure capital and twisting Democratic maimed Americans. is rare). This time, Congress is astically support, would sooner down his red line about the use to manage a parliamentary vote arms – in pursuit of a military Those chickens have come refusing to bite. Whip counts in cut off their right arms than give of chemical weapons on Syria. authorising British involvement strategy that will, by the White home to roost. No matter how the US House of Representatives Obama anything he wants. Yet Everyone assumed this meant in a military strike. House’s admission, do little to defensible the plan for military indicate overwhelming oppo- their opposition to involvement that the US would engage mili- Obama’s decision to go to stop the bloodletting in Syria. action in Syria might be; no mat- sition and not just among the in Syria also reflects a grow- tarily. But in the year since, he Congress for authorisation Lose the vote and risk becoming ter how strong the impulse to president’s political opponents ing division within Republicans, has made no effort to prepare reflected belated recognition of a weakened lame duck three years punish the use of long-banned in the Republican party but also between the party’s neoconserva- the public for that possibility. the emerging political reality before Obama’s second term is up. weapons; no matter how many among Democrats. Public opin- tive national security elite and its There was, from all appear- and, at the time, looked like an Obama could ignore Congress, but assertions of limited engage- ion polls show that a majority of long-dormant isolationist wing. ances, little private consultation inspired political move. But confi- he risks entering into impeach- ment are made, Americans and Americans are strongly against Indeed, the congressional vote with Congress lining up support dence that Congress would obedi- ment territory. their representatives in Congress US involvement in Syria. on Syria may preview a titanic for a possible response and the ently go along with the president’s Yet, for the short-term political appear resistant to buying the What is perhaps most surpris- struggle over the foreign policy administration position on Syria plan — if one wants to be generous fallout, the apparent train wreck war-makers’ tonic — some might ing about this is that the Obama direction of the Republican party. has long oozed with indifference and call it that — was misplaced. on Syria might be the best thing say 10 years is too late. administration is seeking authori- As for Democrats, particularly about US involvement. Faced with growing congressional to happen in US politics in a long The desire of US foreign policy sation for a rather limited use of liberals who opposed the Iraq war But when videos appeared opposition, the administration is time. elite to continue to demand that force. It is proclaiming that there and were ambivalent about the showing hundreds of Syrians taking the low road of fear-mon- Since 9/11, armchair generals the US remain the indispensable will be no US boots on the ground, Afghanistan surge, party loyalty lying dead from an apparent gering that a failure to punish inside and outside government nation and global policeman has no effort at regime change, no may not be enough to get them to chemical attack, the administra- Assad will embolden Iran, put have planned one military engage- come face to face with a public direct engagement in the Syrian go along with the White House’s tion grabbed the biggest ham- Israel in danger or allow chemi- ment after another and confi- tired of war and foreign policy civil war — just a few cruise mis- plans. Unlike Obama, members of mer in the toolbox and started cal weapons to fall into the hands dently predicted success — and failure. And the American peo- siles to uphold a global norm and Congress will be on the ballot in talking about launching cruise of terrorists. then dodged accountability after ple look poised to win this round. teach Bashar Al Assad a lesson. 2014 and few of them are going missiles and dropping bombs on The White House finds itself repeated failures. The result has THE OBSERVER Australia’s new PM faces sternest test German poll will burst

tests to ensure deals are not contrary to the UK Eurosceptic bubble The win could ensure a national interest, a lower hurdle than in some countries. The Nationals are also calling for n spite of frequent warnings by business leaders, a majority of short honeymoon and greater scrutiny of overseas investment in people in Britain want to leave the EU. Even the reluctant admis- farmland following high-profile deals involv- sion by the government of the benefits of Britain’s membership ing Chinese buyers. In response, Abbott has Ihas not changed that much. uncover long-standing committed to lowering the A$248m threshold It seems even the Germans are coming round to British that triggers FIRB scrutiny to around A$15m, Euroscepticism. Over the past two weeks, British Conservatives have fissures within what and will set up a register of foreign agricul- been in a giddy state of excitement after Angela Merkel seemed to back tural land purchases. David Cameron’s calls for a reform of the EU. Following her cautious “What we are worried about in the National thought experiment of “giving back” some powers to national govern- until now has been an party is this: There has never been a pur- ments, the Daily Mail reported that she had apparently “opened a secret chase of agricultural land, or from what we back channel” to the government to help with the renegotiation. After unusually unified bloc. can see an agricultural company, that has been this revelation, the Telegraph added triumphantly, Labour’s attempt rejected by FIRB or the Treasurer on advice,” to discredit Cameron’s campaign for a new relationship with the EU Nationals member Barnaby Joyce said in the “now looks even sillier”. The Times interpreted Merkel’s comments BY ROB TAYLOR lead-up to the election. as proof that a “pan-European agreement” over EU reform is within Any major concessions on investment by reach. Over at Conservative Home, Marc Wallace was cautious, but ustralia’s prime minister-elect risks Abbott would risk stoking Chinese concern welcomed the news “on the principle that any movement in the right becoming a victim of his success fol- about sovereign risk in Australia, in contrast direction is better than nothing”. lowing an emphatic election win that to his promise to be an “Asia first” leader and This is not much more than wishful thinking. As always with the Athreatens to reopen splits within his “open for business” approach. enigmatic chancellor, it’s not clear from her comments in which direc- conservative coalition. Abbott ... tough times ahead Australia’s wealthiest MP, Malcolm tion she moved or if she moved at all. One thing is clear: She will Tony Abbott and the Liberal-National Party Turnbull, is a reminder to Abbott of the sim- not move her country an inch from its place at the heart of the EU. coalition surged to victory on Saturday with a mering liberal-versus-conservative rivalry While it is true that Merkel is not such a passionate proponent of disciplined campaign that painted a contrast including a $4.3bn paid parental leave scheme within his party. The former merchant banker the European project as Konrad Adenauer or Helmut Kohl, she is to the country’s three tumultuous years under underpinned by a levy on 3,000 big companies. and tech entrepreneur was ousted as the far from a Eurosceptic. She might not see the need, as her predeces- the Labour Party, with its revolving-door lead- The differences were briefly bared early in opposition leader by Abbott after supporting sors did, to dress Germany’s national interest in the EU’s existence ership of Kevin Rudd and . the campaign when Liberal backbench MP pro-environment carbon taxes championed by in a heart-felt declaration of European brotherhood. But she will not With preliminary counting complete, elec- Alex Hawke said business leaders, a key con- the ruling Labour party. alter Germany’s course in the European integration process. Anything tion officials projected Abbott’s coalition would servative support base, believed the scheme Abbott prevailed, by one vote. But the mar- else would be political suicide, because in contrast to the British, the win at least 88 seats in the 150-seat parlia- was unaffordable and incompatible with a gin of his victory left commentators wonder- German electorate is pro-EU. A recent opinion poll showed that pro- ment. It could end up with a 30-seat majority. centre-right philosophy on small government ing when the divide would reopen. “They are European sentiment among Germans has increased over the last few But ironically, the win could ensure a short and economic liberalism. Hawke was rapidly all being good at the moment, with the more years. Surprisingly, considering the whole euro crisis, the number of honeymoon and uncover long-standing fis- silenced by Abbott’s senior lieutenants. “From zealous ones biting their tongue on parental people who want a return to the trusty old deutschmark is at an all- sures within what until now has been an unu- time to time you are allowed to make a cap- leave, or wanting to go hard immediately on time low. According to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, which sually unified bloc. tain’s call,” Abbott said in explaining why he labour market reform,” says former Democrats commissioned the survey, the trust in the single currency is the main One of Abbott’s centrepiece promises of a had pushed his plan. “But you can’t do it very leader Cheryl Kernot. “They’ve been quiet to reason why Germany’s Ukip equivalent, the EU-critical Alternative paid parental leave scheme is unpopular with often, because quite soon your colleagues think get him there. But after that, ideology is so für Deutschland (AfD), has performed so badly. At the moment, over business backers and in his party, and there that you’re abusing your position.” zealously held that quite a few of them will two weeks before the general election, polls show that only about 3 are simmering tensions over Chinese farm The centre-right is a sometimes fractious start speaking up,” says Kernot, whose former percent would vote for the party, not enough to make the election buying, labour reform and overseas invest- coalition of rural-based Nationals and city- party held balance of power in the upper house threshold of 5 percent. ment. Economist and former central bank based Liberals, with differing views on regional Senate for a time. According to a survey by the think tank Open Europe, Germans are board member Bob Gregory says Abbott will support in a vast continent of 23 million and That could see Abbott come under pres- getting fed up with propping up their southern neighbours. But when face pressure from restless backbenchers and where eight in 10 live in a handful of cities. sure to revisit labour reforms known as you look at the numbers, the general trust in the EU is apparent: 60 fundamentalist reformers who believe that Divisions exist also between the liberal and WorkChoices, which led to the last conserva- percent of respondents are against a return to the deutschmark and with a big win, Abbott has a mandate and a conservative wings of Abbott’s Liberal Party, tive defeat in 2007 as workers rejected laws 55 percent wish for tighter political integration, as long as this does responsibility to reform. split over the extent of government interven- challenging job entitlements and security. not include direct fiscal transfers. “What it will do is strengthen the right, tion in the $1.5trn economy and welfare and Beyond his party and coalition partners, This difference in the popular sentiment in both countries has a and the right will say, well the economy is social platforms like detention of overseas Abbott is also likely to face challenges from an lot to do with the fact that in Germany, EU membership is linked to not doing it, we’ve got the mandate, and if we asylum seekers. often obstructive upper house Senate where memories of post-war resurgence and Western reintegration, while don’t do it, what are we here for?’ It’s all going One of the early tests Abbott will face is a splintered array of far right and left wing the country’s national narrative is fraught with disaster and genocide. to be harder for him to control having won.” to decide whether to allow a proposed A$3bn parties and independents will seek to exert Britain, on the other hand, has a powerful national culture, while the Shellshocked by the protracted farce of ($2.7bn) takeover of bulk grain handler influence on policies from auto industry sup- EU raises painful notions of imperial decline. Another reason is the Labour’s leadership implosion and nervous GrainCorp by US Archer Daniels Midland. port to agriculture and trade. fact that the EU has a bad press in Britain. of the economy’s retreat from the peaks of a National party lawmakers are opposed to a Former Liberal opposition leader John The recent reports on Merkel’s Eurosceptic stance were heavy on China-led boom, a majority of 15 million vot- foreign takeover of the country’s sole remain- Hewson, for whom Abbott worked as press the agenda and light on accuracy. Her comments were blown up by ers have put their faith in Abbott. But it is ing, locally owned major agribusiness. secretary, believes Abbott can deal with the the British media to lend some much-needed credibility to the Tory unclear how convinced some on his side of The deal is awaiting a ruling from glo- tensions. “He’s had a long time in opposition. attack on the EU. As soon as the last ballot is counted in the German politics are, with rumblings over the fiscal rec- bal regulators, including Australia’s Foreign I think he’s learned an enormous amount, and election in September, she will burst these bubbles. titude of policies that paved Abbott’s victory, Investment Review Board (FIRB), which I think he’s ready.” REUTERS REUTERS MONDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2013 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL Kerry pursues diplomatic offensive on Syria Top US diplomat meets Arab League ministers in Paris

PARIS: US Secretary of State 21, which Washington says killed attacks on Syria, longer than John Kerry continued a dip- some 1,400 people. originally planned. lomatic offensive in Europe “He denied that he had any- War planners now aim to yesterday to win support for thing to do with the attack,” unleash a heavy barrage of missile military action in Syria, as CBS veteran correspondent strikes to be followed swiftly by CBS television reported that Charlie Rose said, speaking after additional attacks on targets that President Bashar Al Assad interviewing Assad in Syria. The may have been missed or remain denied being behind last interview is due to be shown early standing after the initial launch, month’s deadly chemical attack. today in the US. the newspaper cited officials as After talks with Arab League Washington is heading into saying. ministers in Paris, Kerry said a crucial week on Syria, with A US defence official said the they had agreed that the Assad Congress returning from its scale and purpose of the operation regime had crossed a “global red summer break today to consider against Syria has not changed in line” with the alleged attack on President Barack Obama’s plans recent weeks, although US forces August 21. “All of us agree, not for strikes and UN inspectors due would adjust as needed. one dissenter, that Assad’s deplor- to release a report into the alleged “We will continue to review our able use of chemical weapons... chemical weapons attack by the targeting and targeting options crosses an international global weekend. as the Syrian government adapts red line,” Kerry said. A top White House official said over time,” said the official, who Kerry said a number of Arab yesterday the Obama administra- spoke on condition of anonymity. countries were willing to sign a tion is planning “for every contin- Obama is facing an uphill battle statement agreed by 12 countries gency” in case of any fallout from to convince a sceptical Congress of the G20 that called for a reac- US military strikes. — and a war-weary US public — of tion to the alleged attack, and But Chief of Staff Denis the need for action. that they would make announce- McDonough refused to be drawn On Saturday, Kerry and French ments in the next 24 hours. on whether Obama would go Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius “Today we discussed the possi- ahead with strikes if Congress insisted that international sup- ble and necessary measures that refuses to give military action a port for military action was can be taken,” he said. green light. increasing, after the EU issued He said Saudi Arabia — which “We have to obviously be very a statement calling for “strong” US Secretary of State John Kerry with Saudi Foreign Minister Saud Al Faisal (centre) and Palestinian Authority participated in the talks along careful and very targeted and action against Assad’s regime. Foreign Minister Riyad Al Malki, following their meeting at the United States Embassy in Paris, yesterday. with officials from the Arab very limited in our engagement But Iran’s Foreign Minister League and eight other Arab so we do not get dragged into the Mohammad Javed Zarif yester- countries — was among those who middle of this. And then there’s day slammed the potential strikes told journalists during a visit to Palestinian president Mahmud “I do believe very strongly that had signed on. “They have sup- obviously risk of reaction and against Syria as “illegal”, saying Baghdad. “Why (do) they (coun- Abbas yesterday and to meet the world must stand up against ported the strike and they have retaliation against our friends,” such military action was barred tries supporting a strike) call British Foreign Secretary William the use of chemical weapons. The supported taking action,” Kerry McDonough said on CNN’s State under the United Nations charter. themselves civilised nations and Hague this morning. risks of not doing so in my view said. of the Union, as Obama prepares “Civilised countries, 65 years continue to insist on all options Hague yesterday said although are greater than the risks of doing US television network CBS, to address the nation tomorrow. ago, took the options off the table being on the table?” he said. the British parliament had so,” Hague told BBC television. meanwhile, reported that Assad The Los Angeles Times reported when they rejected in the charter After his meeting with Arab rejected military action against “This issue is about chemical was denying being responsible yesterday that the Pentagon of the United Nations resort to League officials in Paris, Kerry Syria, he backed US-led air weapons, which is a bigger issue for the alleged attack on August was preparing for three days of force as an illegal practice,” Zarif flew to London for talks with strikes against the regime. than Syria.” AFP New Australian premier Prince Andrew accepts apology from police

LONDON: Queen Elizabeth’s who was strolling the grounds in him to verify his identity. “The in Balmoral, Scotland. One of the gets down to business son Prince Andrew accepted broad daylight in the late after- man was satisfactorily identified. biggest breaches of royal secu- an apology from the police noon after attending an event in No weapons were drawn and no rity took place at Buckingham SYDNEY: Triumphant con- yesterday after armed officers London on Wednesday. force was used,” the police said Palace in 1982 when an intruder, servative leader Tony Abbott stopped him in the gardens of In a statement, Prince Andrew in a statement that did not name Michael Fagan, climbed a wall vowed yesterday to “get down Buckingham Palace, days after said: “The police have a difficult Prince Andrew. and then wandered into the to business” and be prime min- two men were held in a secu- job to do balancing security for Two days earlier, police room where the queen was in ister for all Australians after rity breach at the British mon- the royal family and deterring arrested a man who had been bed. his resounding election victory arch’s London residence. intruders, and sometimes they found inside the palace on sus- Prince Andrew, officially ended six years of tumultuous Police shouted at the 53-year- get it wrong. picion of burglary, trespass and known as the Duke of York, had Labour rule. old prince, fifth in line to the “I am grateful for their apol- criminal damage. a career in the Royal Navy before Labour, led by the charismatic throne, to “put your hands up ogy and look forward to a safe A second man was arrested working as a trade ambassador Kevin Rudd, were punished in and get on the ground”, the walk in the garden in the future.” outside the palace on suspicion of for the British government. Saturday’s polls for bitter in-fight- Sunday Express newspaper said, London’s Metropolitan Police conspiracy to commit burglary. He has two daughters, Beatrice ing that saw the outgoing premier citing an unnamed royal source. earlier confirmed that two of Both men were released on bail. and Eugenie, from his 10-year oust Julia Gillard as party leader The officers had apparently its officers had stopped a man The queen was not in the pal- marriage to Sarah Ferguson. in June, after she did the same to failed to recognise the prince, in the palace gardens and asked ace at the time but in her castle REUTERS him in 2010. In what the Herald Sun billed as his first interview, Abbott pledged to forge ahead with his agenda to Norway elections stop asylum-seeker boats — an Norway reports issue that dominated the cam- paign — and abolish a tax on car- Dreamliner glitch bon emissions from “day one”. But he also signalled his inten- OSLO: Low-cost carrier tion to recast himself as a national Norwegian Air Shuttle yester- leader and draw a line under a day announced a new technical bitter and divisive campaign that problem with one of its Boeing alienated voters. 787 Dreamliners, as the plane “I am very conscious of the fact was grounded due to a flaw in that opposition leaders are tribal Australian Prime Minister-elect its electrical system. chiefs but prime ministers have to Tony Abbott returns from a morning “We’ve had a problem since be national leaders,” Abbott said. bicycle ride in Sydney, yesterday. yesterday (Saturday) with a “You have to govern for eve- Dreamliner, linked to its electri- ryone including the people that cal system,” company spokesman didn’t vote for you and the people 150-seat House of Representatives. Lasse Sandaker-Nielsen said. who probably won’t ever support Four seats were too close to call, “The aircraft is not getting you. That’s the nature of the job. the Greens were ahead in one, and enough electricity.” “While I certainly can’t prom- an independent and a minor party The plane was scheduled ise that everyone is going to agree were leading the other two. to leave Oslo for Bangkok on with everything an incoming gov- Among early victors was former Saturday, but after waiting for ernment does, I certainly intend to Olympian Nova Peris who became more than 24 hours, the pas- be a consultative, collegiate prime the first Aboriginal woman elected sengers were transferred to minister.” to parliament, a welcome achieve- Stockholm, where they boarded Abbott, who has softened his ment for centre-left Labour. a chartered plane. macho image and ran a disciplined Half the spots in the Senate or It is the second incident that campaign in contrast to the dis- upper house were also at stake Norwegian has had this week array within the Labour-led gov- in Saturday’s ballot, and fringe with its Dreamliner fleet — which Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg casts his ballot for the parliamentary election at a polling station ernment, took victory in his stride groups looked to have secured currently consists of two planes. in Oslo, yesterday. Voting was under way in parts of the country in a two-day election, where Stoltenberg of and began his day with his usual several seats thanks to voter dis- Norwegian’s other Dreamliner the Labour Party is seeking a third consecutive term. Sunday morning bike ride. satisfaction with the main parties was stuck on the tarmac of Just hours after declaring -- complicating the new govern- Stockholm’s Arlanda airport from Australia was “under new man- ment’s legislative push. Monday after a light suggested a agement”, the athletic premier- Billionaire Clive Palmer, a problem with the brake system. elect had donned his sky blue and resources baron who has run an The plane was finally deemed Another gold miners’ strike looms in South Africa purple Lycra shorts and helmet to eccentric campaign, was confident fit to fly on Friday after techni- join his mates cycling in Sydney. of winning a seat for himself in the cians concluded the light had lit JOHANNESBURG: A South but the company said they had confirmed and voted for a strike,” “It was a very big night but this lower house and as many as two in up by mistake. African gold miners’ strike now accepted. he told a crowd of workers in min- is just the start of another normal the Senate for his populist Palmer “If you think about Airbus has ended after workers at “Members of the NUM have ing town Carletonville southwest day,” the 55-year-old told report- United Party. A380, it also had all kinds of Harmony Gold accepted a final accepted the same offer made of Johannesburg, according to ers. “People expect that the day “If I am given the task of leading teething problems,” he said, refer- wage offer, the company said by other producers in the indus- state broadcaster the SABC. after an election, an incoming the government in the Senate, it ring to the large European-built yesterday, as elsewhere workers try, and have returned to work,” AMCU represents just under government will be getting down will be a bit like herding cats try- passenger airliner. voted to down tools. Harmony Gold said in a state- 20,000 — or a fifth — of affected to business and that’s what I’ll ing to get the legislation through,” Norwegian has ordered Tens of thousands of National ment. But members of rival gold workers. be doing today.” Despite the con- admitted conservative lawmaker altogether eight Boeing 787 Union of Mineworkers (NUM) labour group the Association of Gold remains a key indus- vincing win for the conservatives, Eric Abetz. Dreamliners, of which two have members went on strike over pay Mineworkers and Construction try in Africa’s largest economy, Labour escaped the total rout poll- Political observers forecast an been delivered so far, with a delay. on Tuesday night, but most had Union (AMCU) yesterday voted employing around 140,000 people sters had predicted. insular period for Australia where The Dreamliner has encoun- already returned to work after to reject an eight-percent wage and accounting for 10 percent of The election commission count domestic concerns will trump for- tered several serious difficulties agreeing wage deals of between offer. export earnings and three per- is a prolonged affair with com- eign policy, as Abbott tries to win since entering operation, espe- 7.5 and 8.0 percent. The union had not striked cent of Gross Domestic Product. plicated preference voting, but back the confidence of alienated cially with its batteries, causing Workers at Harmony’s mines with NUM, but will give notice But falling gold prices, a declining with more than 90 percent tal- citizens with a back-to-basics the entire fleet to be grounded in the central Free State and to down tools if new talks with grade of ore and increased costs lied Abbott’s coalition led in 86 agenda of roads, childcare and for about four months earlier this Northern Cape provinces had ini- the industry stall, its president such as electricity and wages, seats and Labour was on 57 in the Internet access. AFP year. AFP tially held out for a better deal, Joseph Mathunjwa said. “We have have drained revenues. AFP MONDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2013 ASIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 Nasheed faces Miss World contest begins run-off after election results Ex-Maldives leader short of majority

