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Most of QDB-backed Spieth secures one- tourism SMEs are shot lead despite operational: CEO late stumble

MONDAY 11 APRIL 2016 • 3 Rajab 1437 • Volume 21 • Number 6763 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

Emir receives invitation to Riyadh summit Emir sends Industrial Area greetings to garages allowed Kuwait Emir QNA

KUWAIT: Emir of Kuwait, to house offices H H Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, met yesterday with Minister of State for Defence Affairs H E Dr Khalid bin Mohamed The ministry has also issued Al Attiyah, during his visit to guidelines for the height and Kuwait. Ministry of structure of buildings used for The Minister of State for Municipality and garages and scrap shops. According Defence conveyed greetings of to amended rules, they are allowed the Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Environment amends to have ground floor plus two floors, Hamad Al Thani to Emir of Kuwait urban planning rules. and the upper floor can be used for as well as his wishes of good health workers’ accommodation. and happiness for him and more They are also allowed to have progress and development for the an underground facility that can Kuwaiti people. The Peninsula be used as a special parking area. The Emir of Kuwait asked the Twenty percent of the underground Minister of State for Defence to space can be used as store. convey his greetings to the Emir However, this will need special along with wishes of good health DOHA: Garages and scrap shops in approval from the authorities and happiness for him and more plots earmarked for such facilities in concerned at the ministry. “This progress and prosperity for the the Doha Industrial Area have been amendment comes in response to Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has received a written message from the Custodian of leadership and people of Qatar. allowed to use part of their premises demand from citizens and investors the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia including an invitation to Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh for offices, stores and workers’ and to implement a flexible attend a summit of Gulf Cooperation Council leaders and US President Barack Obama to be held this Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah accommodations. planning policy, in line with the month in Riyadh. Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Qatar, Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Aifan, handed over also conferred with the Minister of The Ministry of Municipality and policy determining the number of the message to the Emir at the Emiri Diwan yesterday. State for Defence Affairs. Environment has amended some floors in buildings. The competent They reviewed fraternal rela- urban planning rules to this effect, technical department at the tions between the two countries. apparently to meet the shortage ministry will study all applications of labour accommodations and for developing the designated plots,” commercial space in the area. said a ministry statement. The amended rules apply to The amendment is expected to garages and scrap shops located expand public services and facilities King Salman calls for joint fight against terror between Kassarat Street and in the designated area, allowing Western Industrial Area Street up buildings to have offices, stores to the intersection 125/33 (east) and and accommodations in the same AFP visit to Egypt, a trip seen as a clear Straits of Tiran in Saudi territory. counter violent ideology and deploy Street 33 (west) intersection. The place. It would also help reduce show of support for Egyptian Presi- “The other mission that we should troops if necessary to combat extrem- government has allocated plots transportation and accommodation dent Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, the former work on together is the fight against ists. The kingdom is part of the US-led in this area exclusively for such cost for workers employed with CAIRO: The Custodian of the Two military chief who toppled Mohamed extremism and the fight against ter- coalition bombing the jihadist Islamic facilities. garages and scrap shops. Holy Mosques King Salman bin Mursi in 2013. rorism,” King Salman said in an State group in Iraq and Syria. According to the amended In a related move, the ministry Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Ara- The two leaders have already address to the Egyptian parliament Riyadh is also leading an Arab rules, plots for garages and scrap recently allowed houses in some bia yesterday called for a joint fight signed a slew of multi-billion-dollar broadcast live on state television. coalition, of which Egypt is a member, shops have been allowed to have popular streets to use part of their against “terrorism” in the Middle East investment deals, and on Saturday In December, Saudi Arabia that has been bombing Iran-backed accommodation for workers, offices premises for commercial purposes. at a time when Riyadh is engaged in Egypt agreed to demarcate its mar- announced the creation of an “anti- Houthi Shia rebels in Yemen. and stores, within the area of the several conflicts the region. itime borders with Saudi Arabia by terrorism” coalition whose members plot, the ministry said yesterday. → Continued on page 3 King Salman is on a rare five-day officially placing two islands in the it said would share intelligence, → See also page 6 Economy Ministry Dubai plans tower taller More than issues 125 100 dead copyrights than Burj Khalifa in India The Peninsula temple fire AP Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, for example, says at least 50 percent of a DOHA: The Ministry of Economy structure’s height must contain usa- AFP and Commerce has issued 125 DUBAI: Dubai is reaching for the sky ble floor area for it to be considered copyrights and related rights cer- once again, with the developer of the in its ranking of the world’s tallest tificates for paintings and other world’s tallest building vowing yes- buildings. That typically disqualifies KOLLAM, INDIA: An explosion creative works from October 1 last terday to build an even taller tower telecommunications and observa- and massive blaze apparently to March 31 this year. bedecked with rotating balconies tion towers that have only a small sparked by a stray firework dur- The registered certificates and elevated landscaping inspired number of floors. ing an unauthorised display killed were issued for 43 paintings, 42 by the mythical hanging gardens of It and the Burj Khalifa could also over 100 people and injured scores written material, 12 architecture Babylon. be surpassed by a skyscraper being more at a temple complex in south- designs and engineering, 12 dec- The government-backed com- built in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, that ern India yesterday. orative arts, seven books, five pany behind the project, Emaar promises to rise more than 1kmhigh. Thousands had packed over- computer software, three audio- Properties, hopes the new tower will The new Dubai tower will be the night into the Hindu temple visual works and one sculpture. entice a fresh wave of view-seek- centerpiece of a new 6 square-kil- complex in Kerala state where In accordance with Law No ing homeowners even as it raises ometer development on the edge of the firework is thought to have 7 of 2002, copyright is given to a numerous other promised sky- the Dubai Creek, near a protected landed on a stockpile of other piece of literary or artistic work scrapers and repairs a prominent wildlife sanctuary that regularly fireworks, triggering a huge blast created by one author or a group one gutted by fire on New Year’s Eve. attracts flamingoes and other water that partially demolished a con- of people. All copyright works are Company Chairman Mohamed birds. crete building. protected throughout the author’s Alabbar said the new observation Alabbar likened the structure, “It came like a storm, throw- life and extend for 50 years fol- tower would be “a notch” taller than designed by Spanish-Swiss archi- ing everyone to the ground. There lowing his death or the death of the 2,717-foot (828-meter) Burj Kha- tect Santiago Calatrava Valls, to a were bodies all over the place and the last co-author. The law defines lifa. Just how much taller he wouldn’t 21st-century Eiffel Tower that can the injured were writhing in pain,” related rights as those of perform- say. act as a magnet not just for tourists said Anish Kumar, who had gone ers, producers of audio recordings, Unlike the Burj Khalifa, the new but also for property buyers willing with his friends to see the display and broadcasting organisations. $1bn tower will not be a traditional to pay a premium for nearby apart- at the Puttingal Devi temple. skyscraper but more of a cable-sup- ments with a view. It is due to open “I was horrified to see hun- → Continued on page 4 ported spire containing “garden” by the time Dubai hosts the World dreds of men and women on the observation decks graced with trees Expo in 2020. ground lifeless,” said Kumar, and other greenery. Emaar says it “Many ... of our customers would who lost one of his friends in the Online UAE visa will also contain a boutique hotel, like to have that view. And if you ask disaster. restaurants and glass balconies that me what is the financial model, that Residents told of an explosion DOHA: Expats from other GCC rotate outside the wall of the tower. is the financial model,” he said. that shattered windows of homes states going to UAE will require a The structure’s design means it is Emaar followed a similar strat- some 100 metres away, before they visa to be issued online, replacing Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Dubai Emaar Properties, looks at a model unlikely to be widely recognised as a egy when it raised the Burj Khalifa, raced to the temple to search for the current visa on arrival regime. taller “building” than the Burj Kha- which opened in 2010. The silvery survivors in the rubble. of a new tower that will be built to stand taller than world’s tallest Burj The new rule will come into force lifa even if it surpasses it in height. skyscraper is flanked by fancy low Khalifa, during an exposition in Dubai yesterday. from April 29, Al Sharq reports. The Chicago-based Council on and high-rise apartment complexes. → See also page 14 02 MONDAY 11 APRIL 2016 HOME

Deputy PM meets UK envoy ‘The Prophet’s Poet festival’ opens

Katara will present $300,000; $200,000; $100,000; $50,000; and $25,000 to top five winning entries.

The Peninsula Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud yesterday met British Ambassador Ajay Sharma. Talks dealt with relations between both countries, ways of promoting them in all areas DOHA: Katara Cultural Village and issues of mutual concern. yesterday launched ‘The Proph- et’s (PBUH) Poet festival’ under the theme ‘Poetry’s beauty blossoms when describing the best of mankind’. Katara has dedicated a number of distinct awards. The first place win- ning entry will get $300,000. The Officials view some of the exhibits at the festival. second place $200,000, third place $100,000, fourth place $50,000 and fifth place $25,000. The opening while defending it against the vicious including an exhibition of Arab cal- in attendance. ceremony was held with the partic- calls of those adamant to distort the ligraphy wit 50 paintings featuring Entries were submitted from ipation of 30 finalists at the Opera true image of the religion. Poetry Quranic verses that highlight the good across the Arab World and beyond, House. The jury panel at the final since long had a strong impact on deeds of Prophet Muhammad (Peace with poems originating from Oman stage will select five poets for the the youth and their emotions. There- Be Upon Him). A Another exhibition to North Africa. awards over the course of the festi- fore, another aim of this festival is to “Complementing the Messenger” by Most participants hailed from val’s five days. sharpen the talents of the youth and poets across all ages is also organized Iraq and the wider Levant region, The General Manager of the Cul- walk them through this process by during the event. The festival also as 250 poems were submitted from tural Village Foundation, Dr. Khalid using their poetry for the service of includes seminars among 30 poets these nations, while Egypt and Sudan bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti said: “The fes- Islam.” and lectures focusing on the message joined with 236 poems. Nasser Mohammed Al Malki, the new Chairman; and Khalid Nasser Al tival seeks to encourage people to The ceremony held in the pres- of peace and love of Prophet Muham- The remaining North African Hail, CEO, member of the Board and Managing Director. preserve poetry as it helps to instil ence of the poet Dr. Abdulrahman mad (Peace Be Upon Him). Arab states provided 184 poems, Islamic values in the minds of many, Ashmawi, Nasheed artist, Ahmad A section of the festival, titled 145 poems came from the GCC and preserving heritage across genera- Abdulhakim Al Saddi and guest “Towards the love of Prophet Muham- Yemen, while 13 poems arrived from tions. Poetry may also be utilised to of honour Sheikh Dr. Mohammed mad (PBUH)” includes a number of non-Arab states. Of the total entries New Mowasalat chairman appointed convey the peaceful message of Islam Al Araifi. Events were organized competitions and activities for those 60 were contributed by women.

The Peninsula transport and major stakeholder under the ministry, said a state- ment yesterday. Al Malki earlier held senior position at the Ministry Unstable weather and more rains likely this week DOHA: Nasser Mohammed Al Malki of Education and Higher Education. has been appointed new Chairman Since the establishment of the of Mowasalat. The post was occupied ministry in 2013, Mowasalat has The Peninsula prevail until Friday. early hours of Wednesday and Thursday. by Minister of Transport and Com- been contributing to the achieve- The change in the weather has been attributed Maximum temperatures during this period munications H E Jassim bin Saif Al ments of the ministry’s vision for a to formation of a low pressure system in the upper would range between 29-33°C while the minimums Sulaiti. well-defined, modern transport net- levels of the atmosphere. are expected to be between 20-24°C. Khalid Nasser Al Hail, Chief work in the country, in collaboration DOHA: The Meteorology Department has forecast The Department has forecast a cloudy weather “We would like to remind that we are currently Executive Officer, Mowasalat since with other stakeholders under the further rains this week, as the country is expected during this period with chances of scattered rains. in Saraayat season, which is locally known for fast 2005, is now a member of the Board ministry and working for the devel- to experience unstable weather conditions begin- The thundery rains may be accompanied by strong changes in weather that require constant follow- and Managing Director of the public opment of the national economy. ning tomorrow afternoon. This condition could winds and cause low visibility, especially in the up,” said a statement yesterday. HOME MONDAY 11 APRIL 2016 03

QU workshop tackles Qatar chairs Arab Labour Armed Forces Conference in Cairo to activate big data management shooting range QNA vision to create a suitable climate DOHA: Qatar Armed for investment and build compet- Forces General Command itive economies capable to create has announced that mar- Networking Programme, in col- Professor of Computer Science and job opportunities, indicating that itime shooting range laboration with Brunel University Engineering, QU, said, “The workshop DOHA: Qatar presided over the the Arab world represented by three (O.B.D-28), located east The event was London, Al Jazeera Channel, and IBM is an excellent forum for our compu- 43rd session of the Arab Labour parties (governments, employers and of Missaieed near Fisht Al part of Qatar-UK Corporation. ter science and engineering students Conference yesterday in the Egyp- workers) is rich with its nationals’ Hadid will be active from Research Networking It brought together some 100 and researchers to learn about the tian capital Cairo, attended by Arab experiences, wealth and human May 15 to June 2 from experts, engineers and graduate stu- recent research trends in big data ministers of labour, businessmen and potential, a matter which gives great 6am to 5pm Qatar time. Programme. dents from Qatar, the UK and Canada. management. Arab labour organisations. hope for the Arab nation towards The range is located The agenda focused on ‘Data “It was also an opportunity for Minister of Administrative achieving balanced development nearly 40km east of processing, management, classifi- new findings to be presented on man- Development, Labour and Social in all its dimensions based on social Mesaieed, an angle of cation and visualisation’; ‘Big data aging big data in various areas such Affairs H E Dr Issa bin Saad Al Jafali justice. 105 degrees from Mes- The Peninsula analytics and visualisation’; and ‘Big as processing, organisation, visu- Al Nuaimi represented Qatar. Dr Jafali affirmed that chal- saieed port near Fisht Al data future research directions and alisation and mining. Our data is In his keynote speech, he said lenges facing Arab communities Hadid from the east and emerging technologies’. growing daily and its size is expected the conference, taking place within require exerting concerted and extending until south of Eleven sessions were delivered to be multiplied by 2020. An impor- Arab, regional and international intensified efforts to address these Shrao island. The Gen- DOHA: The Department of Compu- by experts from QU, Brunel Univer- tant part of this data is unstructured political , economic and social var- risks and challenges, stressing that eral Command has urged ter Science and Engineering at Qatar sity, Concordia University and IBM and may be rendered insignificant if iables, require exerting more effort the problems of development stems those frequenting the University (QU) College of Engineer- Qatar who spoke on ‘Big data use the right techniques are not found.” and looking ahead to joint Arab from giving people utmost impor- area to take precautions ing discussed how to address main cases’; ‘Trends in big data analytics’; Keynote speakers were Brunel action to face all developmental tance as a means and objective of for safety. challenges of handling big data and ‘Current research in virtual reality’; University London Centre for Media challenges facing the Arab world, development in its comprehensive seek solutions to key issues, at an ‘Secure cloud services: Matrix mul- Communications Research Director in particular those relating to pov- concept based on ensuring a digni- event. tiplication revisited’; ‘Challenges in Prof Abdul H Sadka and Digital Media erty eradication and social security fied life for all, equitable, balanced Extensions can The three-day ‘Big Data Man- immersive video media services’, Lecturer Dr Rafiq Swash; and IBM issues. and sustainable social and economic agement’ workshop was organised among others. Qatar Big Data and Analytics Sales He noted that pursuant to these development that guarantees the be modified as part of Qatar-UK Research Dr Jihad Mohamad AlJa’am, Lead Jean-Baptiste Delattre. challenges we must have a common right of future generations.

Continued from page 1

According to amended New public park rules, extensions or majlises of houses directly overlooking the commer- cial streets in seven areas opens in Al Khor City can be modified and licensed for commercial purposes. This move was The Peninsula It also has a play area for kids, also intended to boost walking track, benches for people business and address the to relax in the shade. shortage of commercial It took some eight months to and office space in Doha DOHA: Al Khor-Al Dhakhira Munic- build and complete the park and is and its outskirts. It allows ipality has opened a new public park a good addition to the urban land- many families to take in Al Khor City. scape of Al Khor city, officials said. advantage of the location The Hazm Al Jaltah project was The Public Monitoring Section of their homes while hav- opened yesterday in the presence at Doha Municipality, meanwhile, ing the right to keep the of Mubarak Mohamed Al Kuwari, conducted an inspection drive in structure of their main Director, Services Affairs Depart- Bin Mahmoud area and registered premises intact, if they ment at the municipality and senior cases of violations by shops that had wish. They can continue to officials. The park is spread over an blocked public sidewalks. stay in their homes, while area of 14,000 square metres and The Parks Section at the munic- using part of the premises includes green spaces, trees and a ipality set up some street lights near for commercial activities. The new park opened by Al Khor-Al Dhakhira Municipality. small lake with ducks. Al Jaida bridge intersection. 04 MONDAY 11 APRIL 2016 HOME Ooredoo tv records When exhibition creates dialogue in Qatar huge rise in inaugurated by Sheikh Turki bin Faisal Al Thani. demand for ‘Shifting Sands – A It is being held in the tempo- Journey of Qatar rary exhibition space at Sheikh and its People’ Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani smart content Museum, showcasing fine exhib- curated by Sheikh its from the museum — from Faisal Bin Qassim Al archaeological objects to a vehi- cle — demonstrating the range The Peninsula On the popularity of Thani Museum and and depth of Sheikh Faisal’s the new service, Kubaisi UCL Qatar opens at collection. said: “Crucially, Ooredoo tv The journey of Qatar, its peo- set top box gives customer the museum. ple and objects are presented DOHA: Since the launch full control over what they along with stories they collec- of its next generation are watching, meaning tively hold. Ooredoo tv service, Oore- it’s not just pause, rewind Set to create a unique experi- doo has recorded an and record, but they can The Peninsula ence, the exhibition incorporates unprecedented surge in go back in time to watch different mediums and means On-Demand content, as shows already broadcast. such as the use of story-telling, customers look to enjoy On-Demand now goes interviews and videos. It’s being entertainment whenever beyond blockbuster mov- DOHA: An exhibition to create a held under four themes: and wherever they are in ies and the latest TV series, dialogue between different gen- ‘Life in the desert’ features Qatar. it changes the way people erations and cultures in Qatar key elements of life in the desert Officials touring the exhibition. Ooredoo tv has become watch channels.” through objects and stories is that form the basis for tradi- the fastest-growing TV Ooredoo’s figures show being held at Sheikh Faisal Bin tions that characterise people’s service in Qatar, and more that in March On-Demand Qassim Al Thani Museum. relationship with the physical practice, was essential in the And ‘Icons’ represents Qatar’s allowing students to work as a and more customers are content was streamed on Titled ‘Shifting Sands – A environment in Qatar. past as a tool for communication culture. These are resolute icons team to organise a public exhi- taking advantage of its Ooredoo tv 33 times more Journey of Qatar and its People’, ‘Changing landscape’ show- and survival. Today, it reveals a associated with Qatar’s peo- bition from concept development accessible content and often than the previous the exhibition is curated by the cases the change in the social rich tradition of hospitality that ple and have remained steady to opening. During the event, stu- huge On-Demand library, month on its predecessor museum in partnership with UCL landscape of Qatar, including connects friends and family and throughout the country’s phys- dents are involved in key roles as it fits in with their busy Mozaic TV and used 100 Qatar. the physical landscape, and its creates bridges between cultures. ical and cultural transformation. such as curation and interpre- and connected lifestyles. times more in terms of The annual exhibition organ- impact on people’s lives and their Visitors will have several resting The exhibition project is a tation, project management, Yousuf Abdulla Al service usage. ised by UCL Qatar’s MA Museum customs. points to engage with the collec- practical, key element of MA exhibition design, education and Kubaisi, Chief Operating The company has also and Gallery Practice students was ‘Socialising’, as a social tion more intimately. Museum and Gallery Practice, outreach, and marketing. Officer, Ooredoo Qatar, found that three times said: “With Ooredoo tv, more subscribers use accessing On-Demand Ooredoo tv app to select content is now simpler due content. The smart app to the clear and fast user functions as an advanced Philippines urges nationals to avoid rogue recruiters for overseas jobs interface that enables our remote control as well as a viewers to find and watch player to enable customers the content they love. to view content on multi- By Raynald C Rivera in the Philippines without their transacting with prospective people. This has to stop,” Dicang with another legitimate agency in “We’ve seen very ple screens. Ooredoo tv The Peninsula knowledge, to deploy Filipina employers in Qatar. said. Qatar,” he said. strong demand for the is available via Ooredoo housemaids to Qatar. Many employers have also He said the cases have been The Philippine government service since its launch, shops and Starlink, Tech- For a Filipina housemaid to lodged complaints to POLO forwarded to Philippine Over- has been keen to protect Fili- and thanks to Ooredoo tv, noBlue and Jumbo outlets. work in Qatar, a tie-up between against these individuals, seas Employment Organisation pina housemaids overseas and we’re seeing a significant The service has no upfront DOHA: The Philippine Overseas a manpower agency in the Phil- claiming they were not pro- (POEA) to initiate legal proceed- has implemented stringent poli- change in viewing habits charges, no equipment Labour Office (POLO) has been ippines and a local agency is a vided with the housemaids they ings against the recruiters. cies. Eight years ago, it introduced in Qatar.” costs and no ongoing con- alarmed by new ways of illegal major requirement. had requested despite paying He urged people to be cau- the Household Service Workers Ooredoo tv has been tracts. Visit ooredoo.qa/ recruitment, including using the Eleven housemaids have been them the agreed amount for the tious over applying to work as Policy Reform Package to pro- designed to provide view- portal/OoredooQatar/oore- names of manpower agencies in recruited through this modus recruitment process. housemaids in Qatar and ensure fessionalise domestic work and ers with unrivalled access doo-tv_2 for details. Qatar, to hire housemaids from operandi, based on the com- They later learnt that they do not fall prey to illegal minimise Filipina housemaids’ to content from around Ooredoo is Qatar’s the Philippines. plaints POLO has received since the housemaids promised to recruiters. the vulnerabilities. the world. With Ooredoo leading communica- Labour Attaché David Des November, according to Dicang. them were provided to other “The workers and their fami- During her visit to Qatar, tv set top box, customers tions company, delivering Dicang said three local man- He also revealed that some employers. lies should understand the terms Philippine Labour Secretary can watch movies, sports, mobile, fixed, broadband power agencies have filed Filipino expatriates are involved “We need to expose these ille- and conditions of employment Rosalinda Baldoz warned that news and more live and on Internet and corporate complaints to POLO, claiming in the modus operandi either gal ways of recruitment to warn and make sure the agency in erring manpower agencies and demand, stream content managed services tailored to have their names and details acting as middlemen between the public because ultimately, the Philippines they are dealing employers would face action, from their TV, play games to the needs of consumers used by some manpower agencies the two agencies or directly the effect is on the welfare of our with is legitimate and has a tie-up including penalties. and download apps. and businesses. Beautiful smile is all about oral health

The Peninsula conduct primary examinations on incorporated into standard infant mothers-to-be and young children care routines. Where necessary, on oral health. referrals are made to dental clinics. Dr Asma’a Al Khateeb, Director, The Beautiful Smile clinic is con- DOHA: The Primary Health Care Oral and Dental Health Department, sidered the beginning and will be Corporation (PHCC) has opened PHCC, said the clinic will focus on introduced at other health centres. ‘Beautiful Smile’ clinic at Leabaib education expectant mothers through Such clinics were held on trial for Health Centre to create awareness awareness programmes on the risk of three months from October 2015 at about oral health among children and tooth decay and explain the impor- Msameer, Al Thayen and Al Wakrah expectant mothers. tance of proper nutrition for her and health centres. The the baby during and after pregnancy. “During the trial, the clinic has clinic will Also children aged one to five will seen success in influencing moth- provide be examined by a paediatric dentistry ers and children about following free coun- specialist. Assessments are being good oral health practices,” said Dr selling and carried out at Well Baby Clinics and Al Khateeb.

A young boy undergoing oral health check-up at the clinic.

Appointments to the Qatar and the region. clinic could be booked “It is open at Leabaib through PHCC call cen- Helath Centre. Oral health tre on 107. problems are one of the Dr Mohammed Al most common diseases Otaibi, Doctor in charge and start from a young of the centre, said, “The age and have a bad effect Beautiful Smile clinic on the quality of life,” he is the first of its kind in added.

Performers’ rights from end of year of releasing work

Continued from page 1 material take effect from the year following the Performers’ rights publication of the mate- take effect from the end rial or its release by media of the year of releasing if not yet been published the work. and broadcasting organ- The rights of produc- isations’ rights are fixed ers of audio recording for 20 years. HOME MONDAY 11 APRIL 2016 05 Training centre opens for rail workers

Qatar Rail’s centre, thought to be the first of its kind, will benefit about 15,000 workers in terms of highest standards of health and safety on its sites.

Entrance and egress to The Peninsula

DOHA: About 15,000 Qatar Rail workers will bene- Wadi Al Faseela Road to fit from a new training centre recently launched by the entity as part of its efforts to ensure the highest standards of health and safety on its sites. close for three months Thought to be the first of its kind in the region, Workers taking part in a training workshop. the state-of-the-art centre is Premium level accred- ited by Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, The Peninsula traffic in the area and the proposed the UK’s awarding organisation on topics relevant Training includes workshops from tunnelling and “Doha Metro is a flagship project for Qatar road will not affect surrounding to health, wellbeing and safety. construction inductions to working in confined and we want to ensure that all those involved in adjacent internal roads. Located in the Green Line underground offices, spaces, first aid, risk assessment, vehicle and plant its delivery are given the very best training and Motorists who want to access employees who undergo training are among the key movement, working at heights, and electrical and support” added Al Ansari. DOHA: The Public Works Authority Safari Mall, Mesaimeer Sports Club personnel in construction of the Doha Metro project. fire safety, among others. The first phase of Doha Metro project is (Ashghal) has announced that access and Wholesale Market from Indus- Engineer Jassim Al Ansari, Director, Green Training is given by a team of accredited train- expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of and egress to Wadi Al Faseela Road trial Area Road should use Wadi Al Line Project, said: “The centre reflects the impor- ers along with Arabic and Indian interpreters. 2019, and the Lusail Tram in 2020. from Industrial Area Road will be Ghafa Street and other local roads tance Qatar Rail places on operating to the highest As part of Qatar Rail’s continuous improvement By 2030, all three networks — Doha Metro, closed for a length of 150 metres, as as shown in the map. The closure is international standards of occupational health and approach, the training intends to get accreditation Lusail Tram and the long-distance rail, which will shown in the map. required to facilitate construction safety. “The information and support we transmit from the National Examination Board in Occupa- link Qatar with the GCC rail network, are expected The temporary closure in place works related to Rawdat Al Khail through the initiative provides tools to encourage tional Safety and Health later this year to deliver to be completed. With the completion of the first in coordination with the Traffic Street Extension project. a culture of occupational health and safety and level five and six courses. phase of Doha Metro and Lusail Tram, Qatar Rail Department starts tomorrow and Ashghal will install road signs to helps safeguard our employees, partners and the “We are proud of the centre because it pro- expects to offer 600,000 passenger trips a day by lasts three months. advise motorists of the closure and wider public.” vides international standards of training to workers 2021. By then, 37 metro stations are expected to be Vehicles can take a U-turn at the has road users to abide by speed lim- The centre offers training on health and safety which we see as a crucial step in giving the country completed, with an average journey time of three closure location allowing for smooth its and follow the signs for safety. across all levels which can be for up to five days. a world-class transportation system to be proud of. minutes between adjacent stations. HMC expert urges parents to watch for signs of lazy eye in children

The Peninsula appear to work together and poor “Although lazy eye usually affects recommended between three and the vision to improve,” said Anthony. disease. If left untreated, lazy eye can depth perception. one eye, it is possible for both eyes five years of age. “In the majority of “Lazy eye may be more likely cause permanent vision loss. Lazy eye Rose Antony, Optometrist, Al to be affected. Sometimes lazy eye is cases where amblyopia is diagnosed among children born prematurely is one of the most common causes Wakra Hospital, said, “In cases of not evident without an examination and treated early, the child’s vision or with low birth weight, or born of single-eye vision impairment in DOHA: Parents have been advised by lazy eye, there may not be an obvi- so it is recommended that parents improves. The longer the condition is in a family with a history of child- young and middle-aged adults,” she Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) to ous abnormality of the eye. Lazy should ensure their children’s eyes left untreated, the less likely it is for hood cataracts, squint or serious eye said. be aware of the symptoms of lazy eye eye develops when nerve pathways are examined for amblyopia even if (amblyopia) in their young children between the brain and the eye aren’t they do not complain or present any and take them for routine examina- properly stimulated. As a result, the ocular symptoms (related to eye dis- tions at least once in two years. brain favours one eye, usually due to eases or vision problems),” she said. The signs and symptoms of lazy poor vision in the other. The weaker Eye screening after birth and vision eye include blurred vision, head- eye may tend to wander. Eventu- tests at schools can help diagnose aches, one eye that wanders inwards ally, the brain ignores the signals amblyopia to some extent. or outwards, eyes that may not received from the weaker or lazy eye. A thorough eye examination is

Qatar Foods and Services to distribute Unikai products

The Peninsula

DOHA: Qatar Foods and Services, the whole- sale division of Quality Group International, has announced its distributor- ship of renowned Unikai food products in Qatar. As per the MoU signed by Shamsudheen Olakara, Chairman, Quality Group International, and Neeraj Vohra, Managing Director, UAE-based Unikai Foods, Qatar Foods & Services will be the sole dealer of all Unikai brand products in Qatar. Unikai, a 40-year her- itage company, mainly produces milk and dairy products, including world- Officials at the event. class ice creams. Also, Basmati rice, juices, snacks, yoghurt and margarine, among others, are included in its product line. “Unikai believes in deliv- ering the freshest products to consumers at their near- est point of purchase. Quality Group International, the fast- est growing company in GCC, will be our partner in Qatar to reach out to the people,” Vohra said in a statement. Quality Group Inter- national is very happy to introduce the branded and standardised products of Unikai to Qatar’s market and is trying to introduce another world-class brand product to the local mar- ket, Olakara said. Moideen K, General Manager, Quality Group of Companies; Mins Mathew, Finance Controller; and Yasar Al Hamar, Export Manager, Unikai, were present at the MoU signing ceremony. 06 MONDAY 11 APRIL 2016 GULF / MIDDLE EAST

Kuwait Emir meets Qatar’s Defence Minister Clashes erupt Ex-Saddam aide in Yemen hours seeks to reshape before truce Reuters

Iraq insurgency CAIRO: Fighting broke out north of Yemen’s capital and in the cen- tre of the country yesterday, killing more than 20 people, hours before led authorities in 2005-7. a truce was due to come into force In a previous audio message, to facilitate peace talks. Experts said the the former top official in Sadd- Yemen’s Saudi-backed govern- video could also am’s secular Baath party urged ment and its Iranian-allied Houthi Sunnis to join those who had “lib- enemies were set to implement a contain a message to erated” half the country, referring UN-backed cessation of hostilities Shia-led government to Islamic State, which declared from midnight (2100 GMT) before a caliphate in large parts of Iraq talks to end the year-old war begin that former party and Syria in 2014. This time Douri in Kuwait on April 18. members might help called on the “sons of Iraq ... to The United Nations hopes it fight IS if the Shia rally behind the flag of the Arab this will lead to a more concrete, coalition led by the kingdom of formal ceasefire with confidence- militias are kept out Saudi Arabia in order to avoid building measures. The war has of the battle. being burnt by the Persian fire”. killed more than 6,200 people, The latest message follows major drawn in rival regional powers gains by the government and its Saudi Arabia and Iran and trig- US-led backers against Islamic gered a humanitarian crisis in The Emir of Kuwait H H Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah with Qatar’s Minister of State for Reuters State and coincides with a push to one of the Arab world’s poorest drive it from Mosul. Defence Affairs H E Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah in Kuwait yesterday. The meeting discussed countries. “Douri and the Baath have no issues of common concern, in addition to bilateral relations and ways to boost them. In Sana’a, controlled for the military importance now, but as last 18 months by the Houthis, BAGHDAD: A rallying cry to Iraqi Daesh (Islamic State) is weakening, residents said they desperately Sunnis from former president the Baath appears to see a role as wanted this attempt at peace to Saddam Hussein’s top surviving aide part of the Saudi-led alliance against succeed after two rounds of talks aims to bolster the old ruling Baath Iran,” said Hisham Al Hashimi, a failed last year. party’s appeal with Sunni Muslims Baghdad-based security analyst. Saudi King addresses Egypt parliament “I am tired of the fighting, the fearing new reprisals by Shia mili- “The Saudi-led alliance is against destruction, everything,” said tias, experts said. Iran and also against Daesh (Islamic Hussein Ali, a 57-year-old govern- They said the video released on State) and by aligning the Baath with AP pan-Arab defence force, an Egyptian islands — Tiran and Sanafir at the ment employee. “The situation is Thursday could also contain a mes- the Saudis he is adopting the same idea first floated last year that was mouth of the Gulf of Aqaba — are very difficult for people without sage to Iraq’s Shia-led government position; Douri seems to be saying ‘My later thought to have been overtaken Saudi but have been in Egypt’s cus- work, without electricity, without that former party members might men will be willing to fight Daesh on by Riyadh’s creation of a pan-Islamic tody for protection since 1950. water, and with the fear that, at help it fight Islamic State if the Shia condition that you keep Iran’s militias CAIRO: The Custodian of the Two coalition. Any agreement on the two islands any moment, bombardment could militias are kept out of the battle. out of Mosul’,” Hashimi said. Holy Mosques King Salman bin That a Saudi King was invited to must be ratified by the Egyptian kill those dear to us.” The broadcast purportedly fea- The clip appeared to show Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia address the Egyptian parliament is parliament. However, news of the But hours before the fight- turing Ezzat Al Douri coincided with Douri, who would now be 73, close addressed the Egyptian parliament evidence of how close relations are agreement has kicked off a storm on ing was due to stop, heavy battles the anniversary of the fall of Sadd- up wearing his old green military yesterday, the fourth day of a land- between the two nations. social media networks, with activists flared between forces loyal to am’s Sunni-led rule when US troops uniform. Its tribute to Sunni power mark visit that saw the kingdom The two countries signed 16 arguing that handing over the two President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi stormed Baghdad in 2003. Douri, a Saudi Arabia was a new develop- pledge billions of dollars in invest- agreements and memoranda dur- islands to the Saudis was tantamount and Houthi fighters in Al Maton, wiry man with a ginger moustache, ment because the kingdom was a ment and aid. ing King Salman’s visit, including one to a sell-off to the kingdom. north of Sana’a, residents said. evaded capture during the 2003- long-time rival of Saddam who had In his six-minute address, King that paves the way for the transfer Many of the critics cited an agree- In the central Bayda prov- 11 US occupation and Iraqi and US his own regional ambitions. The Salman said Egypt and Saudi Arabia of sovereignty over two strategically ment reached between Egypt and ince, battles in the districts of Al officials accused him of organising clip was carried on Saudi-owned have agreed to build a bridge link- located Red Sea islands from Egypt the Ottoman Empire in 1906 that Sawadiya and Al Zaher killed more an insurgency by minority Sunnis Al Hadath TV, it was unclear when ing the two nations across the Red to Saudi Arabia. The Egyptian gov- awarded sovereignty over the islands than 20 people, local officials and against US troops and the new Shi’ite it was recorded. Sea and to work together to create a ernment says the two uninhabited to Egypt. residents said. Two Beirut airport workers arrested Syrians struggle to find place to bury their kin in Lebanon

Reuters pressing gaps in security, including a AP conflict are believed to be living in from the Syrian city of Homs. back to the cemetery, she could new perimeter wall and baggage inspec- Lebanon, equal to about a third of Khalaf, who fled from Homs after not find his grave. Two weeks ago, tion equipment. Interior Minister Nohad the Mediterranean country’s pop- Syria’s crisis began in 2011, only she went again with her brother Machnouk has said safety procedures at ulation of 4.5 million people. remembers that her husband, Ali and an Associated Press crew and BEIRUT: Lebanese authorities have the airport are inadequate, comparing it BAR ELIAS: When Saada Khalaf, With many cemeteries almost Jomaa, died on a Monday morning the brother pointed out the burial detained two Lebanese employees of to Egypt’s Sharm El Sheikh airport, where a Syrian refugee in Lebanon, lost full, Syrians are facing difficulties a few months ago. She says she is place, at the edge of the cemetery. a Beirut airport service company over a bomb planted on a Russian plane killed her husband to a long illness ear- finding places where they can bury illiterate and does not know exact Khalaf burst into tears. The contacts with “terrorist parties”, security 224 people in October. lier this year, she could not find a their loved ones who die in Leba- dates. She and their neighbours grave, which she said cost her sources said yesterday. The suspects were The Islamic State militant group and place to bury him in the eastern non. Most are not able to take them had brought him to a clinic that $100, had no marker on it like still being questioned. the Al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front have Lebanese town where the couple back for burial in Syria because morning, suffering from asthma- those of Lebanese who were bur- Public Works and Transport Minister both mounted suicide bomb attacks in had lived since they fled the civil of the dangers and closed roads related breathing problems, and ied at the cemetery. Ghazi Zeaiter said last month that Beirut Lebanon since the eruption of the Syr- war back home. — just some of the results of the he died shortly afterward. Many Syrians say they increas- airport needed at least $24m to address ian conflict in 2011. The nearest cemetery where five-year civil war that has killed During the funeral in Dalhami- ingly face prejudice from the she and her relatives were allowed more than a quarter million people yeh, she did not attend the funeral Lebanese, who claim the refugees to bury him was in the village of and displaced half the country’s — as a woman and in accordance have drained Lebanon’s resources Dalhamiyeh, about 16km from the pre-war population. with Muslim tradition — while and put so much pressure on the town of Bar Elias. “Syrians have become a bur- male members of the family took country’s infrastructure that even Some 1.5 million Syrian ref- den whether they are alive or the body for prayers and burial. burying their loved ones is becom- ugees who fled their country’s dead,” said Riad Rashid, a refugee Later, when she first went ing a problem. Anti-IS Syrian scribe ‘shot in head’ in Turkish city

AFP

ISTANBUL: A Syrian journalist who opposed Islamic State group jihadists was in intensive care yesterday after being shot in the head by a masked gunman in southern Turkey, reports and activists said. Mohammed Zaher Al Shurqat was walking down a street in the southern Turkish city of Gaziantep close to the Syrian border when he was targeted by the gun- man, the Dogan and Anatolia news agencies reported. Al Shurqat worked for a channel called Aleppo Today TV which is strongly opposed to IS jihadists who have taken control of much of Syria’s northern Aleppo province. He was immediately hospitalised and is in intensive care, the Turkish reports said, with- out giving further details. According to Ibrahim Al Idelbi, a Syrian activist in Gaziantep, this was the second attempt against Shur- qat’s life in three months. Idelbi said in Beirut that Shurqat was a rebel commander who had fought Pres- ident Bashar Al Assad’s troops and a media activist in his home town, Al-Bab, until IS took over. He became a journalist with Aleppo Today after he moved to Turkey. Citing a friend who visited Shurqat in hospital in the southern Turkish city, Idelbi said he was “still alive”. Another activist, Assaad Al Achi, confirmed the report. “When Daesh took control he started a programme on Aleppo Today against Daesh,” he said. Turkish police have studied security camera footage and interviewed witnesses and believe the shooting was carried out by a member of IS, Dogan added in its report. Several Syrian journalists who fled the country’s five year civil war use Gaziantep as a base but it has become an increasingly danger- ous location from which to report. MIDDLE EAST MONDAY 11 APRIL 2016 07

Without wheels Italy envoy Syria regime leaves Egypt and Russia gird over student to retake Aleppo murder AP

military support. A top Iranian offi- CAIRO: Italy’s ambassador left A total of 35 cial, in comments to Iran TV, rejected Egypt yesterday, Egypt’s state-run what he described as a US request for news agency said, two days after combatants killed on Tehran’s help to make Assad leave Italy said it is recalling its envoy both sides in 24-hour power, saying he should serve out to protest what it described as a his term and be allowed to run in a lack of cooperation in the inves- period, says Syrian presidential election “as any Syrian”. tigation of the killing of an Italian Observatory for Syrian Prime Minister Wael Al student in Cairo, Halaki told a delegation of visiting Italian doctoral student Giulio Human Rights. Russian lawmakers of preparations Regeni’s body was found nine days to “liberate” Aleppo, Syria’s biggest after he disappeared on the fifth city and commercial hub before the anniversary of the January 25 conflict that erupted in 2011. Aleppo uprising which toppled longtime is divided into areas controlled autocrat Hosni Mubarak, when Reuters separately by the government and Visitors walk during a Car Free Day at Monot street in Beirut, Lebanon, yesterday. A Car Free Day is police were out in force to pre- opposition. part of ‘Achrafieh 2020’ initiative to create a better, less polluted and greener environment. vent demonstrations. His body “We, together with our Russian bore signs of torture. partners, are preparing for an oper- Egypt’s Interior Ministry has BEIRUT/MOSCOW: The Russian air ation to liberate Aleppo and to block denied security forces had any force and Syrian military are prepar- all illegal armed groups which have involvement in the killing. ing a joint operation to take Aleppo not joined or have broken the cease- Senior Egyptian prosecutor from rebels, the Syrian prime minis- fire deal,” he was quoted as saying Tehran court summons vice-president Mustafa Suleiman said Saturday ter was quoted saying yesterday, and by TASS news agency. that Egypt has rejected an Ital- an opposition official said a ceasefire Dmitry Sablin, a member of Rus- ian request to hand over phone was on the verge of collapse. sia’s upper house of parliament and records of mobile subscribers in With a UN envoy due in Damas- a member of the delegation, told RIA AFP saying that the survivors were poten- judiciary spokesman and deputy the district where Regeni resided, cus in a bid to advance struggling news agency “Russian aviation will tial smugglers. chief, yesterday told reporters in his saying that doing so would violate diplomatic efforts, the “cessation of help the Syrian army’s ground offen- However, provincial judiciary weekly press conference. privacy laws. hostilities agreement” brokered by sive operation”. TEHRAN: A court in Tehran has officials denied Molaverdi’s allega- Molaverdi is one of President Italy’s foreign minister, in Russia and the United States came The deployment of the Russian summoned Iran’s vice-president for tions over the executions. Hassan Rowhani’s three female Japan for a G-7 ministers meet- under new strain as government and air force to Syria last year helped tip women’s affairs for “spreading false The officials sent an indictment deputies. ing, again stressed yesterday that rebel forces fought near Aleppo. the war Assad’s way as it bombed information”, a judiciary spokes- request to the capital Tehran, which Iran has several vice-presidents his government would be studying The ceasefire came into effect rebels supported by his enemies man said yesterday, following her has the authority to trial a vice-presi- responsible for a range of affairs. over the next few days what addi- in February with the aim of paving including Saudi Arabia, Turkey and comments about a series of alleged dent, according to the judiciary news The order comes despite a state- tional measures to take. the way for a resumption of talks to the United States. President Vladimir executions. service Mizan, which led to the sum- ment from Molaverdi’s office on April The meetings last week in end the five-year-long war. But it has Putin last month withdrew some Shahindokht Molaverdi report- mons. Molaverdi’s claims “have no 3, in which she denied committing Rome between Italian and Egyp- been widely violated, with each side of the Russian forces, but main- edly said that all the men in a village basis in truth and are in some way defamation. tian investigators “didn’t yield the blaming the other for breaches. The tained an air base in Latakia, and in Sistan-Balochistan, a southeast- spreading false information and “There was no intent to under- fruits we expected,” Foreign Min- fighting south of Aleppo marks the kept up strikes on the Islamic State ern province bordering Pakistan, had defamation against the province’s mine the reputation of a certain ister Paolo Gentiloni told reporters. most significant challenge yet to the group. been executed for drug crimes. judiciary system,” Mohammad Ali province or any aim to spread false Additional measures would be “a deal. The Syrian Observatory for Her comments apparently came Hamidian, a senior judiciary official information against a certain power, signal of dissatisfaction” with Diplomacy has, meanwhile, Human Rights said a total of 35 on February 4 during a discussion in Sistan-Balochistan said in early or to provide fodder to foreign media Egypt’s cooperation in the case, made little progress with no combatants had been killed on both about the need to support families March, according to Mizan. giving an excuse to open human he said. compromise over the future of Pres- sides in a 24 hour period in the area, of those criminals who were killed, “Ms Molaverdi has been offi- rights cases and increase sanctions,” He added that any steps would ident Bashar Al Assad, his position where fighting has been raging for according to Mehr, an Iranian news cially ordered to appear in the court,” the statement said, according to offi- be “proportional” and “without strengthened by Iranian and Russian some 10 days. agency. Molaverdi was quoted as Gholam Hossein Mohseni-Ejeie, the cial IRNA news agency. unleashing world wars.” 08 MONDAY 11 APRIL 2016 ASIA / PHILIPPINES Philippines vows to ‘destroy’ militants

were reported as the Philippines S Korea’s Army marked the Day of Valor Saturday The deadly fighting to remember Filipino veterans who chief to hold with Abu Sayyaf died in World War II. “After we grieve for our soldiers, talks in Japan militants left 18 we shall continue the fight,” Gazmin soldiers dead in and the military said in a joint state- SEOUL: South Korea’s ment. Army chief Lt. Gen. Eduardo Army chief will visit Japan the government’s Ano said the military aims to “finally later in the month to hold largest single-day destroy the Abu Sayyaf, especially talks with his counter- now that we have found the exact part on ways to expand combat loss so far location of the group.” bilateral cooperation, the this year. As many as A major offensive on Saturday military said yesterday. 53 soldiers were also targeted Abu Sayyaf commander The Army said its Chief Isnilon Hapilon, who has publicly of Staff Gen Jang Jun- wounded. pledged allegiance to the Islamic gyu will be in Japan on State group and has been hunted for April 17 and 18 and hold years for his alleged role in several a meeting with Gen Kiy- terrorist attacks, military officials ofumi Iwata, the head AP said. Washington has offered a of Japan’s Ground Self- reward of up to $5 million for infor- Defense Force. The talks mation leading to Hapilon’s capture will be the first of their and prosecution. kind since January 2008, MANILA: Philippine military offi- The Abu Sayyaf militants, how- when a meeting took cials vowed yesterday to “destroy” ever, managed to reinforce their place between the heads the Abu Sayyaf extremist group with ranks as the fighting dragged. While of South Korea’s and more offensives after fierce fight- scouring a rebel area, the troops Japan’s ground forces in ing over the weekend left 18 soldiers were met by heavy weapons fire and Tokyo. It said emphasis dead in the government’s largest sin- hit by explosions that may have been will be placed on further- gle-day combat loss so far this year. caused by bombs, Ano told reporters. ing personnel exchange Defence Secretary Voltaire Gaz- Among the slain militants was between military officers min and top military officials flew a Moroccan identified as Moham- from the two countries. Philippines Defence Secretary Voltaire Gazmin (second right) and military chief General Hernando Iriberri to the south to meet most of the 53 mad Khattab and a son of Hapilon, The visit is expected to soldiers who were wounded in fight- Tan said, adding that about 20 other (right) visit one of the 53 wounded soldiers at a military hospital in Zamboanga on the southern Philippine help speed up exchange ing with Abu Sayyaf militants that gunmen were wounded. island of Mindanao, yesterday. between the top brasses raged for nearly 10 hours Saturday Khattab, a bomb-making expert, of the two countries, fol- in the hinterlands on Basilan island. had been in the Philippines for about Ano said. military casualties Saturday under- predominantly Roman Catholic Philip- lowing a trip made by At least five militants, including a three years and was trying to link While the Abu Sayyaf has been scores the militants’ resiliency and the pines. Last year, 44 police commandos Japan’s top naval com- Moroccan fighter, were killed, the up the Abu Sayyaf with Middle East- considerably weakened by more complexity of addressing the decades- were killed in clashes with various mander to South Korea military said. ern terrorist organizations possibly than a decade of US-backed Philip- long security problems in the south, Muslim insurgent groups in southern late last month. The large number of casualties including the Islamic State group, pine offensives, the large number of homeland of minority Muslims in the Mamasapano town. The Army also said that Gen Jang will be in Washington this week to meet his US counterpart Gen Mark Milley to discuss outstanding issues related Singapore PM feuds to the South Korea-US military alliance. He will visit various command facilities in the United in public with sister States during his trip.

