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Ezdan Holding ‘Hero’ Barshimhim a Group’s net profit star attractionon at jumps by 22% Asian Indoorsrs

WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2016 • 8 Jumada I 1437 • Volume 20 • Number 6709 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

Emir meets Hollande Emir congratulates Qatar and Saudi Lithuania President

DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani yesterday Arabia agree to sent a cable of congratulations to Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite on her country’s freeze oil output National Day, reports QNA. Britain’s King’s can’t continue, highlighting the drop College opens in oil investments while the demand Russia and Venezuela for oil increases. Doha campus join Gulf duo in move Dr Al Sada said talks will start with OPEC members and non-mem- meant to stabilise ber oil producing countries and also The Peninsula the market with Iran and Iraq in order to main- tain market stability and achieve benefit for oil producing countries DOHA: King’s College, a prestig- as well as global economy, QNA ious boarding school from the UK, reported. yesterday announced the launch of The Peninsula Al Sada added that he will lead its branch campus in Doha. talks in his capacity as Qatari minis- Kings College Doha (KCD), a ter of energy and industry and Opec British International School for president with support from the children from three to 11 years, DOHA: Qatar has agreed with Saudi three ministers in order to reach an will open its doors to students in Arabia, Russia and Venezuela to agreement with member states. “If September this year. The school is freeze oil output production at Jan- these countries, including Iran and located between Najma Street and uary levels provided that other Iraq, agree to the proposal, it will be E-Ring Road in Thumama. producing countries from Opec and implemented, he said. The Ministry of Education and out of it do the same. Al Nuaimi said the freeze is “the Higher Education has recognised The announcement was made beginning of a process.” The situa- KCD as an “Outstanding School” Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with French President Francois Hollande at the Elysee at a joint press conference here yes- tion will be monitored in the next and admissions for the academic terday by Minister of Energy and few months to “decide whether we Palace in Paris yesterday. They discussed developments in the Middle East, especially the Syrian conflict. year 2016/2017 are now open to → See also page 2 Industry and Opec President H E Dr need other steps to stabilise and children between three and eight Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada, Saudi approve the market.” years (UK Curriculum Pre-School Minister of Petroleum and Mineral “We don’t want significant through to Year 4). Resources Ali bin Ibrahim Al Nuaimi, gyrations in prices. We don’t want The launch was announced Russian Energy Minister Alexander a reduction in supply. We want to at an event at the British Embassy Novak and Venezuelan Oil Minister meet demand and we want a stable Interfaith meet seeks to curb extremism hosted by the British Ambassador Eulogio Del Pino. oil price,” he added. to Qatar, Ajay Sharma. “This step is meant to stabi- The Venezuelan minister said The school’s daily activities, lise the market,” Dr Al Sada said, he will meet his Iraqi and Iranian The Peninsula national community to intensify the theme “Spiritual and intellectual based on the King’s British cur- describing the meeting in Doha counterparts to discuss the pro- efforts to curb the growing menace safety in the light of religious doc- riculum, will be delivered by as “successful.” He added that the duction freeze proposal. The Doha of violence and extremism all over trines”, has brought together about UK-trained teachers and teach- meeting reviewed the current situ- announcement evoked mixed DOHA: Religious leaders and schol- the world. 500 delegates representing major ers of Arabic and Islamic studies, ation of the oil market and the short response from the global oil market. ars attending the 12th Doha Interfaith The two-day meet, organised religious communities in the world. College officials said yesterday. and long-term supply and demand. Dialogue Conference which opened by the Doha International Center He said the trend of falling oil prices → Continued on page 2 here yesterday called on the inter- Interfaith Dialogue (DICID) under → Continued on page 2 → Continued on page 7 02 WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2016 HOME Emir and French President hold talks in Paris

Both sides called for increased support for international efforts They call for support to deter the regime and its cronies for global efforts to from committing more crimes, hold- ing the Syrian regime responsible deter Syrian regime for the ongoing devastation and from committing destruction. They also reminded the more crimes international community of its responsibility towards these crimes, protection of civilians, and the QNA importance of holding those respon- sible accountable. The Emir and the President also exchanged views on matters of PARIS: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin mutual interest at the regional and Hamad Al Thani and French Pres- international levels . ident Francois Hollande yesterday The meeting at the Elysee Pal- discussed in Paris developments ace also dealt with relations between in the Middle East, especially the the two friendly countries and ways war in Syria, and efforts to stop of enhancing them in various fields. the bloodshed and the delivery of The Emir’s delegation and humanitarian aid to besieged Syr- French ministers and officials were Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and French President Francois Hollande hold talks in the presence of their delegations. ian cities. present.

Greetings sent Education Development to Lithuania and Training Centre opens

QNA

DOHA: Deputy Emir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani yesterday sent a cable of congrat- ulations to Lithuania President Dalia Grybauskaite on her country’s National Day. Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdul- lah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani FROM LEFT: Minister of Justice H E Dr Hassan Lahdan Saqr Al Mohannadi; Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, sent a similar cable to the president. President, Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, Vatican; Dr. Ahmed Ziyad, Minister of Islamic Affairs (Maldives); Rabbi Prof. Reuven Firestone, Hebrew Union College (US); and Aisha Yousef Al Mannai, Deputy Oil prices give Chairman, Board of Directors/DICID at the inaugural ceremony. up early gains

Continued from page 1 Qatar consolidating values of dialogue: Minister

Oil gave up early gains yester- Continued from page 1 day to trade lower after the ‘freeze’ in spreading the message of peace, role in correcting misconceptions announcement. Late European tolerance and coexistence. and disseminating the culture of Minister of Education and Higher Education H E Dr Mohammed Abdul afternoon, Brent North Sea crude “A handful of people are trying to The forum comes at a critical spiritual and intellectual safety in was 78 cents down at $32.61, its Wahed Ali Al Hammadi honours one of the graduates of the first intoxicate the environment through time with growing extremism and communities. session low, having slipped from programme of the centre. hate speech and extremism that are violence in various parts of the world DICID Chairman Dr Ibrahim bin its $35.55 high just before the the main cause of spreading terror- in a way that is increasingly sound- Saleh Al Nuaimi said Qatar is keen to announcement. The US benchmark ism. We should come forward to stop ing alarm of imminent danger to the promote interfaith dialogue, which is West Texas Intermediate for March QNA of the centre’s first programme. them because every religion claims international community, he said, an important aspect of co-existence. delivery was down 51 cents from Mona Mohamed Al Kuwari, it has nothing to do with such hei- calling for collective action to pro- Disrespect of religious beliefs is one Monday’s closing level at $28.93. Director of the centre, told the cer- nous crimes,” Minister of Justice H E mote spiritual and intellectual safety of the main challenges facing the co- “The news has disappointed emony at Katara: “Today is the result Dr Hassan Lahdan Saqr Al Mohan- and combat hate speech and extrem- existence of different faiths. the market slightly because some DOHA: Minister of Education and of two years of hard work to bring nadi told the opening ceremony. ism in all its forms. “Religious leaders have a role to people had hoped to see a cut Higher Education H E Dr Moham- the centre to light.” “Qatar is moving forward in He said defamation of reli- play in restoring peace and stabil- rather than a production freeze,” med Abdul Wahed Ali Al Hammadi She said the centre will help its efforts and cooperation to con- gions, sanctities, beliefs and other ity, politically and economically, and an analyst said. “I don’t think it yesterday inaugurated the Educa- achieve many of the ambitions in solidate values of dialogue among cultures incites racism and fanat- maintaining security,” said Cardinal will have a huge impact on sup- tion Development and Training Qatar National Vision 2030. individuals and cultures as a corner- icism and revives tensions, hatred Jean-Louis Tauran, President of the ply/demand balances because we Centre. The centre is providing training stone of global security and peace.” and intolerance. These challenges Pontifical Councilfor Interreligious were oversupplied in January.” He also honoured the graduates to 1,000 teachers, she added. He praised the conference’s role can be overcome with participants’ Dialogue, Vatican. Ooredoo opens next generation smart shop at the Pearl-Qatar

The Peninsula and latest information on our deals.” Ooredoo’s terms and conditions and The facility is the first fully receive digital copies through SMS paperless Ooredoo shop, offering a and email. convenient one-stop shop for cus- Ooredoo has invested in a next DOHA: Ooredoo has opened its new- tomers seeking services such as Hala, generation eArchiving system which est ‘Smart shop’ at the Pearl-Qatar in Shahry, Broadband, fixed line and enables the real time archiving of a celebration inaugurated by Sheikh business services. customer applications onto its data- Saud bin Nasser Al Thani, Group CEO The shop will provide SIM base, offering a safer storage and of the company. replacements and Hala top-ups and archiving system for customers’ The shop in Medina Centrale enables Mozaic and fixed line cus- details and an instant method to opposite the Novo Cinema is in a tomers to migrate to Ooredoo tv, the retrieve applications. prime location for residents and vis- incredible new all-in-one entertain- Ooredoo aims to continue the itors to access its facilities. It hosts ment service launched this week. As expansion of the shop model across some of the latest customer service part the vision for moving to paper- Qatar, with new shops in new loca- technologies to ensure a smoother free service to reduce the use of tions. Customers can access and and improved experience for visitors. natural resources, all forms to sign find out details about Ooredoo’s Speaking at the opening, Waleed up, upgrade or register for services life-enriching products by visiting Al Sayed, CEO, Ooredoo Qatar, said: are available through a fully-paper- ooredoo.qa, logging onto the Oore- “Our new state-of-the-art shop raises less process. doo Community or following their the bar in terms of intelligent design This is made possible by a spe- social media pages. and a better customer experience. cially-designed online system As well as online and in-store, Not only does it enable paperless supporting easy-to-use eForms, the customers can visit one of the 200 transactions, it also deploys latest latest eScanning equipment for QID plus self-service machines through- digital solutions such as digital ban- and passports, and eSignatures for out the country to purchase cinema ners, electronic brochures and our digital signatures. tickets, top up Hala accounts, pay new Queue Management solution. It The shop also supports eAc- bills and buy vouchers for a range of Officials at the event. has a trained team eager and ready knowledgements, which enable shopping and dining experiences in to help, smarter technology on offer, customers to electronically agree to Qatar. HOME WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2016 03

Premier meets US Senator QRCS winter and food aid benefit 12,000 Afghans

The Peninsula of 8,000 blankets (seven per family), with no source of income, families 1,000 wood heaters, 1,000 bags of whose breadwinners are widows winter clothes, and 2,000 food pack- or children, and families with disa- ages, each containing 77 kg of items bled people. Following distribution, DOHA: As part of a Warm Winter including rice, vegetable oil, sugar, the Badakhshan Governor met the campaign for 2015-2016, Qatar Red beans and tea. QRCS team and awarded a certifi- Crescent Society (QRCS) has con- Among challenges that faced cate of appreciation in recognition cluded a winterisation relief project project staff were the freezing of QRCS’s efforts. The meeting was in Afghanistan, distributing $275,000 weather and insecurity in the prov- attended by a representative of the (QR1,000,810) worth of aid to the inces. But the project was executed as Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. poorest and displaced families in planned, in coordination with local Thousands of homeless families Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani yesterday met inaccessible areas. partners and authorities. The success are suffering due to severe condi- US Senator Robert Casey and his delegation. Talks dealt with cooperation between the two countries The project lasted from mid- was hailed by the local and national tions amid below-zero temperatures and latest international developments. November 2015 until the end of media, which highlighted QRCS as in northern regions, heavy snow- January to alleviate the suffering the first international humanitarian ing in cities and blocked roads in of the needy and displaced in the organisation to reach out to benefi- mountains. face of the cold winter and reduce ciary areas. The Warm Winter campaign is in malnutrition. QRCS coordinated with Afghan progress to provide more than QR11m A total of 12,000 beneficiaries Red Crescent Society (ARCS) on pro- aid for over 200,000 beneficiaries CMC calls for protection of citizens were covered in several districts of curement of relief items from the in Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, Leba- four provinces: Badakhshan (6,000), local market, quality checks and non (Syrian and Palestinian refugees), Kabul (4,200), Faryab (900), and local community surveys to select Jordan (Syrian refugees), and Iraqi signing deals to build homes Wardak (900). It involved distribution beneficiaries from the families Kurdistan (Syrian refugees).

The Peninsula need to take responsibility for signing Cultural Innovation and Qatar Fine construction contracts and supervise Arts Association should be given a the construction process to protect chance to take part in decoration of citizens’ rights, he stressed. roads, bridges and subways. DOHA: The Central Municipal Coun- The ministry needs to restore the The proposal was originally pre- cil (CMC) yesterday recommended housing system of 2007, when citi- sented by Councillor Fatima bint that the authorities concerned must zens received homes after completion Ahmed Al Kawari who represents take responsibility for contracts cit- of construction. constituency No, 9. izens sign for construction of their Due to failure of contractors All existing and future bridges homes to protect them from being and engineering and mistakes by need to be beautified with art cheated. contractors, citizens are suing con- touches, Al Kawari said. CMC Chairman Mohammed Mah- tractors and consultants but cases are The proposal was discussed last moud Al Shafi yesterday presented taking a long time in courts. December and forwarded to the the proposal at the regular weekly This causes delay in construction committee. session of the council. and citizens end up spending more Trucks and trailers should not be Qataris receive QR1.2m each as due to a rise in the prices of construc- allowed to park along the road lead- loan to build homes, but when they tion materials, said Al Shafi. ing to Muaither from the bridges in sign contracts with consultants and The Services and Facilities Com- the Industrial area, said council- contractors, many are cheated due mittee of the CMC also recommended lors Mohammed bin Ali Al Azba and to lack of experience, said Al Shafi, that all bridges, subways and upcom- Mohammed bin Hamad Al Attan. who represents constituency No. 14. ing projects should be painted and The movement of trucks in Al To address the issue the Minis- decorated with art works to reflect Murra, Al Sharqiyah near the zoo and try of Administrative Development, Qatari heritage and culture, said the near Muaither Sport Club should also Labour and Social Affairs, in collabo- council. be restricted as they pose a danger to ration with Qatar Development Bank, Entities such as Centre for other motorists, they noted. Qatar Red Crescent Society volunteers distribute aid materials to beneficiaries. 04 WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2016 HOME QA displays latest and finest aircraft in Singapore

FROM LEFT: Qatar Airways’ new-generation Airbus 350, Airbus A380 and Gulfstream G650ER on display at the Singapore Airshow 2016.

The Peninsula at Singapore’s Ministry of Transport airshow is very much enhanced com- QA flies the A350 to four des- region at the airshow. The business and other senior officials, trade part- pared to the last edition. tinations — Frankfurt, Munich, jet is the first of 30 latest-generation ners and members of the press on “Visitors at the showgrounds are Philadelphia and Singapore — and Gulfstream aircraft to be ordered by Qatar Airways hosts board QA’s flagship A350 aircraft, greeted by some of the latest and most is the first airline to fly the A350 to Qatar Executive, the private jet divi- guests and visitors DOHA: Qatar Airways (QA) hosted for which it was the global launch technologically advanced aircraft in three continents — Asia, Europe and sion of QA Group. guests and visitors on board its state- customer. our fleet. Our three aircraft on dis- North America. Singapore has the dis- The Gulfstream is equipped with on board its state-of- of-the-art fleet the opening day of the Since its inception in 2008, the play — the A350, A380 and G650ER tinction of being the first country in industry-leading cabin technology the-art fleet on the Singapore Airshow 2016 yesterday. airshow has evolved into Asia’s larg- — are among the best in the market Asia to host commercial service of the and unparalleled cabin comfort with opening day of the The award-winning carrier has est aviation event. This year marks place now, and we are pleased to be A350 last May. seats that can be converted to fully three of its latest-generation aircraft the second time QA is participating able to showcase the future of avia- All three QA’s daily flights from flat beds for a good night’s rest. airshow on static display at Asia Pacific’s larg- in the event, traditionally a platform tion today for our visitors.” Singapore to Doha are serviced by the The G650ER joins Qatar Execu- est aerospace event. and opportunity for trade, media and Among the stellar line-up of A350 aircraft, signifying the impor- tive’s long-range fleet of eight modern Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive, aviation enthusiasts to experience aircraft on display is A350, which tance of the republic to the airline. Bombardier aircraft, including three Qatar Airways Group, also welcomed industry developments. celebrated the first anniversary of QA’s Gulfstream G650ER also Challenger 605s, four Global 5000s, a All-Premium Class aircraft, all avail- Pang Kin Keong, Permanent Secretary Al Baker said: “Our presence at the operations in January. made its debut in the Southeast Asia Global XRS, and a 40-seat Airbus A319 able for worldwide charter. UCQ invites applications for Expert explains ‘miracle’ of organ transplants

Bachelor of Nursing programme The Peninsula the body’s natural immune-response system as the transplant was between identical twins. The recipient of the kidney went on to live for eight years. But most early attempts failed. In 1963 The Peninsula experience for which the Faculty of Nurs- DOHA: The past, present and future of organ the survival rate for a kidney transplant was ing is known worldwide. transplantation was discussed at the latest edi- one in 10 and now over 90 percent of patients Over the years, graduates have had tion of Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar’s (WCM-Q) can expect to survive, due to improved immune- success within and beyond the nurs- lecture series, the Grand Rounds. suppressive drugs, without which the recipient’s DOHA: The University of Calgary in Qatar ing profession, applying their training to A lecture on ‘The Miracle of Organ Trans- body will attack and destroy the transplanted (UCQ) is accepting applications for Bach- local needs, while advancing their profes- plantation: Progress and Challenges,’ was organ. elor of Nursing until March 1 for enrollment sion and Qatar’s National Health Strategy delivered by Dr Manikkam Suthanthiran, Stan- Dr Suthanthiran and colleagues, includ- in August 2016. 2011-2016. ton Griffis Distinguished Professor of Medicine, ing Dr Karsten Suhre, Professor of Physiology Ideally suited for graduating high The programme prepares graduates and Chief, Division of Nephrology and Hyper- and Biophysics, WCM-Q, are working on the school students, the programme conveys for work in areas such as patient care, tension, Weill Cornell Medicine in New York. development of noninvasive molecular tests to know-how and skills graduates need to community health, research and health Dr Suthanthiran, also Chief, Department make transplants safer and treatment highly positively impact their families, commu- and wellness education. of Transplantation Medicine and Extracorpor- individualised. nities, careers and Qatar’s development It also features courses, including ther- eal Therapy, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, While transplants enjoy a high success rate, goals. apeutic interventions; health assessment; highlighted difficulties of organ transplantation doctors must still battle against organ rejec- “UCQ is committed to Qatar National and nursing of families and bioethics. With and how the procedure defies biology. “Organ tion, infections and a shortage of donor organs. Vision 2030, particularly its human and a gold standard education, UCQ prepares transplantation is a medical miracle as we are Dr Suthanthiran told physicians, research- social dimensions, educating the next gen- students to start a career as skilled nurs- designed evolutionary to distinguish ourselves ers, students and healthcare professionals that eration of nursing professionals for Qatar’s ing professional and equips them with the from others,” he said. “Our whole defence sys- xenotransplantation, whereby organs from evolving healthcare sector,” said Dr Kim knowledge to provide their families and tem immediately recognises the transplanted other species are used, is a promising area Critchley, CEO and Dean. the Qatari community with quality health- organ as different from self and tries to dam- of research that could potentially relieve the “Our undergraduate and graduate stu- care and wellness. age and destroy it, so to take this organ – even donor shortage. The Grand Rounds, developed dents are not only offered instruction in Noof Fahad Al Kuwari, a UCQ alum- though it is life-saving – and place it in to by WCM-Q’s Division of Continuing Profes- theory, but also provided with opportuni- nus who graduated in 2014, said: “I found someone’s body, it is a miracle that it works.” sional Development, provides a platform for Organ transplant expert Dr Manikkam ties for hands-on learning that prepares myself growing in all aspects in life. On That it works is partially thanks to Dr Joseph experts to engage with healthcare professionals Suthanthiran speaking at Weill Cornell them for probable real-life situations in a personal level, UCQ led me to realise Murray, a pioneer of organ transplantation who to disseminate knowledge of latest develop- Medicine-Qatar’s Grand Rounds medical their professional and personal lives.” the importance of listening carefully and conducted the world’s first kidney transplant ments in medical technology, research and lecture series. Since its establishment in 2007, empathising with others, which continues in 1954. The Nobel laureate was able to bypass best practice. UCQ,the only institution providing a nurs- to inform my approach to patient care. In a ing education in Qatar, has prepared over professional sense, UCQ has equipped me 230 students for healthcare careers. with tools I need daily, while instilling in About 600 students are enrolled at me the curiosity that is crucial for lifelong Qatar participates in Arab Parliamentary Union meetings in Jordan UCQ, benefiting from the expertise and learning and professional development.”

QNA During the opening session, Speaker of in adopting comprehensive reforms, should the Lower House of Jordan’s Parliament Atef prompt us all to develop work to achieve aspi- Tarawneh urged Arab countries to stand united rations of our peoples,” Tarawneh added. to address the threats posed by terrorist organ- He urged the APU to shoulder its responsi- AMMAN: The meetings of the 18th session of isations and restore security and stability to bilities and play its role in serving Arab peoples the executive committee of Arab Parliamentary communities. He said APU’s work at this stage and providing them with protection in the eco- Union (APU) opened in Amman yesterday with gains importance as Arab nations face chal- nomic, social, political and security fields. the participation of 13 Arab countries. lenges that threaten its security and stability. The opening session was attended by APU Qatar is represented by an Advisory Coun- “The continued crises, the weak impact Secretary General Fayez Al Shawabkeh and cil delegation, including Member Nasser Ahmed of programmes, policies and plans to com- Head of the APU’s Executive Committee Faisal Al Maliki and Legal expert Nasser Ali Al Khater. bat poverty and unemployment and the delay Al Shaya. Ooredoo unveils new business desks in retail stores

The Peninsula

DOHA: Ooredoo will launch business desks in its selected retail stores, giving business customers easier access to all of its business services to ensure increased customer satisfaction. The desks will be for Ooredoo business customers and a trained business sales representative will be able to assist with their needs. The desks at eight stores will enable customers to purchase the entire business portfolio and services in store, including Shahry Smart packs, Fibre Broadband, Sip-T Business Telephony, Office in a Box, Ooredoo Cloud Services, and others. The stores are in Al Khor, Salwa, Al Sadd, Al Wakrah, City Centre, Old Airport, Villaggio and Landmark. Yousuf Al Kubaisi, Chief Operating Officer, Ooredoo said: “We believe we can help drive Qatar into a knowledge-based economy through our solutions, and the desks will help us achieve it by making our products as accessible as possible to our customers by enhanc- ing the way we do business. “We’ve launched the service to offer the best possible customer experience, and give our business custom- ers convenient access to Ooredoo business products and services” Trained staff attend to a visitor at one of the new business desks. HOME WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2016 05

Qatar supports efforts to address conditions conducive to extremism

QNA re-rehabilitate and reintegrate them She said attempts to use indi- into society. vidual acts of violence to associate In line with these efforts, Qatar, extremism with a certain faith as through Silatech foundation, is seen in Islamophobia is misleading NEW YORK: Qatar has reiterated undertaking an important role in and foils efforts to find and address support to regional and interna- raising awareness of young people the real reasons behind violence. tional efforts to address conditions in the Arab region about the seri- The statement highlighted risks conducive to extremism and con- ousness of extremism and working of violent extremism and its threat tinue working within the framework to create job opportunities for them. to international peace and secu- of the international community to Other efforts are under way to rity, damage it causes to sustainable find solutions to conflicts, promote establish a partnership between development, how it violates human human rights, the rule of law and the Silatech and UN entities to combat rights and undermines the rule of law. fight against corruption and impu- violent extremism and terrorism, she It stressed that combating vio- Training in progress at the headquarters of the Ministry of Transport and Communications. nity and support the rights of peoples said, highlighting the need to instil lent extremism will not be achieved to self-determination on the basis of and develop the spirit of tolerance without international cooperation international law. and constructive dialogue at national, and strategy that takes into consid- It is important that the UN Sec- regional and international levels. eration its context and motives. retary-General Ban Ki-moon’s The statement reviewed Qatar’s It said violent extremism flour- proposed action plan to prevent efforts, including the establishment ishes in environments where human ROTA begins fourth phase violent extremism gives special of national institutions to spread rights are violated, the rule of law and attention to young people and chil- the culture of dialogue and reject accountability are missing and impu- dren as they are the target groups violence such as Doha Interna- nity is prevalent. The phenomenon of extremist groups to achieve their tional Centre for Interfaith Dialogue is widely present in societies suffer- ends, said Qatar’s statement delivered that helped push efforts to com- ing due to exclusion, marginalisation, of ‘Better Connections’ by Ambassador Sheikha Alia Ahmed bat extremism and extend bridges tyranny and lack of development. bin Saif Al Thani, Permanent Rep- of cooperation and understanding The statement said long-term resentative of the state to the United among followers of different reli- conflicts and policies of systematic Microsoft Qatar and Sheikh Thani Bin communication skills who will con- Nations before a General Assem- gions, civilisations and cultures. killing and persecution contribute Abdullah Foundation for Humanitar- tinue to share knowledge-sharing bly meeting on ‘Secretary-General’s Qatar also established Hamad to fomenting extremism and provide Volunteers begin ian Services (RAF). premise by passing on their newly Proposed Action Plan for Preventing Bin Khalifa Civilisation Centre in pretexts for brainwashing youth and training to educate The programme started train- acquired skills to other workers Violent Extremism’: Culture of peace; the Danish capital of Copenhagen in other social segments whose rights ing the fourth batch of volunteers at in need. Through this innovative The United Nations Global Counter- 2014 to deepen the understanding of are violated and they lose hope and low-income workers the ministry’s headquarters on Feb- cascade model of training, the pro- Terrorism Strategy. Islam, boost global efforts to com- confidence in the ability of the inter- in the country ruary 12. gramme is expected to reach over Sheikha Alia stressed the gravity bat extremism and promote peaceful national society to find a solution to Designed to improve the liv- 4,000 workers in various companies. of the neglect of children and young coexistence among religions. Sheikha conflicts and support for the rights ing conditions of migrant workers Arwa Musaaed, Manager of the people and not providing them with Alia said tackling violent extremism of peoples to freedom, dignity and in Qatar by providing them with programme, ROTA, said: “Empow- a healthy environment to develop requires measures in which poli- self-determination. The Peninsula access to ICT facilities, the pro- ering humans regardless of their abilities and not involving them in ticians, religious leaders, the civil Qatar also reiterated its com- gramme equips them with essential position is at the core of ROTA’s val- charting their future. society and the media work together. mitment as part of international information and communication ues and this is why we decided to join She said Qatar has made, in col- The statement reiterated Qatar’s solidarity to face and tackle violent technology skills. The endeavour the programme last April. ROTA is laboration with countries, efforts to rejection of all forms of extremism extremism and terrorism at national DOHA: Reach Out To Asia (ROTA) aligns with Qatar Foundation’s aspi- committed to providing support for highlight issues of children and young and any attempt to point fingers at a and international levels and interact has launched the fourth phase of ration to build a knowledge-based migrant workers in Qatar, helping people affected by violent extremism certain religion, country or race as with global efforts to combat extrem- the ‘Better Connections’ programme, economy by driving the development develop their digital knowledge in and crime, and its efforts to prevent, being violently extremist or terrorist. ism and terrorism in all forms. an information and communications of human capital. cooperation with our partners and technology (ICT) framework to edu- Last year, 65 volunteers from the volunteers.” cate low-income workers in Qatar. local community received training Over the past two years, the pro- The programme, initiated by the by ROTA and visited labour accom- gramme has grown into one of the Ministry of Transport and Commu- modation across Doha. There are largest public-private partnerships in Qatar Halal Festival opens on Friday nications, is sponsored by Msheireb more than 335 ‘Digital Champi- Qatar, and aims to strengthen Qatar’s Properties in partnership with ons’ in basic computer and Internet digital culture.

DOHA: The fifth annual Qatar Halal importance of raising animals and be awarded prizes. Festival opens on Friday at the south- the role of breeders and shepherds There will also be Al Mazad pub- ern area of Katara. in achieving self-reliance on animal lic auction of livestock and a display The 10-day event aims to revive products. of types of halal such as Aaridy goats and introduce to the new generations Halal breeders from Qatar and and Arab and Syrian sheep. the way of life of their ancestors and other GCC countries will participate The festival will also host a hand- promote halal practices in Qatar and in competitions, including Al Maza- icraft exhibition, traditional food, the region, among others. yen — a beauty competition for goats games, songs, camel and horse ride It will shed light on the and sheep, the top five of which will and a photo gallery. ALF and Qatar Voluntary Centre sign deal

Officials at the MoU signing ceremony.