MALE: Former Maldivian “The incidents that have hap- leader Mohamed Nasheed pened on election day will not will face a run-off election on have a material impact on the September 28 after his win outcome,” said Aiman Rasheed, an in the presidential poll ended official of Transparency Maldives. without a majority, provisional Nasheed unseated Gayoom in a results showed yesterday, nearly run-off election in 2008. Critical 20 months after his removal challenges facing the next presi- ignited months of unrest. dent include a rise in Islamist ide- Nasheed, the Maldives’ first ology, human rights abuses and democratically elected president, lack of investor confidence after was forced from office in February Waheed’s government cancelled 2012 in what his supporters call a the country’s biggest foreign coup. The turmoil tarnished the investment project with India’s Indian Ocean archipelago’s image GMR Infrastructure. as a tropical holiday paradise. Mohamed Aslam, a senior Nasheed, running against three member of Nasheed’s Maldivian rivals, had secured 45.45 per- Democratic Party (MDP) and a cent of the total polled, accord- former minister of housing and ing to the early results, Election environment, said his party did Commissioner Fuwad Thowfeek not get the votes it expected in told reporters. He missed a Male, the capital, and one of required majority of 50 percent, Nasheed’s strongholds. Miss World 2013 contestants perform during an opening ceremony in Nusa Dua, on the resort island of Bali, yesterday. Miss World began amid tight as the votes were split among the Analysts and human rights security after days of Muslim hardline protests that forced the venue for the beauty pageant to be moved. other three contenders. defenders say the Maldives has Nasheed’s main rival, Abdulla been in limbo since Nasheed’s Yameen, a half-brother of resignation, prompting a voter Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who turnout of 88 percent, up from ruled for 30 years and was consid- 85 percent in the 2008 vote. South Korea, US map out plan to China releases ered a dictator by opponents and “I’ve been waiting 19 months rights groups, polled 25.35 percent, for this day. So I got here as early the preliminary results showed. as I could. It’s my way of standing dissident early Gasim Ibrahim, a resort tycoon, up against the coup,” said voter deter nuclear threats by North BEIJING: China has released media business owner and for- Ismail Shiyaz, 39, a supporter from prison early a prominent merly a finance minister under of Nasheed. Others, like Rooya SEOUL: South Korea and the against North Korea’s atomic Washington would not agree to dissident and journalist who was Gayoom, secured 24.07 percent, Hussain, were less certain. United States have mapped weapons threat,” the source was reopen six-party talks on North jailed in 2005 for leaking state while Nasheed’s successor and “I don’t think any of these can- out a joint operational plan quoted as saying. Korea’s nuclear programme secrets abroad after Yahoo! was incumbent leader Mohamed didates are suitable,” she said. which outlines concrete meas- No details were given of the unless Pyongyang shows a clear accused of helping authorities Waheed Hassan Manik performed “However, I cast a valid vote ures to deter and respond to defensive and offensive measures willingness to abandon atomic identify him, a rights group said. the worst, with just 5.13 percent. for one of them. Let’s see if this North Korea’s nuclear threats, included in the plan. weapons. Shi Tao was sentenced to 10 Nasheed and Yameen will face brings any change for the better.” a report said yesterday. Washington, which has nearly Yonhap quoted Russel as say- years in prison. Yahoo defended each other in a run-off election on Nasheed said earlier he had sup- The plan encompasses political, 30,000 troops stationed in South ing he was looking for “convincing itself at the time, saying it had September 28, the election com- port in the ranks of the military diplomatic and military measures Korea, has pledged such pro- indications” from North Korea to abide by local laws. The group missioner confirmed. and police, expressing confidence to specify how Washington will tection for its ally but the new that the six-party forum, if re- PEN International said that Shi The election commission will he would get half the vote to win provide a nuclear umbrella for plan will contain more details convened, would lead to a rapid- had been released 15 months release final results of the first in the first round. South Korea in the case of North for Seoul and provide a written paced road map for the North’s before the end of his sentence. round on September 14, Thowfeek “Voting today is significant Korean nuclear provocations, commitment. denuclearisation. “We welcome news of Shi Tao’s said. “Any boxes needed to be because we are going to estab- Yonhap news agency said. North Korea has said it will “Those are the signs that North early release, at a time when recounted will be recounted lish a legitimate government,” The customised plan will be never give up its nuclear power Korea needs to send,” he said. there seem to be increasingly long within this time and if required, Nasheed said soon after he voted. signed at a security meeting but maintains it is open to direct “It’s understandable after so shadows over freedom of expres- make adjustments. Counting will Nasheed was forced to resign in between US and South Korean talks with the United States. many cycles of broken promises sion in China,” the group’s Marian be done in the presence of observ- 2012 after mutinying police and defence chiefs in early October, it Daniel Russel, the US assist- by North Korea that the interna- Botsford Fraser said. ers and representatives of candi- military forces armed opposition said. “The deterrence plan can ant secretary of state for East tional community would have high “Shi Tao’s arrest and imprison- dates,” he said. demonstrators and gave him an be considered equivalent to an Asian and Pacific affairs, said standards of evidence with a call ment, because of the actions of Transparency Maldives, which ultimatum. His removal sparked operational plan,” a South Korean Friday in Seoul that the North’s on North Korea to make convinc- Yahoo China, signalled a decade deployed 400 observers to moni- unruly protests by his supporters government source told Yonhap. nuclear programme was a “driver ing indications of its seriousness ago the challenges to freedom of tor the poll, said its was “largely and a heavy-handed police crack- “Making an official document of instability” in the region. and purpose,” Russel was quoted expression of Internet surveil- peaceful”, except for a few minor down, pushing the country into detailing the US nuclear umbrella In a separate interview pub- as saying. lance and privacy that we are now counting disputes. crisis. REUTERS reflects its firm commitment lished yesterday, Russel said AFP dealing with.” REUTERS

Nepalese women celebrate Teej Bangladeshi bloggers charged with defaming Islam

DHAKA: Four Bangla- deshi bloggers are facing up to seven years in jail after they were charged in court yesterday with defam- ing Islam and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), a prosecutor told said. The four men, who deny the charges, were arrested earlier this year in the wake of nationwide protests in which Islamic groups demanded the execution of atheist online commentators. Judge Zahirul Haque, Nepalese women dressed in red celebrate the Teej festival at the Pashupatinath temple area in Kathmandu sitting in a court here, said yesterday. The three-day long festival is observed with married women fasting during the day and praying for the bloggers were being long lives of their husbands, while unmarried women wish for handsome husbands and happy conjugal lives. charged under the coun- try’s Internet laws, senior public prosecutor Shah Alam Talukdar said. “They have been Final results hand Cambodian ruling party poll win indicted... with defam- ing Islam, the Prophet PHNOM PENH: Cambodia’s to the country’s National Election would not blunt his party’s efforts Muhammad (PBUH) and election committee handed Committee. The election author- to overturn the poll. other religions through victory in hotly disputed polls ity said the CPP won 3.2 million “We do not accept results that their Internet writings. to the ruling party of Prime votes to the CNRP’s 2.9 million. do not reflect the real will of the They spread malice against Minister Hun Sen yesterday, It is the ruling party’s worst people. These are the results of all religions,” he said. prompting the opposition to say election result since 1998, losing voter fraud,” he said. Talukdar said if found it will boycott parliament and 22 seats since the last polls five The CNRP will not join the guilty the bloggers, who are stage further protests over alle- years ago. Analysts say it delivers first meeting of parliament and free on bail, could be sen- gations of widespread fraud. a significant blow to the CPP and has no interest in talks with the tenced to seven years in jail The kingdom has been stuck Hun Sen, who has led the country CPP without an independent under the country’s ICT laws. in a political impasse since the for nearly three decades. investigation first, he told report- “All four have claimed to be July election, with the premier’s A rare mass rally in the capital ers, adding the party planned to atheists,” he added. Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) on Saturday called for an inde- hold at least three days of demon- Rights groups have insisting it secured a legitimate vic- pendent probe into results but the strations from next Sunday. called on the government tory despite vociferous calls from NEC’s announcement ends the The CPP hailed the final results to drop the charges against CNRP leader Sam Rainsy for a legal avenues open to the opposi- as an end to the political crisis the bloggers, saying the probe into alleged vote rigging. tion to contest the poll. Rainsy, a that has gripped the country, men are caught in the bat- The CPP took 68 seats to 55 for French-educated former banker, saying it will convene parliament tle between Islamists and the opposition Cambodia National on Sunday moved quickly to reject with royal assent irrespective of the secular government. Rescue Party (CNRP), according the NEC’s tally, insisting the loss the CNRP’s next moves. AFP AFP MONDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2013 PHILIPPINES 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Aquino orders Praying for peace in Syria probe on NBI over Napoles Officers allegedly tipped off Janet

MANILA: President Benigno tipped the “well connected” Aquino III ordered an investi- Napoles about the warrant. gation on two National Bureau De Lima also said Napoles’ of Investigation (NBI) officials coddlers will be charged for har- for allegedly tipping off sus- bouring fugitives and obstruction pected pork barrel scam mas- of justice. termind Janet Lim Napoles on The NBI launched a manhunt the arrest warrant’s release, after Napoles and Lim went an official said. missing following the court war- NBI Director Nonnatus Rojas rant last August 15. said that the agency has not yet Napoles surrendered to identified the two officials even Aquino on August 28, asking for as Aquino already hinted of those an assurance of security. he find “less trustworthy” in the She faces a kidnapping case bureau. for allegedly detaining supposed “Actually hindi pa din naman pork barrel scam whistleblower namin identified kung sino ang Benhur Luy last December. dalawang ito. Dahil nga ang nag- iimbestiga nito ay ang ahensya PNP JUSTIFIES CCTV na inutusan at inatasan ng pan- ON NAPOLES gulo natin,” Rojas said, adding that they are still waiting for The rights of Janet Lim- official directives from the presi- Napoles will be respected despite dent on how to proceed with the the installation of closed circuit probe. television (CCTV) in her place of Rojas said that the bureau is detention, according to police. Philippine protesters hold anti-US placards and light candles during a prayer-vigil in Manila on Saturday. The protesters said the US should keep prepared to face consequences Senior Superintendent Reuben out of that country while presenting flowers and lighted candles in a ‘peace sign for Syria’. once the officials are proven Theodore Sindac, Philippine to be at fault for giving insider National Police (PNP) public information to Napoles and her information chief, said the CCTV brother Reynald “Jojo” Lim, who units are for security purposes already went into hiding as the only and will help ensure that no Manila shrugs off OFWs’ ‘Zero Remittance Day’ court announced their arrest for special treatment is given her. alleged involvement in a serious “The CCTVs are placed in stra- illegal detention case. tegic locations and strictly for MANILA: Overseas Filipino “We leave it to the personal this, especially if the family is economy afloat are not meant to “Transparent kami at kung security use only,” he said. “There workers (OFWs) are free to push choices of the OFWs abroad,” concerned,” Valte added. keep a thriving corrupt system of ano man ang kahihinatnan ng is no truth that the CCTV video through with their reported Valte told state-run radio dzRB The United Filipinos in Hong governance,” he added. imbestigasyon, kung talaga is being shared publicly or with plan to stop for one day their in her regular weekend interview. Kong-Migrante backed the call The biggest progressive OFW ngang mayroong ginawang pag- the media.” remittances to their families “The OFWs are free to choose for a “Zero Remittance Day.” alliance in HK also hit the gov- kakamali ang dalawang opisyal The CCTV cameras will not here to protest the multibillion- what platform they want to air “We do not labour overseas ernment’s belittling of the zero namin, ay tatanggapin namin at intrude into the privacy of peso pork barrel fund scam, their grievances, advocacies and endure separation from our remittance call, saying the gov- papatawan ng kaukulang parusa Napoles as they are installed in Malacañang said yesterday. against the government,” she loved ones just so government ernment’s aggressive export of kung kinakailangan,” he said. the “common areas,” Sindac said. Deputy presidential spokesper- added. officials can plunder public funds Filipinos abroad shows that it Rojas said, however, that the Malacañang said it will not son Abigail Valte pointed out that Valte pointed out the govern- or so Aquino can uphold the cor- puts a premium on OFWs’ con- agency was already looking into stop the PNP from giving updates the government is not the one at ment will not be affected at all rupt pork barrel system,” Eman tribution to prevent the total slide the case before Aquino ordered despite criticisms that Napoles is the losing end of the plan but the by calls for “no remittance day.” Villanueva, secretary-general of of the economy. an official probe. being accorded special treatment. families of the OFWs who need She said the families of OFWs the Unifil-Migrante-HK said. “OFW money may go directly “Mukhang ang hindi namin For the first three days of her the money. would bear the brunt when only “Our money is not meant to to our family but remittance certain kung ang DOJ or ibang detention, Napoles complained Filipino workers in Hong Kong a small group wanted the remit- feed the greed of the corrupt records are also used by this gov- sangay ng pamahalaan gaya ng of “anxiety attack” attributed to have supported the call for OFWs tances to stop for one day. and the plunderers. The billions ernment to bloat up its earnings Philippine National Police ang the fact that her place of deten- around the world not to send their “We leave it to the personal of dollars of remittance that we that in turn improves its credit nagsasagawa nito,” he said. tion – measuring about 80 square remittances on September 19 to decision of the OFWs because send and the billions of pesos standing. We supply the dollars Justice Secretary Leila de metres – is smaller than her dramatise the protest against only they know the financial more generated from the long that prevent the peso from total Lima had said in a radio inter- alleged mansions. alleged massive corruption in the needs of their families here. We list of fees that the government collapse,” Villanueva said. view that someone might have THE PHILIPPINE STAR pork barrel fund system. trust their personal decision on charges to OFWs that keep the THE PHILIPPINE STAR

FDA: Unlicensed Court orders Neri to testify Chinese lipsticks against Arroyo in graft case may contain lead MANILA: The Sandiganbayan MANILA: Philippines offi- has ordered with finality former cials yesterday warned the socioeconomic planning secre- public against using unlicensed tary Romulo Neri (pictured) to Chinese-made lipsticks and take the witness stand and tes- fake copies purporting to be tify against former President legitimate brands as they may Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the contain high levels of lead. graft case related to the $329m The Food and Drug ZTE broadband network deal. Administration (FDA) issued an In a seven-page resolution, the advisory saying the products were Sandiganbayan Fourth Division being sold widely on the streets said that Neri’s rights “will not be of many urban areas without the railroaded despite facing his own agency’s approval. graft case related to the bungled “These products may contain telecommunications deal.” high levels of heavy metals, espe- “There is really no issue that The court explained that, on cially lead,” it said. Neri has the absolute, immuta- one hand, an ordinary witness The lipsticks are “unnotified A Bronco belonging to the Philippine Air Force’s 15th Strike Command. ble, and unconditional right to might be compelled to take the products from China or imitations remain silent,” read the resolu- witness stand and raise privilege of the original products being sold tion, which junked the motion for against self-incrimination when by sidewalk and ambulant ven- reconsideration filed by Neri. a question is asked him. dors or outlets in the country,” the Neri earlier opposed the sub- On another, an accused “may advisory warned. 95 Air Force planes ‘beyond repair’ poena issued against him by the altogether refuse to take the wit- The lipsticks carry the labels court. ness stand and refuse to answer Baolishi, Miss Beauty, Shijing, MANILA: A total of 95 air If the 95 aircraft that can no Eagle Copters Ltd, had some He argued that he is facing a any and all questions.” Ling Mei and Heng Fang, it assets of the Philippine Air longer fly are to be excluded, the deficiencies in documentary graft case at the Sandiganbayan “In the case [of Arroyo], added. Force (PAF) can no longer be Air Force is left with just 170 air requirements. Fifth Division and that answer- although accused Neri is a defend- “In adults, lead toxicant has used, outnumbering the aircraft assets. The first and second bidding, ing questions from prosecutors ant before the Fifth Division, he been linked with high blood pres- still in operation. “We have a gap of 200 (air which were held last December would hurt his right against is not, however, an accused [in sure, joint pain, poor memory and Air Force Vice Commander assets) and out of that 200, 21 and February, respectively, also self-incrimination. the Arroyo case]. As such, he is concentration problems,” the Maj Gen Raul Dimatatac said out are helicopters. We are address- failed after the bidders did not In its previous ruling, the being called therein merely as an FDA said. of the 265 air assets they have, ing this,” Dimatatac said. satisfy some requirements. Sandiganbayan already denied ordinary witness,” the resolution “The children are particularly 95 are “beyond economic repair” The government is now fast- The UH-1 helicopters or Hueys Neri’s plea. Neri then filed a read. at risk from neurotoxic effects while 71 are operational. tracking the upgrade program of are expected to provide the much- motion for reconsideration where Apart from former presi- of lead, which affect their brain The rest are recoverable or the military, which is said to be needed air mobility to troops he reiterated his position, how- dent Arroyo who is now a rep- development and cognition,” it serviceable, which means that one of the weakest in the region. involved in internal security oper- ever, to no avail. resentative of Pampanga, the added. they have to undergo repairs to The government plans to ations. With regard the lead-in “The subject motion for recon- other co-accused are former The agency however did not be of use. acquire 21 UH-1 combat utility fighter trainer jets, the defense sideration is bereft of merit,” the Comelec chairman Benjamin say how the lipsticks entered the Air assets that are beyond helicopters, 12 lead-in fighter department is still awaiting the court noted in its final ruling. Abalos, former first gentleman country, although the government repair will be sold for scrap trainer jets, close air support air- sales agreement to be issued by The Sandiganbayan magis- Jose Miguel Arroyo, and former had previously acknowledged that through bidding. For aircraft pro- craft and radar systems to boost Malacañang. trates, lifting jurisprudence from transportation secretary Leandro smuggling remained a problem vided by other countries, the Air the capabilities of the Air Force. The government plans to spend the Supreme Court, differenti- Mendoza. due to rampant corruption in the Force has to secure the approval The defence department held P18.9bn to acquire the jets, which ated between an ordinary witness The magistrates ruled that as customs bureau. of the donor before they are dis- the third bidding for the P1.26bn will be used for territorial defense. and an accused sitting at the wit- an ordinary witness, Neri cannot In 2010, the FDA banned at posed of. UH-1 helicopter acquisition The government will purchase the ness stand. rightfully refuse to take the wit- least nine Chinese brands of skin Dimatatac said they need to project last Friday but it was jets through negotiations with An accused, as a prosecution ness stand or refuse to partici- creams and whiteners that were have at least 370 air assets but for declared a failure. The lone bid- South Korea’s Korea Aerospace witness, occupies a different tier pate in the direct examination of found to contain high levels of now, they only have 265, including der, the joint venture between Industries. of protection from an ordinary prosecutors. mercury. AFP those that are beyond repair. Rice Aircraft Services Inc and THE PHILIPPINE STAR witness, the Sandiganbayan said. THE PHILIPPINE STAR MONDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2013 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 President Zardari ends full five-year term Mamnoon Hussain to be sworn in president today

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan full term in office and hand over crushing electoral defeat without President Asif Ali Zardari to another at the ballot box. a Bhutto at its helm. stepped down yesterday, leav- His successor Mamnoon Zardari said in an interview ing his official residence after a Hussain will be sworn in today. broadcast on Saturday that he record five years in power over- Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad would not run as prime minister shadowed by worsening secu- Chaudhry will administer oath of in future and would instead re- rity and a weakening economy. office on Hussain at a ceremony organise the party by shuttling The 58-year-old widower of at the presidency. around the country. former prime minister Benazir A businessman and close ally Running the party is more Bhutto was treated to an honour of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, important than becoming the guard from the armed forces and Hussain’s low-key persona and chief executive, he said. “I will shook hands with staff before lack of personal power base will make my security arrangements leaving the plush presidential put him in stark contrast to because I think the army and palace. Zardari. police will not be able to give me He was driven away in a black Zardari is going to Lahore, security to my satisfaction.” luxury saloon car from the hoping to open a new era for his He said he not only brought sprawling residence at the foot of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), back the constitution in its true the lush green Margalla hills on which suffered a humiliating shape, but also enabled poor Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari inspects a guard of honour by the armed forces during his farewell ceremony the outskirts of Islamabad. defeat from the Pakistan Muslim women to earn their livelihood at the Presidential Palace in Islamabad yesterday. Never popular and always League-N (PML-N) in the May 11 with honour and shape their shrouded in controversy, Zardari general election. Aides deny that future. — once jailed for 11 years for Zardari, unpopular and divisive Zardari said scores of good the latter’s trust and confidence Today he will chair a meeting Sangjani farmhouse. He has left alleged corruption — is likely to within the PPP, will spend most of things could not be done dur- in us.” He suggested retirement to of the party in Lahore to discuss some cows and goats as gifts for split his time between Pakistan his time abroad and insist he will ing his tenure though they had old party workers and encouraged a resolution to nominate him as Hussain. and Dubai. concentrate on trying to revive the will and resources. “Together youngsters to join the party. He party chairman. He introduced and pursued He retires six years after his the centre-left party. with China, I launched the China was confident that the PPP will All his belongings have been the policy of reconciliation with wife’s murder, having presided The PPP ran a rudderless elec- Concept but failed to accomplish soon emerge again as the larg- shifted to Lahore while dozens of all political forces and offered an over the only civilian govern- tion campaign and has been thrust it. However, the handover of est party. “Bilawal (my son) will rare species of horses, cows and olive branch to his opponents. ment in Pakistan to complete a into its greatest crisis, suffering a Gwadar to China strengthened contest the next general election.” goats have been transported to his AGENCIES

Iran denounces protest Karzai raps Nato as strike kills 10 civilians

KABUL: At least 10 civilians Kunar Police chief Abdul killed,” the governor added. foreign insurgents, including outside Herat consulate were killed in a Nato strike Habib Sayedkhil said the strike Civilian deaths have been a Al Qaeda members, who fight on a pick-up truck carrying hit a pickup truck carrying the long-running source of friction alongside the Taliban. TEHRAN: Iran denounced yes- summoned by the foreign ministry in women and children in east- women and children as well as between Karzai and his interna- The strike occurred about terday a protest outside its Herat Tehran and told his country should ern Afghanistan, provincial four armed insurgents. tional backers. 5pm on Saturday, Jalala said. consulate in which one person was step up security “to prevent similar officials said yesterday. “At least four women, four Karzai has forbidden Afghan The governor said at least reportedly killed and demanded incidents”, Afkham said. The Nato-led International children and two civilian driv- troops from calling for foreign eight civilians, including three more security for its diplo- Abdul Rashid, a wounded dem- Security Assistance Force ers were killed.” air strikes, though that ban is women, four children and the matic missions in neighbouring onstrator, said they were protest- (ISAF) denied that civilians President Hamid Karzai con- not always adhered to, and Nato truck’s driver, had been caught Afghanistan. ing because the consulate would not had been killed, saying 10 enemy demned the attack. advises crews not to fire at or up in an air strike targeting “Police and security forces should extend their Iranian visas nor return forces had died in the strike. “Hamid Karzai considers bomb populated areas. Taliban fighters. have been at the scene quickly to their cash deposits. He said Afghans “We can confirm that we attacking women and children In February, Karzai ordered Jalala added that the truck prevent the illegal gathering, the who applied for an Iranian visa had undertook a precision strike in against all accepted interna- a ban on Nato strikes in the was hit after the driver gave the damaging of the mission and dis- to deposit at least $400 with the con- Watarpur district of Kunar, and tional norms and strongly con- country after an attack killed Taliban fighters a lift. ruption of work,” Foreign Ministry sulate. Thousands of Afghans cross are able to confirm 10 enemy demns it,” his office said in a 10 civilians in Kunar. As Nato troops wind down spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham said illegally into Iran every year to seek forces killed,” a spokeswoman statement. The US-led Nato troops are operations and Afghan forces in a statement carried by the official work. for the ISAF, First Lieutenant It said that according to infor- winding down operations as take charge of security responsi- IRNA news agency. “It goes without In May, Iranian guards shot dead AnnMarie Annicelli, said in a mation from Kunar Provincial they prepare to withdraw by bility countrywide, violence has saying that such behaviour has nega- 10 migrants illegally trying to cross statement. Governor Shujaul Mulk Jalala, a the end of next year. been on the increase. tive consequences.” the border from Herat. “At this time, we have no vehicle “was targeted by a Nato Watarpur is a rural district in Nearly 1,000 civilians were Four people were also wounded About 2.4 million Afghans, includ- reports of any civilian casual- strike that killed 16 civilians the north of Kunar, a mountain- killed and around 2,000 others when angry demonstrators tried to ing 840,000 registered refugees ties in regard to this incident,” including women and children”. ous province that shares a long injured in the first half of 2013, storm the consulate in the western according to UNHCR figures, live the statement added. Earlier the governor had said and porous border with lawless according to a UN report, a 23 city of Herat in a protest over visas, in Iran, many of whom moved there ISAF said it was aware of the the dead included militants. tribal areas of Pakistan. percent increase from the same Afghan officials said. The Afghan after the 1979 Soviet invasion of allegations and was looking into “Four armed insurgents The province has long been period last year. Ambassador Nasir Ahmad Noor was Afghanistan. AFP the incident. belonging to Al Qaeda were also considered a transit hub for AGENCIES Nine die in attack on intelligence bureau