AFP were held to mark the first anni- Taiwanese rally versary last month. But the prime minister’s sis- for retaining ter Lee Wei Ling, a physician who SINGAPORE: The Prime Minister of serves as senior adviser to the death penalty Singapore Lee Hsien Loong yester- National Neuroscience Institute, day denied abusing his power and went public on Facebook with her TAIPEI: Hundreds of attempting to establish a dynasty as criticism of the commemorations Taiwanese rallied yester- a family feud went public after the -- which she suggested may be part day to show support for first anniversary of the death of his of dynasty-building -- after a col- retaining the death pen- father Lee Kuan Yew. umn she submitted to the country’s alty, after the beheading Reacting to attacks from his leading daily The Straits Times was of a child in a street attack younger sister Lee Wei Ling, the rejected for publication. shocked the island. prime minister said in a Facebook She accused her brother of hav- Demonstrators post that he was “deeply saddened” ing “no qualms abusing his power” dressed in black and held Philippines Vice Presidential candidates (left to right) Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, Senator Francis Joseph by the claims and called them “com- in order to stage a commemoration white roses in mourning ‘Chiz’ Guevara Escudero, Senator Gregorio ‘Gringo’ Honasan, Senator Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., pletely untrue”. just a year after their father’s death. for the four-year-old girl Congresswoman Maria Leonor ‘Leni’ Robredo and Senator Antonio ‘Sonny’ Fuentes Trillanes IV gesture to Singapore on March 23 marked Lee Wei Ling said this was part murdered on March 28 the crowd as they participate in a debate in Manila, Philippines, yesterday. the first anniversary of the death of of efforts by “the power that be” to near a Taipei metro sta- Lee Kuan Yew, the country’s authori- “establish a dynasty” and vowed tion. Many wore stickers tarian first prime minister who ruled that she would not allow her father’s reading “Death penalty is from 1959 to 1990. name to be “sullied”. In an earlier necessary.” Sins of father haunts Marcos His death at age 91 sparked a Facebook post she said that Lee The girl’s mother tried massive outpouring of grief among Kuan Yew “would have cringed at to stop the attacker but Singaporeans, many of whom credit the hero worship just one year after was pushed away. Several the family patriarch with turning his death”. bystanders were also una- Singapore from a poor former Brit- The prime minister said the ble to stop the man, who Junior in VP debate ish colony into one of the world’s activities were mostly planned by decapitated the child with wealthiest and most stable societies. citizens who wanted to show respect a kitchen knife. Over 100 different activities for the former leader.

AFP before he could speak, a group of admitted any wrongdoing and Bong- protesters had to be escorted out of bong Marcos has depicted his father’s the auditorium because they refused rule as a virtual golden age, anger- to stop jeering him. ing the many victims of the regime Coal plant protesters halt agitation in Dhaka MANILA: The son and namesake Marcos Senior ruled the Philip- who are still alive. of the late Philippine dictator Ferdi- pines for 20 years, much of the time Challenged during the debate nand Marcos came under attack over under martial law, until a military- about charges his family stole $10 bil- Reuters last week before riot police fired their authorities. He said a leader of Bang- his father’s record of corruption and backed popular revolt sent him and lion during his father’s term, Marcos weapons after coming under attack. ladesh’s ruling Awami League had rights abuse during a vice-presiden- his family fleeing into exile in 1986. Jnr. responded: “I can say that I have Four protestors died in the violence. asked for two weeks to settle the tial debate yesterday. The family was allowed to return never been touched by corruption.” S Alam Group, a Bangladeshi con- issues. “We have demanded the Surveys show that Ferdinand home after he died in Hawaii in 1989 Asked if he would apologise for DHAKA: Protesters opposing the glomerate which signed a deal on release of all 17 people who have been Marcos Jnr., popularly known by and has made a remarkable political his father’s human rights abuses, construction of a Chinese-backed, April 4 with China’s SEPCOIII Elec- arrested, the withdrawal of cases his nickname “Bong-bong”, is run- comeback. he replied, “I can only apologise for coal-fired power plant in Bangla- tric Power Construction Corp to build against villagers and the treatment ning either first or second in the race Marcos Jnr. has been at the fore- myself. I cannot apologise for any- desh agreed yesterday to halt their the 1,320 megawatt plant, suspended of those injured during the dem- for the vice-presidency in the May 9 front, getting elected to the House of one else.” activities for 15 days, defusing ten- work because of safety concerns, a onstration,” he said. The protesters elections. Representatives and then the pow- He brushed aside allegations sions after four demonstrators were company official said last week. say villagers around the plant will But he came under fire from both erful Senate before mounting his bid of massive corruption, saying that killed last week. Villagers for and Liakot Ali, the leader of the lose their homes, it will disturb the the audience and rival vice-presiden- for the vice-presidency. “all those big numbers came out of against the $2.4bn power plant in the demonstrators, said they had graveyards of relatives and cause tial candidates in the debate. Even The Marcos family has never nowhere.” coastal district of Chittagong clashed made a number of demands to the environmental damage. About half the world’s population is now at the risk of dengue

Reuters “breakbone fever”, has spread rapidly other viruses such as Zika. Dengue, There is no specific treatment for estimated 390 million infections per epidemics. Severe dengue has become around the world in recent decades, a mosquito-borne viral disease, often dengue. Patients are generally asked year. The disease is now endemic in a leading cause of hospitalisation and and about half the world’s population causes a flu-like illness, with symp- to rest, drink plenty of fluids and take more than 100 countries in Africa, death among children in Asia and is now at risk, said experts. toms including high fever, severe medication to reduce fever and joint the Americas, the Eastern Mediterra- Latin America. Asia has the most BANGKOK: The Philippines this Scientists have been working on a headache, muscle and joint pain, nau- pains. nean, Southeast Asia and the Western cases, with 67 million people infected week launched the world’s first pub- vaccine for decades, and the first one sea, vomiting and rash. Fatality rates can be below 1 per- Pacific. per year. lic dengue immunisation programme, received market approval in Decem- It can develop into the deadly cent with proper medical care, but Severe dengue was first recog- Dengue transmission can be pre- vaccinating 600 children at a school ber in Mexico. severe dengue, or dengue haemor- without care, can be as high as 20 nised in the 1950s during dengue vented by fighting the mosquitoes in the capital Manila with the goal of Several other vaccines are under rhagic fever, characterised by severe percent in patients with severe den- epidemics in the Philippines and which carry the disease, getting rid of reaching 1 million students across the development, while researchers are abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, gue. The annual number of dengue Thailand. places for them to lay eggs by covering country this year. also looking at ways to control the rapid breathing, bleeding gums and cases has increased 30-fold in the Before 1970, only nine coun- or emptying outdoor water containers, Dengue, also known as mosquitoes that spread dengue and blood in vomit. last 50 years, and there are now an tries had experienced severe dengue and disposing of solid waste properly. ASIA / AFRICA MONDAY 11 APRIL 2016 09 G7 foreign ministers gather in Hiroshima

AFP regional issues and global threats”. But it is the location of the talks Issues including the that has captured the imagination of Middle East, the the Japanese public. HIROSHIMA: G7 foreign ministers Many hope it will promote greater yesterday began two days of talks refugee crisis, the understanding of Japan’s staunch in Hiroshima, with John Kerry’s conflict in Ukraine anti-nuclear stance as the only coun- visit to the atom-bombed city -- the try to suffer atomic attack. first-ever by a US secretary of state -- and global terrorism Japanese foreign minister Fumio overshadowing the broader agenda. were discussed. Kishida, who represents Hiroshima Kerry’s landmark trip is seen as in parliament, also hopes to issue a possibly paving the way for Barack Japan also hopes “Hiroshima Declaration” at the meet- Obama to become the first serving US to highlight rising ing to promote nuclear disarmament. president to visit the thriving metrop- territorial tensions in “On this occasion I want to send a olis next month, when he comes to strong message for peace and to real- Japan for the Group of Seven summit. the South China Sea. ise a world free of nuclear weapons,” The meeting which started yes- Kishida said at a welcome reception. terday also includes top diplomats Kerry and his counterparts are from nuclear-armed Britain and Japan also hopes to highlight today scheduled to visit the Hiro- France, as well as Canada, Germany, rising territorial tensions in the shima Peace Memorial Park. Italy, host Japan and the European South China Sea, where Beijing and The park which houses the ruins Union. some Southeast Asian nations have of the iconic domed building gutted It is part of the run-up to the G7’s clashed, and North Korea’s nuclear by the blast, and an accompanying rotating annual summit, scheduled sabre-rattling. museum. this year from May 26-27 in another Ministers have so far said little Yesterday they engaged in some part of Japan. about the content of the meetings, sightseeing that highlighted Japan’s US Secretary of State John Kerry (centre left), European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs The ministers were discussing though Kerry tweeted that they had rich cultural history, paying a visit to issues including the Middle East, the a “big foreign policy agenda to cover” one of its most famous sites, the sea- Federica Mogherini (front), British Foreign Minister Philip Hammond (centre second left), Italian Foreign refugee crisis, the conflict in Ukraine -- mentioning topics such as the side Itsukushima shrine that dates to Minister Paolo Gentiloni (centre second right), French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault (right) during G7 and global terrorism. Islamic State group as well as “Asia the late sixth century. Hiroshima foreign ministers’ meeting in Hiroshima. China investigates NY varsity concerned over Chadians vote as President former official of Sichuan province researcher’s expulsion

Idriss Deby seeks fifth term Reuters AFP on a series of massacres of civilians around the town of Beni in North Kivu province, northeastern DR AFP BEIJING: A former vice governor Congo, since October 2014, claiming of China’s populous southwestern KINSHASA: New York University that soldiers from the regular army province of Sichuan has been put said yesterday said it was “deeply participated in the killings. under investigation for suspected concerned” over the expulsion of one The report questioned the offi- N’DJAMENA: Chadians voted yes- corruption, the ruling Communist of its researchers from the Demo- cial and UN mission version that terday in an election likely to see Party’s graft-busting body said late cratic Republic of Congo, linking the the massacres were committed President Idriss Deby extend his on Saturday. move to his work on a series of mas- by a Ugandan Muslim rebel force 26-year rule in a country increas- Li Chengyun is suspected of sacres in the country. installed in the east of the country ingly on the frontline of the global “severe disciplinary violations”, According to a diplomatic source, since 1995, the ADF. war on terror. the Central Commission for Dis- Jason Stearns, director of the Congo The report recommended that Deby, who took office in a 1990 cipline Inspection said in a brief Research Group at NYU’s Centre on the Congolese authorities and military coup, faces 12 challengers statement, using its normal euphe- International Cooperation, was sent UN mission resume investiga- but is widely expected to win a fifth mism for corruption. It gave no by plane late Thursday to Europe, tions into the killings, noting that term after consolidating his grip on other details. from where he was expected to head “several” groups distinct from the power in the central African nation. It was unclear if Li he has to the United States. ADF “appear to be involved in the Polling stations opened shortly retained a lawyer. Sichuan, famed The CIC said: “The official reason massacres”. after 7:00am and by mid-morning for its spicy cuisine, has emerged for the expulsion by the Congolese The govt rejected the claims were seeing a large turnout. But there as a focus of President Xi Jinping’s authorities was the ‘undesirability’ and said the ADF was “definitely” were no reports of trouble, even in an crackdown on deep-seated cor- of Mr Stearns... They also referred to responsible for the massacres. opposition stronghold in N’Djamena. ruption, since it was a power base the recent report by CRG on the mas- Stearns, who spent several years in At a polling station in the capi- for Zhou Yongkang, the country’s sacres around Beni.” His research the DRC is also the author of a book, tal, men and women waited patiently once powerful domestic security group published a report in March “Dancing in the Glory of Monsters”. in separate queues to cast their bal- boss. lots, many with their biometric voting card in hand, it was reported. “The big day has arrived. Chad must come out of these elections Comoros votes for new president stronger,” said Deby after casting his ballot. “The political class must accept the vote’s results, which are the voice of the people.” AFP contenders are governor of Grande feel a definite tension”. The campaign Security forces were out in force Comore island Mouigni Baraka, who was marked by a barrage of personal for the election, which comes after Chad’s incumbent President Idriss Deby Itno casts his ballot at a polling garnered 15.62 percent in the first attacks and allegations of corruption, Chad was hit by a series of suicide station in N’djamena for the presidential election, yesterday. round, and 1999 coup leader Colo- particularly between Mamadou and attacks. MORONI: The island nation of nel Azali Assoumani, who took 15.10 Assoumani -- who is seen as Mama- Polls were to close at 6:00pm and resources since 2003, half of the pop- authorities to crack down on protests Comoros voted yesterday in a tense percent. dou’s main rival after receiving the results may not be released for two ulation of 13 million lives below the and throw activist leaders in jail. three-way presidential run-off Nineteen of the 25 candi- endorsement from the opposition weeks. The voters look set to hand poverty line and seven out of 10 peo- Just three days before the elec- election featuring the current vice dates who stood in the first round Juwa party, which has no candidate another mandate to Deby, whose ple cannot read or write. tion, police fired live rounds and president and a former coup leader rejected the outcome and demanded in the second round. election resources far exceed those of “We want to fix the country. Eve- tear gas to disperse several hundred who ruled the country for seven a recount, but the Constitutional Five people were arrested yes- his challengers in a nation classified ryone is hoping for change,” voter Ida protesters angered by plans to hand years. Court ruled against them, uphold- terday for “electoral propaganda” in by the UN as one of the five poorest Nouba-Asra told AFP. “We are suf- six-month jail terms to five anti-gov- The second round of the pres- ing the results. local elections being held alongside in the world. Under his leadership, fering: no drinking water, no homes, ernment activist leaders. idential race in the Indian Ocean Second-round voting began just the presidential poll, and incidents once unstable Chad has become both no work.” Chad is also facing an unprece- archipelago comes after Vice Pres- after 7:00am yesterday and Interior involving activists from the different an oil producer and key player on the The 63-year-old Deby is facing dented security threat. It was hit by ident Mohamed Ali Soilihi -- known Minister Mohamed Elhad Abbas said camps were reported on the island of global anti-jihadist frontline, winning unprecedented dissent at home. two jihadist attacks in the capital last as Mamadou -- won the disputed “all the conditions for a transparent Anjouan.Baraka said he was “worried new strategic influence. Anger at the government has run year, while facing a constant threat first round in February with 17.88 vote are in place”, but conceded that by what is happening on Anjouan”, But despite a wealth of new oil high in recent months, prompting the of suicide attacks and raids. percent of the vote. The two other despite security measures “you can where the Juwa party is popular.

Angry youth seek voice in South Korea vote Getting their goat

AFP But surveys also point to a possi- jobs with no success. For those lucky there is a new determination to cast ble new variable made up of members enough to find work, buying a home ballots among an age segment that of what has become known as the in the capital Seoul -- where most is not particularly known for turn- “three-no generation” -- no job, no of the decent jobs are -- is largely a ing out on polling day. SEOUL: This week’s general election home and no marriage prospects. pipe dream given the surge in prop- In 2012, only about 40 percent of in South Korea is expected to feature Growth in Asia’s fourth-larg- erty prices in recent years. young people voted, well below the a new breed of “angry young voter”, est economy has stuttered in recent With interest rates at a record national average of 54 percent and -- millennials frustrated with record- years, in line with a global slowdown low, household debt on a national the 68 percent turnout among those high unemployment and widening and increasing competition in key level now stands at an unprecedented aged over 60. But answering a recent inequality in career prospects. export markets. $1.0 trillion. official election committee survey, The April 13 ballot for the 300- As cash-strapped businesses have “For now, voting seems to be the more than 55 percent of young vot- seat national assembly has been scaled down or stopped hiring alto- only way left to draw politicians’ ers said they would “definitely” vote” touted as a referendum on the gether, the jobless rate for those under attention to this grim reality,” said in Wednesday’s election, compared to economic policies of the ruling con- 30 has reached a record high of 12.5 Kim. Many say the April 13 should be 36 percent a year ago. servative Saenuri Party, and President percent -- compared to a national a judgement day (for the ruling party) Lee Chung-Hee, a politics pro- Park Geun-Hye who has less than two average of 4.9 percent. for making our society and our lives fessor at Hankuk University of years left of her single five-year term. “There is so much anger in us so miserable,” he added. Foreign Studies, said the frustration Polls suggest the Saenuri, popu- right now,” said Kim Min-Jun, a A recent poll by Gallup Korea among millennials reflected a major lar with older voters, will retain the 24-year-old college senior in Seoul. showed that 17 percent of voters socio-economic shift. But income simple parliamentary majority it won Kim said most of his friends at the under 30 supported Saenuri, with inequality has widened dramati- People watch a goatfight during a local festival in Dagong town in 2012, especially with rifts between elite Sogang University had become nearly 40 percent for the different cally in the last decade and a half, opposition parties threatening to split “automatically jobless” upon gradu- liberal opposition parties. and there is growing anger -- espe- of Nantong, Jiangsu Province in China, yesterday. the liberal vote. ation, with many applying for 40-50 Others have yet to decide, but cially among those in their twenties. 10 MONDAY 11 APRIL 2016 VIEWS

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR HUSSAIN AHMAD [email protected]

EDITORIAL Ceasefire in danger Candles in front of a portrait of former Polish president Lech Kaczynski and his wife Maria Kaczynska near the Presidential Palace, he Syrian ceasefire is on the verge of collapse with during ceremonies commemorating the 6th anniversary of the presidential plane crash near Smolensk, in Warsaw, yesterday. the Russian air force and Syrian military planning a joint operation to take Aleppo from the rebels. TThere have always been fears that the truce will continue only as long as the Assad regime wants it to continue and the statement of Syrian Prime Minister Wael al-Halak about the impending Aleppo operation corroborates these fears. In fact, the government forces have been using the ceasefire period to prepare themselves for another onslaught. Speeches abroad can “We, together with our Russian partners, are preparing for an operation to liberate Aleppo and to block all illegal armed groups which have not joined or have broken the ceasefire deal,” he was quoted as saying by TASS news agency. become policy at home The ‘cessation of hostilities’ agreement was brokered by Russia and the United States and came into effect in February with the aim of paving the way for a resumption of talks merely repeated pre-existing to Israeli policy in occupied to end the five-year-long war. There have been reports of rules which already prohibit dis- Palestine to fascism and hate widespread violations of the ceasefire, for which both sides crimination based on national speech. Gove, stated, “In the late On February 17th, blamed each other, but it has generally held in the absence of origin in public authority 19th and early 20th centuries, Cabinet Office Minister procurement. antisemitism, under the per- major violations. But an upsurge in fighting south of Aleppo Matthew Hancock was this month, in which rebel groups have gained some ground, It is putting pressure on verted guise of scientific racism, financially hard pressed insti- led to eliminationist politics in Jerusalem, at a press was the most significant challenge to the deal. The Syrian tutions. Ministers have issued a in Austria, in Germany, and government is now reacting to this rebel action. The rebels procurement policy note telling the greatest crime that man- conference given by have already reported resumption of heavy Russian air strikes public authorities they would face kind has ever witnessed.”He Benjamin Netanyahu,to south of Aleppo, an important theatre “severe penalties” if they dare went on to say, “Antisemitism launch “new guidance” where Iranian forces and Lebanon’s to continue procurement boy- has changed. And now, it finds Hezbollah are fighting in support cotts on ethical grounds. This its expression in opposition to aimed at preventing By Lauren Booth ‘new guidance’ does not trans- the Jewish people’s collective of the Syrian army. And Syrian late (so far) into an actual “ban” identity and the existence of “town hall boycotts of Information Minister Omran al-Zoubi on boycotts, as reported. It is a the state of Israel.” Israel,” in the UK. It was Syrian said the Aleppo operation would more subtle gambit with the Just to be clear: the UK not made clear,at the be “large-scale and continuous”, same effect. The UK govern- Secretary of State for Justice regime’s plan time, that the document to retake the saying there was no truce in the area awfare’ is the catchy ment is seeking to intimidate local believes that mentioning that because the al Qaeda-linked Nusra new phrase used by authorities into thinking that it Israel still refuses to declare presented merely city of Aleppo Front and groups linked to it were activists who are has changed the law.Labour MP its borders, thus rendering it a facing belligerent pol- Richard Burden said, the “dan- ‘non-state’ (oops ‘de-legitimi- repeated pre-existing from rebels operating there. ‘Licy-making against the Boycott, ger” will be that “Councils and sation’), comes from the same rules which already The collapse of ceasefire will will lead to Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) other public sector institutions thinking which led Nazi eugen- prohibit discrimination the collapse endanger the peace talks too which campaign both in UK and glo- could be deterred from taking icists to seek the creation of an are already sputtering due to the bally. Since 2010, a number of UK ethical investment and procure- “Übermenschen” master race. based on national origin of ceasefire. intransigence of the Assad regime and councils proposed divestment ment decisions in general” that The Israeli news site,‘Ynet’ in public authority their refusal to make any concessions from contracts with organisa- they are in fact entitled to take. is delighted with the political tions known to operate in illegal There is a formula to this kind sea change against BDS across procurement. to make the talks work. The main West Bank settlements. Swansea of subtle, dark-ops policy mak- Europe and in the US. An article difference is over the future of council, the largest in Wales, led ing.Firstly, MP’s are selected to on the site boasts:“In coopera- President Bashar Al Assad. The Syrian the way, passing a resolution to make public their strong ‘views’ tion with Jewish and pro-Israeli opposition, America and many Arab exclude Veolia from future con- against words or deeds which call organizations, the ministry countries have said any compromise should not include the tracts, ending its association with into account Israeli actions which (Israel Foreign Ministry) con- UK’s College of Policing. He went continuation of Assad in power whereas the Syrian government the French-owned multinational may contravene international law. vinced several American states to on to clarify some examples of has maintained that discussion on Assad’s fate is a redline. water, energy and waste man- The MP should speak in a ‘safe’ pass legislation against the boy- neo anti-semitism: “Denying agement company, responsible political environment- usually cott of Israel.Ynet also asserted the Jewish people their right to The Aleppo operation can change the direction of the Syrian for rubbish collection in many abroad and before a suitably sup- that,“The Israeli Embassy in Lon- self-determination, by claim- civil war. If the army succeeds in retaking the city, it will further British cities. In 2015, Veolia portive pro-Zionist audience. As don succeeded, through quiet ing that the existence of a State strengthen Assad and his regime and can kill the peace process, announced closure of its oper- with Hancock’s faux ‘announce- and effective work, to convince of Israel is a racist endeavour” thus ultimately paving the way for the continuation of Assad. If ations in Israel. ment’, Israel is the best option, for the British government to pass and “drawing comparisons of the rebels are able to withstand the army onslaught, there is a That’s not all. In 2014, Leices- this sort of thing, both for reasons a directive prohibiting munici- contemporary Israeli policy to hope that they can build on those gains or at least maintain the ter City Council backed a motion of impact and its potential as a palities and public bodies from that of the Nazis.” boycotting the use of all goods good business platform.Back in taking decisions to boycott Israel,” Meanwhile, according to the status quo. produced in West Bank settle- the UK, officials then wait for a it said. UN Office for the Coordinator of ments. Birmingham City Council, backlash by media or lobby groups Perhaps this is why Gove’s Humanitarian Affairs, in the first in the Midlands followed suit. to the comments. Should nothing speech closely resembles three months of 2016 Israel’s civil It seemed the only thing which significant show up, the Prime Netanyahu’s February 17 press administration has demolished could halt the sudden tidal wave Minister’s office backs the calls conference in which he said, more Palestinian structures in of ethical regional policy making for said reforms (whether actual “In modern times, modern Area C of the West Bank than it would be a change in govern- or intimated). anti-Semitism not only attacks did in all of the previous year. On Quote of the day ment legislation. That would be Let’s use this equation,to see individual Jews, but attacks them the 13 March an Israeli air strike unlikely. Any such step could what is on the political skyline. collectively, and the slanders that on the Gaza strip killed 10-year- undermine local democracy in Recently, two government minis- were hurled over centuries against old Yassin Abu Khoussa and his Having done everything favour of another nation’s finan- ters have spoken on an identical the Jewish people are now hurled sister Issra. cial interests. What has happened subject. Both speeches were made against the Jewish state.” It may not be ‘illegal’ to high- to ensure stability and instead has been a classic case abroad. By (surely) coincidence, Is it a crime to ask if the Israeli light this kind of information. make a smooth transition of perceived threat followed by both speeches could impact pos- Ministry of Foreign Affairs dic- But then, as the pressure on UK of power possible, I self-censorship: itively on Israeli financial and tates UK policy? councils has shown, self-censor- On February 17th, Cabinet political interests in the future. In the same week as Gove’s ship can do the bullies’ work for decided to step down Office Minister Matthew Han- On 28 April, UK Secretary of New York speech, an article was them. And it starts with just a few from the post of prime cock was in Jerusalem, at a press State for Justice, Michael Gove, posted on the UK government’s well-placed speeches and arti- minister of Ukraine. conference given by Benjamin addressed the annual ‘Jewish 100 website, by the UK Special Envoy cles by high ranking politicians. Netanyahu,to launch “new guid- Gala’ in New York. In his key- for post-Holocaust issues and ance” aimed at preventing “town note speech he referred to the rise Chairman of the Conservative The writer is a journalist, broad- Arseniy Yatsenyuk hall boycotts of Israel,” in the UK. of antisemitism in Europe, as a Friends of Israel. Eric Pickles MP caster and media consultant: Ukrainian Prime Minister It was not made clear,at the time, “virus which mutates.”Gove was backs the catch-all definition of www.laurenbooth.org , Twit- that the document presented at great pains to link opposition ‘anti-semitism’ followed by the ter:@LaurenBoothUK

EDITORIAL TEL: 44557741 / 44557743 FAX: 44557746 / 44557758 P. O. BOX: 3488, DOHA, QATAR E-MAIL: [email protected] ADVERTISING TEL: 44557837 / 780 FAX: 44557870 CLASSIFIED: 44557857 E-MAIL: [email protected] SUBSCRIPTION / HOME DELIVERY TEL: 44557809 /839 FAX: 44557819 E-MAIL: [email protected] OPINION MONDAY 11 APRIL 2016 11 Shocked by Panama Papers? Blame Switzerland

By Stephen Mihm Bloomberg

he revelations about offshore accounts contained in the so-called Panama Papers are sensational, but they are unlikely to put an end Tto these tax havens favored by the world’s rich and powerful. Rather, the disclosures are a reminder that these shelters have been around for close to a century, and have proved remark- ably resilient even as they periodically aroused public outrage and calls for reform. In fact, an earlier scandal may have laid the foundation for the tax havens that are now under scrutiny. Switzerland has become shorthand for hidden money, and with good reason: The country has long sought to attract foreign capital to its banking system by offering a mixture of secrecy, preferential tax treat- ment and creative corporate structures. The process began before World War I, when the Swiss canton of Zug amended its laws to make it easy for foreigners to establish corporations and holding compa- nies. Zug, which may be home to as many as 29,000 such companies today, helped begin this tradition of courting foreign cap- ital. (The canton made headlines in 2001, when President Bill Clinton pardoned Marc Rich, a convicted U.S. tax evader who had Protesters take part in a demonstration calling on Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat to resign after two members of his government were named in the sought refuge in Zug). The bankers and Panama Papers leak scandal, outside the office of the Prime Minister in Valletta, Malta, yesterday. lawyers of Zurich -- and to a lesser extent, Basel -- played a part, too, helping man- age these companies and the money they brought to the region. the stonewalling approach. The Federal prominent politicians and many others as other countries began doing at this time. In the 1920s, Switzerland became a Council minutes of 1924 note that the Com- found themselves in the public eye. Secrets But this carried great risks: Oversight favored destination for cash that needed mittee of the Swiss Bankers’ Association Foreign funds flowed had been spilled, and many of those who meant that federal officials might get access to escape the prying eyes of government had opted to reject “any measure combat- back into Switzerland hadn’t been identified pulled their money to details about depositors that could then authorities. This stoked immense resent- ing this evasion.” from Switzerland. become public, driving away yet more for- ment against Swiss bankers, not least But up to this point, Swiss secrecy was and its banking system. The French government sought to intim- eigners eager to stash their money in secret because they steadfastly refused to coop- a matter of custom, not law. That would In the process, the Swiss idate Switzerland into handing over more accounts. erate with any country hoping to track soon change. In 1934, Switzerland made information; it even arrested officials con- And so the two sides reached an agree- down tax evaders. secrecy a state policy. In the usual telling created a template that nected to the bank. This wasn’t a minor ment. The Swiss banks submitted to greater The Swiss government itself endorsed of this story, this decision was a response other countries could affair: Guex estimates that the French federal oversight under the terms of the to the Nazis coming to power in Germany government had lost upward of 2 billion Banking Act of 1934. But Article 47 of this in 1933, and Swiss secrecy was a humani- emulate if they, too, francs in tax revenue thanks to these eva- legislation made divulging the identity of tarian gesture aimed at protecting Jewish wished to attract foreign sions. And so they continued to target the bank customers to foreign governments assets from the German government. capital. Swiss banks. a crime punishable by imprisonment and This narrative, however, is bosh. As the The Swiss fought back. A government hefty fines. It demanded “absolute silence” historian Sébastien Guex has shown, Swiss official wrote that “it would in no way be in of any and all Swiss custodians of cash. Switzerland has become shorthand secrecy was largely driven by a reaction our interest to grant French agents judicial It worked. Foreign funds flowed back for hidden money, and with good to a little-known scandal with similarities cooperation which might have very unfa- into Switzerland and its banking system. to today’s Panama Papers contretemps. an investigation. vorable repercussions on the substantial In the process, the Swiss created a tem- reason: The country has long sought The story begins in 1932, when the On October 26, local authorities raided business accruing to our banks from for- plate that other countries could emulate if to attract foreign capital to its French government struggled to balance the the Paris offices of the Commercial Bank eign deposits.” they, too, wished to attract foreign capital. banking system by offering a mixture budget as the country was mired against the of Basel, seizing notebooks that contained In truth, the banks already were in deep And so was born the offshore tax shelter. Great Depression. A left-leaning coalition the names of 2,000 elite French citizens trouble, and not just because of skittish In the postwar era, a host of other countries of secrecy, preferential tax treatment government, aware that many of France’s who had been using Swiss banks to shield depositors. The Great Depression had crip- around the world took the Swiss model to and creative corporate structures. wealthiest citizens had been avoiding taxes their income from the tax man. Wealthy pled the financial system, prompting many heart: Beirut, the Bahamas, Uruguay, Lich- by moving money to Switzerland, undertook industrialists such as the Peugeot brothers, Swiss to push for greater oversight, much tenstein, and last but not least, Panama. El Salvador grasps to put an end to its gang wars

inhabitants in 2015; the nation’s capi- So instead of easing up, Sanchez Ceren gang leaders to less rigorous facilities, popular aura to play Robin Hood. Their tal itself, San Salvador, logged nearly doubled down, and in a land embittered where they claimed they could more social message does suggest, however, double that rate. by partisan politics, he managed to get easily calm down their underlings. that they are innovating. And despite El Salvador hasn’t seen this level of virtually all parties on board with the That effort worked briefly: Author- El Salvador’s improvement in living violence since its 1980-1992 civil war, gang crackdown. ities estimated that the truce spared standards in recent years, there is no and there are indications it’s getting Not surprisingly, the government’s 5,000 lives in two years. But by late shortage of opportunity to rail against worse. That’s one of the main reasons El measures centered on reining in the 2014, the pact had fallen apart. The poverty (the lot of a third of Salvadorans) Salvador has led the dramatic increase corrupt prison system that in El Sal- troubled National Civil Police changed and Latin America’s highest levels of El Salvador hasn’t in Central American refugees fleeing vador -- as in other Latin American head cops three times under Funes, inequality. seen this level of to other countries, including the U.S., countries -- has become a system of and gangs reportedly used the truce The larger question is whether the since 2013 due to violence. command centers for crime. The gov- to regroup and diversify, turning from government can innovate, too. Commu- violence since its By Mac Margolis But now, even the modest respite ernment went ahead with the prisoner drug dealing to gun running, kidnap- nity groups and human-rights advocates 1980-1992 civil Bloomberg offered by the truce looks like an optical transfers, deploying troops, Humvees ping, extortion and robbery. warn that gang suppression alone will war, and there are illusion. The gang cease-fire, it seemed, and police to remand 299 inmates from “If you call for a cease-fire, you have not work, calling for broader measures was a bargaining chip being used by seven prisons to an isolated lockup. to have a plan,” said Carlos Dada, a Sal- such as improved arms control, pro- indications it’s getting some of the deadliest criminals in the Sanchez Ceren also ordered telephone vadoran journalist who now teaches grams to keep kids away from gangs, worse. That’s one of or nearly a week late last month, Americas. Their play: In exchange for operators to block the mobile-phone at Yale University. “The government, and reining in rogue police and mil- a modicum of peace appeared the government’s agreement to sus- signals in the vicinity of the prison, and apparently, had none.” itary. And they are right to worry. In the main reasons El Fto have settled over El Salvador. pend its gang crackdown and cancel for the first time, El Salvador’s wire- One result was that gangs decentral- the two years before the 2012 cease- Salvador has led the After the country’s leading criminal its plan to send crime bosses to a maxi- less carriers complied without a fuss. ized, with ambitious local lieutenants fire, citizen complaints of human-rights gangs called a unilateral truce, vio- mum-security penitentiary, they would But this was less a show of strength and freelancers taking over for impris- abuses by security forces had soared dramatic increase lent crime suddenly plunged, and the call off the deadly war between their than an admission of how dire this strife- oned leaders. It also emboldened the 537 percent. in Central American homicide rate fell to around nine a day. factions. torn nation’s predicament has become. gangs, who recently have courted the Sanchez Ceren has a plan, as well as If that doesn’t sound like much to President Salvador Sanchez Ceren In 2012, with violence already spiraling news media and spoken out on behalf the political and international financial refugees fleeing cheer about, consider this: The small deserves some credit for not getting out of control, then-President Mau- of the poor, as if they were political backing, to promote peace. But none to other countries, Central American nation of about 6.5 hoodwinked by the cease-fire. After ricio Funes, a former leftist guerrilla combatants. of it will mean much unless he can including the US, since million people recently became the all, the two most powerful Salvadoran fighter, discreetly backed a cease-fire That doesn’t mean the country’s convince El Salvadorans that there’s murder capital of the world, logging gangs, Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18, brokered by local Roman Catholic bish- street thugs are turning into insurgents; more to making them safe than a new 2013 due to violence. around 104 homicides per 100,000 were essentially flaunting their power. ops, and agreed to transfer imprisoned they have neither the discipline nor the hard line.