The Peninsula youth empowerment, entrepreneur- “ALF and QVC have a shared ship, charity and corporate social vision of providing innovative responsibility. developmental opportunities for indi- “In doing so, we believe in collab- viduals and communities, including DOHA: Al Faisal Without Borders orating with entities such as QVC to in the field of volunteer work,” said Foundation (ALF) and Qatar Vol- collectively strengthen our capaci- Ali Talal Mar’e, Executive Director, untary Centre (QVC) have signed ties and realise common objectives.” ALF Foundation. a memorandum of understanding The MoU marks the first time “With the scope of work we (MoU) to share skills and knowledge that both organisations involved in are involved in and the energy and in training. humanitarian and volunteer work enthusiasm towards volunteerism of QVC will also provide ALF with have teamed up in pursuit of noble the people from QVC, I am confident volunteers and ALF will conduct causes. that the synergies of our respective training for volunteers and provide Aisha Jassim Al Kuwari, Chair- expertise will serve to further facil- them with details about events they person, QVC, said: “It is our pleasure itate the achievement of our goals. are participating in before deploy- to be working with ALF because it “We wish to thank QVC for the ing them. contributes to the achievement of partnership as we look forward to “ALF is steadfast in pursuing and the aspirations contained in Qatar working together with it in future achieving our aspiration of being a National Vision 2030 and enables projects,” he added. leading global humanitarian organ- volunteers to participate in the ini- ALF Foundation has extensive isation,” said Abdullatif Al Yafei, tiatives it adopts. experience in collaborating with General Manager of the foundation. “QVC aims, through its vision, to overseas-based charitable organ- “Together with Qatar’s goal make volunteering a lifestyle, serve isations such as Inner City Muslim of realising sustainable economic the community, foster volunteer work Action Network’s (IMAN) in the US growth and prosperity for citizens and raise awareness about volunteer- and Mosaic, a UK-based charita- and residents as contained in Qatar ing. It also works on programmes and ble organisation founded by Prince National Vision 2030, we aim to activities for Qatari and expatriate Charles. contribute to the attainment of the youth about its benefits to them and It endeavours to pursue such objectives by developing, employ- the community. QVC is also keen partnerships with other local and ing and managing quality projects to spread Islamic and moral values overseas organisations that promote that enhance education, healthcare, among youth,” she added. a common vision and objective. 06 WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2016 HOME

Ministry detected QC implemented over 70 projects in Albania 94 violations by outlets last month of the services offered by Qatar Cen- The projects costing tre for Administrative Training and Social Services. The Peninsula QR14m benefitted The establishment of Islamic Fajr thousands last year. Centre is in progress. It will offer mul- tiple services and is considered one of the best mosques in Durres, sec- DOHA: Over half of violations of ond biggest city in Albania. the consumer protection law reg- The Peninsula QC supports Islamic sheikhs by istered by the law enforcement sponsoring 55 imams from mosques agency last month at shops were in Albania. related to not displaying prices of In cooperation with Hayat Asso- commodities and services and not DOHA: Qatar Charity (QC) imple- ciation, QC sponsored 40 Islamic providing sale receipts. mented more than 70 projects in preachers as part of ‘Weekend The Ministry of Economy and Albania at a cost of over QR14m last Schools’ project which benefit some Commerce registered 94 violations year. 800 children. at commercial outlets for flouting The projects covered educa- QC also supports some families provisions of Law No. 8 of 2008 on tion, culture, social care, relief, of orphans by implementing small consumer protection. public housing, water, and eco- projects to help them cover their The outlets were booked nomic empowerment and benefited needs. Thirty projects were imple- during intensified inspection thousands. mented, including the establishment campaigns. Ten projects in the fields of edu- of small shops, apiaries; selling The highest number of vio- cation and culture were implemented clothes, cows. Such projects have been lations (25) was recorded for not at a cost of QR6.9m. successful and are many of them are displaying the prices of commod- Last year, the number of benefi- expanding. ities and services, followed by 23 ciaries reached 1,700 students who The ‘Albanian for the Albanian’ for not providing bills. attended courses at Qatar Centre for project collects clothes from individ- Ten outlets were booked for Languages. So far, 30,000 students uals and shops and distributes them not issuing bills in Arabic. have benefited from the centre’s to orphans and poor families. More Qatar Charity volunteers distribute aid to people in Albania. Five violations were regis- services. than 10,000 people benefited from tered for not providing products The Arabic for Non-Natives Cen- 30 tonnes of clothes and shoes. Seasonal projects are also con- and orphans benefited from ‘Break- At a cost of QR280,000, two relief details in Arabic and as many for tre benefited 100 students last year QC also helped furnish the elderly sidered important in Albania. For ing Fast’ project which distributed projects were implemented to aid the not displaying the prices of prod- and over 200 students took advantage home for men in Fush-Krujë. example, the families of poor people food baskets. flood-affected in south Albania. ucts before and after promotions. Four outlets were also found selling expired products and as many were caught for charging more that the declared price. Qumra screenings from March 4 Mother thanks Ambulance Service Three outlets mixed regular products with those offered during promotion and two shops refused to exchange or refund products The Peninsula and inspirational, underlining our commitment The Peninsula after sale. to strengthen the film culture in Qatar by pro- Punishments for erring outlets moting access to and appreciation of world include temporary closer and fine cinema.” from QR5,000 to QR30,000 based DOHA: Award-winning films will be screened The Masters screenings, accompanied DOHA: The Hamad Medical Corporation’s on the seriousness of violation as from March 4 to 8 at Museum of Islamic Art by question-and-answer sessions with vis- (HMC) Ambulance Service receives around per the law, the ministry said in a Auditorium as part of the second edition of iting Qumra Masters linked to each film are 100,000 calls every year and aims to respond statement. Qumra, the industry development event organ- The Look of Silence by Qumra Master Joshua to every case in the appropriate way and ensure ised by Doha Film Institute (DFI). The films Oppenheimer; Once Upon a Time in Anatolia a safest, and effective services, says a senior include Academy Award, Cannes Film Festival by Qumra Master Nuri Bilge Ceylan; Russian official. Seven violations and Ajyal Youth Film Festival award winners Ark by Qumra Master Aleksandr Sokurov; Four-year-old Moemen Amara was one and works by emerging filmmakers. The Mourning Forest by Qumra Master Naomi such patient to receive the service. His mother in Sealine Fatma Al Remaihi, CEO, DFI, said: “This Kawase; and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Islam was using her treadmill at home and, in year, the Qumra Screenings will showcase by Ang Lee, co-written and produced by Qumra a split second, Amara had put his hand in the DOHA: The Ministry of Economy works of five masters of cinema alongside some Master James Schamus. back of the machine and got it stuck. and Commerce has caught 7 vio- tremendously talented emerging filmmakers. The ‘New Voices in Cinema’ screen- “I turned off the machine immediately and lations in Sealine area during a “By presenting these two spectrums of ings include two DFI-granted feature films disconnected the power and tried to free my surprise campaign drive against cinematic works, Qumra will offer audiences — Mediterranea by Jonas Carpignano and son’s hand. I could see the machine had badly commercial outlets and Winter highly engaging film experiences that will Roundabout in my Head — and two award- grazed his palm and he was crying — I was camps. present new insights into the language of cin- winning short films Waves 98 by Ely Dagher very worried. After struggling with it for some Moemen enjoys a game of football. The errant outlets were not ema and the process behind the creation of winner of the Palme d’Or for Best Short Film time, I managed to free his hand but it was so announcing the items’ prices and compelling films. “They will also be educational at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival and The Palm swollen and had turned purple, and he couldn’t sometimes increasing it more than Tree by Jasim Al Rumaihi, move his fingers. I realised Moemen needed stopped crying and seemed a lot happier. the real ones, which violate the winner of the 2015 Ajyal emergency medical attention so I called 999,” “We arrived at the hospital and went article number (8) of Consumer Youth Film Festival Made said Islam. through triage and waited to see the doc- Protection Law. in Qatar Award for Best “The person I spoke to was great — I gave tor, which I was happy to do as Moemen was Law No. 8 of 2008 regarding Documentary. them my location and they told me the ambu- classed as a non-urgent patient and he was consumer protection specifies The Qumra Masters lance was on its way. I live in Al Rayyan, but the happy and quiet. The doctor saw us and took severe punishments like tempo- Screenings will commence ambulance arrived within five minutes. There time to do a proper examination and arranged rary closure of an errant outlet with Crouching Tiger, Hid- were two paramedics, one of whom I was able an X-ray to be certain that nothing was broken.” and fines ranging from QR3,000 den Dragon on March 4 at to talk to in Arabic. One of them attended to Brendon Morris, Executive Director, Ambu- to QR1m, said a release. 7pm while the New Voices Moemen and one was looking after me — I have lance Service, said his team is always on hand The ministry has urged cus- in Cinema strand opens with to admit I was struggling to stay calm — I was to support in a medical emergency. “Our job is tomers to report any violations The Palm Tree at 4pm. Sale very upset and scared; I thought my son may to make what is often the worst day of some- they come cross on toll-free of tickets starts tomorrow lose his hand. “The paramedics were amazing one’s life, a little easier and less painful. Our number 16001, or send email to at midnight online at www. — they were calm and caring and understand- aim is to ensure we provide the safest, most [email protected], or post com- dohafilminstitute.com and ing. They gave Moemen some pain relief and, effective and most compassionate care to each ments on the ministry’s official A scene from the film Russian Ark. in person. by the time we were in the ambulance, he had and every patient we see.” Twitter account. A’Saffa Foods’ Omani food fair receives overwhelming response

The Peninsula

DOHA: A’Saffa Foods, Oman’s fast- est growing and leading home-grown food producers, hosted an Omani food fair in Qatar that received over- whelming response from visitors. A’Saffa Foods Brand Ambassa- dor Chef Issa Al Lamki was present at Family Foods Centre in Al Rayyan and Masskar Hypermarket in Maider where he created a lasting impression on visitors by reinforcing the brand’s ideology of healthy eating and living, stressing the corporate philosophy — ‘Core values of Healthy Food, Health and Happiness’. At ‘Omani Dishes with A’Saffa Chicken by celebrity Chef Issa Al Lamki’ at both venues, the chef dished out some of his healthy, nutritious and appetising signature dishes. Visitors Issa Al Lamki, a celebrity chef from Oman, serving Omani dishes using A'Saffa chicken products to customers at Al Maskar Hypermarket as part of a cookery show. (RIGHT) A similar also had the opportunity to interact cooking show to promote A’Saffa products at Family Food Centre, Al Rayyan branch.Pics: Salim & Baher / The Peninsula and take pictures with him. A‘Saffa Foods mission is to bring consumers 100 percent naturally- poultry producer — A’Saffa’s Foods all of our birds are slaughtered by processed value-added products flavour, colour or chemical preserv- Biosecurity at A’Saffa Foods Farms fed, hygienically-raised, farm-fresh, Farms and plant is in Thumrait on a hand using a knife, processed in a (burgers, nuggets, franks, fillets and atives, synthetic ingredients and no is of utmost importance, and meas- halal, healthy chicken and nutritious 40sqkm area and produces high qual- way that is hygienic and that the birds much more) with confidence that artificial injection of water is used ures have been implemented to ensure and healthy value-added processed ity fresh and frozen poultry products. are of the highest quality and fit for they have been raised and slaugh- to increase weight as part of efforts good hygiene practices are in place to products that taste great and provide Sidhartha Lenka, Head Marketing human consumption.” tered by hand using halal techniques to give consumers the most natural help prevent the spread of diseases in energy for wherever life’s adventures & Sales, A’Saffa Foods, S.O.A.G., said: Customers in Qatar and across the in accordance with Shariah. product — making A’Saffa a trusted the poultry and those that consume may lead. “For the slaughtering of our chicken GCC can be rest assured that they can “A’Saffa’ whole chicken does not name in 100 percent natural, tasty the products and help protect public Oman’s largest fully integrated techniques we use at our farm ensure buy every A’Saffa chicken, parts and contain hormones, steroids, artificial and healthy food products. health and the community. HOME / MIDDLE EAST WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2016 07 Turkey wants Syria ground operation

“cessation of hostilities” in Syria within a week. Tensions escalated “We have been particularly talking over Russia’s air war about the issue of humanitarian unhindered access to all besieged in support of Syrian areas not only by the government but President Bashar Al also by (the) opposition” and IS, De Assad, with Ankara Mistura told reporters afterwards. He said they would meet again branding it “vile, later Tuesday “to address this urgent cruel and barbaric” issue which is as you know related to the wellbeing of all Syrian people and is connected to the very clear discussions and conclusions of the Munich conference.” Former UN chief AFP Assad on Monday downplayed prospects of a halt in fighting, Ghali dead at 93 saying that it would be “difficult” to implement a truce. ISTANBUL: Turkey called yesterday “They are saying they want a AFP for a ground operation in neighbour- ceasefire in a week. Who is capable ing Syria with its international allies, of gathering all the conditions and as a UN envoy held talks in Damascus requirements in a week? No one,” aimed at saving a troubled ceasefire Assad said in televised remarks. UNITED NATIONS: Former plan. Turkey meanwhile shelled Kurdish UN secretary-general Boutros Tensions escalated over Russia’s positions in northern Syria for a fourth Boutros-Ghali, who led the world air war in support of Syrian President straight day Tuesday, according to the body from the hopeful times that Bashar Al Assad, with Ankara brand- Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, emerged at the end of the Cold ing it “vile, cruel and barbaric” and EU a Britain-based monitor. It said the War to the massacres in Rwanda President Donald Tusk saying it “leaves shells had struck the town of Tal Rifaat and Bosnia, has died at the age of little hope” of a solution. which was captured on Monday from 93, the United Nations announced Turkey sees the ouster of Assad as mostly Islamist rebels by a Kurdish- yesterday. essential to ending a five-year con- Arab coalition known as the Syrian The Egyptian diplomat became flict that has killed more than 260,000 Democratic Forces. the first secretary-general from people, and is highly critical of Iran Turkish media also reported Tanks stationed at a Turkish army position near the Oncupinar crossing gate close to the town of Kilis, the African continent in 1992, but and Russia over their support for the shelling on Kurdish positions around his tenure ended abruptly after Damascus regime. the rebel stronghold of Azaz. south central Turkey, fire towards the Syria border yesterday. five years when the United States “We want a ground operation Kurdish forces were negotiating vetoed his second term. with our international allies,” a sen- with rebels to enter the virtually Boutros-Ghali, who served as ior Turkish official told reporters in encircled town of Marea, one of the the United Nation’s sixth secre- Istanbul. “There is not going to be a last remaining opposition bastions Britain and France decry Russia’s tary-general, died in Cairo, a UN unilateral military operation from in Aleppo province, the Observatory spokesman said. UN Security Coun- Turkey to Syria,” the official said, but said. Ankara accuses the Kurdish cil members observed a moment of added: “Without a ground operation forces of ties to the outlawed Kurdistan role in Syria after ‘war crimes’ silence in memory of Boutros-Ghali it is impossible to stop the fighting in Workers’ Party (PKK) that has waged during a meeting in New York. Syria.” a decades-long insurgency against A former Egyptian foreign Saudi Arabia, another fierce critic Turkey. minister, the veteran diplomat of Assad, has said it is ready to send Turkey fears the Kurds will be Reuters in recent days could amount to war “All bombings must stop. It’s headed the world body during one special forces to Syria to take part in able to create a contiguous Kurdish crimes and must be investigated,” unacceptable that hospitals and of its most difficult times with cri- ground operations against the Islamic territory just across the border in British Foreign Secretary Philip Ham- schools are targeted. These acts are ses in Somalia, Rwanda, the Middle State (IS) group. northern Syria. mond said in a statement. flagrant violations of international East and the former Yugoslavia. Iran warned yesterday that any Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet LONDON/PARIS: Britain and France “I am appalled that the Assad law,” he said. After a series of clashes with troop deployment on Syrian soil Davutoglu accused Kurdish fighters criticised Russia’s role in Syria’s war regime and its Russian supporters Last week in Munich, interna- the US administration, Washing- without Damascus’s authorisation of being “Russia’s legion working as yesterday and said Moscow must are still bombing innocent civilians tional powers agreed to try to bring ton turned against Boutros-Ghali would violate international law. mercenaries” with a priority aim of stop the conflict rather than fuelling despite the agreement last Thursday about a “cessation of hostilities” and decided to back Ghanaian Kofi The United Nations said Monday harming Turkey’s interests. it, after missile strikes killed dozens to a cessation of hostilities ... Russia within a week, and US Secretary of Annan for the top post. that nearly 50 civilians, including Moscow says its military of civilians on Monday. needs to explain itself, and show State John Kerry accused Russia of Relations with the United children, had died in the bombings of intervention has targeted IS and other Almost 50 civilians were killed through its actions that it is com- hitting legitimate opposition groups States began to sour in late 1993, at least five medical facilities and two “terrorists”, but activists say Russia’s when missiles hit at least five mitted to ending the conflict, rather with its bombing campaign. when a US-led operation in Soma- schools in northern Syria. raids have caused disproportionately medical facilities and two schools than fuelling it.” Russian Prime Minister Dmitry lia led to major casualties among The region around Syria’s second high civilian casualties. in rebel-held areas of Syria on Russia, which has said it is target- Medvedev said the accusations American troops. The operation, city of Aleppo has been the target Russia’s air strikes have allowed Monday, according to the United ing terrorist organisations and their were “just not true”. Ayrault said the part of an overall UN effort to pro- of a major anti-rebel offensive by government forces to press a major Nations, which called the attacks allies, does not have a vessel in its Munich deal must be respected. vide humanitarian aid that was Syrian government troops, backed operation that has virtually encircled a blatant violation of international Caspian Sea flotilla that is capable “Of course, we talk to Russia, but being blocked by a civil conflict, by Russian warplanes, which has sent rebels in eastern Aleppo city, as well as law. of hitting a hospital in Syria’s Idlib we have demands and our demands led to acrimony between the US tens of thousands fleeing to the Turkish pushing them from much of the region Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet governorate, a Defence Ministry today are for the respect of the com- authorities and the world body. border. Russia denied it had bombed to the north. Davutoglu blamed Russia for at spokesman was quoted as saying by mitments made in Munich. Russia, After leaving the United any hospital in Syria, calling such “Those vile, cruel and barbaric least one of the missile strikes, when Russian news agencies. like other partners, agreed to end Nations, Boutros-Ghali served as reports “unsubstantiated accusations”. planes have made close to 8,000 civilians and children were killed in France’s new Foreign Minister hostilities, end bombings and allow secretary-general of the Franco- UN envoy Staffan de Mistura met sorties since September 30 without a school and hospital in the town Jean-Marc Ayrault, who on Monday humanitarian aid. phonie group of French-speaking Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem any discrimination between of Azaz, calling it an “obvious war accused Syria’s government and its “It’s not sentamentalism to say nations. Boutros-Ghali was born in Damascus Tuesday to try to keep civilians and soldiers, or children crime”. backers of carrying out war crimes, that there are millions of people that on November 14, 1922 into a Cop- alive the proposal announced by world and the elderly,” Davutoglu said in “The reported air strikes con- told lawmakers that the immediate are under bombs who have no solu- tic Christian family in Cairo. powers in Munich early Friday for a parliament. ducted on hospitals in northern Syria urgency was to protect civilians. tion but to flee and become refugees.” KCD offers wide range of co-curricular activities

Continued from page 1 include an indoor hall, a brand- new 25-metre pool with learner Sheikh Mansoor bin Jassim area and a new outdoor games bin Thani Al Thani, Chairman area for football, tennis, basket- of King’s College Doha, Aysha ball and netball. New dining and Al Hashemi, Assistant Director kitchen facilities will offer healthy for Private Schools Affairs at the and nutritious meals. Ministry of Education and Higher Ambassador Sharma said, “A Education, Nicholas Gunn, King’s British education is seen as among College Doha Headmaster, and his one of the best in the world and I counterpart from the UK, Justin am pleased to be able to support Chippendale were also present. the opening of a great British school Children at KCD will also be here in Doha. King’s College’s record offered a wide range of co-cur- in education speaks for itself and I ricular activities including music, am pleased it will soon be offering sport, art, design, drama, English its services in Qatar. I would like to language learning, technology congratulate the Ministry of Edu- and communications . Specialist Britain’s Ambassador to Qatar Ajay Sharma, Sheikh Mansoor bin cation, Sheikh Mansoor Jassim Al subject teachers rather than will Jassim bin Thani Al Thani, Chairman of King’s College Doha (KCD), Thani and King’s College on their provide core subject teaching from Aysha Al Hashemi, Assistant Director for Private Schools Affairs at partnership and look forward to as early as Year 3 and for all sub- the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Nicholas Gunn, seeing them open the school in jects from Year 5. King’s College Doha Headmaster, and his counterpart from the September.” KCD’s headmaster Nicholas UK, Justin Chippendale during the launching of KCD in Doha Sheikh Mansoor bin Jassim bin Gunn, formerly head of Lancing yesterday. Thani Al Thani, s said the school College Prep School, UK said: “We will offer first-class teaching that are delighted to launch King’s. Our very excited about its new part- styled performance hall sur- caters for the needs of each child, aim is to provide an inspirational ner school in Doha. For 135 years, rounded by large, state-of-the- art blending the power of tradition experience that prepares chil- King’s College has been nurturing classrooms with dedicated indoor and culture with innovation and dren for the next stage in their life young people on its beautiful cam- and outdoor learning and play enquiry. “King’s College, Doha within a happy, safe and nurtur- pus in the South-West of England areas. The school will have an will offer an environment that ing environment.” and we are proud to be working excellent array of specialist teach- encourages all children to be “Of equal importance to the with our Qatari partners to create ing spaces including Science Labs, understanding and tolerant of daily curriculum is our focus on the equally inspiring King’s Col- an Art and Design centre, Music others, whilst developing the self- developing well-rounded children. lege in Doha.” and Drama classrooms as well as confidence to be a creative and King’s will foster an inspiring KCD buildings are designed by a dedicated Arabic and Islamic responsible member of society,” he and caring environment, where award winning school architects Studies centre. ICT will play a key said. Interested parents can con- every child will be encouraged and upon completion will house role throughout, with Wi-Fi avail- tact for admission at +0974-3145 to fulfill their potential, whether some of the finest kindergarten able in all internal areas and a Mac 8794 / 5 / 6 (English) +974- 3145 in academia, music, sport, or and primary school facilities in Computer Lab allowing for a wide 8793 (Arabic). Further informa- the arts,” added Gunn. Rich- Qatar.A glazed central atrium range of computing, coding and tion about the school is available ard Biggs, Headmaster of King’s sits at the heart of the new school digital design and editing. at its website, www.kingscollege- College, England, said: “King’s is offering a unique amphitheatre The sports facilities will doha.com 08 WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2016 MIDDLE EAST Libya MPs postpone vote on unity government

members of parliament met today large. The Presidency Council has A vote on the revised cabinet and decided to give the government nine members from the various Lib- line-up had initially been due on Approval of the chief until Saturday to present his yan factions and is led by Sarraj. Monday evening, but parliament was 18-minister cabinet cabinet line-up” to MPs, parliamen- Washington, Europe and many adjourned as some MPs expressed tarian Aicha Al Aqouri said. African countries hope the new displeasure at having to decide so would be a vital step “The new smaller government administration, if confirmed by quickly, knowing little about the pro- in resolving Libya’s will then be submitted to a vote of parliament, will restore a central posed ministers. confidence on Tuesday,” she said. government and end the chaos that They asked that Sarraj appear political disarray, Another MP, Abou Bakr Baida, has reigned in Libya since the fall of before them before holding a vote capping off months of confirmed this timetable. former dictator Moamer Kadhafi in of confidence on his cabinet. difficult diplomacy International attempts to end 2011. It has also become an increas- UN Libya envoy Martin Kobler the chaos in Libya took a step for- ingly important haven for the Islamic has urged members of the House ward on Monday as the new national State (IS) group just across the Medi- of Representatives (HoR) to stand unity government was proposed to terranean from Europe. behind the new administration. lawmakers. Oil-rich Libya has had rival “The journey to peace and unity AFP Approval of the 18-minister administrations since the summer of the Libyan people has finally cabinet — headed by prime minister- of 2014. The internationally recog- started,” he wrote on Twitter. “It is designate Fayez al-Sarraj —would be nised government is based in the crucial now that HoR endorses the a vital step in resolving Libya’s polit- far east of the country, having fled government of national unity. It’s a BENGHAZI: Libya’s internationally ical disarray, capping off months of Tripoli after a militia alliance includ- unique peace opportunity that must recognised parliament decided yes- difficult diplomacy. ing Islamists overran the capital in not be missed.” terday to postpone for seven days The so-called Presidency Coun- August that year. Libya, a country of six million a vote on a government of national cil, tasked under the peace effort with The alliance has established people, on Wednesday marks the Libyans take part in celebrations marking the fifth anniversary of the unity despite growing international forming the government, revised the its own administration and parlia- fifth anniversary of the start of its concern over jihadist expansion. line-up downwards after parliament ment called the General National 2011 revolution that toppled Gadd- revolution which toppled strongman Muammar Gaddafi, at Martyrs’ “One hundred and eighteen rejected a 32-member cabinet as too Congress. afi’s regime. Square in the capital Tripoli yesterday.

6,229 candidates to Nobel winners attend House session Egypt closes stand for Iran poll Gaza border AFP

AFP protest at then-president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s re-election in 2009. The two reformist candidates in GAZA CITY: Nearly 2,500 peo- that poll — Mir Hossein Mousavi and ple left Gaza during a three-day TEHRAN: Iran’s protracted election Mehdi Karroubi — said Ahmadine- humanitarian opening of the bor- vetting process ended yesterday with jad’s win was fraudulent, and they der with Egypt, a rare opportunity 6,229 candidates being allowed to have been held under house arrest for Gazans to leave the blockaded stand for parliament, narrowing the since 2011. enclave, authorities in the Pales- battle lines for closely watched Feb- With a population of more than tinian territory said yesterday. ruary 26 polls. 12 million, Tehran has 30 seats The Hamas-run interior min- The approvals, after seven with each parliamentary bloc istry in Gaza said 2,439 people left weeks of scrutiny from the Guardian offering a list of 30 candidates, the territory over the three days, Council, a powerful constitutional whereas many towns have only The 2015 Nobel Peace Prize laureates of the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet (RtoL) during a while 1,122 entered and 334 were watchdog with veto power, were one lawmaker. session at the Assembly of People’s Representatives in Tunis yesterday. turned back by Egyptian authori- granted to 51 percent of those Reformists, outnumbered other- ties. The border was closed again who originally sought to become wise, have formed an alliance with on Tuesday, a ministry statement lawmakers. moderate parties close to President said, after “Egyptian authorities Anyone wanting to become a Hassan Rowhani, who succeeded informed us of the shutting down member of parliament or Iran’s Ahmadinejad in 2013. of the Rafah crossing.” Assembly of Experts, a committee Iran does not follow a traditional Israel’s bid for new powers Egypt originally opened the of 88 clerics that will be elected on political party system and instead border for humanitarian cases the same day as lawmakers, must be relies on coalitions of candidates, for two days from Saturday but vetted by the council. with voting and campaigning usu- that was extended for an extra The official campaign will start ally centred on those lists rather than against Arab MPs hits trouble day on Monday. Before Saturday, tomorrow, meaning candidates have on individuals. the crossing had been closed for only a week to convince voters. A “grand coalition of principal- 70 days, the ministry said. Thousands, including many ists” (conservatives) has already AFP representatives of the public, will a wave of attacks targeting Israelis The United Nations has reg- reformists, were disqualified from published its lists. In Tehran six tomorrow unjustly do so to others, since October. istered 30,000 Palestinians as running for parliament last month women out of the group’s 30 candi- and then where will we be?” Rivlin Basel Ghattas, Jamal Zahalka “humanitarian cases” seeking to and of the 800 who aimed to run dates have been nominated. asked. and Hanin Zoabi attended a meeting leave Gaza. At the crossing, long for the Assembly of Experts only 161 Reformists, who will be led by JERUSALEM: A bill backed by the The conservative president’s organised by a Palestinian commit- lines of Gazans queued, many car- were given approval. Mohammad Reza Aref, a presidential Israeli premier that would give par- position is largely ceremonial but the tee seeking to retrieve the bodies of rying heavy suitcases. The end of vetting and final candidate who stood aside in 2013 liament powers to strip lawmakers bill has also run into opposition from attackers killed by Israeli security Sarah Abu Karesh, a woman numbers for parliament included 38 paving the way for Rowhani’s victory, of the right to vote on draft legisla- within the right-wing ruling coalition. forces. Since Monday, the three MPs waiting at the crossing on Satur- previously rejected candidates from have yet to publish their final list. tion has drawn a storm of criticism, Parliament’s legislation commit- have been barred from taking part in day, said she had been trying to across the country, Interior Ministry A third middle ground list has including from the president. tee chairman Nissan Slomiansky said committee meetings or parliamen- leave the territory for months. spokesman Hossein Ali Amiri told emerged: the Voice of the Nation. The bill is widely seen as target- that discussion of the draft, which tary debates, but they still have the “I only came here for a week’s state television. It is led by Ali Motahari, a mod- ing the Arab-led bloc after three of had been planned for yesterday, has right to vote on all draft legislation. holiday and I’ve been stuck here Reformists and moderates erate conservative lawmaker its members met the families of Pal- been postponed because of a lack of Prime Minister Benjamin Netan- for 18 months,” she said. who protested against a massive known for his controversial posi- estinian attackers. consensus within the coalition. yahu said that he planned to continue The crossing is Gaza’s only rejection of their candidates last tions including opposition to the The bloc counts 13 of parliament’s The bill would give parliament to push for the legislation. “There is a access point not controlled by month have pledged to fight on and ongoing house arrest of Mousavi 120 members, making it the Knesset’s the right to strip any lawmaker of the difference between democracy and Israel, which has maintained a plan to present candidates in all and Karroubi. third-largest grouping. right to vote on draft legislation by a anarchy,” Netanyahu told journalists blockade on the territory for nearly constituencies. Complex election rules how- President Reuven Rivlin warned three-quarters majority. during a visit to Berlin. a decade. The Hamas interior min- Parliament is dominated by ever allow a candidate to be on of the potential for abuse. It comes amid anger among hard- “A democracy must defend itself. istry said 2015 was “the worst year conservatives, partly because more than one list, meaning they “A Knesset that is able, even line Jewish lawmakers over meetings One should not use democracy to for Rafah in recent years” with the reformists mostly boycotted the last can draw support from across the if justly, to today decide upon the by three Arab members with the bring about its fall or the fall of the border crossing open for just 21 legislative elections four years ago in political spectrum. cessation of the office of such families of Palestinians involved in state.” days in total.