KABUL: At least four Afghan intelligence agents and five rebels were killed and more than 150 civilians were wounded yesterday when Taliban militants attacked an intelligence bureau in central Afghanistan, officials said. Six attackers armed with guns and suicide vests attacked a National Directorate of Security building in Maidan Shar, the capital city of Wardak province south of the capital Kabul, provincial spokesman Attaullah Khogyani said. “Five attackers and four intelligence offic- ers were killed in the ensuing clash.” The first attacker was killed when he smashed his explosives-laden vehicle into the gate of the bureau, open- ing the way for the others to enter the building, he said. The fighting lasted an hour, ending when all militants were dead. Dr Ghulam Farooq of the Wardak central hospital, said more than 150 people, mostly civilians, were wounded. “One hundred and fifty-three people, including 23 women and two children, have been brought to the hospital,” he said, adding 12 were in a critical condition. The Taliban on their website claimed responsibility, Afghan policemen gather at the scene of a suicide attack in Maidan Shar , the saying their fighters had incurred heavy casualties to capital of Wardak province, yesterday. Afghan security forces. AFP

Malala vows to fight for children’s education

THE HAGUE: Pakistani teenager the world can have a right to go to school,” at the UN in July have made her a leading Malala Yousafzai, shot in the head last she said to thunderous applause. contender for this year’s Nobel Peace Prize. year by the Taliban for campaigning for Malala, 16, received her prize from the But the response to her in Pakistan has girls’ education, vowed to intensify her 2011 Nobel Peace laureate, Yemeni journalist been mixed, with many hailing her as a struggle for “a world where everyone can and activist Tawakkol Karman, who told a national heroine while others have criti- go to school.” humbled Malala “you are my hero.” cised her for promoting a “Western” agenda. Speaking at a ceremony in The “You cried: ‘No one can stop me or any The International Children’s Peace Prize, Hague where she was awarded the 2013 girl from learning’,” Karman told Malala, an initiative of the Dutch-based KidsRights International Children’s Peace Prize, speaking in Arabic in an address praising Foundation, was launched in 2005 and set off Malala said last October’s attack on her her achievement. by former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev had made her determined to continue her “The bullet aimed at your head at that when he chaired the Summit of Nobel Peace campaign. moment was a milestone in the history of Laureates in Rome. “I was just one target for their violence,” your country,” Karman said at the cere- It carries 100,000 euros ($133,000) that is Malala said in her acceptance speech, mony at the Knight’s Hall near the Dutch invested in projects relating to the winner’s referring to her near-fatal shooting when parliament. cause. Last year’s winner was 13-year-old a Taliban gunman’s bullet grazed her brain. After she was shot, Malala was given life- Cris “Kesz” Valdez for his work with Filipino “There are many others for whom we saving treatment in Britain where she now street children while he was destitute. must continue... so that children all over lives. Her brave fight for survival and speech AGENCIES MONDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2013 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA We will go it Army called in to quell UP riots alone in next Death toll reaches 21 in Muzaffarnagar after second day of rioting; army men fired at polls, says LUCKNOW: The army was Kalapar, Sisauli, Shahpur, Fugna called in, an unusual measure, and Bhaurakala of Muzaffarnagar. Trinamool as 10 more people were killed Additional DGP (law and yesterday on the second day of order) Arun Kumar said efforts KOLKATA: A day after Prime rioting in Muzaffarnagar, tak- were on to contain the spread of Minister Manmohan Singh ing the toll to 21. At one place, violence. Curfew clamped in Civil kept open the possibilities of miscreants fired upon army Lines, Kotwali and Nai Mandi a re-alliance with Mamata men who retaliated. areas continued yesterday and Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress, The Uttar Pradesh government was unlikely to be eased today. the party said yesterday that it worked overtime to douse the The administration has, mean- would prefer to fight the next communal flare-up. With clashes while, announced closure of all general elections alone. continuing in the countryside, schools and educational institu- Trinamool Rajya Sabha mem- officials fear the situation would tions in the district for the next ber Derek O’Brien said party take time to be brought under three days. A total of 52 persons supremo Banerjee has given a control and the toll could climb have been arrested since Saturday call to regional parties to come further. night for inciting mobs and indulg- together after the polls to form a Eight companies of army that ing in violence. Cases are also being government. were requisitioned by the state filed against local political leaders, “We would prefer to go it alone government to assist the civil a district official said. in the next Lok Saha poll... The administration staged a flag Samajwadi Party supremo people of West Bengal are with march in the violence-hit areas. Mulayam Singh Yadav yesterday us. They have supported us in At one place, miscreants fired called an emergency meeting of the 2009 Lok Sabha, 2011 assem- upon the forces from roof tops. officials and senior party leaders bly, in the bypolls and the recent The army also retaliated by firing. and expressed his displeasure at Panchayat elections,” he said. On the Uttar Pradesh govern- the rioting and the the adminis- O’Brien said the party had won ment’s call for help, army troops tration’s failure in anticipating the zilla parishads in 13 of the 17 were yesterday moved in to the communal tension brewing districts in the Panchayat polls by Meerut and Shamli as a precau- in the area. taking on the Congress, Communist tionary measure. The violence erupted on Party of India-Marxist-led Left The state government has Saturday following a meeting Front and the Bharatiya Janata sought 28 more companies of attended by Jats in Muzaffarnagar Party. “So sir, thank you, but no, para-military forces while the district, 140km northeast of New thanks,” he said. central government had already Delhi. Police said 10 people died, “Mamata Banerjee has already dispatched 22 companies on including a journalist and photog- given a call to regional parties to Saturday. rapher, and about 35 were injured. Army vehicles patrol on a deserted road during a curfew in Muzaffarnagar yesterday. come together after the polls to Minister of State for Home A curfew was imposed in three form a government which will be Affairs R P N Singh said in New districts, “I would appeal to all the Devraj Nagar is monitoring the the Bharatiya Janata Party government in the state”. corruption-free and pro-people,” Delhi: “The union home ministry people there to maintain peace situation from Lucknow, and (BJP), Congress and the State Congress president he said. The Trinamool and the is in constant touch with the UP and do not trust or listen to any Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), criti- Nirmal Khatri condoled the loss Congress had contested together government and every assistance rumours,” Akhilesh Yadav, Uttar is learnt to have given a dressing cised the government, saying it of life and said the government the 2009 Lok Sabha and the West would be given to it to bring back Pradesh’s chief minister, told down to senior officials. has failed in maintaining com- had failed to protect the inter- Bengal assembly elections two communal harmony.” reporters. “When tension was simmer- munal harmony, peace, law and ests and safety of the people in years later. State home secretary Kamal The Jats are demanding the ing for the last 10 days, the chief order in the state. the state. But the Trinamool parted ways Saxena said extra para-military rescinding of charges against minister is angry as to why the RLD state president Munna Akhilesh Yadav, meanwhile, with the Congress-led United forces and police reinforcements members of their community violence, despite anticipation, was Singh Chauhan said the gov- said police have been pressed into Progressive Alliance government have been sent to the troubled in connection with a communal not contained in time,” a close ernment has forfeited the right service, and urged people not to on September 21, 2012 on a slew of areas and added that the secu- clash last month in which three aide of Akhilesh Yadav said. to continue in office. BJP state be swayed by rumours. “I urge policy issues ranging from allow- rity forces had been give the go- people were killed. Arun Kumar, a With the monsoon session of spokesman Vijay Bahadur Pathak people of the state to maintain ing foreign investment in multi- ahead to open fire if the situation senior police official, said tensions the state assembly just a week said that the fact that the army peace, communal harmony and brand retail, increase in diesel warranted. were fuelled by an online video away, Akhilesh Yadav is keen to had to be called in to contain warn mischief makers,” he told prices and putting a cap on the Saxena also informed that purporting to show the killing of end the hostilities at the earliest, violence in Muzaffarnagar has reporters on the sidelines of a availability of subisidised cooking intensive patrolling was being two Muslim youths last month. the aide said. proved beyond doubt the “fail- meeting in the state capital. gas cylinders. done in strife-torn areas like Director General of Police Opposition parties, including ure of the Samajwadi Party AGENCIES IANS

Delhi Police to keep an eye on mobs — and their men NEW DELHI: Delhi Police vehicles will soon get spy cam- eras to keep an eye on the city’s streets — and their own men too. Faced with frequent riotous situations, police have decided the best way to monitor the capital from the control room would be through cameras that would be fitted on the roof of its fleet. The cameras will be connected to a A Delhi Police van with CCTV camera. server at the police headquarters and in the offices of all 11 district between the police and mobs dur- a crime scene. Delhi Police were police heads. ing protests — and mass rallies. accused in July of killing in cold To begin with, a revolving Officers not at the site were blood a young biker near India CCTV camera has been mounted also finding it difficult to verify Gate. Police denied the charge, on a Maruti Gypsy with the New allegations of police brutality on saying an officer fired after stunt Delhi district police. Two frontal such occasions. bikers attacked them. The family cameras have been installed on “The cameras will help offic- of the man who died denied this the bar light of two police control ers to take decisions depending on and has demanded that the officer room (PCR) vans in outer Delhi. the situation as they will monitor be tried for murder. There were In the latter case, the camera live videos and instruct their men no independent witnesses to say is rotated manually. “If things go on the spot,” officer Mohan said. who was right. well, cameras will come up on He doesn’t hide the fact that the Last year, after the December all the 1,000 PCR vans,” Special cameras will also help keep an eye 16 gang rape of a young woman, Commissioner of Police T N on the police force too. police were faced with widespread Mohan said. The electronic eyes The first priority will be the protests that turned violent. will help Delhi Police in more 1,000-strong PCR fleet, which During one such demonstration, ways than one, officers say. expanded recently with the addi- a police constable died. Police said The decision to go for the cam- tion of over 300 vehicles. The PCR he was attacked by some protest- eras was taken following earlier vans are deployed across the capi- ers, who denied the charge. and recent incidents of standoff tal and are often the first to reach IANS

Kerala private buses to go on strike KOCHI: Private bus operators buses and have cancelled the for getting the device fitted. in Kerala yesterday announced certificates of more than 300 Bus owners pointed out that an indefinite strike to protest vehicles. there are about 15 certified com- the Motor Vehicles Department “We are not against implemen- pany products but just four com- (MVD) directive for installing tation of the law ... If the govern- panies supplying it in the state and speed governors on all heavy ment invites us for talks, we will hence they require at least three vehicles. The strike will begin certainly go for it,” said the Private months’ time for installing speed from midnight. Bus Operators’ Association which governors in all the vehicles. Commuters across the state are along with two other bodies of pri- At Guruvayoor, angry private heavily dependant on private bus vate bus owners is spear-heading bus owners went on a flash strike services as the state-owned trans- the protest action. The bus own- as MVD officials were targeting port corporation has just 5,803 ers earlier met here yesterday to their vehicles but not touching buses while the non-government announce the indefinite strike. the state-owned buses. sector operates 46,620 vehicles. Meanwhile, many private bus With the Onam festival round Since a bus accident in owners have already started the corner, sources in the govern- Malappuram district claimed installing the speed governors and ment said adequate time would be 13 lives on Friday afternoon, a heavy rush was witnessed in given to the bus owners so that law-enforcing authorities have Kannur where about a dozen pri- they can comply with the rule. launched extensive checking of vate buses had come to a workshop IANS MONDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2013 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15 PM is willing to Flood waters recede in Allahabad be quizzed by CBI: Kamal Nath Coal block allocation controversy

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister are missing,” Kamal Nath said, Manmohan Singh has noth- adding he did not think there was ing to hide in the coal block “malafide” intention in the files allocation controversy and will going missing. make himself available to CBI “If there is malafide, there will for questioning if they make a be a FIR,” he said. formal request, Parliamentary He said some files were found Affairs Minister Kamal Nath fifteen days back and some were said yesterday. found later. The minister also Kamal Nath told Karan Thapar contended that the media was in CNN-IBN’s Devil’s Advocate unfair to the prime minister. programme that if Central Answering a query about per- Bureau of Investigation (CBI) ception that the prime minister People walk through a marshland after flood waters recede at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers, in Allahabad yesterday. takes a decision that they need does not rise to the occasion in to speak to the prime minister, parliament, he said it is the media there was nothing wrong in it. which builds this image. “Why not? CBI under law can “Media is being uncharitable question anybody and the PM is to him,” said Kamal Nath, not- Kerala awaits within the law. So, if CBI finds ing the prime minister was forth- Slain author was planning to that for the purpose of investiga- coming on demands of opposition centre’s nod on tion, they need to question him, and had readily given statement he is part of law,” Kamal Nath on economy. said. Asked if “Coalgate” will prove return to India, says friend Vizhinjam port “Knowing the way he is, he will to be a “Watergate” for the prime subject himself to any inquiry,” minister, Kamal Nath said it KOLKATA: In a new twist to she worked and catch a flight to was she buried before any post THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kamal Nath said. will prove “Watergate” for the the Sushmita Banerjee case, a India the next morning,” said mortem was conducted? The in- Kerala is awaiting the central He was responding to a ques- opposition. friend of the slain author yester- Naskar. “She had got a financer laws did not care to inform us government’s clearance for a tion about a media report citing Answering a query, he said day claimed she was in mental in Delhi. She was coming to meet that she was being buried. We proposed port at Vizhinjam, a a CBI official, probing the allo- the bill to amend the Right to trauma over marital problems him,” Naskar said. came to know about this after minister said yesterday. cation, desiring to question the Introduction (RTI) Act to keep and planned to return to India Banerjee’s in-laws have said 48 long hours. Our appeal to the Ports and Fisheries Minister prime minister and wondering if political parties out of its pur- on September 6, but was killed she was beaten up and abducted government is the body should K Babu said that the proposed he would be available if a formal view had been sent to a standing a day before. Banerjee’s family by Taliban gunmen from her be brought back here along with Vizhinjam port’s environment request was made. committee. said there were “loopholes” in residence in Sharan city of Jaanbaz,” she said. Naskar also impact assessment study report Kamal Nath however said the Asked if there were any second the claims. Afghanistan’s Paktika province claimed that Banerjee had got into was last week given to the environ- CBI director had indicated that thoughts on its passage in view of Shalini Naskar claimed that in the wee hours of September 5. a relationship and was planning to ment and forests ministry which it was not a appropriate time to opposition from some members Banerjee told her over chat Her husband Jaanbaz Khan was marry, but the author’s relatives has to give the final clearance. question the prime minister. He and civil society organisations, through a social networking site also tied up after he protested. ruled out any such possibility. “As per the rules, the ministry stressed that the prime minister Kamal Nath said: “We have intro- that she was “mentally down”. Her bullet-riddled body was “We had heard about Shalini has to say a yes or no to the pro- had nothing to hide on the coal duced it. No second thoughts at “She was under mental pressure. found on Thursday morning, and only once or twice from my sister- posed project in 105 days,” he said. block allocation controversy. this point of time.” She wanted to return to India and buried hours later. The friend said in-law (Sushmita Banerjee). Today The Vizhinjam port is to come Defending the prime minis- Answering another query, he spend her life here,” said Naskar, while she was not in a position to we met her for the first time and up near the famed tourist des- ter for his stance on the missing agreed that the job of a parlia- claiming the marriage was going say sitting in Kolkata who mur- we were told all these things. We tination of Kovalam, over 10km files in the coal allocation, he said mentary affairs minister was through troubled times. dered Banerjee, “I can say she was had no inkling of any marital dis- from the heart of the capital city, that a first information report “very challenging job”. The min- “As per my daily Facebook chat undergoing lot of mental trauma cord. There are lot of loopholes and the proposed site has a natu- will be filed when there was cer- ister said he wanted to give credit with her on September 4, she was inflicted from her husband Jaanbaz in what is being said,” Debolina ral depth of 24 metres, one of the tainty about the files having gone to everybody for the bills passed supposed to come to Kabul on Khan’s side”. Banerjee, wife of the author’s deepest in the world, and hence missing. in parliament. September 5, stay at the residence Naskar said there were lot of younger brother Gopal, said. requires no dredging. “At this point, we can’t say they IANS of the owner of the hospital where unanswered questions. “Why IANS The project is proposed to be completed in three phases. The first phase of the project would cost Rs4,010 crore ($600m). The Strike in Srinagar proposed port is located close to a busy international shipping route, and is envisaged to handle 4.1 mil- Young MPs score lion containers annually. The state government would set up the infrastructure while the daily functioning of the port would high on attendance be undertaken by an operator. IANS NEW DELHI: At a time when 572 questions and even moved two MPs are not seen to take their private member’s bills. Nursery student legislative business seriously — The Bharatiya Janata Party’s the last session was an excep- Anurag Thakur, 38, representing raped in Lucknow tion — the younger MPs seem Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh, to be slowly making their mark attended 84 percent of sittings, LUCKNOW: A nursery class and impact in the Lok Sabha. participated in 61 debates and student in a posh school here was Cutting across party lines, moved one private member’s bill. raped on the premises after being young members have scored He asked 540 questions. lured by a woman staffer with higher on many fronts, especially All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul toffees, police said yesterday. attendance which was higher for Muslimmen member Asaudin The crime came to notice when them than the overall average. Owaisi, 44, asked a whopping the girl complained of pain while Meenakshi Natrajan, the 1,042 questions. He attended 69 urinating, police said, citing her Congress MP from Mandsaur in percent of sittings and partici- parents. On her return home on Madhya Pradesh, has attended pated in 38 debates. Saturday, the girl told her mother parliament for a whopping 85 Congress MP from Sangrur that she was having trouble while Paramilitary personnel stand guard as Kashmiri Muslim women walk in the rain during a strike in Srinagar percent of sittings since June Vijay Inder Singla, 41, attended urinating but the mother assumed yesterday. Opposition leader Syeed Ali Shah Geelani called for a general strike to protest the killings of four 2009. The average attendance of 85 percent of sittings and partici- it was due to humidity and hot persons in Shopian in Kashmir on September 7. all members is around 77 percent. pated in four debates. Samajwadi weather, Circle Officer Cantt The politician participated in Party member Yashvir Singh, 40, Babita Singh said, 16 debates and posed 135 ques- attended 87 percent of sittings When the girl persistently tions against the average of 281, and asked 585 questions. However, complained of pain, the mother according to figures compiled by Congress scion Rahul Gandhi, 43, checked the girl’s genital area and the PRS Legislative Research seems to have been busy with his discovered injuries. She informed Tripura beats Kerala in literacy that works on parliamentary party work as his attendance was her husband, an army officer, who research and practices. a mere 43 percent. The data per- took the girl to the command hos- AGARTALA: Tripura achieved supervised the work of the VLWs, including gram panchayats, NGOs Congress MP from tains to the period from June 2009 pital, where rape was confirmed. the first position in literacy who have worked at the village and local clubs under the close Lakshwadeep Hamdullah Sayeed, when these members were elected The parents then filed a complaint with 94.65 percent, beating and habitation levels. Anganwadi supervision of the State Literacy 31, attended 82 percent of sittings to the current session. with the Cantt police station. Kerala (93.91 percent), Tripura workers under the social welfare Mission Authority headed by the of parliament till now. He posed IANS IANS Chief Minister Manik Sarkar department have also assisted the chief minister. Former census announced here yesterday. VLWs in their endeavour. director Dilip Acherjee, who has “Tripura jumped to first posi- “The final evaluation of the also held the post of school educa- tion among the states of the neo-literate people was con- tion department secretary in the country in literacy from the 12th ducted across the state August state, said: “In Tripura, increase position in the 2001 census and 10-25 under the supervision of the of female literacy is better than Firms to cut bonuses, festive budgets the fourth position in the 2011 (Kolkata-based) Indian Statistical their male counterparts.” census,” Sarkar said at a function Institution (ISI),” the chief min- “The literacy rate of females NEW DELHI: Majority of Indian companies are The sectors covered included pharma, consumer on the occasion of International ister said, adding that the state’s during the period of 2001 and likely to lower employee bonuses and slash their durables, electronics, gems and jewellery, automo- Literacy Day. literacy had now risen to 94.65 2011 census rose from 64.91 to festive budget by around 40 percent this season biles, FMCG, manufacturing and infrastructure. Sarkar said that after Tripura percent from the 87.75 percent 83.15 percent, with an increase due to lower earnings and sales, an industry sur- “The tough business environment marked by high attained 87.75 percent literacy in the 2011 census. of 18.24 percent, while in the vey has revealed. inflation, drop in corporate earnings and decline in in the 2011 census, a govern- The state government felt, case of men the increase was just According to a survey conduced by the Associated new business orders is taking a toll on this festive ment survey was conducted by Sarkar said, that after the final 11.18 percent—from 81 to 92.18 Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Assocham), season,” Rawat. He said cut in corporate budget and the eight district magistrates in report of the ISI, the state’s lit- percent,” Acherjee said. It was companies would significantly cut or avoid paying curtailing in bonuses have wider ramifications in the August 2012 which found that eracy would cross 96 percent. under Acherjee’s supervision that bonuses in the backdrop of a severe slowdown, pres- sense that the consumers will be forced to spend far only 131,634 people of the state’s According to the 2011 census, the 2011 census was conducted in sure on earnings, and spiralling inflation further less during the festival season. 37 lakh people, including those literacy level is 93.91 percent Tripura. confounded by a sharp depreciation of rupee. The corporates worst affected by the slowdown are aged 50 and above, were illiterate. in Kerala and 91.58 percent in While Mizoram and Tripura “Slowdown cast shadow over festivals of lights,” said in consumer durables, gems and jewellery, FMCG, “Over 8,254 voluntary literacy Mizoram, among the most lit- are among the toppers in literacy D S Rawat, Assocham secretary general, adding that electronics, automobile and real estate. They will workers (VLW) have worked tre- erate states in the country. The in India, another northeastern due to steep fall in rupee, the budget on Diwali and be spending far less and will keep a tight leash on mendously with full dedication national literacy rate, accord- state, Arunachal Pradesh (66.95 other ensuing festivals like Dhanteras and Christmas their budgets, highlighted the survey. The survey under 8,152 adult literacy centres ing to the 2011 census, is 74.04 percent), is placed second-lowest may see a cut of around 40 percent this year. points out that the sales of electronics goods, TV, to make the leftover (131,634 peo- percent. in literacy in the country, just The survey included responses from 2,500 small, laptop, and kitchen appliances, among others gener- ple) unlettered people literate,” The Tripura success story is above Bihar, which recorded the medium and large companies located in major cities ally tend to rise during the festive seasons. However, the chief minister said. attributed to the involvement least literacy of 63.82 percent. including Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Chennai, Kolkata, the response is likely to be lukewarm this season. Over 85 master trainers have of local government bodies, IANS Ahmedabad, Bangalore and Hyderabad. IANS MONDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2013 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME Vin Diesel’s ICT Penetration News in Numbers and Usage Riddick knocks CHART: 1 113 Fajr (Dawn) 4:00 Oprah from box Shorook (Sunrise) 5:17 Zuhr (Noon) 11:31 office throne Asr (Afternoon) 3:00 LOS ANGELES/NEW Maghrib (Sunset) 5:46 YORK: Sci-fi sequel Riddick, Isha (Night) 7:16 starring Vin Diesel as an ex- con who can see in the dark, muscled to the top of US and Canadian box office charts at WEATHER the weekend, dethroning Oprah Winfrey’s three-time winner, The Butler. Today Tuesday Weather Highlights of ICT Use Among Qatari Citizens Wednesday Conditions: Riddick, the weekend’s Partly cloudy Partly cloudy Clear only new nationwide release, Despite a continuing gender gap when it comes to ICT use, a growing Slight dust and hot rung up $18.7m in ticket sales with some scattered from Friday through Sunday, number of female citizens are accessing the Internet with each while Lee Daniels’ The Butler, High: 38° clouds with chance High: 39° High: 38° a civil-rights drama, pulled Low: 30° Low: 30° Low: 31° of rain to the west passing year, especially with the newer devices. For example, as area. in $8.9m, according to studio estimates. noted earlier, 85 percent of local women now use a smartphone Instructions Not Included, a to get online, while 73 percent use a laptop, and 56 percent use Spanish-language film starring DOHA - SUN & SEA and directed by Mexican tel- a desktop computer. Those who do are frequently logging on to evision star Eugenio Derbez, was connect with others, with two out of three of female Qatari Internet SUN TIDE SEA third with $8.1m in its second SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND week in release. users reporting that they email or use instant messaging almost Riddick returns Diesel to the 05:17 17:46 07:15 & 19:00 01:00 & 13:15 05-15/20 KT role of a glowing-eyed ex-convict daily, and about half interacting through social networking sites. he played in two films in 2000 and THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW 2004. In the new movie, Riddick Frequency of Conducting Online Activities Among HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER sets out in search of his home- land. Double-crossed and left Qatari Women Internet Users MUSCAT 30/25 Partly cloudy 29/25 Partly cloudy for dead, he battles beasts and bounty hunters while he tries to  KUWAIT 42/30 Clear 42/31 Clear 92% rebuild himself physically and BAHRAIN 38/31 Clear 37/31 Clear morally. SANAA 27/15 Chance of storm 27/14 Chance of storm The Butler stars Forest  RIYADH 42/28 Clear 42/28 Clear 76% Whitaker as a White House DUBAI 40/31 Partly cloudy 39/30 Partly cloudy 67% butler to eight US presi- 64% BAGHDAD 40/26 Clear 41/25 Clear dents. Entertainment mogul  58% Winfrey plays his hard-drink- THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW ing wife. 48% HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER Universal Pictures, a unit of  Comcast Corp, released Riddick 33% ATHENS 29/22 Clear 30/23 Partly cloudy in the United States, and eOne 24% 22% WASHINGTON 26/21 Partly cloudy 32/24 Partly cloudy Entertainment distributes the 19% 19% 20% SYDNEY 31/11 Mostly cloudy 27/08 Partly cloudy film in Canada.  15% 12% 14% LONDON 21/10 Mostly cloudy 20/11 Partly cloudy The privately held Weinstein 9% Company distributes The 7% PARIS 19/14 Chance of rain 21/13 Partly cloudy Butler. Instructions Not Included 1% ISTANBUL 24/17 Chance of rain 26/18 Partly cloudy  is distributed by Pantelion, a Email Instant Social Online Video IP Telephony MANILA 32/23 T-storm 32/24 Chance of storm joint venture of Hollywood stu- Messaging Networking Learning Conferencing DHAKA 31/25 T-storm 30/25 T-storm dio Lionsgate Entertainment Every Day Less Frequent Never DELHI 35/25 Partly cloudy 34/26 Partly cloudy and Mexican media giant Source : Supreme Council of Information & Communication Technology ISLAMABAD 31/22 Chance of storm 33/24 Chance of storm Televisa. REUTERS Indian TV channel seeks Josh Brolin makes a great pie, says Winslet