All thoughts and views expressed in these columns are those of the writers, not of the newspaper. All correspondence regarding Views and Opinion pages should be mailed to the Editor-in-Chief. 12 MONDAY 11 APRIL 2016 PAKISTAN Altaf worked Pakistan foiled 396 terrorist plots in 2014-15

Internews The sources said that of the 396 unearthed. They added that in these According to data released terrorist plans that were stopped in terrorist plans, the organizations recently, Pakistan has witnessed a for India’s RAW: their tracks, 22 were foiled in Islam- involved were the TTP (Tehreek- decrease of 34 per cent in terrorism abad, Azad Jammu, Kashmir and e-Taliban Pakistan), RAW (Indian activities during the year 2015 as ISLAMABAD: Authoritative sources Gilgit-Baltistan (GB).However, most of Research and Analysis Wing), AQ compared to 2014. The incidents of have revealed that prior to the arrest the incidents successfully dealt with (Al-Qaeda), JuA (Jamaat-ul-Ahrar), terrorism were reduced from 5,496 of Kalbushan Yadav, the Indian ter- were in Balochistan i.e. 188. In Sindh, JuL (Jaish-ul-Islam), LeJ (Lashkar- in 2014 to 3,625 in 2015. UK ex-diplomat rorist employed by Raw, during the 56 sabotage activities were tackled e-Jhangvi), LI (Lashkar-e-Islam), Earlier, this year, the Chief of the years 2014-2015 some 396 major ter- by intelligence agencies, 85 in Khy- ASWJ (AhleSunnatWalJamaat), Army Staff (COAS), General Raheel rorist plans were detected and averted ber Pakhtunkhwa and Fata and 45 in BSNs (Baloch Sub Nationalists), NDS Sharif, had said that 2016 would be existed between the MQM and the all over the country. the Punjab province. (National Directorate of Security the ‘Year of National Solidarity’ and Indian premier spy agency RAW. These included suicide bombings, The sources said during the oper- of Afghanistan) and LeB (Lashkar- also the final year of terrorism in the Niazi claimed The former UK diplomat is privy vehicle borne IEDs (VBIED), targeting ations, terrorist networks of RAW, e-Balochistan) among others. Also country. “The new year will be the that the British to crucial information and was wit- of VIPs, VVIPs and law enforcement TTP, LeJ, AQIS and various sectar- included were some other HIAs (Hos- year when terrorism will end,” he had ness as well as a part of it being in agencies personnel. ian extremist splinter groups were tile Intelligence Agencies). said during an address in Balochistan. government and his important position to the sensi- Scotland Yard had tive and important communications went on between the UK authorities evidence that a and the MQM. According to Shahryar written agreement Khan Niazi, there is evidence link- ing Altaf Hussain with the Indian 6.6 magnitude quake shakes S Asia existed between the government. MQM and the Indian “The Foreign and Common- premier spy agency wealth Office (FCO) is well aware of Reuters the fact that Altaf Hussain has links Notorious drug RAW. with RAW.” When asked what the evidence baron arrested was that the UK had on Altaf Hus- KABUL: An earthquake with a sain’s links to RAW, the former magnitude of 6.6 struck South in Afghanistan Internews deputy head of mission told Geo Asia yesterday, shaking buildings News: “There is a lot of evidence in Pakistan, Afghanistan and India, KABUL: Afghan coun- but let me share with you the most witnesses and the US Geological ter-narcotics personnel important one. Survey (USGS) said, and injuring yesterday detained KARACHI: Britain’s former deputy Firstly, a member of Her Maj- several people in at least one Paki- Haji Watan, a notori- head of Mission in Karachi Shahar- esty’s diplomatic service officially stani city. ous local drug lord, in yar Khan Niazi has claimed that the called on Altaf Hussain around The USGS said the quake was the Ghanikhel district of MuttahidaQaumi Movement’s leader 2011/12 and during that meeting centred about 40km west of Ash- Afghanistan’s eastern Altaf Hussain voluntarily told the Altaf Hussain voluntarily confessed kasham in remote northeastern Nangrahar province. British government that he worked and accepted that he worked for Afghanistan, close to the border According to a state- for the Indian intelligence agency RAW. with Tajikistan and just across ment issued by the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). Secondly, there is evidence that a narrow finger of land from Ministry of Interior, police Shaharyar Khan Niazi worked Altaf Hussain’s team facilitated con- Pakistan’s northwestern Chitral raided the area based for the British High Commission in tacts between the RAW and Baloch province. It was measured at a on a tipoff and cap- An injured Pakistani boy reacts as he arrives at a hospital following an Karachi for over a decade but impor- insurgents. Hussain’s team helped depth of 210km. tured Watan after a brief tantly he remained at the heart of the bring the two together. Residents left their homes earthquake in Peshawar, yesterday. exchange of gunfire. policymaking as far Britain’s dealing Thirdly, there are financial trail in Kabul and Islamabad when The arrest of Watan, with the MQM was concerned during of links with the RAW; and fourthly, the quake struck, with buildings whose name is on Inter- the most crucial period from 2010 confessional statements about these swaying for more than a minute in also reported they had felt the trem- Tremors were also felt in the pol’s list of wanted until 2013 after he was promoted links exist and one of these has been both capitals. Similar reports were ors. A Reuters witness in Chitral said Indian capital and in Kashmir, wit- global drug dealers, was to the position of Deputy Head of leaked already, there are on-the- received from across northern and the tremor was strong but there was nesses said, with some people working a “great success” for the Mission. record interviews and confessions. central Pakistan. no major damage visible. in high-rise buildings in the Indian government’s special In his first ever exclusive inter- What has come out in the public In Pakistan’s northwestern A 7.5-magnitude quake struck the capital rushing into the streets. counter-narcotics unit, the view after quitting his post in the domain so far is only a tip of the frontier city of Peshawar, Khalid area on Oct. 26 last year, killing more The Delhi underground system statement said. middle of 2013, Shahryar Khan iceberg.” Khan, emergency director at the than 300 people and destroying thou- was also halted briefly, commuters Niazi revealed that Altaf Hussain The former deputy head of city’s main Lady Reading Hospi- sands of homes. told the NDTV channel. confessed to his involvement with mission made the most damning tal, said three people were treated In Kabul, Omar Mohammadi, The Hindu Kush area bordering Prime Minister RAW during a high-profile diplo- revelation that Altaf Hussain and his for “multiple injuries”. Media pic- a spokesman for the Afghanistan Pakistan and Afghanistan is a seis- matic meeting in late 2011/early team had a documented agreement tures showed two children who National Disaster Management mically active area, with quakes to attend OIC 2012. with RAW and the police had evi- appeared to have been injured in Authority, said officials were col- often felt across the region. Just over Niazi claimed that the British dence of that. “Altaf Hussain and his the quake. lecting information but no reports a decade ago, a 7.6-magnitude quake meet in Istanbul government and Scotland Yard had team have a Service Delivery Agree- People in Lahore in Pakistan’s of casualties or damage had been in another part of northern Pakistan evidence that a written agreement ment with RAW. east, 630km from the epicentre, received so far. killed about 75,000 people. ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has decided to venture proactively again to lower tempers between Iran and Saudi Arabia next Wheelbarrow fun Commission rules out ISI’s week when Prime Minis- ter Nawaz Sharif will have meetings with Saudi King Salman bin Abdul Aziz hand in Hamid Mir attack and Iran’s President Dr Hasan Rouhani in Istan- bul where more than 30 Internews Karachi airport. The incident was heads of state/ govern- widely covered by both national and ments of Islamic countries international media. are gathering to attend But Geo TV for whom Mir the 13thOrganisation of ISLAMABAD: An inquiry commis- worked as an anchor launched a Islamic Cooperation (OIC) sion, led by Chief Justice of Pakistan propaganda campaign against the summit. Anwar ZaheerJamali, has ruled out ISI. For several hours, the network The meeting between the involvement of the Inter-Serv- aired reports accusing the agency Prime Minister Nawaz and ices Intelligence (ISI) in the attack of involvement in the attack while Saudi King Salman would on veteran journalist Hamid Mir two prominently flashing the photograph have added significance years ago. of then ISI director general Lt Gen in the wake of the recent In a 41-page report, the three- (retd) Zaheerul Islam. visit of Indian Prime Min- judge commission, which also After investigating the incident ister Narindra Modi to the includes justices Ejaz Afzal Khan and for nine months, the inquiry com- kingdom. Iqbal HameedurRehman, observed mission drafted a report which that allegations the country’s pre- stated that, prima facie, there was mier intelligence agency possible a tug of war among some journal- Oppn leader involvment in the attack were ists and the ISI, because some media based on ‘suspicions, assumptions persons had told the commission attacks PM over or apprehensions’. that the spy agency was unhappy Mir was critically injured on with their reporting. Panama leaks April 19, 2014, when unknown sus- The report also observed that Afghan refugee children are seen on a wheelbarrow at a refugee village in Islamabad, Pakistan, pects opened fire on his car along there was a complete failure on the ISLAMABAD: Pakistani yesterday. Hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees still live in Pakistan. Shara-e-Faisal. The attack took part of law enforcement agencies to opposition leader Imran place right after he had arrived at investigate the attack. Khan yesterday called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to resign over doc- uments leaked from a Panama-based law firm that he said indicate that the premier’s sons Prices of textbooks rise by up to 25% this year own several offshore companies. Khan warned he Internews schools (excluding O and A-level insti- normal ones. Some schools demand procuring course and essentials for in the next one to two weeks,” Baig would stage a rally out- tutions) go up by 15-20pc due to rising an amount equal to one-month fee his son studying in the second class. lamented. Parents expressed surprise side Sharif’s residence in printing cost, paper prices coupled at the start of a session in the name Moreover, at least Rs800-1,000 went over rising prices of Chinese school the eastern city of Lahore with shortage of papers. The price of education material from parents. into buying writing instruments and bags. A good quality bag, claimed if the prime minister does KARACHI: The prices of books and jump is almost the same in case of WilayatBaig, who works in a pri- other accessories for each kid. a shopkeeper, now costs Rs1,600- not quit. notebooks have risen 15-25 per cent notebooks, also called copies. vate firm, said that he had to spend “This over Rs20,000 course 1,700 which was Rs1,400 last year, He attached no date this year, leaving room for some As many books print retail price, roughly Rs22, 000 this year on his expense is 30pc of my monthly sal- while locally produced bags carry to the ultimatum. Infor- booksellers to offer discount of 10pc the retailers are inclined to play with two school-going sons, both aged ary,” he said. “There is no regulatory a price tag of Rs700-800. Parents mation Minister Pervaiz on full academic course in Pakistan. prices of copies that are linked with below 10 years. body monitoring prices charged by complained that the quality does not Rashid rejected Khan’s The increase in prices of books the number of pages that no-one Giving break-up for the elder publishers and retailers of books and justify the price. demand, saying Sharif will prescribed by the private schools is has time to count. “Often parents are son starting Grade-4, he said he copies. This is so unfair.” Retailers at Nazimabad’s Urdu not quit over “baseless generally greater. Market observers dodged paying more than the actual bought copies worth Rs3,000, books Another annual regular fatigue Bazaar offered different views, with allegations.” Khan also believe that the profit margin is wide value of copies,” he said. Rs3,000, Rs1,650 on Chinese bag, is the shortage of course books. some saying the price goes up by alleged that Sharif and enough to allow the flexibility space The price of copies with printed Rs850 for shoes, Rs1,800 on uniform “Around four books for fourth-class Rs100 per bag each year on both his family were involved to retailers to offer discount packages. school names, available at des- and Rs250 for lunch box, making a grade were short when I first lifted locally and imported bags while in corruption and tax A book publisher said every year ignated shops recommended by total of Rs10,550. the course, while the retailers prom- others claimed 10-15pc increase, evasion. book prices being used in private schools, is higher as compared to the Another Rs10,000 was spent on ised to provide the rest of the books especially in prices of imported bags. INDIA MONDAY 11 APRIL 2016 13

Jaitley finds Bengal voters to decide fate of star hopefuls scandal in every TMC West Bengal assembly elections. adjustment with the Left Front, the Narayangarh, former state minister a large chunk of the seats in the Thirteen of the constituencies are Trinamool has virtually established and former Bengal Pradesh Con- region on the strength of the social An electorate of in West Midnapore, and nine each in its monopoly in these areas in sub- gress chief Manas Bhunia is fighting security schemes and development transaction nearly 70 lakh Bankura and Burdwan. sequent polls to the Panchayat and to retain his seat in a four-cornered ushered in by Chief Minister Mamata Voters in 18 constituencies — six the Lok Sabha. contest. Banerjee. across 8,465 polling in West Midnapore, nine in Purulia A case in point is Narayangarh of An interesting battle is on the The opposition parties are harp- KOLKATA: Calling the Mamata stations including and three in Bankura — exercised West Midnapore district, from where cards at Kharagpur Sadar, where ing on the issue of corruption by Banerjee government’s policies two auxiliary their franchise on the first polling Mishra has been winning repeatedly 91-year-old sitting Congress highlighting the Saradha chit fund a “mirror image” of the erstwhile day on April 4. That was part one of since 1991. Five years back, despite lawmaker Gyan Singh Sohanpal— scandal and the Narada sting foot- Left Front which “destroyed West stations is eligible the Phase One. the Trinamool wave that swept away affectionately called “chacha ji” of age (that purportedly showed some Bengal”, union Finance Minister today to choose An electorate of nearly 70 lakh the Left Front regime, Mishra retained Bengal politics—is seeking his 11th Trinamool leaders accepting money in Arun Jaitley yesterday said the big- (69,90,900) across 8,465 polling the seat, albeit with a reduced mar- stint as legislator. return for extending favours to a fic- gest disappointment has been the its representatives stations including two auxiliary sta- gin of 7,109 votes. Opposing the nonagenarian are titious company), besides raising the Trinamool Congress’ (TMC) vul- from a field of 163 tions is eligible today to choose its However, since then, the Trina- new state BJP president Dilip Ghosh lack of new big-ticket investments in nerability to corruption. representatives from a field of 163 mool triumphed in the 2013 rural and Trinamool Congress nominee the Durgapur-Asansol industrial belt On a campaign trail in the candidates. candidates — 21 of them women. polls, snatching 13 of the 16 gram pan- Ramaprasad Tewari besides three of Burdwan district, once called the state for the assembly polls, the High security marks the poling chayats, while its candidate Sandhya others. Ruhr of India. BJP leader said one could find a arrangements. Roy took a lead of nearly 27,000 votes State Labour Minister and Tri- The Trinamool, the LF-Congress scandal in every transaction by the IANS In the 2011 assembly polls, the from the segment a year later. namool contestant Moloy Ghatak is combine and the BJP are battling all Trinamool. Trinamool Congress had bagged 17, But the LF spearhead, Communist trying his luck from his old constit- the seats. “It’s not just the chit fund and its then ally Congress three of Party of India-Marxist seems confi- uency—Asansol North—of Burdwan Among the LF constituents, the scam or some sting operation the seats now going for the balloting. dent of coming up trumps this time district. CPI-M has put up 19 candidates, fol- or a flyover collapse, you lift KOLKATA: The fate of several polit- The Left Front, then in power, won around on the strength of the doc- Providing the glam touch is Ben- lowed by the Communist Party of one transaction, and you will ical stalwarts, including CPI-M State the remaining 11. tor-turned-politician’s reputation and gali film actor Soham Chakraborty, India, Revolutionary Socialist Party, find a scandal in it,” said Jaitley, Secretary Surjya Kanta Mishra, will But the political alignments his rising popularity graph at the way who has thrown his hat into the ring the All India Forward Bloc and the referring to the controversies sur- be decided as 31 constituencies spread and allegiances have changed dra- he conducted himself as leader of the from Bankura district’s Barjora con- Democratic Socialist Party (Prabodh rounding the Trinamool including over three districts vote yesterday in matically since then. While the opposition in the assembly. stituency on a Trinamool ticket. Chandra) one each. The Congress is in the multi-crore-rupee Saradha part two of the opening phase of the Congress has now entered into a seat At Sabang, neighbouring to The Trinamool is hoping to win the race in eight constituencies. scam and the recent sting oper- ation in which many Trinamool leaders were purportedly caught taking bribes. “The biggest disappointment British royal couple pays has been the vulnerability of the Trinamool to corruption. Scandals have been emerging one after the homage to 26/11 victims other, but these are not isolated incidents. That one or two of the leaders committed mistakes, it’s a pattern. All the cases display a IANS November 26-28, 2008. pattern,” Jaitley told mediaper- The iconic hotel stands just sons here. opposite the historic Gateway of “Their leadership is getting India, built to commemorate the tainted in scandals one after the MUMBAI: Prince William and his visit of King George V and Queen other,” he said. wife Kate Middleton, the Duke and Mary in 1911. Castigating the Commu- Duchess of Cambridge, yesterday Threafter, the royal couple joined nist Party of India-Marxist started their first visit to India by a cricket match organised by three spearheaded Left Front, Jaitley paying homage to the victims of the NGOs - Magic Bus, Doorstep and described as a “nightmare” their 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks here. India’s Childline - where both Prince 34 years of rule in the state which Landing in the metropolis just William and Kate took to the crease came to end in 2011, when the before noon for their seven-day and batted for some time, as visibly Banerjee-led Trinamool came to tour of India and Bhutan, the royal excited onlookers cheered on. power. couple went straight to Hotel Taj A large number of children, “Instead of giving alternative Mahal Palace, where they were representatives of the non-gov- policies and alternative political accorded a ceremonial welcome by ernmental organisations and other culture, the Trinamool followed the hotel general manager Taljinder invitees were present on the occa- the Left’s mirror image policies. Singh. sion at the famed Oval Maidan in Coupled with that are the syn- Shortly thereafter, the royal south Mumbai, where Bharat Ratna dicates, law and order collapse, couple — who will stay at the hotel Sachin Tendulkar and former crick- vindictiveness, and widespread during their Mumbai trip — paid eter Dilip Vengsarkar also joined corruption. homage to the victims of the Mum- them. ”If the Left destroyed Bengal, bai terror attacks by laying a wreath The British royals then headed the Trinamool belied the people’s at the 26/11 memorial on the hotel for the around 900-year-old Ban- expectations. premises. ganga Tank at the Malabar Hill, ”If the Left (rule) was a night- Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (second right), is watched by former Indian cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar (right) Later, they interacted with constructed in 1127 by the Silhara marish experience, the Trinamool staff who were witness to the hotel dynasty rulers of the then Thane as she plays a game of cricket with children who are beneficiaries of NGO’s at The Oval Maidan in Mumbai certainly has been a disillusion- attack by 10 Pakistani terrorists on kingdom. yesterday. ment,” he said.

Polling for 61 Assam assembly Kerala will witness over a dozen major poll battles seats today IANS (LDF), in a few constituencies there is aiming for a fourth successive win, from where his father won in 1987 as a and party colleague of top Congress a triangular contest, with the BJP-led the only change is that this is the first UDF ally. He is taking on sitting legisla- leaders like A K Antony, Chief Minister GUWAHATI: Over one crore vot- NDA putting up a fight. time he is part of the LDF combina- tor K.M. Shaji of the Indian Union Muslim Oommen Chandy and state Congress ers will exercise their franchise THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Like But the mother of all battles is tion, moving out from the UDF. Taking League (IUML), an ally of the UDF. President V M Sudheeran. in the second phase of polling in in the past, this time too quite a few taking place at Poonjar in Kottayam him on is ace comedian Jagdish, the Kumar’s colleague in the Popular Congress leader, Raj Assam for the 61 assembly seats interesting poll battles are lined up district, where it is a tough four-way Congress candidate, while the BJP Reporter TV channel, Veena George, Mohan Unnithan, who turned a film today and decide the fate of 525 — more than a dozen in fact — for contest. has fielded popular villain Bheemen was another surprise choice by the star late in his career and is known candidates in the fray. May 16 when the Kerala voters queue Six-time legislator P C George, Reghu. CPI-M. She is taking on senior Con- for his razor sharp tongue, is taking The polling will be held from up to cast their vote. This time there who has earlier been with both The selection of Reporter TV gress legislator K Sivadasan Nair on former legislator and senior CPI-M 7am till 5pm at 12,699 polling are film stars pitted against one the traditional fronts and has now channel journalist M V Nikesh Kumar at the Aranmula constituency in leader J Mercykutty in the Kundara stations in the 61 constituencies another, political veterans taking on become a persona non grata for them, by the CPI-M appears to be the biggest Pathanamthitta. constituency in Kollam. spread across 13 districts. one another, one-time friends bat- has decided to go it alone for the first surprise. His father M V Raghavan till In the Kollam constituency, the For the Idukki seat, the fight is Of the total 1,04,35,277 vot- tling against one another; and there time. George asserts he will win the the ‘80s was the most firebrand CPI-M CPI-M again sprang a surprise when between three-time sitting legislator ers eligible to cast their ballot in are two TV journalists rivalling it out. seat. leader, and after being booted out of it decided to drop its veteran CITU Roshy Augustine of the Kerala Con- the second phase, 50,44,051 are Though the fight in Kerala is Another battle never witnessed the party he has turned into its big- trade union leader and former min- gress (Mani), an ally of the UDF, and women. Of the 525 candidates in mainly between the traditional rival before in the state is at Pathanapuram gest enemy by becoming a minister on ister P K Gurudasan. The party gave his party colleague till last month and fray, only 48 are women. fronts — the ruling Congress-led in Kollam district, where the rival two occasions with the UDF. the seat to film star Mukesh, who is former Lok Sabha member Francis Some prominent candidates United Democratic Front (UDF) and fronts have fielded veteran film stars. Kumar is being fielded from pitted against Sooraj Ravi, son of late George, who has formed a new party include former Assam chief min- the CPI-M-led Left Democratic Front For K B Ganesh Kumar, who is Azhikode in Kannur district, the seat legislator Thoppil Ravi, a close friend and joined the LDF. ister and Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) candidate Prafulla Kumar Mahanta (Barhampur), Mou- lana Badaruddin Ajmal (AIUDF, Salmara South), Agriculture Min- Defunct Air India ister Rockybul Hussain (Congress, Samaguri), Himanta Biswa Sarma (BJP, Jalukbari) and former Assam plane falls off crane BJP president Siddhartha Bhatta- charyya (Guwahati East). Among the 525 candidates, 57 are from the Congress, 47 from the IANS from the Begumpet Airport to the All India United Democratic Front Central Training Establishment, Air (AIUDF), 35 from the Bharatiya Janata India’s training academy, nearby. Party BJP), 19 from the AGP, five from HYDERABAD: In a minor mishap, Police said the aircraft hull the Communist Party of India, nine a defunct aircraft of Air India was banged against the compound from the Communist Party of India- damaged when it fell from a crane wall of Hitech club near Tirumala Marxist, 10 from Bodoland Peoples transporting it at Begumpet Airport Tirupati Devasthanam school at the Front, and 129 candidates from here yesterday morning, officials said. Old Airport Road in Bowenpally. smaller or unregistered parties. No one was injured in the inci- A gap had been fashioned in The Congress has fielded six dent as the A320 aircraft hull hit the airport boundary wall to allow women candidates, AIUDF two, a boundary wall and fell to the the crane carrying the aircraft hull BJP four, the CPI-M one and BPF ground, officials said adding that move from the airport to the train- one. Fifteen women nominees are the hull could still be used for train- ing establishment. from smaller and unregistered ing purposes at the Central Training Air India officials said the old parties. A total of 214 candidates, Establishment of Air India to where hull was being moved to make space including 19 women, are contesting it was being taken. at the hangar and also to use the hull P olice and rescue officials gather in front of a disused Air India passenger plane which fell from a transporter as Independents in various constit- The Air India officials were for training at the Central Training uencies, poll officials said. crane while being moved near Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad yesterday. transporting the old A320 aircraft Establishment. 14 MONDAY 11 APRIL 2016 INDIA 110 killed in Kerala temple fireworks accident

Chandy announced a compensation Several houses in a half-kilome- of Rs10 lakh to families of the dead, tre radius were damaged. Narendra Modi, who Rs2 lakh each to the seriously injured Prakashan, who lives near the visited the disaster- and Rs50,000 to those with minor temple, said he had been complain- injuries. ing for years against the fireworks hit temple town, He also ordered a judicial probe display but was ignored. suggested that the and a simultaneous investigation by Temple officials fled the spot after the Crime Branch of Kerala Police to the tragedy. Police arrested five men critically injured could determine how the fireworks show linked to a father-and-son contrac- be flown to Mumbai ended up raining death. tor pair who were responsible for the Dazed survivors said the disaster fireworks show. or New Delhi for happened when stacks of explosives The father himself was in a seri- treatment as state stored in a building a little away from ous condition in a hospital while the chief minister ordered the 100-year-old temple exploded, son had suffered 50 percent burn apparently after a spark from a fire- injuries. judicial probe. cracker landed on its roof. For hours after the tragedy, The incident occurred just after charred bodies and human remains 3am amid a dazzling and deafening lay scattered in the temple complex. fireworks display even after the local Authorities then began clearing the IANS authorities had declined permission heaps of debris. for it. The celebrations had begun the Amid the election fever in Ker- previous night. ala, Chief Minister Chandy held an K Jayakumar, a travel agent, emergency cabinet meeting in Kol- KOLLAM: At least 110 devotees were explained how the disaster struck. lam. He said the incident “should open killed and over 350 injured when an “A fireball engulfed the entire the eyes of all of us” vis-a-vis temple illegal fireworks show set off massive area right before my eyes,” he told the celebrations. explosions and caused a huge blaze in media. “A concrete slab came flying He said the government would a Hindu temple in Kerala before dawn my way and hit the person sitting next bear the expenses of the injured. yesterday in what Prime Minister to me. He died on the spot.” Spiritual guru Mata Amritanan- Narendra Modi said was a “dread- The impact of the explosion damayi Devi called for a ban on the ful tragedy”. brought down the building where use of firecrackers in temples or at Many of those warded in hospi- the crackers had been stored, trap- least their minimum use, that too Prime Minister Narendra Modi talking to Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and Home Minister Ramesh tals were in critical condition. Modi, ping many. under careful supervision. Chennithala during a visit to the disaster-hit Puttingal temple in Kollam yesterday. who visited the disaster-hit Puttin- Chunks of concrete flew at great At the Medical College in Thiru- gal Devi temple in Peravur town here, speed, killing unsuspecting devotees vananthapuram, about 60km away, suggested that they could be flown to who had gathered in thousands. 124 people were admitted, mostly Making a brief statement at the earlier and reached Kollam, about All political parties yesterday Mumbai or New Delhi for treatment. Lallu S Pillai, a journalist who was with broken bones in their hands and Thiruvananthapuram Medical Col- 60 km away, in a helicopter. cancelled their election meetings as Only two of the dead were on the terrace of a nearby house, said legs. A few had burn injuries, indi- lege Hospital, Modi said he was deeply After spending about 10 minutes a mark of respect for the dead. women, police sourcessaid. that many died within minutes. cating fire was not the only cause of grieved. “We stand by Kerala’s grief walking around the temple complex, Speaking to reporters at the acci- “The tragedy is unimaginable Once the building came crash- death. and we will do everything we can to Modi and Chandy drove to the Kol- dent site, Home Minister Ramesh and dreadful,” a sombre Modi said in ing down, “we felt the place shake”, Within hours, the army, air bring down the misery.” lam district hospital where 185 of the Chennithala said the prime minister Thiruvananthapuram just before tak- he said. “After that it was absolute force and the navy joined in rescue “The seriously injured can be injured are undergoing treatment. was very particular about the way ing a flight to Delhi. He announced chaos.” operations and to provide medical shifted to hospitals in Mumbai and He then chaired a meeting with unclaimed bodies were to be handled. Rs.2 lakh as compensation to fami- Other devotees said people, fright- treatment. Ships sailed from Kochi Delhi,” Modi said before leaving for Chandy and senior officials in the “He said special care and atten- lies of each of the dead. ened by the explosions, started to run, while helicopters flew in from Tamil the airport to return to Delhi. state and assured them all support tion should be taken to see that DNA Kerala Chief Minister Oommen at times tripping over one another. Nadu as well. He arrived in the state capital from the central government. test is done on such bodies.”

11 die as truck Disrupting terror finance vital to counter-terrorism: Expert collides with

IANS messages. The effective counter-ter- between terrorist finance and crime. Britannica, owners of bitcoins can bitcoins to conceal financial donations. car in Andhra rorism strategy could be to disrupt Both organised and petty crime are use various websites to trade them Kumar said that effective mon- their communication and finance,” known to intersect with terrorist for physical currencies, such as dol- itoring of bitcoins can be done, Kumar said while on a visit here. financing activities,” he added. lars or euros, or can exchange them particularly by the banking system. VISAKHAPATNAM: Eleven people NEW DELHI: Disrupting communi- Kumar, who is president of Wash- Kumar, who has studied pub- for goods and services from a number ”For example, if a bitcoin user were killed in a road accident in cation and finance of terror outfits are ington-based AAA International lic administration and philosophy, of vendors. Bitcoin relies on public- buys a bitcoin, he does intersect the Andhra Pradesh’s Visakhapatnam vital to tackling terrorism as such acts Security Consultants LLC, said some apart from international business, key cryptography, in which users have banking system by the way of PayPal district yesterday when a car hit succeed due to movement of “men, measures have been taken for dis- also mentioned the role of bitcoin a public key that is available for eve- (an American company operating a a two-wheeler and then collided money, material and messages”, US- rupting terrorist messages by working — virtual currency — as a new phe- ryone to see and a private key known worldwide online payments system) with a truck coming from oppo- based terror expert Amit Kumar has with social media sites like YouYube. nomenon being used for transaction only to their computers. or some kind of online intersectional site direction, police said. said. “Arms embargoes, travel ban, of money by terrorists and other crim- Kumar gave the example of a inter-phase of a bank. The accident occurred on “Communication by way of mes- freezing of assets and immigration inals. Bitcoin is a digital asset and a 17-year-old tech-savvy youth, Ali ”By monitoring, you can try to Chennai-Kolkata (national high- sages, flow of money or anything that checks are some other measures payment system which helps users to Shukri Amin, a resident of Virginia, avert the potential use of bitcoin by way 16) highway near Kagita in has (monetary) value is required to being taken worldwide,” said Kumar. transact money directly without an who was held by US agencies last year a criminal or a terrorist. Otherwise Nakkapalli mandal. spread terrorism. Terrorists succeed “The next strategy to counter ter- intermediary. on charges of providing instructions the bitcoin transaction and usage The driver of the car, going by moving men, money, materiel and rorism should be to unravel the nexus According to Encyclopaedia to Islamic State supporters on using becomes anonymous,” he explained. from Visakhapatnam to Tuni, lost control apparently after a tyre got burst and the vehicle ran over the two-wheeler and hit the divider before crashing on the other side Celebratory drill Fire breaks out in of the road and colliding with a truck coming from the opposite site. Parliament Annexe Nine people travelling in the car were killed as well as both the people on the two-wheeler. The dead include three children and IANS the fire was noticed,” a police offi- four women. cial said Such was the impact of the No casualty was reported, the collision that car and the motor- official said. bike were badly mangled while the NEW DELHI: A fire broke out on The blaze, reportedly caused pieces of human flesh were seen the second floor of the Parliament by an electrical short-circuit in an strewn around. Annexe building here yesterday air-conditioner, filled the first and The accident hit the traffic out afternoon and it took about half an second floors of the building with of gear on the national highway. hour to douse it, fire officials said. smoke. Police said they were trying to No casualty was reported. Sanjay Tomar, who led the team identify the victims. “The fire broke out around of firemen, however, said the reason Deputy Chief Minister N. Chin- 1.30pm in the store section in room behind the incident could be ascer- narajappa expressed shock over number 219 situated on the sec- tained only after due investigation. the tragedy. He directed officials ond floor of the Parliament Annexe “Reason of the fire is not known. It’s to provide all possible help to the building. No one was reported a matter of investigation and truth families of the victims. injured in the incident,” a Delhi Fire will come out after investigation is Service (DFS) official said. completed.” The official said 13 fire engines “The fire was noticed around Five killed and 30 were pressed into service and 1.30pm. It was doused by 1.55pm The brought the fire under control at fire was confined to room number Volunteers of the Hindu nationalist organisation Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) exercise as hurt in Kashmir 1.55pm. 219 and the flames were doused they take part in an annual celebration in Ahmedabad in Gujarat yesterday. “People working in the building before they could spread further,” bus accident were evacuated immediately after he said.

JAMMU: Five people were killed and 30 injured yesterday when the bus they travelling in rolled down Nitish Kumar as JD-U chief set to expand Janata Parivar a gorge in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district, police said. The bus went out of the driver’s control and rolled down a gorge IANS ‘Janata Parivar’, an official said. The JD-U is planning to reach out to emerge,” Tyagi said. a precursor to a grand alliance of sorts in Dhara in Doda district, a police Former chief of the party Sharad to “like minded parties and leaders “So we feel that all like-minded of the Centre-Left parties before the officer said. Yadav, who headed the organisation and expand the “janata parivar”, party parties should gradually come on 2019 general election, Tyagi said The injured were taken to a for over 10 years and stepped down spokesman Tyagi told IANS after the a single platform. To this effect, we there are “many more smaller bat- hospital for treatment, and a case NEW DELHI: Bihar Chief Minister on April 4, proposed Nitish Kumar’s meeting. “The present government are already in talks with Ajit Singh tles” before the big one. has been registered, the official Nitish Kumar was yesterday unan- name that was seconded by senior has failed to meet people’s expecta- of Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) and Bab- “We would be focussing on the said. imously elected president of the party leader K C Tyagi and others. tions. Once again the same political ulal Marandi of Jharkhand Vikas Uttar Pradesh state elections next Road accidents often take Janata Dal-United (JD-U) at the par- “I think with Nitish Kumar at the uncertainty is looming as was there Morcha (Prajatantrik). In future, we year. Our endeavour would be to place in the mountainous Doda ty’s national executive meet here helm, the party would grow further,” before the 2014 elections. Now there would be reaching out to more par- defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party in district due to overloaded vehi- and was expected to strengthen the Yadav said. is a need for a national political party ties,” he added. Asked whether it was the state,” he said. cles and bad road conditions. EUROPE / UK MONDAY 11 APRIL 2016 15

Denmark says Panama leaks: Cameron releases tax records leaks demand synced regulator Cameron released a summary of his is bad for their side, as he has pre- However, Cameron stands tax records for the past six years. viously been considered the best accused of hypocrisy after portraying response Newspapers But any hope that this would draw advocate for an “In” vote. his government as being in the fore- zeroed in on a a line under the row was short-lived, “The scandals over David Cam- front of global efforts to crack down as the main newspapers zeroed in on eron’s finances ... may tip the decision on offshore tax havens. A comment he Bloomberg gift of £200,000 a gift of £200,000 ($282,500) Cam- further towards ‘Leave’,” said former made in 2012 about a famous comedi- ($282,500) Cameron eron received from his mother in 2011, Scottish National Party leader Gor- an’s legal tax avoidance scheme being received from his suggesting it may be a way of avoid- don Wilson in a statement yesterday. “morally wrong” has been widely COPENHAGEN: Denmark’s ing inheritance tax. Cameron is not accused of hav- quoted by media. financial regulator has asked the mother in 2011, A source at Cameron’s Downing ing done anything illegal, and the fact Scores of politicians and business European Banking Authority to suggesting it may Street office said the suggestion was that he is a wealthy man is nothing figures have been implicated in the guide national supervisors in how inaccurate, the gift had been declared new. Panama Papers, including the prime best to respond to leaks revealing be a way of avoiding and this was about a mother making But the past week has been minister of Iceland who has since that banks on a grand scale alleg- inheritance tax. a gift to her son in the same legal way damaging because the drip-drip of stepped down. The 11.5 million doc- edly helped clients hide wealth and admit that he had benefited from the that hundreds of thousands of Britons carefully worded statements before uments leaked from the Panamanian evade taxes. fund caused a furore, compounding do every year. the fuller disclosure created the law firm Mossack Fonseca detail the While the Panama leaks pro- his problems when he faces a huge Opposition Labour Party leader impression he may have had some- creation of more than 200,000 com- vided millions of documents Reuters political fight to persuade Britons to Jeremy Corbyn has accused Cameron thing to hide. panies in offshore tax havens. spanning several continents, the vote to stay in the European Union in of misleading the public by issuing Bookmakers William Hill said The documents disclosed by extent to which banks engaged in a June 23 referendum. what he described as four “weasel- they had cut their odds on Cameron Downing Street yesterday, from RNS illegal activity remains unclear, The EU issue has split his Con- worded” statements in as many days resigning as prime minister this year Chartered Accountants, show Cam- said Jesper Berg, head of the LONDON: British Prime Minis- servative Party, while the government before finally admitting that he had to 2/1 compared with 16/1 when he eron paid tax of £75,898 on income of Financial Supervisory Author- ter David Cameron (pictured) took has been going through a tough patch benefited from his father’s fund. won the last general election last May. £200,307 in the 2014-2015 financial ity in Denmark. It’s also not clear the unusual step yesterday of pub- over a senior minister’s resignation, After tax records were published, Cameron said on Thursday his year, the most recent one included. how to treat the information, since lishing his tax records to try to end a u-turn on welfare cuts and accu- Corbyn and other politicians contin- father’s investment trust was not set Seeking to regain the initia- breaches could be considered days of questions about his personal sations it is failing to protect Britain’s ued to call for further disclosures. up to avoid tax but to invest in dol- tive, Cameron announced a new threats to financial stability, vio- wealth caused by the mention of his steel industry. Some politicians who are cam- lar-denominated shares. He said he taskforce, jointly led by Britain’s lations of anti-money laundering late father’s offshore fund in the Pan- After saying on Saturday that paigning for Britain to vote to stay in had paid all taxes due on his own tax authority and National Crime requirements or operational mis- ama Papers. he could have handled the fallout the EU in June’s referendum are con- investment, which was worth about Agency, to tackle money launder- steps. The path a regulator chooses Cameron’s initial reluctance to from the Panama disclosures better, cerned that the damage to Cameron £30,000 when he sold it in 2010. ing and tax evasion. will to an extent determine the outcome, he said. “We need to get a grip on whether it is one of the above or all of the above to ask qualified ques- Remembering twin brother UK PM urged to do more in tions to banks,” Berg said by phone. Given the cross-border nature of the challenge, the EBA needs to fight against tax evasion provide some guidelines, he said. In Scandinavia, locals have been shocked to learn that a region Reuters revelations from the Panama Papers. known for low levels of corruption Media that have seen the files and high levels of transparency leaked from Mossack Fonseca say has a number of banks named in more than half of the 200,000 off- the leaks as having helped clients BERLIN: German politicians have shore companies set up by the firm dodge taxes. The Swedish FSA is called on British Prime Minister were registered in the British Virgin investigating Nordea Bank AB, the David Cameron to do more in tack- Islands, where details of owner- region’s biggest. The chief exec- ling the use of offshore companies ship do not have to be filed with utive officer of Norway’s biggest set up in British overseas territories authorities. bank, DNB ASA, has apologised to evade taxes. “If David Cameron still wants for misdeeds revealed in the files. “We’ll only be convincing on the to be taken seriously personally Berg said Danish FSA is field- international stage if we are, first of and politically in the fight against ing calls from the banks it oversees all, fully compliant in the EU and for tax fraud and tax evasion, Britain as they try to explain their use of me, that includes Britain exerting needs to close the loopholes in its offshore accounts. The regulator is influence over its overseas territo- own country immediately,” Schnei- “currently trying to figure out what ries - we need to make that clear to der told Welt am Sonntag. are the supervisory issues,” Berg the Brits in upcoming talks,” sen- Earlier, Cameron announced he said. “They contacted us to explain ior conservative politician Ralph had set up a national task force led to us how they see the situation in Brinkhaus told German newspaper by its tax authority and the National relation to their specific business.” Welt am Sonntag. Crime Agency to search through the Should it emerge that the FSA Carsten Schneider, a budget Panama Papers. Cameron, who has doesn’t have legal authority to stop expert for Germany’s Social sought to take the lead internation- banks continuing potentially ille- Democrats, the junior partner in ally in tackling tax avoidance and gal practices, the agency will seek Jaroslaw Kaczynski (left) leader of Law and Justice party and twin brother of late Polish president Chancellor Angela Merkel’s rul- evasion faced calls from opponents it, Berg said. The FSA already can Lech Kaczynski, his co-workers and supporters attend a ceremony marking the sixth anniversary of the ing coalition, also said the British for his resignation after revealing he investigate tax evasion as part of its presidential plane crash in Smolensk, in front of the presidential palace in Warsaw, Poland, yesterday. prime minister needed to take once had a stake in his late father’s anti-money laundering efforts and action in the light of last week’s own offshore investment. “maybe that’s sufficient,” Berg said.

Spain fines scribe under ‘gag law’ Britain’s ‘out’ campaigners mistrust EU and each other for posting photo AP how to win the historic vote. their job is not being put at risk.” which has the support of many prom- Grassroots Out has focused Will voters make up their minds Grassroots Out and Vote Leave are inent Conservative Eurosceptics, on holding street stalls and local of police raid based on concerns about immigra- vying to become the official “leave” including Cabinet minister Michael events. Its highest-profile figure is tion and national sovereignty, or on side in the referendum campaign, a Gove and London Mayor Boris John- UKIP leader Nigel Farage, a divisive LONDON: Tempers are flaring and worries about the value of the pound designation that will be made by the son, as well as figures from other politician who is loved by some and AFP insults are flying in Britain’s battle in their pocket? How to answer that Electoral Commission before April 15. parties. It has slick branding and a loathed by others for his blunt-spo- over the European Union. Leading question divides the two rival anti- The chosen group will be able to professional media campaign that ken. Farage built UKIP from fringe campaigners have branded one EU groups, Grassroots Out and spend up to £7m ($10m) and will get aims to persuade wavering moder- party into political force by stressing MADRID: A Basque magazine another elitist, irrelevant and unfit Vote Leave. “The other campaign is free television broadcasts and a mail- ates and young voters. its anti-establishment credentials. He is said one of its journalists had been to run a sweet shop — and they’re all much more ‘Immigration, immigra- out to households across the country. Its rival, Grassroots Out, paints taking the same approach to the refer- fined €601 ($685) under Spain’s on the same side. tion, immigration,’” said Vote Leave On pro-EU side, only one group is itself as the down-to-earth alter- endum, painting Vote Leave as a bunch controversial “gag law” for posting With less than three months to spokesman Robert Oxley. “They think seeking the mantle: Britain Stronger native. It’s an umbrella group of out-of-touch political insiders. photographs of a police raid on Twit- go until a June 23 referendum, Brit- they can win on immigration alone.” in Europe. On the side arguing for a whose main component is Leave. “They are so much seen as the ter “without permission”. ain’s anti-EU campaigners are bitterly Oxley said Vote Leave recognises British exit — or Brexit — the two rival EU, a well-funded group founded by center-right and so much seen as SW1 The pictures show the arrest divided, with two rival camps battling that the campaign also needs to win groups have been jostling and criticiz- Arron Banks, a brash multimillion- (the postal code for Parliament), and in March of Basque activist Noroa over which will be the standard- an economic argument. “People need ing one another for months. aire backer of the anti-immigrant UK not actually out round the country Ariznabarreta who had refused bearer in the campaign —and over to be reassured that by voting to leave, The more polished is Vote Leave, Independence Party. doing the stuff we are doing,” he said. to appear in court over a 2007 demonstration. Argia magazine journalist Axier Lopez posted pic- tures of activist’s arrest on Twitter. “The defendant published Footwear house Ireland’s largest two images of the police raid in Eibar in his Twitter account @axierL with- out any permission. “The police officers that took parties to hold talks part in the operation can be iden- tified by those images, with the risk this poses to them,” accord- Reuters realistic way to avoid a repeat of the ing to the government complaint February 26 general election. the magazine posted on its website. But both sides say the details of A new law introduced by the any such agreement would be crucial government which came into force DUBLIN: Ireland’s two largest politi- in determining its viability. in July 2015 provides for fines of up cal parties have agreed to meet early The two parties published a to €600,000 for unathorised dem- next week for talks on how one statement saying the talks would onstrations. Controversially it also might support the other to form a “discuss how a viable minority gov- prohibits the “unauthorised use” of minority government and avoid a ernment would work.” images or data of security forces second general election. Parliament is due to sit on Thurs- that could “endanger” them. The smaller of the two, Fianna day to attempt for the third time to Rights groups including Fail, earlier rejected an offer from elect a new prime minister. Amnesty International and asso- the Fine Gael party of acting prime Kenny’s Fine Gael would be the ciations of lawyers and journalists minister Enda Kenny for a grand heavy favourite to lead a minor- have protested over the “gag law”. coalition between the historical cen- ity government as it has 50 seats A Spanish woman was fined tre-right rivals. to Fianna Fail’s 43 in the 158-seat €800 in August for posting on the That leaves a minority govern- chamber. But both would need the Internet a photograph of a police A man keeps the participants’ shoes at the celebration of ‘Nagar Kirtan’, a Sikh Indian costume, in ment, in which one party abstains support of independent deputies and vehicle parked in a space reserved Hospitalet del Llobregat, near Barcelona, yesterday. in key parliamentary votes to allow Fianna Fail could theoretically edge for the disabled. the other party to govern, as the only ahead if it secures enough of them. 16 MONDAY 11 APRIL 2016 EUROPE Embattled Ukraine Prime Minister Yatsenyuk steps down

AFP minister’s decision comes barely election legislation, consitutional in October 2014 polls. IMF chief Christine Lagarde said two months after he survived a par- reform, legal reforms, a coalitions He formed a ruling coalition with days after the vote that she could not liamentary no-confidence vote in his controlling the future government’s the president’s bloc and several junior see how lending to Ukraine could government, and after just over two course, international support for partners that was able to push through continue with the government in such KIEV: Ukrainian Prime Minis- years in the post. Ukraine, and its membership in the some tough and very unpopular belt- a state of disarray. ter Arseniy Yatsenyuk (pictured) He said President Petro European Union and Nato”. tightening measures prescribed by the Yatsenyuk became premier in announced his resignation yesterday Poroshenko’s party had already But he failed to mention what IMF under its $17.5bn rescue package. the chaotic days that followed the in the wake of a months-long political nominated parliament speaker possible role he saw for himself in But his party’s approval rating February 2014 ouster of Russian- crisis that has paralysed the govern- Volodymyr Groysman to succeed Ukrainian politics or how he would has slumped to a mere two percent backed president Viktor Yanukovych. ment and frozen the release of vital him and that he would not stand in achieve those goals. both because of the painful economic Yatsenyuk’s resignation means Western aid. the way. Yatsenyuk’s condemnation of reforms and his perceived inability to that Ukraine will be headed by new “Having done everything to “From today onwards, I see Russia’s alleged backing of the two- tackle widespread graft. government that has also vowed to ensure stability and make a smooth my goals in a broader light than year pro-Moscow uprising in eastern The coalition fractured after the pursue current pro-Western course. transition of power possible, I decided pro-Western cabinet chief said in a just heading the government,” said Ukraine and his ability to clinch a vital February 16 no-confidence vote and He said he will ask lawmakers to to step down from the post of prime weekly television address. Yatsenyuk. IMF rescue package helped his party the prime minister’s days seemed approve his resignation tomorrow—a minister of Ukraine,” the 41-year-old The tough-talking prime He vowed to push through “new become parliament’s second largest numbered in recent weeks. vote that seems highly likely to pass. ‘Dozens hurt’ at violent protest on Greek border

fresh rumours that the Idomeni bor- stones, metal things and other objects der crossing into Macedonia, closed towards police,” spokesman Toni Macedonian police since February, was about to open. Angelovski said. accused the crowds According to a Greek police Macedonian police had initially of hurling stones and source, hundreds of migrants had said it was Greek police who were gathered by the fence to demand the responsible, but Angelovski later con- other objects at them border be opened. When they tried to firmed they too had begun “using tear in a bid to break force the barrier, Macedonian police gas and all allowable means to pro- began firing tear gas. tect (themselves) and the border”. down the fence. At the scene, protestors with “No single migrant managed to their faces covered with scarves or cross on Macedonian side, but (the smeared with toothpaste as a make- situation) is still tense,” he added. shift protection against tear gas could An official at a migrant centre on AFP be seen hurling rocks at the fence, the Macedonian side of the border an eyewitness said. Part of the fence said three 500-strong groups of peo- appeared to have been torn down. ple had tried to breach the barrier at Others ran for cover as tear gas three different places. A teargas canister thrown by Macedonian police lands among protesting migrants during clashes next to a IDOMENI, GREECE: Dozens of peo- grenades exploded nearby, sending The makeshift encampment at border at a makeshift camp at the Greek-Macedonian border near the village of Idomeni, Greece, yesterday. ple were hurt yesterday when police clouds of gas wafting into the air. Idomeni, where people are living in fired tear gas at hundreds of migrants “Dozens of people were hurt, squalid and overcrowded conditions, as they tried to break through the mainly suffering respiratory prob- has become a symbol of the misery Greek-Macedonia frontier, where lems, and three had to be taken to faced by thousands who have fled Refugees stuck in limbo in Serbia over 11,000 people are stranded. hospital,” MSF’s Achileas Tzemos told war and poverty to reach Europe, It was the latest violence to erupt reporters. But he said several peo- creating the bloc’s worst migration at the flashpoint Idomeni crossing, ple were injured by plastic bullets, a crisis since World War II. AP Balkan countries suddenly shut their “We are forgotten,” Ali said. where huge numbers of migrants charge denied by Macedonian police. Sunday’s incident was sparked by borders for migrants. Their routine involves walking and refugees have been camped out “We are not using any kind of rumours that Macedonia was going to Now there is no legal way for the towards the border on a narrow dirt since mid-February after Balkan bullets as they are forbidden by law in open the border. Similar rumours a group to move forward to the heart of path to an old and rusty wire fence states closed their borders, cutting Macedonia. We are not using batons fortnight ago also triggered an unsuc- PRINCIPOVAC, SERBIA: Walking Europe, or backward towards Greece that marks the no-man’s land between off access to northern Europe. as we are on the other side of the cessful attempt to rush the fence. a winding path inside a thick oak or Turkey, and they are stuck living in the two former Yugoslav republics, Macedonian police accused the fence,” spokeswoman Liza Bendevska Efforts by the Greek authorities to forest at the border between Serbia a rundown former psychiatric hospi- and to have some fun by jumping with crowds of hurling stones and other said. “We are using all allowed chem- persuade migrants to leave Idomeni and Croatia, Jiyan Ali cannot believe tal in a country that cannot offer them one foot inside what they believe is objects at them in a bid to break down ical means.” and move to nearby reception cen- his misfortune: he barely made it to work or other opportunities. Serbia and the other inside Croatia. . the fence, saying they had used tear Earlier, another spokesman said tres have not been successful, with Europe across rough seas and rugged As officials focus on the EU-Tur- “Balkans, Europe, Balkans, gas to protect themselves. the mob had hurled stones and other many people preferring to stay put in mountains, only to be abruptly halted key deal to return migrants from Europe,” Ali and his friends chuckle, French medical charity Doctors objects at police, injuring three of the hope the border will be opened. just metres away from his dream des- Greece to Turkey and on the tens of with their laughter. “I sometimes Without Borders said many suffered them, and that they had used tear In late February, Macedonian tination — the European Union. thousands stuck near Greece’s bor- think, this is Balkans, this is Europe. breathing problems but confirmed gas to try and break up the protest. police tear gassed some 300 migrants The 20-year-old Kurd from Syria, der with Macedonia, Ali and some I only need a few steps to cross,” Ali they had also treated several people “A large group of refugees after they broke through a Greek police has been stuck on the Serbian side of 1,000 other Syrians, Afghans and Ira- said. “I don’t know how smart is it to for injuries caused by plastic bullets. attempted to destroy the razor fence cordon and raced towards a railway the frontier with some 200 of his fel- qis stranded in Serbia feel abandoned make that step, but maybe it is better The incident was sparked by and enter Macedonia. They threw track between the two countries. low refugees since early March when by the international community. to use the smugglers to make it there.”