Removing bombs in Ramadi Egypt acquits fourth police officer in torture death

AFP were given separate retrials after a activists said at the time. His lawyer lower court found them guilty in criticised Tuesday’s judgement. 2012. “Today, the policemen have no Shinnawi and three others were accountability and are safe from any CAIRO: An Egyptian court yesterday initially sentenced to life impris- punishment,” said Ahmed Al Ham- acquitted a police officer previously onment, while another officer was rawi. Police abuses were a major jailed for life for torturing to death handed a 15-year jail term. trigger for the 2011 revolt against a detainee arrested over a church The court did not immediately Mubarak. bombing in 2010, a court official said. give its reason for yesterday’s order Dozens of policemen were tried The judgement by a court in to acquit Shinnawi. for the deaths of protester after the the Mediterranean city of Alexan- More than 20 churchgoers were revolt against Mubarak, but most dria comes as global rights groups killed weeks before the 2011 uprising were acquitted. increasingly accuse President Abdel against ex-president Hosni Mubarak The police force has managed Fattah Al Sisi’s regime of brutally when a suicide bomber detonated his to rehabilitate itself in the eyes of repressing all opposition. explosives in front of a church after a many Egyptians despite its deadly Colonel Hossam Al Shinnawi New Year’s Eve mass. crackdown on supporters of Mubar- became the fourth out of five officers Police rounded up Islamists, ak’s successor, Islamist president to be acquitted in the case of tortur- including Bilal, belonging to the hard- Mohamed Mursi. ing to death Sayed Bilal, an Islamist line Salafi movement after they held In recent months six policemen who was arrested over a bombing in protests against the Coptic Church, have been jailed in separate cases of Alexandria. which they accused of detaining a deaths in custody. The fifth officer is still awaiting woman who converted to Islam. In December, Sisi had warned Iraq government troops remove bombs planted in houses and streets in Ramadi’s Husseiba eastern a verdict. Bilal’s badly bruised body was that police officers found guilty of district yesterday, after retaking the city from the Islamic State group. All five are former members of returned to his family a day after his “committing mistakes” would be the state security apparatus, and they arrest over the church attack, rights punished. ASIA / PHILIPPINES WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2016 09

Park says Six Philippine time to play hardball with policemen killed North Korea in rebel ambush AFP

SEOUL: South Korean President suffered casualties, officials said. Park Geun-Hye yesterday said a Around 40 The 4,000-strong New People’s fundamentally new approach was Army has been waging a 46-year- needed to derail North Korea’s communist guerillas long guerilla campaign in the nuclear weapons programme, attacked a police countryside and the conflict has marked by an uncompromising, claimed 30,000 lives according to assertive response to Pyongyang’s convoy in Baggao, a official estimates. provocations. poor farming town The military says the group sus- In a speech to the National in the northeast of tains itself by extorting money from Assembly, that seemed to have businesses and from candidates dur- one eye on upcoming parliamen- the main island of ing election campaigns. Repeated tary elections, Park warned that Luzon, sparking a efforts by successive governments South Koreans had, over the years, to arrange peace talks have failed to become “numb” to the threat from brief firefight, said end one of the world’s longest-run- their northern neighbour, and said a regional military ning communist insurgencies. it was time to take a more coura- Meanwhile, the Philippine gov- geous stand. spokesman ernment and Muslim rebels have The speech came a week after extended the stay of international Park took the unprecedented step cease-fire monitors at their first of shutting down operations at US President Barack Obama welcomes Philippine President Benigno Aquino upon his arrival for a 10-nation meeting since their peace pact the jointly run Kaesong industrial stalled amid fears of fresh fighting. estate in North Korea, trigger- Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit in Rancho Mirage, California, yesterday. AFP Government negotiator Miriam ing an aggressive response from Coronel-Ferrer and her rebel coun- Pyongyang. terpart, Mohagher Iqbal, expressed “It has become clear that we disappointment over Philippine cannot break North Korea’s will to MANILA: Six Philippine policemen Congress’s failure to pass a Muslim develop nuclear weapons through South China Sea takes centre were killed and eight injured in an autonomy bill that’s required under existing means and goodwill,” Park ambush by communist rebels on a a 2014 peace accord that ended said. remote mountain highway yester- decades of fighting in the southern “It’s time to find a fundamen- day, the military said. Philippines. tal solution for bringing practical stage at US-Asean summit Around 40 communist guerillas Despite the setback, the govern- change in North Korea and to strafed a police convoy in Baggao, a ment and the 11,000-strong Moro show courage in putting that into poor farming town in the northeast Islamic Liberation Front agreed to action,” she added. of the main island of Luzon, spark- extend by another year the mis- After her speech, the Yonhap Reuters a California resort. China and sev- resolution of disputes, freedom of ing a brief firefight, said a regional sion of Malaysia-led monitors that news agency cited defence offi- eral Asean states have conflicting commerce and navigation, the rule military spokesman. has helped keep a cease-fire. They cials in Seoul as saying four US and overlapping claims in the South of law, and the necessity of disputes The police were responding to also kept in place a joint group that F-22 stealth fighter jets would China Sea, but not all the Southeast being resolved through peaceful, a distress call from the builders of a allows the Islamic guerrillas to help fly a mission over South Korea RANCHO MIRAGE, CALIFORNIA: Asian nations agree on how to han- legal means.” government irrigation project who government troops capture terror- on Wednesday in a show of force US President Barack Obama and dle them. Obama is expected to address said the rebels burned their equip- ists and outlaws. aimed at Pyongyang allies from Southeast Asia will US officials want the summit to the issue during a news conference. ment over the weekend, spokesman Both sides hoped that both Citing the North’s nuclear test turn their attention to China yes- produce a statement calling for China Though China dominated the sum- Lieutenant Colonel Resureccion measures would prevent any out- last month and long-range rocket terday on the second day of a to follow international law and han- mit, the White House emphasized Mariano said. Mariano said the break of violence stemming from launch on February 7, which was summit intended to improve com- dle disputes peacefully. non-China related aspects, such as rebels attacked the construction rebel frustration with the delay in widely viewed as a ballistic mis- mercial links and provide a united “We will be continuing to work strengthening commercial ties. site after the contractors refused the peace process. sile test, Park said it was clear front on maritime disputes with with our Asean partners on a poten- The chief executives of IBM, their extortion attempt. “We were hit The House of Representatives Pyongyang had no intention of Beijing. tial statement that we might issue Microsoft and Cisco were brought hard by the first burst of fire,” inte- and the Senate ended the last regular discussing denuclearisation. After a first day focused on trade together,” White House national into Monday’s private sessions rior and local government minister session of their term early this month “If time passes without any and economic issues, Obama and his security adviser Susan Rice told with the leaders to help make the Mel Sarmiento told reporters. without passing the bill, which aims change, the Kim Jong-Un leader- counterparts from the Association reporters. point. Police officer Rachie Elpedes to establish a more powerful and ship — which is speeding without of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) “We obviously have issued such “The potential for deepening from the Baggao police station potentially larger autonomous region a brake — could deploy a nuclear- will try to arrive at a common posi- statements in the past with Asean, our economic engagement is tre- confirmed the casualties. It was for minority Muslims in the south of tipped missile and we will suffer,” tion on the South China Sea during and in it we consistently underscore mendous,” US Commerce Secretary not immediately clear if the rebels the largely Roman Catholic nation. she said. a second day of talks at Sunnylands, our shared commitment to a peaceful Penny Pritzker said.

China must free lawyers and China slams Australian FM’s pro-Manila remarks activists: UN Reuters Beijing at an arbitration court in The Hong Lei said he believed Australia access to other countries. “In the China’s building on the islands was Hague over Chinese claims. Beijing “understands” China’s position on the past (Chinese) Foreign Minister for its own defence, as well as pro- AFP has repeatedly and angrily said it will South China Sea. Wang Yi has said they will be public viding facilities for the international not recognise the case. Hong repeated that China thought goods, so I am seeking more detail community to carry out search and BEIJING/TOKYO: China rapped Aus- Speaking in Tokyo, Bishop said the Philippines arbitration case was as to how other nations could access rescue operations. tralian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop Australia did not take sides on the a contravention of international law these public goods,” Bishop said of It will not affect freedom of navi- GENEVA: China must release yesterday ahead of her visit to Beijing completing claims in the waters but and went against the consensus Bei- the islands. gation or overflight, he added. detained rights lawyers and after she said Australia recognised was awaiting the outcome of the jing and Manila have had on the issue. “Depending upon the answer he “We hope Australia can adopt an activists “immediately and with- the Philippines’ right to seek arbitra- arbitration. “China certainly will not accept gives, we will look at the situation,” objective, fair and impartial position out conditions”, UN rights chief tion in its dispute with Beijing over the “We recognise the Philippines’ this. Australia ought not to selectively she told reporters in Tokyo, where and not do anything to harm regional Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein said in a South China Sea. right to seek to resolve the mat- avoid this reality,” he told a daily news she met Japanese counterpart Fumio peace and stability,” Hong said. statement yesterday. In a nation- China claims much of the South ter through arbitration, but we urge briefing. Kishida. Beijing has asserted its claim wide crackdown that began in China Sea, through which more than all claimants to settle their disputes Bishop also said she will seek Bishop, who will fly to Beijing in the region with island building July, China has detained about $5 trillion of trade moves annually. peacefully without coercion, without clarification from China about how later on Tuesday for talks with Wang projects that have reclaimed more 250 “human rights lawyers, legal Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Tai- intimidation,” she said. it intends to use its reclaimed islands and other Chinese officials, would than 2,900 acres (1,170 hectares) assistants, and activists”, the state- wan and Vietnam have rival claims. Asked about the remarks, Chi- in the South China Sea, including not say whether Australia would of land since 2013, according to the ment said, adding that some have The Philippines has challenged nese Foreign Ministry spokesman whether Beijing intends to grant seek access to the islands. Hong said Pentagon. since been released. According to Zeid’s spokes- man Rupert Colville, the UN rights chief has held talks with Chinese officials over the arrests, most Poll campaign Thousands flee Myanmar recently at the weekend. Zaid has raised concern over the “harassment and intimidation after heavy ethnic fighting of government critics” and civil society workers, the statement said. It specifically highlighted the AFP UN’s Office for the Coordination of January arrests of 15 human rights Humanitarian Affairs. He said most lawyers, 10 of whom faced charges of them were being housed in mon- of “subversion of state power”. asteries in the town of Kyaukme and Among those arrested last YANGON: Over 3,000 people have receiving help from local groups and month were Li Heping and Wang fled their homes in northern Myan- the Myanmar Red Cross. Yu, two prominent lawyers. mar following clashes between Kyaukme’s lower-house MP “Lawyers should never have two ethnic rebel groups, the United Sai Tun Aung told parliament in an to suffer prosecution or any other Nations said yesterday, raising fears emergency debate on the issue that kind of sanctions or intimidation the government’s fragile peace locals have reported teachers and for discharging their professional efforts could be fracturing. students fleeing on foot to escape duties,” Zeid said. Heavy fighting in the northern arrests, killings and arson attacks “I urge the Government of state of Shan broke out last week being carried out by “an armed China to release all of them imme- between the Restoration Council group moving around the region”. diately and without conditions.” for Shan State (RCSS) and the Ta’ang He did not specify which rebel Officials from Beijing “too National Liberation Army (TNLA). group was responsible. often reflexively confuse the It is a rare instance of the coun- The region is home to the Pal- legitimate role of lawyers and try’s ethnic armed groups turning aung ethnic group, whose interests activists with threats to pub- on each other and comes during the TNLA says it represents. The lic order and security,” Zeid said. a complicated transition from an RCSS has previously had a small The statement also voiced concern army-backed government to Aung presence in the area and is based over the recent disappearance of San Suu Kyi’s pro-democracy party. further south. The government has five employees of the Hong Kong “We are receiving reports that tried in recent years to end decades- Philippine vice-presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr (Centre), the son of late dictator Ferdinand publishing house Mighty Current, more than 3,000 people have been long civil wars between the military which continues to release works Marcos, shakes hands with his supporters during a campaign rally in Manila yesterday. displaced in the past week,” said and numerous ethnic armed groups critical of the Chinese government. Mark Cutts, country head of the battling for greater autonomy. 10 WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2016 VIEWS

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR HUSSAIN AHMAD [email protected]

EDITORIAL Oil deal Wary of China’s rise, Obama turns

fter months of dithering and intense negotiations, the world’s strategic focus to Southeast Asia two largest oil producers – Russia and Saudi Arabia – have finally agreed to freeze their output in a bid to shore up oil prices after a 70 percent plunge due to chronic oversupply. the economic and strategic The question is whether he nations as a bulwark against Chi- The agreement was announced in Doha yesterday at a press direction of the region because, can persuade others to see it the na’s ambitions. conferenceA which was also attended by Qatar’s Minister of Energy and knitted together, the countries same way. “That’s code for, ‘We’ve got Industry H E Dr Mohamed bin Saleh Al Sada, who played a key role in boasts surprising clout. Known The centerpiece of Obama’s to convince China to play by the as the Association of South- engagement in Asia is the making this deal a reality after intense consultations with the leading east Asian Nations, or Asean, 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partner- oil producers. The market hasn’t been overly enthusiastic about the the group cumulatively repre- ship trade accord, which includes agreement. The prices rallied after the announcement, then struggled, sents the world’s seventh-largest four Asean countries. But the The Southeast as did the global stocks as the markets weren’t fully convinced about economy; it is the United States’ deal, formally signed this month, Asian nations the possibility of prices witnessing a surge in the long-term. But that’s a fourth-largest trading partner has not been ratified by the US blinkered view. The Saudi-Russia decision is significant for the simple and has a population twice the Congress and remains in limbo. are reluctant to size of the United States’. Historic democratic elections reason that it heralds a more elaborate and determined attempt by The summit is the capstone of in Burma, supported by the White choose sides, producers to lift the prices. The energy industry has been in disarray after the administration’s bid to help House, resulted in a transition wary about being the precipitous drop in prices; the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting develop Asean into an institu- of power to the long-oppressed used as pawns Countries (Opec) found itself toothless for a meaningful intervention as By David Nakamura tion capable of addressing the opposition party last fall, but its market share didn’t suffice to influence prices due to an abundance The Washington Post region’s most pressing challenges the leadership turnover remains in a geopolitical of non-Opec oil, and finally, the - economic development, coun- fragile. Outgoing president Thein struggle between oversupply, the villain that broke the terterrorism and climate change, Sein has elected to skip the Sun- The decision resident Barack Obama to name a few. nylands gathering, and opposition superpowers. market, was too huge to be contained welcomed the leaders National Security Adviser leader Aung San Suu Kyi is still to freeze oil through ordinary measures. The latest of 10 Southeast Asian Susan Rice said the first-of-its- locked in talks with military production by output agreement has been achieved nations on Monday for kind gathering “is a return on regime and will not attend either. some leading against all these odds. Russia is not a a two-day summit that seven years of significant and Renewed partnerships with rules,’ “ Bower said. member of Opec and its cooperation Pmarks an unprecedented bid to sustained investment. It demon- the Philippines have bolstered Although Beijing is investing producers is with Opec in stabilising the prices can deepen US ties to a distant region strates our enduring commitment US naval presence in the region large sums of money and capi- that barely registers in the con- to this region.” in the face of aggressive maneu- tal to create a new “silk road” of go a long way in stabilising the market. significant as it sciousness of most Americans. Underpinning the effort is the vers by China in the South China prosperity - including its own heralds a more At the same time, the new deal Obama’s reasons may not be White House’s concern that with- Sea. But closer political ties to regional trade pact - China has elaborate and would come to nought if not supported immediately obvious: The lead- out US leadership, the diverse mix Malaysia - Obama played golf intimidated its neighbors through by other producers, both Opec and ers who arrived here at the lush of nations will fail to coalesce with Prime Minister Najib Razak its aggressive expansion, White determined non-Opec. And its continuation is Sunnylands retreat represent rel- around a common agenda and in Hawaii in 2014 - have been House aides said. attempt by them conditional on other producers joining atively small countries, including that some of them may be drawn frayed by allegations that Najib China’s construction of man- in. The Gulf producers are likely to curb some of the world’s poorest, such closer to China, which also has embezzled hundreds of millions made islands in the South China to shore up the as Laos and Burma. Many of them sought to expand its influence in of dollars and that subsequently Sea, potentially for military use, output but doubts remain about the prices. head corrupt regimes with dis- the region. his administration cracked down has alarmed several countries, commitment of other producers like mal human rights records. And, in The engagement has included on political dissent. especially Vietnam, that have Iraq and Iran. Further talks involving Iran general, the United States has had the installation of a full-time US Obama aides said they long-standing claims in one of the and Iraq are to be held in Tehran this week. There is a need for all sides to difficulty promoting democracy ambassador to Asean, based always recognised that progress world’s busiest shipping corridors. put their economies in the forefront and not use oil as a tool in the rising in a region where Cambodian in Jakarta, Indonesia, and the in a region long neglected by the Hanoi has signaled a new open- geopolitical tensions. Every producer is looking at a modest price that can Prime Minister Hun Sen has president has made seven trips United States would be fitful and ness to engage with the West, and ruled for 31 years and a military to the region, more than twice uneven. the Communist Party general minimise the damage, as has been succinctly put by Saudi Oil Minister Ali junta seized power in Thailand the number of any of his pred- In remarks welcoming the secretary visited the White House al-Naimi. “We don’t want significant gyrations in prices. We don’t want two years ago. Vietnam and Laos ecessors. This fall, Obama is leaders, Obama said that the for the first time last summer. a reduction in supply. We want to meet demand and we want a stable oil scheduled to become the first US United States intends to play a Even the setting at Sunny- price,” he said. And this stability is vital for the resuscitation of several president to visit Laos, and he is “long-term role” that is “central to lands, a retreat once favored by oil-dependent economies across the world, though Gulf economies have Underpinning the expected to make his first trip to the region’s peace and prosperity presidents Richard Nixon, Ron- comparatively remained unscathed due to their huge reserves. effort is the White Vietnam this spring. Rhodes, who and to our shared goal of building ald Reagan and George H W Bush, The current slump in prices is not benefiting many. Several consuming ran a half-marathon in Luang a regional order where all nations is intended to send a message to House’s concern Prabang last fall, and Secretary play by the same rules.” Beijing. countries have refused to pass the low prices to their public by jacking up of State John Kerry took separate The leaders are focusing on The first time Obama held the taxes. that without US trips to Laos in recent months. common interests at Sunnylands, a summit there was in 2013 for leadership, the “Our strategy from the begin- where the agenda includes mar- Chinese President Xi Jinping. diverse mix of ning was to move Asean’s center itime security in the South China Obama’s return for the Asean of gravity toward greater coop- Sea, trade ties and counterter- summit has been viewed in nations will fail to eration with the US,” said Evan rorism. The Islamic State terror some quarters as “poking a stick coalesce around a Medeiros, who served as Obama’s group claimed responsibility for at China,” said James Keith, the Quote of the day senior Asia adviser from 2013- a series of attacks in Jakarta last US ambassador to Malaysia from common agenda 2015. Medeiros credited Obama month that killed seven people 2007-2010. and that some of with accomplishing that goal on and injured 23, and White House The Southeast Asian nations many fronts, but he emphasised officials said they fear the mili- are reluctant to choose sides, You feel the consequences of them may be drawn that the long-term challenge in tant group is seeking a foothold wary about being used as pawns the growth of extremism in our closer to China, Southeast Asia is that “their inter- in the region. in a geopolitical struggle between ests and ours are not perfectly Climate change and the envi- superpowers. The risk, Keith said, region in terms of refugees that which also has aligned.” ronment - including devastating is making the leaders think that come to Europe. Extremism sought to expand Obama extended the Sun- forest fires in Indonesia that have “we’re mostly interested in you its influence in the nylands invitation to the group been cited among the world’s as a means to an end - and that cannot be contained in one while attending a regional sum- worst environmental disasters - is messaging China.” country or one region, it’s a region. mit in Malaysia last November. also will be discussed, officials During a town hall event in Kuala said. global menace, requiring a Lumpur, the president reminded China is on the agenda, as global response. his audience that he had lived in well. Ernest Bower, a South- The writer covers the White remain one-party states. Indonesia with his mother and east Asia expert at the Center House. He has previously cov- Mohammad Javad Zarif But against that turbulent stepfather as a young boy. for Strategic and International ered sports, education and city government and reported from Iranian Foreign Minister backdrop, the Obama adminis- “This is part of who I am,” he Studies, said the White House tration has sought to help shape said, “and how I see the world.” aims to enlist the Southeast Asian Afghanistan, Pakistan and Japan.

EDITORIAL TEL: 44557741 / 44557743 FAX: 44557746 / 44557758 P. O. BOX: 3488, DOHA, QATAR E-MAIL: [email protected] ADVERTISING TEL: 44557837 / 780 FAX: 44557870 CLASSIFIED: 44557857 E-MAIL: [email protected] SUBSCRIPTION / HOME DELIVERY TEL: 44557809 /839 FAX: 44557819 E-MAIL: [email protected] OPINION WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2016 11 A very long night ahead in Syria

them, make them partners’. It is villainy but they call it realistic politics. The realistic politics of Westerners, and unfortunately of some Arabs, cause them to think that the best thing to do is to accept the Russian solution. Putin did it in Chechnya so why it should not be repeated in Syria? This policy will sup- port the Bashar regime until it wins the battle by force, terrorising his people in order to bring back the old Arabic sys- tem based on ruling by fear for the sake of stability. This will actually kill IS, after all it will have served its purpose. The people will then have to accept it willy- nilly, despite the fact that Assad’s power By Jamal Khashoggi had previously been reduced to zero with few alternatives left. Most of the Syrian people have been forced to die- in bombardment or starva- t was very necessary for Saudi Ara- tion, or to leave and seek asylum elsewhere, bic to announce its readiness to send both of which they would rather do than ground forces into Syria, as well as to live under this tyrant. Who can provide a call for a military manoeuvre of “Ra’ad livelihood and, most importantly, safety IAl Shamal” or “Northern Thunder”. This to them at a time when so much of the Saudi move would get together soldiers world is turning its face from this hap- of several Islamic countries on its terri- less people? tory, the largest military gathering since They will be cheated of their rights, in the Gulf War for the liberation of Kuwait. the name of reforms and elections, even The announcement made follows on without Bashar Al Assad. There are many from another announcement, a month ago, people who want to be Qaderoof who ruled about the first meeting of leaders of the under Russian mandate. I still remember “Islamic Alliance”, surprising the world. what Russian orientalist, Elena Suponina, The world was confused about the momen- said to me in a conference about Russian tum gained in Riyadh, but Saudi Arabia intervention in Syria: “Grozny (the capi- has successfully shifted the focus to an tal of Chechnya) is no more the destroyed issue that the international community city that it was before. It has become the Qatari forces before leaving to participate in Ra’ad Al-Shamal exercise on Monday. cannot forget. ‘Dubai of the Caucasus’. It is a good phrase This active move of Saudi Arabia will for a public relations campaign….. put an end to the conspiracy being hatched Several towers in Aleppo, between the Syria as platform for its sectarian project of the regime’s delegation, Bashar Al Jaf- one hates Da’esh more than Saudi Arabia. to end the Syrian revolution. It does not ruins of the old buildings, could maybe in which is against the future and the progress fari, began to dictate his conditions with Syrian national forces, representing the need an intellectual argument to prove it. the future be presented as designs, show- of history. Iran is causing sectarian sedi- unprecedented arrogance. Assad wants Syrian people, will engage in fierce fight- The United States is retreating and does cased in an exhibition organised at the tion in the region, but still it insists that it the opposition to surrender, after being ing against Da’esh, because they made no not have the will to stand up against Rus- sidelines of the Donors’ Conference held did not spent billions of dollars, or lose backed up by the Russian forces killing effort to replace the secular dictator, but are sia, followed by Western countries. Some in Damascus, under the sponsorship of the the elite of its fighters in vain or for sim- his people. a fanatic group trying to monopolise the of them may say that his country does not newly elected president of Syria! For which ply keeping Assad in power, but rather for What happened in Geneva pushed knowledge of religion and its interpretation. agree with President Vladimir Putin on other purpose could they could they invite the major prize which is Syria. Saudi Arabia to speed up what is called If any role for the Syrian revolution moral grounds as his soldiers are commit- Arabs and non Arabs from different parts of I have no specific answer about what by the foreign minister Adel Al Jubeir ‘Plan is needed then they have to be protected ting war crimes. However they will admit the world to a conference?- Maybe to say: exactly Riyadh wants to do. Its diplomatic B’. Regardless of the details of this plan, from the multiple attacks by the govern- that they do not have many options left. “We have won the War on ‘terrorism’ ”?! and military activeness are considered by the important thing is its main condition ment, Russia, Kurds and Da’esh. If fighting There is no other sanction left to impose But what kind of Syria will it be? - A some to be challenging and risky, regarding which is the principle I mentioned above- Da’esh is major justification for military on Russia. The world did what they could Syria of oppression and fear? Some peo- the issue of defending the nation. I also have in brief “Syria without Iran”. interventions to bring peace to Syria, then in the war of Ukraine and Crimea, where ple are missing the fact that the revolution no answer about when, from where, and The plan announced said Saudi Arabia removal of the regime will make the peace they lost the battle. The politics among was originally not between districts and with how many ground troops, it is going is ready to intervene in Syria, putting US much more sustainable. opportunist countries is based on this prin- races, or even sects but mostly against to enter Syria, and with whom as allies. and Westerners, including Friends of Syria, At the same time that the Saudi gov- ciple- ‘if you cannot beat them then join unjust dictatorship. Such a solution says But what I am sure about is that Saudi Ara- to the test. It is as if it wants to say to the ernment is actively trying to convince its them’- interpreted as ‘if you can’t defeat to the people of Syria, “You have to accept bia will not accept a win by Iran in Syria, Americans who were repeatedly saying: allies to share its view point, there is need dictatorship- otherwise just stay refugees making the “Arab’s beating heart” a plat- “You are not doing much to fight Daesh”, to prepare Saudi’s people for this long night. where you are. We will leave you to decide form to change the history and identity of that “We are here and ready- so are you This is because some of our people are either to come back or to integrate with the region. This is the principle according ready too? The ball is now in their field. cautious, and lack confidence in our abili- the people of the host countries. However, which the Saudi government will deal with How this intervention will end, and ties, and they will simply say how we fight This Saudi move would get together continuing in defending your freedom will the world and the region, and all should what is its size and limitations will even- on two fronts (Yemen and Syria). There- make you terrorist.” take this factor into account. tually be, even the Saudi strategic planners fore it is time to start a media campaign soldiers of several Islamic countries As usual there must be a distribution of It is worth mentioning that no Saudi do not know exactly. to mobilise the public. on its territory, the largest military booties among the winners. Russia must official has promised a quick victory. The Whatever the cost is, every interven- have its permanent military bases in the night ahead will be very long, starting with tion starts small and then grows. As for gathering since the Gulf War for the Eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea, restoring balance in Syria, following the fighting Da’esh, an entity spawned by the The writer is a Saudi journalist, columnist, liberation of Kuwait. and Iran wants all of Syria as an ally of its imbalance that occurred after the failure Syrian ‘revolution’, interventions could author, and the General Manager and regime and a protector. It is going to use of Geneva negotiations, and after the head expand to meet this purpose, because no Editor-in-Chief of Al Arab News Channel.

Mainstream Scandinavia warily eyes record immigration

By Alister Doyle and Swedish town of Kalix, a traditional of villas near Oslo, cut through by a for a centre for around 30 unaccom- immigration laws, including the con- spend 1.0 percent of its gross domestic Simon Johnson bastion of centre-left politics, over 100 motorway with cheaper four-storey panied children. fiscation of refugees’ valuables, passed product on asylum seekers in 2016, by Reuters residents signed a petition against plans blocks of flats built alongside. “I have a big heart and I believe with overwhelming support includ- far the highest of 19 European nations to turn a 19th century country house “The parents just want to look after we have to help, so it’s not about that, ing the centre-left Social Democrats. surveyed. into a reception centre for unaccom- their kids.” but enough is enough,” said Anne-Maj Sweden’s Moderate Party, the Last year, Sweden had to find an panied minors. The town council agreed to parents’ Ostlund, a 75-year-old retired school biggest of the centre-right opposi- extra 70,000 school places due to asy- orwegian officials called the The debate among these liberal requests for extra security by a motor- teacher who lives close to the yellow- tion, wants to limit asylum seekers’ lum seekers, on top of 100,000 pupils school guards “extra supervi- Scandinavian stalwarts would have way underpass near a refugee centre painted wooden villa in Kalix, being access to welfare. that normally enter the school sys- Nsion”. Critics said the plan to been unheard of a year ago, underscor- for 600 people that opened this month. used as a hostel It was a sign of the times that when tem for the first time in any given year. post security personnel near an Oslo ing how concern about a record influx After criticisms of “asylum guards” the “I have lived in heaven here ... it is Sweden’s centre left interior minis- In a country where speaking out school in case of assaults by newly of immigrants is percolating into the proposal was withdrawn, but it had peaceful,” said Ostlund, who has lived ter said the government would deport against immigration is still taboo for arrived refugees was an ugly euphe- Nordics’ mainstream from the pop- already polarised this middle class in the same house since 1948. “What 80,000 immigrants this year, former many, Scandinavians privately voice mism for intolerance. ulist fringes. community. is going to be left?” Foreign Minister Carl Bildt tweeted the concerns about signs of crowded Across the border in the far northern Anti-immigrant, populist par- A February survey showed immi- Middle class neighbourhoods in “probable aim is to send a signal that emergency rooms and larger school ties have gained support since some gration as the main concern for 40 Stockholm and Gothenburg have seen new ones are not welcome.” classes. Newspapers are increas- 250,000 refugees entered the Nordics percent of Swedes, easily trumping meetings where furious citizens have The concerns are not just related ingly full of reports of money being last year. A record 163,000 refugees worries over failing schools, jobless- questioned politicians over refugees’ to security but that the Nordic state is spent on refugees and reports of crime For Ylva Johansson, arrived in Sweden and the far right ness and welfare. The change over half housing. under threat from the high fiscal cost involving asylum seekers, although Swedish minister is vying for top spot in polls. In Den- a year was the biggest opinion swing Police were called to one meeting of newcomers and the sense that civic crime figures do not bear out these mark, the anti-immigration Danish in the poll’s history. in Haninge, near Stockholm, where trust which underpins a culture of high concerns. for employment People’s Party is the second largest From taking in Vietnam draft dodg- the local authority had gathered resi- taxes is being eroded. Lofven - who admits Sweden faces and integration in parliament. ers in the 1960s to Balkans war refugees dents and parents of pupils at a nearby Nordic nations have the highest increased polarisation - has seen his But it is a backlash among the in the 1990s, Sweden has been proud school to inform them about plans for percentage of people agreeing that government’s support fall to record lows issues, the problem mainstream that may be the biggest of its open door policy for decades. a centre for unaccompanied minors. “most people can be trusted” when in polls due to a sense his government is that thousands change. There are signs that voters Norway has been among the leaders in Council workers were met by shouts asked in international surveys, help- is helpless to stop a migrant influx. may be broadly supportive of immi- helping refugees worldwide with aid. of “they are going to rape our children,” ing drive a consensus for high taxes For Ylva Johansson, Swedish min- of refugees, many grants but not in their own backyard. While the asylum situation has led and “who will take responsibility when and extensive welfare. ister for employment and integration young men, are not From welfare cuts to new ID checks, it to an outpouring of support from many someone dies”. “The Nordic welfare state works issues, the problem is that thousands integrated into the is a trend that shows the limits of even Swedes - charities reported record Mainstream parties in Sweden are due to trust. You have to trust that peo- of refugees, many young men, are not some of Europe’s most open societies, donations last year - it has also led now proposing measures against immi- ple work and pay taxes when they are integrated into the workforce, instead workforce, instead and may represent a sea change for others to worry about the effect on gration that were only the ground of able to do so,” said Gert Tinggaard, languishing in asylum centres in vil- languishing in asylum politics in Scandinavia. schools, crime and the country’s wel- the far right a few years ago. Prime professor of political science at Den- lages and towns. “It’s a big change happening close fare state. Minister Stefan Lofven, who once told mark’s Aarhus University. “Most Swedes are not racist,” she centres in villages to us. In all neighbourhoods there are In Kalix, hit by a decline in the paper crowds that “My Europe does not build “The second condition is that you said. “But when there is this special asy- and towns. concerns,” said Pia Almvang, head of industry but still a bastion of Social walls”, tightened asylum rules and bor- also have to trust the politicians,” he lum housing when they cannot work, the parents’ association at Lysaker pri- Democrat support, residents have peti- der controls with ID checks. added. “You get a bang for your buck.” and cannot be part of society this is mary school in a leafy well-to-do area tioned the council to abandon plans In Denmark, a bill tightening The IMF estimates that Sweden will really a tension.