TORONTO: Josh Brolin, Never Sleeps and the Coen broth- mother, portrayed by Winslet. with his flaky crusts. prospective brides, grooms known for villainous roles, ers’ Academy Award-winning No “Josh got into his character But the actor may have taken makes a great pie both on and Country for Old Men — perfected and, I can say, is an excellent cook preparing for the scene a tad too NEW DELHI: India’s focus on marriage has fuelled an industry off screen, Kate Winslet, co- his baking skills for a scene in of pies,” Winslet told a news con- far, according to Winslet. worth billions, lining the pockets of everyone from wedding plan- star of his latest film, said yes- director Jason Reitman’s Labor ference. “I don’t know about his “He got a little bit obsessive with ners to jewellers to astrologers and now, a new TV channel hopes terday, softening his tough guy Day. ability to make chili or anything making pies,” she said. “He would to cash in. image. The film, based on a Joyce else, but he certainly is an excel- get up at four in the morning and When television producer Anuranjan Jha met his wife through a The American actor — who Maynard novel, premiered this lent pie baker.” he would come to work with a box matrimonial website 12 years ago, he came up with what he describes has played loathsome characters week at the Toronto film festival. Reitman concurred, and and say, ‘I’ve baked you a pie.’” as a gold mine of an idea. in such films as Milk, American In it, Brolin plays an escaped con- according to Brolin, the crew on Brolin would also email pic- “I thought, if the Internet, which only reaches a small percentage Gangster, Wall Street: Money vict taken in by a reclusive single the set were also very pleased tures of his pies to friends and of Indians can be so successful in arranging marriages, then why not others. television which is everywhere?” Jha, now the managing director of Five weeks and many, many Shagun TV, said. pies later, Winslet and the rest More than 47 percent of Indian households have a television com- of the cast and crew had had pared with just over three percent with Internet access, according to their fill. Reitman, for one, said 2011 census data. his fridge was full. It took Jha more than a decade, but he finally launched Shagun TV “Josh is a picture of masculinity, (the name means “auspicious TV” in Hindi) in April. but you’d show up at his cottage The Hindi-language channel currently attracts around 10 million and he’d be so excited to tell you viewers a week, Jha said, citing figures compiled by television ratings about the crust he achieved that agency TAM India. day or the juices that were com- He hopes to see that number double to 20 million soon, as he expands ing out of the pie,” said Reitman. the channel’s distribution network, currently limited to a single national “He’d give pies to everyone satellite TV provider, Videocon d2h. and it really was exciting at first, The channel features shows designed to help viewers find brides or but later on you’d see a pie and grooms, look up honeymoon destinations, shop for jewellery, check out go running.” Still, the pies kept horoscopes and learn how to get along with one’s in-laws. coming throughout the nine- Glamorous television stars anchor programmes staged in front of week film shoot — for Winslet, for a garish red and gold set — painted to resemble a wedding backdrop. Reitman, for the crew and even A peppy presenter profiles a series of young men in search of a the hair and makeup department. bride as their candid, photoshop-free pictures pop up on screen, with “We lived on pie,” said Winslet. a message urging interested families to contact the channel if they Brolin confessed that it all like what they see. started out of “abject fear” of not Shows include Honeymoon Travels, Gold n Beautiful, Kundali Bole being able to do the pie scene with (“The Horoscope speaks”) and Janam Janam Ka Saath (“Together for Winslet, described in the script as Many Lifetimes”). “the greatest pie making scene in Best-selling Indian novelist and commentator Shobhaa De said the Cast member Josh Brolin signs autographs as he arrives for the Labor Day film screening at the 38th Toronto cinema history.” channel was poised to be “tremendously successful”. International Film Festival in Toronto. AFP “It’s an inspired idea that could really work in a country where so many people — women in particular — struggle to find partners,” De said, pointing out that young Indian professionals had limited oppor- tunities to meet prospective partners due to busy careers and the absence of a widespread dating culture. By the time the channel launched, some 2,000 people had already McQueen hopes film opens discussion on slavery contacted Jha, expressing a wish to participate in his shows and find a suitable boy or girl. In a country where arranged marriages are still the norm and dating TORONTO: British filmmaker Steve left early over the film’s graphic portrayal “The only way I could put myself in that is often frowned upon, matrimonial advertisements in newspapers and McQueen said yesterday he hoped his new of unspeakable torture of slaves during this headspace was to find the reason why, and not websites are used by many to find prospective partners. movie 12 Years a Slave would open up fresh, period in history. as a justification for deplorable behaviour, but Jha is hoping attitudes have changed after earlier attempts to cre- frank discussion about the slave trade. McQueen and the cast made no apologies. as a way into it as an actor,” she said. ate reality television shows focusing on arranged marriages ran into “There’s a lot of shame about slavery in The story is “a gift from the past to open Her co-star Alfre Woodard urged audiences trouble. America and the West Indies,” McQueen told a discussion, not about race, particularly, to take in the film’s “very complex portrait of Kahin Naa Kahin Koi Hai (“Somewhere There is Someone”) was a press conference. but about human dignity and our freedoms life in a slave economy” and resist the urge launched with great fanfare in 2002, with “There’s nothing to be forgiven for, it wasn’t and what we most require in the world,” said to use modern principles to judge historical Bollywood icon Madhuri Dixit anchoring the your fault, this is what happened to you.” Chiwetel Ejiofor, who plays Northup. figures and their actions. programme. The film is based on a firsthand account “And the only way to really open that dis- “When we look at this film and when we But the show opened to poor reviews and of Solomon Northup, a free black man from cussion is to see all sides of it.” look at history, we have to understand that criticism from viewers who objected to peo- upstate New York who was kidnapped and sold Michael Fassbender, who plays cruel plan- people live smack in the middle of the times ple choosing their spouses on TV and was into slavery in 1841, recalling the horrors of tation owner Edwin Epps, added: “History that they live,” she said. taken off the air after just ten weeks. gruelling labour, daily humiliation and families writes it the way it is... It is what it is... It’s “I think we can’t judge in black and white.” In an interview with Stardust magazine torn apart. real.” McQueen said he actually views the film nearly a decade later, Dixit said the show Its premiere at the Toronto International Sarah Paulson, in the role of Epps’ wife who as a love story, a man’s desperate struggle to was “way ahead of its times”. Film Festival received a standing ovation, is responsible for much suffering, said she was return to his family. AFP as well as sobs, while some in the audience deeply affected by her character’s cruelty. AFP Monday 9 September 2013 3 Dhul-qa’da 1434 Volume 18 Number 5817 Price: QR2

China trade surplus widens to $28.6bn

Business | 18

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Gulf regains confidence in mature markets Qatar invests heavily in financial services: PwC

DOHA: Gulf investors are cau- mature markets. To some degrees certain deal drivers are com- tiously investing overseas again. this reflects more exuberant mon to most of HGM buyers but Over the last five years, there investing during the pre-financial each specific market has its own has been more deal value flow crisis which has moderated since. nuances. This is particularly true from this largest high growth On average, five outbound deals for the Gulf region, where SWFs markets (HGM) to mature mar- per annum have been responsible and state-owned enterprises have ket economies than in the other for 75 percent of total outbound used M&A to diversify their finan- direction. deal value 2006-2012. cial reserves, invest in captur- A look at the volume and value “In line with its strategy to ing technology within the value of deals by investors from the Gulf establish Doha as a financial hub, chains they most understand, eg Cooperation Council (GCC) over Qatar has invested heavily in finan- energy and petrochemicals, and the past six years highlights the out- cial services, including stakes in the develop sectors that will provide bound M&A activity to the mature London stock exchange and numer- local employment and growth over The Minister of Energy and Industry, H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada, during a meeting in Tokyo. markets of North America, Europe ous real estate assets. It has also the long-term like semidconduc- and the UK fell from a peak of over made some higher profile financial tors and aerospace. To diversify $40bn in 2007, to lows of $5.3bn in investments, largely in the UK and reserves, the Gulf SWFs have con- Al Sada meets businessmen in Tokyo 2010 and 2012. Whilst deal volume France. The UAE and Saudi Arabia tinued to invest in higher value fell precipitously between 2008 and have both made numerous acqui- property portfolios overseas. 2010, the number of outbound deals sitions to acquire technology and The UK and Europe maintain a TOKYO: The Minister of various aspects of cooperation Executive Officer, President of JGC returned to growth in 2011 with know-how, in particular in areas strong appeal for buyers from the Energy and Industry, H E Dr with a number of Japanese com- Corporation and a number of Heads 2012 deal volumes back above the such as energy and chemicals. region, accounting for the large Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada, panies, institutions, contractors of Japanese shipping companies. last five-year average, a new report Many of the 2007 deals are still majority of all mature market deals. has held a number of meet- and suppliers, importers and He has also met senior offi- by PwC noted. being worked through and include The value of deals into Europe though ings ahead of his participation service providers having business cials of a number of companies, The GCC region’s sovereign larger investments into real estate, is smaller than the volume and the at the Liquefied Natural Gas ties with Qatar Petroleum (QP) including JX Nippon Oil & Gas wealth funds (SWFs) and state- energy and chemicals, all sectors fewer US deals that have occurred (LNG) Producer-Consumer and Qatargas, a press release Exploration Corporation, Cosmo owned enterprises continue to which remain of interest now and since the financial crisis may turn Conference organised by Japan’s issued by QP said yesterday. Oil, LNG Japan Corp, Bank of drive much of the outbound deal in the future,” PwC analysts noted. around now that the US economy is Ministry of Economy, Trade He has met with Chiyoda Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. and value but have cut back on the size The PwC research of HGM showing sign of growth again. and Industry. Corporation Executive Chairman, Sumitomo Mitsui. of their overseas investments into buyers has demonstrated that THE PENINSULA Dr Al Sada has discussed Idemitsu Kosan Co Ltd Chief QNA MONDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2013 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

Abul Aziz bin Experts warn Nasser named firms on cyber QDB CEO security threat Companies need better response system

DOHA: In the face of the and remediation gaps in your r ep or t s of a n i ncr e a si n g nu mb er cyber security program. of cyber crimes in the region, Additionally, even when a Qatari companies and enter- compromise triggers an alert, prises need to scale up their it is difficult to identify the real protective measures against the threats among the tens of thou- possible threats, according to sands of alerts these tools bub- experts. ble up. A recent annual survey by There is very little integra- Gulf Business Machines (GBM) tion among the tools within has found that approximately a traditional cyber security 45 percent of IT professionals infrastructure, and the major- DOHA: The Board of Directors in the GCC admit that their ity of them are designed to of Qatar Development Bank organisations had at least one dump tons of information in (QDB) yesterday announced IT security incident that they your lap with no remediation A ship loaded with containers at a port in Lianyungang, Jiangsu province of China, yesterday. the appointment of Abdul Aziz were aware of in the last 12 functionality. bin Nasser Al Khalifa as Chief months. The IT team within organi- Executive Officer (CEO). Today’s cyber security infra- sations are then tasked with China trade surplus widens to $28.6bn Al Khalifa previously worked structure contains a number of sifting through all the noise as Executive Director of QDB’s detection, analysis and remedia- and correlating data manu- Business Development and tion gaps. ally to figure out what is really BEIJING: China’s trade per- “China’s export markets began than expected, indicating that Strategy division, where he Currently Qatari organisations happening. formance was better than to grow strong again as the the demand from the domestic spearheaded the development focus most of their attention on Most organizations do not expected in August, as stronger United States is back on track market is not that strong,” Ma and execution of a number of alerting and prevention tools. have an integrated incident exports to recovering overseas and Europe is stabilising,” he said. Xiaoping, a Beijing-based econo- key projects. With a particu- They should be focusing mainly response platform that enables economies caused the trade sur- Exports jumped 7.2 percent mist for British bank HSBC, said. lar focus on supporting the pri- on two things: detecting unknown all this critical analysis within plus to widen to $28.6bn, cus- year-on-year to $190.7bn last “However, there is no need to vate sector in Qatar, as well as threats and responding faster and a single interface, and they toms figures showed yesterday. month, customs said in a state- worry too much, as the effect of small and medium enterprises, more comprehensively to security have no real-time collaboration Improved exports, a key driver ment on its website. stimulus policies revealed ear- he led the establishment of the incidents. capabilities. of growth for China, are a positive Economists had forecast a six lier this year and the rebound in Al Dhameen programme and the They also need a new “cyber They must correlate network, sign for the world’s second larg- percent annual rise in exports for domestic demand will take time Qatar Business Incubator project. security incident response host and malware information est economy which has struggled August, Dow Jones Newswires to realise,” she said. He was also instrumen- approach” in the face of the manually and usually in per- since early this year, analysts said. said. In July, exports grew just 5.1 The market is watching for tal in developing QDB’s increasing crimes in the region, son at “war room” meetings. The trade surplus rose 8.3 percent on the year. signs of recovery in China, which Export Development Agency experts noted. Operating under this model, we percent from the same month Besides weak demand, China’s the global economy relies on to (TASDEER). In addition to this Jason Mical, Vice President will see response time increase last year and also widened from exports have also been hurt by sustain growth. China’s economy Al Khalifa was responsible for the of Cyber Security, AccessData as the number and sophistica- $17.8bn in July, according to cus- appreciation in its yuan currency, expanded 7.7 percent last year, the development and implementation says when it comes to detection, tion of exploits increase, Jason toms figures. which makes its products more slowest growth since 1999. of a number of products, such as most organizations rely prima- said. Analysts had forecast a trade expensive overseas, analysts say. In the final quarter of last year, revamping the housing loan for rily on signature-based alerting The tools that offer better real- surplus of $20.4bn, according to Separately, imports rose a growth accelerated to 7.9 percent, Qatari nationals and Islamic and prevention solutions, such as time collaboration and integrated a survey of 11 economists by Dow weaker-than-expected 7.0 per- but has slowed in successive quar- loans. intrusion detection systems and analysis, are the way of the future, Jones Newswires. cent to $162.1bn in August, less ters to 7.7 percent in the first Al Khalifa holds an MBA antivirus, and they rely on data better equipping Qatari organi- “The surplus is higher than than the 11.7 percent rise forecast quarter and 7.5 percent in the from Qatar University and a BS leakage prevention tools to catch zations to protect their domains expected thanks to strong by analysts. Weak imports could second quarter. But China’s man- in Engineering from California data spills. against the ever-changing and exports. The figures are good and still be a sign of worry for the ufacturing activity strengthened State University, as well as special These products only catch what evolving cyber security threats show an upward trend in China’s economy, signalling that domestic in August to its highest level in degrees from Harvard University you tell them to look for, which of today. trade,” Liao Qun, an economist demand is faltering, analysts said. 16 months, official figures showed. and Insead. leaves serious detection, analysis THE PENINSULA at Citic Bank International, said. “The import figure is lower AFP THE PENINSULA MONDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2013 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19 Qatari bourse Syrian money exchange index adds 52.89 points Bargain hunters lift regional markets

DOHA: Qatar Exchange index sell off was political, which is not added 52.89 points, or 0.57 per- sustainable,” Mohammad Omran, cent, yesterday to advance to President of Riyadh-based private 9,257.81 points from 9,204.92 on firm Gulf Centre for Financial Thursday. Consultancy, said about Gulf The volume of the shares traded markets.” fell to 3,770,089 from 7,511,276 on “There are opportunities in the Thursday and the value of shares market that are attracting buyers decreased to QR169,225,148.03 because the strike on Syria could from QR386,978,222.95 on take some time.” Thursday. US President Barack Obama is Among the top gainers were waiting for a pivotal Congressional General Insurance which was up vote for a limited strike on Syria, 2.94 percent to QR52.50, Ooredoo while European Union foreign gained 2.69 percent to QR133.40, ministers have urged Washington Al khalij Commercial Bank gained to wait for a report from United 1.34 percent to QR18.14 and Qatar Nations weapons inspectors Navigation up by 1.18 percent to before making any military QR77.00. response.. The banking and financial sec- The detailed report from tor index added 0.37 points while the UN is expected in a week; consumer goods and services sector final votes in Congress could A Syrian refugee money-changer exchanges currency for customers at the main market at Al Zaatri refugee camp in the Jordanian city of Mafraq, index was up 0.92 points. The indus- come after the UN report is near the border with Syria, yesterday. A majority of refugees use the money-changers to exchange Syrian pounds, which is currently valued at 250 trial sector lost 0.01 points while announced. Syrian pound against the US dollar at the camp. insurance sector gained 0.65 points. Shares in heavyweight lender Meanwhile, Dubai’s shares led Emirates NBD surged 6.8 per- a regional recovery yesterday cent after four sessions of losses. as bargain hunters returned to Analysts say investors are more pick up stocks battered over the likely to rotate investments into last two weeks but the spectre bluechip shares during periods of Turkey banks use private placement of a possible military strike on political uncertainty. Syria ensured trading remained Abu Dhabi’s measure bucked LONDON: A slew of private “Every week we are printing 2022 note, for example, has fallen become a reasonable amount. volatile. the regional trend, slipping 0.3 placement deals for Turkish private placements (to raise) six points over the last month to Institutional demand from Asia, Dubai’s index climbed 1.5 per- percent to its lowest finish since banks in recent weeks could hundreds of millions of dollars. a cash price of 85.3 last Friday, Europe and even Switzerland is cent, rallying from a two-month June 26. mean that the lenders eschew It shows that whatever is needed according to Tradeweb data. In providing a growing buyer base low and snapping a four-session Elsewhere, Kuwait’s bourse the Eurobond market alto- in the bond market can be done total, the note has fallen a whop- for Turkey’s lenders, the banker losing streak which had seen the snapped a 10-session losing gether in the near future, a through private placements - ping 21 points since the beginning said. bourse lose 10.1 percent of its streak, rising 0.3 percent. Qatar’s debt capital markets originator they can replace Eurobonds,” the of June. “There is a host of different value. index advanced 0.6 percent, halt- said. banker said. This makes public issuance investors who are interested in The retail-dominated mar- ing a four-session drop and recov- Turkey’s largest bank by mar- This will help the banks achieve difficult for Turkey’s banks. these deals, (including) asset ket continued its recent volatile ering from a 10-week low. ket capitalisation, Garanti Bank , their funding needs, and means Instead, private placements managers, insurance com- trading pattern, with investors In Saudi Arabia, the measure has raised $900m through private they don’t need to consider are an option for the better- panies, money market funds holding stocks for shorter peri- ended flat near Thursday’s two- placements since April this year, Eurobond issuance at a time when graded names. The placements in Asia, Europe and even ods given the higher risk pre- month low after giving back the while Vakif bank raised $400m in the appetite for Turkish risk is have been a favourite hunting Switzerland on the money mar- mium created by the geopolitical day’s gains. July alone. low. ground for Gulf banks too such ket side,” he said. overhang. Market turnover was relatively Others such as Yapi Kredi are Eurobond investors are bear- as National Bank of Abu Dhabi This provides a good short- Frothy mid-cap shares that high during the recent sell-off. looking to set up medium-term ish on Turkey because of concerns and Emirates NBD as well as for term solution for Turkish banks, were hardest hit in the recent sell- Sunday’s buying demand was note programmes that will allow over the country’s economy, its some South African names. and will also help reduce their ing led gainers; Union Properties muted in comparison and any them to issue private placements, currency and the risk that mili- The deals tend to have short dependence on international and Air Arabia climbed 4.1 and recovery will be fragile unless while Isbank has also begun to sell tary action in neighbouring Syria tenors of three to six months bond markets in the long term, 4.3 percent respectively. trading volumes increase. deals, with transactions in U S may spill over, he said. and the deal sizes are typically he added. “The only reason behind the AGENCIES dollars and Swiss francs. Garanti Bank’s 5.25 percent small; but added up together they REUTERS