Italy’s ruling party IS plotting to carry out attacks in Germany: Expert slips in poll after

Reuters The militant group released a video concrete terrorist attack plans in Ger- inquiry from the opposition Greens have travelled to the region since 2012 peddling scandal suggesting it may carry out attacks in many.” He said IS propaganda was as saying arrest warrants had been are now back in Germany and about the West after Brussels bombings and aimed at encouraging supporters to issued for 76 suspected Islam- 70 of the returnees actively took Paris attacks, naming London, Berlin stage attacks in Germany. ists believed to be prepared to use part in fighting or completed mili- Reuters BERLIN: Islamic State wants to carry and Rome as possible targets. Maassen said there were several violence. tary training, it added. out attacks in Germany and the secu- Hans-Georg Maassen told Ger- cases linking Germans returning from Of the more than 800 people Maassen said Germany had rity situation is “very serious”, the man newspaper Welt am Sonntag the Syria to attack plans and warned that security authorities know have trav- avoided a big attack so far thanks ROME: Italian Prime Minister Mat- head of the country’s domestic intel- group wanted to carry out attacks the danger posed by jihadists from elled to Syria and northern Iraq from to the successful work of security teo Renzi’s party has slipped in ligence agency (BfV) told a newspaper against Germany and German inter- Germany remained “virulent”. Germany in recent years, around 130 agencies and luck such as a bomb det- voters’ estimation in recent weeks yesterday, adding that he knew of no ests, but added: “At the moment we The newspaper cited a response have died, it said. onator not working properly on one since a minister quit in connection concrete plot to strike. don’t have any knowledge of any from the German government to an Around a third of the people who or two occasions. with an influence-peddling probe, a poll indicated on Sunday. Renzi’s Democratic Party (PD) recorded its lowest rating since last summer in the Demos poll, On the roll Bombers had planned published in La Repubblica news- paper, which indicated it would get 30.1 percent of the vote if an elec- tion were held now. to attack France again Federica Guidi resigned as industry minister last month after police released phone taps Reuters investigation have shown that the appearing to show her assuring her terrorist group initially had the partner that the government would intention to strike in France again,” pass legislation that favoured his Belgium’s federal prosecutor said. energy business. BRUSSELS: The militant cell behind “Surprised by the speed of Guidi is not under investigation bombings in Brussels had been progress in investigation, they took in the case, but Renzi appeared plotting to hit France again after decision to strike in Brussels.” Bel- to acknowledge that revelations carrying out the Paris attacks in gian intelligence and security forces trickling out in the press had November, but was forced to strike were criticised for not doing more to caused him discomfort.“It has been closer to home as police closed in, dismantle the militant cell, because a difficult week,” he told a meeting Belgian prosecutors said yesterday. of its links to the Paris attacks. of young party members in Rome. Investigations into the IS attacks All identified suspects were Renzi remains Italy’s most in Paris, showed that many of the either in detention or dead, but Bel- popular political leader but his perpetrators lived in Belgium, gium remains on its second highest personal approval rating has including surviving suspects who threat level, and Prime Minister dropped slightly since February managed to evade police for more Charles Michel said his government and by almost half since summer. than four months. would remain alert. His comments A separate survey in Corri- Prime suspect Salah Abdeslam were echoed by French Prime Min- ere della Sera found 80 percent was arrested on March 18. Four ister Manuel Valls. of people thought the probe was days later, suicide bombers killed “This is a further sign of the very undermining government’s cred- People participate in a carriages exhibition in The Maestranza bullring of the Andalusian capital of 32 people in Brussels airport and a serious threat facing Europe as a ibility, although a majority of those Seville, southern Spain, yesterday. rush-hour metro train. whole and of course France in par- who followed it closely agreed with “Numerous elements in ticular,” Valls said in Algiers. Renzi’s statements about it. AMERICAS MONDAY 11 APRIL 2016 17 Support for Rousseff’s impeachment ebbs: Poll

support for a possible impeachment of Fernando Henrique Cardoso, with 14 Vice President Michel Temer, who will percent of mentions in the poll. The poll showed become Brazil’s president if Rousseff The lower house of Brazil’s Con- growing support for is suspended in coming weeks to face gress is expected to vote April 17 on impeachment hearings. Many ana- whether to impeach Rousseff as she former president Luiz lysts have questioned his capacity to faces charges that she manipulated Inacio Lula da Silva muster a stable coalition with little budget accounts in 2014 to boost her popular support and many leaders of reelection prospects. in a potential 2018 his PMDB party under investigation If two-thirds of deputies vote for presidential bid, for alleged corruption. impeachment, the measure would According to Datafolha, 61 per- move to the Senate. If half the Sen- another boost for the cent of Brazilians want Rousseff to be ate votes for impeachment, Rousseff ruling Workers Party. impeached by Congress, compared to would be temporarily suspended 68 percent in March. Fifty-eight per- from office pending a full trial in the cent want Temer to have the same fate. Senate. Datafolha surveyed 2,779 peo- If both are impeached and thrown ple on April 7 and 8. The survey has a out of office, 79 percent of Brazilians margin of error of plus or minus two Agencies favour early elections, in which Lula percentage points. would likely be a strong candidate. Earlier, a special committee in the Voting intentions for Lula rose to lower house held a marathon session, between 21 and 22 percent, depending part of an effort to decide by today BRASILIA: A smaller majority of Bra- on the election scenarios, Datafolha whether to move forward with an zilians favour the impeachment of said. In all cases, he was competitive impeachment request against Rousseff. President Dilma Rousseff compared with environmental activist Marina An economic crisis that cost Bra- to last month, while more than half Silva and outperformed leaders from zil its coveted investment-grade rating want her immediate successor to be the main opposition party, the PSDB. and the corruption scandal known impeached too, according to a survey Temer has between 1 and 2 per- as Carwash that ensnared leading released by polling firm Datafolha. cent of voting intentions. executives and politicians have the The poll also showed growing The survey suggested a sharp country deeply divided. Yet many support for former president Luiz division between Lula’s supporters centrist legislators remain undecided Inacio Lula da Silva in a poten- and opponents. Fifty-three percent on whether to support Rousseff or side tial 2018 presidential bid, another of respondents said they would not with Vice President Michel Temer, boost for the ruling Workers Party vote on Lula under any circumstances. who would replace her. “It’s still up as it fights the opposition leaders’ However, 40 percent rated him as in the air,” said Joao Paulo Peixoto, Members of the Movement Vem Pra Rua (Come to the Street) set up boards showing the members against efforts to impeach Rousseff. Brazil’s best president ever, well above professor of political science at the and in favour of the impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff, in front of the National Congress in Brasilia, The survey was the first to gauge the second in the list, his predecessor University of Brasilia. yesterday. Canine helps capture Obama ‘guarantees’ Hillary email probe’s independence

Agencies any case. Period,” Obama told Fox job” during her four years as secretary man who fled hospital News. “I do not talk to the attorney of state. general about pending investigations,” Clinton, who is leading the Dem- he added. “I do not talk to FBI direc- ocratic campaign against Vermont WASHINGTON: US President Barack tors about pending investigations.” Senator Bernie Sanders, has said that AP the escape. They are focused on Obama (pictured) said yesterday the Asked by journalist Chris Wal- none of the emails sent over her pri- boosting security in the Lakewood FBI investigation into Hillary Clinton’s lace whether Clinton would be treated vate server were classified at the time. hospital’s civil commitment area, use of a private email server during her differently were she to win the Demo- She has handed the State Depart- where Garver and another patient time as secretary of state is taking place cratic nomination, Obama said, “How ment 52,000 pages of documents SPOKANE: The Washington sher- recently were moved from the crimi- without political interference. many times do I have to say it, Chris? relating to her correspondence. iff’s office that captured a man who nal section, according to a statement The controversy over the Dem- Guaranteed.” Asked whether the FBI probe has escaped from a psychiatric hospital from the department. The men were ocratic presidential frontrunner’s Obama, who leaves office in Jan- reached its final stages, director James gives much of the credit to a canine moved because of a change in the management of her official correspond- uary, restated his view that although Comey told reporters earlier this week officer named Gunnar. state’s Involuntary Treatment Act, ence as US top diplomat from 2009 to Clinton in her own words had shown a that the agency feels no pressure to The dog found Anthony Garver the agency said. 2013 has provided a staple Republican degree of “carelessness” over her offi- wrap up its proceedings before the hiding under debris in the woods and Garver was under a civil com- line of attack during the campaign for cial emails at the State Department, “she Democratic convention in July. The FBI signaled officers. “I was afraid this mitment after he finished serving the White House. has not jeopardised America’s national has taken the server and is investigating was going to go sideways. I’m glad it his incarceration period, said Jeremy “I guarantee that there is no polit- security.” the case with U.S. Justice Department didn’t,” said Mark Gregory, spokes- Barclay, Corrections Department ical influence in any investigation Calling on the former first lady’s attorneys. At least two Republican- man for the Spokane sheriff’s office. spokesman. conducted by the Justice Department critics to “keep this in perspective,” led congressional committees are also The two human officers did their State officials say two other or the FBI, not just in this case but in he said she had done “an outstanding investigating. job, but Gunnar was the key to cap- patients took “unescorted leaves” turing Garver without any injuries, from the hospital during the man- Gregory said. Garver, who is accused hunt. One was on an escorted outing of torturing a woman to death, was on campus and has not been found. Unlocking method found hiding in the woods near his Another had been approved for Ex-FBI agent named in Texas shooting family home. discharge and was awaiting com- won’t work on The Washington Corrections munity placement but did not return Department has taken custody of from a visit to a fast-food restaurant. AP The official said Bellino was an sergeant and below master sergeant. Garver, who is now being held at Seattle police found him Saturday. FBI agent for less than two years Bellino could have had prior spe- newer iPhones: Airway Heights Correction Center The escape from the hospital before resigning in 2013 and later cialised training that allowed him in eastern Washington, according was rare, but unauthorized leaves enlisting in the Air Force. Authorities to enlist at an elevated rank. FBI official to Kathy Spears of the Washington are not uncommon, said Carla DALLAS: A former FBI agent who have not confirmed why Schroeder Two Glock handguns were found Department of Social and Health Reyes, assistant secretary for DSHS later enlisted in the US Air Force was was targeted. He was commander of near the bodies, and military officials Services. Behavioral Health Administration. identified as the man who killed his the 342nd Training Squadron. are trying to determine whether Bell- Reuters Garver, 28, escaped from a psy- “However, two unauthorised commander at an air base in San Anto- “The 37th Training Wing mourns ino was authorised to have a weapon chiatric hospital across the state in leaves and two escapes in one week nio before turning the gun on himself. the loss of our airmen and family on the base, where the possession of Lakewood on Wednesday night. He is unacceptable, and immediate A statement from the Air Force members,” said Brig Gen Trent H firearms is heavily restricted. WASHINGTON: The Federal crawled out a window of a locked, steps are being taken to improve identified the two men as Tech. Sgt. Edwards, commander of the wing. The firearm restrictions apply Bureau of Investigation’s secret lower-security unit with another security at the facility and to retrain Steven D. Bellino and Lt. Col. William “Our primary is to take care of the not only to Lackland but also to Fort method for unlocking the iPhone patient, Mark Alexander Adams, 58, staff,” she said in a statement. “The A. Schroeder. The statement did not family and the men and women who Sam Houston, the Randolph air base 5c used by one of the San Ber- who was caught the next day. safety of the public, the patients and name the gunman, but a federal offi- are grieving our losses.” and another installation that com- nardino shooters will not work on The officials at the state health staff is paramount.” The hospital also cial close said Bellino opened fire at It wasn’t clear how Bellino prise Joint Base San Antonio, which newer models, FBI Director James agency said security is being has restricted patient movement on Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. acquired his rank in a relatively short has more than 80,000 full-time per- Comey said. enhanced at Washington state psy- the grounds of Western State and The official spoke on condition of time with the Air Force. A techni- sonnel and is the home of Air Force “We have a tool that works on chiatric hospitals in the wake of outside the hospital for the weekend. anonymity. cal sergeant is a rank above a staff basic training. a narrow slice of phones,” Comey said at a conference on encryption and surveillance at Kenyon Col- lege in Ohio. Comey added that the tech- Geared up for the task Lawsuits involving nique would not work on the iPhone 5s and the later mod- els iPhone 6 and 6s. The iPhone 5c model was introduced in 2013 top lawyer settled and has since been discontinued by Apple as newer models have become available. Reuters Andrew, and other men. Dershowits The Justice Department said it and Prince Andrew denied the alle- had unlocked the San Bernardino gations, which were later stricken shooter’s iPhone with the help of from court records. an unidentified third party and NEW YORK: Prominent US lawyer Giuffre was not a party to the dropped its case against Apple Inc. Alan Dershowitz and two victims’ defamation lawsuits or the settle- As the technique cannot be rights attorneys withdrew claims ment. A spokesman for the law firm used to break into newer models, from a court that they defamed each of Boies, Schiller & Flexner, separate authorities will likely have to lean other during a legal fight about a lawyers for her, said that she stands on Apple to help them access the woman who said she was trafficked by her accusations. devices involved in other cases. as an underage girl. Two of Giuffre’s attorneys, Brad The Justice Department has “The parties believe it is time to Edwards and Paul Cassell, had sued asked a New York court to force take advantage of the new information Dershowitz for defamation in a Bro- Apple to unlock an iPhone 5s that has come to light on both sides ward County, Florida, state court related to a drug investigation. during the litigation and put these after Dershowitz accused them Prosecutors in that case said they matters behind them,” the three law- of acting unethically. Dershowitz would update the court by April yers said in a joint statement. counter-sued. 11 on whether it would “modify” The defamation lawsuits As part of a settlement, Der- its request for Apple’s assistance. US Coast Guard Maritime Safety & Security Team Belgian Malinois canines take part in helicopter stemmed from claims that the showitz withdrew his accusation If the government continues proficiency training with the California Air National Guard in San Francisco Bay, California. The dogs woman, Virginia Giuffre, made in that they acted unethically, and to pursue that case, the technol- are equipped with eyewear and ear protection to keep them safe at sea from rotor wash, sea spray, another court in December 2014 Edwards and Cassell said it was a ogy company could potentially use foreign debris and engine noise. that she was forced in an illegal act mistake to have filed the accusations legal discovery to force the FBI to with Dershowitz, the UK’s Prince against Dershowitz. reveal what technique it used. 18 MONDAY 11 APRIL 2016 AMERICAS Cruz sweeps Colorado as Sanders wins Wyoming

campaign because they want a leader demographics that play well to Clin- with real solutions who will bring ton’s support base among the wealthy Ted Cruz, the Texas back jobs, freedom and security.” and minorities. Senator, chipped Sanders’ victory over Hillary, is Clinton leads Sanders 54-42 per- his eighth victory in the last nine cent among likely Democratic voters away at Donald contests. Despite the Democratic in New York, according to Quinnip- Trump’s lead by Senator’s 10-point lead over Clinton iac University polls. (55.7 percent to 44.3 percent), both Sanders, who hails from Brook- taking all 13 Colorado candidates scored seven delegates lyn and has called for nothing short delegates at stake. each due to party rules in the over- of “revolution,” has attracted in par- whelmingly Republican state. ticular the youth vote, but he is faring That means Sanders barely poorly in comparison with Clin- put a dent in Clinton’s more than ton among African Americans in AFP 200-delegate lead. But it gives the particular. self-described democratic socialist Meanwhile, Donald Trump another morale boost ahead of the paid his first visit to the Septem- crucial New York primary on April 19. ber 11 Memorial Museum, using WASHINGTON: Democrat Bernie Clinton remains the clear front- the opportunity to roundly criti- Sanders and Republican Ted Cruz runner for the Democratic party cise rival conservative Ted Cruz just both scored weekend victories presidential ticket for November’s days before a key New York primary against their front-running rivals in election, but Sanders has the momen- election. Trump and his wife Melania a tightening race as the two major tum and has enjoyed a string of toured the museum with president parties prepare to pick their White successes at the polls in recent weeks. and CEO Joe Daniels, as well as New House nominee. Speaking to supporters in New York Police Department and Port Democratic presidential candidate and Senator Bernie Sanders greets audience at a campaign “Community Cruz, the Texas Senator, chipped York, Sanders broke into his speech Authority Police Department offi- Conversation” at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem, New York. away at fellow Republican Donald to say to cheers: “All right. News bul- cials, according to his campaign. Trump’s lead by taking all 13 Colo- letin. We just won Wyoming.” The couple “were incredibly rado delegates at stake in a state Sanders—who locked horns with impressed with the museum, a mon- Republican convention on Satur- his rival Clinton over trade and the ument representative of all of the day, his fourth win in a row against “Panama Papers” scandal this week— wonderful people who tragically No floor fight despite Sanders win: Hillary the bombastic billionaire. later said he continued to confound lost their lives and the families who That was in addition to another the doubters. have suffered so greatly,” a campaign 21 delegates Cruz won in the state “I think it’s fair to say that when statement read. Reuters the Democratic nomination. about the upcoming contests, and I through a series of county elections, we began this campaign we were Asked why he made a reported He said yesterday he believed he expect to be the nominee,” she said. for a total of 34. Sanders pulled off a considered to be a fringe candidate,” $100,000 donation to the museum, could close the gap, and left the door The Wyoming results did not surprise win over rival Hillary Clin- said the 74-year-old. Trump later said “I just felt like doing it,” open for a so-called floor flight at the change the delegate math for the ton in the Wyoming caucuses, “I think that it is very fair to say adding he was also motivated by Cruz’s WASHINGTON: As her rival for the Democratic National Convention in Democratic contenders. Each won Colorado will send a total of 37 that we were way, way behind during dismissive talk of “New York values.” US Democratic presidential nomi- July if neither has won an outright seven, since delegates are awarded delegates to the Republican National the first half of this contest, but we Texas Senator Cruz has used nation racked up another victory, majority of delegates. proportionally based on caucus- Convention in July, including three are having—to say the least—a very the term to suggest the billionaire front-runner Hillary Clinton yester- In that case, a system of multiple goers support. unpledged delegates who are the par- strong second half, and we are clos- New York real estate magnate was day dismissed notion of a contested ballots takes place governed by com- Going into Wyoming, Clinton ty’s top leaders in the state. ing very fast.” a liberal. party convention and said she was plex rules, with candidates hoping to had more than half of the 2,383 del- “Today was another resounding However, it will still take a Trump told the Fox News show not preparing for such a scenario. convince delegates to vote for them. egates needed to win the nomination. victory for conservatives, Republi- remarkable turnaround for Sanders Justice with Judge Jeanine he was Bernie Sanders won Wyoming Asked if she were preparing Sanders trailed her by 250 pledged cans, and Americans who care about to win the nomination over Clinton, driven to make the large donation caucuses, beating Clinton in seven for such a scenario, Clinton said, delegates, those awarded based on the future of our country,” Cruz said a former secretary of state and first “because I heard him disparaging out of the last eight Democratic nom- “No, I intend to have the number the results of the state nominating in a statement. lady who goes into the New York pri- New York. And I just thought it would inating contests as the two gear up of delegates that are required to be contests. But Sanders said future “Utah, North Dakota, Wiscon- mary as heavy favourite to extend her be the thing to do.” for a crucial matchup in New York. nominated.” contests in the West and East Coast sin, and tonight’s incredible results lead in the overall race. Cruz, who is trailing Trump in Sanders is trying to chip away Clinton said she was leading looked favourable to him, including in Colorado have proven this: New York, America’s largest polls for the New York primary, “has at Clinton’s big lead in the number Sanders by 2.5 million popular votes New York, Pennsylvania, California Republicans are uniting behind our city and one of its most diverse, has hatred for New York,” Trump said. of delegates needed to secure the and in pledged delegates. “I feel good and Oregon. Mexico: Austrian US newspaper publishes fake ‘President Trump’ frontpage lab finds no evidence of AFP three months before the Republi- (German Chancellor Angela) Mer- can National Convention confirms kel,” he was quoted as saying. missing students party’s nominee, with speculation A note from the editor at the growing over what Trump might do bottom of the page warns readers WASHINGTON: A US newspaper should he actually win the highest that “what you read on this page has published a mockup of what a office in the land. is what might happen if the GOP AP frontpage might look like should On the page are several arti- frontrunner can put his ideas into Republican frontrunner Donald cles, including one on US soldiers practice, his words into action.” Trump win the presidency, as it refusing to follow orders to kill the The accompanying edito- condemned his “deeply disturb- families of members of the so- rial urges Republicans to oppose MEXICO CITY : An Austrian labo- ing” and “profoundly un-American” called Islamic State group, another Trump. ratory has not found evidence that vision. on a Republican-controlled Con- “Donald J Trump’s vision for can confirm that remains found “Deportations to begin, Presi- gress passing a libel law targeting the future of our nation is as deeply in a trash dump in the southern dent Trump calls for tripling of ICE “absolute scum” in the press. disturbing as it is profoundly un- Mexican state of Guerrero belong (immigration and customs enforce- A separate article details how American,” it said, warning that to 43 students who disappeared ment); riots continue,” read The Trump sparked a diplomatic crisis Trump could be one of the world’s in September 2014, authorities Boston Globe’s fake headline. with China after naming his dog, a next “demagogic strongmen.” announced. It was posted on the editorial Shar-Pei, after Chinese First Lady The satirical frontpage “is an The Attorney General’s Office page, accompanied by a ruthless Peng Liyuan. exercise in taking a man at his said in a statement that the Insti- editorial article saying Trump’s “I don’t know why she’s so word. And his vision of America tute of Legal Medicine at the campaign “demands an active and offended, I love cute puppies and I promises to be as appalling in real A woman reading an online version of a mockup of what a frontpage might University of Innsbruck exam- engaged opposition.” love women! It’s not like I tweeted life as it is in black and white on the ined samples including hair and look like should Republican frontrunner Donald Trump wins the presidency. The mockup was published out a photo of a Rottweiler named page,” the editorial said. physical remains. The office said it was not pos- sible to establish genetic profiles through DNA testing so far, though Guatemalans get further testings were on with those Poppy destruction results to be released in the future. Mexico to bolster 53 years jail in Mexican investigators have theorised that police handed murder case the students over to drug gang its image in US members who killed them and incinerated the bodies at the gar- GUATEMALA CITY: A Guatemalan bage dump. court sentenced five men to terms That finding has been disputed Reuters of Paulo Carreno as deputy min- of up to 53 years in prison for the by two outside groups of experts ister are part of a “comprehensive 2011 killing of popular Argentine who examined the case and con- strategy” to ensure Mexico’s con- folk singer Facundo Cabral. cluded there was no evidence at tribution across the border is better The troubadour died when the dump of a fire large enough MEXICO CITY: Mexico aims to understood, a senior foreign minis- his vehicle came under fire as he to consume all the bodies. Rel- deploy a “comprehensive strategy” try official said. headed to airport in Guatemala atives of the students have also to promote its image in the United “This is the most visible element after performing at a concert. His publicly doubted the government States more vigorously, the govern- of a strategy that will involve not just music promoter, Henry Farina, was investigation. ment said, days after fresh criticism the foreign ministry, but also other driving the car and was injured in The Attorney General’s Office of the country by Republican presi- ministries,” Ana Paola Barbosa, the the attack. Farina, a Nicaraguan said the Austrian lab determined dential hopeful Donald Trump. chief of staff to Foreign Minister businessman, was later sentenced that some of the hair samples were Trump, who has attacked Mexico Claudia Ruiz Massieu, said. Barbosa to 30 years in prison for drug human, while others were of ani- over trade, illegal immigration and did not provide details of the plan. trafficking, organised crime and mal origin. crime, threatened to block remit- Mexican-US bilateral trade money laundering. Those found to be human tances from undocumented Mexican between is worth around $500bn Two men were sentenced to did not yield a match with DNA migrants if elected. . annually and more than 30 million 53 years in prison for murder, sequences of family members of Opposition lawmakers and dip- people north of the border are esti- attempted murder and trying to the students. lomats have accused the Mexican mated to be of Mexican descent. cover up the crime. The case of the missing stu- government of failing to counter The fact the United States is The other three were given 50 dents has attracted national and such rhetoric, and Mexico said it was about to elect a new government years for murder and attempted international condemnation, replacing its US ambassador and the provided a good moment for Mex- murder. Guatemala, one of the and the government’s perceived deputy foreign minister responsible ico to review its priorities with its poorest countries in Latin Amer- Mexican soldiers take part in an operation to destroy a poppy mishandling of it has dogged for North American relations. neighbour and ensure that they are ica, is ravaged by killings linked plantation in the mountains in the municipality of Zirandaro, the administration of President Carlos Sada’s nomination as being promoted “much more vigor- to organised crime and Mexican Guerrero State, Mexico. Enrique Pena Nieto. ambassador and the appointment ously” in future, Barbosa said. drug cartels. AMERICAS MONDAY 11 APRIL 2016 1917

Argentina’s Peru votes on Fujimori daughter in polls Fernandez faces dirty survived the charges and is likely to win about a third of the vote, accord- The 40-year-old ing to three opinion polls published money probe daughter of former on Friday. That would send her to a runoff vote in June against whoever leader Alberto finishes second. BUENOS AIRES: Cristina Fernan- Fujimori is likely to Fighting it out for second place dez de Kirchner, who stepped down are ex-prime minister and Wall Street as president of Argentina in Decem- win about a third of banker Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, 77, ber after eight years in office, has the vote, according to and left-wing lawmaker Veronika been officially accused by a prose- three opinion polls. Mendoza, 35. cutor of money laundering, a court Nine other candidates have either source said on Saturday. That would send her been excluded for irregularities or The decision follows testimony to a runoff vote in dropped out for lack of support. One, on Friday by businessman Leon- Gregorio Santos, is running for office ardo Farina, who in a plea bargain June against whoever from a jail cell where he is detained implicated Fernandez and her late finishes second. on corruption charges. husband and former President The leader of the Organization of Nestor Kirchner in a case related American States, Luis Almagro, said to money laundering and embez- the January electoral reform that zling funds earmarked for public allowed the candidates to be excluded works, local media reported. AFP risked turning it into a “semi-demo- Julio De Vido, a longtime cratic election.” Fernandez and Kirchner ally Alberto Fujimori’s dark decade in and former minister, was also power from 1990-2000 lives in the charged, local newspapers and LIMA: Peruvians voted yesterday on memory of many Peruvians, but that state news agency Telam said. Peruvian President Ollanta Humala and First Lady Nadine Heredia gesture after voting in Lima during whether Keiko Fujimori, daughter has not stopped his daughter from ris- Under Argentine law, a prosecu- of an ex-president jailed for mas- ing to top the opinion polls at the head general elections yesterday. tor can formally accuse, or charge sacres, should become their first of her Popular Force party. (“imputar”) a person they believe female leader in an election marred “I have a firm conviction that to be involved in wrongdoing. A by alleged vote-buying and deadly with God’s help I will become the worker. “Her father was corrupt and still hiding in the jungle. Humala. “I trust in Keiko,” said Mogol- judge then decides whether to call attacks. first woman president of Peru,” she a killer. She didn’t do anything as a The three soldiers and a driver lon, the taxi driver. “She is a woman those named to make an official Polls opened at 8am (1300 GMT) told thousands of supporters waving congresswoman. All she has is her were killed as they were taking forces who is going to work for citizens’ statement. and were due to close at 2100 GMT, orange flags at her closing rally. family name.” to guard voting stations in the Junin security and improve the economy.” Last Tuesday, another Fern- with 23 million of the South Ameri- The Fujimoris are among thou- But many voters praise Alberto region. A separate attack on a mili- Kuczynski has vowed to create jobs by andez ally, businessman Lazaro can country’s 30 million inhabitants sands of families of Japanese descent Fujimori for crushing the Shining tary boat on a river in the southeast boosting business and growth. Men- Baez, was arrested for questioning called to cast ballots in the compul- who immigrated to Peru in search of Path communist guerrilla group that injured two soldiers. Officials vowed doza has promised to strengthen state as part of the same investigation. sory vote. a better economic future. Alberto carried out attacks and kidnappings. the violence would not disrupt the control over the country’s energy Fernandez, 63, is due to answer Half the candidates have dropped Fujimori, now 77, is in jail for crimes “If Fujimori had continued as presi- election. Some 50,000 troops will reserves. questions in court on Wednesday out or been excluded from the run- against humanity. The courts held dent, the country would be in a better be deployed to guard polling stations Luis Benavente, head of the poll- over a separate probe into the sale ning under a tough new electoral law him responsible for the massacre of state now,” said taxi driver Felizardo across the country. ing firm Vox Populi, said voters are of US dollar futures contracts at that saw Fujimori and other leading 25 people he said were terrorists in Mogollon, 58. Despite his authoritarian rule, “fed up not so much with the economy below-market rates by the central candidates accused of wooing vot- 1991 and 1992. The conflict reared its head on Alberto Fujimori liberalised the econ- as with politics, because of corrup- bank during her administration. ers with gifts. “Politics is dirty. I find it incred- Saturday, when four soldiers and omy and oversaw an economic boom. tion.” “We have come to a debacle, Fernandez, a leftist leader from The 40-year-old daughter of ible that Keiko could be president,” a civilian were killed in one of two Growth has slowed in recent years such deep chaos that the country has the Peronist party, was barred former leader Alberto Fujimori said Diego Ramirez, 25, a Lima bank attacks by remnants of Shining Path under outgoing President Ollanta to react,” he said. constitutionally from seeking a third consecutive term. Opposition candidate Mauricio Macri won the November election, ending more than a decade of Peronist rule. A Tyre trap to fight Zika spokesman for the justice minis- Severe drought threatens try said the government would not comment on ongoing cases.

California despite El Nino Armed robbery on Brazil bus AFP deprived thousands of homes of mandatory 25 percent water sav- access to clean water — is far from ings enacted a year ago signaled the leaves 10 dead over, and the authorities of this vast end of an era and earner widespread West Coast state say its 39 million praise. But the state still sees a huge RIO DE JANEIRO: A botched LOS ANGELES: Last winter, El Nino- residents had better get used to the amount of water waste. armed robbery on a packed bus driven storms dumped much-needed new reality of climate change. In the middle of the Californian left 10 people dead and 24 hurt on snow and rain over California, boost- A quarter of the Sierra Nevada desert, golf courses in the opulent Saturday in southern Brazil when ing reservoir levels and fueling hopes Mountains’ snow cover — essential resort city of Palm Springs abun- the vehicle hurtled into a tree, the parched state’s four-year drought for feeding rivers and maintaining dantly water their greens during the police and press reports said. might end. But despite the brief res- groundwater levels — will disappear heat of midday while drainage pipes The bus, which was carrying pite, experts say the record drought by 2050, California’s Department of pour rivers of water down the mid- 40 passengers, departed from the is here to stay. Water Resources (DWR) predicts on dle of streets. city of Presidente Prudente, in Sao The El Nino weather phenom- its website. Half will vanish by the The authorities must employ Paulo state, bound for a town on enon — caused when a rise in the turn of the century. financial incentives to encourage the border with Paraguay where Pacific Ocean’s temperature triggers That prospect is especially wor- adoption of more efficient toilets products are cheaper to buy. Terri- intense precipitation — has provided rying because rising temperatures and appliances — otherwise dras- fied passengers described how they only “a band-aid on a gaping wound,” are also increasing soil evaporation in tically increase the price of water were awakened at dawn by gunfire, says Julien Emile-Geay, a paleoclima- America’s most populous state. Califor- used after a certain limit is reached, before the driver lost control of the tologist at the University of Southern nians aren’t ready for “an increasingly experts say. In a region where most vehicle and smashed it into a tree. California. dry climate with a population that is urban consumption comes from The driver was among those killed. In fact, restoring the state’s water continuing to grow without a long-term watering gardens, maintaining green Joao Paulo Lauandos, com- supplies to their pre-drought lev- strategy to address the imbalance,” lawns could become an unafforda- missioner of the southern city A mosquito trap made from an old tyre and designed for the els would require several years of Emile-Geay says. ble luxury. of Mambore, where the incident fight against the Zika virus is seen in Sayaxche, Guatemala. intense rain and snowfall. The water Others agree. Heather Cooley Among other failures, Califor- took place, told Globo G1 website: Researchers from Canada and Mexico have developed a trap level barely equaled the average in of the Pacific Institute praises Cali- nians do nothing to collect their “There was a convoy of five buses from old tyres that they say effectively and cheaply allows the state’s north this winter. In the fornia for “tremendous progress” by rainwater. Worse still, “everything and this was the last coach. “It was destruction of eggs from the type of mosquito that spreads Zika south, levels failed to rise enough to decreasing water use to less than its has been designed to drain water as intercepted by a vehicle whose virus. The trap contains a milk-based non-toxic fluid to attract fill dried-out rivers and aquifers. level 30 years ago. But she says the quickly as possible to avoid flooding,” occupants fired five or six times. mosquitoes. The researchers are discussing further tests for the The drought crisis — which has wealthy state has yet to turn the page Emile-Geay says. “The water doesn’t Everything indicates that this is an trap in Guatemala and southern Mexico. caused wildfires, decimated for- on its culture of abundance. have time even to wet the soil before attempted armed robbery.” Police ests, threatened animal species and Governor Jerry Brown’s it flows into the ocean.” are investigating. Water with unsafe lead amounts found in hundreds of schools

AP during the past three years. Roughly Buying bottled water for drinking require testing in all schools. Some is safe even if an individual drinking of finding out about a recent high a third of those had lead levels that has been the routine at Ava Head Start members of Congress have called fountain is above the threshold. sample and another one from three were at least double the federal limit. in Ava, Missouri, even before lead lev- for more money and expanded lead Last year alone, lead levels years ago that the state failed to notify In almost all cases, the problems els spiked after the preschool moved sampling. exceeded the EPA limit of 15 parts per them about. TOLEDO, OHIO: Responding to the can be traced to aging buildings with into a new building in 2010. In March, some samples from the billion at 64 schools or day care cent- Idaho’s Department of Envi- crisis in Flint, Michigan, school offi- lead pipes, older drinking fountains But it was not until February, after school district in Newark, New Jersey, ers that are required to test because ronmental Quality acknowledged it cials across the country are testing and water fixtures that have parts another round of high test results, that came back with high amounts of lead. they have their own water systems. should have followed up with more classroom sinks and cafeteria faucets made with lead. state regulators told the preschool to The district shut off sinks and fountains While no state is immune to the testing three years ago. for lead, trying to uncover any con- Riverside Elementary in the use bottled water for cooking and in 30 buildings and offered to test as problem, half the high lead read- Still, regulators told school offi- cealed problems and to reassure northern Wisconsin town of Ringle cleaning the toothbrushes for the 59 many as 17,000 children for lead. ings since the beginning of 2013 cials this year they could keep the two anxious parents. has lead pipes buried in its concrete children, ages 3 and 4. “The cost is not The inconsistent testing leaves were in states along the East Coast. drinking fountains if they just flushed Just a fraction of schools and day foundation that used to leach into the an option,” said Sandra Porter, Ava’s most schoolchildren in buildings School buildings there are older and the water each day, said John Pymm, care centres nationwide are required tap water before a filtration system cook and water operator. “We’re just that are unchecked and vulnerable more likely to have lead plumbing. safety director with the Bonneville to check for lead because most receive was installed. Replacing the pipes, doing what we have to.” because lead particles can build up in Pennsylvania, Maine and New Jer- Joint School District in Idaho Falls. their water from municipal systems which were installed when the school Schools required to conduct plumbing when water goes unused for sey topped the list. “It made the most sense to get that test at other locations. State and was built in the 1970s, is not an option. lead testing represent only about 1 long periods. “In schools, that means Nationwide, the average age of them out of service and make folks federal lawmakers have called for “For the cost of that, you might of every 10 schools in the country. almost every weekend,” said Virginia school buildings dates to the early feel at ease,” he said. Tyler Baum, wider testing. as well build a new school,” said Jack Those receiving their water from city- Tech professor Marc Edwards, who 1970s. It was not until 1986 that lead whose three daughters attend the Among schools and day care Stoskopf, an assistant superintend- owned systems — an estimated 90,000, helped expose the lead problem in pipes were banned, and it was not elementary school, said he was not centres operating their own water ent. Instead, he said, school officials according to the EPA — are not required Flint’s water. until 2014 that brass fixtures were too concerned because the school systems, Environmental Protection decided to rip out the drinking foun- by the federal government to do so. His colleague, Yanna Lambrin- ordered to be virtually lead-free. acted quickly on its own. “It certainly Agency data analysed by The Associ- tains more than a decade ago and In recent weeks, state lawmak- idou, also notes that under EPA School leaders in Idaho Falls, made me more aware of the water,” ated Press showed that 278 violated buy bottled water for students, cost- ers in New Jersey and Pennsylvania guidelines, schools and day care cent- Idaho, decided in February to remove he said. “We just assume we’ll have federal lead levels at some point ing about $1,000 a month. have proposed legislation that would ers can report that an entire building two drinking fountains within a week clean drinking water.”