All thoughts and views expressed in these columns are those of the writers, not of the newspaper. All correspondence regarding Views and Opinion pages should be mailed to the Editor-in-Chief. 12 WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2016 ASIA / AFRICA Indonesia plans tougher anti-terrorism laws

Reuters kept confidential, but two government transactions as evidence in court of people merely “if they assemble country saw a spate of attacks in the sources with direct knowledge of the against suspects. to discuss terrorist and radical acts”. 2000s, the deadliest of which was a The proposals are draft law said it would broaden the Indonesians who have joined The International Commission nightclub bombing on the resort island likely to draw fire definition of terrorism and make militant training or participated in of Jurists last month urged the of Bali that killed 202 people. JAKARTA: Indonesia has drawn it easier to both arrest and detain terrorist acts in a foreign country will government not to undermine Police have been largely up plans for tougher anti-terrorism from human rights suspects. be stripped of their citizenship. the process of justice by making successful in destroying domestic laws following last month’s mili- activists, who have The sources declined to be Security officials say about 500 it easier for authorities to arrest militant cells since then, but officials tant attack on the capital, including named because the legislation, which Indonesians have travelled to Syria people irrespective of whether there have grown increasingly concerned detention without trial for up to three warned against could be passed within the next few and Iraq to join the radical group is sufficient evidence of criminal about a resurgence inspired by Islamic months compared with a week now, jeopardising hard- months, is still under consideration Islamic State and they estimate activity. Elsewhere in the region, State and officials say homegrown government sources said yesterday. by parliament, where Widodo enjoys that about one in five of these has counter-terrorism measures have radicals are regrouping. Security The proposals are likely to draw fire won freedoms strong cross-party support. “The new returned, although most did not see been more far-reaching. experts say one problem is that from human rights activists, who over nearly two definition of terrorism includes the frontline combat. Malaysia last April reintroduced high-security prisons have become have warned against jeopardising decades since the possession, distribution and trade of Over the past two months, a law under which individuals can breeding grounds for militants, with hard-won freedoms over nearly two any weapons ... or potential material Indonesian counter-terrorism be detained without trial for up to radical clerics being able to preach decades since the end of authoritar- end of authoritarian that can be used as weapons for forces have arrested dozens of two years with two-year extensions and communicate with followers from ian president Suharto’s rule. president Suharto’s terrorism acts,” said one. men suspected of plotting attacks thereafter. behind bars. However, officials anticipate The maximum period allowed on government targets and major Australia has in recent years The government sources said one little opposition in parliament to rule. for detention without trial will be landmarks, and last week seven men passed measures banning its citizens of the legislative changes proposed the legislation, which would not be lifted to 90 days and for preventive were jailed for being sympathisers of from returning from conflict zones involves segregating prisoners as strict as counter-terrorism laws detention to 120 days, both from a Islamic State. in Syria and the Middle East, while convicted of terrorism from other passed in recent years by neighbours current limit of one week. But police have long complained making it easier to monitor domestic inmates to minimise radicalisation Australia and Malaysia. The law will also allow that even when they are aware of communications. Indonesia has the in prisons. President Joko Widodo’s with guns and explosives. Islamic authorities to target anyone who radical activities, they are unable world’s largest population of Muslims Terrorism convicts will also be government moved quickly to reform State (IS) claimed responsibility for recruits members for, or cooperates to detain known militants unless and the vast majority of its 250 million separated into three categories: the country’s 2003 anti-terrorism the assault, in which the militants and with a militant group, and to they threaten or actually carry out people practise a moderate form of masterminds or those involved in law after January 14, when four men four others died. use electronic communications, an attack. Islam. planning attacks, those involved in attacked Jakarta’s business district Details of the overhaul have been intelligence reports and financial The new law will allow the arrest However, the Southeast Asian executing plans, and followers.

Ailing Thai king Ugandan opposition under doctors’ leader says vote close watch won’t be free or fair AFP BANGKOK: Thailand’s venerated but ailing 88-year-old monarch Reuters held him in custody. Police also said Bhumibol Adulyadej has been that Besigye’s supporters had been on treated for heart trouble, high a “rampage”, looting and damaging blood pressure and irregular property. It was the worst violence breathing in recent weeks, the pal- KAMPALA: The leading challenger to since the campaign opened three ace said in a statement yesterday. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni months ago and heightened tensions The king is worshipped by said yesterday he had no confidence before tomorrow’s vote. many Thais as a near-deity, and that elections this week would be Also on Monday, a government his frail health is a subject of sig- free or fair and accused the police of spokesman said all campaigning had nificant public concern. increasing violence ahead of the vote. been prohibited in Kampala’s central He has spent most of the Kizza Besigye, a long-time opposi- business district, where Besigye’s sup- past two years hospitalised for a tion leader who has lost three previous porters had gathered. series of ailments, with few public elections, told reporters the “over- The election is expected to be one appearances or speeches. whelming enthusiasm” for change of the toughest yet for Museveni, 71, In a statement released last after three decades of Museveni rule a key ally of the West who came to evening Thailand’s Royal House- “has caused panic in the no-change power in 1986 after waging a five-year hold Bureau said the king was camp”. guerrilla war. Ugandan presidential candidate and Opposition leader Kizza Besigye waves to supporters as his convoy being monitored for a high fever “That is why, yesterday, elements Ugandan political watchers say drives towards Kampala, yesterday. President Yoweri Museveni is facing his hardest battle to remain after doctors discovered diastolic of the Uganda police and other secu- voters have grown impatient with high President of the East African country in the presidential elections tomorrow. dysfunction and high blood pres- rity agencies unleashed violence on unemployment and the poor state of sure in his lung last week. our supporters and sabotaged our the country’s schools and health cen- “A team of royal physicians campaign in Kampala,” he said. “The tres, giving fresh life to Museveni’s minister Amama Mbabazi, were rigging polls and using state funds to overwhelm the unfreeness and the periodically administered anti- election has no chance of being free challengers. all staging final rallies on Tues- prop up his own party, the National unfairness ... We’ll just continue fight- biotic solution intravenously and and fair.” The United States last week sup- day, a national holiday. Besigye, Resistance Movement. ing.” Officials say Besigye has simply also continuously provided oxy- Besigye spoke a day after police ported calls for a peaceful, transparent who has been repeatedly detained He said he had no plans to change been punished for engaging in illegal gen,” the statement said. stormed his rally in the capital Kam- and credible vote. by police, has said he is a frequent his campaign schedule after the behaviour, such as breaking rules on Doctors are now “closely mon- pala with tear gas, killing one person Museveni, Besigye and a sec- target of government intimidation violence on Monday. “This is noth- where and when campaign activities itoring his condition” while they and injuring 19 others, and briefly ond major challenger, former prime tactics and has accused Museveni of ing new,” he said. “We are in this to were allowed. seek an explanation for irregular breathing and a high temperature detected yesterday, according to the palace, which tightly controls information about the royal family. International pressure urged on Malaysia over scandal Bhumibol is the world’s long- est-reigning monarch with nearly seven decades on the throne, and most Thais have never known life AFP “Transparency International is from state firms, and for accepting a leaks of “state secrets”. investigating. “We need the interna- under another king. concerned that Malaysia is mov- mysterious $681m sum described as Malaysian anti-corruption cru- tional community to come together Anxiety over what will happen ing rapidly towards autocracy and a “personal donation”. saders allege that perhaps billions to ensure that Malaysia responds to after his reign comes to an end is disregarding its international com- He responded by sacking his of dollars were skimmed off com- the ongoing investigations into the considered an aggravating factor KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is mitments to fight corruption,” the attorney general and other critics in plex overseas transactions centring misappropriation of government in the country’s past decade of lurching toward autocracy as the gov- global anti-graft group’s Asia- his leadership, bringing Malaysian on 1Malaysia Development Berhad funds... and does not try to cover up tumultuous politics. ernment moves to silence allegations Pacific director Srirak Plipat said in investigations to a halt. The current (1MDB), a now debt-strapped invest- any wrongdoing,” Plipat said. Bhumibol last left Bangkok’s of massive graft linked to the prime a statement. Najib-appointed attorney general last ment company founded by Najib. Plipat added that foreign probes Siriraj hospital in early January for minister, Transparency International Prime Minister Najib Razak has month abruptly cleared his boss over Authorities in the United States, may be the only way “to shine a des- an hour-long trip by car to visit his said, calling for international pressure faced months of pressure over allega- the “donation” and said recently he Britain, Switzerland, Singapore perately needed light on what has palace and other royal projects, to prevent a cover-up. tions that vast sums had been pilfered would seek to tighten laws to prevent and Hong Kong are reported to be really gone on in the case”. according to palace officials.

Australia-Japan talks Publisher arrested over offensive book

AFP of law and order,” he said. and raided his offices, seizing copies Manik was the translator and of the book. publisher of the book. “We’ve confiscated the book after The 73-year-old’s arrest on Sun- we’ve found it can hurt religious sen- DHAKA: Bangladesh police have day comes amid mounting fears timent of Muslims,” Siddique said. arrested and charged a publisher over freedom of speech in conserv- There was no comment from after Islamists in the Muslim-major- ative Bangladesh, which has seen a Ba-dwip, but the head of state-run ity nation warned of violent protests series of killings of secular bloggers Bangla Academy which holds the over one of his books which they and publishers blamed on Islamist book fair every year supported the deemed offensive, an officer said militants. arrest. yesterday. A small Islamist group called “We’ve asked publishers not to Police also shut down Shamsu- Khelafat Andolon (Caliphate Move- showcase such controversial books zzoha Manik’s stall at the country’s ment) warned on Sunday that it in the fair stalls which would hurt book fair in Dhaka where he was would storm the month-long book people’s religious sentiments. It was selling copies of Islam Bitorko (Islam fair unless Manik was arrested within an unforgivable crime,” academy Debate), which includes a controver- 24 hours. director general Shamsuzzaman sial chapter. Police have charged Malik under Khan said. “There is a chapter in the book the country’s tough Internet law with Some publishers and secular and its contents are offensive,” said publishing material that hurts reli- authors last year fled the country senior police officer Abu Baker gious beliefs. He faces up to 14 years in fear of attack over their work. Siddique. in jail if convicted. Others are too scared to speak out Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (right) with Australia’s Foreign Minister Julie Bishop before talks “We got complaints from many Police arrested Malik, the against what critics say is an erosion in Tokyo, yesterday. people and we were worried that it owner of publishing firm Ba-dwip of freedom of speech and the rise of could trigger a serious deterioration Prokashoni, at his home in the capital religious extremism. PAKISTAN WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2016 13 Punjab police stations in tech-tonic shift

registration of complaints easier. You no longer have to deal with an unre- Pakistani province seeks to sponsive moharrir or even visit a police station do away with the vagaries to file a complaint of a cognisable or non-cog- nisable offence under the criminal procedure of thana culture code.” Police stations have been equipped with special reception desks to assist complainants Internews and run a complaint/FIR registration system. A special helpline has been set up in the IG office where you can lodge complaints against an uncooperative police official. LAHORE: Over a dozen large television An IT-literate man is available at the screens are mounted on the walls in a spa- newly established front desks at every thana cious room at the Ghalib Market police station. to record your complaint. He is answerable Half are running live feeds from surveillance directly to the SP. cameras installed in different parts of the city “The complaint is immediately converted or on police patrol cars. into an FIR if it does not require an inquiry The rest display real time data and or verification by the police,” says Umar Saif, progress on all types of citizen complaints, chairman of the PBIT, who has developed over from the loss of a CNIC to robberies to murders the last year a series of technology platforms reported either through the police’s centralised to assist the police. 8330 SMS and Rescue 15 systems or personally. “In case a preliminary investigation or a You may also pull the past records, type visit to the crime scene or person nominated and time of crime reported from a particular in the complaint is needed, the police must neighbourhood, as well as the documented resolve it or register the FIR within 72 hours.” history of criminals from any of the 84 police The same procedure applies to complaints stations in the city. filed through text messages or phone calls at This is one of the ops rooms developed the police rescue number or online. Minutes by the Punjab Board of Information Technol- after you report a crime or offence or accident ogy (PBIT) in four of six police divisions of the through your mobile phone, you start receiv- city, connecting the city’s police stations with ing calls from the offices of the SP heading the one another and with the CCPO (capital city division and the CCPO. police officer) office. Progress on your complaints is regularly File picture of people gathering outside a police station in Bannu, North Waziristan, after a militant attack. The purpose is to digitise crime and crimi- conveyed through text messages. Also, you nals to monitor the performance of each thana don’t have to visit the police station to obtain a and police officials dealing with the public and copy of the FIR; it is emailed to you if you have to improve surveillance. provided your email ID to the police. manpower, reduced the incidence of crime, all police stations across Punjab in the next IT can play a much bigger role in the preven- “More important, the technology facilitates If a complainant is not satisfied with the and reduced the misuse of authority by police few months. tion and reporting of crime. citizens. It is helping us turn the police — grad- progress on his complaint, he may reach the officials. Also, we have digitised the record “The automation of the police depart- “Many efforts are under way to capi- ually — into a public service oriented force,” admin officer, an ASI who is also answerable of crime and criminals that can easily be ment will help address the thana culture in talise on the technological advancement in contends Mustansar Feroze, SP (Operations) only to the SP. verified.” the province. Once you start measuring the reforming the criminal justice system. Never- of the Model Town police division. “The benefits of technology and thana Saif says the FIR system has been auto- problem, you also start fixing it,” he argues. theless, without reforming the governing legal “We are hopeful that this will significantly reforms have already started to pour in,” mated and is fully functional in 228 out of 728 But many do not agree with him. Aftab framework, particularly the criminal proce- bridge the trust deficit between public and the Feroze argued. “It has increased access to police stations in Punjab, and over 160,000 Alam, an Islamabad-based lawyer who has dure code and the police rules, the utility of force in the shortest possible time. Efficient the police, helped map crime resulting in FIRs have been registered in it. been part of the group calling for the reforms these tools will remain a question in Paki- use of the new technology should make the more efficient deployment of resources and The system is expected to be rolled out in of the criminal procedure code, believes that stan,” he argues.

Indian gets three year Dozens of soldiers and police killed in Afghan province jail term for Reuters soldiers and 27 policemen had been casualties since the United Nations military Humvee vehicles packed with in Khan Nashim in the south of the killed in separate incidents in the began keeping records in 2009. Heavy explosives launched a suicide attack province by a man wearing a police espionage province. fighting over the winter points to the on a checkpoint in the district centre uniform. Afghan security forces, fighting potential for even more bloodshed of Sangin on Sunday, killing seven sol- The Taliban, which the United LASHKAR GAH: Dozens of Afghan largely alone since the withdrawal this year. diers and 15 policemen. States now estimates controls or soldiers and policemen have been of international forces in 2014, have As well as the fighting in Hel- Nine soldiers were also killed in threatens around a third of the Internews killed in the southern province of been struggling for months to hold mand, Taliban operations in the combat in Sangin, while another nine country, have overrun large parts of Helmand since Sunday as the Tali- back the insurgency in Helmand, northern provinces of Jowzjan, Kun- died in fighting in Musa Qalah district, Helmand, leaving beleagured gov- ban presses an offensive in one of its where the Taliban inflicted hundreds duz and Baghlan have also severely northeast of Sangin, the officials said. ernment forces in district centres like heartlands, officials said. of casualties on Nato troops during stretched government forces and In other incidents, 10 police- Sangin and Marjah barely clinging on PESHAWAR: An Indian national, Three local officials, who all years of fighting. caused heavy casualties over recent men were killed fighting in Gereshk, to a few official buildings. Hamid Nehal Ansari, who spoke on condition of anonymity At least 11,000 civilians were days. a road junction north of the dis- Heavily mined roads have pre- had gone missing from Kohat because they have been ordered not killed or wounded in Afghanistan In the worst incident in Helmand trict capital Lashkar Gah, while two vented reinforcements and supplies over three years ago, has been to talk about casualty figures, said 25 last year, in the worst year for civilian this week, insurgents in captured more were killed on Monday night arriving, leaving many units cut off. sentenced to three years impris- onment for espionage by a court martial. According to officials, Ansari was convicted two days ago in Barrel boy LIGO scientist relives Kohat and was shifted to Pesha- war Central Prison. He has a right to appeal under the Pakistan Army Act. Sources said that the convict memories of Karachi had confessed to illegally enter- ing Pakistan from Afghanistan for espionage. The source added Internews “We have ideas for that already that Ansari had seven Facebook and the future of the field is bright,” accounts as well as around 30 she says. “We have just heard the email addresses. He was report- very first cosmic sounds. As our edly found to be in possession of KARACHI: Now working at the instruments improve, we expect sensitive documents. Laser Interferometer Gravita- to collect much more information Last month, the defence min- tional-wave Observatory (LIGO) in about the universe and learn about istry had informed the Peshawar the United States, Dr Nergis Maval- things we didn’t even know existed.” High Court that Ansari was in the vala still thanks a bicycle repairman But how did she come to work custody of Pakistan Army and was in Karachi for her hands-on skills. on such a massive project? being tried by court martial. “One of my formative experi- “I kind of stumbled upon it In light of the information, a ences in Karachi happened when, mostly by accident,” she recalls. two-member bench had on Janu- as a 10-year-old, I would take my During her first year in the PhD ary 13 disposed of a habeas corpus bicycle to the bike repair shop right programme at MIT in Cambridge, petition filed by Fauzia Ansari, outside our apartment compound,” Nergis was looking for a professor the convict’s mother, against his she recalled. to work with. She joined the team alleged illegal detention. “Rather than just repairing it for after a brief conversation with Pro- “Agencies working under the Afghan boys play on a Soviet-era tank in Jalalabad, Afghanistan. The country was under Soviet me, the man at the shop taught me fessor Rainer Weiss, who invented administrative control of this min- occupation between 1979 and 1989. how to do it myself.” the concept behind LIGO. istry: ISI and MI, GHQ, were asked Once she learned the technique, Born in May 1968, Nergis went to to provide requisite information. she would just borrow the tools from the Convent of Jesus and Mary from In response, Military Intelligence the mechanic. Perhaps her forma- pre-K through O-levels. “It’s funny to Directorate, GHQ, intimated that tive experiences living on Karachi’s remember now but the teacher com- Hamid Nehal Ansari is in military McNeil Road came in handy when ments on my report cards were very custody and is being tried by court she moved to the US as a teenager much the same: smart kid, too talk- martial,” read the written response Marriage bill makes Hindus happy and went on to attend Wellesley Col- ative and hard to control,” she says. of a deputy director (legal) of the lege in Massachusetts. In her entire journey from Kara- ministry to the court’s query. With a team of scientists, the chi to LIGO, her family has always The convict was taken into Pakistan-born astrophysicist been supportive of her. They had custody by police and Intelligence Internews to forced conversions. “I particularly Sindh Assembly deserves congrat- recently announced the confirma- prioritised Nergis’s and her sister’s Bureau (IB) officials in Kohat in welcome the minimum age of mar- ulations for passing the bill, more so tion of gravitational waves — a major education even when it was not easy November 2012. Ever since, his riage that is mentioned, which is 18 before the National Assembly. prediction of Albert Einstein’s 1915 for them. whereabouts were unknown. KARACHI: Members of the Hindu years. Hopefully, the bill will help “Though it took 68 years for us to general theory of relativity — open- “Education was an impor- Ansari, a 31-year-old MBA community in Pakistan and social improve the status of Hindu women.” get a bill that gives us rights, we want ing an unprecedented new window tant value in our family,” she says. degree holder, was a teacher at the activists hailed the Sindh Assembly’s Hindu lawyer Amarnath Motu- that other issues be resolved, such as onto the cosmos. “While some family members don’t Mumbai Management College. His landmark move to pass the Sindh mal agreed that the age mentioned removing the clause in the Consti- Nergis, who lives with her part- fully understand what I do, they love mother claimed he was in touch Hindus Marriage Bill, 2016. in the bill is a positive sign, and child tution that says that no non-Muslim ner and a son in Boston, and works what I do because I love what I do!” with some Pakistani friends who The bill was overdue, said Human marriages of Hindus would come to can become the head of state. Rights at the Massachusetts Institute of Her fondest memories of Karachi had suggested that he cross into Rights Commission of Pakistan an end. should be equal for all.” Along with Technology (MIT), plans to continue are the people she grew up with her Pakistan from Afghanistan with- (HRCP) chairperson Zohra Yusuf. Another HRCP activist and sur- Hindus, the bill also applies to Sikhs, working on improving the sensitiv- friends at school, her family and the out a visa. She hoped that it will be a deterrent geon, Jaipal Chhabria said that the Jains and Buddhists. ity of the LIGO detectors. tight-knit Zoroastrian community. 14 WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2016 INDIA UN’s anti-terrorism efforts ‘held hostage’ by some countries

IANS supporters, India’s Permanent Rep- the Council’s anti-terrorism reso- at a subsequent date,” he challenged every week. “The efforts of the United democracy and rule of law in various resentative Syed Akbaruddin told the lutions against Pakistan for setting the Council. “Even brazen public Nations and the Security Council in parts of the world when its own house Security Council on Monday that the free Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, the violations of the sanctions regime taking decisive action to combat ter- is not in order. The current structure panel is “many a time being held hos- Lashkar-e-Taiba mastermind of the by listed individuals and entities, far rorism leaves much to be desired.” and methods of work of the Security UNITED NATIONS: The world organ- tage to the whims and fancies of one 2008 Mumbai attack. He, however, from attracting punitive measures, do The ineffectiveness of the UN Council are divorced from reality and isation’s efforts to fight terrorism is member state or the other.” did not directly mention this incident not even elicit the mildest censure,” in fighting terrorism also figured in represent a bygone era.” “being held hostage to the whims “There is no explanation required or name China and Pakistan. Akbaruddin said. “Yet, we the general other speeches. Egypt’s Permanent “To regain its legitimacy,” he said, and fancies” of some countries, India and a simple statement of ‘objection’ “Who bears the responsibility of membership of the UN are expected Representative Amr Abdellatif Aboul- “there is no option but for the Security has charged in a critique of the UN’s or a ‘hold’ or a ‘block’ kills the listing such decisions or rather ‘indecisions’ to comply with the decisions of the atta challenged the UN to show that it Council to reform. We hope it does not adherence to its Charter. request assiduously built against those when well known terror groups and Council’s Sanctions Committees deci- could take serious action against ter- require a cataclysmic crisis to foster Citing the veto exercised by mem- who have undertaken heinous activ- individuals whose listing has been sions or lack thereof.” rorism and not just pass resolutions. this fundamental change.” bers of the committee set up by a ities,” he added. blocked or put on hold behind the He said the “’people’ in whose Akbaruddin said, “It is ironical Several nations participating in Council resolution to place sanctions Last June, China blocked India’s anonymous consensus decision- name the Charter was adopted” are that the Security Council is work- the debate also pressed for reform- on terrorist organisations and their demand for taking action under making process resort to carnage the targets of terrorist attacks almost ing towards the establishment of ing the Council.

Former DU PM and opposition discuss JNU protests professor arrested nationalism into a device for creat- ing fear psychosis” by using the state Opposition leaders machinery. He also sought action raised the issue against “lumpen and anarchist ele- IANS ments” like Bharatiya Janata Party of sedition charge legislator O P Sharma, who was slapped against filmed thrashing a CPI activist out- side a court in Delhi on Monday. NEW DELHI: A Delhi court yester- JNUSU student Yesterday’s developments came a day sent to two days police custody Kanhaiya Kumar when day after a section of lawyers shouting to former Delhi University (DU) they met at Prime “Bharat Mata ki Jai” slogans attacked professor S A R Geelani, who was journalists and JNU students in the arrested on charges of sedition for Minister Narendra Patiala House Court a couple days allegedly organising an event at Modi’s office ago. The incident took place shortly the Press Club of India to mark the before Kanhaiya Kumar was to be death anniversary of Parliament presented before a magistrate. attack convict Afzal Guru. Kumar has denied allegations that Delhi Police told Metropoli- IANS he shouted “anti-India slogans” at a tan Magistrate Harvinder Singh meeting at the JNU campus on Feb- that Geelani’s custody is required ruary 9 held to mark the execution of to ascertain identification of other Afzal Guru, a Kashmiri militant who people present at the event and was hanged for the 2001 terror attack know about the booking transec- NEW DELHI: The sedition c ase filed on Parliament. tion of the hall. against a JNU student leader came Meanwhile, Delhi Police Com- Geelani’s defence counsel up for discussion as Prime Minister missioner B S Bassi registered a First Satish Tamta told court that no Narendra Modi met opposition lead- Information Report over the attack JNU students hold placards during a protest against the arrest of the varsity’s student union president on fruitful purpose will be served by ers yesterday even as an FIR was filed on journalists at the Patiala Court by keeping him in custody as he has sedition charge in New Delhi, yesterday. over Monday’s attack on journalists some lawyers. A large number of jour- nothing to reveal to police. and students by a group of lawyers. nalists earlier staged a protest march The court allowed Delhi Police Opposition leaders raised the demanding action against the guilty government over the arrest of the JNU Dal — also demanded the shutdown of action”, The Wire reported. “We con- to quiz him for two days. issue of sedition charge slapped lawyers. The journalists want the law- student leader, the BJP said the gov- what they said was the “anti-national” demn police presence on campus and Police registered a first infor- against Jawaharlal Nehru University yers and students to be arrested and ernment was not fighting students administration of the university. the harassment of students on the mation report (FIR) on February Students Union (JNUSU) president action against police personnel who but “anti-national” forces. “The fight basis of their political beliefs. 10 under sections dealing with Kanhaiya Kumar when they met at watched the violence but didn’t act. is not between the government and INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT “The charge of sedition, under the sedition and criminal conspiracy Modi’s office. “We are looking into the mat- students but between the nation and Meanwhile, JNU students got sup- guise of which the police have been over raising slogans by Kashmiri The Prime Minister called the ter,” Bassi said at a function to mark anti-national forces,” BJP spokesman port from over 400 academics and given a carte blanche to enter the students in the club premises the meeting to seek the cooperation of the 69th Raising Day of Delhi Police. M J Akbar said. intellectuals from across the world JNU campus, to raid student hostels, same day to protest Afzal Guru’s opposition parties for a smooth func- “We are taking all steps to identify “The students did not raise just who in a statement opposed the police arrest and detain students, includ- execution. tioning of Parliament’s budget session the people and action will be taken one anti-India slogan but many such action against the students and the ing Kanhaiya Kumar is an alibi for The FIR was filed on the basis starting on February 23. as per law.” slogans. The constitution guarantees arrest of JNUSU president Kanhaiya the incursion of an authoritarian of complaint made by the club. Among those who attended the Asked why police personnel didn’t freedom of speech, but such freedom Kumar. Titled “An alibi for incur- regime onto the university campus,” Geelani’s arrest comes amid meeting were Anand Sharma and come to the rescue of journalists, does not mean people can support sion of an authoritarian regime onto the statement read. the raging row over the arrest of Ghulam Nabi Azad of the Congress, he said: “If it is proved police didn’t secession,” Akbar said. the university campus”, the scholars “As teachers, students, and schol- Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Mohammed Salim of the Commu- perform their duty or showed lax- On the other hand, right wing from some of the world’s renowned ars across the world, we are watching Students Union president Kanhaiya nist Party of India-Marxist and Derek ity, appropriate action will be taken groups held a protest outside the institutions including Oxford, Cam- with extreme concern the situation Kumar O’Brien of the Trinamool Congress. against them as well.” JNU yesterday to demand the arrest bridge, Harvard, Yale, Brown, London unfolding at JNU and refuse to remain Police said that they have been Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejri- At least four journalists were of those who shouted “anti-India” School of Economics and University of silent as our colleagues (students, analysing over five to six video wal meanwhile denounced attempts attacked on Monday without any slogans at the campus last week. Toronto signed a statement support- staff, and faculty) resist the illegal clippings of both the events organ- to dub the JNU as “a terrorist cen- provocation. The protesters — said to be from the ing the students, faculty and staff of detention and autocratic suspension ised on the consecutive day on JNU tre” and urged Modi “not to convert With the opposition slamming the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang JNU “against the illegal ongoing police of students,” it added. campus and the PCI premises.