Dubai’s DAE Daimler aims to launch self driving car by 2020 ends tie-up MUNICH: Germany’s Daimler top stop in the luxury car mar- car completely guided by comput- reportedly discussing an alliance technology, although Georgeric AG plans to start selling a self- ket from German rival BMW, ers this decade. with Continental on self-driving Legros, a Paris-based management talks with BBA driving car by 2020 as part of is focusing on so-called highly Testing is already under way cars that could be announced as consultant with AlixPartners, its campaign to regain the top automated driving, in which cars in many countries. US Internet soon as this week. believes attitudes are changing. Aviation spot among premium carmak- master situations such as cruis- search and advertising group Daimler’s Weber said it was “The slightly macho aspect of ers, its development chief said. ing the motorway or manoeuvring Google has fitted out several hard to forecast exactly when driv- cars is gradually disappearing DUBAI: Dubai Aerospace Carmakers and suppliers across through traffic jams while the cars with radar-like equipment ers would turn into passengers in in favour of a more functional, Enterprise (DAE), owner the world are working on ways driver relaxes. that lets them navigate roads in their own cars. “Autonomous driv- safety-minded image,” he said. of US-based engine repair to make driving safer and more The car would recognise dif- California and Nevada. The tech- ing will not come overnight, but “People prefer to be comfort- and maintenance business comfortable through automation, ficult situations such as deal- nology will feature at this week’s will be realised in stages,” he said. ably installed in a leather seat, StandardAero, said yesterday and the race is on to bring the ing with traffic lights or urban Frankfurt car show, the world’s One obstacle to overcome is reading the paper or catching it was no longer in talks with technology to the mass market. driving among pedestrians and biggest, although experts say the making it legal for cars to steer up on email, rather than stuck British aircraft services firm “We want to be the first to cyclists, and hand control back move from dream to reality will themselves. European Union laws behind the wheel in a traffic jam BBA Aviation to merge parts of launch autonomous functions to the human behind the wheel. likely take 10 to 15 years. currently call for drivers to be in or on a monotonous motorway.” its business. in production vehicles. You can Daimler, the maker of German auto supplier control of cars at all times, so test Technology already on the mar- The two firms had said in late be sure: we will accomplish that Mercedes-Benz and Smart cars, Continental aims to enable cars to vehicles at Daimler and BMW ket allows partly automated driving August that they had started in this decade,” Daimler head of is not alone in its ambitions. drive themselves at speeds of up need special approval in Germany. in which motorists stay in control talks to merge some of their development Thomas Weber said. Japan’s Nissan, for example, has to 30km per hour by 2016, and at There’s also the challenge but get a hand from the vehicle. assets, after media reports said Daimler, battling to regain the also announced plans to launch a up to 60 km/h by 2020. Google is of convincing drivers of the REUTERS that BBA was looking at a £2.7bn ($4.2bn) tie-up with Arizona- based StandardAero. “Dubai Aerospace Enterprise Bangla spare parts business announced today it is no longer in discussions with BBA Aviation Delta joins S&P 500 about a potential combination of certain parts of its business,” DAE said in an emailed statement. DAE, which specialises in air- index of stocks craft maintenance and leasing, gave no further details on why ATLANTA: Delta Air Lines only carrier now in the S&P the discussions had ended. Inc is scheduled to be listed index. A source with direct knowledge among the stocks in the Delta cut costs in a 2005-2007 of the matter said there was no Standard & Poor’s 500 index bankruptcy reorganization, then formal sale process in place yet next week, a sign of the air- grew by acquiring Northwest for StandardAero. line’s turnaround since it filed Airlines in 2008. It’s reduced “BBA had made a preliminary for bankruptcy protection eight debt and posted profits for three approach and discussions were at years ago. straight years, and its shares an early stage. Obviously the asset The S&P index is made up of have gained 68 percent this year. is for sale but the price has to be 500 large US companies whose Delta’s stock market value is right for both the parties,” said shares trade on either the New nearly $17bn. the source. York Stock Exchange or the The airline announced in May After ordering more than 200 Nasdaq Stock Market. that it would resume issuing a aircraft during an industry boom in Companies can benefit from quarterly dividend of 6 cents a 2007, DAE’s leasing unit has been being in the index because invest- share, due to be paid Tuesday. forced to cancel orders. In 2011, ment funds that track the index It last paid a dividend in 2003. it cancelled outstanding Airbus must buy their stock. The airline also plans to buy orders worth $5.8bn and also can- Atlanta-based Delta, the back $500m of its own shares by celled orders for 35 Boeing 737s. world’s second-biggest airline by mid-2016. The Dubai-government owned passenger traffic behind United, Jamie Baker, an analyst for J firm put StandardAero up for sale will join the index after trading P Morgan, said Delta’s listing in in 2010 and retained Deutsche ends on Tuesday. It will replace the S&P 500 index could increase Bank to advise on the sale, Reuters BMC Software Inc, which is being demand for the company’s stock, A man works at a vehicle spare parts store in Dholaikhal in Dhaka. The area is known as the place for vehicle reported at the time. However, the bought by Bain Capital. which he rates “neutral.” spare parts. According to locals, about 10,000 people work in the area. process moved slowly. Southwest Airlines Co is the AP REUTERS MONDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2013 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS New Australia Porsche sports car anniversary govt to re-boot mining boom Senate may be a roadblock for Abbott

CANBERRA: Australia’s said the victory for Abbott should incoming conservative govern- give him at least two three-year ment promised to re-boot a terms in office. stalled mining boom and revive “The only time we’ve ever had an appetite for investment yes- a one-term government is dur- erday after leader Tony Abbott ing the great depression. There swept into office on a platform is no real reason to expect they to scrap a mining tax and run a won’t go beyond the three years,” stable administration. Monash University analyst Nick Abbott’s Liberal-National Party Economou said. coalition ended six years of often Despite his solid victory, turbulent Labor Party rule and Abbott’s government will not three years of minority govern- have a majority in the upper house ment, winning a majority of more Senate, where he is likely to face than 30 seats in the 150-seat par- a disparate range of minor parties liament at Saturday’s national and independents with the bal- elections. It was Labor’s worst ance of power votes from July 2014. result since 1934. Labor and the Greens will control Abbott, a former student boxer, a Senate majority until next July. Rhodes scholar and trainee priest, Abbott will need Senate began his first day as prime min- approval to scrap the carbon and ister elect with a dawn bike ride mining taxes, and to implement Visitors view a classic Porsche 356 sportscar at the Porsche Fest in the Autotron in Rosmalen, The Netherlands. The event is being held on the with friends around his home on his landmark paid parental leave occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Porsche 911 sports car. Sydney’s northern beaches, before scheme which has upset big busi- meeting government and ministry ness and many in his own party. officials. The influential Business “People expect the day after an Council of Australia, which rep- election an incoming government resents the nation’s biggest listed will be getting down to business. companies, urged the Senate to Oil terminal strikes cost Libya $5bn That’s what I’ll be doing today,” recognise the government’s man- Abbott told reporters. date, but continued to express TRIPOLI: Libya’s prime min- has struggled to reign in the authorised to speak to the media. Zidan. That same day, Libya’s top Abbott, who was backed by concerns about the taxpayer- ister faced increasing calls for combustible mix of tribal feuds, Libya was producing 1.6 mil- cleric, Mufti A Sadiq Al Ghiryani, media owner Rupert Murdoch funded leave scheme. his ouster yesterday as strikes disgruntled employees and ren- lion barrels of oil per day under called on the prime minister’s and his Australian newspapers, Final Senate results could take by government employees at oil egade militias fuelling the crisis. Gaddafi and was exporting government to be sacked for takes office as Australia’s econ- several weeks to determine, due export terminals cost the North The country’s nascent police and around 1.2 million barrels daily. “incompetence.” omy adjusts to the end of a mining to the complex nature of the pref- African country more than army have been unable to secure Production stopped briefly dur- The prime minister, who investment boom, with slowing erential voting system. $5bn in losses. the country following the eight- ing the civil war, but picked up was not the Islamists’ first government revenues and rising Abbott may be forced to deal Bilqasim Shindeer El Shibany, a month-long civil war in 2011 within months of Gaddafi’s cap- choice to lead government, is unemployment. with independent Nick Xenophon, board member of Libya’s National that toppled dictator Muammar ture and killing at the hands of also under fire from the Libyan But Abbott’s finance spokesman Victoria’s Motoring Enthusiast Oil Corp, said that oil exports Gaddafi. rebels, who now comprise many Muslim Brotherhood’s Justice Andrew Robb, who may become Party, and anti-immigration fire- almost entirely have stopped. Late The closure of onshore oil facil- of the militias. and Construction Party, which the trade minister in the new gov- brand Pauline Hanson might also last month, officials said exports ities have driven down production Zidan’s government has been called on parliament to investi- ernment, said Australia’s economy win a Senate seat and return to were around 300,000 barrels per to just 130,000 barrels per day, pressed to provide basic services, gate Zidan’s performance, a move and mining sector would receive parliament after a 15-year absence. day, down dramatically from pre- Libya’s Deputy Oil Minister Omar unify the country’s tribes and that could lead to a no-confidence a boost from the election result. Perhaps the biggest surprise war levels in early 2011. El Shakmak told reporters earlier restore security. Lawlessness in vote against him. The party said “As of today, the mining boom of the election was the showing Adding to the government’s this week. An official in Libya’s Libya last year led to an attack hundreds of thousands of secu- will be rebooted,” Robb told of start-up Palmer United Party, woes, the capital, Tripoli, has been National Oil Corp said that figure on the US Consulate in the east- rity personnel, many of them Australian television, adding founded just five months ago by col- hit with water cuts for three days had risen slightly by the end of ern city of Benghazi that killed the members of militias aligned with Australia had become uncompeti- ourful mining entrepreneur Clive and electricity outages for the the week to 150,000 barrels per American ambassador and three the government, are on govern- tive under the Labor government. Palmer, who could win a seat in both past few months that last around day, less than 10 percent of its others. ment payroll, but that insecurity “We will restore an appetite for the Senate and the lower house. four hours daily. pre-war levels. He spoke on con- Dozens of people protested remains rampant. risk and investment.” Analysts REUTERS Prime Minister Ali Zidan dition of anonymity as he was not in the capital on Friday against AP Italy’s Morellato eyes domestic brands: CEO Norway ponders use

VICENZA, ITALY: Italian small and big players have become projects that offer a value at an licence for fashion groups such jewelry and watch maker the target of buyers, mainly from international scale.” as Just Cavalli or Miss Sixty, has of petro-kronor Morellato Group is not for sale abroad, looking for long-term Jewellers like Morellato are long used non-precious metals and hopes to add other domes- high-value brands. pinning their future on a bou- and other materials in its designs. OSLO: Norway, which goes to dilapidated schools and broken tic brands to its portfolio, chief Morellato, now owned by tique business model to market “Now everybody is doing that, the polls today, is an island of roads at the same time as you executive Massimo Carraro Carraro and his brother Marco, the ‘Made in Italy’ brand, focusing but we’ve been on it for 15 years prosperity in Europe, with so have a huge oil fund belonging to said. began in 1930 as a maker of watch on high-end design, innovation and it’s definitely paid off,” he much money that it literally society is testimony to the frugal- The global financial crisis, straps, but grew into a lead- and craftsmanship to fight off said. doesn’t know what to do with it. ity and long-term perspective of which sapped consumer demand ing watch and jewellery maker competition from mass-market The jeweller, which had previ- The Nordic country faces an Norway’s leaders,” said Doerum. for luxury goods and dried up thanks to a string of acquisitions. producers. ously said it could float the com- embarrassment of riches as it Launching a lone assault on finance, has turned many Italian Today, the group is Italy’s largest Morellato’s focus markets are pany from 2012, is holding off on tries to figure out how to spend this consensus, the Progress Party jewelers into targets or put some all Italian-owned jeweller. Europe, the Middle East and Asia, a listing until markets stabilise, its huge pile of oil money without wants to remove the fiscal spend- out of business altogether. One recent buy was that of sil- with a particular concentration Carraro said. damaging the economy in the long ing rule and spend more money “We are not interested in sell- ver brand Pianegonda. on China. “A bourse listing remains a run. on education, research and infra- ing. We see our role as that of an “Pianegonda is an example of a “We have 180 sales points in strategic scenario for us, but it’s “All countries around us are structure, to lay the foundation aggregator of brands that have brand which has suffered during China by now and we plan to grow not something we will pursue in forced to reduce their spending,” for future growth that would a strong ‘Made in Italy’ iden- the crisis and which we bought there organically,” Carrara said. the short term,” he said. said Oeystein Doerum, chief econ- prove profitable for the state in tity,” Carraro said in a phone to give it a domestic and interna- Forty percent of the group’s Morellato reported flat sales omist at Norway’s largest bank the medium term. interview on the sidelines of the tional perspective,” Carraro said. revenue come from its exports and for 2012 at ¤190m ($250m), while DNB. The problem is that the VicenzaORO jewellery trade fair. “Our strategy focuses on the the company hopes to increase earnings before interest, taxes, “Our biggest challenge is that Conservatives, which are likely Italy’s jewellery manufacturing brands, not on price. It’s not that to 50 percent in the future. depreciation and amortisation, our oil wealth is so huge we run to lead a post-election coalition sector is very fragmented, made about growing in size or buying Morellato, a maker of ‘accessi- or EBITDA, rose to ¤23m from the risk of wasting it on substand- with the Progress Party, actually up of some 9,000, mostly small companies which may be cheap ble luxury’ jewellery and watches 21 million the year before. ard projects that are not profit- think the current arrangement and family-owned firms. Both at the moment. It’s about finding under its own brands and under REUTERS able enough.” is too generous, pointing out that The dilemma is all the more as the fund continues to grow, real because the populist right the amount of petro-money avail- gathered in the Progress Party, able to the government expands Berlin Radio Show which wants to abandon the cau- proportionally. Zoopla hires Credit tious policies espoused by other “The most important point of parties, is likely to form a govern- negotiation between the Progress Suisse to study ment with the Conservatives after Party and us is on the nature of the election. the expenses, not on whether to possible flotation Since the late 1990s, the exceed the four percent,” said the Scandinavian country has con- Conservative leader Erna Solberg, LONDON: Britain’s second-big- scientiously placed its oil rev- Norway’s likely next prime minister. gest online estate agent Zoopla enues in a fund meant to finance “We will not,” she added, “be part of has hired investment bank Credit the generous welfare state over a government that carries out an Suisse to explore growth opportu- the long run. The fund invests irresponsible economic policy.” nities, which could include a pos- mainly in stocks, bonds and real Even though the Norwegian sible London stock market listing. estate, placing the money outside economy has slowed down, exces- “We work with various advisers Norway to avoid overheating. sive injection of public money and have recently engaged Credit In the process, it has become could be destabilising. Suisse to help us explore further the largest sovereign wealth In a country where there is strategic opportunities as we con- fund in the world, weighing in at almost full employment, the tinue to grow,” the company said $750bn (¤570bn), or an average booming oil sector is pulling wages in a statement yesterday. 1.25 percent of the market capi- higher than they otherwise would A report in Sunday Times said the talisation of each company listed be. This even goes for traditional six-year-old property website was in the world. industries, which are in compe- exploring a stock market float that To make sure that the fund tition to attract skilled workers. could value the firm at up to £1.3bn keeps growing, the government The result is that Norwegian ($2.03bn), citing bankers. Private- can withdraw no more than four industrial wages are about 70 equity backed British estate agent percent a year — the projected percent above those of other Foxtons last month said it plans to annual return — in order balance European countries, severely sell half the company on the London Visitors experience video glasses by Sony at the Berlin Radio Show IFA in Berlin, Germany. The IFA, a leading its budget, which otherwise would undermining the competitiveness stock market in September. international trade fair of Consumer Electronics and Home Appliances, is open to the public until Wednesday. be in the red. of the nation’s exporters. REUTERS “The fact that you can have REUTERS MONDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2013 BUSINESS VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

Tax law fuels, then kills New RBI governor may tobacco industry face short honeymoon EAN and Larry Wood weren’t thinking about politics when they opened Butt’s Tobacco in a tidy strip mall south of JSeattle in February 2011. NEW DELHI: The euphoria which rectitude and shunning the path of populist The rupee has lost nearly a fifth of its They weren’t aware that a federal children’s health law had greeted new central bank governor prolificacy,” Bodke said. value against the dollar since the start of inadvertently turbocharged their discount-cigarette business, and Raghuram Rajan has been unprecedented With elections due by next May and the the year. they didn’t know that a federal highway law soon would destroy it. in India’s normally sober financial world government struggling in the polls, it may Rajan radiated an energy that contrasted Washington, DC, was on the other side of the continent, and it but the honeymoon may be shortlived. be hard for the ruling left-leaning Congress with the normal crawling pace of Indian felt even more distant. Analysts say it is a mistake to believe the party to take any tough decisions, analysts policymaking in a performance which was Over the next 2-1/2 years, Butt’s Tobacco would shower Jean suave star economist, whose first day on the say. both “bold and brilliant”, wrote Raghuvir and Larry with unexpected riches before eating up their life sav- job last week one financial daily likened to For instance, India urgently needs to cut Srinivasan, business editor of The Hindu ings. Along the way, it would deliver a harsh lesson in the ways the “central banking equivalent of a block- diesel subsidies to lower its massive fuel newspaper. of American politics. buster movie opening,” is a miracle man who import bill which is ballooning its current So far, the so-called “Rajan-effect” is The story of Butt’s Tobacco, and the hundreds of similar “roll- can rescue India’s ailing economy. account deficit — but Foreign Minister holding. your-own” cigarette retail operations that briefly flourished across “There was tremendous elation among Salman Khurshid conceded on Friday such The Bombay Stock Exchange’s bench- the United States, illustrates the unintended consequences that market participants over Rajan’s appoint- a move “has political implications”. mark index surged more than 1,000 points can ripple out from Washington as seemingly minor elements of ment,” Ajay Bodke, strategy head at Mumbai The economy has gone dramatically in the last three trading sessions while the complex legislation change lives and upend established industries. investment house Prabhudas Lilladher, said. downhill since the “Indian Summer” of the rupee staged a strong rally to reach 65.24 It also illustrates the difficulty of closing a tax loophole once “But we need to temper that exuberance last decade when growth regularly topped to the dollar, up from a record low of 68.85 it has been opened. and look dispassionately at the economic eight and nine percent while the Congress- hit last month. The solution adopted by Congress effectively shuttered many fundamentals and that picture is not good,” led government has become mired in cor- But banking giant Barclays noted India mom-and-pop tobacco retailers, but the tax disparities that first he said. ruption scandals that sent foreign investors still faces risks from more global financial made the business attractive remain in place. The former International Monetary Fund fleeing. market uncertainty as an expected paring of As she struggles to stay afloat, Jean Wood has drawn a bitter chief economist has been plunged into a The economic slowdown risks a shortfall US stimulus triggers outflows from emerg- lesson from the experience. maelstrom of a record current account defi- in the government’s tax revenue projections, ing markets as well, as the threat of higher “The guy with the most money wins,” she says. cit — the broadest measure of trade, a hefty exacerbating the fragility of India’s finances. oil prices amid turmoil in the Middle East. As one of his first acts in office in February 2009, President fiscal deficit, stubborn inflation, a weak cur- India’s economy grew 4.4 percent in the Rajan has a “mountain to climb”, The Barack Obama signed a law that extended health insurance to rency and a sharp economic slowdown. quarter ended June, the weakest pace since Hindu noted. children who lacked coverage. The Children’s Health Insurance Analysts say Rajan, famed for forecast- 2009 when the world was reeling from the Analysts say he is in a policymaking box Program Reauthorization Act raised cigarette taxes from 39 cents ing the 2008 global financial meltdown, can international financial crisis. as India confronts its worst financial crisis to $1.01 per pack. provide symptomatic relief by using various Now the country is being called the “sick since 1991 when it was forced to pawn gold To discourage smokers from switching to other forms of tobacco mechanisms to lure overseas funds to cover man of Asia” and is facing the threat of in exchange for an IMF bailout. to avoid the tax, loose cigarette tobacco and small, cigarette-like the high current account deficit. becoming the first of the BRICS nations Despite clamour from business for lower cigars were taxed at the same rate. But the government holds the most of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South borrowing costs, analysts say he cannot Lawmakers thought cigarette smokers weren’t likely to switch important levers for reviving economic Africa to lose its investment credit status. loosen monetary policy to spur the economy to pipe tobacco and large cigars, so they taxed those forms of growth, cutting public subsidies and the Still, Rajan, 50, has hit the ground for fear of propelling high inflation higher tobacco at a lower rate. twin deficits and restoring foreign investor running. and weakening the rupee further. They were wrong. confidence, analysts say. In his first speech on Wednesday, he out- In fact, Rajan’s comments suggest he Shortly after the law took effect, tobacco manufacturers “The government needs to take decisive lined plans to draw more funds from abroad is likely to be “more hawkish”, said CLSA changed their product lines to avoid the higher tax rates, accord- measures to signal to international mar- to support the rupee and free up financial economist Rajeev Malik said. ing to internal company documents obtained by the US House of kets that India is taking the path of fiscal markets and the banking sector. AFP Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee. Cigar makers increased the size of their small cigars to meet the federal definition of a “large cigar” and thus qualify for the lower tax rate, according to the committee. Companies that sold loose cigarette tobacco had it easier - in some cases, they simply relabelled their existing product as “pipe tobacco,” documents show. That subjected them to taxes of $2.83 per pound, rather than $24.78 per pound they would have to col- lect for cigarette tobacco. Meanwhile, an Ohio manufacturer had developed a machine that would make loose tobacco more appealing to many consumers. The RYO Filling Station could turn a bag of loose tobacco into a carton of 200 finished cigarettes in about 15 minutes, compared with the hours it would take someone to roll that many smokes by hand. The machine wasn’t built to exploit the loophole. It hit the market in 2008, well before the new taxes took effect. Developer Phil Accordino required retailers to use the machine in a way that would minimise their exposure to a separate set of taxes. By requiring customers, not store employees, to operate the $32,000 machine, shop owners could argue that they were not liable for taxes on pre-made cigarettes because they were providing a service for customers who otherwise would roll their smokes by hand. Together, the new machine and the low-tax “pipe” tobacco made a compelling value proposition, enabling consumers to walk out the door with a carton of cigarettes at one-third the cost of premium, factory-made cigarettes such as Marlboro and Camel. “I thought, ‘Wow, that’s an equation that makes sense in a bad economy - people are saving money for a product they’re addicted to,’” said entrepreneur Joe Baba, who sold 120 RYO machines in the Pacific Northwest as a distributor for the company. Jean and Larry Wood, both 51, were among his customers. They cashed out Larry’s $75,000 pension from his former job as a sprinkler-system installer, bought an RYO machine and opened up Butt’s Tobacco in Edgewood, Washington, a blue-collar city near their hometown of Auburn. Customers could get a carton of cigarettes made from pipe tobacco for $36, compared to $80 or so that other retailers charged for a car- ton of Marlboros. The Woods cleared $15 on each carton sold. Butt’s Tobacco was an immediate success. The Woods took in $312,000 in revenue during their first year, enough to open up a second store in Auburn. Customers would gossip or watch TV while they waited to use the rolling machine, which often was booked days in advance. REUTERS Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate The job market: Fed faces healing but still ailing