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER Minimum: 23o C Maximum: 35o C

FAJR 03.58 am ZUHR 11.35 am MAGHRIB 05.57 pm HIGH TIDE 07:00 - 20:30 Slight dust and partly cloudy. SHOROOK 05.16 am ASR 03.05 pm ISHA 07.27 pm LOW TIDE 02:15 - 13:15

20 MONDAY 11 APRIL 2016 MORNING BREAK

ONLINE CHART BUST Over 500 artisans display their skills at www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Islamabad’s LokMela

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Tottenham’s clash with Man United 1 delayed by traffic ISLAMABAD: The ninth day of LokMela, Syrian PM: Russian air force, Syrian army the ongoing folk festival at LokVirsa, fea- 2 preparing operation to free Aleppo tured mesmerising music, exotic food and the works of skilled artisans. Egypt has high hopes for tourism despite Organised by the National Institute of 3 grim statistics, setbacks Folk and Traditional Heritage LokVirsa, the festival offered glimpses of the tradi- tional heritage of various provinces and regions, including the remotest parts of TWEET OF THE DAY the country. “We could not have asked for bet- ter weather and a better stage for such a show,” said Imran Naseer, who had brought his two children to the festival grounds. Exhibitions featuring artisans at work was one of the biggest attractions at the LokMela. Over 500 artisans could be seen displaying their skills in attrac- tive cultural pavilions and mesmerising The SpaceX Dragon cargo capsule approaches the International Space Station prior to installation, yesterday. their audience with their distinctive styles. The crafts on display were: Multani, Bahawalpuri, Hazara, Swat, Balochi and Sindhi embroidery, block-printing, lacquer work, khussa making, pottery, tie-dye, doll making, khaddar weaving, truck art, SpaceX delivers world’s first wood carving, woodwork, papier-mâché, namda and gabba, metal work, shawl weaving, zari work, motikari, traditional carpets, blue pottery, ajrak, wax printing, inflatable room for astronauts stonework, wooden spoon making, pattu weaving and much more. Malookan from Balochistan was Follow us on one such artisan, who practices Balochi AP astronauts live in space: Nasa envi- “It looks like we caught a embroidery. She has carried on this centu- sions inflatable habitats in a couple Dragon,” announced British astronaut Snapchat ries’ old tradition after learning it from her of decades on Mars, while Bigelow Timothy Peake, who made the grab. mother and devoted 32 years of her life to Aerospace aims to launch a pair of “There are smiles all around here,” Open Snapchat and this profession. Haji Akbar Chughtai is pro- CAPE CANAVERAL: SpaceX has inflatable space stations in just four Nasa’s Mission Control replied. “Nice scan the Snapcode ficient in natural dyes from KahrorPucca, made good on a high-priority deliv- years for commercial lease. job capturing that Dragon”. SpaceX is Punjab. The ancient art of wooden block- ery: The world’s first inflatable room For now, the Bigelow Expandable still reveling in the success of Friday’s to add The Peninsula making has its centre in the lower Indus for astronauts. A SpaceX Dragon Activity Module (BEAM) will remain booster landing at sea. account. Valley, encompassing southern Punjab cargo ship arrived at the Interna- mostly off-limits to the six-man sta- For the first time, a leftover and all of Sindh. He has not only trained tional Space Station yesterday, two tion crew. Nasa wants to see how the booster came to a solid vertical his relatives but also imparted training to days after launching from Cape experimental chamber functions, touchdown on a floating platform. many artisans in other textile crafts. Canaveral. Station astronauts used so the hatch will stay sealed except SpaceX chief executive Elon Musk a robot arm to capture the Dragon, when astronauts enter a few times wants to reuse boosters to save orbiting 400km above Earth. a year to collect measurements and money, a process that he says will The Dragon holds 3,175kg of swap out sensors. open access to space for more people Austria museum settles feud freight, including the soft-sided com- This is SpaceX’s first delivery for in more places, like Mars. His ambi- partment built by Bigelow Aerospace. Nasa in a year. A launch accident last tion is to establish a city on Mars. The pioneering pod — packed tightly June put shipments on hold. Nasa also has Mars in its sights for launch — should swell to the size SpaceX flight controllers at com- and looks to send astronauts there AFP of a small bedroom once filled with pany headquarters in Hawthorne, in the 2030s. In order to focus on air next month. It will be attached to California, applauded when the hefty that objective, the space agency has the space station this Saturday, but station arm plucked Dragon from hired US companies like SpaceX to won’t be inflated until the end of May. orbit. A few hours later, the capsule deliver cargo and, as early as next VIENNA: Famous Leopold The technology could change the way was bolted securely into place. year, astronauts to the space station.. Museum on Thursday settled a long-running feud over five Nazi- plundered drawings by Austrian painter Egon Schiele with the descendants of the works' Jewish A woman at centre of new Spielberg film former owner. The museum said it had agreed to return two of the watercolours -- including a self- AFP deal Addario the first of many strange think anyone would read the book," portrait of Schiele -- to the New hands that would take her to Afghan- she said. "It felt really uncomforta- York-based heiress of Viennese art istan before September 11 turned the ble... egotistical (even). I thought, who collector Karl Maylaender who was world upside down, and then from would possibly care about my life?" deported from Austria in 1941. PARIS: Her parents were hairdress- one war zone to the next. Steven Spielberg for starters. He The remaining three draw- ers in a small town in Connecticut "I never set out or wanted to is about to tell her story in a new film Elisabeth Leopold, widow of late art collector Rudolf Leopold, poses ings will stay in the possession of -- so it wasn't exactly written in the cover war," the 42-year-old, who in which she will be played by Hol- the museum, which is home to the next to Nazi-looted drawings at the Leopold Museum in Vienna. stars that Lynsey Addario should has continued to cover conflicts since lywood's hottest property, "Hunger world's largest permanent Schiele become one of the world's best becoming a mother five years ago, Games" star Jennifer Lawrence. exhibition.Austrian Culture Min- reporters in Vienna. Maylaender's Since Austria passed a law in 1998 known war photographers. told AFP. In her book, "It's What I Do", It will centre on her kidnapping ister Josef Ostermayer hailed the descendant, 95-year-old Eva Zirkl, covering the restitution of vast num- Even after her Italian-American Addario tries to make sense of what in Libya in March 2011, when she was settlement as "a very happy day." spent nearly two decades trying to bers of artworks stolen by the Nazis, family got her a Nikon camera for her got her into one of the world's most held with four other New York Times "It puts an end to years of con- reclaim the drawings by Schiele, a thousands have been returned -- 13th birthday, she thought "photogra- dangerous professions. Despite sev- journalists by soldiers loyal to Colonel flict while allowing both parties leading figure of Austrian expres- including major works worth millions phers were crazy rich kids" with time eral scrapes with death documenting Kadhafi as large parts of the country to save face," Ostermayer told sionism and protege of Gustav Klimt. of euros. on their hands. But fate was about to wars from Iraq to Congo, "I didn't rose up against him. The Boss beats Batman v Superman at box office

Reuters earning $23.4m and bringing its total Murphy in the ‘80s, Jim Carrey in the Universal distributed the $29m pro- Henry,” struggled to break through, weeks in theaters, while Universal’s after three weeks to $296.7m. Given ‘90s and Adam Sandler in the aughts. duction across 3,480 theaters. earning a feeble $5.1m from 3,015 “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2” nabbed that this is essentially a statistical She is their heir apparent.” McCarthy is the film’s big draw, theaters for a fifth place finish. fourth place with $6.4m, taking its dead heat, it is possible that those Despite McCarthy’s popularity, with 76% of ticket buyers surveyed The studio acquired the point-of- total to $46.7m after three weeks of LOS ANGELES: Melissa McCarthy’s positions could shift once final num- “The Boss” could have trouble show- reporting that they turned out to see view thriller in a bidding war at last release. “Batman v Superman” has star power lifted “The Boss” to an bers roll in on Monday morning. ing endurance. The film’s middling C+ the comedian. Women comprised year’s Toronto Film Festival, paying been something of a disappointment, estimated $23.5m opening weekend With “Spy,” “Identity Thief” CinemaScore signals that audiences 67% of the audience, with 51% of the a reported $10m for the rights. The given that it is likely to fall short of hit- despite bad reviews and rough word- and now “The Boss,” McCarthy has agree with critics that the picture is opening crowd clocking in over the opening weekend crowd drew heavily ting $1bn globally - the line that truly of-mouth for the R-rated comedy. become one of the most reliable comic flawed. The film is a collaboration age of 35. “She is absolutely a bank- from the gamer set, with 72% of ticket elite blockbusters have to cross to join If those projections hold, it will be draws in the movie business. between McCarthy and her hus- able movie star,” said Nick Carpou, buyers saying they played first-person a rarefied club. However, it has done enough to narrowly topple “Batman “She has a hot streak going like band, the director and co-writer Ben president of domestic distribution at shooter video games such as “Call of better than some major comic-book v Superman: Dawn of Justice” from no other comedian, male or female, Falcone, who previously teamed on Universal. “It’s another number one Duty” and “Halo.” movies. This weekend, it eclipsed first place at the weekend box office. working today,” said Jeff Bock, an 2014’s “Tammy.” It centers on a busi- opening for her.” Disney’s “Zootopia” scored a third “Man of Steel” ($291m) on a domestic As it stands, the superhero match-up analyst with Exhibitor Relations. “You ness icon who is brought low after The weekend’s other new release, place finish with roughly $14.5m, basis and it should pass $300m state- fell just short of retaining the top slot, have to consider the lineage of Eddie she is convicted of insider trading. STX Entertainment’s “Hardcore bringing its total to $296.2m after six side at some point this week.. www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAGE | 22 QE 10,128.65 -36.11 PTS PAGE | 24 DOW 17,576.96 +35.00 PTS Gulf Air appoints Egypt has high hopes FTSE100 6,204.41 +67.52 PTS country manager for tourism despite in Greece BRENT $39.66 +$2.46 setbacks: Minister

MONDAY 11 APRIL 2016 • 4 Rajab 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

Doha Bank seeks approval to raise up to $5bn

By Satish Kanady issue Commercial Paper (CP) worth rates would be determined as per Regarding the issuance of com- The Board of Directors will The bank said the The Peninsula $2bn, with a maximum tenor of up the market conditions. The CDs can mercial paper program, the Bank’s seek the approval of shareholders to 1 year. Both the instruments are be issued to local as well as inter- board of directors would seek to authorize the Board and those Board of directors expected to be issued in Qatari riy- national investors. shareholders’ approval to issue authorized by the Board to take all als or in various major currencies. The CDs can be issued in CPs either by a SPV guaranteed by necessary actions to execute these would also seek the DOHA: Doha Bank yesterday The duration of the CDs was not men- Qatari Riyal or in various major Doha bank or directly by the Bank issuances within the program after approval to issue announced it would seek the tioned by the lender. currencies. through a Euro Commercial Paper obtaining the approval of Qatar Cen- shareholders’ approval to raise In a regulatory filing to Qatari The Board would seek the programme. tral Bank, the Ministry of Economy Commercial Paper funds through up to $5bn through bourse, the bank said it will issue approval of the shareholders to The programme size would be and Commerce and any other com- the issuance of two different the up to $3bn CDs either through authorize the bank’s Board of Direc- $2.0bn; where minimum amount per petent authorities. (CP) worth $2bn, instruments. a SPV guaranteed by the Bank or tors and those authorized by the issuance would be $50.0m or equiv- The proposed issuance of cer- with a maximum The Bank would ask the share- directly by the Bank as part of its Board to take all necessary actions alent and maximum would be $1.0bn tificate of deposits program and holders for approval to issue up to product suite. to execute these issuances within or equivalent. commercial paper programme in the tenor of up to one $3bn through certificate of depos- The total minimum amount per the programme after obtaining the The CPs can be issued in Qatari board recommendations are sub- its (CDs). certificate will be $1.0m or equiv- approval of Qatar Central Bank, the riyal or in various major currencies. ject to the approval of the concerned year. The bank said the Board of direc- alent and maximum $1.0bn or Ministry of Economy and Commerce The maximum tenor would be up to regulatory authorities and the Gen- tors would also seek the approval to equivalent. The tenor and interest and any other competent authorities. 1 year. eral Assembly of the Shareholders.

Largest tulip carpet

An aerial view of 1,728 sq metre world’s largest tulip carpet, made of 563,000 live tulips, is seen in the Sultanahmet Square of Istanbul, Turkey, as part of the 11th annual Istanbul Tulip Festival, yesterday.

QNB launches new government contract financing product

The Peninsula designed innovative and state-of- promoted across a diverse range of the-art solutions to support SMEs economic sectors. QNB is also the and their development in the coun- main supporter of QDB’s Al-Dhameen try. The bank introduced bespoke SME programme. DOHA: QNB has launched a new products that meet and exceed the The bank also opened its newest government contract financing growing demands of SME customers, SME Centre in Al Shoumoukh Towers product as the newest addition to its while giving them enhanced finance as part of its steadfast commitment distinguished SME product line. facilities that aligned and work in to supporting SMEs and as a distin- The government contract financ- collaboration with the bank’s part- guished addition to its corporate ing product is available to all new ners from both private sector and the branches strategically placed across and existing SME customers, and government. the country. The new SME Centre will offer them partial financing With a dedicated team to help further increased QNB’s capacity to on government and semi-govern- and support SME customers, QNB support all current and future busi- ment contracts up to QR10m based offers a fast turnaround for clients ness owners who are seeking access on a case-by-case basis, in a flexi- applying for facilities . The Group also to finance in order to expand or start ble way that satisfies clients’ needs exerts great efforts to always intro- a business. and matches project requirements. duce new and innovative products, QNB Group’s presence through The new product is another val- services, and solutions to nurture the its subsidiaries and associate com- uable addition to QNB’s outstanding growth of this important sector. panies extends to more than 27 SME product line, aimed at assisting Among QNB’s notable efforts in countries across three continents this important sector and promot- this field is its support of the first SME providing a comprehensive range of ing its advancement and growth as online portal (www.businesspulse. advanced products and services. The a true driver of the Qatari economy qa) in partnership with Qatar Devel- total number of employees is more and its development. opment Bank and Thomson Reuters. than 15,200 operating through more As the largest financial insti- This will further strengthen the “One than 635 locations, with an ATM net- tution in Qatar, QNB has always Stop Shop” service concept being work of more than 1,390 machines. 22 MONDAY 11 APRIL 2016 BUSINESS

Most QDB-backed tourism France-Algeria partnership forum SMEs are operational: CEO

By Mohammad Shoeb a 4x4 car leasing company among The Peninsula others. Speaking about the nature and extent of the support QDB provided to these young entre- DOHA: The Qatar Development Bank preneurs and startups, he said: (QDB) has successfully supported some “There were some who required 25 Small and Medium Enterprises financial assistance but there (SMEs) who have started offering a were others who needed only wide range of products and services consultancy services and sought to fill gaps in country’s tourism sec- some information that we pro- tor, a top official of the state-backed vided to the best possible and bank said. professional manner.” “We have successfully completed QTA, as part of its efforts to the project in close cooperation with promoting local tourism sector Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), and had signed agreements with QDB FROM RIGHT: Algeria’s Minister of Industry and Mining, Abdeslam Bouchouareb, Prime Minister supported about 25 entrepreneurs about a year ago to establish a Abdelmalek Sellal, French Prime Minister Manuel Valls and French Economy and Industry Minister to avail the opportunities within Tourism Incubation Zone at the Emmanuel Macron during the opening of the 3rd forum on partnerships between France and Algeria the tourism sector,” Abdulaziz bin Qatar Business Incubation Center in Algiers, yesterday. Nasser Al Khalifa, CEO of QDB told (QBIC) to support tourism start- The Peninsula on the sidelines of an ups and scale-ups. event recently. QBIC, a joint initiative of “Within the tourism sector there QDB and the Social Develop- were gaps, and we have converted ment Center is entrusted to Doha Bank offers attractive benefits those gaps into opportunities for the empower local entrepreneurs local private sector enterprises,” he to start and grow companies by added. Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al Khalifa, incubating, developing, invest- for Premium credit cardholders Al Khalifa said that most of the CEO of Qatar Development Bank ing and connecting them with enterprises QDB extended its support right partners. are now operational and providing The incubation centre with services to Qatar’s tourism sector. Some are into offer- a team of professionals, under the chairmanship of Al The Peninsula branded cabin bag to travel in style. of this campaign along with the “free ing luxury dhow dining cruise, a luxury coach company, Khalifa (QDB’s CEO), is involved in developing the next Furthermore, as the summer hol- for life” feature and Qatar’s most gen- QR100m companies in Qatar to diver- iday season approaches, all Doha erous loyalty programme offered on sify the local economy in line with Qatar Bank premium credit cardhold- Doha Bank’s Dream cards. Whether National Vision 2030. DOHA: Doha Bank has unveiled a ers who are planning to book their you are booking a hotel room, dining “We have successfully completed The other segments where gaps were summer festive promotion campaign upcoming vacation, can now pur- or buying designer wear anywhere in the project in close cooperation with identified within Qatar’s tourism value offering attractive rewards and bene- chase airline tickets with all or any the world, practically any purchase chain included establishing SMEs, Meet- fits to its Premium credit cardholders of these premium credit cards and or cash withdrawal made worldwide Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), and ings, Incentives, Conferencing, Exhibitions who will now have multiple reasons get unprecedented benefits. “We while on holiday will be generously (MICE) companies, Events Destination to celebrate and enjoy some of the understand that our customers look rewarded with loyalty points. supported about 25 entrepreneurs Management companies (DMC), and inte- most rewarding offers before this forward to the summer holiday sea- Visa Platinum Credit Card and Visa grated ticking and mobile information summer break. son to enjoy and unwind and we Al Asriya Ladies Credit Cards are offered to avail the opportunities within the centers. Customers gearing up for the strive to offer them amazing rewards free for life. Existing Visa cardholders Al Khalifa also said that QDB was summer holidays, who apply between and benefits while traveling to any can also apply for supplementary Visa tourism sector,” Abdulaziz bin Nasser proud to partner with QTA and having now and April 30, for any one of these part of the world,” Dr R Seethara- Al Asriya Ladies Credit Cards for their worked with it to implement the project three premium credit cards; Primary man, Group CEO of Doha Bank, said. spouses. Those who apply for Visa Al Khalifa, CEO of QDB, told which was vital for the advancement of Al Riyada Visa Infinite, Primary Visa In a statement the bank said Infinite Platinum Credit Card get exclu- The Peninsula. Qatar’s tourism sector and one of starting Platinum Credit Card and Primary that the new customers will now sive free access to the Oryx lounge at points towards achieving tourism strategy Visa Al Asriya Ladies Credit Card, will have additional reasons to apply for Hamad International Airport to start as part of Qatar’s vision. enjoy a complementary Doha Bank a credit card and enjoy the benefits their travel experience extravagantly. Dubai Group to appoint Emirates This year better than last amid housing cycle: Emaar

NBD for Shuaa stake sale: Report Bloomberg

Bloomberg comment. Trading volumes in reached a final agreement with lend- Shuaa have been soaring in recent ers to restructure $6bn in debt in 2014 DUBAI: Emaar Properties PJSC is having a better year than in 2015, Chair- weeks amid signs that an investor after three years of talks. man Mohamed Alabbar said, even as Dubai struggles to emerge from its may be seeking to gain a foothold Dubai Group also owns stakes in most recent property downturn. DUBAI: Dubai Group LLC, an in the company. Oman’s biggest lender Bank Muscat “If you ask me about Emaar’s numbers, I don’t see any pull back,” Alab- investment company owned by the The investment firm, whose SAOG and in Egyptian investment bar told reporters on Sunday after a press conference for the start of a $1 sheikhdom’s ruler, hired Emirates shares have lost about two-thirds bank EFG-Hermes, according to its billion skyscraper that will exceed the height of the Burj Khalifa, currently Gulf Air appoints NBD PJSC to help find a buyer for of their value in the past two years, website. the world’s tallest building. “2016 for us is surprisingly better than 2015 and its stake in investment bank Shuaa had four chief executive officers in Meanwhile, Emaar Properties the balance between supply and demand is very encouraging.” country manager Capital PSC, according to two peo- about five years and managed with- PJSC, the developer of Burj Khal- Dubai’s housing market, the biggest and most volatile in the Middle East, ple familiar with the matter. out one since the end of 2013. The ifa, the world’s tallest tower, said it is struggling as falling oil prices, weaker currencies in Europe and Russia and in Greece The sale process is at an early stage stock has gained 68 percent so far would use a combination of debt and an abundance of properties damp demand. Apartment sale prices dropped 1.9 and may not result in a deal, said the this year. equity to fund an even taller observa- percent in the first quarter, while villa prices rose 1.6 percent, Phidar Advisory people, asking not to be identified Dubai Group, controlled by Dubai tion tower in the Middle East business said this month. Emaar is doing well because the company has a strong balance The Peninsula because the talks are private. Dubai Holding LLC, was one of several hub. The company’s group Chief sheet and is managing its business “tightly,” Alabbar said. “To do well, you have Group holds a 48 percent stake in companies in the emirate that were Executive Officer Abdulla Lahej has to go long term, you have to believe in your customer and believe in the market.” Shuaa worth about $100 m, accord- forced to restructure loans arranged left, according to a statement to the Emaar’s profit rose 24 percent in 2015 to 4.08 billion dirhams ($1.1 bil- ing to data compiled by Bloomberg. before property prices slumped and bourse after the market closed. Chief lion). The shares gained 2.2 percent in Dubai on Sunday, bringing the decline MANAMA: Gulf Air, Bahrain’s Dubai Group, Emirate NBD credit markets froze after the 2008 Operating Officer Amit Jain will take for the past 12 months to about 15 percent. That compares with a drop of national carrier, has announced and Shuaa all declined to global credit crisis. The company on the CEO’s responsibilities. about 9 percent for the emirate’s benchmark index. the appointment of Abdul Hus- sain Abdul Rahman Hussain (pictured), a seasoned aviation professional with over 20 years HSBC and Citigroup experience, as its Country Man- Toyota Mirai wins 2016 World Green Car Award ager in Greece. licensed to invest Abdul Hussain has previously represented Gulf Air in India and in Saudi stocks Bangladesh and has held man- The Peninsula agement roles both within Gulf Air and in other industry organ- Bloomberg isations including Hong Kong flag carrier, Cathay Pacific. DOHA: Toyota Mirai was declared Commenting on the appoint- the 2016 World Green Car recently ment, Ahmed Janahi, Gulf Air A/ at the New York International Auto RIYADH: HSBC Holdings Plc and Chief Commercial Officer said: Show. In order to win the award, tail- Citigroup Inc. are among nine qual- “I am delighted to welcome pipe emissions, fuel consumption ified foreign institutions licensed Abdul Hussain to his new role and use of a major advanced power to invest in Saudi Arabian stocks representing the Kingdom of Bah- plant technology (beyond engine directly, according to the Capital rain’s national carrier in Greece components), aimed specifically at Market Authority. – an important European market increasing the vehicle’s environmen- Two BlackRock Inc. entities and for Bahrain’s national carrier. His tal responsibility, were all taken into two Ashmore Group Plc units are industry knowledge and experi- consideration. The Mirai was chosen also among those registered with ence will further strengthen from an initial entry list of eight new the Riyadh-based market regulator, our presence in Athens, help- vehicles from all over the world. according to an e-mailed statement. ing to raise awareness of all that “Just as Prius changed the world The disclosure is part of the CMA’s Gulf Air has to offer the Greek nearly 20 years ago, the hydrogen- Africa Representative Office, Toy- have endorsed the Mirai and Toyota’s the Toyota 86 was a ‘Top Three in the plan to raise governance and trans- market.” powered Mirai is ready to make ota Motor Corporation, said: “As future direction in terms of environ- World’ finalist for World Car of the parency standards and increase the Gulf Air currently operates 4 history,” said Bill Fay, Group Vice recognised pioneers in hybrid tech- mentally-friendly vehicles including Year in 2013; the Toyota iQ in 2009 level of communication with investors. weekly flights between Athens and President and General Manager, Toy- nology, we are truly honoured to our approach with the latest Prius for the same category; and the Toy- Almost a year after Saudi Arabia Bahrain and flights can be booked ota Division. “With a range of over have received such an award. With model.” ota Harrier Hybrid in 2006 for World allowed foreigners to invest in stocks online at gulfair.com, by calling the 500 km per tank, a refuelling time the Mirai, Toyota is taking the oppor- Toyota is no stranger to the World Green Car. directly, QFIs own less than 1 per- airline’s 24 hour Worldwide Con- of under five minutes and emissions tunity to really make a difference for Car Awards programme – now in Vehicles in all award categories cent of the market, well below their tact Centre on (210) 3220851within that consist only of water vapor, Mirai future generations through the adop- its 12th year. The Toyota Prius 2010 were selected and voted on by an 10 percent limit. The kingdom’s equi- Greece and (+973) 17373737 inter- is leading the world forward towards tion of hydrogen fuel-cell technology has previously earned ‘Top Three in international jury panel comprised ties, the region’s worst performers nationally, or through any local a more sustainable future.” in order to reduce harm to the envi- the World’status for both the World of 73 top-level automotive journal- so far this year, have fallen with Gulf Air Office and approved travel Takayuki Yoshitsugu, Chief Rep- ronment. We sincerely appreciate Green Car and the overall World Car ists from 23 countries around the oil prices as sinking crude revenue agencies. resentative, Middle East and North the support of our customers who of the Year categories. In addition, world. forced the government to halt projects. BUSINESS MONDAY 11 APRIL 2016 23 GCC sovereign Qatar’s fourth quarter GDP debt issuance to hit estimated at QR200.54bn

By Sachin Kumar $390bn by 2020 The Peninsula

period 2008-2014. Saudi Arabia, for the DOHA: Qatar’s real GDP (Gross Lower oil prices have first time in 8 years, issued local debt to Domestic Product) in the fourth raise approximately $26bn from domes- quarter (Q4) of 2015, at constant altered the fiscal tic banks and utilized almost $100bn of its 2013 prices, stood at QR200.54bn $723bn reserves in 2015. Though, the banks registering year-on-year of 4 per- landscape of GCC are well capitalized they may not be able cent over the estimates of Q4 of countries as the prized to act as the sole source of funding avenue 2014. GDP at current prices or for the GCC governments”, MarMore ana- nominal GDP is estimated at fiscal surplus registered lysts said. QR147.03bn for Q4, showing a in erstwhile years has While UAE, Kuwait and Qatar enjoy decline of 19.8 percent from a good fiscal reserves, Saudi Arabia can year ago. Figures for real GDP are flipped into deficits. also boast of reasonably good levels of fis- adjusted for inflation while nom- cal reserves. inal GDP figures are not inflation However, Bahrain and Oman have adjusted. minimal reserves by comparison. The Compared to previous quar- sovereign ratings of Bahrain, Oman and ter (Q3 of 2015) the nominal GDP By Satish Kanady Saudi Arabia have been downgraded shows decrease of 0.4 percent, The Peninsula recently and are put on further watch by according to the preliminary fig- credit rating agencies. Further, lack of ures released by the Ministry of clarity regarding debt management poli- Development Planning and Sta- cies of few GCC countries has caused wide tistics (MDPS) yesterday. DOHA: The GCC’s sovereign debt issu- spread speculation regarding the way the The nominal Gross Value ances are expected to hit $390bn in deficit could be financed. Added (GVA) of Mining and Quar- another four years. The regional gov- The flurry of activity in fixed income rying sector (including Oil and ernments are projected to raise space in the coming years is expected to Gas) is estimated at QR47.73bn for $285bn-$390bn in debt cumulatively present investors with widespread oppor- the Q4, show a decline of 44.5 per- manufacturing sector in Q4 of Q4 of 2015 registering an increase primarily due to rise in insur- through 2020 by issuance of local and tunities. GCC sovereign bonds are an asset cent over Q4, 2014. Reduction in 2015 is estimated at QR13.77bn of 7.5 percent over corresponding ance and real estate sectors, when international debt/bonds. class of their own with higher risk-return international price levels of crude showing a drop of 28 percent over quarter of 2014. Compared to the compared to the corresponding Lower oil prices have altered the fiscal attributes than their emerging and devel- oil during the quarter has led to corresponding quarter of 2014. previous quarter (Q3 of 2015) esti- quarter. However, compared to landscape of GCC countries as the prized oped market peers. sharper decline in nominal GVA The nominal GVA of con- mates, there has been an increase the previous quarter (Q3 of 2015), fiscal surplus registered in erstwhile years For one, most GCC sovereigns com- of this sector, said the ministry. struction sector is estimated at of 4.4 percent. an increase of 10 percent in the has flipped into deficits. Between 2015 and mand higher ratings and are on par with The nominal GVA of Non QR13.89bn in Q4 of 2015, reflect- Transport and Communica- GVA estimate has been recorded 2016, GCC countries are expected to post a developed markets due to the presence of Mining and Quarrying sector ing an increase of 14.8 percent tion sector generated a nominal in this group. fiscal deficit of $318bn. robust fiscal surplus. Additionally, they have is estimated QR99.30bn in Q4, when compared to the esti- value added of QR6.74bn in Q4, The nominal GVA contribution This deficit will be met partly with minimal debt as evidenced by low debt-to- which shows an increase of 2.1 mate of corresponding quarter 2015 against QR6.39bn in Q4, 2014 of the Government Services which reserves and partly, through borrowings, GDP ratio. This is true in the case of Kuwait, percent over same quarter in 2014. of 2014. However, compared to showing a rise of 5.5 percent. includes the provision of public both domestic and international. Mar- Qatar and UAE. Moreover, currency risk is The growth in the Q4 of 2015 is the previous quarter (Q3 of 2015) The nominal GVA of Finance, health, education and other mis- More, Mena Intellgience and a subsidiary minimal as their currencies are pegged. On mainly due to the increases seen estimate, an increase of 2.1 per- Insurance, Real Estate and Busi- cellaneous services is estimated at of ‘Markaz’ noted yesterday. the flipside, geopolitical risks and prolonged in construction, social services, cent was noticed. The nominal ness Services sector is estimated QR20.28bn in Q4 of 2015, which is “This is a significant jump relative to low oil price could affect the bond perform- and financial services. GVA of Trade, Hotel and Restau- at QR29.14bn in Q4 of 2015, show- 9.3 percent higher than the esti- $72.1bn raised cumulatively during the ance, the report said. The nominal GVA of rants is estimated at QR15.91bn in ing an increase of 8.7 percent, mate of Q4 of 2014.

Air France to BNP Paribas under trial Egypt’s urban inflation falls start talks on for third consecutive month unit sale in weeks Reuters

Bloomberg CAIRO: Egypt’s annual urban consumer inflation eased for the third consec- utive month in March to 9 percent from 9.1 percent in February, the official statistics showed yesterday, as the government has struggled to keep ram- PARIS: Air France-KLM Group pant inflation in check. will enter into talks with an exclu- Core inflation, which excludes items such as fruit and vegetables as their sive buyer for its in-flight service prices fluctuate widely, rose however, jumping to 8.4 percent year-on-year unit Servair within the next few in March, up from 7.5 percent in February. weeks, a person familiar with the Urban inflation began to decline after the central bank raised interest plan said. rates by 50 basis points in December, citing inflationary pressure. The company won’t sell the The government has also taken a series of measures to keep the price entire business, said the person, who of basic goods from rising, rolling out army trucks to distribute subsi- declined to be identified because dised food items for its poorest and identifying key goods to monitor for the discussions are private. Ser- price rises. vair, the world’s third-largest Last month, Egypt’s central bank devalued the pound, a move the in-flight caterer, was valued at government had been reluctant to carry out because of fear it would about ¤300m ($340m) by ana- spark inflation. lysts in 2012 when the carrier The logo of the French bank BNP Paribas in Lille, northern France. The deliberation in a trial against The central bank said it would move to a more flexible exchange rate also looked into selling part of BNP Paribas for “deceptive marketing practices” will be held today. regime, in an effort to rebalance markets and ease a foreign exchange short- the business. A spokesman for age that had stifled business activity and hit confidence. Air France-KLM declined to comment. Europe’s biggest airline is seeking to cut costs and raise cash as it seeks to compete with airlines such as Emirates in the international Saudi lifts Gulf stocks as oil rises above $40 travel market and Ryanair Holdings Plc on shorter routes. The company needs to accelerate its turnaround, Bloomberg crude, growth remains largely driven to Ahmed Shehada, executive direc- Chief Executive Officer Alexandre by energy income. The kingdom, Qatar stocks edge down tor of advisory and institutions at de Juniac said in an interview on which halted payments to contrac- NBAD Securities LLC. The shares Thursday after announcing his res- tors as it slashed spending amid oil’s should be priced closer to 85 fils, he ignation earlier in the week. RIYADH: Gulf Arab stocks climbed slump, said it will pay almost all of its DOHA: Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) index dropped 36.11 points or 0.36% said. Dana and its partner Crescent Airlines are increasingly out- after oil, the region’s main source of outstanding dues. yesterday when the bourse closed trading at 10,128.65 points. Petroleum are in “serious talks” with sourcing non-core activities, with income, rebounded to the highest “The Saudi government’s The daily turnover today decreased to QR 222.18m with a volume of Iran about the country starting gas Delta Air Lines Inc. expanding its level this year. announcement that it’s settling some 6,213,694 shares from 3,777 deals compared to QR379.39m with a volume exports from Salman field, Fars news deal from caterer Gate Gourmet in Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share debts to construction contractors should of 9,278,837 shares from 5,553 deals on Thursday. agency reported last month, citing an 2014 while Deutsche Lufthansa AG Index advanced the most in more than benefit Emirati companies operating in From the 43 companies listed on QSE, shares of 39 saw trading yester- unidentified person. Abu Dhabi’s ADX buys in support of its ticket and res- three weeks to lead regional gains. the kingdom,” said Nabil Farhat, an Abu day. From these 18 gained, 19 closed lower and two remained unchanged. General Index rose 0.7 percent. Kuwait’s ervations systems. Most of Servair’s Dubai’s DFM General Index rose 1.4 Dhabi-based partner at Al Fajr Secu- Indices of three sectors gained and four dropped today. SE Price Index gained 0.4 percent, and revenue is derived from catering, with percent to the strongest finish since rities. That, along with oil’s bounce, is QSE Total Return Index dropped -0.36% to 16,322.23 points. QSE Al Oman’s MSM 30 Index added 0.8 per- the rest from cleaning, airport restau- November. The gauge breached its 50 driving the rally, he said. Brent crude, Rayan Islamic Index dropped -0.06% to 3,963.98 points and QSE All Share cent, climbing a seventh day. Egypt’s rants and duty-free sales. percent Fibonacci level, which shows a benchmark for half the world’s oil, Index dropped -0.26% to 2,820.5 points. EGX 30 Index slipped 1 percent. what percentage of a loss a security surged 6.4 percent on Friday to $41.94 Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul advanced has recovered from a low to a high, per barrel as US crude production slid 1.4 percent, led by Al Rajhi Bank. Trad- Khodari makes a sign the rally may continue. The for the 10th time in 11 weeks through Arabtec Holding, the United Arab Middle East business hub. The com- ing volume on the index was about 25 Bloomberg GCC 200 Index, which April 1, according to data from the Emirates’ largest listed construction pany’s group Chief Executive Officer percent below the 20-day intraday SR15.08m profit tracks the biggest and most liquid Energy Information Administration company, advanced 4.1 percent as Abdulla Lahej has left, according average. Standard & Poor’s on Friday stocks in the six-nation Gulf Cooper- on Wednesday. 170 million shares changed hands, to a statement to the bourse after affirmed the country’s credit rating, DUBAI: Saudi Arabian contractor ation Council, increased 0.6 percent, Dubai’s gauge is less than 10 more than 20 percent of all volume the market closed. Chief Operat- citing the kingdom’s strong external Abdullah Abdul Mohsin Al Khod- gaining for a third day. points away from its 200-day mov- on Dubai’s index. ing Officer Amit Jain will take on and fiscal stock positions. The ratings ari and Sons made a gross profit Investor confidence in the region ing average, which it hasn’t traded Emaar Properties PJSC, the devel- the CEO’s responsibilities. Dana Gas company sees the general government of SR15.08 ($4.02m) from the sale has been building after oil, which above since August. Drake & Scull oper of Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest PJSC jumped 11 percent to 60 fils as deficit averaging 9 percent of economic by public auction of equipment, it funds the bulk of government spend- International PJSC, an engineering tower, added 2.2 percent. The com- traders exchanged more than 146 output through 2019. Demand for Saudi said in a bourse filing. The finan- ing, recovered from the lowest in contractor, rose 1 percent as 113 mil- pany with the largest weighting on million shares, the most since July. Arabia’s first sovereign loan in at least 15 cial impact of the auction will be more than a decade. While countries lion shares traded, more than three Dubai’s index said it would use a com- Investors are realizing the com- years was so high that the govern- reflected in the company’s second- including Saudi Arabia are seeking to times the six-month average. Union bination of debt and equity to fund an pany stands to benefit from a lifting ment will probably boost the size of quarter results. diversify their economies away from Properties PJSC climbed 2 percent. even taller observation tower in the of sanctions against Iran, according the transaction to about $10bn. 24 MONDAY 11 APRIL 2016 BUSINESS Egypt has high hopes for tourism despite setbacks: Minister

Reuters he said. “I am very hopeful, optimis- was dumped on the side of a road allegations of widespread police bru- In 1997 militants killed 58 tour- tic about the future of tourism into in February, has also hurt Egypt’s tality in Egypt under sharper focus. ists and four Egyptians at a temple in Egypt,” Rashed said in an interview. image. Egypt’s tourism industry, a cor- Luxor, on the Nile. “I want to get that smile that you are Human rights groups say torture nerstone of the economy and critical Rashed seemed optimistic. He CAIRO: Egypt is confident of luring smiling into the faces of everybody. marks on his body fit a pattern that source of hard currency, has been said the new six-point plan to boost back millions of foreign visitors and We want to stay positive.” suggested Egyptian security services struggling to rebound after the politi- tourism would include increasing the putting a smile on their faces, accord- Egypt tourism revenue has taken had killed him, an allegation the gov- cal and economic upheaval triggered presence of national carrier EgyptAir ing to its new tourism minister, despite a heavy hit since a Russian plane ernment has strongly denied. by the 2011 uprising that ended Hosni abroad, working with low-cost air- heavy first quarter losses and setbacks crashed in the Sinai last October, kill- Asked if Egypt would take action Mubarak’s 30-year rule. lines and the improvement of services. including a bomb that brought down ing all 224 people on board in what if it was determined that a policeman More than 14.7 million tourists Asked how the state would fund a Russian passenger plane. President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi called had killed Regeni, as widely suspected visited Egypt in 2010, dropping to 9.8 these projects, he said: Yehia Rashed (pictured), said an act of terrorism. Islamic State said among human rights groups, Rashed million in 2011. “We are not doing new things the ancient land of the pyramids and it planted a bomb on board. said “justice is justice”. “The first quarter is down about what we are doing is stimulation Red Sea resorts was determined to Rashed said Egypt had improved “We care big time about human 40 percent compared to last year. programs. Taking from the current secure a strong recovery even though airport security since the crash. rights. The best way, actually, is to However, there is a positive with funding and putting it into where our the number of foreign tourists fell by “These people have worked day and create positive vibes in the mind of every negative. The Gulf business is bread and butter is,” said Rashed. 40 percent in the first quarter of 2016, The most populous Arab nation night,” he said. “Egypt is safe.” people that Egypt is safe and it is up about 45 percent from last year,” “We don’t have the figures of the compared with the same period last aims to attract 12 million tourists by The torture of Italian graduate worth visiting,” he added. said Rashed. Egyptian tourism has total cost of this. We are currently year. the end of 2017 with a six-point plan, student Giulio Regeni, whose body The Regeni case has brought survived hard times in the past. working on the costing.” Australia’s big banks wander into regulatory quagmire

interest rates. National Australia Bank’s CEO Both have denied any wrongdo- Andrew Thorburn said a Royal Last week, Westpac ing, saying they would vigorously Commission would be a “serious Banking Corp became defend themselves. distraction”. ANZ Chief Executive While increased regulatory Shayne Elliott said such an inquiry the second Australian scrutiny will eventually pro- could damage Australia’s standing lender after ANZ mote greater compliance, banks among global investors. “The more Banking Group to could face medium-term finan- immediate impact would be banks cial penalties, denting earnings suffering some reputational damage,” be dragged to court and shareholder returns in a sec- Fitch ratings said last week in a note by regulators over tor battling stricter capital rules and on Australia’s banks. higher loan losses. The Big Four — NAB, Com- suspected rigging of The industry has already been monwealth Bank of Australia, benchmark interest unsettled by probes into wealth mis- Westpac and ANZ — are among the management and insurance scams, worst performers on the bench- rates. and public pressure is piling on Prime mark S&P/ASX200 index this year, Minister Malcolm Turnbull to order a down between 14 percent and 19 sector-wide inquiry into bank con- percent. duct as he campaigns for a federal Until last year, the banks had election in July. boasted a decade of uninterrupted Reuters In a speech at Westpac’s 199th growth and delighted investors with birthday lunch last week, Turnbull generous dividends. accused banks of sometimes taking When the 2008 global crisis hit, advantage of customers but stopped the banks sailed through with lit- SYDNEY: Australian banks famously short of seeking a high-level inquiry. tle damage, backed by a resources Sydney office of the Westpac Banking Corporation. rode out the 2008 financial crisis In contrast, Australia’s main opposi- boom at home. But as the commod- with barely a scratch, but no longer tion Labour Party on Friday promised ities super-cycle plumbs new lows, are they the exemplar of success, as a a Royal Commission into the finan- the focus is falling on bank loans to local media that the concentration of single-digits this financial year, a far “Credit quality is by far the big- commodity rout ravages the economy cial sector if it wins July’s election. Australia’s beleaguered agricultural lending by the Big Four in property is cry from the doubling of profits over gest risk that faces the banks. It can and a growing storm of accusations “We are not denying there have and mining sectors. a “perpetual concern”. Last year, APRA the past five years. affect earnings, dividends,” said over misconduct threatens to tar their been problems, we are not denying The sectors have shed jobs by the demanded the banks keep aside a big- Net interest margins are expected Andrew Martin, portfolio manager name. there has to be ongoing scrutiny of thousands, weighing on individual ger buffer against mortgages, forcing to fall to record lows on stifling com- at Alphinity Investment Manage- Last week, Westpac Banking the industry,” Australian Bankers’ borrowers’ ability to pay their mort- them to raise over A$20bn ($15.1bn). petition and higher cost of funds, ment, which holds stakes in the major Corp became the second Austral- Association CEO Steven München- gages in an already cooling housing The regulator is set to announce while loan-loss provisions may hit banks. “The second one is regula- ian lender after ANZ Banking Group berg said on Friday. “The question is market. Charles Littrell, a senior further measures to increase capital, their highest in five years by the next tions, and the reason is, ultimately to be dragged to court by regulators do we need a Royal Commission to executive at the Australian Pruden- eroding banks’ bottom line. financial year, according to Thomson over time, the more regulation there over suspected rigging of benchmark do that? No, we do not.” tial and Regulation Authority, told Profit growth is set to ease to low Reuters I/B/E/S estimates. is the more it will pressure returns.” Fuel queues stalling Nigerian economy Almarai posts slight profit rise; warns of tough market AFP crazy. At half a tank I start looking. I to go to the black market, where the transfer of power and the country’s don’t want to get stuck.” naira is hovering around 220 per dol- strong GDP growth. But now the low Nigeria is no stranger to fuel scar- lar. In the end, the importers end up price of oil and Buhari’s unorthodox Reuters riyals in the same period last year, city. Despite its massive oil wealth, paying the difference without any monetary policy has changed the out- against an average forecast of 302 LAGOS: Nigeria’s financial capital years of mismanagement have left compensation. In response to the look dramatically. million riyals from five analysts. Lagos is running on fumes again. A state-owned refineries working at a fuel crisis, Nigeria’s Petroleum Min- Oil accounts for two-thirds of “Given the very competitive market fuel scarcity reached a climax this fraction of their 445,000 barrels per ister of State Emmanuel Kachikwu Nigeria’s revenue and the low prices DUBAI: Higher sales helped Saudi conditions driven by the economic week with cars in lengthy queues day capacity, according to Bloomb- wrangled a deal with international are putting pressure on the govern- Arabia’s Almarai to post a marginal slowdown, the performance of the clogging traffic, stoking tempers and erg News. Yet this latest round is energy companies working in the ment. Meanwhile, propping up the rise in first-quarter net profit yester- company has been relatively strong dampening investor confidence in a particularly bad, a situation ana- country to provide about $200m to currency is draining foreign exchange day, though the Gulf’s largest dairy in its core segments,” the company top oil producing country. lysts attribute to the crash in global help fund fuel imports. reserves. The fuel queues are just one company warned of challenging said. Things got violent. Local newspa- oil prices and President Muham- “This is probably the most chal- symptom of the failing economy. market conditions in the face of the In another sign of the challenges pers reported paramilitary officers madu Buhari’s stubborn insistence lenging issue since I took over,” “Nigeria is at a crucial turning region’s economic slowdown. facing the Saudi retail sector, Jarir shooting dead gas sellers on the black on pegging the naira at 197 to 199 to Kachikwu said in a speech posted on point,” Anna Rosenberg, director of Saudi companies are grappling Marketing, one of the kingdom’s market, as the Lagos state governor the dollar through capital controls his Facebook page Thursday, prom- sub-Saharan Africa research at Frontier with a protracted slump in oil prices largest retailers by market value, announced a ban on “indiscriminate and import restrictions. ising “by the second week of April we Strategy Group, said. “It could muddle that is putting government and con- posted a 29.5 percent drop in first- queues”, a Kafkaesque attempt to get “The downstream marketers are should be out of the queue situation.” through this year with relatively low sumer spending under pressure. quarter net profit on falling sales, traffic flowing. Hoping to beat the probably in genuine financial distress Still, he admitted, the $200m growth, but only if the government One indicator of the latter is cash particularly for smartphones and crowds, some spent the night in their right now,” Alan Cameron, a London- “buffer” is not a long term solution. adjusts monetary policy and lets the withdrawals from automated teller other electronics. vehicles waiting in the queue outside based economist at frontier markets When Buhari was elected presi- naira devalue,” she said. “The longer machines sinking 13 percent year on For Almarai, sales remained a filling station. “I slept in the car, in firm Exotix, said. With dollars in dent last year, investors were bullish they refuse to do that, the worse it’s year in February, according to offi- strong, with a 13.6 percent increase the back seat. I need fuel,” Kenny short supply, fuel importers are forced on Nigeria, emboldened by a peaceful going to look.” cial data. on the back of growth for its dairy Giwa, a 26-year-old taxi driver, said. Almarai made a profit of 308.5m and juice, bakery and poultry seg- Giwa’s determination paid off. Just riyals ($82.3m) in the three months ments helping to maintain profit after dawn on Wednesday, his bat- to March 31, up from 306.5 million levels. tered blue Volkswagen Golf was first at the gate of a station selling petrol for 86.50 naira (43 US cents, 38 euro Saudi’s Samref oil refinery cents) per litre. But his victory will be short-lived. “If I buy today it will last two days, then I’ll queue again,” operating at full capacity Giwa said with a sigh, “The price of the black market fuel is too much.” Nearby, black market fuel hawk- Reuters in an emailed statement. ers stand holding pieces of hose and Trading sources said that a yellow jerry cans waiting for richer 155,000 barrel per day (bpd) vacuum — or more desperate — drivers will- distillation unit (VDU) was down, trig- ing to fork over twice the amount AL KHOBAR: Saudi Arabia’s Sam- gering a tender issuance to export of cash per litre to avoid the mind- ref oil refinery said yesterday all its residual fuels from the port of Yanbu. numbing wait. units were fully operational without VDUs are used to produce petroleum “We’re the largest oil producing exceptions, denying a report that one products from the heavier oils left over country in Africa, this is poor man- unit was down. from distillation in oil refineries. Sam- agement, greed and corruption,” “Regretfully, this news is totally ref on Saudi Arabia’s west coast is a said Muyiwa Oke, a pharmaceutical incorrect and the refinery is fully 400,000 barrel per day joint refinery researcher buying black market gas operating including all its units between Saudi state-owned Aramco A fuel hawker filling the car with fuel on the side of the road in Lagos. for 250 naira per litre. “The traffic is without exceptions,” Samref said and US oil major Exxon Mobil. BUSINESS MONDAY 11 APRIL 2016 25 Hong Kong emerges as hub for creating offshore firms