Tearful farewell Magh Mela Tax-free & deficit budget to soldiers who died in Siachen presented in Tamil Nadu

IANS IANS especially sales tax revenue from petroleum products,” he said. “Further, when the state is CHENNAI/KURNOOL: A tearful implementing many unique schemes final farewell was given yesterday CHENNAI: Sparing the common such as the green house scheme, free to four soldiers from Tamil Nadu man any new taxes despite the distribution of fans, mixies, grinders and one from Andhra Pradesh who state experiencing fall in revenue, and laptop computers scheme, spe- were buried alive in an avalanche Tamil Nadu Finance Minister O Pan- cial public distribution system, social on the hostile Siachen glacier on neerselvam yesterday presented a security pension schemes etc., such February 3. Rs9,154.78crore deficit interim revenue deficit is unavoidable,” he All of them belonged to the budget for 2016-17. said. Many other states even with- Madras Regiment and their last The interim budget came as the out implementing such freebie and rites were performed with full mil- state is poll-bound and following the other schemes are also facing huge itary honours. convention, no new schemes were revenue deficits, he added. He said The bodies of Havildar M announced in the interim budget. the fiscal deficit for 2016-17 is pro- Elumalai, Sepoy G Ganesan, Presenting the budget, Pan- jected at Rs36,740.11 rore while in Sepoy N Ramamurthy and Lance neerselvam said the total revenue the revised estimates for 2015-16 it Havildar S Kumar were brought receipts have been estimated at is estimated to be Rs32,359.59 crore. to Chennai on Monday night and Rs1,52,004.23crore and total revenue While the outlay for the annual later taken to their native places. expenditure have been estimated at Plan 2016-2017 will be finalized after Elumalai was laid to rest with full Rs1,61,159.01crore. “It is pertinent to the legislative assembly elections, a military honours in Adukumparai A Hindu devotee carries water through a camp used by those attending the Magh Mela after rainfall mention here that such huge revenue tentative allocation of Rs60,610crore village in Vellore district. in Allahabad, yesterday. deficit is unavoidable due to fall- has been proposed in the interim Ganesan was cremated in his ing of the state’s own tax revenue budget, Panneerselvam said. native village Chokkathevanpatti in Madurai district, while Kumar was laid to rest in his home village in Theni district. The last rites of Ramamurthy were performed in Rahul Gandhi launches poll campaign in Assam; slams PM and RSS Krishnagiri district. In Andhra Pradesh, Sepoy Mustaq Ahmed was laid to rest IANS Monday and addressed three meet- in Hyderabad, Lucknow and other the Indians in the country. Rs15lakh now make some new lofty promises with full military honours in his ings at Gohpur, Bihpuria and Titabor, places,” Gandhi told the media. did not come to the Indians but only and then forget them after the elec- native village in Kurnool. A pall of yesterday took part at a road show in He alleged Prime Minister has suits worth Rs15lakh came for Modi tions,” the Congress leader said. gloom descended on Parnapalle tea-rich Sivasagar district. “The way failed to fulfill his promises. “He ji,” Gandhi said. “He came to Assam Gandhi said when Modi signed village in Bandi Atmakur mandal SIVASAGAR: Congress vice president reporters are being killed across the (Modi) promised to contain price before the Lok Sabha polls and prom- the Naga peace accord, he kept the of Kurnool as people bid tearful Rahul Gandhi yesterday launched country is not good. RSS people are rise of essential commodities when ised so many things but never fulfilled chief ministers of the northeastern adieu to the soldier. Military, police another scathing attack on the RSS, being appointed as vice chancellors he came here before the Lok Sabha them,” he added. states, including Assam, Nagaland, and civil officials and politicians saying it was suppressing the voice of in universities and reputed institutes. polls. However, the price of pulses “If he comes to Assam now, he will Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, and paid last respects to Mushtaq, who youth across the country. “They are trying to suppress the has soared up to Rs200 now. He not speak about price rise or about the even Home Minister Rajnath Singh in was buried at a village graveyard. Gandhi, who arrived in Assam on voice of the youth — be it in JNU, assured to give Rs15lakh to each of issues of farmers in Assam. He will the dark. INDIA WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2016 15

BJP wins 4 seats as NDA Pet show in Bengaluru fares better in by-polls

with the BJP taking the second spot. Harlakhi, defeating Congress can- Punjab’s Kharoor Sahib constit- didate Mohammad Shabbir by over Uttar Pradesh uency went the Shiromani Akali Dal 18,000 votes. proved a shocker to way in an election boycotted by both The election was necessitated by the Congress and the Aam Aadmi the death of RLSP legislator Basant the SP. BJP’s Kapil Party (AAP), the state’s new entrant. Kumar Kushwaha a few hours ahead Dev Agarwal was In BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh, of the oath-taking ceremony of the declared elected from Narayan Tripathi snatched the new Bihar assembly in November Maihar constituency from the Con- 2015. Sudhansu Sekhar is Kushwa- Muzaffarnagar, where gress by over 27,000 votes. Tripathi ha’s son. communal riots took had won the seat for the Congress The by-election in Punjab’s earlier. He quit the house after join- Khadoor Sahib, boycotted by the place in 2013 ing the BJP. Congress and the AAP, was grabbed Uttar Pradesh proved a shocker to by the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal’s the SP. BJP’s Kapil Dev Agarwal was Ravinder Singh Brahmpura. He declared elected from Muzaffarnagar, worsted his nearest rival, an inde- IANS where communal riots took place in pendent, by 65,664 votes. 2013. He defeated Chittaranjan Swa- Punjab Chief Minister Parkash roop of the SP by about 6,000 votes. Singh Badal called it a “massive vic- Congress’s Mavia Ali worsted tory of positive agenda of peace, NEW DELHI: The BJP yesterday won Meena Rana of SP in Deoband by communal harmony, brotherhood four seats and the Congress two as 3,424 votes. Both Muzaffarnagar and and development”. the ruling NDA bettered the opposi- Deoband seats were held by the SP, The Congress was stunned in tion in by-elections for 12 seats held which faces assembly elections in the Telangana, M. Bhupal Reddy of the across eight states three days ago. state next year. ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi Uttar Pradesh’s ruling Samajwadi The SP’s consolation came in (TRS) defeated P. Sanjeeva Reddy of Party (SP) was the worst sufferer. Bikapur in Faizabad district. It the Congress by over 53,000 votes. The ruling SP in Uttar Pradesh retained the seat, the winner being Bhupal Reddy polled 93,076 votes lost two of the three seats it held Anand Sen Yadav. and Sanjeeva Reddy 39,451 votes. M. in Uttar Pradesh — one each to the BJP’s Y A Narayanaswamy won Vijayapal Reddy of the Telugu Desam Congress and the Bharatiya Janata from the high-profile Hebbal in Ben- Party (TDP) finished third with 14,787 Party (BJP). The BJP also snatched two galuru North, defeating C K Abdul votes. seats from the Congress — one each Rahman Sharief (Congress) by 19,149 Tripura’s ruling Communist Party in Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka. votes. The loser is the grandson of of India-Marxist retained by a huge The BJP was winner in Maihar former union minister C K Jaffer margin the Amarpur seat, where the (Madhya Pradesh), Muzaffarnagar Sharief. BJP edged out the Congress to take (Uttar Pradesh) and in Hebbal and In the reserved Devadurga con- the second spot, indicating the mar- Devadurga in Karnataka. stituency in Raichur district, BJP’s K. ginalization of the Congress in the The Congress grabbed Bidar in Shivana Gouda Nayak won by 16,871 state. Karnataka and Deoband in Uttar votes over A. Rajashekhara Nayak of CPI-M’s Parimal Debnath Pradesh. the Congress. defeated BJP’s Ranjit Das by 10,597 Bihar’s Harlakhi seat was In Bidar, Congress nominee votes. The CPI-M polled 20,355 votes retained by the Rashtriya Lok Samata Rahim Khan finished on top, defeat- and the BJP 9,758 votes. The Con- Party (RLSP). The Shiv Sena won from ing Prakash Khandre of the BJP by gress’s Chanchal Dey got only 1,231 Palghar in Maharashtra, the ruling 22,721 votes. In all three places, the votes, and stood fourth. A pet lover poses with her cockatoo parrot in Bengaluru yesterday. Over 100 exotic pet animals and TRS crushed the Congress in Naray- Janata Dal-Secular was a poor third. The Indigenous People’s Front birds, fishes, dogs and cats will be accompanied by their owners in the third edition of the ‘Bangalore ankhed in Telangana and the CPI-M In Bihar, the RLSP’s Sudhansu of Tripura took the third place with Pet Show-2016’ which will take place on February 28. won from Amarpur in Tripura again Sekhar was declared elected from 1,623 votes. 68 lakh got jobs in Bengal: Mamata Supreme Court seeks list IANS Launching ‘Utkarsh Bangla’ — years. Two lakh more jobs are under a vocational training scheme for process. During this period, we have of top loan defaulters Kannur airport to school dropouts, Banerjee said her trained 15 lakh boys and girls. Out government would ensure cam- of them, 10 lakh have secured jobs,” be operational KOLKATA: Sixty eight lakh youths pus placements for 75 percent of she said, adding six lakh more school got jobs, while 15 lakh boys and girls the students who passed out of the drop outs will be trained every year. IANS economy is not growing, we don’t in September received skill training over the past polytechnics and Industrial Train- “So, a total of 30 lakh youth have money to pay.” four years in West Bengal, Chief Min- ing Institutes. “Sixty eight lakh youth will receive training in the next five Noting that default in payment of Thiruvananthapuram: The ister Mamata Banerjee said yesterday. have been given jobs in the last four years,” she added. bank loans happens in other coun- upcoming Kannur interna- NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court tries as well and it was part of the tional airport will commence yesterday asked the Reserve Bank economic process, the court said commercial operations in of India to furnish a list of compa- that the banks should be vigilant in September, a Kerala minister nies which are in default of loans recovering the loans. said yesterday. Brass band wedding traditions by banks and financial institu- The court order came in the The Director General of tions in excess of Rs500 crore or course of the hearing of a public Civil Aviation has given clear- whose loans have been restructured interest litigation pointing to loans ance and a defence aircraft under corporate debts restructur- given by HUDCO in 2003 to some will touch down at the airport ing scheme. of the companies with questiona- on February 29, Ports and While asking the RBI to file an ble track records. Excise Minister K Babu said. affidavit, a bench of Chief Justice T Addressing the court, Prashant Babu has been entrusted S Thakur, Justice R Banumathi and Bhushan appearing for NGO Centre with the job of overseeing Justice Uday Umesh Lalit directed for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL), the construction of the air- that the list be furnished to it in a told the court that there is a circle port from the beginning. The sealed cover. where the mortgaged assets of a airport is located at Mattanur The court said that the list of the defaulting company again go back in Kannur district of Kerala. defaulting companies be furnished in to it when those assets are auctioned Once completed, it will be the a sealed cover after one of the coun- to recover bad loans. fourth international airport sel told the court about commercial He told the court that the Central in Kerala. “Normally, it takes confidentiality of the companies in Information Commission had passed three to five years to con- making them public. nine orders in nine cases, directing struct an airport. All records Seeking the list of the default- disclosure of defaulters’ identity and have been broken at Kannur. ers, Chief Justice Thakur asked the each time the commercial confiden- The airport costing Rs.1,892 counsel for the RBI if it had the list tiality clause is invoked to block the crore will have a 3,400- of the “major defaulters today who information by the banks. metre runway which will be run empires and yet default.” Bhushan told the court that the extended to 4,000 metres “You lend money, you know it apex court by its December 16, 2015 in the second phase,” Babu will not come back, and then declare order had said that the banks and said. it bad loans,” the court told Solicitor their apex regulatory body, the RBI, Brass band members wait before a wedding procession in New Delhi yesterday. A very important General Ranjit Kumar. could not withhold information on Prithvi-II missile feature in countryside areas during wedding celebrations is the wedding procession from the groom’s Kumar had sought to shift the defaulters, losses and alleged ille- house towards the bride’s house accompanied by lights, music and brass band. A typical band would blame on the previous UPA govern- galities of the banks by invoking the tested in Odisha have around five to twenty members depending on the size of the wedding procession. ment, saying: “That had happened exception under the Right to Infor- in last ten years. (As a consequence) mation Act. Bhubaneswar: India yester- day test-fired its indigenously developed nuclear-capable Prithvi-II surface-to-surface missile from a test range in Drug monitoring programme struggles to grow fast enough Odisha. The missile, capa- ble of carrying warheads weighing 500kg to 1,000kg, was test-fired as part of a Reuters the doctor’s diagnosis of a skin infec- is key to improving drug safety in a information flows from one of the percent of the 2.1mn suspected reac- user-trial by the Army from tion. That information is later logged country where medicine consump- world’s largest pharmaceutical mar- tions added to VigiBase, the WHO’s a mobile launcher at the into a computer programme linked tion is high, experts say. kets to the WHO database of over 12n global database. The centre analy- Integrated Test Range at to a national database, part of coun- But insufficient staff and equip- suspected adverse drug reactions. ses the WHO database for worrying Chandipur in Balasore dis- MUMBAI/NEW DELHI: Within days try’s fledgling efforts to track, analyse ment, and a lack of awareness among “In a country of 1bn people con- patterns among suspected reactions trict, defence sources said. of being given a diphtheria jab during and ultimately warn patients about medical professionals mean many suming so much medicine, obviously and, where there are safety concerns, With a strike range of 350 a school vaccination drive, 5-year- unknown side effects of drugs on the potentially dangerous drug reactions safety is a concern,” said G Parthasar- publishes a “signal” that goes out to km, Prithvi-II is powered old Meraj Shabbir Khan’s leg became market. go unrecorded, hospital personnel athi, dean of the pharmacy school at member countries. It is up to those by twin-engines which use so swollen that he was hospitalised. The country’s six-year-old phar- across India said. JSS University in Mysore, adding the countries to act on that information liquid propulsion. It uses iner- In a cramped Mumbai pediat- macovigilance programme, which Gaps in the system mean the gov- pharmacovigilance programme is still or not. Indian health officials say the tial guidance system with ric ward, third-year pharmacology collects and submits suspected ernment has less data to determine gaining traction. “We’ve made a good monitoring program is a “high pri- manoeuvring trajectory. student Nitin Shinde opens the boy’s adverse drug reactions to a World whether drugs might have harm- start,” he said. ority” and a $14.5n annual budget is file and notes the vaccine, his age and Health Organisation (WHO) database, ful side effects. Also, relatively little Last year, India contributed 2 sufficient. 16 WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2016 EUROPE

EU agrees to British exit from EU not an option: Juncker lift all Belarus

of all 28 EU leaders in Brussels on sanctions Thursday and Friday. If I would say now If Cameron gets what he wants that we have a plan there, he will take the deal into a pro- AFP posed referendum, most likely in June. B, this would indicate If he wins the vote, then the deal returns a kind of willingness to Brussels to be put in legal form. BRUSSELS: EU foreign ministers of the commission to Parliament will be closely agreed to lift nearly all sanctions involved in that process alongside on Belarus, including against envisage seriously the Commission, the EU’s executive strongman President Alexander that Britain could arm, and the bloc’s 28 leaders. Lukashenko, after improvements in A source in the European People’s the country’s human rights record. leave the European Party, the biggest group in parliament, The bloc in October suspended Union, Juncker said firmly dismissed accusations by Brit- asset freezes and travel ban sanc- ish eurosceptics that MEPs would tions against 170 individuals and unravel the deal. “If we have a ‘yes’ three entities in Belarus and for- from the British voters, then we will eign ministers decided to make AFP deliver,” he said. The discussions in that decision permanent, a state- Brussels are part of a frenetic merry- ment said. go-round of diplomacy ahead of this Four people not included in week’s summit. the October suspension because BRUSSELS: European Commission Juncker, speaking before meet- of their involvement in “unresolved chief Jean-Claude Juncker said yes- ing Cameron, said he refused to even disappearances” remain black- terday he could not imagine Britain entertain the idea of Britain leaving listed and a longstanding arms leaving the EU as Prime Minister the bloc. embargo will also stay in place David Cameron drummed up sup- “If I would say now that we have for another 12 months. port in the European Parliament for a plan B, this would indicate a kind The foreign ministers noted his reform proposals. Juncker said of willingness of the Commission that Lukashenko had, as promised, that a British exit from the EU was to envisage seriously that Britain released the last political prison- not an option could leave the European Union,” ers he held—a “long sought step,” Cameron came to Brussels for Juncker said. according to the statement issued talks with Juncker, European Par- “So I am not entering into the after their regular monthly meet- liament head Martin Schulz and top details of a plan B, because we don’t ing in Brussels. MEPs aiming to win them over to the have a plan B, we have a plan A. Brit- Together with peaceful pres- changes he says Britain must get to ain will stay in the European Union idential elections in October, this avoid ‘Brexit’. as a constructive and active member British Prime Minister David Cameron (left) with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker represented “an opportunity for Schulz, a dyed-in-the-wool sup- of the Union.” before the meeting at EU headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, yesterday. EU-Belarus relations to develop porter of the whole European Union Cameron made no public com- on a more positive agenda.” project, pledged that parliament ment during his four-hour visit to Accordingly, ministers agreed to would be an “honest partner” for Brit- Brussels. Cameron, without compromising on in Britain, say such a measure would have a veto over the eurozone. drop most of the sanctions. EU for- ain but it also had “concerns to raise.” EU chief Donald Tusk meanwhile our common freedoms and values,” discriminate against them and under- An opt-out from the EU’s mis- eign affairs head Federica Mogherini “The European Parliament will repeated his warning that negotia- he said. cut the core bloc principle of freedom sion of “ever closer union” and said after the meeting that Belarus move very quickly on the proposals tions were at a “fragile” stage and “There are still many difficult of movement. strengthened national sovereignty was “showing a positive trend which ... but I cannot make any guarantees nothing could be taken for granted. issues to solve.” Initially, Cameron’s demand that are also facing unexpectedly strong we want to encourage.” on the outcome,” Schulz said. “The proposal I have put on the Cameron’s most controversial non-euro countries such as Britain opposition. “It is not a rosy or perfect “The European Parliament will do table is a fair and balanced one,” Tusk proposal is to restrict welfare pay- have safeguards against closer inte- The prime minister agreed to hold picture, that was the general its utmost to support compromise and said during a stopover in Athens on ments for four years for EU citizens gration of the single currency area the referendum largely to head off assessment, but we agreed on a a fair deal.” a tour to prepare the ground for the working in Britain. was expected to be relatively straight- gains by the anti-EU UK Independ- critical engagement; some more Parliament will have an important summit. Many of the EU’s eastern mem- forward but it has now run into ence Party which was exploiting focused on the critical, others on say on any agreement, but Cameron “It helps the UK to address all the ber states such as Poland, which has serious opposition, especially from sharp differences over Europe within the engagement,” Mogherini told must first strike a deal at a summit concerns raised by Prime Minister hundreds of thousands of its workers France which says London must not his own Conservative Party. a press conference. EU diplomatic sources said last week there were some misgivings about ending the sanctions but that on balance, most felt it was the best European Parliament leaders offer support on EU deal: UK option to ensure dialogue with Lukashenko and support efforts to improve human rights in the former Soviet-ruled state. AFP European Parliament head Mar- Democrats; Manfred Weber, chair because the European Parliament emergency brake and child benefit is The sources also said that tin Schulz and top MEPs in Brussels of the European People’s Party and could theoretically unpick key parts swiftly adopted”. That fell short of a the EU was mindful of the wider ahead of a crunch summit Thursday Syed Kamall, chair of the European of the deal afterwards if Britain votes promise that the parliament would picture, notably Belarus’ role in and Friday which could agree a deal Conservatives and Reformist Groups. to remain in the European Union. not alter the details of a deal. hosting a series of peace talks LONDON: European Parliament lead- to renegotiate Britain’s relationship “All three made clear their sup- On the meeting with Schulz and The plan for an emergency brake between Kiev and pro-Moscow ers offered their support over Britain’s with the EU ahead of a referendum port for the proposals on the table three senior MEPs who are represent- on EU migrants’ access to welfare pay- rebels in eastern Ukraine. push for EU reform after meeting likely this year. and said they were ready to take any ing the parliament in negotiations, ments and changes to EU migrants’ The foreign ministers said the Prime Minister David Cameron yes- The British leader also met the necessary EU legislation through the Downing Street said they had “offered ability to claim child benefit in Brit- 28-nation EU would keep a close terday, his Downing Street office said leaders of the three largest groupings European Parliament swiftly,” the their support for solutions” and “com- ain for children living overseas would watch on the human rights situation in a statement. in the European Parliament—Gianni statement said. mitted to work hard to ensure that the require the European Parliament to in Belarus, especially in the run-up Cameron held talks with Pittella, chair of the Socialists and The meeting was sensitive relevant secondary legislation on the vote on them after the referendum. to this year’s parliamentary polls.

ayayayayayayaySnowfall in Spain ‘Human error’ Sarkozy quizzed over caused German train crash campaign funding AFP BAD AIBLING: German prosecu- tors yesterday said human error was to blame for a train crash last week that killed 11 people and PARIS: Former French presi- charged a 39-year-old signalling dent Nicolas Sarkozy (pictured) worker with negligence leading to was questioned by investigat- the accident. ing magistrates yesterday about a “If he had complied with the long-running scandal over his 2012 rules ... then there would have been campaign finances. no collision between the trains,” It was not clear if Sarkozy, who is said Wolfgang Giese, the prosecu- manoeuvring for another run at the but made a comeback just two years tor who led the investigation into presidency in 2017, would be charged later, returning to lead The Republi- accident in southern Germany. after the session with the magistrates cans and lining himself up for party “There is no evidence of tech- in Paris. The magistrates are investi- primaries in a bid to contest the pres- nical problems... Our investigation gating allegations of false accounting idential election in May 2017. shows that this was human error during his failed election campaign The path back to power has been with catastrophic consequences.” four years ago that allowed him to far rockier than expected for Sarkozy, Two commuter trains crashed greatly exceed spending limits. who is embroiled in several corruption head-on near the spa town of Bad The case hinges on the activity of scandals, and has failed to excite much Father Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani witnessed last evening the arrival of Fath Al Kheir Aibling last Tuesday, in one of PR firm Bygmalion which organised popular support. He trails centre-right A man removes snow from the front of his restaurant in Roncesvalles, Navarra, northern Spain, 2 at Katara Cultural village beach. The event was also attended by H H Sheikh Jassem bin Hamad Al deadliest accidents in years, with some of Sarkozy’s campaign appear- rival Alain Juppe by a considerable yesterday. Thani, Representative of the Emir. Pic: Qassim/The Peninsula → See also page 26 one slicing the other apart, ripping ances and is accused of a vast system margin in opinion polls. a large gash in its side. of false accounting. Sarkozy’s ambitions have not Bygmalion is accused of charging been helped by the campaign financ- €18.5m ($21m) to Sarkozy’s right-wing ing scandal, which has recently party—then called the UMP, but since widened beyond the activities of renamed The Republicans—instead of Bygmalion. Two kids among seven dead in Moscow gas explosion the campaign, allowing it to exceed Despite his adamant denials, the the spending limit of €22.5m. Several investigation has found that Sarkozy employees at Bygmalion, including asked for more campaign events in AFP north of Moscow, the regional emer- Committee said it had launched a in February 2012 killed 10 people in the company’s accountant as well as mid-March 2012, around two months gencies ministry said in a statement. probe into possible safety violations. the southern city of Astrakhan and a leading member of Sarkozy’s cam- before the vote. “Five flats have been completely The governor of the Yaroslavl destroyed the entire side of a nine- paign team, have admitted to the His campaign director, Guil- destroyed. Seven people died, includ- region, Sergei Yastrebov, said work storey building. existence of the fraud, though none laume Lambert, has told police he MOSCOW: At least seven people, ing a teenager and a five-year-old was ongoing to check whether it Building collapses are also not have accused the former president of warned Sarkozy at the time of the including two children, were killed child,” it said. Three injured people was safe for other residents to pick uncommon, either due to faulty con- knowing about it. risk of breaching financing limits. in Russia yesterday when a gas explo- were rushed to hospital while author- up their belongings from the part of struction or worn-out infrastructure. Sarkozy who led France from Questioned by police in Sep- sion caused part of a block of flats to ities evacuated 131 residents and put the building still standing. In July, 23 Russian conscripts 2007 before losing to Socialist Fran- tember 2015, Sarkozy said he did collapse, officials said. them in temporary housing. Explosions caused by natural gas were crushed to death when their cois Hollande in 2012, has always not remember the warning, and “Due to the explosion, one section A spokeswoman for emergencies leaks are frequent in Russia, espe- military barracks collapsed in Sibe- denied any knowledge of the false described the controversy as a of a five-storey residential building ministry the reason for the blast was cially in older Soviet-era buildings. ria after renovation works just two accounting. He said he was retir- “farce”, putting the responsibility collapsed” in the city of Yaroslavl not yet clear but Russia’s Investigative The last serious gas explosion years before. ing from politics after the election squarely on Bygmalion and the UMP. EUROPE WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2016 17 Ukraine PM Yatsenyuk survives no confidence vote

AFP the government while it was fighting But only 97 of the 143 deputies Yuriy Lutsenko accused the gov- But the political uncertainty that Earlier in the day, a brutal pro-Russian revolt in the sep- in the president’s parliamentary ernment “of stopping its work in has rocked Ukraine since this month’s aratist east. faction ended up listening to Poro- September or October and ever since resignation of its reformist economy President Petro “Dear deputies: we now have a shenko’s advice. only been trying to save itself” from a minister and a top prosecutor over KIEV: Ukrainian Prime Minister Poroshenko had country with full state coffers, an The government’s collapse had major overhaul. their alleged inability to fight state Arseniy Yatsenyuk survived a no armed Ukrainian army, written-off threatened to jeopardise the delivery The president’s statement also graft threatens to put that assistance confidence vote yesterday that came asked Yatsenyuk to debts, and paid salaries and pensions,” of a massive IMF-led rescue package sought the resignation of Prosecu- on hold. hours after the president asked him resign in the face Yatsenyuk said. aimed at reviving Ukraine’s shattered tor General Viktor Shokin—a public IMF chief Christine Lagarde to resign because he had lost the “We will hand over the country to economy and putting it on a course hate figure who was widely accused warned last week that it was “hard public’s trust. The motion to oust the of government’s a new government with honour and toward sustainable growth. of covering up corruption within his to see” how the bailout could continue pro-Western government leader col- perceived failure dignity,” he concluded before parlia- Yatsenyuk has been a passionate own agency. without Ukraine pushing through the lected only 194 of the required 226 ment decided to keep him in office. foe of Russia who endeared himself Shokin was dealt a blow when a economic restructuring and anti-cor- votes in the 450-seat parliament. to fight endemic Poroshenko had earlier taken to the West by promoting belt-tight- raid on the homes of two high-rank- ruption measures it had signed on to The war-scarred country is now corruption the unusual step of asking his prime ening measures that were promised ing prosecutors in July found large when the package was agreed. left standing in the peculiar position minister to voluntarily make way for but ignored by a succession of pre- quantities of diamonds and cash. Ukraine’s economy shrank by of the two top leaders at seeming odds a fresh team that enjoyed broad pub- ceding leaders. Yatsenyuk assumed office in about 10 percent last year while over how Ukraine should pursue its lic support in face of government’s But his vows to clean up the gov- February 2014 —just weeks before annual inflation soared to more stalled fight against corruption and you to respect that,” Yatsenyuk said. perceived failure to fight endemic ernment by cutting its ties to tycoons Russia’s annexation of Crimea and than 43 percent even with the West- overcome a deep economic malaise. The 41-year-old former banker corruption. soon fell flat with voters who accused the bloody pro-Moscow insurgency ern assistance in place. Opinion polls show 70 percent of has been in office since Ukraine’s “It is not clear that successful him of backing the interests of the in eastern Ukraine that followed. A withdrawal of the funding could Ukrainians supporting Yatsenyuk’s dramatic February 2014 revolution reforms can only be conducted by a very billionaires he had vowed to His resolute commitment to the crush Ukraine’s hopes of a 2016 eco- dismissal and only one percent back- ousted the ex-Soviet country’s Rus- government that enjoys sufficiently sideline. European Union helped persuade nomic revival and a modest budget ing his parliamentary bloc. sian-backed leader and set it on a high public support?” Poroshenko said “People expected real and quick the IMF to force other lenders to deficit. But Yatsenyuk put up a passionate westward course. in a statement. changes from Yatsenyuk, and they did join a $40bn (€35.8bn) economic But Yatsenyuk’s survival means defence of his record before sceptical He was credited with helping “In order to restore trust, ther- not come,” political analyst Mykola rescue package aimed at helping that parliament cannot try to oust him lawmakers. negotiate a massive Western financial apy is no longer enough—you need Davydyuk told reporters. the Ukrainian government avoid a again until after its current session “We saved this country and I want rescue package that helped bolster surgery.” And presidential party member looming debt default. ends on July 22.

Museum launches Eyeing Guinness record Paris attack ‘Polish death victims’ groups camps’ text testify to ‘lack corrector of preparation’ WARSAW: The Auschwitz museum yesterday launched a AFP multi-lingual computer applica- tion that writers can use to avoid the mistake of referring to Nazi PARIS: Groups representing the German death camps as being victims of the November 13 jihad- “Polish”. ist attacks in Paris have begun Warsaw routinely requests providing chilling testimony to corrections when global media parliamentary investigators, or politicians describe as “Polish” denouncing what they called “an former death camps like Auschwitz atrocious lack of preparation” for set up by Nazi Germany in occupied an emergency in which 130 peo- Poland during World War II. ple lost their lives. The move comes after Poland’s “We have a thousand ques- new right-wing government pro- tions and we expect answers,” posed jail terms of up to five said Georges Salines, head of one years for anyone who refers to of several victims’ associations Nazi death camps as Polish.Even represented at the first of a series if used as a geographical indica- of hearings to be held over com- tor, Poles insist the term can give ing weeks. the impression that they bore some Salines, a doctor, said he responsibility for the Holocaust. learned of his daughter’s death Dubbed “Remember”, the appli- at the Bataclan concert hall the cation is intended “to help avoid the day after the massacre there of use of the term ‘Polish concentration 90 people at the hands of jihadist camps’ or ‘Polish death camps’ in 16 gunmen. Recounting how he had languages,” said a statement issued heard of the death only indirectly by the Auschwitz state museum. through Twitter, he denounced an Poland was attacked and occupied “atrocious lack of preparation” in by Nazi Germany in World War II terms of information-sharing on and was among the hardest hit by A car drives over 37-year-old Georgian Norik Yajian in Tbilisi, Georgia, yesterday. Yajian tried to set a new Guinness world record. the bloody night itself and over the the conflict. following days. The commission of enquiry was set up at the request of the conservative opposition Republi- can party to look into the Socialist Greece hits out at EU migrant criticism Blow to EU as Austria to government’s efforts to counter the terror threat since the previous set of attacks to rock France—the AFP Panos Kammenos said: “The game commitments —we expect that others assault in January 2015 that began of pushing responsibility onto Greece do the same,” junior defence minister set up border controls with the killings at the Charlie is now over.” Kammenos said four Dimitris Vitsas told reporters. Hebdo satirical weekly and ended of Greece’s new migrant “hotspot” “We must see if Europe wants to with 17 dead over three days. ATHENS: Greece yesterday hit back registration centres were “ready to keep its sense of solidarity, or become AFP EU’s external borders. The total number of vic- at EU criticism of its handling of the function and welcome refugees”. a space where everyone wants to shut Merkel yesterday strongly crit- tims from the November attacks, massive migrant influx, saying the The centres will open on the themselves in their own little castles.” icised the proposal: “Do we really including those left with emo- time for blaming Athens was “over” islands of Lesbos, Chios, Leros and Visiting EU President Donald Tusk want to give up already and close the tional scars, is estimated at 4,000, as it prepared to open new centres to Samos, which have been strug- admitted that shutting Greece out of VIENNA: The Austrian government Greek-Macedonian-Bulgarian bor- according to the commission. register refugees. gling to cope with a relentless flow Schengen would solve “none of our announced yesterday it would step der, with all the consequences this “We are not prosecutors or Athens has come under heavy of migrants and refugees landing problems.” up border controls at checkpoints would have for Greece and the Euro- judges but rather investigators pressure from fellow EU members from Turkey. Each of the facilities will have along its southern frontier with Italy, pean Union as a whole and therefore (seeking) transparency... truth... to control its borders better, with the A fifth centre on the island of Kos enough prefab housing to accom- Slovenia and Hungary in a bid to the Schengen area?” and solutions,” said commission bloc imposing a three-month ultima- will be ready “in five days” despite modate 1,000 migrants, who will slow the migrant influx. Austrian controls will be president Georges Fenech. tum last week to remedy “deficiencies” strong opposition from the local spend three days being registered, “There will be different struc- increased at checkpoints in the Many told how they had or face effective suspension from the mayor and residents over the impact having their fingerprints taken and tural measures from containers to states of Carinthia, Styria, Burgen- learned of the death of a loved one Schengen passport-free zone. on the vital tourism industry, Kam- being sorted between those eligible further barriers” similar to the short land as well as Tyrol, which shares only three days later, while oth- But two days ahead of an EU menos told reporters in Athens. for asylum in the EU and economic mesh fence recently set up at Aus- a border with Italy. “The aim is to ers complained of saturated phone leaders’ summit, Defence Minister “Greece has honoured its migrants facing eventual deportation. tria’s main border crossing with secure the order and stability of lines and employees’ “shame- Slovenia at Spielfeld, Interior Min- our country. That’s why we put the ful” behaviour at the main Paris ister Johanna Mikl-Leitner said. brakes on,” Mikl-Leitner stressed. morgue, which was overwhelmed. The announcement deals a new The government also plans to Sophie Dias recalled that she blow to German Chancellor Angela create a daily cap on number of was told when she came to identify Merkel who wants to promote a deal migrants allowed into the country her father at the morgue: “Don’t with Turkey at an upcoming EU sum- at Spielfeld, she added. As a result worry, if you don’t see the head mit to tackle to the continent’s worst of the cap, the Austrian government you’ll see a foot.” migration crisis since World War II. expects migrant flow along the Bal- Still others questioned French But Austria, which initially sup- kan route to possibly be diverted intelligence services. ported Merkel’s call for a European from Slovenia to Italy. “We need to “How could a terrorist who solution, has adopted an increas- prepare for that,” the minister said. was barred from France and ingly hardline stance after receiving Vienna already warned last Europe manage to direct an 90,000 asylum claims last year. . month it would cap this year’s attack of such magnitude?” asked “We are preparing Plan B not number of asylum claims at 37,500 Mohamed Zenak, the treasurer of because we want it, but because the and deport at least 12,500 people. another victims’ association. He implementation of a European solu- The government has however not referred to the suspected ring- tion is too slow,” Austrian Chancellor yet specified what it plans to do once leader of the attacks, Abdelhamid Werner Merkel said yesterday. the limit has been reached. Abaaoud, who was killed in a Vienna has also joined the Yesterday’s announcement came police raid on November 18. so-called “Visegrad Four” group— hours after Greece—the migrants’ Zenak, whose daughter was Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and entry point into the EU after they injured when a suicide bomber the Czech Republic—in their push arrive from Turkey—announced that blew himself up at a bar in eastern to close the Balkans refugee route four of its five long-delayed migrant Paris, pointed to security failures. Greek Defence Minister Panos Kammenos (centre) walks at a newly-operational relocation camp for by shutting off Greece, which they registration centres were “ready to He said there had been no refugees in Schisto, near Athens, Greece, yesterday. accuse of failing to protect the function and welcome refugees”. police presence at the Bataclan. 18 WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2016 AMERICAS US restores regular flight service to Cuba