UST how sturdy is the US a month in bond purchases by tough job market. Some have gone hasn’t been nearly enough to fill More than 654,000 — or 45 per- Layoffs are averaging just job market? That’s the perhaps $10bn. Its purchases on disability. And some have given the hole left by the recession. The cent — of the 1.44 million jobs over 1.6 million a month this key question the Federal have helped keep home-loan and up the job search, discouraged by United States still has 1.9 million added this year come from three year through June. That means Reserve will face when it other borrowing rates low to try repeated rejections. fewer jobs than the 138 million it generally low-paying industries: the United States this year is on decides later this month to encourage consumers and busi- The percentage of people either had when the recession officially department stores and other pace to have the fewest layoffs in Jwhether to reduce its economic nesses to borrow and spend more. working or looking for work — the began in December 2007. retailers; hotels and restaurants; Labor Department records dating stimulus. Here’s a look at the job mar- so-called labour force participa- If hiring continued at August’s and temporary services. to 2001. The answer depends on where ket’s vital signs as the Fed’s deci- tion rate — fell last month to a 169,000-job monthly pace, the And nearly 60 percent of the The drop in layoffs has sharply you look. sion nears: 35-year low: 63.2 percent. If the job market wouldn’t return to jobs added this year have been reduced the number of Americans The economy has added The unemployment rate slid participation rate were at the pre- pre-recession levels for almost part-time, though economists applying for unemployment ben- jobs for 35 straight months. in August to 7.3 percent, its low- recession level of 66 percent, up to another year. caution that the part-time efits. Over the past month, weekly Unemployment has reached a est level since December 2008. 6.8 million more people could be And that’s before taking popu- employment figures are volatile. applications have fallen to their 4-year low of 7.3 percent. Layoffs Unemployment had peaked in counted as unemployed. And the lation growth into account. Heidi The lower quality of the avail- lowest level since October 2007 are dwindling. October 2009 at 10 percent and unemployment rate could be as Shierholz, an economist at the able jobs is one reason pay has — two months before the official Yet other barometers of the job has since fallen more or less high as 11.2 percent. liberal Economic Policy Institute, stagnated. The average hourly start of the recession. market point to chronic weakness: steadily. Since then, the number The four million-plus calculates that the US job market earnings of private-sector employ- Yet while companies aren’t The pace of hiring remains of people who say they have jobs Americans who have been unem- is 8.3 million jobs short of where ers haven’t kept up with inflation cutting many jobs, they’re in no tepid. Job growth is concentrated has risen by 5.7 million. And the ployed for six months or more are it needs to be to keep up with a since the end of the recession. hurry to hire, either. Total hiring in lower-paying industries. The number of those who say they’re down from a peak of 6.7 million in growing population and reduce “More and more, America’s has averaged 4.3 million people economy is 1.9 million jobs shy unemployed has dropped by April 2010. Yet before 2009, the unemployment to pre-recession jobs are not supporting America’s a month through June this year, of its pre-recession level — and nearly 4.1 million. United States had never seen levels. families,” said Christine Owens, before subtracting those who that’s not counting the additional That’s the good news behind long-term unemployment surpass But job creation seems to be executive director of the National quit, retired or were laid off, the jobs needed to meet population the tumbling unemployment rate. 2.9 million, even during the deep slowing. From January through Employment Law Project, which Labor Department says. That’s growth. Nearly 4.3 million people But the rate has been falling, recessions of the mid-1970s and April this year, employers added advocates on behalf of low-wage 1 million fewer than the 5.3 mil- have been unemployed at least six in part, for a bad reason: People early 1980s. a robust 205,000 jobs a month. In workers. lion monthly average in the pre- months. are dropping out of the labour Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke the four months since, they’ve The American labour market recession year of 2006. What’s more, employers have force. Once people without a job has called long-term unemploy- added only 155,000. is divided between haves and For every available job, there little incentive to raise pay. Many stop looking for one, the govern- ment a “national crisis” that’s “Job gains are just not good have-nots. If you have a job, your are three unemployed people — up unhappy employees have nowhere ment no longer counts them as causing workers to lose skills. enough,” says Joel Naroff, presi- position is safer than it’s been in from an average of just 1.8 before else to go. unemployed. Since the Great Recession dent of Naroff Economic Advisors. years. If you don’t have one and the recession. Still, when it meets on Some are retiring. Some are officially ended in June 2009, the The jobs the economy is gen- aren’t willing to settle for lower- Job seekers can testify to how September 17-18, the Fed is young adults who have chosen to American economy has added erating this year have tended to wage work, the job search can be competitive the market is. expected to reduce its $85bn go to college rather than brave a nearly 5.6 million jobs. Yet that be low-paying, part-time or both. brutal. AP MONDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2013 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MARKET

QE Indices Summary QE Index 9,257.81 0.57 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Total Return Index 13,227.28 0.57 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 2,654.33 0.50 % RATE QE All Share Index 2,338 0.49 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 2,266.75 0.37 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 5138.449 -18.025 -0.35 5229.8 4610.6 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 5,647.11 0.92 % QR163.8486 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 Services Cac 40 Index/D 3993.3 12.88 0.32 4123.89 3575.17 QE All Share Industrials 2,954.54 0.01 % SILVER UK ...... QR 5.6598 QR 5.7425 QE All Share Insurance 2,215.45 0.65 % Dj Indu Average 14930.87 96.91 0.65 15658.4 12471.5 Euro ...... QR 4.7555 QR 4.8517 QE All Share Real Estate 1,653.51 0.02 % QR 2.7686 CA$ ...... QR 3.4655 QR 3.5392 QE All Share Telecoms 1,383.25 2.45 % Egypt Cma Gn Idx 1026.29 32.57 3.28 999.95 312.38 QE All Share Transportation 1,710.06 0.96 % Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.8455 QR 3.9331 Hang Seng Inde/D 22597.97 271.75 1.22 23944.74 19426.36 Yen ...... QR 0.0363 QR 0.0372 QE Market Summary Comparison Aus$ ...... QR 3.3064 QR 3.3904 Today Previous day Iseq Overall/D 4187.04 24.49 0.59 4285.01 3396.67 CRUDE OIL 08-09-2013 05-09-2013 Ind Re ...... QR 0.0549 QR 0.0562 Index 9,257.81 9,204.92 Karachi 100 In/D 22451.46 575.63 2.63 23944.99 16036.31 Pak Re ...... QR 0.0344 QR 0.0351 Change 52.89 151.40 BRENT Nikkei 225 Index 14064.82 10.95 0.08 15942.6 10398.61 Peso ...... QR 0.0807 QR 0.0832 % 0.57 1.62 $ 116.16 SL Re ...... QR 0.0271 QR 0.0277 YTD% 10.75 10.12 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 1709.67 1343.35 Taka ...... QR 0.0464 QR 0.0475 Volume 3,770,089 7,511,276 DUBAI Nep Re ...... QR 0.0341 QR 0.0347 Value (QAR) 169,225,148.03 386,978,222.95 Straits Times/D 3039.45 24.03 0.8 3464.79 2990.68 SA Rand ...... QR 0.3505 QR 0.3575 Trades 2,849 4,812 Straits Times/D 2971.47 22.7 0.77 3035.78 2657.77 $ 110.10 Up 26 | Down 09 | Unchanged 03

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 08-09-2013

European, UK and Australian central banks keep rates unchanged HE US dollar hovered near Mari Dragi indicated that he is showing signs of improvement. in part, strong demand for auto- was positive, after six quarters of in July, its fifth straight month of a two month high against ready to inject more funds into Manufacturing in the US mobiles and housing-related negative output growth, and con- expansion. Last month the Bank Tthe Euro after solid US the banking sector and cut inter- expanded more than forecast goods. Manufacturing activity fidence indicators up to August of England said it would main- manufacturing and unemploy- est rates to keep market rates last month to expanded mod- confirm the expected gradual tain interest rates at a record 0.5 ment claims data heightened low. The EUR/USD started the its fastest pace estly. Residential improvement in economic activ- percent until unemployment falls expectations that the Federal week at 1.3232 only to find strong since June 2011, real estate activ- ity from low levels”. Speaking on to 7 percent. Many investors are Reserve Bank might make a resistance and fall down to 1.3103 the Institute ity increased the monetary policy and forward expecting the jobless rate to fall reduction in the ongoing stimu- the Euro closed for the week at for Supply moderately in guidance Dragi said “Our mon- faster certainly after better than lus package. The dollar Index 1.3176. Over all the currency Management’s Weekly Money Market Review most Districts, etary policy stance continues to be expected manufacturing data. rallied from a low of 82.02 and market had, a range bound move- Index of national and demand for geared towards maintaining the Australia reached a high of 82.66 before ment last week with most of the factory activ- nonresidential degree of monetary accommoda- settling down and closing for the majors trading in a tight range. ity rose to 55.7 in August from real estate gained overall. tion warranted by the outlook for Reserve Bank of Australia week at 82.15. Also supporting The USD/JPY traded between a a 55.4 in June; the manufactur- price stability and promoting sta- Leaves the Cash Rate the dollar, US bond yields jumped, low of 98.35 and a high of 100.20 ing data came well above market Europe ble money market conditions and Unchanged at 2.5 percent with the 10-year yield hitting the the yen closed the week at 99.10 expectation of a 54-point rise. our monetary policy stance will Last week, Australia’s central 3 percent mark and the two- also the GBP/USD followed suit The Improvement in the manu- ECB Central Bank Rates remain accommodative for as long bank kept its key interest rate year yield reaching a two-year trading in a narrow range of facturing sector in the US was The European Central Bank as necessary, in line with the for- unchanged on signs of a pickup in high above 0.50 percent. At the 1.5505 low and a 1.5680 high. attributed to the ongoing eco- kept its benchmark interest rate ward guidance provided in July.” the housing market and a depre- end of the week, we had worse Last week the European nomic recovery in Europe and unchanged at a record low after When asked about the nature of ciation in the Australian currency than expected nonfarm payroll Central Bank main- China, which fostered demand the 17-nation euro area returned the economic recovery Dragi said, by 15 percent.The currency fell data accompanied by a 74K in tained its benchmark inter- for American products. Also sup- to growth in the second quarter. “I am very, very cautious about from a high of 1.0550 in April to downgrade of the previous two est rate unchanged at a 0.5 porting the US manufacturing In a press conference after the the recovery. I cannot share any reach a low of 0.8930 in August month, which in effect reversed percent,similarly the data is higher demand for motor decision the ECB president Mario enthusiasm. . Governor Glenn Stevens and some of the US yield gains. The Bank of England maintained vehicles and bolstering orders for Dragi said , ” the Underlying price United Kingdom his board kept the overnight key issue is whether this report its official Bank Rate at 0.5 per- building materials, appliances pressures in the euro area are cash rate target at a record low would delay the Fed’s tapering at cent also the Australian central and furniture. expected to remain subdued over Manufacturing PMI 2.5 percent, the Reserve Bank the September 18th Federal Open bank kept its key interest rate US Beige Book Report the medium term and Inflation British manufacturing sector of Australia said in a statement Market Committee meeting and unchanged at 2.5 percent on The Federal Reserve Bank said expectations for the euro area improved again in August, new “the setting of monetary policy more immediately, whether it will signs of a pickup in the housing in its Beige Book Business sur- continue to be firmly anchored in orders, and output rose at their remained appropriate and they scale back the market’s expecta- market and a depreciation in the vey, that the national economic line with our aim of maintaining fastest pace in nearly 2 decades, will continue to assess the outlook tions for tapering. Australian currency by 15 per- activity continued to expand at a inflation rates below, but close the latest data raised hopes that and adjust policy as needed to fos- In contrast, the Euro was cent. Moving onto the Fareast, “modest to moderate” pace dur- to, 2 percent over the medium the country’s economic recovery ter sustainable growth in demand struggling not just against the the Bank of Japan refrained from ing period of early July through term”. In reference to growth is widening. The Manufacturing and inflation outcomes consistent dollar but against the sterling and adding to the stimulus package late August. Consumer spending rates Dragi said” the real GDP Purchasing Managers’ Index ral- with the target.” yen, after the head of the ECB as the Japanese economy was rose in most Districts, reflecting, growth in the second quarter lied to 57.2 last month from 54.8 THE PENINSULA MONDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23 Djokovic, Nadal in US Open final Blockbuster title clash for tennis fans in New York; Wawrinka, Gasquet lose semis

NEW YORK: World number one Novak Djokovic and number two Rafa Nadal set up a mouth- watering men’s singles final Tears, fears drive on at the US Open with victories in the semi-finals at Flushing Meadows on Saturday. Today’s US Open championship showdown will be the third in four Nadal the merciless years for Djokovic and Nadal at the US National Tennis Centre NEW YORK: Rafael Nadal will against the free-swinging Robin gone fishing or played golf. His after they advanced in contrast- seek a 13th Grand Slam title Soderling, he did not cry foul due other uncle, Miguel Angel Nadal, ing fashion. today in his 18th final at a major to the knees that were crumbling is a former professional footballer Top seed Djokovic sealed his boasting a record in 2013 of nine beneath him. who played with Barcelona and berth first by overtaking gutsy titles, 59 wins against three Instead, he praised the pugna- the Spanish national team that ninth seed Stanislas Wawrinka of defeats and a hardcourt streak cious Swede, expressing all the competed in 2002 World Cup. Switzerland in a heart-pounding of 21 victories. right things regarding the best Victory today will give Nadal 2-6, 7-6 (4), 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory They are mind-boggling statis- man winning. Two weeks later, a 60th career title and take his over four hours. tics for a player who 12 months Nadal made a tearful withdrawal earnings comfortably past the Nadal conserved his energy, ago feared his career was fin- from Wimbledon, surrendering $60m mark. Win or lose, he won’t dismissing eighth-seeded Richard ished at just 26, his rip-roaring, the title he had fought so hard to have time to rest on his laurels as Gasquet 6-4, 7-6 (1), 6-2 to action-man style exacting a pain- snatch 12 months earlier for the he will be heading back to Madrid improve his career record to 11-0 ful, sometimes crippling price on first time, putting to rest the ill- to lead Spain’s campaign to stay against the Frenchman and his his always suspect knees. informed view that he was just a in the Davis Cup World Group at 2013 hardcourt record to 21-0. It’s the kind of story fans love claycourt bully. home to Ukraine. The Spaniard, winner of 12 and with over five million follow- He has been bouncing back Nadal boasts a record of 20 Grand Slam titles, won his only ers on Twitter, eight-time French ever since. After a second-round wins in 21 rubbers for his country. US Open crown in 2010 against Open champion Nadal, the 2010 loss at Wimbledon in 2012, he dis- He always had tennis’ version Djokovic, who claimed his winner in New York, has plenty appeared from the sport for seven of the ‘right stuff’. Flushing Meadows title the fol- of converts dedicated to his dra- months, missing the defence of his In 2002, he won his first lowing year against Nadal. Last matic story. Olympic title, the US Open and ATP match in his hometown of year Djokovic was runner-up to The boy who started playing this year’s Australian Open. Mallorca at just 15 years and Briton Andy Murray. when he was four has endured Wimbledon, where he was also 10 months, while in 2006, he “Last year I didn’t have the Novak Djokovic of remarkable highs and lows with champion in 2010, haunted him compiled an Open Era record chance to play on this court,” said Serbia (left) and his talents on the world’s tennis again this year when he suffered 62-match clay court winning Nadal, who was sidelined seven Stanislas Wawrinka of courts enriched for the public by an embarrassing first-round loss streak, surpassing Guillermo months due to a knee injury. Switzerland at the net his seemingly endless modesty. to Belgian journeyman Steve Vilas’ mark of 53 in 1977. “To have the chance to play in after their semi-final There are days even now when, Darcis, which prompted calls for Despite all that, Nadal never the final Monday is just a dream at the US Open in New despite being one of the most him to skip the tournament in the takes his success for granted. for me. It has been two amazing York. Djokovic won famous men in the sport, he will future. “If you don’t feel that you can weeks for me.” 2-6, 7-6 (4), 3-6, 6-3, still feel the need to introduce When Nadal has faced his tri- improve, then you don’t know Djokovic and Nadal are the 6-4 to reach the final. himself by name. als, he has taken solace with his nothing about life, because noth- most familiar of rivals and will When he slipped to his only family -- his uncle Toni has been ing is perfect in this life,” he said. be playing against each other for defeat at the French Open in 2009 his coach since childhood -- or REUTERS a tour record 37th time. Nadal leads their series 21-15. said the Serb. “I was thinking “Novak is an amazing competi- whoever wins this game is going The finalists tor,” said the reigning French to win the match. I told myself I NEW YORK: Penpix of Open champion. “His results say was going to have to fight again.” Novak Djokovic and Rafael he is probably one of the best The Herculean effort seemed Nadal, who will contest the US players I have ever seen. He’s to sap the last bit of energy from Open singles final at Flushing a great champion and will be a Wawrinka, who had earlier left Meadows: tough final for me, but I hope to the court for treatment of a thigh NOVAK DJOKOVIC (SRB) be ready for that.” strain during the changeover World ranking: 1 While Nadal took apart when trailing 4-1 in the fourth Birthdate: May 22, 1987 Gasquet in his semi-final, Djokovic set. Birthplace: Belgrade, Serbia got off to a slow start against an Djokovic held serve, then broke inspired Wawrinka and relied on Wawrinka in the next game for Height: 6’2” (188 cm) his stamina to wear down the a 3-2 lead and served out to Weight: 176 lbs (80 kg) Swiss. win another classic encounter Turned Pro: 2003 The tumultuous match included between the pair following their Career singles titles: 37 a warning for courtside coaching five-set struggle in the fourth Grand Slam singles titles: 6 (Australian Open from Djokovic’s box, the man- round of the Australian Open, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, Wimbledon 2011, gling of a racket by a frustrated where the Serb closed out the US Open 2011) Wawrinka and a medical timeout decisive set 12-10. Career prize money: $51,645,610 for the Swiss for a strained thigh “It was a great tournament RAFAEL NADAL (ESP) muscle. for me,” said Wawrinka after It reached a crescendo at 1-1 in his first Grand Slam semi-final. World ranking: 2 the fifth set on Wawrinka’s serve. “Tough match, tough loss. I gave Birthdate: June 3, 1986 The combatants locked into a everything. I fought until the end. Birthplace: Manacor, Mallorca, Spain marathon duel that lasted 21 min- With this crowd, it was an amaz- Residence: Manacor, Mallorca, Spain utes and featured a series of fierce ing experience.” Height: 6’1” (185 cm) rallies and brilliant shot-making. Czech pair Andrea Hlavackova Weight: 188 lbs (85 kg) Wawrinka fought off five break and Lucie Hradecka capped off Turned Pro: 2001 points among 12 deuces before Saturday’s programme by win- Leander Paes of India (right) and Radek Stepanek of Czech Republic’s Andrea Hlavackova (right) and closing out the game on the 30th ning the women’s doubles title the Czech Republic celebrate with the trophy after Lucie Hradecka pose with the trophy after winning Career singles titles: 59 point with a service winner, and with a 6-7(4) 6-1 6-4 win over defeating Alexander Peya of Austria and Bruno Soares their women’s doubles final match against Ashleigh Grand Slam singles titles: 12 (Australian players earned warm ovations for Australians and of Brazil in the men’s doubles final at the US Open Barty and Casey Dellacqua of Australia at the US Open 2009; French Open 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013; Wimbledon their desire and skill. Casey Dellacqua. yesterday. The India-Czech pairing dominated the Open. Hlavackova and Hradecka won 6-7 (4/7), 2008, 2010; US Open 2010) “These matches are what we World number one Serena match to record a 6-1, 6-3 victory. 6-1, 6-4. live for, what we practise for,” Williams will take on number two Career prize money: $56,910,697 Djokovic said after reaching his Victoria Azarenka for the wom- fourth successive US Open final. en’s singles title in a tantalising “All the credit to (Wawrinka) rematch of last year’s champion- for being so aggressive and play- ship decider. ing so well. I’m just fortunate to That will follow the men’s dou- Exhausted Djokovic rips US play my best tennis when I needed bles final with Austria’s Alexander to.” Peya and Brazilian Bruno Soares Djokovic said he had to regroup facing Radek Stepanek of the after that epic game. Czech Republic and India’s Open for ‘unfair’ scheduling “Twenty-one minutes. Wow,” Leander Paes. REUTERS