Those records highlight the central transparency” add to its appeal, he Fonseca, which derived nearly a third supports the proliferation of for- offshore was China, according to an role Hong Kong has come to play in said. of its business from Hong Kong and eign-registered companies. Hong analysis of ICIJ data by the Guardian Hong Kong does designing offshore financial vehicles. Hong Kong was Mos- China, according to ICIJ. Kong’s independent legal system newspaper. not tax income that Hong Kong brims with people sack Fonseca’s go-to spot for In part, the prominence of off- and effective escape route from Large-scale counterfeiters from expert at packaging and protecting financial intermediaries, home to shore vehicles in Hong Kong has mainland China’s currency con- Germany, Austria and Japan, as well originates abroad, a wealth. The back pages of newspapers 2,212 accountants, banks and other to do with its special relationship trols — it’s easier to move money as China, run off-shore structures out policy that supports teem with advertisements for corpo- middlemen Mossack Fonseca used with mainland China. Many inves- between mainland China and Hong of Hong Kong to launder their money, rate formation companies, one-stop to set up 37,675 offshore companies tors set up offshore vehicles so they Kong than elsewhere — also add to said Douglas Clark, a lawyer at Hong the proliferation of shops promising fast bank account for its global clients from 1977 to 2015 can sell mainland assets without its appeal, lawyers say. Kong’s Gilt Chambers. foreign-registered opening, corporate compliance, tax — more than any other place in the being subjected to layers of govern- The kind of political uncertainty Despite a recent crackdown on and accountancy services. Offshore world, according to ICIJ’s analysis. ment approval. Others have used, and that drove investors offshore before secrecy, Hong Kong is still ranked as companies. vehicles are used to minimise tax, China’s Foreign Ministry dis- sometimes abused, offshore struc- Hong Kong’s 1997 handover persists the second most secretive jurisdiction mitigate political risk and circum- missed ICIJ’s reports as “groundless,” today. The Basic Law, a mini-consti- in the world, after Switzerland, by the vent onerous regulations in China. and the government has aggres- tution that enshrines China’s “one Tax Justice Network, a UK advocacy And they are completely legal. sively censored discussion of them. Offshore vehicles country, two systems” policy toward group. Rules are only as good as their AP But Hong Kong’s offshore finan- Hong Kong tax authorities said in an Hong Kong, expires in 2047. “We are enforcement, said John Christensen, cial machinery works so well, and email on Friday that they would “take have become so on borrowed time,” said David Webb, Tax Justice Network’s director, add- so discreetly, that it can be abused necessary actions” based on the off- commonplace a former investment banker and Hong ing that “Hong Kong has never had a by those seeking to hide illicit assets shore leaks, and work to “enhance that 75 percent of Kong shareholder activist. strong supervisory culture”. HONG KONG: In 2009, Jasmine Li, or evade taxes. the efficiency and effectiveness” of Offshore vehicles have become so In 2014, Hong Kong began requir- whose grandfather was the fourth As traditional havens like Swit- enforcement as required. Hong Kong-listed commonplace that 75 percent of Hong ing companies to have at least one most powerful politician in China zerland cave to years of grinding Mossack Fonseca tapped a Hong companies are Kong-listed companies are actually real person serving as a director. at the time, donned a floral Carolina pressure from European and Ameri- Kong firm called P&P Secretarial domiciled in Bermuda or the Cay- This effectively barred the practice Herrera gown and debuted at a ball can tax authorities, unsavory money Management — which is run by an actually domiciled man Islands, according to an analysis of creating impenetrable daisy chains in Paris. That same year, a British Vir- is drawn to Hong Kong, which accountant named Wai-hon Chiu, in Bermuda or the by Webb. But there are other, more of corporate ownership, in which one gin Islands company she would later despite reforms retains its reputa- according to corporate filings — to controversial uses of Hong Kong’s off- mysterious company was controlled come to own for $1 was born in an tion for secrecy, non-cooperation, register Harvest Sun Trading in the Cayman Islands. shore machinery. by another mysterious company. aeging building in a red-light district and a light regulatory touch, watch- British Virgin Islands. The Panama Papers, together with But clients can easily register of Hong Kong, just one example of the dog groups and lawyers say. P&P Secretarial is not listed in tures to take advantage of China’s tax past leaks published by ICIJ, show how companies under other people’s city’s key role in helping the world’s “Hong Kong attracts this type of the telephone directory, and its con- breaks for foreign companies. More China’s own political and economic names. “They can always find their elite shuttle their wealth offshore. hot money from across the region tact details are not easy to find on foreign direct investment to China elite use Hong Kong intermediaries to relative as the nominee,” said the The information about Li, who and globally, partly because of its the Internet. Its name is not among between 1979 and 2014 ostensibly get their money out of China. director of a small incorporation has not been accused of wrongdoing, perceived stability,” said Iain Wil- the three businesses listed at the came from the British Virgin Islands Much of the wealth that runs firm also based in Wan Chai dis- comes from a tremendous cache of lis, a partner at Latymer Partners, entrance to the second-floor office than from anywhere else, aside from through Hong Kong comes from trict. The big secrecy business runs documents leaked from the Panama- a corporate intelligence advisory it now occupies in Hong Kong’s Hong Kong, according to the US Con- mainland China, which is widely seen out of the gleaming skyscrapers of nian law firm Mossack Fonseca and firm in London. “’Light-touch’ finan- Wan Chai district. Great fortunes gressional Research Service. as a growth market in the offshore Hong Kong’s Central business dis- published by the International Con- cial regulation, easy rules on run through small offices like this, Hong Kong does not tax income industry. The top source of funds trict, where elite firms charge ten sortium of Investigative Journalists. company incorporation and limited and not just from clients of Mossack that originates abroad, a policy that that Mossack Fonseca helped move times his rates, he said.

Singapore housing Boeing gets Top Chinese $1.5bn surprise with new 747 carmakers plot jumbo jet orders push into India Bloomberg CHICAGO: Boeing Co landed new four orders valued at $1.5bn for its 747 jumbo jetliners, giving life to Reuters among other locations. The auto- a program starved for sales amid maker plans to set up a factory in waning demand for four-engine India within the next three years and aircraft. is in the early stages of researching The orders were reported on NEW DELHI/BEIJING: China’s such a move, the person said. Boeing’s website last week and the top carmaker SAIC Motor Corp “The market potential of India is identity of the customer wasn’t dis- and Great Wall Motor, its biggest huge,” said the source. For SAIC, the closed. The US plane maker also maker of SUVs, are spearheading maker of marquee MG and Roewe reported that it delivered fewer the country’s first major push into cars, India is next on the agenda jetliners than a year earlier as it India, one of the world’s fastest after entering Indonesia and would navigates transitions for two long- growing auto markets, as growth happen before they try to enter Rus- range aircraft: the hump-nosed 747 at home stagnates. sia, other European nations or the and the 767. The entry is late and risky United States. The new sales provide a A cluster of high-rise public housing apartments situated in the Queenstown district of Singapore. — global carmakers like Volkswa- SAIC is also in discussion to buy much-needed lift for the 747- gen AG, Ford Motor and General a plant currently operated by GM in Public housing in Singapore is managed and built by the Housing & Development Board (HDB), a 8, the latest model in a jetliner Motors have struggled to push Gujarat, according to people familiar statutory board under the Ministry of National Development. Since its formation in 1960, the HDB family that debuted in 1970 and sales in the cost conscious Indian with the matter. The Detroit auto- has provided Singaporeans with state-built housing to increase home ownership. Over 80 percent of ushered in an era of affordable market despite being here for maker plans to stop production at Singaporeans stay in public housing. long-range travel for the mass more than a decade. Chinese cars the Halol plant in Gujarat by end- consumer market. also suffer from perceptions of June as it consolidates operations at Last year Boeing netted only poor quality in India. one location. two orders for the aircraft, which While they plan to woo Indian “We are examining a number have a $379m list price. The com- buyers with their no-frills cars and of options in relation to the Halol pany has repeatedly slowed the cut-price SUVs, Chinese manufac- factory ... including the sale of the 747 assembly line, most recently turers will compete head on with site,” GM said in a statement. The Toyota and Microsoft team up to an output of six jets a year, as established carmakers like Suzuki company declined to elaborate on the order book thinned. Motor and Hyundai Motor that how it plans to sell the factory and Boeing had 23 unfilled jumbo dominate many markets in South- said there was nothing further to Bloomberg Texas. The initial investment will be as infotainment and real-time traf- orders as of March, although the east Asia. announce about Halol at this point. $5.5m, the carmaker said. fic updates to moving vehicles. Toyota tally includes two planes already Even so, India offers one of the In February, 12 executives from Toyota plans to use data science and Microsoft have been collaborat- built for defunct Russian carrier last frontiers of growth - by 2020 Great Wall attended the India Auto through Microsoft’s Azure cloud tech- ing in this area since 2011. Transaero Airlines that are in the country is likely to become the Expo car show to survey the market CHICAGO: Toyota Motor Corp is nology to develop services that “help Kurt DelBene, executive vice storage. world’s third-largest car market, and understand government policy collaborating with Microsoft Corp to humanize the driving experience,’’ president of corporate strategy The plane maker handed off from fifth place, with annual sales on diesel engines and emissions, an to consolidate much of the carmak- according to a statement. “Toyota and planning at Microsoft, said the 176 jetliners to customers in the nearly doubling to 5 million vehicles industry source in India said. er’s global research in telematics, Connected will help free our custom- company will work with Toyota first quarter compared with 184 from 2.7 million in 2015. Great Wall’s board of directors data analytics and network security ers from the tyranny of technology,’’ Connected “to make driving more a year earlier, according to a Boe- SAIC and Great Wall are in sepa- on March 7 voted unanimously in services as the auto industry expands Hicks said. personal, intuitive and safe”. The new ing statement. Total orders rose to rate talks with the state government favour of a motion to establish a sub- connected-vehicle technologies. Carmakers are expanding con- venture will study everything from 139 from 116. of Maharashtra to set up a factory in sidiary in India, according to a stock The Toyota Connected venture nected-car services as the industry cars that help each other analyze Boeing and Airbus Group SE the auto hub of Pune city, the state exchange filing. A spokeswoman will be headed by Zack Hicks, chief heads toward technologies such as traffic patterns to use-based insur- are planning to speed produc- industries minister said. said there were no further details on information officer and group vice- autonomous vehicles. Telematics ance pricing to connecting drivers tion of their narrowbody jets A source close to SAIC said the the carmaker’s plans there, includ- president at Toyota Motor North combines computers and wireless with information and security serv- while simultaneously introduc- company is considering Pune city ing when it would set up a subsidiary. America, and will be based in Plano, technology to provide services such ices in their homes. ing upgraded versions, a difficult juggling act for the companies as they each roll the aircraft out of factories at a rate of 42 a month. Investors closely monitor deliv- UK economy may be heading for worst quarter since 2012 eries to gauge revenues since the bulk of payments are handed over at that time. Bloomberg data showed the trade gap widened to the most of 0.4 percent. The ONS also said that the trade basic iron and steel plunging 38 percent. Pro- Boeing delivered 121 of its 737s in eight years and there was an unexpected deficit in goods and services widened to £13.7bn duction of crude steel is at its lowest level since during the first quarter, the same decline in industrial production. With ques- ($19bn) in the three months through February, 2008. as a year earlier. Deliveries for its tion marks over the pace of global growth and the most since the first quarter of 2008. “The With production weakening, it’s been left 747 jumbos fell to one from four LONDON: The UK economy may have grown domestic confidence taking a hit in the buildup weakest points of the U.K. economy just got to services and consumer spending to drive amid dwindling demand. The at the slowest pace in more than three years in to Britain’s European Union membership vote in weaker,” said Daniel Vernazza, an economist the economy to 12 straight quarters of growth. plane maker handed off one 767 the first quarter, according to new estimates June, the economy may be losing momentum. at UniCredit in London. Still, that side of the economy is not immune if as it focuses on resolving delays that could put a further cloud over the outlook. The 0.3 percent drop in industrial output Weak trade and manufacturing numbers confidence takes a hit because of uncertainty that have plagued an aerial refu- The National Institute of Economic and in February followed a 0.2 percent increase in in recent years have raised concerns about the surrounding ‘Brexit’. Markit Economics said eling version of the jet. Social Research estimated on Friday that gross January, smaller than initially reported. Based UK’s imbalanced economy. The future of Brit- on Tuesday that business confidence is “in the The manufacturer is combin- domestic product rose 0.3 percent, half the on the current figures, output would need to ish industry is now under an even darker cloud doldrums” and its surveys indicate expansion ing oversight of its 767 and 747 pace recorded in the last three months of 2015. surge 3.1 percent in March just to come in flat for after Tata Steel said it’s considering the sale of its slowed to 0.4 percent in the first quarter. programs as part of an initiative That would be the worst performance since the the quarter, according to the Office for National unprofitable UK division, jeopardising 40,000 “If a decision is taken to leave the EU it’s spearheaded by commercial air- fourth quarter of 2012, which was the last time Statistics. Kallum Pickering, an economist at jobs. going to create enormous uncertainty,” former planes chief executive Ray Conner the economy shrank. Berenberg in London, said the figures suggest The ONS said manufacturing production International Monetary Fund Chief Economist to flatten management and speed The institute published the estimate after downside risks to his first-quarter GDP forecast fell an annual 1.8 percent in February, with Olivier Blanchard said on Friday. decision making. 26 MONDAY 11 APRIL 2016 BUSINESS

QE INDICES SUMMARY QATAR STOCK EXCHANGE QE Index 10,128.65 0.36 % QE Total Return Index 16,322.23 0.36 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 3,963.98 0.06 % QE All Share Index 2,820.5 0.26 % QE All Share Banks & Financial Services 2,723.78 0.53 % QE All Share Industrials 3,127.77 0.21 % QE All Share Transportation 2,538.9 0.19 % QE All Share Real Estate 2,445.04 1.02 % QE All Share Insurance 4,538.17 0.65 % QE All Share Telecoms 1,165.33 0.38 % QE All Share Consumer Goods & Services 6,630.64 1.11 %

QE MARKET SUMMARY COMPARISON 10-04-2016 Today 07-04-2016 Previous day Index 10,128.65 10,164.76 Change 36.11 133.74 % 0.36 1.33 YTD% 2.88 2.54 Volume 6,213,694 9,278,837 Value (QAR) 222,184,357.56 379,395,379.94 Trades 3,777 5,553 Up 18 | Down 19 | Unchanged 02

WORLD STOCK INDICES Index Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low All Ordinaries 5024.565 24.158 0.48 5379.6 4762.1 Cac 40 Index/D 4259.87 9.59 0.23 4586.11 3892.46 Dj Indu Average 17603.32 -133.68 -0.75 18351.4 15370.3 Hang Seng Inde/D 20206.67 29.67 0.15 21794.84 18278.8 Iseq Overall/D 6227.49 4.97 0.08 6791.68 5611.89 Karachi 100 In/D 33946.37 179.88 0.53 33951.41 29785 Nikkei 225 Index 15715.36 -17.46 -0.11 18951.12 14865.77 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 2134.72 1810.1

EXCHANGE RATE Currency Buying Selling US$ QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 UK QR 5.1132 QR 5.1879 Euro QR 4.1140 QR 4.1973 CA$ QR 2.7783 QR 2.8416 Stock buybacks Swiss Fr QR 3.7815 QR 3.8773 Yen QR 0.0332 QR 0.0342 Aus$ QR 2.7207 QR 2.7897 Ind Re QR 0.0539 QR 0.0551 stay popular Pak Re QR 0.0350 QR 0.0348 Peso QR 0.0776 QR 0.0801 SL Re QR 0.0249 QR 0.0255 Taka QR 0.4680 QR 0.0467 amid criticism Nep Re QR 0.0339 QR 0.0346 SA Rand QR 0.2369 QR 0.2416 AFP count by at least four percent, said Howard Silverblatt, analyst GOLD AND SILVER at S&P Dow Jones Indices. The net effect is to increase GOLD QR143.8323 per gramme NEW YORK: Confronted with the companies’ earnings-per- SILVER QR1.7668 per gramme a sluggish global economy, US share by at least four percent. companies have settled on a But as a study by University controversial tool that rewards of Chicago professors Daniel shareholders and executives: Bens, Franco Wong and Doug- share buybacks. las Skinner, that gain “cannot First permitted by the US be attributed to improved firm Iraqi govt to give bonds Securities and Exchange Com- performance.” mission in 1982, the use of share The surge in spending on to unpaid contractors buybacks has spread rapidly over buybacks has been huge. In the last five years due in part to 2009, the 500 biggest pub- in February announced a debt per share even as overall earn- nomination for president, said last BAGHDAD: Iraqi government contractors will be pressure from activist investors licly-traded companies in the offering of $12bn to finance buy- ings fall. year that she supports reforms to receiving bonds in lieu of cash as a solution to pay- anxious for a quick payoff. US spent 27.5 percent of their backs and share dividends, even William Lazonick, an econ- ensure that buybacks aren’t used ment delays caused by the collapse in the nation’s oil When companies buy back $500bn in operating profits as it holds more than $200bn in omist at the University of just to boost share prices. income, the central bank said yesterday. shares, the shares remaining on buybacks, according to S&P cash, much of it overseas. Massachusetts at Lowell, said Elizabeth Warren, the pro- The bonds can be traded in the local market or on the market rise in value due Indices. By 2015, they spent 64.7 The market has taken a kind buybacks also do not ensure gressive Democratic Senator from cashed at banks for a discount, the central bank said the tighter supply, an immediate percent of $885.3bn in earnings view of buybacks. Shares of 100 companies stay prosperous by Massachusetts, also favors reining in an emailed statement. It didn’t indicate a maturity or boon to shareholders. Executives on buybacks. companies that undertook buy- investing in their businesses. in the “sugar high” from buy- interest rate. The bonds can also be used as loan guar- also benefit when their compen- Apple led the way with last backs in 2014 outperformed “You are manipulating the backs. Critics say there is also a antees at face value, it added, without saying when the sation is tied to the share price, year putting $37bn in buybacks, competitors who used funds to stock prices,” he said. “And then link between runaway buybacks securities will be issued. often through rich stock options. followed by Microsoft with build factories or hire employees, you are not creating value. You and the rising gap between rich “The financial crisis cell headed by the prime minister But critics point out that $17.9bn and Qualcomm with according to a study by Barclays. are extracting value that work- and poor. agreed to the central bank’s proposal to issue govern- companies spending billions of $11.6bn. Making that possible has And buybacks have ers and taxpayers and others “If the US is to achieve eco- ment bonds to pay the dues of contractors and suppliers dollars of shareholder funds on been the companies’ lofty cash accounted for about 21 percent created.” nomic growth with an equitable ... hereby contributing to solving the problem of due buybacks means the funds are holdings, which stood at $1.3 tril- of the rise of the S&P 500 since “The only logic is that the income distribution and sta- payments,” it said. The government is struggling to meet not being invested in new plants, lion at the end of 2015 among the 2009, according to S&P Dow people who are making those ble employment opportunities, payments as a costly war on Islamic State insurgents higher salaries and other areas S&P 500, according to Silverblatt. Jones Indices. decisions want to get stock prices government rule-makers and in the north and west drains a budget that is already that boost the company and the They “have to do something with But not everyone is sold. For up so they can sell the stock and business decision-makers must strained by lower oil prices. broader economy. their cash,” said Silverblatt. one, critics point out that fre- enrich themselves.” take steps to bring both exec- The Central Bank announced last month its first Over the past two years, at But some also take advantage quently buybacks mask poor Politicians, too, have taken utive pay and stock buybacks bond sale to the public since 2003 in an attempt to plug least 20 percent of S&P 500 com- of low interest rates to borrow performance: a buyback can up the issue. Hillary Clinton, the under control,” Lazonick wrote the budget deficit. panies have trimmed their share money to fund buybacks. Apple increase a company’s earnings favorite to win the Democratic in an April 2014 paper. Results, rate and rupee to steer Indian equity markets

IANS “We expect markets to react to can be justified,” James explained. Pankaj Sharma, head of equities fundamental picture,” cautioned global cues which could remain vol- The week ahead will disclose glo- for Equirus Securities, cited: “On mar- Anindya Banerjee, associate vice Market observers atile considering the FOMC (US federal bal macro-economic data, such as the ket expectations next week, we think president for currency derivatives pointed out that open market committee) meeting March inflation figures from China, that if the foreign investors are bear- with Kotak Securities. MUMBAI: Upcoming quarterly investors’ sentiments later this month,” Agarwal said. The European countries and the US. ish, we may again be looking at some The week ended April 8 saw the results, along with global and US FOMC meet assumes significance In addition, the domestic macro- more losses.” Indian equity markets plunge on domestic macro-economic data, are will be heavily — as it will decide the future course economic data will start from April For the week under review, data the back of disappointment over the expected to guide the Indian equity influenced by foreign of the US rate hikes. A hike in the US 12, with the release of the Index of with stock exchanges revealed that extent of reduction in the key lend- markets during the week ahead. interest rates is expected to lead away Industrial Production (IIP) and retail FIIs (Foreign Institutional Investors) ing rates. Market observers pointed out that funds inflow, global Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) from inflation (Consumer Price Index) divested stocks worth Rs877.26 crore. Further, investors were spooked investors’ sentiments will be heavily crude oil prices emerging markets such as India. figures. These data points will be fol- The same data showed that by a likely announcement on US rate influenced by foreign funds inflow, Besides, global and domestic lowed by the Wholesale Price Index domestic institutional investors (DIIs) hike. This diminished the foreign global crude oil prices and the rupee’s and the rupee’s macro-economic data are expected to (WPI) on April 18. sold stocks worth Rs178.22 crore. funds inflow into the equity markets. movements. “The earnings season movements. play a major role in setting the tone for According to analysts, the trun- However, figures from the National The subdued weekly trade led remains crucial. Global risk senti- the equity markets, explained Anand cated week ahead might be front Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) to the barometer 30-scrip sensitive ment which is somehow tied up to the James, chief market strategist, Geojit loaded with volatility, due to thin highlighted that the FPIs (Foreign Port- index (Sensex) of the BSE to plum- oil prices needs to be watched,” Dev- to come out with its results on April 15. BNP Paribas Financial Services. volumes and unwinding of long posi- folio Investors) invested Rs7,624.87 met by 596 points or 2.35 percent to endra Nevgi, chief executive of ZyFin Besides the Q4 results, global cues “With most major central banks tions ahead of the extended weekend. crore or $1,150.09m in the equity and 24,673.84 points. Advisors, said. would dictate the trajectory of the opting to go easy on the interest rates The domestic equity markets will be debt markets from April 4-7. Similarly, the wider 50-scrip Nifty The Q4 (fourth quarter) results equity markets, elaborated Vaibhav recently, the inflation data of major closed on account of Dr Baba Saheb “FIIs buying in stocks may of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) season started April 8. Infosys is Agarwal, vice president and research economies being scheduled next week Ambedkar Jayanti on April 14 and slow down as valuations are get- receded by 157.85 points or 2.04 per- expected to be the first blue chip firm head at Angel Broking. should signal how far such decision Ram Navami on April 15. ting stretched considering weak cent to 7,555.20 points. BUSINESS VIEWS MONDAY 11 APRIL 2016 27

Tsipras demonises Inflation tests ahead IMF to rally troops for bailout sacrifices for global economy

By Paul Taylor It undercut months of patient Reuters efforts by Tsipras and Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos to rebuild lenders’ trust after the havoc wrought by former Finance n Athens, walls have ears. The Minister Yanis Varoufakis, who leaking of a conference call of sparred acrimoniously with his IInternational Monetary Fund euro zone colleagues and leaked officials on Greece’s latest bailout documents to try to bounce them review has further undermined into concessions. mutual trust in fraught debt talks, It also shone a light on a com- embarrassed the European Com- plex, three-dimensional chess mission and infuriated the IMF game the IMF is playing to try and Germany. to make Greece accept painful At stake are the IMF’s rep- reforms of pensions, taxation and utation as a stern enforcer of bad loans while pressuring Ger- financial rescue programmes many and its allies to grant Athens meant to make indebted states substantial debt relief. viable and the European Union’s Put simply, the IMF’s posi- determination to hold the euro tion is that the Greek economy zone together and avert another is in worse shape than rosy EU damaging Greek crisis. forecasts suggest, and that a nec- Greek Prime Minister Alexis essary relaxation of fiscal targets Tsipras exploited the leak at home must be balanced by greater debt to demonise the IMF, rally his left- relief from euro zone lenders. wing Syriza party ahead of more Since the Europeans refuse painful sacrifices to secure the an outright debt write-off, next slice of European loans, and known as a “haircut”, they will try to put his conservative oppo- have to stretch out loan maturi- nents in a corner. ties for decades and give Athens a But efforts to drive a wedge 20-year debt service holiday. Pedestrians walk past a money exchange business in the Wan Chai district of Hong Kong. between the EU institutions and Otherwise the numbers won’t the IMF, and isolate IMF Europe add up and the programme is director Paul Thomsen, a veteran headed for failure, the IMF says. of six years of acrimonious nego- “The bottom line is the debt tiations with Athens, fell flat. will not be repaid in our lifetime,” By Ross Finley the way of what many central banks are wage inflation as well as a slowdown “Each time Tsipras is going to said Jacob Kirkegaard, senior Reuters hoping for: pressure on inflation through in economic growth and investment have to compromise, he needs to fellow at the Peterson Institute wages as labour increasingly becomes more plans ahead of a June 23 referendum on create an external enemy,” said for International Economics in scarce. whether Britain should remain in or leave George Pagoulatos, professor of Washington. Already there are signs the dramatic fall the European Union. European politics and economy “The IMF is gearing up for new ith the world economy enter- in unemployment in the United States and In the eurozone, where the European at Athens University. “It’s part of clients in the emerging economies. ing a more uncertain phase Britain, and to a lesser extent the euro zone, Central Bank just delivered an unexpect- his old populist playbook. That is not best done by being soft and the top central banks is starting to slow, which is normal this far edly large dose of extra stimulus, growth “It’s smart domestic politics on Greece. They won’t go to the sounding ever more cau- into an economic expansion, albeit an une- has been holding up relatively well, but even if it is dumb diplomacy.” (IMF) board to approve partic- tious, attention may turn in ven and lacklustre one. progress in getting the unemployment rate After a transcript of the March ipation in a third Greek bailout Wthe coming week to signs of whether years “The US merits special attention,” writes down has also slowed. 19 conversation was posted on without something they think of aggressive stimulus have yielded any sig- David Hensley, a director of global research Eurozone inflation is expected to be Internet site WikiLeaks, Tsipras is tough and credible,” he said. nificant rise in inflation. at J P Morgan. “If the US unemployment rate confirmed at -0.1 percent, well short of its demanded the IMF explain Brussels contends that both the The US Federal Reserve, the Bank of Eng- were to stabilise at 5 percent, the Fed would goal of just under 2 percent. If that itself whether it was plotting to push economy and Greek compliance land and the European Central Bank all have have much less incentive to hike rates unless weren’t enough of a worry, the euro, like Greece to the brink of default to with the bailout programme are been disappointed to varying degrees about this level of unemployment turns out to be the yen, is stubbornly rallying just when make it swallow harsher aus- better than the IMF thinks, hence how little inflation has picked up, or indeed low enough to generate a sustained rise in central bank policymakers have deliv- terity measures. The text offers the first review should be con- how it has spent too much time going the wage and price inflation, something Chair ered stimulus with the hope of spurring little support for such accusa- cluded soon, allowing Athens to opposite way. Yellen has expressed considerable scepti- on export performance and importing tions, although the IMF officials access the next $5.70bn of loans. The Bank of Japan, which has been cism about.” inflation from abroad. do note that Athens only compro- In the transcript, IMF Greece trying to ward off deflation going on two So far, measures of underlying price This suggests to many observers that mises when it runs out of money. mission chief Delia Velculescu decades, has now been hit with a counter- pressures that strip out volatile energy and central banks are near or at the end of IMF Managing Director Chris- complains that the Commission productive surge in the yen after a contested food prices have risen to close to or even their policy reach. tine Lagarde made clear whom agrees on joint positions only to decision last month to adopt a tiny negative above where the Fed likes them to be. But The start of the US company earnings she held responsible, backing back down to the Greeks the next interest rate. they have shown little sign of climbing season is also set to kick off, with hopes her staff and writing to Tsipras: day, giving Athens no incentive to Even in China, beyond that, hence the caution on rates. abound that a reprieve from the dollar’s “It is critical that your authori- make tough reforms. where it is diffi- US inflation as measured by the Con- climb may improve the outlook after one ties ensure an environment that Thomsen belittles tax cult to fathom the sumer Price Index (CPI) is expected to rise to of the most volatile starts to the year ever respects the privacy of their increases proposed by Greece The Bank of Japan, sheer magnitude 1.2 percent on a year ago, and steady around for Wall Street. internal discussions and take all to plug the fiscal gap as “Mickey of fiscal and mon- 2.3 percent on a core basis, according to a The worry, again, is that a tamer dol- necessary steps to guarantee their Mouse stuff”. He also suggests which has been trying etary stimulus preliminary Reuters poll of economists for lar will hurt performance at companies personal safety.” German Chancellor Angela Mer- to ward off deflation Beijing has piled on data due on Thursday. based in Europe, Japan and elsewhere, The leak highlighted known kel should be made to choose since the financial In Britain, where the central bank has underscoring the reasons behind the Fed’s differences between the IMF and between giving Athens substantial going on two decades, crisis, consumer left its key interest rate at a record low for caution about the international backdrop the EU over the state of Greece’s debt relief or seeing the IMF pull has now been hit with price inflation seven years and shows no sign of moving behind its policy stance. third international bailout since out. Germany, the biggest cred- is remarkably for at least another, inflation is even weaker. What might end up grabbing even 2010, and over how much more itor, is the most reluctant about a counterproductive tame and likely to The UK CPI is forecast to rise by just 0.4 more attention before the World Bank and Athens needs to do to meet its major debt restructuring. Its par- surge in the yen after remain so. percent on a year ago and 1.3 percent on a IMF meetings at the end of the week could fiscal targets and make its debt liament insists on a continued IMF For developed core basis, in data due Tuesday, a few days hit the root of much of the Fed’s caution sustainable. More damagingly, it presence to enforce budget sav- a contested decision economies, the before the Bank of England sets policy. No since it began contemplating its first rate laid bare the IMF staff’s contempt ings and minimize the need for last month to adopt a worry is whether dissent on a unanimously-forecast decision rise in nearly a decade last year. for the European Commission, stretching out loans and freezing tiny negative interest a slowdown in to leave rates steady is expected. Optimism, not pessimism, about China seen as too soft on the Greeks. interest payments. growth over The UK jobless rate has stabilised appears to be on the rise, with most fore- rate. the past several at 5.1 percent over the last few months. casters broadly looking for stabilisation months will get in That has followed a recent softening in across swathes of key economic indicators. Norway’s high-yield bond market becomes latest casualty of oil turmoil

By Jonathan Saul and Henrik Stolen companies, mostly oil services firms, were Kidwell, chief executive of shipping group ($10.3 billion) in 2016, from around 103 bil- Reuters “in an active process” of restructuring their Braemar. lion crowns in 2014 after 13 years of growth, debt, but declined to name them. Several firms that provide services to the according to the Norwegian Shipowners’ “With a persistently low oil price, a lot global oil industry, including BW Offshore, Association. This has taken its toll on the of companies are in trouble,” Nordic Trus- Seadrill, Viking Supply Ships and Songa Off- ability of such firms to service their debts orway’s multi-billion-dollar high- tee Chief Executive Ragnar Sjoner said. shore have warned in recent weeks that and raise fresh finance, according to Nor- yield bond market has become the “There has been an increasing number of they were experiencing tougher financing dic Trustee. A number of bonds are maturing Nlatest casualty of the oil indus- firms (restructuring debt) in February and conditions and were seeking support from and coming up for renewal this year, but the try slump, with looming debt defaults for March,” he added. This paralysis of this glo- investors. problems could extend further out. firms that operate supply ships and drill- bal hub for debt financing for many small “If you are a Norwegian company, with “There are many firms which are not ing rigs set to hammer investors who bet and mid-size companies could acceler- a couple of exceptions, there is no market in default, but see that they won’t be able on the once-booming business. Shunned ate the decline of the oil services industry, for you outside Scandinavia. You’re not big to meet their maturities in 2018 and 2019,” by new investors, bond issuances by com- even should crude prices stage a sustained enough to enter the US bond market or the said Nordic Trustee CEO Sjoner. panies that provide services to the global recovery. euro bond market,” said Thomas Eitzen, By the end of 2015, the value of high- Shunned by new oil industry have dried up. This has effec- This could lead to further job losses in credit strategist with Swedish bank SEB in yield bonds outstanding amounted to 218 investors, bond issuances tively shut down a part of the corporate bond the Norwegian oil sector, which has shed Norway. “The prices of a lot of bonds have billion crowns, up from just 15 billion in market that is worth around $10bn and is thousands in recent months. been discounted.” 2003, data from Norway’s DNB Markets by companies that a crucial hub for debt financing for many This would put more pressure on Nor- Oil services firms expanded rapidly and financial data service Stamdata showed. provide services to small and mid-size companies from Nor- way, where the overall oil sector accounts during a decade-long oil boom, fuelled by About 40 percent had been sold by way and overseas. for about a fifth of the stagnating economy billions of dollars in high-yield bonds bought oil services firms, by far the single-big- the global oil industry “For the moment it is closed for small to and the jobless rate has risen to its highest by investors chasing high returns in an era gest group, DNB Markets said. But so far in have dried up. This has mid-cap companies. It’s a wipeout of value,” level in 11 years, especially in the oil capital of falling yields. But they have been hard hit 2016, there have been no new high-yield said Paddy Rodgers, chief executive of oil Stavanger and its environs on the west coast. by a 65-percent plunge in oil prices since bond issues. effectively shut down tanker company Euronav, adding that inves- “The Norwegian economy is more mid-2014. Energy companies slashed invest- Harkand, which provides vessels and a part of the corporate tors had been left taking extra risks without geared to oil production and offshore activ- ments, hiring fewer drilling rigs, supply services to help oil companies handle subsea bond market that is worth any significant improvement in returns. ities per se and therefore relative to many vessels, seismic ships and other equipment installations at offshore fields, became one Nordic Trustee, the sole organisation other economies, they will be suffering used in the search for oil and gas. of the first companies to declare a default around $10bn. that represents the interests of bondhold- greater simply because it is a bigger pro- Norwegian oil services firms’ turno- on a bond last month, according to a regu- ers in Norway, told Reuters that around 20 portion of their economic GDP,” said James ver is expected to fall to 86 billion crowns latory filing with the Oslo bourse. 28 MONDAY 11 APRIL 2016 BUSINESS

BACK TO BUSINESS sight Despite gender quota, still few Saudi moves to second phase of women in German boardrooms great oil gambit

AFP On Germany’s current trends, gender parity won’t be attained By Julian Lee But one part of the world is before 2040 on supervisory boards, Bloomberg bucking the trend and drilling and not until next century on execu- furiously to add the capacity ERMANY at the start tive boards, the expert has calculated. needed when demand once again of the year intro- Holst said that without real exceeds supply. Three countries duced a corporate sanctions for corporate laggards, HERE’S an oil supply — Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the “women’s quota” the new legislation would remain crunch looming and UAE — are seeing near-record obliging its 100 big- a “paper tiger.” Yet many women Saudi Arabia and its drilling rates. gest companies to fill executives fear that penalising com- local allies are posi- All three saw drilling reach Gat least 30 percent of their supervi- panies that don’t promote enough Ttioning themselves to take at least 20-year records in 2015 sory board seats with females. But females to board positions could be advantage. In what would be and activity remains close to that for many, including several of the counter-productive. the second phase of the king- peak. An expansion at Saudi Ara- women executives themselves, the “I don’t believe in sanctions, I dom’s strategy to defend its bia’s Shaybah field should add new legislation has so far proved don’t think sanctions get you the market share against rival pro- 250,000 barrels a day as early something of a “paper tiger”. right behaviour,” said Bayer’s first ducers (most visibly US shale), as June, while the Khurais field “The law is addressing the tip of female board member, Erica Mann. Gulf states are planning to raise could contribute another 300,000 the iceberg and we need to make sure “My view is that people need to will- output capacity to fill the hole barrels by the end of 2017. that we change more than that,” said ingly do things, and I think education left by the lack of investment in For Kuwait and the UAE, the Belen Garijo, board member at phar- is more important than sanctions.” new projects elsewhere. goals are even higher. Kuwait maceuticals specialist Merck KGaA. Mann said she grew up in South It may seem odd talking plans to raise production capac- The 55-year-old Spaniard is the Africa where in the 1980s she saw about an oil shortage when ity by 5 percent from 3 million first woman to hold such a position “quotas to get more black people and the world seems awash with the barrels a day by the third quar- at the world’s oldest pharmaceuticals more women into jobs”. stuff and storage tanks are brim- ter, and to reach 4 million barrels maker, based in Darmstadt. She said such quotas “force a good ming, but listed oil companies by 2020. Abu Dhabi means to lift But for her, what counts are the change and awareness” but can also are slashing spending for the production capacity to 3.5 mil- competence and skills required for be problematic for those who benefit second year running, leading lion barrels a day by 2017 from the job rather than quotas like the one because “you want to feel that you got the International Energy Agen- about 3 million. Germany introduced on January 1. that job fair and square, not because cy’s Neil Atkinson to warn of For Saudi Arabia the expan- “If someone were to tell me, 30-percent minimum required by the going to proceed at the same snail’s you’re (part of) a quota”. possible oil-security surprises sion is as much about gas as oil. ‘you sit on the board because you’re new law, which came at the insistence pace” as in the past, said Elke Holst, Garijo at Merck said that com- in the “not too distant” future. The number of rigs drilling for gas a female’, that would reduce me to of the junior partner in the ruling coa- research chief at the economic think panies that “would keep saying they The collapse in company there has jumped from about 20 tears,” she said. Claudia Nemat, a lition, the Social Democrats. tank DIW. don’t find women to occupy senior spending is illustrated perfectly in early 2013 to 60 last month, board member at Deutsche Telekom, Under the law, if women cannot The institute has been monitoring roles, they have a big problem”. by the level of drilling activity. as the country tries to develop its also said that such “legislation makes be found to fill 30 percent of super- the number of female top executives “Either the management process After all, if you don’t drill, you own resources to support a grow- no real difference”. visory board seats, then those seats in Germany’s 200 biggest companies they may have is not really efficient can’t get the oil out of the ground. ing petrochemicals industry and “Companies must understand must remain empty. for more than 10 years, and the results or effective, or they are using this Baker Hughes updated its free up oil for export. that diversity — both on the execu- By fixing a quota, Germany is fol- aren’t good. At the end of 2015, just probably as an excuse.” Holst at DIW monthly international drilling The first part of Saudi Ara- tive and supervisory boards — gives lowing in the footsteps of Norway, a six percent of the firms had female pointed out that German companies statistics last week. Unsurpris- bia’s “market share” strategy saw them a competitive advantage,” she pioneer in gender equality, and Euro- executive board members, and just accepted voluntary quotas back in ingly, they showed another steep it refuse to continue cutting output said. “We need men and women pean neighbours such as France, under 20 percent had women on their 2001, “but that simply didn’t work”. drop in rigs drilling for oil, a 12 to prop up high-cost producers with international experience, both Spain and the Netherlands. supervisory boards. She urged government fiscal and percent decline between Febru- elsewhere. As a result, US produc- young and old.” Big companies, and 3,500 small “The situation has improved family policy measures to make it eas- ary and March. There were 1,551 tion has fallen by about 600,000 The German drugs and telecoms and medium-sized enterprises, must slightly, but not very much with ier for women to have careers, pointing rigs active last month in the coun- barrels a day from its recent peak giants can be viewed as pioneers in also fix their own voluntary goals for regard to the executive board posi- to a conservative culture still preva- tries covered by Baker Hughes, and other high-cost areas are fol- a country where the glass ceiling for women on their management boards tions,” Holst said. There were no lent in parts of western Germany that the least since September 1999 lowing. The Saudis may not have women is still very much a reality. and provide regular updates on the women at all on the management expects women to stay at home. “Real- and down nearly 60 percent in announced part two of the strat- Both groups have female execu- progress they make. boards of groups such as Volkswa- ity has changed,” she said, “but things little more than a year. egy yet, but it’s well under way. tive board members and more women The new legislation “marks some gen, Commerzbank or Beiersdorf, haven’t necessarily changed at the on their supervisory boards than the progress, but let’s hope things aren’t maker of Nivea products. same pace in people’s heads”.