US and any city in Cuba,” provided it is equipped with infrastructure for The deal, signed by international air travel, he added. United States and Airlines in the two countries can now strike deals in such areas Cuba allows up to as code-sharing and aircraft leasing, 110 daily flights to the Cuban embassy said in Decem- Havana and nine ber when the plan was announced. However, tourist travel is still other destinations barred under the trade embargo that in Cuba the United States slapped on Cuba in 1960 after Fidel Castro came to power in a revolution. The US Treasury Department has set 12 categories of authorised travel. AFP “Initially, the US carriers will be allowed to fly 20 scheduled frequen- cies per day to Havana, the largest market, and remember that the cur- HAVANA: The United States and rent level is zero,” Engle said. Cuba signed an agreement yester- They may also “fly 10 scheduled Democratic presidential hopeful and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton meets civil rights leaders at The National Urban League, In New day authorising daily US commercial frequencies per day to any other city flights to the communist-ruled island in Cuba that has an airport open to York yesterday. She is hoping to win the Nevada and South Carolina primaries later this month. for the first time in more than 50 international service.” years. The deal allows up to 110 daily Besides Havana, flights will be flights to Havana and nine other des- allowed to Camaguey, Cayo Coco, tinations in Cuba. Cayo Largo, Cienfuegos, Holguin, “Today is a historic day in the Manzanillo, Matanzas, Santa Clara Hillary meets with black leaders in NYC relationship between Cuba and the and Santiago de Cuba. United States,” said US Transpor- Although the agreement formally tation Secretary Anthony Foxx in opens the door for Cubana airlines to Reuters coming weeks. Clinton’s campaign “My lips are sealed!” Clinton, who Sanders raise while campaigning, Havana, where he signed the accord operate future flights into the United says she has a longer record of work- did not take any questions from the Clinton was due to discuss her plans with his Cuban counterpart Adel States, none are allowed at present. ing to solve problems that affect black press, replied with a smile. to reform the criminal justice system, Rodriguez. Deputy Assistant Secretary for people. At a press conference later, which sends black men to prison in “For the first time in more than Aviation and International Affairs NEW YORK: Hillary Clinton met with Sanders has said Clinton’s polling Sharpton said Clinton was “candid disproportionately high numbers. five decades the United States Brandon Belford said Cuban air- black civil-rights leaders in New York lead among black voters is partly a and open” but also said he had yet Sanders also met with Sharp- and Cuba will establish a service lines will still have to obtain their City yesterday as she seeks to main- result of her being much more famous to decide who to support and that no ton earlier this month, and received between our two nations.” own licenses from US authorities tain a crucial edge in popularity than he is. He believes many non- candidate should take the support of an endorsement from Benjamin Rodriguez said the accord such as the Treasury Department among black voters over her Dem- white voters will be drawn to his black voters for granted. “We are not Jealous, a former chairman of the marked “the start of a new era in air and Office of Foreign Assets Control. ocratic rival for the presidency, US message of fighting economic ine- a monolithic people,” he said. NAACP (National Association for the transport links between Cuba and “So we do not anticipate Cuban- Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont. quality as they get to know him. Both Clinton and her husband, Advancement of Colored People) who the United States, which will contrib- owned aircraft serving the US in the “I thought that the secretary dem- Clinton’s status as front-runner to former president Bill Clinton, have said he could not support Clinton in ute to the deepening of ties between near future,” he said. onstrated an ease and familiarity be the Democratic nominee for the traditionally had solid support from part because of her support of the our two countries.” The Treasury Department was to with many of the issues we discussed November 8 presidential election was African-American communities, a death penalty. US authorities said they would invite US airlines yesterday to sub- this morning,” Marc Morial, the pres- jolted this month when she beat Sand- key component of the Democratic Clinton was endorsed by a polit- immediately invite American airlines mit applications for allocation of ident of the National Urban League, ers by less than one percentage point electorate. Opinion polls show Clin- ical group associated with black to submit applications to operate the new flights. Belford said “carri- said after a two-hour meeting with in Iowa’s caucuses, and lost to him by ton with a strong lead over Sanders members of the US Congress last the flights, with routes to be set up ers will have 15 days to submit their former Secretary of State Clinton and more than 20 points in New Hamp- in South Carolina, where blacks are week. The Congressional Black Cau- within months. applications if they want to serve a half-dozen civil rights groups at the shire’s primary. More than 90 percent likely to make up more than half of cus Political Action Committee said Additionally, the Cuban gov- Havana and the other nine airports.” league’s headquarters. of people in those states are white. the voters in the state’s Democratic Clinton had a long history of working ernment will give “thorough All final decisions will be made He and other group leaders are The Reverend Al Sharpton, one primary on February 27. on issues that affect black Americans. consideration to future requests from in approximately half a year. due to hold a similar meeting with of the country’s best-known civil- Later, Clinton headed to the Meanwhile, Hillary and Sanders the US government to increase this “Our expectation is that we will Sanders in Washington, DC, tomor- rights activists, also joined the New historically black New York City are flooding Nevada with volunteers level of service,” US Deputy Assistant be in position to make a decision and row. Clinton’s campaign staff have York meeting, and joked warmly with neighborhood of Harlem to give a ahead of this week’s key nominat- Secretary of State for Transportation make it final sometime in the sum- long argued that surging support for Clinton in the corridors afterward, speech on breaking down the barri- ing contest but they face a problem Affairs Thomas Engle said. mer, in terms of which carriers and Sanders will probably falter as vot- suggesting to gathered reporters ers that African-American families — the addresses, phone numbers The agreement allows for regu- which US cities will have service into ing for a party nominee moves to that he had told her who he would face, her campaign said. and other personal data they need lar flights “between any city in the Cuba,” Belford said. more racially diverse states in the endorse. Echoing issues that both she and to reach many voters are out of date. Zika may hide in organs protected from immune system Scalia’s death boosts legal Reuters 10 days. We know now, as we accumu- late experience, it can be seen in the seminal fluid. We’re not exactly sure chances for after the infection clears, where else CHICAGO: The Zika virus may be it would be,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, direc- climate plan particularly adept at entrenching itself tor of the National Institute of Allergy in parts of the body that are shielded and Infectious Diseases said. from the immune system, making it “These need to be examined in nat- Reuters harder to fight off and possibly length- ural history and case-control studies,” ening the timeframe in which it can he said. Fauci said that Zika’s persist- be transmitted, top US experts said . ence in the body recalled findings WASHINGTON: A vote to block Researchers reported that virus during the 2014 Ebola outbreak. the Obama administration’s ambi- can be detected in semen for 62 days Several organs in the body, includ- tious climate regulation was one after a person is infected, adding ing the testes, the eyes, the placenta of Antonin Scalia’s last acts as a to evidence of the virus’s presence and the fetal brain, are “immune Supreme Court justice. His sudden in fetal brain tissue, placenta and privileged” - protected from attacks death may have opened a new path amniotic fluid. Their work is part of launched by the immune system to to the rule’s survival. an international race to understand neutralize foreign invaders. Scalia died on Saturday. Four the risks associated with Zika, rap- These sites are safeguarded from days earlier, he voted with the idly spreading in Brazil. antibodies to prevent the immune sys- other conservative members of “Right now, we know it’s in the tem from attacking vital tissues. But if the high court to put a hold on the blood for a very limited period of a virus enters these protected sites, it is Brazilian Health Minister Marcelo Castro attends a meeting of European ambassadors to discuss measures administration’s plans to imple- time, measured in a week to at most much harder to fight them off. to combat the mosquito that transmits Zika in Brasilia, Brazil, yesterday. ment the Clean Power Plan while it is litigated. The regulation is designed to lower carbon emissions from US power plants by 2030 to 32 per- Canada tightening 9/11 suspect asks again to fire cent below 2005 levels. The rule is the United States’ main tool to meet the emissions reduction tar- visa-free travel rules get pledge it made at UN climate his lawyers in Guantanamo trial talks in Paris in December. It was challenged by 27 states, AFP (Can$7), starting March 15. along with business and industry The measure will affect peo- Reuters trust two of his three court-appointed voiced frustration that his attorneys groups, in a case now before an ple from more than 50 countries. lawyers. “The problem is that the attor- have not been able to resolve com- appeals court in Washington D.C. OTTAWA: Canada will tighten its Americans will be exempt. Anyone neys became the enemy,” bin Attash plaints about conditions at the prison. The Supreme Court could be asked rules on entering the country next caught unaware of the new regula- said through an interpreter at the mil- Pohl agreed to accept a letter to weigh in again later this year. month, adding a layer of security tions can expect some leniency in FORT MEADE: A Yemeni detainee itary tribunal. “I cannot work with from bin Attash that makes a new Without Scalia, the conserv- that will impact Europeans and oth- the beginning, said Robert Orr, dep- at Guantanamo Bay moved to fire his someone who cheats me.” case for why he should be allowed to ative members of the court no ers to visit without a travel visa. uty minister for immigration. He said attorneys for a second time on yester- In October, Pohl denied a request remove Bormann and his other senior longer have a majority. The sud- Formerly visa-exempt foreign the new rules will affect more than day, delaying a pre-trial hearing for five by bin Attash to fire Cheryl Bormann, defence attorney, Air Force Captain den shift has given a boost to the nationals, including those passing three million travellers per year. men charged with plotting the Septem- his attorney in the death penalty case, Michael Schwartz. supporters of the emissions rule. through on a stopover, will have to After completing the online form, ber 11 attacks on the United States. saying he failed to show good cause. Proceedings at the US military “Last week, the Clean Power fill out an online Electronic Travel permission to travel to Canada will Suspected Al Qaeda training camp Bin Attash had said he did not trust base Cuba, were canceled for the day Plan was basically dead,” said Authorisation (eTA) in advance be sent by email and will remain in leader Walid bin Attash told Judge Bormann, a Chicago lawyer who has to allow for the letter to be translated Brian Potts, a lawyer with the Foley and pay a small administrative fee effect for five years. Army Colonel James Pohl he did not represented him since 2011. He also into English and reviewed. & Lardner law firm.

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FAJR 04.51 am ZUHR 11.48 am MAGHRIB 05.31 pm HIGH TIDE 01:00 - 11:00 Misty at places at first becomes partly cloudy SHOROOK 06.08 am ASR 03.03 pm ISHA 07.01 pm LOW TIDE 07:45 - 18:15 to cloudy at times with chance of light rain at places and relatively cold by night.

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From left: Actors Darrell Britt-Gibson, Aml Ameen, Johnny Ortiz and director Rafi Pitts arrive for the screening of the movie ‘SoyNero’ at the 66th Berlinale International Film Festival in Berlin, Germany, yesterday. INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY Berlin fest film Restrained man in a suit has Soy Nero looks much going inside, says Firth at US Green Card soldiers AFP apparently still waters there were often rich depths to plumb as an actor. Reuters “You’d be surprised how much BERLIN: Never underestimate the variation I think I can find within South Korea’s Black power of playing “a rather restrained the confines of a suit,” he said. BERLIN: Foreign-born “Green Eagles aerobatics team man in a suit”, Oscar winner Colin “I find repression really interest- Card” soldiers have been serving in flying KAI T-50B aircraft Firth (pictured) said yesterday as ing because I think there’s an awful the US military since the Vietnam perform an aerial dis- he presented a well-received biopic lot going on inside there. And I think War, but the plight of deported vet- play during the Singapore about a legendary American liter- mystery is fascinating in all art forms. erans has not been explored on Airshow. ary editor. The more we’re left to guess at, the film until “Soy Nero” (I Am Nero), “Genius”, which drew warm more that’s left out, the more that’s director Rafi Pitts said. applause at the Berlin film festival, said Law, who adopts a broad Caro- left unexpressed. The programme provides a tells the story of Max Perkins, who lina accent for the role. “Probably it is my fascination path to full citizenship for people worked with some of the 20th centu- “The rhythm and the music that with that that led me to be such a holding “Green Card” residency WaitingAyyayayayayayayyyy to be groomed ry’s greatest authors including F Scott was to be found between these two consistent wearer of suits.” permits who enlist in the military. Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway and men was very much a part of mak- Firth said that playing an edi- But Pitts’s movie, which Thomas Wolfe. ing their intellectual abilities clear. tor meant being an unsung hero was shown yesterday as it com- The film stars British actors Firth (There was a) staccato rat-tat-tat behind the scenes, a refreshingly petes for the Berlin film festival’s and Jude Law playing the taciturn between us.” old-fashioned concept in an age of main Golden Bear prize, says that Perkins and the exuberant Wolfe, in Firth, who won an Academy hyper-exposure on social media. although the programme works for a partnership that required the edi- Award for his role as George VI in “He was someone whose eye many, some 3,000 foreign-born tor to harness and tame the writer’s “The King’s Speech”, admitted that and ear were so finally tuned, his veterans were deported for one raw unvarnished talent. he was often the go-to actor for but- judgement and his integrity were reason or another. Firth and Law said the script gave toned-up repressed types. so intact and yet he didn’t want any This gives rise to an almost them a chance to generate sparks as “It’s not the first time I’ve played credit whatsoever, his instinct was surreal scene in the movie showing two polar opposites whose collabo- a rather restrained man in a suit,” he to remain invisible, particularly in the graveside funeral for a soldier ration made Wolfe one of the most said with a sly smile. an era where we are all clamouring who died in service in the US mili- admired novelists of his generation. “I just get asked to play them. to be visible,” he said. tary being buried across the border Their joint creative output left the The suit is the costume, I put it on. “There’s a kind of rampant exhi- in Mexico. “genius” designation of the title up If someone wants me to wear a bitionism (now).” “When I came across the for grabs. mankini in a film, I am available. Perkins cultivated strong per- reality of the Green Card soldier, “One of the biggest challenges If anybody wants to free me from sonal relationships with his authors, as a filmmaker you can’t not tell FatherA Bichon Emir Frises H H Sheikhwaits inHamad the grooming bin Khalifa area Al Thani in New witnessed York at lastthe was in really celebrating and bring- restraint... I am ready to burst out of who were often conflicted figures the story,” Pitts, who is of mixed eveningWestminster the arrivalKennel ofClub’s Fath 140th Al Kheir Annual 2 at Dog Katara Show. Cultural village ing to life the speed of thought with a cake,” he joked. plagued by addictions, unhappy love Iranian-British heritage, told a which these two great men converse,” But he said that beneath the affairs and writer’s block. post-screening news conference. Taylor Swift wins top Grammy but Lamar steals the show

AFP herself as a feminist campaigner, spoke to her she charges is unfair by allowing a free tier. with a heavy guitar on “The Blacker the Berry.” tongue-in-cheek doo wop take on weight legions of girl fans as she accepted her second The Recording Academy, which runs the “This is for hip-hop,” the 28-year-old Lamar struggles and self-acceptance. Alabama Album of the Year award. Grammys, used the national broadcast to urge said, receiving the award from gangsta rap Shakes, the bluesy indie rock band defined “I want to say to all the young women out better compensation for artists, while stop- legend Ice Cube. “We will live forever—believe by Brittany Howard’s thunderous voice, won LOS ANGELES: Taylor Swift made history there — there are going to be people along the ping short of criticising any company in the that.” three Grammys — Best Alternative Music yesterday as the first woman to win the top way who will try to undercut your success or fast-growing streaming industry. Record of the Year went to “Uptown Funk,” a Album, Rock Song and Rock Performance. Grammy twice, but rapper Kendrick Lamar take credit for your accomplishments or your While Swift won the top award, the most dance track with echoes of early Prince by Mark The Grammys also paid tribute to a took home five awards and delivered an elec- fame,” Swift said. “But if you just focus on the Grammys went to Lamar, whose album “To Ronson featuring Bruno Mars. “I would be just number of artists who recently died — chief trifying, politically charged performance that work and you don’t let those people sidetrack Pimp a Butterfly” offered an innovative med- as happy and proud if I produced it,” he said of among them the rock icon David Bowie. Lady rocked the gala. you, someday when you get where you are itation on race relations with infusions of jazz the song, which also won the Grammy for Best Gaga sang a medley of hits including “Space The top prizes on the music industry’s going, you will look around, and you will know and spoken word. Pop Duo/Group Performance. “I’m a record Oddity,” “Changes” and “Let’s Dance” to gui- biggest night mainly went to mainstream chart- that it was you and the people who love you Lamar, whose song “Alright” has become producer, not a pop star,” he said. tar by Nile Rodgers of Chic fame, a longtime toppers, with Swift taking the Album of the Year who put you there,” she said. an unofficial anthem for protesters against English singer and guitarist Ed Sheeran friend and collaborator of Bowie. prize for “1989” and the retro party anthem In 2010, Swift also accomplished a major police abuse, took five awards out of 11 nom- won for Song of the Year, which recognises Other performers included British singer “Uptown Funk” winning Record of the Year. feat when she won Album of the Year for inations — the most nods for a single artist in songwriting whereas Record of the Year looks Adele, whose album “25” has smashed early Swift, who has transformed from country “Fearless”, becoming the youngest artist to one night since Michael Jackson earned 12 fol- at overall singles, for “Thinking Out Loud”—a sales records but came out too early for Gram- prodigy to pop superstar, won three prizes on take the prize as she recorded it when she was lowing his massive “Thriller.” bare love ballad that has become a favourite mys contention. Adele sang her powerful new the night, all for work off “1989,” which was 20. Swift has also created waves in the music In a politically charged yet genre-spanning at weddings. Meghan Trainor, 22, won another ballad “All I Ask”. One non-performer was the one of the best-selling US albums of the past industry by becoming the pre-eminent foe of appearance, Lamar shuffled onto stage as part key award, Best New Artist, after the break- R&B superstar Rihanna, who canceled at the decade. The 26-year-old, who has fashioned Spotify, the leading streaming service, which of a chain-gang as a jazz saxophone merged through success of “All About That Bass,” her last minute, citing voice problems due to illness.

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WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2016 • 8 Jumada I 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

Ezdan Holding Group’s Al Sada with energy ministers net profit jumps 22%

solutions that avoided the impact of Net profit touches economic recession. Such solutions involved taking well-studied strategic QR1.66bn in 2015; decisions in regards of distributing board recommends Group shares in sister companies, pumping up investments in finan- 25% increase in cial markets. The Group is keen to dividends moving forward with its diversified investment plan to mitigate risks as per the Group’s plan in order to increase profits, enhance the finan- cial performance, and contribute in The Peninsula supporting the national economy, Sheikh Dr Khalid said. Ali Al Obaidli, CEO, Ezdan Hold- Minister of Energy and Industry H E Dr Mohamed bin Saleh Al Sada (centre) and Saudi Minister of ing Group attributed the solid results Petroleum and Mineral Resources Ali bin Ibrahim Al Nuaimi (second left) with Venezuela’s Oil Minister DOHA: Ezdan Holding Group deliv- to a number of important factors Eulogio Del Pino (left) and Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak (second right) in Doha yesterday. ered a record net profit of QR1.66bn including the Group’s success in exe- for the full-year 2015, up 22 percent cuting its operational performance compared to 2014. The Group’s share enhancement plan in all its projects, recorded a remarkable hike during through carrying out a wide-range of 2015, where the Earnings per Share improvement operations on its exist- (EPS) reached QR0.63 versus QR0.51 ing assets and re-assessing them. The Fuel subsidy reforms offer only for the same period of the previous Group extended the scope of its oper- year. This is due to the success of the ations within Qatar, which resulted in Group’s investments and operational the increase of its assets to QR46.9bn modest fiscal space: Moody’s performance growth in-line with the in 2015, compared to QR43.4bn from expansion in the development proc- a year ago.The Group’s cash flow from ess of all current projects. operating projects has scored an The Peninsula and fiscal reform required to achieve This is based on Moody’s forecast Chaired by Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Ezdan Holding Group Chairman unprecedented rise this year. budget balance,” said Mathias of oil prices remaining at around $33 Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani, the Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Thani bin The year 2015 was an exceptional Angonin, an analyst at Moody’s. per barrel in 2016, having fallen by 67 Board of Directors discussed the Abdullah Al Thani (top) and CEO year for the Group in regards to the “While the GCC governments’ percent from 2014 levels and 32 per- Group’s annual performance, and Ali Al Obaidli (above). stock market. Ezdan’s shares wit- DOHA: While fuel subsidy reforms balance sheets remain solid on a con- cent from 2015 levels. recommended distributing cash nessed a great demand after being in members of the Gulf Coopera- solidated basis, we anticipate a sharp However, the price hikes will also dividends of QR0.50 per share to included in the MSCI Emerging Mar- tion Council (GCC) will help address deterioration in the governments’ net lead to efficiency gains, reducing dis- shareholders, an increase of 25 per- a wide range of vital sectors in kets Index. Moreover, the Group pressure from low oil prices on public asset position as a consequence of the tortions caused by artificially low cent compared to last year. the region, including the financial has been on the lead in the Qatar finances, these measures alone will decline in oil prices.” prices, says the rating agency, not- Commenting on the financial markets. Exchange, as far as real estate traded not be enough to bring the govern- According to the rating agency, ing that domestic oil consumption results, Chairman of Ezdan Holding Ezdan’s success in gaining such shares are concerned, as it accounted ments’ budgets back into surplus, said the GCC’s savings from increased fuel has been growing at an average of Group, Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Thani earnings reflects the efficiency of its for up to 49.6 percent of total traded Moody’s Investors Service in a report prices will likely be small - an aver- 6.7 percent annually over the last five bin Abdullah Al Thani, said that the pre-emptive studies of the invest- shares during the year. published yesterday. age of 0.5 percent of GDP across GCC years in Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Ara- achievements have exceeded all ment status quo set for the year, The Group’s operating profits “Recent moves to reforms sub- countries in 2016. Even if govern- bia and the UAE. In addition, Moody’s expectations despite global repercus- taking into consideration market stood at QR1.9bn in 2015, compared sidies signal political willingness to ments opt to link fuel price hikes to notes that GCC governments are sions caused by the drop in oil prices, statistics, profits of losses factors. to QR1.6bn in the previous year, an address the damaging effect of low global oil prices, the gains would be looking to cut other current spending which has massively influenced The Group was able to come up with increase of 19 percent. oil prices on budgets. However, they much lower than the expected fiscal and, in the medium term, increasing fall short of the scale of economic deficit of 12.4 percent across the GCC. revenue streams. Qatari firms plan major investments in US: QBA Chairman

By Mohammad Shoeb enough to compete with their international many other businesses that Qatar know well.” The Peninsula rivals in overseas markets, including the He noted that the diversified investments US which have a lot of opportunities for from the Qatari side is very encouraging. He investment. said that the Qatar government is paving the In his welcome address, the QBA Chair- way which is closely followed by the private DOHA: Local private companies and big fam- man invited American companies to join sector. ily-owned businesses are planning to make hands with local businesses to enhance “Some of the recent investments by Qatari huge investments in various sectors of the US investments in Qatar as well as in the US. companies in the US include the City Centre economy, said the Chairman of Qatari Busi- The US Ambassador to Qatar, Dana Shell project in Washington DC. It is being heralded nessmen’s Association (QBA). Smith, attended the event. Also present were by everyone in Washington as a great revi- “The investments by Qatar’s private sec- Robert A Hager, Chairman, AmCham Qatar; talisation project in the area of the city that tor in the US are growing bigger and bigger Alberto Verme, Chairman, Institutional Cli- needed help,” said Robert. by every day. And now more Qatari compa- ent Group, Citi; Reyan El Zein from FCS; Steve The City Centre is a mix-used commercial nies and individuals are looking forward to Miller, Regional Director at the US Depart- property located in the inner-city neighbour- invest in the world’s largest economy,” Sheikh ment of Commerce; Mohammed Althaf, hood, which spread over 10 acres of land. Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani told reporters on Executive Director, Lulu Group among many Qatari Diar, a Doha-based a real estate invest- the sidelines of an event organised by the QBA other distinguished guests. ment company, has invested over $650m. The in collaboration with AmCham Qatar on the Robert of Am Cham Qatar also highlighted facility is consisting of 674 residential units, a occasion of ‘Discovering America Week 2016’. the investment opportunities in the US econ- 370-room Conard Hilton Hotel and scores of Sheikh Faisal, who is also the Chairman omy. “Now is the great time to invest in the luxury retail brands and restaurants. of Aamal Company, added: “I have personally US, at a time when there is so much turmoil The combined value of Qatar-US bilat- bought five luxury hotels in the US, and have in the world, including in the big economic eral trade in goods in 2015 stood at $5.54bn. established partnerships with several Amer- regions like the Eurozone, China and other And currently there are over 130 Ameri- ican businessmen. Together we are exploring markets,” added Robert. “The US is very resil- can companies working in different sectors of more opportunities of investments, especially ient to such turmoil in terms of growth, and the Qatari economy, including several giants in the US tourism sector.” offering variety of investment opportunities in from oil and gas, construction, aviation, edu- QBA Chairman Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani (second right) and other dignitaries He said that Qatar’s private sector com- a wide rage of promising sectors such as tech- cation and other sectors such as ExxonMobil, at the event yesterday. Pic: Abdul B/The Peninsula panies have become competent and qualified nology, energy, real estate, hospitality and in AECOM, Boeing, Lockheed Martin and others. 22 WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2016 BUSINESS QDB organises Almoe AV Solutions holds dealer meet workshop The Peninsula DOHA: Almoe AV Solutions (Qatar), part of the Dubai-headquartered Almoe Group and the region’s pre- on SME sector mier expert in delivering cutting-edge audiovisual and IT solutions, held its first-ever dealer meet here yesterday. The event was attended by Qatar’s ensures equal support for all SMEs leading IT and AV dealers. from all stakeholders, as it aims to The company used the opportu- 18 operating banks improve the policies and efforts of nity to familiarise the participants in Qatar attend the SME sector development based with its pre-eminent status amongst on a clear definition. its peers in the GCC and its intent to National Definition In addition, it helps develop replicate its reputation as the pre- of SMEs event licensed home — based businesses ferred choice not only amongst that match the definition criteria. channel partners and resellers, but The definition also aims at facil- also across the education, hospital- itating financing procedures by ity, government and the retail sectors. providing privileges for investment In his opening speech DS Krishna The Peninsula entities that can finance SMEs. Murthy, General Manager, Almoe AV The new initiative defines an Solutions (Qatar), addressed the com- SME as a company with a workforce pany’s serious resolve to accomplish that does not exceed 250 employees this within the current year with the Almoe AV Solutions General Manager DS Krishna Murthy (second left) with other officials at the company’s DOHA: Qatar Development Bank (except for the creative sector where single-minded drive and dedication ‘Dealer Meet 2016’ in Doha yesterday. Pic: Qassim/The Peninsula (QDB) has organised a workshop on employees wouldn’t exceed 100), and that it has hitherto been known for. the National Definition of Small and its annual revenue doesn’t exceed Almoe’s specific plan of action to Medium Enterprises in the Qatari QR100m. meet the needs of the burgeoning AV country will benefit from the Group’s It will offer Epson Japan’s complete projectors, whiteboards and LED touch banking sector. The definition defines five main and IT Solutions market in the region extensive expertise in delivering the range of printers, scanners and pro- panels; label and barcode printers The event saw the participation sectors including Agriculture, Trans- was elaborated upon in the presen- best of customised audiovisual and jectors; label printers from Brother from TSC (Taiwan); document scan- of 18 operating banks in Qatar, and formational Industries, Creative tations that followed. IT solutions and from its services in (Japan); projection screens from ners from Avision (Taiwan); auto ID was held under the supervision of Industries, Constructions and Trade Almoe AV Solutions is a part of the systems, design, integration, instal- Draper (USA); anchor and screen solutions from Datalogic (Italy), mobile Qatar Central Bank. in addition to the sector of differ- Almoe Group, which has had a strong lation, rentals and support. innovations, conferencing solutions printers from Woosim (Korea), video QDB earlier announced the ent services. QDB has been working presence in the GCC for over 20 years The company’s diverse portfolio from Sony (Japan) and Konftel (Swe- capturing solution from Swivl (USA), launch of the National Definition of closely with over 25 public, private, and a current turnover that exceeds includes products and solutions from den); point of sale solutions from HP projectors from Optoma (Taiwan), SMEs during the Global Entrepre- and government institutions over the $80m. With Almoe in Qatar, the the world’s most renowned brands. (USA); Specktron’s interactive laser along with many other proven brands. neur Week in Doha, last November. past few months to bring this new Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al Khalifa, definition to reality. CEO of QDB, said: ”The new defini- This definition will help develop tion only reflects the support of the the Qatari SME sector, an important ADB to deepen Qatari government to the SME sector. cornerstone in the National Econ- Gulf Air takes part in inflight workshop This definition will enable all parties omy, as QDB continues to support partnership with to work together and achieve success the Qatar National Vision 2030 by under unified criteria.” supporting the private sector in gen- China under new The National SME definition eral and the SME sector, specifically.” The Peninsula 5-year strategy