NEW YORK: World number one Novak players and this has to be the Monday final deal is only assured for this RIGHT: Former tennis Djokovic (pictured)ripped the US Open for changed.” year and next. player Boris Becker their scheduling of his matches on Saturday Telecast partners, who “It’s just an ongoing subject with US Open of Germany watches and made it clear that he is no fan of the provide rich rights fees to and with people who are in organization here,” the semi-final match new Monday final programme debuting this finance the event, likely Djokovic said. “Hopefully the next few years, between Rafael year. had major influence over we’re going to have to accept the Monday Nadal of Spain and Djokovic unleashed his fury after advancing which match was played final, but after that, hopefully we can have the Richard Gasquet of to his fourth consecutive US Open champi- when on Saturday. Friday/Sunday like in every other Grand Slam. France. Becker, 45, onship match and 12th Grand Slam final by “Scheduling is defi- “I don’t see why the US Open should get an won six Grand Slams defeating Swiss ninth seed Stanislas Wawrinka nitely something that exception in that.” 2-6, 7-6 (7/4), 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. we have to make right, Adding to Djokovic’s ire is next week’s in his career. BELOW: The 26-year-old Serbian, seeking his sev- because I think opinions Serbian home Davis Cup tie against Canada Nadal’s customised enth Grand Slam title, started his semi-final of the players should be starting in Belgrade on Friday. trainers during his match at noon after playing a late quar- respected more in terms of scheduling the “Monday finals don’t go in the favour of the semi-final match ter-final Thursday night against Russian matches on the certain days.” players who are playing Davis Cup, and I have against Gasquet. Mikhail Youzhny, the last of the quarter-final The men’s final was moved to Monday from been playing Davis Cup semi-finals for the last match-ups. Sunday this year in response to player com- few years,” said Djokovic. “Now I have to play World number two Rafael Nadal, who plaints about it being scheduled the next day for my country again, which makes it much defeated France’s Richard Gasquet in after Saturday semi-finals in prior years. more difficult for me. It’s a different conti- Saturday’s other semi-final to book a US Open The US Open takes three days to play the nent, different time zone, it’s clay indoors. “I final showdown with Djokovic for the third first round of the men’s singles, spreading the got injured already a few times like this and time in four years, played his quarter-final star attractions over more nights but forcing it’s something that doesn’t make me happy.” match on Wednesday. the choice of a Monday final or back-to-back But Djokovic does have plenty of experience “I didn’t find it very fair to play at 12 noon semi-finals upon the players. with US Open finals on Mondays. The past the first match and I went to bed at 3 am two “I’m not in support of a Monday final, but five years have all seen rain push back the days ago after my quarter-finals, where the this is what it is,” Djokovic said. “It’s better scheduled men’s singles championship match other semi-finalists had three days off -- basi- to have Monday final now when you have a to Monday. cally three days ago they played the quarter- Saturday semi-final than Sunday back-to-back Djokovic won his 2011 US Open title on a finals,” Djokovic said. “So I didn’t find any logic five sets in two days like it was before.” Monday and lost the 2010 final to Nadal and in that. But, again, there are some other, I The move is likely a temporary one. A new last year’s final to Britain’s Andy Murray all guess, influences that have more power than US television contract has been signed and on Mondays. REUTERS MONDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2013 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Tokyo Games

An aerial view shows will create people sitting in a formation to the words hope: City ‘thank you’ and displaying signs that collectively read ‘Arigato’ (Thank governor You) during an event celebrating Tokyo being BUENOS AIRES: Tokyo’s chosen to host the 2020 successful bid to host the , at Tokyo 2020 Olympics will help Japan Metropolitan Government recover from its devastating Building in Tokyo, in this 2011 earthquake and tsunami, photo taken by Kyodo, the city’s governor Naoki Inose yesterday. The Japanese said yesterday. city was awarded the 2020 “By hosting the 2020 Tokyo summer Olympic Games Games, we will create hope,” he on Saturday, beating said in the Argentine capital Istanbul in a head-to- Buenos Aires, where members head vote after Japanese of the International Olympic Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Committee (IOC) voted for the delivered a charismatic venue of the Games in seven years plea to the International time. Olympic Committee and “We will offer dreams and promised Japan’s crippled hope to future generations and our hosting of the Games will nuclear plant was ‘under accelerate the recovery of Japan’s control.’ tsunami-affected area. “We will promote the Olympic Movement globally in an effort to create a ‘peaceful and better world’. “Tokyo will be an environment where athletes can perform at their best, and we will offer guests from every corner of the world our excellent hospitality.” Tokyo first hosted the world’s Japan ecstatic with win biggest sporting event in 1964 and enjoyed a crushing victory over Istanbul 60-36 in the IOC vote Jubilation and relief as thousands stay up all night for ‘dream’ result after Madrid had already been eliminated from the first round of voting. TOKYO: Thousands of around 1,200 people had gathered The Japanese capital’s bid, Japanese who stayed up all to watch live-streaming of the though, was overshadowed by night to witness the Olympic announcement in Buenos Aires, fears over contamination from vote erupted in joy on news that people held V signs aloft and the stricken Fukushima nuclear Tokyo will host the 2020 Games, cheerleaders hugged each other. plant, which suffered a meltdown as athletes hailed the “dream” At the MC’s prompting, the after the earthquake and tsunami result and TV hosts broke down crowd shouted “Banzai!” (hur- that claimed more than 18,000 in tears. rah!) three times and said “ari- People celebrate lives. Several channels broadcast live gato” (thank you) to Buenos as IOC President Fresh concerns emerged the 5:20 am Japan time announce- Aires. Jacques Rogge this week about contaminated ment from Buenos Aires that the At Komazawa Olympic Park in announces (on water leaking into the Pacific capital would host the Summer the south of Tokyo, which served screen) Tokyo Ocean but Inose and then Prime Games for a second time, with as a venue for several sports at for the 2020 Minister Shinzo Abe successfully public broadcaster NHK having the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, golden Olympics host quelled fears during their IOC begun its programming nearly tinsel rained down at the moment city on a screen presentations. seven hours before the decision of decision. Inose vowed that there would at the live- was revealed. A boisterous crowd held signs now be no deviation from their viewing event “It is like a dream that Tokyo and chanted “Tokyo, Tokyo, bid plans. will host the Olympics,” four time Tokyo, Tokyo,” as an interviewer in Tokyo on “Throughout the next seven Olympic swimming champion fought to be heard above the din. Saturday. years, our ‘Team Japan’ will Kosuke Kitajima told NHK. “I When he finally got his question thoroughly carry out our delivery hope the event will give children out -- “What do you think of the plan,” he added. a chance to dream.” news?” -- one man shouted: “It’s “To draw on a sporting anal- As Olympic chief Jacques Rogge the best!” before being drowned ogy: we will continue ‘training’ read the IOC decision, cheers out by chanting and cheering. in order to make the Tokyo 2020 and shouts rang out. Groups of Three-time Olympic women’s Games the ‘best Games ever’.” ecstatic Japanese hugged each 55kg wrestling champion Saori Japan’s IOC member and Tokyo other and punched the air. Yoshida, whose sport may be bid president Tsunekazu Takeda TV hosts and their guests scrapped from the 2020 Games “We wanted the Games so tsunami two years’ ago, told NHK Japanese ewspapers rushed said the result was an enormous were temporarily speechless said she had been brought to tears much,” he said. “I’m happy because it gives me out special editions featuring col- achievement after the city’s failed and several were in tears, with by the news of Tokyo’s victory. Businesses looked to capital- hope.” our photographs of the moment effort to secure the 2016 Games, some making reference to peo- “I am really pleased that ise with shopping malls hoisting But some were sceptical the Rogge revealed the card with the where they finished third. ple living in the area affected by Japan pulled together,” she told signs in celebration and one bar Olympics would benefit the pub- word “Tokyo” printed on it, but The two-time showjumping the earthquake-tsunami and the reporters. owner offering free beer to every lic good. the mood was much more sober in Olympian said the trust placed nuclear emergency it caused in Tadashi Okamura, chairman of customer. One man in Fukushima city Madrid when the city was elimi- in them would not be misplaced. March 2011. the Japan Chamber of Commerce A middle-aged woman in told NHK: “I’m struggling with nated at the first stage of the vote. “The Olympic Family has At the Tokyo Chamber of and Industry, said he had not Kamaishi in Iwate prefecture, things today, rather than things Supporters who had gathered put its faith in our great city to Commerce and Industry, where stopped crying with joy. which was devastated by the in seven years time.” in the city let go of the red bal- deliver the memorable Games we loons they had been hopefully have promised and we will not let clutching and wound their way them down,” said the 66-year-old. home. “The most recent public polls “I am very disappointed,” said revealed that 92 percent of the Prime Minister Abe urges Jorge Linhares, 41, a minister who Japanese population supported had come to witness the decision. Tokyo’s hosting the Olympic and He added after the Paralympic Games, so I am con- announcement,“Everyone was fident that 116 million Japanese very hopeful and I am surprised,” people are smiling right now.” work to gain world’s trust he added. “I thought we would go Spanish heir to the throne to the second round and win.” Crown Prince Felipe, who spoke BUENOS AIRES: Prime Tokyo’s victory was also a huge at third candidate city Madrid’s Minister Shinzo Abe praised disappointment to the hundreds presentation, was disappointed Tokyo’s triumphant bid to of Turks who had gathered in but phlegmatic about the end host the 2020 Olympic Games front of the Hagia Sophia in result while Istanbul bid chief as an opportunity to show- Istanbul. Within minutes of the Hasan Arat did not speak to wait- case Japan’s resurgence after Japanese Prime Minister announcement, the podium and ing reporters. a devastating earthquake, but Shinzo Abe (right) the forum were almost deserted. “We are a little bit depressed stressed the city must work to speaks with Rogge But the city’s governor, Huseyin with the result but it is very win the world’s trust. during a document Avni Mutlu, was magnanimous. important for us to know that a Tokyo was awarded the Games signing ceremony at “Today we showed that we were magnificent job has been done,” earlier on Saturday, beating the 125th session of the a serious candidate, so I do not said the Prince, who was the Istanbul in a head-to-head vote International Olympic believe that we have lost,” he said. Spanish flag bearer at the 1992 after Abe delivered a charismatic He added: “We are a people who Games in Barcelona. Committee (IOC), plea to the IOC, promising them love competition, we will continue “This is a competition and we in Buenos Aires, on Japan’s crippled nuclear plant to try.” AFP couldn’t win.” AFP was ‘under control’. Saturday. “The real Games have only just started for Tokyo,” Abe said dur- ing a press conference in Buenos Aires, where the IOC meeting was held. “Let us make ... efforts to win the trust and confidence of people water are pouring into the Pacific week it will spend almost half forefront of the world,” he added in the world so that the decision Ocean each day, and radiation a billion dollars to try to fix the on Saturday. Tokyo’s victory is to choose Tokyo today will be levels have spiked. water crisis. expected to boost Abe’s popular- remembered as the right one,” he “I would like to state clearly The IOC vindicated the ity, and could potentially spur added, flanked by the Argentine that there has not been, is not Japanese capital for a strategy his signature pro-growth poli- and Japanese flags. now and will not be any health which saw them highlight their cies for the world’s third-biggest Tokyo won the right to organ- problems whatsoever,” Abe said. solid finances and strong track economy. A successful Tokyo bid ize the world’s biggest sporting “Furthermore, the government record of delivering on promises. should boost confidence as well as extravanganza despite concerns has already decided a programme “During the Tokyo 2020 construction and tourism. over the leaking Fukushima to make sure there is absolutely Olympics I am determined to “Tokyo is going to be the center nuclear plant 230 km (140 miles) no problem, and we have already show to the world... (a) Japan of the world,” Abe said. “We from the Japanese capital. started. I will take responsibility that accomplishes a remark- really need to respond to expec- The plant’s operator has said and implement this.” able reconstruction from disas- tations... That is our challenge Children read extra editions of a newspaper reporting Tokyo had been hundreds of tonnes of radioactive Japan’s government said this ter and stands once again at the going forward.” REUTERS chosen to host the Games, in Tokyo, yesterday. MONDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25

“I think Tokyo Desolation in Madrid as prevailed definitely on the excellent quality Olympic bid fails again of its bid, but the experience We need to sit down and think about where we want to go: Bid chief of the previous MADRID: Madrid was dealing Yet, there were also other areas with the hangover from a fourth where Madrid’s candidacy was bid also played failed attempt at winning the found wanting, particularly on Olympic Games yesterday as the issue of doping. IOC President Jacques a valuable Tokyo was chosen as the host After a disjointed presenta- Rogge (left) speaks for the 2020 Games in Buenos tion before the IOC members on with Spain’s Prime Aires on Saturday. Saturday afternoon which was Minister Mariano role. You have Enthusiasm built up through- also unfortunately disrupted by a Rajoy (centre) and out the day in Madrid on Saturday power outage caused by a severe Madrid’s Mayor Ana described as thousands of people descended storm in the Argentine capital, on the city’s gate at Puerta de there were just two questions for Botella during the final yourselves as Alcala, but the expectation was the bid team to respond to. presentation of the suddenly washed away in the However, instead of enquiring Madrid 2020 bid during evening rain as Madrid was sur- about Madrid’s infrastructure or the 125th Session being a safe pair prisingly eliminated in the first investment, the questions centred of the International round after a second vote was on what the country was doing to Olympic Committee of hands. As a needed to separate its bid from clean up its tarnished image in (IOC), in Buenos Aires, Istanbul. the light of the Operation Puerto on Saturday. BELOW: surgeon, this is It was the third consecutive scandal. A young man holding time the Spanish capital had bid After a four-month long court a Spanish flag reacts something that for the Games after also failing case earlier this year, blood bags at the Puerta de Alcala in its attempt for the 1972 Games seized from the disgraced doc- in Madrid after Madrid and with the likes of Paris, Berlin tor Eufemiano Fuentes were was eliminated as a appeals to me and Rome set to be in the run- ordered to be destroyed rather host city for the 2020 ning when the 2024 bid process than released and those involved Olympic Games. even though gets underway there are serious in the doping ring named. questions as to whether a country “Those damned blood bags,” mired in economic crisis can con- said the editor of Madrid sports I didn’t vote tinue to pour millions into candi- daily AS Alfredo Relano in his dacies with no guaranteed return. column yesterday. myself.” “It has been a huge blow to not “The questions from the win the 2020 Games,” bid presi- Canadian Dick Pound, the IOC President dent Alejandro Blanco admitted former head of the World Anti- RIGHT: afterwards. Doping Agency, and the young Spaniards Jacques Rogge “Right now is precisely the Englishman Adam Pengilly, sunk show their moment for us to take a break. Madrid’s bid and rubbed salt into disappointment We need to sit down and think our already seething wounds.” after Madrid about where we want to go.” Since the end of the Puerto case Despite their spirited plea that in May, there has already been a were Madrid did have the ability to change in the country’s doping eliminated at host an austerity Games based laws enforcing stricter sanctions the Puerta on the fact the vast majority of both on the dopers and those who de Alcala its proposed venues are already in administer the products. in Madrid. place, in a time of economic and However, as Relano points out, EXTREME political uncertainty the Tokyo it will be a long time before Spain LEFT: Japan’s bid successfully transmitted its recovers the trust of the outside Princess claim to be the most reliable bid world on the topic. Takamado to the 96 International Olympic “Spanish sport needs to go joins the Committee (IOC) members who through a long period in which it Tokyo 2020 were eligible to vote. shows exemplary conduct in order delegation “The IOC preferred excess to to rid itself of this image, but for before their austerity, although this doesn’t now that image remains.” presentation. excuse the failure of the Spanish An image that contributed lobby,” said sports daily Marca in to another sinking of Madrid’s its editorial yesterday. Olympic dream. AFP “Since they became candidates, Syria civil war cost Istanbul they all acquired reasonably serious problems. When you votes, say two IOC members looked back at their presentations, BUENOS AIRES: The especially Tokyo, I thought the bloody Syrian civil war cost Istanbul votes over Tokyo to host the world’s biggest sport- Turkish Prime princess was magnificent, just ing event in 2020, two influ- Minister Tayyip ential International Olympic magnificent, and quite different Committee members said. Erdogan (right) Istanbul -- who had been trying shakes hands with from anybody else Japan had put to bring the Olympic Games for Rogge after Tokyo the first time to a predominantly was announced Muslim country -- reached the as the city to host in the field, so that was factor final round of voting for the first the 2020 Summer time after four previous failed Olympic Games. one. And factor two was the attempts. BELOW: A woman However, having edged out waits for the result answer the Prime Minister gave on Madrid in a run-off vote after during the IOC they both tied in the first round announcement. behind Tokyo, they lost heavily in Fukushima.” the second round garnering just 36 IOC members votes to the 60 received by Tokyo. Canadian IOC member Dick Pound There had been concerns that Istanbul could suffer from the fallout over the Syrian conflict, which has seen over 500,000 refu- Nadal blasts Madrid snub gees cross over into Turkish ter- “IOC members prefer surefire Bach, an Olympic gold medalist ritory, although several members bets... Istanbul like the others was in the team foil fencing event at NEW YORK: Tennis superstar Rafael Nadal (pictured) blasted denied it would. a really good candidacy. the 1976 Games, said that he and the decision not to award Madrid the 2020 Turkish Prime Minister Recep “However, Tokyo offered a safe his colleagues had to take a long Olympic Games on Saturday, claiming the Tayip Erdogan has also been one pair of hands. There is no prob- term view of how the world would International Olympic Committee had not of the most bullish in demand- lem with financing the Games, look in 2020. treated the Spanish capital fairly. ing that bombing raids be carried neither for the construction nor “We live in a world in which it Tokyo won the right to host the Games after out against the Syrian regime the organisation.” is difficult to predict how it will seeing off Madrid and Istanbul in votes held after they allegedly used chemi- IOC vice-president Thomas look like in three months from earlier Saturday in Buenos Aires. cal weapons against their own Bach, favoured to succeed Jacques now. The members had to take But Nadal, the world number two tennis citizens. Rogge when he steps down as IOC the very difficult decision on how player and a tireless campaigner for Madrid, Erdogan, who also harmed the president tomorrow, agreed that the world will look like in seven said he was shocked to see Madrid, who were bid in IOC members’ eyes after the instability hurt Istanbul’s years from now.” trying for the third time to win the Games, his security forces used a heavy chances. Hasan Arat, the tireless and eliminated in the first round of voting. hand against anti-government “There you have one candida- dynamic president of the Istanbul “It’s very hard and tiring for all of us, because protestors in June, was present ture addressing more the sense bid, said he and his team were the country and the city of Madrid worked a lot for the final presentation in of tradition and stability and extremely disappointed but it had to have the chance so many times,” said the 27-year-old. Buenos Aires and said sport and another candidature addresses been a “fantastic learning experi- “We feel that we deserve it. I was disappointed because we felt that peace were inextricably linked. the longing for new shores,” said ence” and he took great pleasure we were in a good position. All the country was very involved. Longtime IOC member Prince the 59-year-old German lawyer. out of another consequence of the “I felt that after a lot of years working, I don’t know if it’s 100 per- Albert of Monaco said the unsta- “This we have seen in the past campaign. cent fair that we go out at the first qualification when our opponents ble situation in the region harmed also with different bids and this “We may not have won the haven’t been in that position as many times.” Istanbul’s cause. time the IOC members -- in a Games, but we united the nation. Nadal was speaking after booking a place in today;s US Open final, “The geopolitical situation cer- fragile world -- have decided in And for that, we can always be where he will take on world number one Novak Djokovic. AFP tainly played a role,” he said. favour of tradition and stability.” proud,” he said. AFP MONDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2013 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

GCC Basketball Championship: Victorious Qatar Under-17 team returns Qatar eye win in Lebanon friendly today

DOHA: Hosts Qatar will be eyeing another win in the friendly against Lebanon today when the two teams meet at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. Qatar last week beat Mauritius 3-0 in a friendly and will be eyeing another win as the squad prepares for their 2015 Asian Cup qualifiers to be played next month and in November. Qatar play Yemen on October 15 in Doha followed by a return match against the same opposi- tion on November 15 (away game). Four days later on November 19, Qatar will take on hosts Malaysia. The Qatar squad will end their national camp after the match today, allowing the players to move to their respective clubs ahead of the start of the new Qatar Stars League (QSL) season which kicks-off on September 13. The Qatar youth basketball team, winners of the GCC Basketball Championship, pose for a picture on arrival at Doha International Airport, yesterday. The Qatar team beat Kuwait 81-64 Coach Fahad Thani headed to win the title in Dubai on Saturday. Qatar finished with five wins in the tournament. The other teams which took part in the event were Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and hosts the training session yesterday at United Arab Emirates. Bahrain finished second while Kuwait clinched the third place. PICTURE BY: ABDUL BASIT Aspire Academy. Qatar has played two 2015 Asian Cup qualifying matches so far - beating Malaysia in February before going to hosts Bahrain in March. The 2015 AFC Asian Cup quali- fication matches will determine the participating teams for the Stunning win for Qatar event to be held in Australia. A total of 16 teams will compete in the 2015 AFC Asian Cup. Sheikh Hassan cruises to victory at Super Boat Grand Prix in New York THE PENINSULA

NEW YORK: Sheikh Hassan 1pm. With the stunning backdrop USA dominates bin Jabor Al Thani and Steve of Manhattan Island, the field Curtis gave their new turbine was split into two groups with singles at racer, Al Adaa’am 96, a stun- the three Superboat entrants, an ning debut in yesterday’s 23rd entry in Superboat Unlimited and Annual New York Super Boat Sheikh Hassan and Steve Curtis Walker Cup Grand Prix, round seven of in Al Adaa’am 96 in group one. Super Boat International (SBI), Four Superboat Extreme, one SOUTHHAMPTON, United on the Hudson River. Vee and one Production 3 entry States: The USA dominated The powerful turbine-powered lined up for the second start on the afternoon singles matches 50’ Mystic boat, which is also the four-mile course. to seize an 8-4 lead over Great badged as Spirit of Qatar 96, was Spirit of Qatar 20 lined up Britain and Ireland at the the class of the entire field and alongside Superboat category 44th Walker Cup tournament the Qatar Team duo cruised to a leader Team WHM Motorsports yesterday. convincing overall victory. and rival Team Stihl. GB&I won the foursomes Ali Al-Neama teamed up with Sheikh Hassan and Steve matches 2 1/2-1 1/2 but the throttleman Billy Moore for the Curtis cruised into the lead down Americans breezed through the first time in Spirit of Qatar 20 the first straight, as Team Stihl singles contests 6 1/2-1 1/2 to take and reached the finish in second led the Superboat class from a commanding lead heading into position in the Superboat class, Spirit of Qatar 20 and Team today at the National Golf Links which is developing into a fas- WHM Motorsports. of America. cinating contest between Team Sheikh Hassan continued to The USA captured six of the WHM Motorsports and Team pull away from the rest of the eight singles matches and halved Stihl. Team Stihl won the race on field as the 21-lap race progressed another, marking their best per- this occasion to set up a fascinat- and Team Stihl maintained the formance in a Walker Cup singles ing showdown at the final round advantage in the Superboat class session since 1997. of the series. from Spirit of Qatar 20, once Max Homa helped lead the After testing was permitted on Team WHM Motorsport with- way for the Americans with a 5 the Hudson on Saturday, teams drew with mechanical issues. and 3 rout of Max Orrin while lined up for the 23rd Annual New The next round of Superboat Michael Weaver posted 3 and 1 York Super Boat Grand Prix at International (SBI) takes place at victory over Matthew Fitzpatrick 11.00hrs local time to avoid a clash Clearwater on September 27-29. Al Adaa’am 96 in action on the Hudson River in New York, yesterday. and Michael Kim beat Callum with a 9/11 memorial scheduled for THE PENINSULA Shinkwin 2 and 1. AFP QMMF riders Al Malki, Al Sulaiti get ready for round two at CEV