We think banks are about as low as they Capital Tim Ghriskey, can go. I would be very surprised to see Chief Investment Officer, Comment positive earnings for sometime to come. Solaris Group

TOP TWEETS BLOGS AND VIEWS Name in the Market Marmore MENA @ Wealth Adviser marmoremena TECH TITANS Saudi Aramco IPO The (US) Labour Department’s could raise $106b for wealth fund. new fiduciary rule is an implicit endorsement of the business model that fee-only Dealogic @Dealogic financial advisers have used for decades: getting paid only Weekly global HY bonds highest since by their clients, to limit their early-November ‘15 potential conflicts of interest.

Argaam Plus @ MoneyBeat ArgaamPlus #Saudi #bank The Bank of Japan enormous sector profit seen stimulus programs are an 3% higher in Q1 unmissable presence in the government bond market, Standard & Poor’s @ standardpoors and it’s now starting to show some signs of stress. The gap #China GDP growth appears to be trend- between the prices at which ing at around 6%, with investors are willing to buy and about two-thirds com- ing from consumption sell long dated Japanese bonds is growing. www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAGE | 31 PAGE | 36 Pacquiao wins Camels 1 crowned farewell fight Qatar rugby against Bradley champions

MONDAY 11 APRIL 2016 • 4 Rajab 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar Qatari Clasico: Al Sadd rally to hold Al Rayyan

the 71st minute in the Qatari Clasico Qatar Stars League but Al Sadd made a late recovery to Iajour hat-trick helps share points. Results Al Ahli stun Lekhwiya Al Sadd pulled one back through Al Ahli 5 Lekhwiya 4 5-4 in a high-scoring Hassan Al Haydous in the 89th minute El Jaish 2 Umm Salal 1 and Kasola scored the equaliser a Al Sadd 2 Al Rayyan 2 thriller of QSL minute later. Earlier, Al Rayyan took the lead counterattack by lajour who scored thanks to two goals from Garcia in twice in the last 10 minutes. the 55th and 71st minute. Lekhwiya also suffered because of The Peninsula In the other matches yesterday, Al a goalkeeping gaffe late in the round Ahli rallied back to defeat former QSL 25 clash of the Qatar Stars League champions Lekhwiya in a nine-goal (QSL). thriller, while El Jaish edged Umm Nam Tae-hee (5), Ahmed Al Saad DOHA: Two goals within a span of Salal 2-1. (42) and Mohammed Muntari’s dou- two minutes helped Al Sadd to rally At Al Ahli Stadium, Mouhssine ble (30 and 73) powered the former from behind to hold already-crowned Iajour’s superb hat-trick helped Al champions but Al Ahli fought back Qatar Stars League (QSL) Champi- Ahli stun Lekhwiya 5-4 in a high- after being 4-2 down at one stage. ons to a thrilling two-all draw in the scoring thriller. For Al Ahli, the five goals were Round 25 match. Lekhwiya unexpectedly scored by Iajour (14, 81 and 92), Al Rayyan were leading 2-0 till dropped points due to breath-taking Ndombe Mubele (63) and Mohammed Al Yazeedi (86). Lekhwiya opened the scoring through striker Tae-hee who Action from powered home a bullet off a shot from the QSL match inside the Al Ahli box. between Al Sadd Clumsy defending by Al Ahli’s Action from the Qatar Stars League (QSL) match between Al Ahli and Lekhwiya. Al Ahli won 5-4. BOTTOM: and Al Rayyan. Fred Dabanka allowed Hee deflect Action from the QSL match between El Jaish and Umm Salal yesterday. El Jaish won 2-1. home an easy volley for his team’s first goal in the 9th minute. Al Ahli’s Iajour produced the Four minutes later, Lekhwiya equaliser in the 14th minute. goalkeeper Amin fumbled with Captain Mashael Abdulla tapped an easy clearance, allowing an a low pass to Iajour who slipped the unmarked Al Yazeedi to grab the ball ball past goalkeeper Lecoumet Kloud and put it at the back of the net. Amin for the home team’s first goal. Lajour flicked one home in injury Despite Al Ahli’s equaliser, time to complete Al Ahli’s memo- Lekhwiya mounted greater pressure rable win. Elsewhere, a double by on the home team and succeeded in high-scoring striker Abdulrazzaq taking lead for the second time when Hamadallah helped El Jaish pick up Muntari found the net at the half- three points against Umm Salal in the hour mark. Ahmed Al Saad helped 2-1 win at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. Lekhwiya storm to a 3-1 lead when Hamadallah scored once in each he scored in the 42nd minute of the half to help El Jaish post their 14th win round 25 clash. this season. El Jaish opened the scor- Al Ahli’s Iajour fired one at ing through Hamadallah who found Lekhwiya goal in the 63rd minute but the back of the Umm Salal net in the scored in the 74th minute, once again have the second most number of wins the ball cannoned off the goalkeeper 18th minute by converting off a spot off a penalty kick. (14) behind Al Rayyan’s tally of 20. to Mubele who quickly deflected a kick in the round of 25 clash. Hamadallah went for the left of Coach Sabri Lamouchi side now neat shot into the net. Umm Salal’s Munir Al Hamdawi Umm Salal goalkeeper Baba Malick have 47 points after 25 matches and Muntari scored Lekhwiya’s fourth headed home from close range in the for his team’s second goal. are in second position while Al Sadd goal by jumping high for a header that 61st minute. Second-placed El Jaish now have after yesterday’s draw are in third sailed past goalkeeper Yazan Naim. Coached by Sabri lLamouchi, El 47 points from 25 matches. place with 46 points. Iajour reduced the deficit when Jaish took the lead for the second Fifth-placed Umm Salal have 38 The last round matches of the QSL he found the net in the 81st minute. and decisive time when Hamadallah points from 25 matches. El Jaish now will be held on April 15 and 16. Abidal thrilled by ‘football passion’ in Arab region

The Peninsula back from cancer, in 2011 he lifted the career have been the first contract fully focused on winning the game Champions League trophy for FC Bar- that I signed as a youngster, for FC in Madrid. We can do it again in the celona. While in 2006, he narrowly Barcelona, but above all the victory in Champions League if you look at our missed out on the FIFA World Cup the Champions League in 2011 after a players. Messi is a phenomenon, more DOHA: Former Barcelona and France title with France after losing to Italy very complicated battle against a dif- than a phenomenon.” defender Eric Abidal (pictured) says in a dramatic penalty shoot-out in ficult disease. I remember the team When asked about the main the Arab world deserves the opportu- the final. spirit that we had, the courage and striker he preferred to lead France’s nity to make its own mark on football “As a player it will be fantastic to the determination to win trophies – attack at Euro 2016 this summer, history in 2022. not have to travel between matches, Visca Barca.” Abidal said: “I don’t have any prefer- “You can really see that the peo- as both of the World Cup tournaments When asked who had suggested ence between Benzema and Giroud ple in the Arab world love football, I played in – especially South Africa he lift the trophy at Wembley in 2011, to lead the line, they are both good they are filled with football passion,” in 2010 – included vast distances and the Frenchman revealed: “Puyol and for the French team, each one with Abidal said in an interview with www. plane trips between matches.” Pep Guardiola suggested it to me his strengths. It is a difficult moment sc.qa site. He continued: “Quite apart from together with the captains at the time for Benzema with the French national Abidal has been involved in some the futuristic stadiums and the plans – Messi, Iniesta, Xavi and Victor Val- team, and Giroud is not playing much of the most iconic moments of world for a compact tournament which I des. It was an incredible moment to with Arsenal. Benzema will have to football in recent years. After battling have seen advancing here, I believe be the first to lift the trophy. wait for the final decision from the that the Arab region really deserves to “It wasn’t only the victory of Bar- coach, but without a doubt in my host this tournament for the first time celona but also of all the people who starting eleven I would put Benzema – and as a Muslim I am pleased to see helped me, above all my wife, family as a starter and Giroud as substitute.” the tournament come here. and all the fans of Barcelona, and all And the former Lyon and Monaco “It will offer supporters from all the people who love football.” defender concluded by saying that parts of the world a chance to get With Barcelona’s return match his former coach was giving football to know this region, travel to other against Atletico Madrid ahead this underdogs from around the world countries nearby, and create better week, the versatile former defender hope that they too could spring a understanding between cultures.” said he is confident that they can surprise. Looking back on a career that repeat their victory in the home “Leicester City is playing a fan- included 21 major titles and two match. tastic season, and they have a great Champions League trophies, Abidal “It will be a difficult game again coach in Claudio Ranieri. He is my highlighted one major achievement for sure, and we will have to give it former manager and I wish him and with the club from the city he still our all as we did at Camp Nou. As the team well as they attempt to win calls his home – as well as his per- Barcelona, you can’t lose two games the title. The work of Ranieri and his Barcelona’s French defender Eric Abidal (right) celebrates with the trophy sonal health battle against a liver in a row, especially against Madrid team shows that even though they tumour. sides, so that was an important win don’t have a big name, a small club at the end of the UEFA Champions League final against Manchester “The defining moments of my last week. Now we will have to be can go all the way.” United at Wembley Stadium in London in this May 30, 2011 file picture. 30 MONDAY 11 APRIL 2016 SPORT

Modest hopes for Federer ahead of Caballero tops at Women on injury comeback

AFP

Wheels cycling event at Losail MONTE CARLO, Principality of Monaco: Roger Federer was giving absolutely no guarantees about his form on Sunday, as the four-time finalist prepared for his first ATP More than 300 start in more than two months at the Monte Carlo Masters. women and children The 17-time Grand Slam win- take part in the first ner will be starting afresh in the second round on the Monte Carlo ladies only cycling Country Club clay after his early day event at Losail February knee operation. Circuit Sports Club After hitting for nearly a week at the seaside venue overlook- ing the Mediterranean, the Swiss said that next week will be key for deciding his further schedule ahead of the French Open - the The Peninsula second major of the season. “I feel more rust than rest, but I am rested, mentally and physi- cally,” the 34-year-old said. DOHA: Isora Sosa Caballero from “I don’t think about the Roland Spain finished on top in the Women Chairman of Losail Circuit Sports Club Saud Al Attiyah. RIGHT: Isora Garros title,” the 2009 Paris cham- on Wheels first ladies only cycling day Sosa Caballero (centre) of Spain, the first place winner at Women on pion added. race held at Losail Circuit Sports Club. Wheels first ladies only cycling day event, poses for a picture along “I believe I can do it; every The other podium winners at the with second place winner Julie Melville (left) of Australia and third event at the Grand Slam gives me competitive race or criterium held place finisher Marie Marvillet of France. another opportunity to do that. along with the Women on Wheels “I’ve been training super hard and organised by Qatar Cyclists on clay, I’ll be able to decide better Center were Julie Melville from Aus- offering a children’s bike skill ses- Dr. Abdulaziz Al Khuwari said: “This was the need to provide them with a Under the supervision of profes- about playing any of the Masters tralia who came second and Marie sions, Al Shaqab Volunteer Program, is the first of a series of annual events safe and friendly venue to practice sional cycling coaches, an area was 1000 tournaments which come Marvillet from France finishing in whose volunteers provided event to be hosted in Qatar and I am happy this sport.” set up so that children can navigate later (Madrid and Rome next third place. assistance on the day, and Carbon to say that the outcome of this year’s “One of our main objectives is to around a course, highlighting to chil- month) - one, two or even none. More than 300 women and chil- Wheels Bike Shop, which offered bike event was a very positive one”. make the most of this international dren that it’s not just about riding a “Everything is flexible, you are dren joined the first ladies only mechanic support services. “Women on Wheels was organ- world-class sports facility accessible bike, there are technical skills that automatically entered in Masters cycling day event with Losail Circuit Also present were Dado Spa, ized especially for the women as we to the benefit of the whole society in need to be learned, like cornering, 1000 events, there is nothing I can Sports Club, as one of the event’s main nutritionist Nour Alkuwari, repre- consider this a very important step Qatar. We have been opening the cir- jumping, ducking, etc. do about that. Everyone thinks I’ve partners. sentatives from the UCI Doha 2016 towards encouraging women to get cuit every Wednesday for walking, Once the children were fin- entered Madrid and Rome. The early evening event involved team promoting the UCI 2016 Road out more and engage in cycling and running and cycling sessions and are ished with their sessions, they “It’s bad spin when you pull cycling, walking and running activ- World Cycling Championships that other sports activities, and we look now happy to have hosted the Women could enter the Kids Zone Area, out and people think you’ve let the ities with a special attention to will take place on October 16, Tri- forward to organising similar events on Wheels event which has seen great which was set up to keep the keep tournament down. But I know I can promoting cycling for women and Club Doha who supplied the timing in the coming years”. success with such a large turnout of the children occupied in a fun- always add a Madrid or a Rome to children. system for the Criterium event, and Commentating from his perspec- participants.” filled atmosphere. my calendar.” The event was made possible by Qatar Olympic Committee who gra- tive, the Chairman of Losail Circuit One of the event’s highlight was The event ended with a compet- As he prepares for the second the support of event partners includ- ciously provided 20 additional bikes Sports Club, the main event partner’ the children’s bicycle skill sessions itive race or criterium. round against either Brazilian ing Al Rayyan Water which supplied for testing on the day. Saud Al Attiyah said: “The cyclist which were offered to female chil- The criterium demonstrated to Thomaz Bellucci and Spaniard water to participants throughout Commenting on the event, the community in Qatar has grown expo- dren between the ages of 7-14 male the attendees that cycling can be fun Guillermo Garcia-Lopez, Federer the event, Tawaf Cycling Academy, Director of the Qatar Cyclists Center, nentially in the past years and there children up to the age of nine. as well as competitive and exciting. will be organising his comeback strategy on the fly. “If I win the tournament, that changes everyhing. If I lose 0-0 in the first match, that changes QMMF Racing Team riders confident ahead of GP of the Americas everything. “I’ll know more in two weeks and I can decide the week before Madrid if I will go there or not.” The Peninsula which both riders aim to claw their way is disappointing, but it still has been Federer is seeded third behind back into the top ten positions. a positive day for us. In the last exit, I Andy Murray and world number “We managed to improve over the felt a big improvement and I felt very one Novak Djokovic, whose confi- weekend, with a set-up of the bike like good on the bike. I would have liked dence and spirits could not be any DOHA: QMMF Racing Team riders it was in 2015. We understood yesterday this bike all the weekend and it would higher after winning his fourth title Julian Simon and Xavier Simeon made that we had to improve certain aspects, be fun to go back in time, try again, of the season a week ago in Miami. significant improvements with the set- but we were careful, only making minor improve my lap time and be more in “I’ve always wanted to be up of their bikes on the second day changes at one time in order to find front,” Simeon said. where I am at the moment,” said of practice for the Grand Prix of the back to speed. In the end I managed to “We will start with that new base the Monaco-based Serb. Americas. do a faster lap than I did last year, which tomorrow and I’ll try to be very con- “I’m doing something that is Simon went faster than last year on is positive,” Simon said. sistent in the warm-up, if there are worth it. I’ve put myself in the posi- the Circuit of the Americas, a break- “I will try to get a got start so I can try conditions. In the race, I will try tion to fight for biggest trophies in through that awarded him 11th place be there in the first laps and fight with to recover and fight for the top ten. It’s sport. on the starting grid. Simeon was a lit- the others, in order to put up a good the first time I felt such an improve- “Thankfully I’ve not lost too tle further behind in 18th position, but show and hopefully get a good result. ment since I ride this bike. It’s pity that many matches in the last couple the result didn’t reflect his technical I want to have fun riding tomorrow we didn’t come to this solution earlier of years, I’m playing the best ten- progress, as he developed a good feel- and put the tough first two races of the in the weekend and earlier in the sea- nis of my life. That comes after ing for his Speed Up prototype only on season out of my mind. Thanks to the son, but I look forward to the future years of dedication, evolution and QMMF Racing Team rider Julian Simon (left) discusses a point with his last run of the day. This was enough team that did a great job,” he added. and to the race in which I will to try to growth and understanding myself to boost his confidence for the race, in “My position on the starting grid get the best possible result,” he added. the technical official of his team. as a player. KKR easy to nine-wicket win over Delhi Daredevils

IANS Earlier after KKR elected to SCOREBOARD Kolkata Knight field, Chinaman bowler Brad Hogg Riders Robin (3/19) and West Indies all-rounder DELHI DAREDEVILS Bowling: A D Russell 3-0-24-3 (2w); U T Ya- Uthappa plays a Andre Russell (3/24) helped to skit- M A Agarwal c Hogg b Russell 9 dav 3-0-21-0; J W Hastings 2.4-1-6-2; C Munro shot during the KOLKATA: A stupendous bowling tle out Delhi for 98. Chasing Delhi’s Q de Kock c Pathan b Russell 17 1-0-7-0; G B Hogg 4-1-19-3 (1w); P P Chawla effort backed up by steady batting 98 - the lowest IPL total at the venue, IPL Twenty20 S S Iyer lbw Russell 0 4-0-21-2 (1w). match against helped two-time champions Kolk- the Knights had a breezy start with K K Nair c Pandey b Hastings 3 KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS Delhi Daredevils at ata Knight Riders (KKR) overwhelm Uthappa and Gambhir keen on making R V Uthappa c Morris b Mishra 35 the Eden Gardens Delhi Daredevils by 9 wickets in their a mockery of Delhi’s low score. S V Samson c Uthappa b Hogg 15

Cricket Stadium in Indian Premier League (IPL) opener The duo plundered 16 runs of the P Negi st Uthappa b Hogg 11 G Gambhir (not out) 38 Kolkata yesterday. at the Eden Gardens here yesterday. second over and then followed it up C R Brathwaite lbw Chawla 6 M K Pandey (not out) 15 KKR skipper Gautam Gambhir with 9 and 7 of the next two. C H Morris b Chawla 11 Extras (B-2, W-8, NB-1) 11 remained unconquered with a 41-ball They continued the onslaught Total (for 1 wkt in 14.1 overs) 99 38 alongside Manish Pandey who and by the end of the 6th over the N M Coulter-Nile (not out) 7 gathered 15 off 12 balls, while Robin home side were cruising at 47/0, with A Mishra c Gambhir b Hogg 3 Fall of wicket: 1-69. Uthappa contributed 35 runs. Uthappa unleashing his trademark Z Khan c Pandey b Hastings 4 Bowling: N M Coulter-Nile 4-0-32-0; Z Khan IPL FIXTURES arrow-like straight drives much to Extras (W-12) 12 2.1-0-24-0 (2w); C H Morris 4-0-21-0 (1w); C R the delight of the 30,000 odd crowd. Total (all out in 17.4 overs) 98 Brathwaite 2-0-9-0 (1nb); A Mishra 2-0-11-1 All Qatar standard time Uthappa then tried a big hit and Fall of wickets: 1-24, 2-25, 3-31, 4-35, 5-55, (1w). Today: KXIP vs GL 5:30pm at Punjab was out caught at deep but after 10 6-67, 7-84, 8-84, 9-92, 10-98. Player-of-the-Match: Andre Russel (KKR). Cricket Association Stadium overs, the men in purple had posted 69/1 on the board. Tomorrow: RCB vs SRH 5:30pm at M Pandey, along with Gambhir, then had lost two more wickets in the form Carlos Brathwaite too departed a little Chinnaswamy Stadium struck a few blows to the ropes to help of Mayank Agarwal (9)and Karun Nair later after a monstrous six, foxed by a 13th April: KKR vs MI 5:30pm at Eden their side get over the line. (3) with the score reading 35/4. Piyush Chawla googly. After 13 overs, Gardens In the first innings, the Daredev- With the top-order back in the the visitors were left struggling at 84/7 14th April: GL vs RPS 5:30pm at ils got off to a flying start with 23 runs dugout, the Delhi innings moved for- with their hopes pinned on Samson. Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium coming off the first two overs. How- ward at a snail’s pace. Pawan Negi But he departed in the very next over. ever, in the third over, Russell struck after a brief partnership of 20 with Thereafter, it was only a matter of time a double blow for the hosts by picking Sanju Samson got stumped trying to before the Daredevils were bowled 15th April: DD vs KXIP 5:30pm Feroz up Quinton de Kock and Shreyas Iyer. push the accelerator. out and the inevitable happened in Shah Kotla By the end of the powerplay, Delhi The West Indies’ World T20 star the 18th over. SPORT MONDAY 11 APRIL 2016 31

Pacquiao Manny Pacquiao (right) Philippines lands a punch on the face of Timothy Bradley Jr. during celebrates ‘50-50’ their WBF Welterweight Championship fight on Saturday at MGM Grand Pac Man’s but vows Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pacquiao won by final victory to retire unanimous decision. AFP AFP

MANILA: With a mixture of pride LAS VEGAS: Manny Pacquiao and sorrow, millions of Filipinos admitted he was “50-50” about celebrated victory for their box- retirement after bidding fare- ing hero Manny Pacquiao in what well to boxing on Saturday with he has called his final fight. a vintage performance to defeat Pacquiao, 37, easily won his long-time rival Tim Bradley. third battle with American Tim The 37-year-old had promised Bradley in Las Vegas, capping a to deliver an explosive display and 21-year professional career with did not disappoint 14,665 fans 66 bouts under his belt. who had crammed into the MGM He has said he will now retire Grand Garden Arena to catch what despite hints by some associates may have been the final curtain that he could be lured into call of an icon. fighting again. Pacquiao, the only man to In the Philippines, just capture world titles in eight dif- as in his previous bouts, the ferent weight divisions, produced fight was screened in public flashes of brilliance and knocked plazas and stadiums so adoring down Bradley twice on his way to crowds could watch the fighter a unanimous decision in the wel- nicknamed the Pacman one last terweight duel. Pacquiao wins farewell time. It was the sort of performance Ariel Toledo, 34, who watched his admirers believe could per- the fight on a TV under the suade him to prolong a career that burning sun in a suburban Manila has earned him more than $500 plaza, was among the many who million over 21 years. yearned for Pacquiao to postpone A smiling Pacquiao later his retirement. appeared before reporters and fight against Bradley “His fight was okay but he admitted that while he was con- should still continue (boxing) as flicted about quitting the ring, long as he feels strong,” Toledo his decision -- for now -- was to before a warm embrace in the ring Bradley started confidently in the said at the end of the match. spend more time with his family WBF WELTERWEIGHT which concluded with the two fight- fifth round but again his good work “You are the best, Manny before concentrating on his politi- The Filipino legend BOXING TITLE ers arranging to meet for breakfast was undone by Pacquiao in the final Pacquiao,” he said, addressing cal career in the Philippines. becomes the only yesterday. minute when the Filipino uncorked a the screen directly. “We are sad Asked if he might best serve his Bradley meanwhile paid tribute series of combinations to score heavily. that you will retire. We can no homeland by continuing to fight, man to capture champion winning by identical mar- to his opponent. A weary Bradley returned to longer watch our Pacquiao.” Pacquiao said he had promised his world titles in eight gins of 116-110 on all three cards. “I fought really good tonight but I his corner to be admonished by his Pacquiao, the only man to family he would retire. Pacquiao had insisted Saturday’s don’t know what was going on,” Bra- trainer Teddy Atlas, who yelled “Are capture world titles in eight “Let me enjoy first a retired different weight bout -- the 66th of his career -- will dley said. you kidding me?” at the 32-year-old different weight divisions, life. I’m not there yet, so I don’t divisions be his final fight before he focuses on “He always seemed to be in the as he attempted to raise his fighter for produced flashes of brilliance know what it feels like. But I his political career in the Philippines, right spot. He was a step ahead of the later rounds. and knocked down Bradley made a commitment to my fam- where he is seeking election to the me when I was supposed to be a step But the template had been set for twice on his way to a unanimous ily. I made my decision,” he said. Senate next month. ahead of him. the next round, with Pacquiao pro- decision in the welterweight duel. Invited to make a definitive AFP Many ring-watchers, however, “He used his experience against ducing flurries of counter-punching It was the sort of declaration of retirement, Pac- are sceptical, believing he may well me, his ability and he won the fight to take the round. performance his admirers believe quiao smiled. “My heart is 50-50,” be tempted to extend a career which tonight...I’m in there with a special In the seventh, Pacquiao stretched could persuade him to prolong a he said. “But I love my family, I has seen him earn more than $500 man, Manny Pacquiao.” his lead further, scoring a knockdown career that has earned him more honor my family, my kids... right LAS VEGAS: Manny Pacquiao million. Yet asked afterwards if he A cagey opening round had the with a right hook to the chin that sent than $500 million over 21 years. now, my decision is to retire.” crowned his 21-year professional planned to stay retired, Pacquiao feel of a tactical battle, with Bradley Bradley falling to the canvas. Sportscaster Ronnie Pacquiao, whose last outing career with an emphatic victory over replied: “I think so. I’ve made a com- carefully keeping his distance as he Bradley responded bravely in the Nathanielsz, a longtime Pacquiao was his ill-fated “Fight of the Cen- Tim Bradley on Saturday, delivering mitment to my family that I’m going circled the marginally more aggres- eighth however, wobbling Pacquiao follower, agreed that he should tury” against Floyd Mayweather a vintage performance before saying to retire after this. sive Pacquiao, who threw 33 punches with a left hook and backing up the retire -- except for a possible last May, clearly relished his return a farewell to boxing. “Maybe I enjoy being a retired to Bradley’s 19. Filipino relentlessly. rematch with American rival to the ring after an 11-month lay- Pacquiao -- fighting for the first man, serving the people, helping the The next three rounds followed Yet Pacquiao’s response in the Floyd Mayweather, who won off, smiling throughout his third time since his defeat to Floyd May- people,” added, before giving a fare- a similar pattern, with Pacquiao ninth was emphatic, luring in Brad- a unanimous decision over battle with Bradley. weather last May in the “Fight of the well message to his fans. looking the more menacing fighter, ley and then tagging him with a left Pacquiao last year. “I felt fresh, every round, it was Century” -- knocked down Brad- Pacquiao had promised an explo- relentlessly stalking Bradley around hook to wobble the American. Throughout the impoverished exciting -- I felt like I did when I ley twice on his way to a unanimous sive performance and was as good the canvas, cutting off angles, and A further left hook sent Bradley nation, Pacquiao has been a started first boxing here in Amer- decision. as his word for long periods, uncork- connecting with more meaningful down for the second time leaving unifying factor with millions ica in 2001,” Pacquiao said. The judges’ scorecards at the ing some trademark combinations to blows. Bradley landed occasionally Pacquiao with a commanding lead of Filipinos cheering him on -- “If you ask me about my con- MGM Grand Garden Arena told the overwhelm Bradley. but it was Pacquiao who did the most heading into the final three rounds. inspired by his rags-to-riches dition, my body -- my body feels story of Pacquiao’s dominance in “Bradley is a good boxer, he’s damage, landing a straight left that Bradley attempted to pressure journey from extreme poverty to okay, I can still give 100 percent, the non-title welterweight duel, with a champion, he’s a man. It was not caught his American rival flush on Pacquiao but the Filipino finished become one of the world’s richest training.” the 37-year-old eight-division world easy tonight,” Pacquiao said, shortly the chin in the second round. the stronger to coast home. sportsmen. Ramirez downs Abraham Joshua has eyes to take WBO crown on Fury after

AFP The undefeated 24-year-old Abraham rallied briefly from Mazatlan used his supe- towards the fourth round and the taking IBF title rior reach and mobility to attack two fighters engaged in a fren- Abraham from all angles, scoring zied exchange of blows as the bell LAS VEGAS: Gilberto Ramirez freely in the early rounds with a sounded. became the first Mexican fighter series of stinging jabs. But Abraham struggled to AFP ever to hold a super middleweight Ramirez rocked Abraham in build on that momentum and IBF WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT world title on Saturday after dom- the second with a thunderous was again kept at bay by his more BOXING TITLE inating champion Arthur Abraham right hook that sent the German mobile opponent, who was con- LONDON: Anthony of Germany to claim a unanimous careering off balance across the tent to duck in and out of range Joshua has his eyes on points victory. ring. landing blows seemingly at will. a future showdown with Tyson Fury after winning the IBF Ramirez was awarded the win The skilful Mexican contin- That strategy was more than world heavyweight title on Saturday with a sensational sec- by emphatic margins of 120-108 ued his dominance in the third enough to see Ramirez home ond-round knockout of outclassed American rival Charles on all three judges’ cards to take round, tagging Abraham with to victory in the later rounds as Martin. the World Boxing Organization title another solid right hook, this time Abraham wearily trailed the Mex- British Olympic champion Joshua, 26, said a bout with at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. to the body. ican around the ring. Fury was now inevitable but it won’t happen just yet as he is being lined up by promoter Eddie Hearn for a first title defence at Wembley on July 9, the same night rival world heavyweight champion Fury is due to meet Wladimir Klitschko. Joshua floored American Martin twice with right hands to the jaw in a win that earned him the International Box- ing Federation title in front of 20,000 fans at the O2 Arena in London. Martin, who was making a first defence, was blown away three months after he won the title and became Josh- Anthony ua’s 16th stoppage victim from as many professional fights. Joshua Joshua, who made his professional debut in October celebrates 2013 after winning Olympic super-heavyweight gold at his IBF London 2012, has exchanged insults with British rival Fury Heavyweight on social media and there is already a clamour in the UK Title win for the pair to meet. against Charles As well as Fury, former World Boxing Association (WBA) Martin at heavyweight champion David Haye is also making it known Gilberto Ramirez punches Arthur Abraham during O2 Arena in he wants to fight Joshua in the future. their WBO super middleweight championship fight London on American Deontay Wilder, 30, who defends his WBC title at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada Saturday. on Saturday. Ramirez won by unanimous decision. against Russian Alexander Povetkin in Moscow on May 21, is the other world champion along with Joshua and Fury. 32 MONDAY 11 APRIL 2016 SPORT Vardy strikes twice as Leicester out in front

great Gary Lineker, while his second, a Foxes defy odds by breakaway effort in the fifth-minute of Divock Origi scores the third added-on time, put the result beyond goal for Liverpool during their maintaining doubt. Barclays Premier League match seven-point lead at “We knew it would be tough, it is against Stoke City in Anfield normal because Sunderland are fight- yesterday. Liverpool won 4-1. the top of the table ing to be safe, but I am very happy for the three points,” Leicester manager Ranieri told the BBC. Ranieri alluded to his tear- AFP stained reaction to Vardy’s second goal by saying: “You make this job for the emotion you feel inside but it is difficult for me to tell what kind of LONDON: Leicester City kept on emotion.” Victory at the Stadium of course for a remarkable Premier Light meant Leicester were briefly 10 League title triumph as they main- points in front. tained their seven-point lead at the Fifth-placed United’s defeat top of the table after both they and yesterday guaranteed Leicester a second-placed Tottenham Hotspur top-four finish and with it, at worst, won yesterday. a maiden Champions League quali- The Foxes, 5,000/1 title shots in fying appearance, although a place pre-season, were indebted to two sec- in the tournament proper and a first ond-half goals from England striker English title now both look increas- Jamie Vardy in securing a hard-fought ingly likely. 2-0 win away to relegation-threat- But with both Spurs and Leices- ened Sunderland, that appeared to ter still having five league games to leave Leicester manager Claudio Rani- play this season, Mauricio Pochet- eri with tears in his eyes. tino’s men remain in contention for Vardy’s 66th-minute opener saw what would be north London club Tot- him become the first Leicester player tenham’s first league title since their to score 20 league goals in an Eng- celebrated ‘Double’ season of 1960/61, lish top-flight season since England when they also won the FA Cup. Pochettino hails Spurs display Origi at the double as Liverpool beat Stoke AFP better team after the break. Reds went ahead. quick to get down to his left to beat Nothing of note had happened With the Potters disputing the away Roberto Firmino’s low shot, AFP better and started to find space to before Liverpool took the lead in the award of a free-kick, Milner slid the before Liverpool’s Martin Skrtel create chances.” eighth minute when Alberto Moreno ball to Moreno in space outside the headed wide as the game opened up. With five games of the sea- LIVERPOOL: Divock Origi came off capitalised on Stoke disorganisation box and he had time to steady him- Origi then got his second goal son remaining, Leicester remain the bench to score twice as Liverpool to fire home. self, look up and fire a left-footed after 64 minutes to put the game out LONDON: Tottenham Hotspur overwhelming title favourites, but beat Stoke City 4-1 at Anfield yester- Stoke levelled in the 22nd minute drive across Jakob Haugaard and of Stoke’s reach. manager Mauricio Pochettino Pochettino vowed that his team day for their biggest home win this when Bojan Krkic headed in Xherdan into the net for his first goal in 65 said that his side had produced the would not abandon hope of a first season. Shaqiri’s left-wing cross for the Pot- matches. ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE “perfect” second-half perform- league crown since 1961. Victory saw the Reds leapfrog the ters’ first league goal at Anfield in Peter Crouch thought he had RESULTS ance after a late rally saw them “We believe and still fight, the Potters into eighth place in the Pre- 33 years. equalised but his header was cor- crush Manchester United 3-0 yes- motivation is big and massive,” said mier League table. The Reds regained the lead 10 rectly ruled out for offside. $ Liverpool 4 (Moreno 8, Sturridge 32, terday. the Argentine, who revealed that he Origi had been on the pitch less minutes later when Daniel Stur- Stoke though drew level in the Starting in the 70th minute, missed Lamela’s 76th-minute goal than five minutes after replacing ridge nodded home a cross from Ojo, 22nd minute when Shaqiri, back Origi 50, 65) Stoke 1 (Krkic 22) Dele Alli, Toby Alderweireld and because he was in the toilet. Sheyi Ojo at half-time when he scored who was making his first Premier from injury, floated in a free-kick $ Sunderland 0 Leicester 2 (Vardy 66, Erik Lamela struck three times in “We need to try to get points and his second goal in as many games, League start, before Origi’s double which was met by Bojan, who had 90+5) six minutes at White Hart Lane to try to arrive at the end of the season nodding home James Milner’s cross intervention. got in front of the defence, and he $Tottenham 3 (Alli 70, Alderweireld 74, give Spurs a win that trimmed Pre- with the possibility to win the title.” in front of the Kop. While Liverpool’s cup form has glanced home his seventh goal of the Lamela 76) Manchester United 0 mier League leaders Leicester City’s Kick-off was delayed by 30 The Belgian got a fortuitous sec- been impressive, both domestically campaign. advantage back to seven points. minutes after the United team bus ond goal, his cross going directly and in Europe, their league campaign Sturridge then restored the lead Played Saturday: It was Spurs’ first home victory got stuck in traffic and the visitors’ into the net as Jurgen Klopp’s side has been patchy, especially at home from Ojo’s cross when he nodded $Aston Villa 1 (Ayew 85) Bournemouth over United in the league since a 3-1 attempt to break into the Champions recorded only their second league with just five wins all season before home at the far post, but Liver- 2 (Cook 45+2, King 74) success in May 2001 and Pochettino League places is also behind sched- win on home turf in 2016, good prep- Sunday’s match. pool continued to make life hard $ Crystal Palace 1 (Puncheon 68) Nor- could not hide his admiration for his ule as they now trail fourth-place aration for the second leg of their With Emre Can starting a two- for themselves in defence and they wich 0 players’ display. Manchester City by four points. Europa League tie against Borussia match suspension, and little time to could only watch as Ryan Shawcross $ Manchester City 2 (Aguero 19-pen, “The performance was perfect in But beaten manager Louis van Dortmund on Thursday. recover from the midweek 1-1 draw headed the ball wide from Shaqiri’s Nasri 66) West Brom 1 (Sessegnon 6) the second half,” he told Sky Sports. Gaal said: “Every team can lose to Defeat left Stoke still searching in Dortmund against his former club, left-wing cross with Simon Mignolet $ Southampton 3 (Long 4, Pelle 38, “We are very pleased. Full credit to everybody so we are still in the race. for their first league win at Anfield Klopp made wholesale changes. rooted to the spot, the keeper then Wanyama 55) Newcastle 1 (Townsend 65) the players. It was a fantastic job. Of course when you lose a game you since 1959. Origi’s double gave the Kevin Stewart came into cen- beating out Gianelli Imbula’s drive. $Swansea 1 (Sigurdsson 25) Chelsea 0 Beating Manchester United 3-0, you have to close the gap again and that scoreline a sheen that was not there tral midfield to also make his first Origi replaced Ojo at half-time $ Watford 1 (Holebas 45+3) Everton 1 have to be happy. is more difficult.” in the first half, with both teams Premier League start, alongside Joe and quickly gave the hosts a cushion “In the first half both teams were United mustered just one shot on guilty of some sloppy play with Allen who replaced Jordan Hender- with a simple header from Milner’s (McCarthy 45+1) $ fighting a lot and it was not clear who target, via Anthony Martial, but Van misplaced passes allied to a lack of son, whose season was ended by a cross. West Ham 3 (Carroll 44, 45+2, 52) Ar- had the power to manage the game, Gaal said that the final outcome flat- composure. knee ligament injury in Dortmund. Mignolet tipped over Geoff Cam- senal 3 (Ozil 18, Sanchez 35, Koscielny 70) but in the second half we dominated tered Spurs. But Liverpool were by far the After an uneventful opening, the eron’s effort and Haugaard had to be Spurs stun Man United with six-minute blitz

AFP stakes ahead of Wednesday’s FA Cup quar- sending on Ashley Young for Marcus Rash- ter-final replay at West Ham United. ford, but rather than move Anthony Martial United’s late arrival prevented them up front, he tasked Young, who habitually from warming up fully and there was ironic plays on the wing or at full-back, to lead LONDON: Dele Alli, Toby Alderweireld applause when they finally trotted out for the line. and Erik Lamela struck in six second-half the warm-up, five minutes after the sched- Young spent most of the second half as minutes as Tottenham Hotspur swamped uled kick-off time. a spectator as Spurs began to impose them- Manchester United 3-0 yesterday to keep But with Leicester’s earlier win con- selves, with De Gea repelling a succession of Premier League leaders Leicester City in tributing to a flat atmosphere -- United’s potshots from Eriksen, Eric Dier and Kane. sight. fans mockingly chanting “You nearly won But despite remaining out on the left, A game delayed half an hour by Unit- the league!” -- it was initially the hosts who Martial began to exert an influence, tee- ed’s late arrival due to traffic congestion looked like they had got ready in a hurry. ing up Jesse Lingard to shoot wide and then burst to life in the 70th minute with three Tottenham, who recalled centre-back cutting in from the left, leaving three oppo- rapid-fire goals that allowed Spurs to trim Jan Vertonghen after over two months out nents in his slipstream, and stinging Hugo Leicester’s advantage back to seven points. with a knee injury, had trouble getting out Lloris’s palms with a crisp drive. Leicester, 2-0 winners at Sunderland of their own half in the early stages, with Back came Spurs, De Gea kicking earlier in the day, remain overwhelming right-back Timothy Fosu-Mensah seeing Danny Rose’s deflected cross away and favourites for the title, but Spurs’ display a shot deflected wide and Chris Smalling Kane seeing a cross headed clear by Fosu- showed that Mauricio Pochettino’s side will hoisting an effort onto the roof of the net. Mensah, who hobbled off moments later to not give up without a fight. Spurs’ first chance, a close-range effort be replaced by Darmian. Pochettino had not beaten United in six from Harry Kane that David de Gea blocked, Within seconds Darmian found himself previous attempts, first with Southampton would not have stood anyway due to offside, ambling over to close down Eriksen, but the and then Tottenham, and Spurs had not but the momentary excitement seemed to Dane cleverly took him out of the game with scored against them in three games under enliven both crowd and team. a deft left-foot cross and Alli steamed in at him. Both trends were reversed in stun- Christian Eriksen curled narrowly wide the back post to apply the finish. ning fashion. from wide on the left and then made a gilt- Four minutes later Lamela’s free-kick The result, Spurs’ first home league win edged chance for Lamela with a flighted from the left was met by centre-back Alder- over United in 15 years, had the additional left-foot cross, only for the stooping Argen- weireld, whose header found the bottom effect of securing Leicester’s place in the tine to head wide from six yards. corner, and two minutes after that Rose Champions League and United’s hopes of Moments later Kyle Walker turned Mar- crossed for Lamela to sweep in the third. joining the Foxes at Europe’s top table are cos Rojo inside-out on the Spurs right, but It took a finger-tip De Gea save to pre- fading. 18-year-old Fosu-Mensah, preferred to Mat- vent Kane making it 4-0 with a header Toby Alderweireld scores the second goal for Tottenham during their EPL game against Louis van Gaal’s side finished the teo Darmian, slid across brilliantly to block and Walker then hit the post after slid- Manchester United at White Hart Lane yesterday. Spurs swamped United 3-0 to keep Premier weekend four points below fourth-place the England right-back’s cross. ing in to meet Lamela’s drilled cross-shot League leaders Leicester City in sight. Manchester City in fifth place, raising the Van Gaal made a change at half-time, from the left. SPORT MONDAY 11 APRIL 2016 33