DOHA: Gulf Air, Bahrain’s national BEIJING: The Asian Development carrier, recently participated in this Bank’s (ADB) Board of Directors year’s inflight workshop hosted in has endorsed a new country part- Apple Pay to go live Dubai earlier this month. Gulf Air nership strategy with China for Senior Manager Marketing – Inflight 2016-2020. and Product, Mohamad ElAssaad Under the new strategy, var- was part of a high profile panel of ious aspects will be emphasised, in China tomorrow experts discussing “Enhanced Enter- including the lender-borrower tainment: Accessibility” and also took relationship for the public and part in the final session of the Inflight private sectors, knowledge Reuters na’s biggest lender by assets. Workshop on “Safeguarding the Con- partnership, collaboration in The lender is set to be joined tent.” promoting regional and South- by a raft of peers: Apple’s China Representing the airline at the South cooperation, according to website lists 19 Chinese lenders event and sharing information on the bank’s statement released Participants at the meeting. BEIJING: Apple Inc’s Apple as official Apple Pay partners, Gulf Air’s latest inflight entertainment yesterday. Pay mobile payment system and state media reported two developments and initiatives, ElAs- ADB’s sovereign lending to will be available in China from other lenders will also go live saad spoke of his participation: “It is Gulf Air’s entire fleet is equipped East to launch BBC Worldwide’s three China averaged $1.51bn every tomorrow for Industrial and with the service from tomorrow. an honour to showcase a selection of with the latest inflight entertain- newest genre brands onboard: BBC year between 2011 and 2015. This Commercial Bank of China Ltd Greater China is Apple’s sec- Gulf Air’s unique offering in the field ment technology offering hundreds Brit, BBC Earth and BBC First. is expected to increase during the (ICBC) customers, bank repre- ond-largest market by revenue, of inflight entertainment: some of our of channels of entertainment that Inflight workshop attracted a new five-year period, in line with sentatives said in social media but the company faces an uphill pioneering initiatives, what we are include religious programs, mov- record number of senior executives the envisaged increase in the over- posts yesterday. The technol- battle to match that prowess working on today and what we are ies, TV shows, a channel dedicated from major Middle Eastern air- all volume of ADB operations in ogy giant had previously said the quickly in mobile payments. striving for in future. Inflight Work- to local Bahraini productions and lines and global suppliers serving Asia and the Pacific toward 2020, system would launch in China Apple Pay’s beginnings have shop was an ideal platform to shed an instructional and informative the region to talk on the pressing the statement said. in early 2016, making it Apple been less than auspicious in light on Gulf Air’s mission of catering health channel in addition to a vari- issues affecting the inflight enter- According to the statement, Pay’s fifth country as it acceler- other markets, including scep- to a broad spectrum of passengers’ ety of games for the airline’s younger tainment and connectivity (IFEC) ADB will step up its support to ates development of a planned ticism from retailers in its home diverse requirements. Sharing ideas passengers. In December 2015, Gulf industry. Together with the Inflight China’s regional cooperation and new revenue stream. ICBC is Chi- market. and feedback with industry peers is Air brought the airline’s passengers a IFEC Pavilion and Awards these are integration efforts, focus on Chi- critical to our ongoing progress and new entertainment experience, as it now recognised as the premier IFEC na’s inclusiveness development development within the field.” became the first airline in the Middle events in the Middle East. by paying special attention to the remaining poor, and offer help to the country’s sustainable devel- opment, especially the private sector-led solutions to environ- British inflation mental problems and climate IBQ wins several excellence awards change, in the coming five years. hits one-year ADB’s private sector opera- tions in 2011-2015 averaged $643m annually. The private sector will high in January The Peninsula play a larger role in the PRC’s sus- tainable development under the new CPS, with a focus on private LONDON: Britain’s annual infla- sector-led solutions to environ- tion rate rose in January to its DOHA: International Bank of Qatar mental problems and climate highest level for a year, buoyed by (ibq) has won the “Best Customer change. the higher prices for clothing and Service – Corporate”, “Best Customer Under the new CPS, ADB will alcohol, official data showed yes- Service – Retail”, and “Best Customer support the government in real- terday. Loyalty Programme” awards from ising an ‘ecological civilisation’ The 12-month Consumer Price The Banker Middle East for the year through environmental sustain- Index (CPI) rose by 0.3 percent last 2015. ability, pollution control, and month, after registering 0.2 per- The Banker Middle East Qatar climate change mitigation and cent in December, the Office for Product Awards provide a benchmark adaptation measures. In particu- National Statistics (ONS) said in a for the financial sector, recognising lar, ADB will support operations statement. the most successful and innovative that will produce regional public Inflation also rose as fuel and banking solutions. The awards are goods, benefitting a wider geo- food prices fell by less than they based on a peer-vote process and graphic area beyond the PRC. experienced one year ago. nominations are open to banks and This includes helping the country Despite the rise in the CPI, financial institutions in nine coun- achieve greenhouse gas emis- British inflation still remains his- tries across the Mena region. sions commitments ahead of its torically low, with the Bank of Commenting on ibq’s achieve- 2030 target; piloting projects to England predicting it will remain ment, Omar Bouhadiba, Managing reduce air, water, and soil pol- below the government’s official Director of ibq said: “These awards Officials at the award function. lution; and promoting emerging 2.0-percent target for some time demonstrate the Bank’s steadfast renewable technologies such as yet. “While still at historically low commitment to excellence in service and services are all designed to pro- of Banker Middle East, presented retail banking products and services. solar power and carbon capture levels, CPI has today edged up to its quality and are a solid testament to vide superior level of flexibility and the awards to Bhupendra Jain, DGM Established in 1956, the Bank will and storage. These activities will highest rate for a year,” said James the efforts we make to maintain such choice for customers at every touch — Head of Corporate Banking and celebrate its 60th anniversary be based on the two memoranda Tucker, who is head of CPI at the standards. I take this opportunity to point. ibq’s commitment to strong Hassan Al Mulla, Head of Retail this year. ibq has a strong com- of understanding between ADB ONS. thank our corporate and retail bank- customer relationships, best prac- Banking at the Bank’s headquarters mitment to build long-lasting and China in the area of climate “The main reason for the slight ing staff whose dedicated efforts and tices and highest quality standards in the presence of Omar Bouhadiba relationships with its customers and change and environmental pro- rise in inflation was fuel prices unparalleled client servicing skills has won the Bank many prestigious and Muhannad Kamal. provide them with excellent cus- tection signed in 2014. falling by less in January than they have contributed to this win.” accolades.” IBQ is one of the oldest financial tomer service with a focus on making This year marks the 30th anni- did at the same point in the previ- Muhannad Kamal, Deputy CEO at Robin Amlôt, Chief Executive institutions in Qatar offering a range banking simple, convenient and tai- versary of ADB operations in the ous year. ibq said: “ibq’s portfolio of products Officer of CPI Financial, publisher of tailor-made corporate, private and lored to their needs. China. BUSINESS WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2016 23 GCC healthcare market to grow at 12.1% to $71.3bn

annual average growth rates, Alpen execution of the plans is expected to Capital noted in its GCC Healthcare scale up the healthcare infrastructure From an estimated Industry report yesterday. and quality standards. $24.0bn in 2015, the The demand for number of hospi- Sensing the demand, the govern- tal beds in the GCC region is projected ment as well as private players have outpatient market is to grow at a 2.3 percent CAGR from injected multi-billion dollars into the forecasted to reach an estimated 101,797 beds in 2015 to healthcare sector to construct large $42.4bn in 2020 113,925 beds in 2020. The Saudi Ara- and specialized healthcare facilities. bian healthcare market is forecasted The GCC region has nearly 350 hos- to reach $27.4bn in 2020, registering pital projects under various stages of a CAGR of 11.0 percent from 2015.The development. There are several initia- healthcare market in the UAE is pro- tives within the GCC healthcare sector The Peninsula jected at $19.5bn in 2020, indicating that are focused on medical tourism an annual average growth of 12.7 per- which are likely to not only attract cent from 2015. patients from across the world but Rapidly growing population and also reduce the outbound visits of citi- DOHA: The GCC healthcare market a shift in age-group distribution are zens for specialized treatment thereby is projected to grow at a 12.1 percent among the key factors driving the aiding the growth of the healthcare CAGR from an estimated $40.3bn in GCC governments to improve the sector in the region. 2015 to $71.3bn in 2020. An increase healthcare infrastructure as well as “Development of the healthcare in the population and rising cost of standards of care. sector has taken a center stage in treatment are the primary factors aid- As the healthcare costs in line the GCC countries, as they witness offered in developed countries,” said financial markets has made inves- are drawing investors to the region. ing this growth. with increasing population, most of an era of demographic transition Sameena Ahmad, Managing Direc- tors across the globe more cautious Growing health awareness among From an estimated $24.0bn in the GCC governments are introduc- accompanied by rising prevalence tor, Alpen Capital (ME) Ltd. and risk-averse. the residents along with the GCC gov- 2015, the outpatient market is fore- ing mandatory health insurance. The of lifestyle-related diseases. In order Healthcare providers in the GCC Private sector involvement is ernments’ effort to improve the basic casted to reach $42.4bn in 2020. The gradual expansion of medical insur- to ease the growing pressure on the are looking at measures to curtail becoming imperative to meet the ris- health indicators is leading to a shift inpatient market is anticipated to ance coverage across the region is healthcare system, the GCC govern- their operating costs in order to offset ing demand for healthcare as well as from curative care to preventive grow from $16.4bn to $28.9bn during likely to boost the overall health- ments are injecting huge funds as well the impact of high capital expenditure to reduce the burden of costs on the care. Focus on the prevention of dis- the same period. The healthcare mar- care spending. Each country in the as encouraging private sector partic- towards constructing hospitals. The government finances. Government eases will not only improve the public ket in each GCC country is anticipated GCC has devised a long-term strategic ipation to build hospitals and clinics, current investment climate character- policies to increase insurance cover- health profile but can also help reduce to expand by 11 percent-13 percent plan or vision to expand and upgrade upgrade the existing infrastructure, ised by global economic uncertainty, age and provide other infrastructure healthcare expenditure and enhance between 2015 and 2020 in terms of its healthcare system. The successful and match the quality of services low oil prices, and volatility in support as well as financial incentives the quality of care. Barwa Bank wins ‘Best Retail Bank for 2015’ Links Group strengthens

The Peninsula management team

DOHA: Barwa Bank celebrated its The Peninsula recognition by CPI financial as “Best Retail Bank for 2015”. CPI Financial, the well-reputed publisher of Banker Middle East, has DOHA: Links Group, one of the recognised Barwa Bank for lead- UAE’s leading providers of com- ing on innovation in retail banking mercial facilitation and advisory products and services that delivered services, has strengthened its man- on exceptional financial results and agement team in Qatar with the an unmatched customer experience. appointment of Neil Wilson (pic- CPI awards are based on a peer-vote tured) as Country Manager. process that reflects industry-wide In a statement yesterday, the firm recognition for winners. said that the new appointment will The accolade was received by support increasing demand from Hussain Al Abdullah, Barwa Bank’s foreign investors to establish a com- General Manager of Personal Bank- mercial presence in the region. ing & Wealth Management. Neil brings to Links Group over “Our drive in offering supe- 13 years of extensive service expe- founding partner of Links Group, rior products and services to our rience gained from senior positions said: “We are delighted to have Neil customers has commanded reso- across the Middle East, America, as a new addition to our firm and lute commitment to harnessing our Europe and Far East. With a proven I have every confidence his contri- capabilities and innovation in deliv- track record of successfully estab- bution will strengthen not only the ering nothing short of excellence. lishing companies in new markets, services that we offer our clients, but The bank’s ability to defy traditional Neil will not only contribute to the also the overall performance of the models and thinking in Shari’ah com- development of the business in business in Qatar. pliant products and services, and Qatar, but will also oversee the com- “The country’s pro-business Hussain Al Abdullah, Barwa Bank’s GM of Personal Banking & Wealth Management, receiving the award. bridge them with modern standards pany’s day-to-day operations and environment and its fast-grow- of conventional banking has cata- activities. ing economy presents attractive pulted Barwa Bank to a leadership This recognition follows Barwa retail, corporate, investment banking, service development. Barwa Bank A member of Her Majes- opportunities for foreign businesses position in the Islamic banking sec- bank’s ranking as the Best Corporate private banking, asset management shares a forward looking vision com- ty’s Diplomatic Service serving in wanting to stimulate their home tor in Qatar”, Barwa Bank said in a Bank, Best Retail Bank and Fast- and fund management. mitted to the wider Qatar National Mozambique, Iran and Saudi Arabia, markets. We are experiencing sig- statement. est Growing Bank in Qatar at the Barwa Bank was launched in Vision 2030. Neil’s last post was in the UK where nificant growth in the number of “With this award, we pay heed to Banker Middle East Awards 2015 in 2008 with an innovative proposi- Barwa Bank’s commitment to he was involved in a ministerial-led foreign investors looking to expand our entire team, which continues to May 2015. tion in the Islamic and retail banking providing its customers with the best international research programme, to Qatar - while the oil and gas sec- work tirelessly in order to achieve its The show, also organised by CPI space and, as such, has continued to service is illustrated by new serv- which strengthens research and tor continues to dominate Qatar’s goals and targets which has directly Financial, awards financial insti- solidify its position as a leading retail ices and products, such as the Barwa innovation partnerships between economy, the leadership remains led to an increase in the consumers tutions and banks that deliver on bank that seamlessly bridges Shari’ah Bank Platinum Visa credit card and the UK and 15 emerging economies. committed to its diversification trust in the products and services innovation, fiscal results and business compliant principles with modern its state-of-the-art mobile banking Commenting on the new agenda and recognises the need for offered by Barwa Bank”. growth across categories including banking models in its product and application. appointment, John Martin St Valery, foreign expertise to support this.” Cisco inks cloud sales Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros wins SAP Mena awards deal with Pivotal The Peninsula with the commitment, dedica- won gold in the Fast category for real- demands, after the promotion of such tion, and alignment of objectives of time truck analytics. services, has increased by 58 percent their employees. In view of this, ICT “The use of SAP solutions will with the highest customer satisfaction projects can be delivered on time, enable us at Bion Group to maxim- level”, said Pascal Hoerter, VP Sales Reuters the free operating system known as DOHA: Automotive distributor which has made AAB an example in ise our returns from fully-integrating and Marketing, Alfanar electrical. Linux generally requires services of Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros Co (AAB), the region. company process including our fleet “The solution has brought a a consultant like Red Hat Inc. along with Poland’s Hicron SP ZOO “With the Internet of Things GPS technology. The automated fleet unique service model on-line which Pivotal Cloud Foundry competes as their Implementing Partner, won opportunity reaching $14 trillion in management system shall facili- Alfanar provides to its customer and SAN FRANCISCO: Cisco Systems with services such as IBM’s Bluemix gold in the Business Transformation the next 15 years, 2016 will be the tate real-time, accurate and reliable driven our growth in the region’s Inc has struck a deal with Pivotal and HP Enterprise’s Helion, while for their successful implementation Middle East’s year of digital dis- data analytics thereby empowering fast-paced manufacturing indus- Software Inc to offer each other’s Mirantis competes with Metapod. of SAP ERP and SAP Dealer Business ruption, when organisations must our logistics operations with robust try”, added Marco van de Sandt, CIO, products in the cloud arena, a sign The so-called cloud has become Management system. This implemen- embrace digital transformation for tracking tools, secure on-time deliv- Alfanar. the giant network company is look- a broad term for quick delivery of tation has taken the organisation in long-term success,” said Frank Forn- eries, and enhanced customer service These three gold winners will ing to work with others as it tries to data over the Internet, often by shar- accelerated customer service oper- dron, Head of Customer Office at SAP experience,” said Noas Al Rawi, CEO, now advance to SAP Europe, Mid- build its presence in one of the fast- ing computing resources with other ations by significantly reducing the MENA, and Quality Management for Bion Group. dle East, and Africa Quality Awards est-growing areas of computing. companies. As growth has slowed customer waiting time. SAP Emerging Markets. Riyadh-based Alfanar with part- finals, which will be held in Walldorf, The agreement, to be announced in Cisco’s main business of switches AAB’s massive business trans- “The annual SAP Mena Quality ner Business On Demand won gold in Germany on 6 April 2016. later, means the two companies will and routers, in part due to custom- formation programme using SAP’s Awards award recognise the region’s the Innovation category for a cloud- The Mena Silver winners were Ras jointly sell Pivotal Cloud Foundry, ers turning to technology that relies integrated, real-time, single plat- leading innovators, which have used based customer service system that Al Khaimah E-Government with SAP which helps developers build and more on software than hardware, it form has streamlined its processes, a digital core to transform employee, increased customer satisfaction by Field Services, Al Qaryan Steel with Al run software on the cloud, and Cis- has looked for business in new areas enhanced its customer service customer, and supplier relationships, 25 percent. Bilad in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, co’s Metapod, a service that lets such as the cloud, often through experience, supported business and succeed in the Digital Economy,” “SAP’s Cloud 4 Customer service and DP World with Clariba. companies make their data centers acquisitions. It is unclear if Cisco will diversification of its products and added Frank Forndron. solution has boosted the perform- Mena Bronze winners included more cloud-friendly. Pivotal’s service be able to expand its newer cloud- services and given AAB a comprehen- One of the UAE’s up-and-com- ance of alfanar’s after sales service Saudi Ceramics with CSC, Bahrain’s helps companies deploy a free, but based offerings at a strong enough sive view of its valuable customers. ing transport and logistics companies, organisation by reducing the serv- Arabian Gulf University with Kaar hard-to-use open-source technology rate to make up for weaknesses in AAB has achieved this award through Bion Group, formerly Tarwada Cargo ice delivery turnaround time by 40 Technologies, and Egypt’s edita Foods also called Cloud Foundry, much as its core business. strong project management, together Transport, with partner NTT Data percetn, meanwhile the customer with SAP Field Services. 24 WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2016 BUSINESS

Iran Air open to EU car sales rise 6.2% in January buying aircraft from Boeing

American businesses doing business with Iran, with the US agreeing to Iran Air, which remove curbs primarily for foreign currently serves 27 players. While commercial aviation companies were the only entities domestic and 29 granted special authorisations under international routes, the nuclear deal, the US retains dis- cretion over sales by requiring them to is likely to need more file for a transaction-specific license. aircraft as it rolls Boeing didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. out a 10-year plan Iran Air, which currently serves 27 aimed at moving domestic and 29 international routes, from survival mode is likely to need more aircraft as it rolls out a 10-year plan aimed at moving to expansion from survival mode to expansion. The company plans to tap a national mar- ket of 80 million people and global Persian diaspora of about 10 million, Bloomberg as well as the anticipated influx in business visitors. Iran Air, whose aging fleet num- bers about 40 planes including Boeing DUBAI: Iran Air said it’s open to buy- 747s, A320s and discontinued A300s, A man looking at Audi cars in Ingolstadt, Germany. Car sales in the European Union posted an ‘encouraging’ year-on-year increase of 6.2 ing aircraft from Boeing Co even after A310s and Fokker NV 100s, is looking ordering 118 jetliners worth $27bn at adding routes to markets includ- percent in January. Some 1.061 million cars were sold across the bloc, according to the Brussels-based European Automobile Manufacturers from competing plane maker Air- ing Canada, Australia and Singapore Association yesterday. bus Group SE as soon as international once it gets the wide-bodies to make sanctions were removed last month. those flights, Parvaresh said. It also Boeing is “lagging behind a bit” wants to reinstate destinations such and might have acted faster given that as Tokyo and Seoul that were halted the US Treasury, which plays a key under sanctions. role in policing trade barriers, could “For now the 747 is not suitable, but New yuan loans climb to record high in Jan have granted an export license via its if we get the A330 and A350 we can run Office of Foreign Asset Control, Iran those itineraries,” he said. “We need Air Chief Executive Officer Farhad the planes, but the potential is there.” Parvaresh said in an interview. Iran Air aims to eventually list on the Reuters to “front load” loans at the start of a percent in January from the same worry could put further depreciation “We always thought the 737 for Tehran stock exchange, though must year and companies reducing their period a year ago while such loans pressure on the yuan currency. the domestic market is a good option, be in a “suitable condition” first and exposure to foreign-currency loans. to companies jumped 73 percent. Total According to sources, Zhang Xiao- but they have a rival with the A320,” has set no timescale, Parvaresh said. “Chinese banks expanded their bal- social financing, another important hui, an assistant governor at the PBOC, Parvaresh said at an aviation confer- The modernisation of Iran’s BEIJING: Chinese banks armed ance sheet aggressively in the first month indicator of China’s credit expansion, has said the central bank would not ence in Tehran. “We just signed a big aviation industry also requires the with fresh lending quotas extended of this year, which implies implicit sup- rose to 3.42 trillion yuan in January rush to cut the amount of cash banks agreement on that, but this doesn’t purchase of 160 regional aircraft and a record 2.51 trillion yuan ($385.4bn) port from the government to counter the from 1.82 trillion yuan in December. must hold in reserves, as doing so could prevent us from also signing an agree- the upgrade of dozens of airports, Iran of new loans in January, far more than economic slowdown,” said Zhou Hao, Part of that may reflect massive send a strong signal on policy easing. ment with Boeing on some of their Civil Aviation Organization CEO Ali markets had expected, suggesting Commerzbank Asia senior emerging infusions of cash into the banking sys- But while the central bank may products.” Abedzadeh said in an interview at the Beijing is keeping monetary policy markets economist in Singapore. tem by the People’s Bank of China ahead shun further cuts in its main interest The state carrier revealed its Air- conference. About 20 of 80 bases are loose to counter a protracted eco- Analysts also attributed the surge of the long holiday to avert any risks of rate and RRR in the near term, it may bus deal on the day sanctions imposed inoperative and standards generally nomic slowdown. in new loans to soaring demand for a cash crunch. The PBOC injected 1.53 still have to ease policy again, analysts over Iran’s nuclear program were must improve, he said. Economists polled by Reuters had mortgages as property prices recover trillion yuan via its standing lending say. The PBOC has cut its policy rate lifted, with President Hassan Rouhani Iran has ambitions to estab- expected new yuan loans to surge to and government steps to fast-track facility (SLF), medium-term lending six times since November 2014 and confirming the order for 45 single- lish Imam Khomeini airport as a a near seven-year high of 1.8 trillion infrastructure projects to spur activity. facility (MLF) and pledged supplemen- reserve requirements several times, aisle A320s and 73 A330, A350 and regional hub and is in talks with yuan in January, tripling from 597.8 While economists have some- tary lending (PSL). but both remain relatively high, giv- A380 wide-bodies on a subsequent France’s Bouygues SA and Aeroports billion yuan in December. times speculated that big swings in Some economists believe the ing it plenty of room. Bank lending visit to Paris. Boeing has made no de Paris on initial spending of $2.5bn, Analysts attributed the lending China’s credit data were linked more PBOC is currently favouring liquid- usually spikes in China in January as announcement and was absent from a Abedzadeh said. Tehran’s second- spike to increased injections by the to speculative activity, the latest data ity injections as a policy tool rather banks, which face limits on how much January aviation gathering in Tehran ary Mehrabad base and terminals central bank ahead of the Lunar New appeared to suggest solid demand in than long-expected cuts to its policy they can lend each year, squeeze as that its European rival attended. in Mashhad, Isfahan and Tabriz are Year holidays in early February, a tradi- the real economy. Medium-and long- interest rate and bank reserve ratio much lending as possible into the first To be sure, obstacles remain to also a priority, he said. tional tendency among Chinese banks term loans to households were up 45 requirements (RRR), which authorities month to protect their market share.

Michelin profits rise Taiwan exports fall again EDF to extend life of four in January UK N-power stations

AFP AFP power stations,” said EDF Energy chief executive Vincent de Rivaz. “Their TAIPEI: The new year has brought excellent output shows that reliabil- Taiwan no respite from its economic ity is improving whilst their safety woes as exports fell in January for LONDON: EDF Energy, the British and environmental performance is the 12th successive month, the long- arm of French giant EDF, will extend higher than ever,” he added. est continuous decline for almost the life of four of its UK nuclear power “In today’s extremely tough seven years. stations by up to seven years, it said market conditions, we think (Brit- The island slid into recession yesterday. ish) government policy (in favour of in the last quarter of 2015, post- The announcement, revealed nuclear power) will be maintained ing its slowest annual growth since alongside annual results from its and reinforced, giving us confidence 2009, as China’s economic slow- parent firm, comes with EDF yet to to invest in our nuclear plants,” said down and weaker international make a final decision over the con- the chief executive. demand took their toll on the export- struction of a vast new nuclear power EDF said that it hoped to begin driven economy. plant at Hinkley Point in southwest building Hinkley Point C —Britain’s January saw exports drop by 13 England. first new nuclear power plant in percent, to $22.2bn from $25.5bn a “EDF Energy has announced decades — “very soon”. “I think the year earlier. It follows a miserable new scheduled closure dates for investment decision is approaching,” 2015, which saw Taiwan’s exports four nuclear power stations,” it said. parent company CEO Jean-Bernard French tyre maker Michelin’s Chief Executive Officer Jean-Dominique Senard holds a press conference fall by a tenth compared to the The four stations are Heysham 1 and Levy said. to present the group’s results yesterday. Michelin, one of the world’s top three tyre makers, said net previous year. “Demand from inter- Heysham 2 in northwest England, In a separate statement, EDF said profit rose by double digits last year despite a raging price war impacting earnings. national markets was weak, orders Hartlepool in the northeast and Tor- the “final steps are well in hand to from semiconductor industry cli- ness in Scotland. enable the full construction phase ents were conservative, and oil and Heysham 1 and Hartlepool were to be launched very soon.” steel prices kept hovering at low lev- due to be decommissioned in 2019 but In October, EDF signed a deal with els,” the finance ministry said. will continue to operate for another China General Nuclear Power Corpo- Exports from Taiwan to China five years. Power generation at Hey- ration to build Hinkley Point C, with and Hong Kong — the island’s lead- sham 2 and Torness will be extended construction costs totalling £18 bil- Anglo American losses double ing overseas market — plunged 19.3 by seven years to 2030. lion ($25.8 billion, 23.6 million euros). percent in January from the previous EDF added it had made the deci- EDF added it was committed to year to $8.6bn. Sales to Southeast sion to extend operations following being Britain’s leading investor in AFP with $2.5bn in 2014. Losses ballooned to the list of assets for sale, along with Asia and the United States fell 8.7 “extensive technical and safety low carbon electricity. The group as impairments hit $5.7bn, reflecting its nickel business. percent and 5.8 percent, respec- reviews of the plants” that it has shared announced it was slashing its div- “the impact of deteriorating market “The global economic environ- tively. Among the hardest-hit areas with the British industry regulator. idend after unveiling sharply lower conditions, including weaker prices, ment and its impact on prices have were electronic parts, metals and Together, the four power plants annual net profits of ¤1.19bn com- LONDON: Mining giant Anglo Amer- on asset valuations”, Anglo added. presented the industry with signif- plastics, the finance ministry said. supply electricity to about one quar- pared with ¤3.7bn in 2014 on asset ican revealed yesterday that 2015 And the group announced it would icant challenges during 2015,” said Taiwan in August slashed its ter of homes in Britain, according to write-downs in Britain, Belgium, Italy net losses more than doubled on the seek to sell $3bn-$4bn worth of assets chief executive Mark Cutifani. growth forecast for 2015 to 1.56 EDF, employing a total of 2,000 per- and Poland. commodity slump, adding it will sell this year, having already raised $2.1bn The London-listed firm is seeking percent. Traditionally a technol- manent staff and 1,000 contractors. But it judged operational per- another large tranche of assets. in 2015. Anglo will accelerate its exit to move away from bulk commodi- ogy hub, the island has benefited “Our continuing investment, formance “good” with sales rising The group, whose industry has from coal and may sell or spin off its ties to focus on copper, diamonds and from Apple’s new iPhone6 launched our expertise and the professional 2.2 percent to ¤75bn. Europe’s biggest been ravaged by tumbling metal prices South African iron-ore division. platinum. The group will also seek to in 2014. A number of leading Tai- relationship we have with the safety electricity producer also forecast that and demand fears, said losses after The group has added its Moranbah reduce net debt to less than $10bn by wanese firms such as Foxconn and regulator means we can safely pro- lower energy prices this year would tax stood at $5.6bn in 2015 compared and Grosvenor coal mines in Australia the end of 2016. TSMC are among Apple’s suppliers. long the operating life of our nuclear dent earnings. BUSINESS WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2016 25 Plane makers flag strong aircraft demand