MADRID: QMMF riders spot with a time of 1:35.462, said: Nasser Al Malki and Saeed Al “Yesterday in the free practice I Sulaiti are confident of turn- had a big problem with the mas- ing their ‘satisfying’ qualifying ter brake. The brake was work- times into better performances ing and not working in the same today when they take part in practice session. In the next ses- the second round of the CEV, sion, we changed the brakes but the Spanish championship for unfortunately the master brake is young riders. not the right size so all my confi- Al Malki, who finished in 10th dence with the brakes were gone.” spot in the qualifying session Anthony West, the QMMF with a best time of 1:33.093, was Moto2 rider, said Al Sulaiti was pleased with his session yesterday brought down by mechanical “I am happy for the last test issues. session; the time that I did is “It is being a very difficult a good time for tomorrow,” Al weekend for Saeed. In the pre- Malki said yesterday. vious test, his times were better “At the beginning of the week- than the last year by a long way. end, we had a few problems and But yesterday, he had lots of prob- QMMF riders Nasser Al Malki (top) and Saeed Al Sulaiti (below) are seen we were a little bit confused with lems with the brakes and today he in action during the qualifying session of the second round of the CEV, the setting, but today we fixed it tried to push in the morning and the Spanish championship at Albacete Circuit. and I had a good time lap,” the had a crash. Then in the after- Qatari rider added. noon, it was quite windy and he “I tried to improve even more could not improve,” West said. at the end of the qualifying but “Now he is a little bit down I started to have some problems and doesn’t have much confidence with the front of the bike and I with the bike. Tomorrow he just couldn’t. has to try to do the best he can,” “Thank so much to my team ... the Australian pointed out. they had helped me a lot and I am “Nasser finally is riding very happy with the result. I want strongly. He is starting to ride in to thank the QMMF ... they are practices as he does in races, and always supporting me. the position he has for tomorrow, “Tomorrow we start in the 10th is a good position with chances to Saeed Al Sulaiti, the Qatari rider, is seen discussing team tactics with position on the grid. I hope to be fight for the five first positions. QMMF’s Moto2 rider Anthony West (left) inside the pits at Albacete Circuit in the front and be able to fight I think Nasser will have a good yesterday. Al Sulaiti and compatriot Nasser Al Malki are taking part in for the top five,” Al Malki said. race,” West added. the Spanish Championship. Al Sulaiti, who was in 26th THE PENINSULA MONDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27 Vettel eases to victory in Monza Defending champion extends championship lead; Alonso of Ferrari finishes second

MONZA, Italy: Sebastian His brilliance, however, was Vettel extended his lead in the matched by that of Briton Lewis Italian Grand Prix drivers’ to Hamilton, who started 12th, lost MONZA, Italy: Results from the Italian more than 50 points when he the use of his team radio and German Formula One driver Grand Prix at Monza yesterday: drove to a polished victory for suffered a slow puncture, as he Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull Red Bull in yesterday’s Italian fought back twice to finish ninth. Racing celebrates after winning 1. Sebastian Vettel (GER/Red Bull) 1h Grand Prix. “A nightmare,” he said. the Italian Formula One Grand 18min 33.352sec, 2. Fernando Alonso The 26-year-old German, series Red Bull team chief Christian Prix in Monza, Italy, yesterday. (ESP/Ferrari) at 5.467sec, 3. Mark leader and defending triple world Horner praised the winner: Webber (AUS/Red Bull) 6.350, 4. Felipe champion, survived a torrid start “Fantastic Seb, you’ve won the Massa (BRA/Ferrari) 9.361, 5. Nico and gearbox problems as he domi- Italian Grand Prix again,” he said. Hülkenberg (GER/Sauber) 10.355, 6. nated an intriguing 53-laps race, “Brilliant drive.” Nico Rosberg (GER/Mercedes) 10.999, the last of the European part of Vettel replied with his charac- 7. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/Toro Rosso) the Formula One season teristic scream and then added: 32.329, 8. Romain Grosjean (FRA/ Vettel came home 5.4 seconds “Very good boys, very good race. Lotus) 33.130, 9. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/ clear of Fernando Alonso, as the Sorry for the lock up into the first Mercedes) 33.527, 10. Jenson Button Ferrari driver thrilled the tifosi corner, made the first stint a bit (GBR/McLaren) 38.327, 11. Kimi with a battling chase in pursuit tricky.” Raikkonen (FIN/Lotus) 38.695, 12. ahead of third-placed Australian German Nico Hulkenberg, Sergio Perez (MEX/McLaren) 39.765, 13. Mark Webber in the second Red who had qualified with a stun- Esteban Gutierrez (MEX/Sauber) 40.880, Bull and Brazilian Felipe Massa, ning third in his Ferrari-powered 14. Pastor Maldonado (VEN/Williams) fourth in the second Ferrari. Sauber, came home an excellent 49.085, 15. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Williams) On a warm, if overcast, after- fifth to endorse his claims as a 56.827, 16. Adrian Sutil (GER/Force India) noon, Vettel proved both his sub- possible successor to Massa next 1 lap, 17. Charles Pic (FRA/Caterham) lime talent and his fighting spirit season. 1 lap, 18. Giedo van der Garde (NED/ - as both Red Bull men were told Compatriot Nico Rosberg Caterham) 1 lap, 19. Jules Bianchi (FRA/ to nurse their cars home - to reel finished sixth in the lead- Marussia) 1 lap, 20. Max Chilton (GBR/ off his sixth win of the season and ing Mercedes ahead of Red Marussia) 1 lap the 32nd of his career. It was his Bull-bound Australian Daniel third win at Monza and helped Ricciardo of Toro Rosso and Overall standings Red Bull end a run of poor results Frenchman Romain Grosjean of Drivers at the circuit. Lotus. Hamilton did his utmost to surviving a clattering challenge Alonso having executed a brilliant 1. Sebastian Vettel (GER) 222.0pts, 2. Ferrari pass Grosjean on the final lap, but through the first chicane to pass on Webber and then glided Fernando Alonso (ESP) 169.0, 3. Lewis Formula in the end had to settle for ninth emerge ahead of Massa’s Ferrari, past Massa to take second. Hamilton (GBR) 141.0, 4. Kimi Raikkonen One ahead of Briton Jenson Button of the Brazilian having surged past Vettel was warned of front (FIN) 134.0, 5. Mark Webber (AUS) 130.0, McLaren, who were this weekend Webber. right tyre vibrations by his team, driver 6. Nico Rosberg (GER) 104.0, 7. Felipe celebrating their 50th anniversary In a furious opening, Briton a problem created when he locked Fernando Massa (BRA) 79.0, 8. Romain Grosjean as an F1 team. Paul Di Resta was forced to retire up at the first chicane at the Alonso (FRA) 57.0, 9. Jenson Button (GBR) 48.0, In the title race, with seven his Force India after locking up start, and this began to slow his 10. Paul di Resta (GBR) 36.0, 11. Adrian of Spain ‘flyaway’ races outside Europe the front of his car and colliding progress as Alonso chased hard. Sutil (GER) 25.0, 12. Sergio Perez (MEX) takes a remaining, Vettel leads with 222 with Romain Grosjean’s Lotus. His lead was cut to 4.8 before 18.0, 13. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) 18.0, 14. picture points ahead of Alonso on 169 and Hamilton, from 12th, rose to he pitted after 23 laps, emerging Nico Hülkenberg (GER) 17.0, 15. Jean-Eric of sup- Hamilton on 141. 10th before his problems began third behind Alonso and Rosberg Vergne (FRA) 13.0, 16. Pastor Maldonado porters A brief shower shortly before with the loss of radio contact. as the Spaniard responded to his (VEN) 1.0 with his the start caused some pre-race Running on the harder com- team’s call to push hard. phone, alarm, but not enough to cause pound tyres, he then picked up Alonso gave the tifosi four Constructors on the a switch from slick tyres on a a slow right front puncture and laps to dream before he also pit- 1. Red Bull 352.0pts, 2. Ferrari 248.0, podium significantly cooler day at the was forced - with the aid of old- ted and rejoined second behind a 3. Mercedes 245.0, 4. Lotus 191.0, 5. Autodromo Nazionale. school pit board signals -- to pit, reinvigorated Vettel and ahead of after McLaren 66.0, 6. Force India 61.0, 7. Toro At the start, Vettel struggled rejoining 19th after 14 laps. Webber, with no-one able to upset finishing Rosso 31.0, 8. Sauber 17.0, 9. Williams to establish himself as leader By then, Vettel was more than that order before the chequered second. 1.0 from the 40th pole of his career, six seconds clear of the field, flag. AFP Todt confirms he will stand for re-election

MONZA, Italy: Jean Todt (pic- “All our community knows that president that left him open to from 1993. Meanwhile, Pirelli is Todt said: “If everybody says we tured) will stand for re-election I have a lot of support, and we criticism, but said he was more expected to remain Formula One’s are very happy, then what is the as president of motor racing’s have started something. It is like comfortable to stay out of the sole tyre supplier next year if the point of going to a tender? I will ruling body, the International climbing a mountain. We try to media spotlight. teams and commercial ringmas- be able to explain that we don’t go Automobile Federation (FIA), climb up and up, but we are at “Sometimes I make mistakes, ter Bernie Ecclestone agree on to a tender because everybody is he has confirmed. 3000 metres. So there is still some but I am a human being, and staying with the Italian company. asking [for Pirelli]. The 67-year-old Frenchman way to go.” hopefully I do sometimes good The president of the sport’s “But if I had five teams say- will stand against Briton David Todt added that he was pleased things. It is not in my nature to ruling body, the International ing we want that, and the other Ward, a former aide of ex presi- by supportive comments made have a very high profile, to be a Automobile Federation (FIA), ones this, then definitely we would dent and compatriot Max Mosley, about his work since he succeeded dictator. Jean Todt made this clear yes- need to go to a tender. and will launch his campaign dur- Mosley by various Formula One “For me with harmony and terday when he said the sport “Plus, if it is unanimous to go ing the next month. team chiefs. consensus you get much better. It had no plans to initiate a bidding in a direction, then if I go to a Todt confirmed his intentions “I must say I was very pleased is my way of running, of leading... process. tender you know what people will to journalists attending yes- to see yesterday some comments I will not get into controversy or Pirelli have endured a stress- say? ‘He is against Pirelli so he terday’s Italian Grand Prix at by the team principals,” he said. react to what somebody has been ful and controversial year to date does a tender to try to make it Monza, ending speculation that “I have been reading in the saying or not saying. Honestly I following several incidents of tyre Michelin’...” he was prepared to stand aside. press that the F1 community am too old for that.” failures and high-speed blowouts Todt confirmed he spoke to “There is no speculation: I hated me, so if sometimes I feel a Todt has been president of the leading to fears about safety and Ecclestone about the issue at will go for it. Clearly you have to bit frustrated it is to read things FIA since October, 2009, following threatened driver boycotts. Monza on Saturday and planned respect the procedure. Yesterday which are not corresponding to a career in motor sport manage- Former F1 tyre suppliers to hold further discussions (Friday) it was announced that the reality.” ment with Peugeot in world ral- Michelin, of France, have been with Pirelli chairman Marco campaigning for the election was Todt also told reporters that lying and later, from 1992, with linked strongly in recent weeks Tronchetti Provera yesterday. opening. there were parts of his work as further huge success at Ferrari with a bid to return to the sport. AGENCIES : Reyes keeps qualification hopes alive

DOHA: Former world cham- pion of the Results Philippines kept his qualifying Losers bracket matches Group 14: Bashar Hussain (QAT) bt Christopher hopes alive at the World 9-Ball Loser is out, winner gets one more chance. Tevez (PER) 9-8, Fu Che Wei (TAI) bt Badr Alhamdan Pool Championship by register- Group 1: Ivo Aarts (NED) bt Sayeem Hossain (BAN) (KSA) 9-6 9–7, Efren Reyes (PHL) bt Shawn Wilke (USA) 9–4 Group 15: Kong Bu Hong (HK) bt Nour Al-Jarrah ing a 9-4 win over Shawn Wilke Group 2: Sniegocki Mateusz (POL) bt Khaled A Faraj (JOR) 9-2, Kawabata Satoshi (JAP) bt Mohd Al Bin of the USA. (EGY) 9 - 2, Hunter Lombardo (USA) bt Kwok Chi Ali (QAT)9-5 Reyes who lost his first match Ho(HKG) 9–7 Group 16: Chao Fang Pang (TAI) bt Fahim to Hsu Kai Lun of Hong Kong Group 3: Bader Al Awadi (KUW) bt Roman Hybler Sinha (BAN) 9-0, Petri Makkonen (FIN) bt Majid 9-5 on Sunday is now pinning his (CZE) 9–6, (NED) bt Al Hasawi (KUW) 9-6 Gharehgozlou (IRA) 9-6 hopes of qualifying from the los- Group 4: Mark Antony (PHL) bt Hori Ryoji (JPN) 9–7, First round matches ers bracket. Henrikas Stolis (LTU) bt Abdulatif Fawal (QAT) 9-8 Losers go to the losers side for another chance. Meanwhile, Qatari players Group 5: Mark Gray (GBR) bt M Elassal (EGY) 9-2, Winners will need to win one more match to Mohanna Al Obaidly, Amir Rota Hanni Al Howri (UAE) bt Meshari Albuqayli (KSA) 9 - 4 advance to the final 64. and Bashar Hussein won their Group 6: Kuo Po Cheng(TPE) bt Giorgio Margola(ITA) Group 13: Lee Van Corteza (PHL) bt Mohd Ali Berjawi (LEB) 9-1, Nick Malaj(ALB) bt Syed Habib respective matches. 9–0, Carlo Biado(PHL) bt Saleh Ameen(QAT) 9-4 Group 7: Hijikata Hayato (JPN) bt Mazen Berjawi (QAT) 9-5; David Alcaide(ESP) bt Albin Ouschan Yesterday, Mohanna defeated (LEB) 9 - 2, Liu Hai Tao(CHN) bt Sibongiseni O. (AUT) 9-8, Mohanna Al Obaidly (QAT) bt Salah Al his Emirati counterpart Salah Al Gumede (RSA) 9–0 Rimawi (KUW) 9-7 Remawi 9-7, while Rota achieved Group 8: Philip Reilly (AUS) bt K Obaidly (QAT) 9 - 7, Group 14: Ruslan Chinakhov(RUS) bt Bashar an important 9-5 win against Han Radoslaw Babica (POL) bt Naif Abdulafou (JOR) 9-3 Hussain (QAT) 9-4, Nguyen K. Hoang(VIE) bt Hao Xiang of China. Group 9: Ali Maghsoud(IRI) bt Nicolas Ottermann Christopher Tevez (PER) 9-7, (GER) Hussain completed yet another (GER) 9–7, Nico Erasmus (RSA) bt Mohamad bt Fu Che Wei (TPE) 9–7, Fabio Petroni(ITA) bt Badr win for the local players to keep Abdullah (UAE) 9–6 Alhamdan (KSA) 9-6 the local fans in good spirits. He Group 10: Han Hao Xiang (CHN) bt Nick Philip Pera Group 15: Nick Ekonomopoulos (GRE) bt Nour Al- Jarrah (JOR) 9– 1, Marlon Villamor (PHL) bt Kong defeated Christopher Tevez of (AUS) 9-7, Phil Burford (GBR) bt Recky Boy Puro Bu Hong (HKG) 9–4, Robb Saez (USA) bt Mohd Al Peru 9-8. (PHL) 9–6 Group 11: (GER) bt Mehdi Bin Ali (QAT) 9-6, (GBR) bt Kawabata On Sunday, Waleed Majed Rasekhi (IRA) 9-2, Mario Morra (CAN) bt Ali Al Satoshi (JPN) 9–4 started on a promising note by Obaidly (QAT) 9-7 defeating Bader Al Awadi of Group 12: Corey Deuel (USA) bt M Buainain (QAT) Group 16: (PHL) bt Majid Kuwait 9-7. The winner of the 9-5, Li Hewen (CHN) bt Bruno Muaratore (ITA) 9-7 Gharehgozlou (IRI) 9- 1, Neils Feijin (NED) bt Chao event will get $36,000 and the Efren Reyes of the Philippines in action against Shaun Wilke of the USA during their match of the World 9-Ball Group 13: Mohd Ali Berjawi (LEB)bt Syed Habib Fang Pang (TPE) 9-6, Ryu Seung Woo (KOR) bt Fahim Sinha (BAN) 9 - 3, Tomasz Kaplan (POL) bt Petri runner-up $18,000. Pool Championship at Al Arabi Indoor Hall in Doha, yesterday. Reyes won 9-4. PICTURE BY: KAMMUTTY VP (IND) 9-7, Salah Al Rimawi (UAE) bt Albin Ouschan THE PENINSULA (AUT) 9-6 Makkonen (FIN) 9-6 Monday 9 September 2013 3 Dhul-qa’da 1434 Volume 18 Number 5817 Sport Price: QR2 RAJDHANI - LARGEST SELLING NEPALI WEEKLY NEWSPAPER IN QATAR Nadal, Japan ecstatic Djokovic in US with 2020 Open final Games win PUBLISHED EVERY THURSDAY BY DAR AL SHARQ AVAILABLE AT ALL THE LEADING BOOK STORES / SUPERMARKETS IN QATAR FOR ADVERTISEMENTS CONTACT: TEL: 4465 0600 EMAIL: [email protected] Sport | 23 Sport | 24

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Clarke leads Australia to ODI win The captain hits a century to help the visitors beat England by 88 runs at Old Trafford

MANCHESTER, England: was rained off but did not put up Captain Michael Clarke blasted much of a fight as Australia piled Scoreboard a magnificent 105 as Australia on the runs following a bad start. AUSTRALIA M Carberry c Clarke b Johnson ...... 4 outplayed England in all depart- Opener Shaun Marsh fell for S Marsh c Buttler b Finn ...... 0 J Trott c Wade b Johnson ...... 0 ments to beat the hosts by 88 a duck to the fourth delivery of A Finch c Root b Tredwell ...... 45 J Root b Faulkner ...... 3 runs in the second one-day the day and Shane Watson almost S Watson c Buttler b Bopara ...... 38 E Morgan c Clarke b McKay ...... 54 international at Old Trafford went first ball before surviving M Clarke c Buttler b Rankin ...... 105 R Bopara c&b Voges ...... 1 yesterday and go 1-0 up in the after a review on an lbw decision. G Bailey c Tredwell b Bopara ...... 82 J Buttler c Johnson b Ahmed ...... 75 series. Watson was not so lucky second A Voges (not out) ...... 16 B Stokes c Bailey b McKay ...... 5 Australia had set a challenging time round when England called M Wade b Rankin ...... 0 J Tredwell (run out-Clarke/Faulkner) ...... 1 target of 316, driven by Clarke’s a review of their own and he was J Faulkner c Morgan b Finn ...... 18 S Finn c Voges b McKay ...... 16 Australia’s captain Michael 155-run partnership with George given out for 38. M Johnson (not out) ...... 6 B Rankin (not out) ...... 1 Clarke waves his bat after Bailey (82) against below-par The Hotspot technology did not Extras (B-1, LB-1, W-2, NB-1) ...... 5 Extras (LB-1, W-6) ...... 7 completing his century bowling from England, who also show any contact between the bat Total (for 7 wkts in 50 overs) ...... 315 Total (all out in 44.2 overs) ...... 227 during the second ODI struggled to get going with the bat and Ravi Bopara’s delivery, caught Fall of wickets: 0-1, 2-60, 3-116, 4-271, Fall of wickets: 1-8, 2-9, 3-38, 4-97, 5-103, against England at Old and were bowled out for 227. by Buttler, but the loud thud that 5-283, 6-283, 7-308. 6-154, 7-167, 8-169, 9-216, 10-227. Trafford cricket ground in England, who won the test accompanied Watson’s swipe was Bowling: Finn 10-1-68-2 (1w); Rankin 10-0- Bowling: McKay 9.2-1-47-3; Johnson 10-2- Manchester, yesterday. series 3-0 last month, lost the last enough to change the umpire’s 49-2; Stokes 10-0-66-0; Bopara 10-0-57-2 36-2 (3w); Faulkner 8-1-39-1; Voges 6-0-32-1 two post-Ashes one-day series original call. (1nb, 1w); Tredwell 8-0-60-1; Root 2-0-13-0. (3w); Ahmed 7-0-55-1; Watson 4-1-17-1. in 2009 and 2010-11 and a bat- Opener Aaron Finch made 45 ENGLAND Result: Australia won by 88 runs. tling 75 from Jos Buttler was the off 45 balls before Joe Root caught K Pietersen c Faukner b Watson...... 60 Series: Australia lead five-match series 1-0. main positive to reflect on as they him at long on. seek to avoid a repeat with three Bailey’s fine innings, which matches remaining. included five fours and four as he stroked 14 boundaries while Matthew Wade (0) with succes- The hosts, who rested some of sixes, ended when he was caught notching up 105, his eighth one- sive deliveries. their top Ashes performers, won by James Tredwell off Bopara day century, from just 102 balls. James Faulkner was out for the toss and chose to bowl on a as the skies above Old Trafford England’s bowlers finally made 18 in the final over as Australia sunny early morning start after darkened. an impression when Boyd Rankin posted an imposing total of 315 the first one-dayer at Headingley Clarke found the gaps with ease took the wickets of Clarke and for seven wickets. REUTERS Wrestling claims back Olympic Games spot

BUENOS AIRES: Wrestling will be at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics after all as they completed a remarkable seven-month journey in Buenos Aires yesterday by being voted back onto the Olympic sports roster by International Olympic Committee (IOC) members. Wrestling, which is one of the rare sports to have tran- scended the ancient and modern Olympics, is very popular in Japan so Tokyo’s victory on Saturday to host the Games bolstered their standing as favourites to win. In the event it took just one round as wrestling received 49 of the 95 votes cast. The joint bid of baseball/soft- The President of the International Federation of Associated Wrestling ball was second with 24 votes and Styles (FILA), Serbian Nenad Lalovic (right) shakes hands with squash received 22. International Olympic Committee (IOC) presidency candidate, Ukrainian The result sees wrestling pole vault legend Sergey Bubka, after the IOC announced that wrestling assured of appearing at both won the bid to fill the final sports slot left vacant for the 2020 Olympic the 2020 edition and the 2024 Games, during the IOC’s 125th Session, in Buenos Aires, yesterday. Summer Olympics. It marks a huge turnaround in fortunes for wrestling which presentations by eight sports at after the announcement by IOC was dropped from the Olympic the end of May -- to be considered President Jacques Rogge. programme in February this year by the entire IOC membership in “With this vote, you have shown by the 15-person IOC Executive Buenos Aires. that the steps we have taken to Board. “It would be an understate- improve our sport have made a It sparked uproar, probably ment to say that today is the difference,” said Lalovic, who was surprising several of the board most important day in the 3,000 not a wrestler himself but whose members, with even bitter politi- years of our existence,” said wres- son represented Serbia at inter- cal enemies such as Iran and the tling federation president Nenad national level. United States seeing their wres- Lalovic at the presentation. “I assure each of you that our tlers join forces to plead for it to “We have made mistakes and modernisation will not stop now. be restored. we have learnt from them.” We will continue to strive to be The same board then gave it a Despite some questions regard- the best partner to the Olympic second chance when they put it on ing alleged corruption within the Movement that we can be.” the three-sport shortlist -- after sport, Lalovic was left beaming For baseball/softball -- who had among others Antonio Castro the son of the long-time Cuban leader Fidel in their presentation team A picture -- it represents another blow taken after being voted off the Games during the programme starting with the final 2012 London edition. presentation For squash too there was huge of wrestling disappointment that a journey in Buenos which started 10 years ago -- Aires, seeing them top the vote in 2005 but fail to get the required two- yesterday. thirds majority and then fail again in 2009 -- still has some distance to go before they perhaps achieve their ultimate goal. AFP