La Liga: Barcelona lose again Barcelona urged to fight on at Sociedad in the coming days don’t benefit the Barcelona’s team at all,” Enrique continued. Luis Enrique pushes defender “We are not machines, we are Reuters team to show they Gerard Pique human. Evidently, today is not a (second right) good day for us, but we have to lift are still the best team argues with ourselves from the moment we leave BARCELONA: Leaders Barcelo- in the world in the the referee this beautiful stadium which doesn’t na’s Anoeta Stadium jinx struck final two months of at the end of bring us much luck and think that on again when they lost 1-0 at Real the La Liga Wednesday we have the chance to be Sociedad on Saturday, their sec- the 2015-16 season match at in the semi-finals of the Champions ond successive defeat in La Liga. the Anoeta League.” Elsewhere, Cristiano Ronaldo Stadium in As well as missing the suspended became the first player to hit 30 La San Sebastian Suarez, Enrique had left Andres Ini- AFP Liga goals in six consecutive sea- on Saturday. esta, Ivan Rakitic and Jordi Alba on sons as he inspired Real Madrid the bench with one eye on the visit to a 4-0 thrashing of Eibar while to the Vicente Calderon. Fernando Torres was on target All three were called into action once more as Atletico Madrid tri- BARCELONA: Barcelona boss Luis after the break, but Iniesta and Lionel umphed 3-1 at Espanyol. Enrique urged his side to show they Messi were both twice denied by Winger Mikel Oiarzabal are still the best team in the world in Sociedad keeper Geronimo Rulli. headed the only goal for Socie- the final two months of the season “In the first half we didn’t create dad in the fifth minute. after suffering a second consecutive enough chances,” said Iniesta. “In the “The game began in the worst La Liga defeat 1-0 at Real Sociedad second half we were better, but we way possible,” said Barca coach on Saturday. didn’t take our opportunities. Luis Enrique. “We played really The European champions saw “Everything is getting tighter at badly in the first half. their lead at the top of La Liga shrink the top and we’ve used up the cushion “We didn’t deserve to lose but to three points over Atletico Madrid we had, but we are still Barcelona and we are still the leaders. Now we with six games remaining after they we are still close to our objectives.” have to pick ourselves up after beat Espanyol 3-1. Meanwhile, Barca defender leaving this great stadium where Real Madrid are also in the title Barcelona have taken just one stadium, where they have now lost League when they visit Atletico for Gerard Pique called for a big reac- we never do well.” race a point further adrift as they saw point from their last three league on their last four league visits. their quarter-final, second leg on tion from his team-mates to ensure Barcelona, without top scorer off Basque minnows Eibar 4-0. games to see a commanding lead slip “Evidently, there is a title race Wednesday. their Champions League dream isn’t Luis Suarez through suspension, “We have never said the league away, but they still need to drop points with six games remaining. It is an The Catalans travel to Madrid snuffed out by Atletico. fielded a much-changed side and is over,” said Enrique after the game in two of their remaining matches to exciting and open league which the with a 2-1 lead handed to them by “The important game is on managed just five shots on target on Saturday. surrender top spot, thanks to their best team will win. At the moment we Luis Suarez’s double after Atletico had Wednesday. That is when we have the all game. “It is a marvellous opportunity better head-to-head record with are top,” added Enrique. been reduced to 10 men by Fernando most important competition at stake. Luis Enrique’s team have 76 to show we are the best team in the Atletico. Barca also face a huge challenge Torres’s first-half red card in the first “No team can do everything per- points with six games to go, one world and that is why we carry that Defeat also continued Barca’s to maintain their hopes of becoming leg. “Pessimistic thoughts and opin- fectly all season. We know what we ahead of Atletico and four in front badge on our chest.” miserable run at Sociedad’s Anoeta the first side to retain the Champions ions that I’m sure will accompany us have to improve on.” of Real Madrid. After going unbeaten in all competition for six months, Barca have followed last week’s Dallas hold 2-1 defeat by Real Madrid with another slip-up. Manager Hiddink defends move San Jose after The European champions are without a victory in three league Bernardez’s outings, their longest stretch since Luis Enrique took charge in 2014. own goal The coach made four changes to bench Courtois in EPL clash to the team that lost to Real Reuters Madrid, bringing back midfielder Rafinha after a six-month injury absence and starting without AFP DALLAS: FC Dallas came from Andres Iniesta, Jordi Alba and behind to earn a 2-2 draw with San Ivan Rakitic. Jose Earthquakes on Saturday in a Barca were handed their fifth SWANSEA: Guus Hiddink defended Major League Soccer Western Con- defeat in six visits to Sociedad after his decision to rest goalkeeper ference clash on their home turf. 18-year-old Oiarzabal nodded in Thibaut Courtois after a 1-0 loss at Dallas twice fell behind, first a cross from Xabi Prieto. Swansea condemned Chelsea to a after Alberto Quintero’s fourth The visitors struggled to get first Premier League defeat under minute strike, then in the 55th back in the game and home goal- their interim manager. minute when Chris Wondolowski keeper Geronimo Rulli did well to Hiddink left Belgium international put the visitors ahead 2-1. save from Lionel Messi twice, sub- Courtois on the bench at the Liberty But an own goal by San Jose in stitute Iniesta and Arda Turan. Stadium on Saturday, preferring to the 62nd minute allowed Dallas to Ronaldo netted for Real Madrid name Bosnia’s Asmir Begovic in his tie and eventually earn a point that in the 19th minute and also pro- starting line-up. felt like a win. vided passes for Lucas Vazquez Begovic did little wrong as Gylfi Dallas was playing for the sec- and Jese to score as the hosts Sigurdsson’s 25th minute goal effec- ond week in a row without injured stormed into a 4-0 halftime lead tively sealed Swansea’s Premier Argentine playmaker Mauro Diaz. against Eibar. League survival and left Chelsea “It’s important that we can James Rodriguez had opened mired in mid-table obscurity. show that mentality, but hon- Real’s account with a curling free Hiddink insisted leaving out estly we don’t even want to be in kick in the fifth minute. Courtois made sense because he Chelsea manager that position where we’re down Coach Zinedine Zidane made wanted to give Begovic a chance to at home,” forward Tesho Akin- Guus Hiddink with the eight changes to the team that impress at a time when Chelsea are dele told reporters. fourth official during suffered a shock 2-0 defeat at already preparing for incoming man- Akindele scored for Dallas in VfL Wolfsburg in the Champions ager Antonio Conte’s arrival after his team’s EPL clash the 36th minute and the crucial League in midweek with only Ron- Euro 2016. against Swansea City own goal was set up by Fabian aldo, Pepe and Casemiro keeping “It is disappointing, but we gave at Liberty Stadium on Castillo who charged and cut the their places. some younger players the opportu- Saturday. ball back for a team-mate when Brazilian right back Danilo nity to play and that means there is Earthquakes defender Victor Ber- was booed by the home fans for his a risk of losing games,” Hiddink said. nardez headed into his own net. disappointing display at Wolfsburg “However, I prefer to give these south Wales. “I don’t think so. What we did not take and then we went 1-0 “We were only missing one thing “(Castillo) created, he gave us when he came on in the second players the chance. And that is not just we did in the second half was good. I down due to some sloppy defensive today. We needed to score more and ideas in those minutes. We needed half but it was an otherwise pos- about a new manager. don’t think they had it in mind to look work,” Hiddink said. we didn’t.” someone who could create and put itive afternoon for Real who host “At a club like this, you have to to next season,” Hiddink said. “Also, he got a yellow card, and I Guidolin, who has masterminded two, three combinations together,” Wolfsburg in their quarter-final show what you are capable of. “We expected a tough game did not want him to get another one.” Swansea’s climb away from the rel- said Dallas coach Oscar Pareja. second leg tomorrow. “The players have to be internally because they needed three points Meanwhile, Swansea manager egation zone in his short spell in In other action around MLS, Rodriguez was criticised for motivated, that is a key condition of and we were safe. Francesco Guidolin believes his side charge, highlighted the performances Real Salt Lake pipped Colorado being caught laughing on the side- being at a club like Chelsea. “We created some chances in the are now safe from the possibility of of Ecuador winger Jefferson Montero Rapids 1-0, thanks to a late goal by lines in Germany in midweek but “Begovic is a good ’keeper and he first 20 minutes, but we were sloppy relegation to the Championship. and Iceland midfielder Sigurdsson. Joao Plata, and DC United snapped the Colombia international lifted has proven that. He has done his job in taking those opportunities. We “I am very happy with the per- “Jefferson (Montero)played well a six-game winless streak dating the crowd by scoring early on, his as a professional very well. He is 100 thought it would come, but if you don’t formance and I think we are safe and I can say that now, he is another back to last season with a thump- first goal in just under two months. per cent committed in every training take those chances you get into trou- now,” he said. “I think now we can important player for us. I am very ing 4-0 triumph against Vancouver A fine piece of skill from Ron- session and that is why I rewarded ble and we got into trouble going 1-0 start looking forward rather than over happy for him,” he said. “I also though Whitecaps. aldo allowed Vazquez to pass the him with the chance to play.” down.” our shoulders. Gylfi was excellent too. He is a very Montreal Impact beat Colum- ball into an empty net in the 18th Hiddink was adamant the Former South Korea boss Hiddink “I hope we can continue to focus important player in the Premier bus Crew 2-0, Sporting Kansas minute before the record-breaker announcement this week that Conte was also quick to defend his decision for the rest of the season. It is impor- League and for me, he is the perfect City defeated New York Red Bulls finished off a cut-back from the will take over in the close-season on to replace young American defender tant to finish the season well. number 10. I believe he can score by an identical margin while lively Jese a minute later. a three year contract had no bear- Matt Miazga at half-time. “I needed to get to know my play- 15 goals every season and that for a Toronto FC and New England Rev- Ronaldo returned the favour ing on Chelsea’s lacklustre display in “We had some half chances that ers and I now feel this is my team. number 10 is very, very good.” olution battled to a 1-1 draw. for the 23-year-old in the 39th minute as Real made it 4-0. Eibar’s top scorer Borja Bas- ton hit the crossbar in a rare attack United and Wanderers on top for the visitors who are 10th in the table. Torres bounced back from his sending-off in the midweek Cham- AFP the Wanderers over Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand pions League defeat to Barca by yesterday to have next week off in the first week of the scoring his third goal in as many finals along with Adelaide. games, cancelling out Papa Diop’s SYDNEY: Adelaide United finished top of Australia’s The Reds, coached by Barcelona great Guillermo opener in the 29th minute for A-League ahead of Western Sydney Wanderers second Amor, were crowned A-League premiers after Melbourne Espanyol. Antoine Griezmann after yesterday’s 27th and final round of matches head- Victory and their goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas frus- grabbed his 20th league goal of the ing into next week’s play-offs. trated Brisbane’s attempts for three points which would season to put the visitors ahead on Adelaide clinched the Premier’s Plate as the top team have enabled them to finish the season on top. 58 minutes and midfielder Koke after the regular season with a 2-0 away win over Mel- Thomas made an outstanding reflex save to deny Sporting’s William Carvalho (right) celebrates with Sebastian Coates sealed the points for Diego Sime- bourne City, coupled with rivals Brisbane Roar’s scoreless James Donachie in stoppage time after earlier efforts to one’s side with a close-range finish after scoring the second goal against Maritimo during their Portuguese draw at Melbourne Victory. deny goal-bound attempts from Jamie Maclaren and Bra- in the 89th. First League match held at Alvalade Stadium, in Lisbon. A double from Brendon Santalab sealed a 2-0 win for zilian super sub Henrique. 34 MONDAY 11 APRIL 2016 SPORT Warriors overcome Grizzlies Late rally helps Dodgers to secure 3-2 in a tight battle for 71st win victory over Giants

Memphis lose chance to win Agencies MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL in the final eight seconds ROUNDUP as Golden State continue to SAN FRANCISCO: Charlie Culber- chase the 73-win record son doubled with one out in the 10th as the Houston Astros beat the Mil- inning to score Corey Seager as the waukee Brewers. Los Angeles Dodgers completed a White, the Astros’ rookie first late rally to secure a 3-2 victory over baseman, continued his record-set- Agencies the San Francisco Giants in a rain- ting start to the season, finishing delayed game. with a walk and two RBIs. Through The second consecutive extra- his first five career games, White MEMPHIS: The Golden State Warriors’ quest to inning affair between the National has driven in nine runs and is become a big part of NBA history remains alive League West rivals didn’t have the 10-for-14 at the plate. -- barely. dramatics of Friday’s no-hit bid by Royals 7, Twins 0 Golden State, seeking to become the first team LA rookie Ross Stripling, but it ended Mike Moustakas, Lorenzo Cain in league history to win 73 games during the reg- better for the Dodgers, who won in and Kendrys Morales homered, ular season, was nearly denied the opportunity by San Francisco for just the third time while Ian Kennedy pitched 6-2/3 the slumping, injury- depleted Memphis Grizzlies. in their last 13 visits. scoreless innings as the Kansas City Memphis, which had lost 11 of its past 14, led After the Dodgers scored in the Royals topped the Minnesota Twins. most of the final quarter before falling to the War- top of the ninth to tie the score at 2 All three home runs were solo riors 100-99 on Saturday. and force extra innings, Seager lined shots and the Royals’ first homers Golden State, which rested starting centre a one-out double against the sixth of the season. Andrew Bogut, had difficulty against a team it had Giants pitcher, right-hander George Morales homered off Casey Fien, beaten soundly in two earlier games -- including Kontos (0-1), to trigger the winning the second of four Minnesota pitch- a 50-point win at home. uprising in the 10th. ers, in the Royals’ three-run sixth, Steph Curry and Klay Thompson struggled Yankees 8, Tigers 4 which also included an Alcides from long range going a combined 5 for 24, but Carlos Beltran and Alex Rod- Escobar run-producing triple. Draymond Green rescued the Warriors with 23 riguez hit home runs while CC Kennedy gave up five hits, points, including the game-winning tip-in with Sabathia crafted his way through walked one and struck out seven a minute to go. He also had 11 rebounds. six-plus innings Saturday to help before being replaced by Danny Golden State is 71-9 with games remaining the New York Yankees beat Detroit Duffy with two out in the seventh at San Antonio on Sunday and at home against 8-4, ending the Tigers’ season-start- after allowing singles to Byung Ho the Grizzlies on Wednesday. The Warriors are ing winning streak at three games. Park and Eduardo Escobar. attempting to surpass the 1995-96 Michael Jor- Sabathia (1-0) allowed three runs Cardinals 12, Braves 2 dan-led Chicago Bulls, who finished 72-10. and four hits in six-plus innings in his Right-hander Carlos Martinez Thompson added 20 points and Curry finished first start since missing the posts- won his first start of the season and with 17, although he went 3 for 14 from beyond eason last year while undergoing drove in two runs to help the St. the arc. alcohol rehabilitation. Louis Cardinals defeat the Atlanta Matt Barnes led the Grizzlies with 24 points Sabathia left the bases loaded Braves. and 15 rebounds, and Vince Carter scored 15. in his one dangerous inning, the Martinez (1-0) seemed to get Memphis had a chance to win in the final fourth, and was removed from freez- stronger as he got deeper in the eight seconds, but Lance Stephenson missed two ing weather after giving up a leadoff game. He pitched six innings and shots -- one from close range and a desperation single in the seventh. retired the final seven batters he 16-foot fadeaway at the buzzer. Rodriguez gave the Yankees a faced. He gave up two runs on Curry didn’t make his first 3-pointer until 1-0 lead in the first with his 688th four hits with three walks and five 7:36 to go in the third quarter. He missed his first career home run and Beltran hit a strikeouts. He drove in a run on a five attempts, but finally connected to extend his two-run homer in the fifth. fielder’s choice and another on a consecutive game streak of at least one 3-pointer Red Sox 8, Blue Jays 4 single. to 150. Dustin Pedroia and Hanley Ram- Cubs 4, Diamondbacks 2 Memphis erased a 53-50 halftime deficit with irez each had two RBIs as Boston Ben Zobrist had three hits and a strong third quarter and led 74-65 late in the defeated Toronto. an RBI and Kyle Hendricks gave period after an 11-0 run capped by reserve point Jose Bautista hit his first two up two runs while pitching into guard Xavier Munford’s 3-pointer. homers of the season and had four the seventh inning in the Chicago Memphis entered the fourth with a 78-70 RBIs but it was not enough for the Cubs’ 4-2 victory over the Arizona lead and went ahead by 10 on a driving dunk Blue Jays, who have lost four in a row. Diamondbacks. by Matt Barnes. The homers accounted for all Zobrist singled and scored in a They led 90-80 midway through the quar- four runs scored against right- three-run first inning and doubled ter on a reverse layup by Barnes. hander Rick Porcello (1-0), who in a run in the fourth off Arizona The Warriors chipped away at the lead on allowed seven hits and one walk right-hander Zack Greinke, who has 3-pointers by Curry and Andre Iguodala and while striking out seven over six lost the first two starts of a season grabbed their first lead of the quarter 98-97 on innings in his season debut. for the first time in his career. a 3-pointer by Harrison Barnes with 1:40 to go. Toronto right-hander R.A. Dickey Kris Bryant had two doubles After the Grizzlies regained the lead 99-98 (1-1) allowed seven runs (six earned) and an RBI and Anthony Rizzo had on two free throws by Matt Barnes, Green scored in five innings on eight hits and two an RBI single and two walks for the on a tip-in with one minute to go for a 100-99 walks. The knuckleballer struck out Cubs (4-1). Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors takes a shot against Matt Barnes of the Memphis advantage. nine. Padres 16, Rockies 3 The tip-in was originally ruled offensive bas- Grizzlies during the first half of their NBA game played at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee Reds 5, Pirates 1 Matt Kemp added to his gaudy ket interference, but overruled upon a review. on Saturday. Eugenio Suarez hit a two-run history at Coors Field with two homer and Raisel Iglesias allowed home runs and a career-high tying a run in five innings as Cincinnati six RBIs as the San Diego Padres beat Pittsburgh. pounded the Colorado Rockies. The Pirates went 2-for-10 with It was the second straight offen- runners in scoring position with a sive uprising for the Padres, who Millsap stars as Atlanta rally to beat Boston chance to improve to 5-0 for the thrashed the Rockies 13-6 on Friday first time since 1983. and ended a major league record Iglesias (1-0) earned his first 30-inning scoreless streak to start Agencies Chicago needs to win its remain- victory of the season in his sec- the season. ing two games and have Indiana lose ond start, allowing eight hits over Rangers 4, Angels 1 all three of its remaining games to 5-2/3 innings but managing to pre- Left-hander Cole Hamels con- clinch a postseason berth. vent any extended Pittsburgh rallies. ceded just one run and three hits ATLANTA: Paul Millsap scored 31 LeBron James scored 33 points White Sox 7, Indians 3 in six innings to post his ninth suc- points, grabbed 16 rebounds and and J.R. Smith finished with 24 for Avisail Garcia went 2-for-4 cessive victory and lead the Texas sparked a furious second-half as the Cavaliers (57-23), who entered with a home run and three RBIs, Rangers to a 4-1 win over the Los Atlanta rallied to beat Boston in the the night in need of a victory to and Chicago rallied for a win over Angeles Angels. regular-season home finale at Philips clinch the best record in the East- Cleveland. Hamels (2-0) induced 12 Arena. ern Conference for the third time in Jose Abreu added a home run groundouts, including six on three With two games remaining, the franchise history. and reached base four times for the double plays, and finished with Hawks (48-32) have a one-game lead Suns 121, Pelicans 100 White Sox, who scored five runs in two walks and four strikeouts in on the Celtics (47-33) for the third Archie Goodwin had 24 points the seventh inning to erase a 3-2 establishing a personal best for seed and 1-1/2-game lead over the and Mirza Teletovic scored nine of his deficit. successive wins. The left-hander Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets. 22 in the third quarter to lift Phoenix Mike Napoli went 1-for-4 with had won eight straight from April Atlanta finishes the regular sea- over New Orleans. a home run and two RBIs to lead 15 to May 28, 2012, with the Phila- son on the road, starting Monday at Goodwin, who totaled 33 points in the Indians. delphia Phillies. Cleveland and concluding Wednes- his previous five games, nailed three Phillies 1, Mets 0 Kenny Rogers was the last day in Washington. 3-pointers before leaving in the final Right-hander Vince Velasquez Rangers starting pitcher to win Boston, which got 19 points off the minute because a twisted ankle. struck out a career-high nine bat- nine consecutive games. Rogers bench from Marcus Smart, wraps up Teletovic entered the game lead- ters in his Philadelphia Phillies’ did so between April 27 and June the regular season at home against ing the NBA in 3-point shooting off debut and Ryan Howard blasted 17 in 2005. Charlotte on Monday and Miami on the bench, and he made 4-of-8 from an opposite-field home run to pro- Mariners 6, Athletics 1 Wednesday. long range against the Pelicans. vide the game’s only offense as the A solid six innings from start- Atlanta won three of four against The Suns (22-58) won their sec- Phillies earned their first win of ing pitcher Rich Hill and a two-run the Celtics and own the tiebreaker ond consecutive game after losing the season. Velasquez, who was homer by Oakland teammate Josh should the teams finish with the same seven straight. Toney Douglas scored acquired from the Houston Astros Reddick lifted the A’s to a 6-1 win record. 23 points for New Orleans (30-50). in a seven-player deal Dec. 12, over the Seattle Mariners. Bulls 105, Cavaliers 102 earned his second big-league win Jimmy Butler scored 21 points and NBA RESULTS after allowing three hits and three MLB RESULTS Cristiano Felicio had 16 off the bench walks over six innings. He retired 15 as Chicago staved off playoff elimi- Portland 105 Minnesota 106 of the final 19 batters he faced -- a Boston 8 Toronto 4 nation with a victory over Cleveland. Sacramento 114 Oklahoma City 112 span in which he collected all of his NY Yankees 8 Detroit 4 Nikola Mirotic scored 13 points Chicago 105 Cleveland 102 strikeouts -- following a laborious Cincinnati 5 Pittsburgh 1 Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (left) drives against Boston and Pau Gasol and Derrick Rose each Atlanta 118 Boston 107 26-pitch first inning. Chicago White Sox 7 Cleveland 3 finished with 10 for the Bulls (40-40), Celtics centre Tyler Zeller in the second quarter of their NBA Astros 6, Brewers 4 Memphis 99 Golden State 100 LA Dodgers 3 San Francisco 2 who would have been eliminated game at Philips Arena in Memphis, USA. The Hawks won 118-107. Colby Rasmus hit two home from playoff contention with a loss. New Orleans 100 Phoenix 121 runs and Tyler White added a third Philadelphia 1 NY Mets 0 SPORT MONDAY 11 APRIL 2016 35

All smiles for MASTERS DAY 3 HIGHLIGHTS Kaufman after Langer not surprised on show “It can happen in the game of golf. ‘stress-free’ There’s not many other sports where that can be the case,” Germany’s Bernhard Langer, a twice former day in Augusta Masters champion now aged 58, said after moving into contention Reuters by shooting a 70 for a one-under total of 215. Spieth’s lead cut AUGUSTA: Six months after win- Jordan Spieth falters as he starts the ning his first PGA Tour title, the notorious three-hole stretch of Amen unlikely figure of Smyley Kaufman Corner, missing a five-footer to three- shone on a much bigger stage as he putt the tricky par-four 11th for his played “stress-free” golf to move lead to be cut to just one shot at into contention at the Masters on three-under. Saturday. Augusta brutal for Scott The 24-year-old rookie from Australian Adam Scott, the 2013 Mas- Alabama, who stills lives with his ters champion, after struggling to a parents and drives a 2008 Nissan, three-over 75 in the third round to birdied three of the last six holes finish 12 strokes off the early pace: at a blustery Augusta National to US golfer Jordan Spieth lines up a putt “It’s so brutally difficult out there, card a three-under-par 69, the best there’s no birdie opportunities and during Round 3 of the 80th Masters Golf score in the third round. it’s just a scramble all day. That left Kaufman at two- Tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia on Saturday. “The greens are so, so tough. They’re under 214 and alone in second so fast ... blustery conditions, it’s just place, just one stroke behind impossible to really control the ball.” defending champion Jordan Spieth, who was four ahead of the chas- Horschel makes bogey after ing pack until he finished bogey, A bizarre bogey for Billy Horschel double-bogey. at the par-five 15th, where he was “Today was a good day,” said a victim of the wind. After reaching a beaming Kaufman, who mixed the green with his second shot, he four birdies with a lone bogey on a marked and replaced his ball expect- difficult day for scoring on a firm, ing no worse than a two-putt birdie. fast-running layout buffeted by However, his ball rolled off the green strong gusts. and into the pond. Under the rules, “I knew it was going to play he had to take a penalty stroke and Spieth secures one-shot drop his ball no closer to the hole. extremely difficult ... I just went out and tried to stay as commit- % Nightmare winds, dream pair- ted as possible to all my golf shots. ing have Masters buzzing “My birdie putts were good. I %Expect shots we don’t normally had a lot of tap-in pars, easy pars. see at windy Augusta, says Price Most of the holes it was pretty % Spieth and McIlroy front and stress-free. Overall, really excited lead despite late stumble centre at the Masters about today and look forward to tomorrow.” %Spieth hangs on as winds cre- Asked whether he was at all ate Masters havoc MASTERS 3RD ROUND % surprised to be contending for the German veteran WRAP-UP Spieth has taken advantage of the easiest hole on the course, post- year’s opening major, Kaufman Langer two strokes Bernhard Langer of replied: “Not really. The golf course Germany reacts to a ing a two-putt birdie to improve to five-under, while Rory McIlroy can plays really hard. I tend to play well off the pace as missed putt on the on hard golf courses. and the Northern Irishman having only par after driving into a green- seventeenth hole “I’m driving the ball really well McIlroy’s title bid claimed four of the last six major side bunker and remains three-under. during the third round right now and if I’m going to get on on thin ice after championships played. %Despite the strong, gusty winds, of the 2016 Masters the greens just as much as every- penultimate round But the marquee matchup failed the scoring average so far of 75.14, body else, I think that I’ll have a Tournament at the to deliver on the promised suspense a little more than three over par, is pretty good opportunity to be in Augusta National as Spieth held firm and McIlroy only marginally higher than the sec- contention. Golf Club in Augusta, quickly faded, slumping to a five- ond round. It is worth noting though “That was the goal coming Georgia on Saturday. over 77 to fall five strokes back and that the field is stronger once the cut into the week, just get in conten- Reuters leave his bid for a career Grand Slam is made and struggling players have tion. And now that I’m here ... kind on thin ice. been sent home. of re-adjust the goals a little bit and Instead it was Langer, Matsuyama %The wind can hurt but also help. try to win tomorrow.” and Kaufman who stole the show with Scott has just poked his tee shot 345 Kaufman is aiming to become AUGUSTA: Jordan Spieth withstood masterful displays of golf in challeng- yards at the 11th, the longest drive just the third first-time participant heavy winds and even stiffer chal- ing conditions. recorded at the hole all week. Scott to win the Masters, after Gene lenges to remain atop of the Masters Kaufman, level with six to play, has dropped one shot in 10 holes, Sarazen in the inaugural 1935 edi- leaderboard, and will take a one- produced a sizzling finish as he a decent performance, but at five- tion and Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979. shot lead into final round as he bids drained birdie putts at the 13th, 14th over has his work cut out to get near The young rookie rocketed into to complete a successful defence of and 16th. the leaders, especially with the winds prominence by winning the Shrin- his Green Jacket. “I’m driving the ball really well forecast to abate slightly during the ers Hospitals for Children Open The 22-year-old Texan has now right now and if I’m going to get on afternoon. in October, storming from seven held the outright lead for a record the greens just as much as everybody Kisner gets lucky bounce strokes behind with a bogey-free seven consecutive rounds and if he else, I think that I’ll have a pretty good Kevin Kisner’s second shot at the 10-under-par 61. can hold on for one more day will opportunity to be in contention,” said par-five 13th struck a rock in a trib- That win, which he described join Tiger Woods, Nick Faldo and with a one-shot advantage, ended just sleep it off and it’s fine tomor- Kaufman. utary of Rae’s Creek and ricocheted as being more stressful than Jack Nicklaus as the only men to claim it in the same position after a wild row. I imagine that will be the case. “That was the goal coming into 50 yards back towards him. That left watching his beloved Louisiana back-to-back Masters wins. afternoon at a windswept Augusta It was tough.” Sitting two off the the week, just get in contention. And him 70 yards from the hole and he State University football team, Spieth, who began the third round National, carding a one-over 73 that pace is evergreen German Bernhard now that I’m here ... kind of re-adjust used the lucky break to pitch on and earned him a cheque for $1.152 featured two double-bogeys on the Langer, a two-time Masters winner the goals a little bit and try to win two-putt for par. million and a spot at this week’s back nine, including one at the 18th. who showed he still knows how to tomorrow.” %There are many ways to make Masters. An 80th Masters that had looked get around a tricky Augusta layout, Langer, who won both his Mas- LEADERBOARD a par, and American Charley Hoff- “LSU football is one of the ready to turn into a coronation with carding a two-under 70, and Hideki ters titles before Spieth was born, also -4 Jordan Spieth US 12 66 74 man took his own route to a four at most painful things to watch ever, Spieth holding a four-stroke edge Matsuyama, playing in his fifth Mas- made a stirring late charge with three -3 Hideki Matsuyama (Japan) 14 71 72 the 434-yard seventh hole by holing really,” Kaufman grinned. with two to play but will instead be ters, who had 72. consecutive birdies from the 13th. a 10-yard bunker shot. He remains -2 Smylie Kaufman US 17 73 72 up for grabs with an eclectic mix of Australian world number one He gave one back at the last seven-over after dropping three -1 Dustin Johnson US 16 73 71 challengers, including a Masters deb- Jason Day, the pre-Masters favour- but will still enter final round with shots. utant, a 58-year-old former champion ite who struggled to find consistent a chance to become the oldest ever Bernhard Langer (Germany) 18 72 % and a 24-year-old Japanese sensa- form through the early rounds, finally major winner and take the torch from The seventh hole is playing 73 70 hardest on the course so far, with a tion all lurking. American rookie emerged as a contender as he rock- American Julius Boros, who was a full scoring average of nearly 4.8 strokes. Danny Willett (Britain) 14 70 74 Smylie Kaufman, who still lives with eted up the leaderboard with a 71 to decade younger when he won the 0 Soren Kjeldsen (Denmark) 13 69 74 Among the first 14 players, there has his parents, had the lowest round of finish three shots off the pace. PGA Championship at age 48. been one birdie, four pars, six bogeys Jason Day (Australia) 17 72 73 the day, returning a three-under 69 to The third round began with “I believe I can,” declared Langer, and three doubles. Watson is that 1 Scott Piercy US 12 70 72 join Spieth in an unlikely final pairing. the spotlight firmly on two of golf’s when asked if he can win a third you? “That wasn’t a fun last couple charismatic young guns, Spieth and Masters. Lee Westwood (Britain) 18 71 75 71 holes to play from the position I was McIlroy forming one of the most “If I play my best, I can shoot four- %Twice Masters champion Bubba Danny Lee (New Zealand) 12 68 74 in,” said Spieth, who also had a bogey anticipated final pairings ever fea- or-five under tomorrow ... but so can Watson, the 57th and last man to at 17 to surrender three shots over his tured at the year’s first major. Jordan Spieth. make the midway cut, was first off Brandt Snedeker US 13 71 72 on another blustery day at Augusta last two holes. Tracked by massive galleries, the “I said earlier on, sooner or later, Daniel Berger US 16 73 71 National, playing in the company of “It’s not going to be fun tonight dynamic duo had all the credentials it’s going to happen. One of the over Smyley Kaufman a non-competing marker. 2 Rory McIlroy (Britain) 12 70 71 for a little while, and hopefully I of an all-star pairing with the Texan 50s is going to win a major.” ‘Jordan and Rory’ show fails to deliver at the Masters

Reuters Rory McIlroy struggled to find any two holes to leave his fans groaning tournament.” The former world the third round. Shouts of “Go Jordan” where he missed the green to the spark on a brutal day for scoring in in disappointment. McIlroy, bidding to number one dropped two shots on and “Come on Rory”, accompanied by right with his approach and ended strong gusting winds. complete a career Grand Slam of the the front nine, another on the 10th wolf whistles and loud cheers, ech- up three-putting, sent groans through Watched by huge galleries at four majors, failed to register a single and double-bogeyed the tricky 11th oed through the Georgian pines when the gallery but he quickly rebounded AUGUSTA: The “Jordan and Rory” Augusta National, Spieth and third- birdie as he struggled to a five-over 77 to slide backwards each player was introduced before the with birdies at the 12th, 14th and 15th show was the hottest ticket at the ranked Northern Irishman McIlroy leaving him five strokes off the pace. “It’s hard to pick a club,” McIl- heavily anticipated “Spieth & McIl- to forge four shots clear. Masters on Saturday with the defend- generated plenty of buzz when they “Just one of those days,” said roy said of the problems posed by roy” show got underway, but it never “I played better than I scored ing champion and a four-time major teed off but, by the time they finished McIlroy. the swirling winds. “It’s hard to trust delivered. today,” Spieth said after ending his winner paired together for the third in the Georgian twilight, there was a “You have to try to forget about it what you have in your hand.” While McIlroy mainly struggled, round with a bogey on 17 and a dou- round but it failed to live up to its bill- palpable sense of anti-climax. and move on. To be honest with you, By the time Masters and US Open Spieth produced his usual blend of ble at the last. “It was a really tough ing. Though reigning champion Spieth I would be feeling a lot worse about champion Spieth and then McIlroy brilliant putting, mental strength and finish to go from holding a four-shot American world number two Jor- remained on top of the Masters lea- myself if I hadn’t just seen what Jor- arrived on the first tee under a blaz- patience as he mixed two birdies with lead ... it’s tough to swallow that. But dan Spieth largely fulfilled his side of derboard for a seventh consecutive dan did the last two holes. ing sun, the galleries were packed at a bogey to reach the turn with a three- I’m in the lead after 54 holes. If you the bargain as he retained a one-shot round after battling to a one-over-par “I sort of take a bit of heart least eight deep as the fans eagerly stroke cushion. told me that at the beginning of the lead in the year’s opening major but 73, he dropped three shots on the last from that, that I’m still in this golf waited for the final pairing to set off in A double-bogey at the tricky 11th, week, I’d be obviously very pleased.” 36 MONDAY 11 APRIL 2016 Camels 1 are Qatar rugby champions

QRF’S RUGBY FEDERATION Rakabu’s men thrash SEASON CONCLUDES Hurricanes in the Qatar Rugby Sevens Badr Bakaddouri responded for Cup finale to confirm the Camels with a tremendous indi- brace of titles vidual try. The former long distant runner, who had never played rugby in his life until a few months ago, out ran his opponents in an 80 meters dash to the try line. The Peninsula The try was converted by Hamza Sayed giving the Camels a handy 17-7 lead at the break. The second half did not start any DOHA: Camels 1 were crowned 2016 better for the Hurricanes who con- Qatar Rugby Sevens Cup champions ceded three quick tries to the entire after defeating the Hurricanes 38- 12 Fijian connection. Biumaiwai and in the finale at the Aspire Warm Up Sareki scored their second tries while and purpose built rugby track on Sat- captain Lliese Rakabu scored his only urday night. try of the evening. All three tries were The undefeated Camels team converted by Sayed giving the Cam- claimed the prize in emphatic style, els a 38-7 lead. winning all 14 of their matches The Hurricanes determination becoming the first side to go unbeaten saw Chatting cross out wide for his in a season. double. The conversion was unsuc- The league finals were attended cessful. The final score Camels 38 by the Minister of Energy & Industry Hurricanes 12. H E Dr Mohammad bin Saleh Al Sada After the match Camels 1 captain and Mohammad bin Tawar Al Kuwari, Rakabu thanked God and praised the Vice-Chairman of the Qatar Chamber QRF administration for the event. of Commerce and Industry. He said, “I want to thank God who QRF President Yousef Al Kuwari poses with the triumphant Camels 1 team after the 2016 Qatar Rugby Sevens Cup finale at Aspire onSaturday. Hilal Al Kuwari, President Aspire allowed us to win this Qatar Sevens. Pics: S Matramkot/The Peninsula Zone Foundation, Mohammad bin I also want to thank the QRF for a Mubarak Al Kuwari, Director Aspire great sevens series. It was well run Foundation Zone and Abudllah Al and organised”. He said, “We would like to thank participating clubs by saying: “The of them. Tonight there is no losers “What an honour to be able to Khater, Events Manager Aspire Foun- Rakabu paid tribute to the Hurri- the QRF and the referees for a great road to success is not an easy one. only winners.” The General Man- present such an award. The QRF has dation Zone were also on hand to canes and his team-mates. league and we look forward to par- These men have sacrificed a great ager of the Copthorne Hotel Kabalan really brought rugby to the forefront witness the history making evening. “I thank the Hurricanes for a ticipating again next year”. deal and have taken on the challenge Frangieh was delighted with night’s with an exhilarating evening. It’s great The Camels made history by win- great match they are always hard to The best players for Camels 1; to be the best rugby players of 2016. performances and enjoyed presenting to see rugby developing and the Cop- ning both the Cup title and the league beat. They never stopped coming at Lliese Rakabu, Isireli Biumaiwai, The Federation is proud of their the Copthorne Hotel Man-of-the- thorne Hotel is proud to be a partner title (56 championship points). us with the ball and they know how Orisi Sareki and Bakaddouri while the achievement – congratulations to all Match awards to the players. the QRF and Qatar Rugby,” he said. For all their hard work the Cam- to make us run. But I salute my team Hurricanes were best served by Mark els are Qatar Rugby Sevens and Qatar today,” he said. Chatting, Tom Metcalf and Tom Ayling. Rugby Sevens League champions. “They worked hard all season The Lions, earlier overcame After 2 minutes of sustained pres- never complained about the train- Camels 2 in the Quarter finals 17-2. sure and missed opportunities, the ing. We came here tonight and knew it However, they could not continue Camels finally opened the scoring wasn’t going to be easy so our training their winning formula against the with Fijian youngster Isireli Biumai- this week was even harder than nor- Hurricanes going down in the semi wai who palmed his way for a try mal. Well done to my boys who never finals 22-12. Lions were best served wooing the noisy crowd. held a rugby ball before and now they by Mushin Faleel, Eranda Weera- It did not take long before the are the rugby champs,” he added. koddi, Wade Momberg and try scores Fijian connection was at it again. DRFC – Hurricanes captain Isaac AndrewJansen and Sudam Parinda. Action from the This time it was Orisi Sareki who took Banks though disappointed still found Andre Fouri was great in defense. advantage of some sloppy defense and reason to smile. In the other matches played ear- Qatar Rugby easily went in for the Camels’ second “I am extremely happy we are lier, Camels 2 served Al Khor with Sevens Cup finale try. runners up because the Lions gave us their second defeat of the evening by between Camels 1 The Hurricanes narrowed the a scare in the semis. It was great to beating them in the Plate Finals 33-10 and Hurricanes at lead when centre man Mark Chat- beat them with a good win and finally while CNAQ accounted the Blue Fal- Aspire on Saturday. ting found himself in open space and face the Camels again. We played our cons in the Bowl finals 24-10. crossed over the line. Tom Ayling was best game of the season but unfortu- At the conclusion of the finals QRF quick to convert to make it 12-7. nately the Camels professional players President Yousef Al Kuwari praised were too good - congratulations to the sponsors of the rugby sevens. them on winning”. “It is important to know that RESULTS Banks praised the Qatar Rugby our sport could not survive or reach Federation (QRF) and tournament tonight’s success without our partners Final organisers and later played tribute and sponsors. As such I wish to thank Camels 1 by Hurricanes 38-12 to his team. the Qatar Olympic Committee, the Plate Finals “I am overjoyed and proud of my Aspire Foundation Zone, the Aspire Camels 2 bt Al Khor 33-10 team. We came together and achieved Logistic Department, the Aspire Parks something pretty special. I think that’s administration, Aspetar, Copthorne Bowls Finals what rugby is all about, the camara- Hotel and IEC.” CNAQ bt Blue Falcons 24-10 derie you foster”. He then congratulated the

RESULTS Mowasalat bt Nakheel Landscapes 5-0 Workers Cup: Mowasalat enter quarter-finals Delta Doha Corporation bt Al Asmakh 1-0 Gulf Contracting Co (GCC) bt G4S 2-0 The Peninsula Despite being pushed back for the major- Midmac bt Aamal 1-0 ity of the second half, Delta prevailed 1-0 and Taleb Group bt Shapoorji Pallonji Qatar will progress to the Workers Cup Quarter-finals 3-1 for the first time in their history. Delta will now Dulsco bt Outlook Trading & Contract- DOHA: The Workers Cup entered the quarter- take-on Mowasalat in the quarterfinals next ing 2-1 finals phase with Mowasalat proceeding to the week. Larson & Toubro (L&T) bt Consolidated last-eight stage following a comprehensive 5-0 In another match, L&T eased through to the Contractors International Co. (CCC) 6-0 win over Nakheel Landscapes. quarter-finals with a comprehensive 6-0 win Attacker Mensan was the star of the show for over CCC. Mowasalat and grabbed a hat-trick for his side. The first half saw CCC with the majority of a equaliser, and could have had one The first half proved to be a one sided affair, the ball, dictating the play. However it was L&T in stoppage time. Mowasalat looked in control from the opening who sneaked a goal in the final minutes of the However Midmac held on for the stages; their dominance eventually tolled and half against the run of play, at the break it was win, Midmac will now face Taleb in the 22nd minute took a deserved lead. Mow- 1-0 to L&T. group in the quarter-finals to be asalat pushed hard to double their advantage L&T came out in the second half with played next week. but were met from resistance from Nakheel, renewed vigour, and took the game to CCC. The other match saw, two goals the first half ended 1-0 to Mowasalat. They doubled their lead half way through the in either half ensuring GCC eased From the onset of the second half, Mow- second half with a fine strike. With 80 minutes past G4S to advance to the knock- asalat was relentless, pushing the ball into the on the clock, CCC capitulated allowing L&T to out stage. Nakheel defensive half and pushing hard for Action from a Workers Cup score three times to assure a quarter-final place. GCC took the lead in spectacular a second. match in Doha on Saturday. The undefeated L&T will look forward to circumstances thanks to Jasper. After On the 80th minute Mowaslat doubled their next week’s quarterfinal clash against MedGulf. being scythed down in the G4S half lead from a fine header from Alexander. The Midmac also progressed to the last-eight striker Jasper dusted himself down flood gates opened for Mowasalat with three stage with a hard fought 1-0 win over Aamal. to smash in a freekick from 35 yards goals in the final twenty minutes, ensuring com- Midmac flew out of the blocks creating for his side. The first half ended 1-0 fortable passage to the Quarter Finals. half ended 0-0. Substitute Charles weaved his a 1-0 win over a determined Al Asmakh side. plenty of chances in the opening exchanges. to a dominant GCC side. In other match, tournament favourites Out- way past the Outlook back-line beating three The match started with Al Asmakh making Eventually Aamal weathered the storm, with In the second half it was more of look Trading where dumped out of the Workers players before slamming the ball into the back an impressive start. They pushed hard for an the game being an even affair in the final 15 the same for GCC and within two min- Cup, losing 2-1 to Dulsco in an action packed of the net. opening goal; however Delta looked resolute at minutes of the half, the tie was 0-0 at the break. utes of the restart they doubled their thriller. With just minutes to play Outlook piled on the back. Delta were looking to take Al Asmakh In the second half, Midmac slowly grew in lead thanks to Morris Wendo. The game started at a frenetic pace with the pressure, however Dulsco remained resolute on the break, and eventually that tactic paid off confidence and struck the only goal of the tie on The striker had plenty of time to Dulsco opening the scoring on the 3rd minute and the match finished 2-1 to Dulsco. on the 43rd minute. the 83rd minute. Striker Gideon controlled the slot past the hapless G4S keeper. GCC, of the tie. The lead was short-lived as Outlook Elsewhere, Delta Doha has once again main- Delta striker Sudesh’s powerful run and fin- ball well and drilled it into the back of the net. will be looking to maintain their focus were quick to equalise within 2 minutes, the first tained its perfect winning record in the, with ish gave his side the lead going into the break. In the final minutes Aamal pushed hard for and performance next week.