Their views were echoed by aircraft parts makers. But no large orders Pratt & Whitney’s new chief were announced Robert Leduc, in an interview with Reuters, played down concerns over yesterday, the first aircraft demand, saying the engine day of the airshow, maker had seen no deferrals or can- cellations. The airshow also saw new and analysts said orders for some plane makers, espe- they were unlikely cially the smaller ones. Yesterday, Mitsubishi Aircraft Corp, a unit of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd, struck a deal to sup- ply 20 regional jets to US leasing Reuters & AFP firm Aerolease, its first agreement with a lessor. The deal for the MRJ90 jets — Japan’s first domestically- made commercial aircraft for about SINGAPORE: The aviation market half a century — is a major boost for is holding up well despite a faltering Mitsubishi. global economy, with customers find- In December it postponed deliv- ing funds for purchases and taking ery of the plane, a little more than deliveries of planes, Boeing and Air- a month after the maiden test flight. bus said at the Singapore Airshow. Mitsubishi and Miami-based Aer- A cloud had settled over the bien- olease Aviation LLC signed a letter nial event in the city-state as the of intent at the Singapore Airshow ripples from China’s economic slow- for 10 firm orders and 10 options for down and unsettled global financial the MRJ90 planes to be delivered in markets stoked concerns of potential 2018. Mitsubishi Aircraft Corp Pres- cancellation or deferment of plane ident Hiromichi Morimoto said the orders, especially from fastest-grow- order “has a significant importance ing Southeast Asia. in the MRJ programme”. But plane makers, whose pro- Both companies expect to sign duction lines are loaded for rapid a definitive agreement soon for the growth in deliveries after a recent orders, which would be worth around order boom, defied the industry’s $940m at list prices. Excluding the growing number of sceptics, saying deal with Aerolease, Mitsubishi an unprecedented eight-year expan- had a total of 407 orders for its jets, sion in aerospace remains on track, comprising 223 firm deals and 184 Bombardier (left) and Gulfstream aircrafts (right) on display during the opening day of the Singapore Airshow at Changi Exhibition Centre yesterday. underpinned by a tailwind from low options. Its clients include Japan Air- oil prices. lines, Air Nippon Airways and Air “Our market has been growing. Mandalay. including Toyota. Automaker Honda is “It’s good to see that the customers are fuel-efficient modern jets to cut costs lists in a region where complex ter- It’s been very resilient, and our cus- Japan — and its MRJ jet — are also developing a small private jet in turning up, they are taking deliveries, when oil prices are high. However, ritorial disputes between China and tomers are making a lot of money,” competing with other regional pas- the United States, which was unveiled they are finding the financing,” Cas- the strong balance sheets of airlines, several Southeast Asian nations are Randy Tinseth, vice president of senger jet manufacturers such as in Japan earlier this year. telbajac said. boosted by cheap oil, could also help fuelling security concerns. marketing for Boeing Commercial Brazil’s Embraer and Canada’s Bom- And ATR, a joint venture between But no large orders were them to place new orders. Swedish arms firm Saab formally Airplanes, told a press conference. bardier. Mitsubishi unveiled the jet Airbus and Italy’s Finmeccanica, announced yesterday, the first day Some also sounded a note of cau- launched a militarised Bombardier The Boeing executive said low oil — which is 35 metres (115 feet) long signed a $130m deal to supply five of the airshow, and some analysts tion on the industry. Akbar Al Baker, business jet, dubbed GlobalEye, after prices had helped airlines post record and seats about 80 passengers — ATR 72-600 aircraft to Singapore- said they were unlikely. Bertrand the CEO of Qatar Airways, said pre- selling the early warning and control profits. The plane maker had not got in October 2014. It had previously based lessor Avation PLC. Grabowski, DVB Bank’s global head mium traffic in the industry was system to the United Arab Emirates any requests for deferrals of deliver- planned to make the first delivery to “I was concerned that there may of aviation, said he sees little appetite dropping. At the airshow, it was not in November. ies from airlines, it said. Japan’s All Nippon Airways in 2017. be some serious slowdown, and I for large new orders because low oil just passenger planes that grabbed the And Boeing is promoting its P-8 Airbus sales chief John Leahy also The short-to-medium-haul plane didn’t see it happen,” the turboprop prices were a powerful incentive for attention. Spy planes - including con- converted 737 passenger jet for mar- said the plane maker had not been was backed by the Japanese govern- planemaker’s Chief Executive Patrick airlines not to rush to order. verted passenger planes and business itime surveillance at the air show, asked for deliveries to be deferred. ment and a consortium of major firms de Castelbajac told a media briefing. Airlines generally tend to order jets - are on some nations’ shopping Asia’s largest. Renault relaunches Investor confidence at Alpine sports car new low in Germany MONACO: French carmaker Renault yes- terday resurrected its Alpine brand of sports car, with an modern reincarnation of its sleek AFP A110 Berlinette expected to roll off the pro- duction line next year. The investor Renault Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn confidence index presented the Vision, a concept car he said FRANKFURT: Worries about slow- “is very close” to the production model that ing global growth and uncertainty calculated by the will be unveiled by the end of this year and about the economic consequences ZEW economic go on sale in 2017. He said the choice of the of low oil prices sent investor senti- name “reflects our determination to stay true ment in Germany to a 16-month low institute declined to Alpine’s heritage while offering a car that in February, a leading survey showed by 9.2 points to 1.0 is thoroughly modern”. yesterday. The A110’s sweeping curves and sweep- The investor confidence index point in February, ing success on the European rally circuit calculated by the ZEW economic its lowest level brought the brand renown in the 1970s, but institute declined by 9.2 points to since October 2014. by 1995 Renault put the brand in mothballs 1.0 point in February, its lowest level despite staying involved in racing. Ghosn said since October 2014, the think tank Analysts had been the lightweight chassis developed by Renault said in a statement. expecting an even Sport will help the Vision accelerate from zero Analysts had been expecting an to 100 km/h in less than 4.5 seconds, better even steeper drop to zero points this steeper drop to zero than a Porsche 911 Carrera. month. “The looming slowdown of points this month “Alpine with its rich history is the obvious the world economy and the uncer- way to enter the premium sports car market,” tain consequences of the falling oil said Ghosn. “Despite the fact that no Alpine price put a strain on the ZEW” index, growth prospects,” the expert said. cars have rolled off the line since 1995, Alpine the statement said. Capital Economics economist still represents the dream of racing glory, per- “In view of these developments, Jessica Hinds agreed. “February’s formance, and passion for enthusiasts around the concern over an increased credit ZEW investor survey suggests that the world” and will allow Renault to leverage default risk has already caused stock the recent turmoil in global finan- its technological expertise in a growing mar- Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and CEO of the Renault-Nissan Alliance, poses next to Renault’s new Alpine and bond prices for many banks in cial markets and the soft tone of the ket segment, he added. sports concept car “ Vision” which was unveiled in Monaco yesterday. Europe, Japan and the US to slump,” domestic data continued to weigh on said Sascha Steffen, ZEW’s head of investor sentiment,” she said. international finance and financial “This leaves the index at its low- management research. est level since October 2014 and For the survey, ZEW questions implies that only a very slim majority India among fastest growing smartphone markets analysts and institutional investors of investors see economic conditions about their current assessment of the improving in the next six months.” economic situation in Germany, as Hinds said that the ZEW data well as their expectations for the “adds weight to our view that Ger- IANS the country during the same period. the contribution coming from online over others especially in $100-$300 coming months. man growth is set to slow.” Also, similar to last year, smart- exclusive models,” Karthik added. price band.” Commenting on the suc- The sub-index measuring finan- According to preliminary data phone shipments saw a sequential The report said the smartphone cess of the “Make in India” campaign, cial market players’ view of the last week, Germany’s gross domes- decline in the last quarter of the year market in China has begun to slow Singh said that almost one in two current economic situation in Ger- tic product (GDP) expanded by 0.3 NEW DELHI: Nearly 103.6 million with shipments dipping 11.9 percent down and most vendors including smartphones shipped in the fourth many fell by 7.4 points to 52.3 points percent in the final quarter of last smartphones were shipped in India in over the previous quarter owing Chinese players are now looking quarter of 2015 were manufactured in February, its lowest level since year, bringing full-year growth to 2015 — an increase of 28.8 percent as to weaker shipments from the key for avenues to leverage on India’s in India with Samsung leading with January 2015, ZEW said. 1.7 percent. compared to 2014 — positioning India Indian players. growth potential in the smartphone the highest shipments. “Growth prospects for the Ger- “In all, we do not see German as one of the fastest growing smart- “The online share of smartphone market. Similarly, 4G smartphones ship- man economy have taken a hit from growth grinding to a halt, but we phone markets in the Asia Pacific shipments continued to ramp further “Chinese vendors’ smartphone ment spiked to 13.9 million units latest market turbulences,” said ING still envisage a slowdown,” she said. region, said a report yesterday. as fourth quarter of 2015 saw online shipment spiked with 71 percent accounting for more than half of the DiBa economist Carsten Brzeski. ING DiBa’s Brzeski said the dis- According to International Data mega sales from major e-tailers like growth in the fourth quarter of 2015 market in the fourth quarter of 2015. “Against the background of the appointing data would cause market Corporation’s (IDC) “Quarterly Flipkart, Snapdeal and Amazon,” over last year,” added Jaipal Singh, “4G-based smartphone ship- latest market turmoil, this drop in participants to look even closer at Mobile Phone Tracker”, 25.6 million Karthik J, senior market analyst, cli- market analyst, client devices. ments surpassed 3G volume for the investor sentiment is anything but possible next stimulus moves by the smartphones were shipped in India ent devices, said in a statement. Singh further added that, “good first time during the last quarter of a surprise. Tumbling stock markets, European Central Bank. On Monday, in the fourth quarter of the calen- “Online share spiked to 37.3 per- quality, big discounts by e-tailers the year, primarily led by Samsung a stronger euro and more general ECB chief Mario Draghi vowed that dar year 2015 — an increase of 15.4 cent in the fourth quarter of 2015, and higher specification at lower and Lenovo together accounting concerns about the global growth the bank “will not hesitate to act” to percent as compared to 2014 when growing 2.5 times over the same prices are few key factors for which for more than half of 4G volumes,” outlook have clearly dented opti- try and drive inflation in the single 22.2 million units were shipped in period last year with almost half of Chinese smartphones are preferred Karthik noted. mism about the German economy’s currency area higher. 26 WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2016 BUSINESS

QE INDICES SUMMARY QATAR STOCK EXCHANGE QE Index 9,873.13 0.16 % QE Total Return Index 15,398.14 0.16 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 3,536.39 0.02 % QE All Share Index 2,636.95 0.36 % QE All Share Banks & Financial Services 2,682.48 0.18 % QE All Share Industrials 2,857.83 0.12 % QE All Share Transportation 2,404.47 1.26 % QE All Share Real Estate 2,158.55 0.18 % QE All Share Insurance 4,181.41 0.52 % QE All Share Telecoms 1,060.41 0.92 % QE All Share Consumer Goods & Services 5,772.96 4.09 %

QE MARKET SUMMARY COMPARISON 16-02-2016 Today 15-02-2016 Previous day Index 9,873.13 9,857.20 Change 15.93 256.23 % 0.16 2.67 YTD% 5.33 5.49 Volume 14,206,749 8,372,202 Value (QAR) 385,168,576.96 303,598,397.82 Trades 5,694 4,899 Up 19 | Down 15 | Unchanged 02

WORLD STOCK INDICES Index Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low All Ordinaries 4961.593 68.152 1.39 5379.6 4762.1 Cac 40 Index/D 4134.86 19.61 0.48 4586.11 3892.46 Dj Indu Average 15973.84 313.66 2 18351.4 15370.3 Hang Seng Inde/D 19122.08 203.94 1.08 21794.84 18278.8 Iseq Overall/D 5968.24 13.55 0.23 6791.68 5611.89 Karachi 100 In/D 31673.16 -254.99 -0.8 33304.4 29785 Nikkei 225 Index 16054.43 31.85 0.2 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 5.2215 QR 5.2947 INTERNATIONAL MARKETS - A LIST OF SHARES FROM THE WORLD Euro QR 4.0406 QR 4.0979 COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME CA$ QR 2.6211 QR 2.6727 NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED Swiss Fr QR 3.6629 QR 3.7172 Yen QR 0.0317 QR 0.0323 A C C-A/D 1227.5 -27.6 11348 Escorts Fin-B/D 3.75 -0.08 28553 Kg Denim-B/D 51.65 -2 13805 Til Ltd.-T/D 336.1 -20.1 2794 Aus$ QR 2.5862 QR 2.6382 Aarti Drugs-B/D 483.6 -7.3 3945 Escorts-A/D 119.7 -5.15 59342 Kilburnengg-Xd/D 58.5 -0.25 49310 Timexgroup-T/D 27.5 -2.45 50861 Ind Re QR 0.0528 QR 0.0538 Aban Offs-A/D 154.5 0.7 290587 Eveready Indu-/D 214.5 -1.95 13023 Kinetic Eng-B/D 80.2 -4.2 11161 Tinplate-B/D 61.15 -1.3 26403 Ador Welding-B/D 236.6 -26.2 1565 F D C-B/D 179.05 -0.4 4326 Kopran-B/D 45.4 -2.2 125720 Ucal Fuel-B/D 94.9 -0.6 14471 Pak Re QR 0.0345 QR 0.0352 Aegis Logis-B/D 88.2 -3.5 11282 Federal Bank-A/D 44.65 0.35 260404 Laxmi Prcisn-B/D 36.05 -1.3 2798 Ucal Fuel-B/D 94.9 -0.6 14471 Peso QR 0.0760 QR 0.0775 Alembic-B/D 35.35 -0.4 90336 Ferro Alloys-B/D 4.65 -0.27 32479 Laxmi Prcisn-B/D 36.05 -1.3 2798 Ultramarine-B/D 100.4 -5.5 29864 SL Re QR 0.0250 QR 0.0255 Alok Indus-A/D 4 -0.09 948746 Finolex-A/D 298.5 -4.6 4389 Lgb Broth-B/D 417.6 -14.6 1768 Unitech P -A/D 4.05 -0.21 7095779 Taka QR 0.0459 QR 0.0469 Apollo Tyre-A/D 151.4 -5.05 215277 Gail-A/D 322.3 -12.6 150313 Lloyd Metal-B/D 10.8 -0.35 32687 Uppergsugar-T/D 53.5 -5.2 2050 Asahi I Glass-/D 144 -3.45 3957 Gammon India-T/D 14.05 -0.85 125508 Lok.Hous&Con-B/D 6 -0.04 41637 Nep Re QR 0.0330 QR 0.0336 Ashok Leyland-/D 87.45 -2.1 912340 Garden P -B/D 22.85 -0.1 7880 Lumax Ind-B/D 380.8 -7.1 1492 LONDON SA Rand QR 0.2292 QR 0.2338 Ballarpur In-B/D 13.3 -0.2 188546 Godfrey Phil-B/D 988.45 -39.65 36035 Lupin-A/D 1755.2 -42.3 64711 Banaras Bead-B/D 39.15 -0.85 1670 Goodricke-B/D 162.8 -7.9 16521 Lyka Labs-T/D 66.45 -5.15 52813 Bata India-A/D 468.15 -12.65 21972 Goodyear I -B/D 472.5 -8.1 6700 Mah.Seamless-B/D 141.1 -1.8 1092 3I Group/D 412 -0.3 316650 GOLD AND SILVER Beml Ltd-A/D 959 -23.75 47736 Hcl Infosys-B/D 34.4 -1.2 218253 Mangalam Cem-B/D 159.2 -10.4 2520 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 3148 29 83247 GOLD QR142.3746 per gramme Bh Electronic-/D 1118.3 -43 27976 Him.Fut.Comm-T/D 16.6 -0.5 1468485 Maral Overs-B/D 22.7 -2 27306 Barclays/D 159.3795 -1.45 14576353 Bhansali Eng-T/D 16.7 0 52604 Himat Seide-B/D 169 -11.55 67474 Mastek-B/D 110.1 -3.7 14114 Bp/D 340.15 7.35 22021305 SILVER QR1.8014 per gramme Bharat Bijle-B/D 717.75 -27.25 3310 Hind Motors-T/D 5.32 0.06 45065 Max India L-A/D 328.9 0.6 11833 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3841.1607 66.5 782755 Bharatgears-B/D 58 -3.7 15675 Hind Org Chem-/D 13.2 -0.65 63626 Mrpl-A/D 58.5 -2.25 75070 Bt Group/D 460.6 5.2 4053488 Bhartiya Int-B/D 490.5 -36.5 11427 Hind Unilever-/D 804 -1 49019 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 23 -3.75 5750 Centrica/D 191.7 -0.7 2196994 Bhel-A/D 103.25 -4.7 1458898 Hind.Petrol-A/D 691.9 -36.45 104578 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 23 -3.75 5750 Gkn/D 266.5 1 1498342 Bom.Burmah-B/D 330.5 -18.7 2738 Hindalco-A/D 64.9 -1.95 1476133 Nahar Spg.-B/D 83.8 -4.5 20216 Hsbc Holdings/D 442.3 -4.1 10881360 Bombay Dyeing-/D 40.75 -1.7 169254 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 1078 -3.1 75129 Nation Alum -A/D 31.6 -0.55 178420 Kingfisher/D 333 1.8 641930 Most bourses in Camph.& All-B/D 453.8 -27.9 2921 I F C I-A/D 21.6 -0.65 926209 Navneet Edu-B/D 82.9 -1.4 3431 Land Secs Grou/D 1021 -3 538516 Canfin Homes-B/D 936.5 7.8 10188 Idbi-A/D 52.25 -1.5 642019 Nepc India-T/D 1.67 -0.08 83550 Legal & Genera/D 212.6 0.5 3687317 Caprihans-Xc/D 80 -5.1 11644 India Cement-A/D 71.3 -2.7 225456 Neuland Lab-B/D 533 -49.5 25996 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 60.04 0.2 41959620 Castrol India-/D 390.7 -9.65 16215 India Glycol-B/D 70.65 -1.35 6740 O N G C-A/D 199.4 -0.5 837786 Marks & Sp./D 428.7 3.9 1090530 Gulf advance Century Enka-B/D 154 -5.9 2558 Indian Card-B/D 181.2 -9.1 3910 Oil Country-B/D 25.25 0.35 6469 Next/D 6932.7725 75 91027 Century Text-A/D 435.65 -14.9 130145 Indian Hotel-A/D 102 -2.45 42676 Onward Tech-B/D 68.2 -7.35 8217 Pearson/D 781 3 504157 Reuters Chambal Fert-B/D 53.35 -0.4 20121 Indo-Tcount-T/D 925.15 -54.6 6959 Orchid Pharm-B/D 38.35 -1.75 111794 Prudential/D 1198.5 4.5 1888295 Chola Invest-A/D 676 -19.65 1110 Indusind-A/D 834.85 12.45 109496 Orient Hotel-T/D 20.65 -1.55 15311 Rank Group/D 254.8 -1.8 8612 Chowgule St-T/D 16.15 -0.85 12324 J.B.Chemical-B/D 249.7 2.8 14470 Orient.Carb.-T/D 451 -6.75 3219 Rentokil Initi/D 157.6 1.8 786935 Cimmco-B/D 77.4 -0.45 12961 Jagatjit Ind-X/D 61.5 1.35 2034 Orient.Carb.-T/D 451 -6.75 3219 Rolls Royce Pl/D 623.5 8.5 3245520 DUBAI: A return of some risk appetite to global equity Cipla-A/D 524.05 -16.15 396078 Jagson Phar-B/D 34.6 -0.9 15111 Oudh Sugar-B/D 36.8 -1.1 6218 Rsa Insrance G/D 399 1.4 750913 markets and a recovery in oil prices helped lift major City Union Bk-/D 83.5 -1 17775 Jamnaauto-B/D 127.3 -7.4 93936 Patspin India-/D 8.62 0.28 7002 Sainsbury(J)/D 247.4 0.2 1776820 Middle East exchanges in robust volumes yesterday. Colgate-A/D 838.2 -9.95 27818 Jbf Indu-B/D 178.3 -6.45 19401 Punjab Chem.-B/D 117 -1.1 4757 Schroders/D 2420 -3 94269 Riyadh’s index rose 0.9 percent to 5,740 points Container Cor-/D 1155.5 0.4 6706 Jct Ltd-B/D 5.36 -0.13 978561 Radico Khait-B/D 97.85 -1.85 18282 Severn Trent/D 2119 9 112606 in heavy trade, its second straight day of gains since Dai-Tichi Kar-/D 292 -23.2 4693 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 7.54 -0.64 11182 Rallis India-A/D 150 -1 11767 Smith&Nephew/D 1111 16 782668 news that the central bank lifted local banks’ maxi- Dcm Shram Ind-/D 82.15 -6.85 2525 Jktyre&Ind-A/D 80.7 -1.4 222106 Rallis India-A/D 150 -1 11767 Smiths Group/D 941.5 -2.5 350003 mum loan-deposit ratio to 90 percent from 85 percent Dhampur Sugar-/D 54 -4.05 51567 Jmc Projects-T/D 189.1 -15.8 1193 Reliance Indus/D 377.1 10.8 364341 Standrd Chart /D 424 -29.05 4009519 to ease liquidity in the sector. Dr. Reddy-A/D 2860.35 4.45 37623 Kabra Extr-B/D 78.3 -2.8 5212 Ruchi Soya-B/D 22.35 -1.65 286510 Tate & Lyle/D 551 -2.5 244540 But the index came off its high of 5,848 points after E I H-B/D 105.55 1 11821 Kajaria Cer-A/D 880 -19.75 2737 S Bk Bikaner-B/D 459.9 -19.65 17026 Tesco/D 177.75 -1.05 6745351 Saudi Arabia, Russia, Qatar and Venezuela agreed E.I.D Parry-A/D 168.7 -2.85 69799 Kakatiya Cem-B/D 122.5 -4.9 6540 Saur.Cem-B/D 43.05 -3.55 43419 Unilever/D 3047.5 35.5 742795 to freeze their oil output at January levels, providing Eicher Motor-A/D 18697.7 -56.35 8338 Kalpat Power-B/D 176.6 0.2 6373 Tanfac Indust-/D 27 1.25 1875 United Util Gr/D 919 -0.5 239693 other major producers followed suit. Oil prices rose Electrosteel-B/D 18 -1.15 52755 Kalyani Stel-T/D 133.7 -6 25560 Tanfac Indust-/D 27 1.25 1875 Vodafone Group/D 209.3 -0.15 23142673 in anticipation of the announcement and fell back Emco-B/D 23.5 -1.3 27597 Kanoria Chem-B/D 54.6 -3.35 11261 Thirumalai-B/D 135.5 -10.6 6723 Whitbread/D 3810 21 279065 slightly afterwards. Saudi Basic Industries closed up 1.5 percent. The banking sector, which helped lift the main index 2.4 percent on Monday, added a further 0.3 percent. Dar Al Arkan fell 1.1 percent after rating agency Moody’s low- European stocks struggle as oil gains slip away ered its credit rating of the real estate developer to B1 with a negative outlook from BA3 with a stable outlook. Egypt’s main benchmark rose 1.6 percent with Oras- com Telecom, the most traded stock, adding 1.8 percent AFP announcement was somewhat of points. Frankfurt’s DAX mean- this month. And eurozone con- credit gushed to help boost the after gaining 3.7 percent on Monday. a disappointment for the market, while dropped 0.8 percent as the fidence shed 9.1 points to stand flagging economy. Shanghai led Dubai’s benchmark rose 2.0 percent to 3,065 points which had been hoping for cuts, ZEW economic institute’s survey at 13.6 points. “Financial mar- the way, finishing up 3.3 percent, in active trade, cutting its losses in 2016 to 2.7 percent as freezing oil production levels showing that German investor ket experts’ sentiment concerning while Hong Kong ended 1.1 percent and making it the best-performing bourse amongst its LONDON: Europe’s stock mar- wouldn’t eliminate overproduc- sentiment hit a 16-month low in the economic development of the up. The gains come as speculation regional peers. kets struggled yesterday to find tion, nor address weak demand February on fears over the recent eurozone has weakened,” the ZEW intensifies that Beijing is preparing Volume was concentrated in mid-cap stocks which firm ground one day after bumper amid slowing growth in world oil collapse and China’s slow- declared in a gloomy warning. further stimulus after data showed are usually thinly traded, including Deyaar Develop- gains as oil prices quickly lost economy and a strong dollar. down. The DAX 30 closed down Europe’s stocks had soared on a slide in exports and imports. ment and amusement park developer Dubai Park and their sheen and investors were In late London trading bench- at 9,135.11 points. Monday after ECB President Mario Currency traders are also Resorts, which gained 5.0 and 3.5 percent respectively. greeted by fresh economic gloom. mark Brent crude oil was down 64 “Whilst the German and Draghi said the bank was ready pulling back from bets on a In Abu Dhabi the index added 0.8 percent, trim- Oil got only temporary gains cents to $32.75 a barrel, while the region-wide ZEW sentiment to act to stimulate the eurozone devaluation of the yuan as China ming its year-to-date losses to 3.9 percent. Real estate from energy giants Saudi Arabia main US contract, WTI, was down figures weren’t as bad as first economy and push up inflation. strengthens support for its cur- shares were the main support, with Eshraq Properties and Russia conditionally agreeing 0.43 cents to $29.01. thought ... they were still woe- In Asia, markets rallied on rency and prospects for a US and Aldar Properties each gaining 1.7 percent. to freeze crude output at Jan- Oil companies nevertheless ful,” said Spreadex analyst Connor hopes that authorities will step in interest rate increase dim. Qatar’s index edged up 0.2 percent to 9,873 points uary levels in a bid to stabilise benefitted from the news, with BP Campbell. “In stark contrast to the to boost growth in major econ- US stocks pushed higher yes- in this month’s highest volume, but it closed 41 points oil prices, which have collapsed gaining 1.4 percent and Royal Dutch Draghi-sustained surge on Mon- omies. Shanghai surged more terday, playing catch up with below its intra-day high. Blue chips buoyed the bourse by 70 percent since mid-2014 Shell climbing 1.6 percent, helping day, the DAX and the CAC look than three percent on speculation Monday gains elsewhere after a with Barwa Real Estate and Islamic lender Masraf Al due to chronic oversupply. “The London’s main FTSE 100 index post decidedly out of breath.” China is preparing stimulus meas- three-day holiday weekend. The Rayan each jumping more than 3.0 percent. stock market rally of the past two a 0.7 gain for the day. The FTSE 100 The ZEW’s investor confi- ures to boost the world’s number Dow Jones Industrial Average was Shares in Kuwait Projects Co, which are usually days has petered out with inves- closed at 5,862.17 points. dence index declined by 9.2 points two economy. up 0.7 percent at 16,089.79 points thinly traded, added 1.9 percent after the Gulf state’s tors again taking their cue from a In Paris the CAC 40 was to 1.0 point in February, its low- Chinese stocks were also approaching midday. The S&P 500 largest investment company reported a 10.7 percent rise slumping oil price,” said CMC Mar- down 0.11 percent at 4,110.66, est level since October 2014. given a lift by official figures was up 1 percent at 1,882.71 while in fourth-quarter net profit to 15.8m dinars ($52.9m). kets analyst Jasper Lawler. while in Milan, the FTSE MIB Analysts had been expecting an showing bank lending surged Nasdaq also rose 1.5 percent at Kuwait’s main index edged down 0.1 percent. The Saudi-Russian was down 0.5 percent at 16,958 even steeper drop to zero points to a record high in January, as 4,401.86 points. BUSINESS VIEWS WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2016 27

Dismay as Bank of Oil production freeze is Japan launches only the first step negative rates

By Hideyuki Sano benefit from negative rates might and Leika Kihara be smaller in Japan than they Reuters would be in Europe. “Japanese banks rely for 80 percent of fund- ing on deposits, unlike European banks, which raise more funds HE Bank of Japan’s neg- from markets, suggesting their ative interest rates came margin is likely to be pressured into effect yesterday in more,” they said. a radical plan already Japanese households have Tdeemed a failure by financial about half their 1,600 trillion yen markets, highlighting Tokyo’s assets in deposits while their debt lack of options to spur growth is much smaller, so have little to as global markets sputter. The gain from negative rates, they central bank, which announced added. Their analysis shows the shock decision on January 29, companies will gain 0.2 trillion will charge banks 0.1 percent for yen from lower borrowing costs, parking additional reserves with or just 0.3 percent of corporate the BoJ to encourage banks to operating profits. lend and prompt businesses and The biggest beneficiary is savers to spend and invest. government, by far the biggest While the announcement borrower in the country, which Motorist fills fuel at a petrol station in Oklahoma City. briefly drove down the yen and would save 1.2 trillion yen. A poll buoyed Japanese share prices, by Asahi Shimbun daily showed 61 markets quickly went into percent of people don’t expect neg- reverse. “It’s getting clearer that ative rates will help the economy By John Kemp prices that would quickly curb output from of the most important oil-exporting coun- Abenomics is a paper tiger,” said while only 13 percent said they will. Reuters U.S. shale formations and other high-cost tries may be ready to do a deal. Seiya Nakajima, chief economist The 10-year Japanese gov- producers and then restore the organisa- Iran will probably reject the deal in its at Office Niwa, a consultancy, ernment bond yield initially fell tion’s market share. current form (as might Iraq) since it would referring to Prime Minister below zero on the easing - a first The strategy may now be working, with constrain the country’s output at an unac- Shinzo Abe’s policy mix of mone- among Group of Seven econo- IL MINISTERS from Qatar, reports of a downturn in US shale output ceptably low sanctions-era level. tary easing, spending and reform. mies - but has recovered to 0.090 Saudi Arabia, Russia and and a sharp drop in non-Opec exploration From a Saudi perspective, one of the “The impact of monetary percent above zero. Venezuela announced yes- and production spending. But the strategy deal’s attractions is that it shifts some of easing is similar to currency Prices on 10-year JGB futures terday an agreement to has proved far slower and costlier than any the responsibility for continued overpro- intervention. The first time they imply volatility above 5 percent, freeze their oil output lev- Opec member thought when prices started duction and price weakness onto archrival do it, there’s a huge impact. But a 2.5-year high and more than els provided other major to slide in 2014. Iran. The focus will now shift to Tehran as they repeat it, the impact will triple the level at the start of the Oproducers follow suit. There are still doubts about how quickly and away from Riyadh and Moscow, which wane,” said Nakajima. Though year. This high volatility could The deal would freeze Saudi and Rus- the market will rebalance and whether is exactly what the Russian and Saudi senior BOJ officials expected persist, and the BoJ has only itself sian production at the record rates reported prices will recover, with most observers negotiators want. only a minor impact on Japanese to blame, some market players in January and is unlikely to be accepted predicting no rebalancing until the second The form of Iran’s rejection is what banks, their stock prices plunged, say. by Iran in its current form since the coun- half of 2016, 2017 or even 2018. matters. Iran could reject the deal out- contributing to a global market The overnight call rate, the try escaped from sanctions only last month. Opec’s strategy has inflicted a “good right and announce it will maximise its sell-off. benchmark for interbank lend- The agreement is provisional (depending sweating” on the oil market but also on production unilaterally. Or Iran could The problem was partly bad ing, fell to 0 to 0.001 percent on on adherence from other oil producers) and members of the Organisation of the Petro- accept “voluntary” limits on its produc- timing, as global markets were Tuesday, down from its weighted unambitious (freezing rather than cutting leum Exporting Countries itself. The good tion in the short term while announcing already in a tailspin over Chi- average of 0.074 percent on production), which has led some commen- sweating has in turn made most Opec and its intention to increase output later. There na’s slowdown, US rate hikes Monday. tators to dismiss its importance. non-Opec producers more flexible and ame- is nothing to stop Iran agreeing “voluntar- and tumbling oil prices. But the Although the rate is likely to But experience suggests production nable to the idea of a production agreement, ily” to restrict its exports in 2016, or even reaction leaves BoJ Governor fall to negative levels eventually, agreements are normally reached in stages, at least in principle. increasing them but below some pro- Haruhiko Kuroda’s assertion that it is unlikely to fall below zero for often after several earlier attempts have There is a strong incentive to declare the jected baseline, while reserving the right his policy is having its intended now, partly because many banks failed or been only partially fruitful. current strategy a success - and then quietly to increase them further in 2017 or beyond. effects looking threadbare. have not yet fixed their trading Successful agreements often exploit the modify it. Key oil producers have already Uncertainty about just how much Iran “It seems as though the BoJ’s system to cope with negative temporary weakness of specific producing travelled some distance along this path. can actually produce once freed from action triggered the market interest rates. countries and at least some past participants Saudi Arabia and its close allies the sanctions is one reason Saudi Arabia and moves,” said Yoshinori Shigemi, “At the moment, no one seems have reserved the right to increase output United Arab Emirates and Kuwait have its allies have wanted to defer any talk of global market strategist at JPMor- willing to lend at negative rates... beyond agreed levels in future. stressed in recent weeks the strategy is production cuts until mid-2016. gan Asset Management. “But a The BoJ decided to introduce neg- Successful production agreements are working, and that they can weather the However, there are plenty of permu- better explanation would be ative rates so suddenly without usually of limited scope and duration, defer- downturn, but indicated greater openness tations available for creative diplomacy. that concerns elsewhere over- giving banks time to prepare for ring more complicated to production cuts in future. Russia has also Diplomacy is not about resolving irrecon- whelmed the BoJ action.” them,” said Keita Higano, mar- and intractable issues signalled it might be prepared to join in any cilable differences but finding a formula that In the 11 days since the BoJ ket economist at Totan Research. about production allo- eventual production agreement in some enables them to be put aside for a while so board’s announcement, the bench- The BoJ also revealed the cations for later. In that unspecified way. everyone can share short-term gains. mark Nikkei index has fallen 8.5 detailed estimates on how its sense, the production Venezuela, one of the hardest-hit pro- In this case, the question is whether percent, despite a sharp rebound three-tier rate system will work. freeze announced in ducers, has been marshalling support for Opec members and Russia can put aside on Monday, while the yen has Of 253.4 trillion yen depos- Doha could be seen as a a modest production-freezing agreement, the bigger question of long-term market climbed 6.5 percent against the its parked at the BoJ, negative stepping stone towards culminating in Tuesday’s Doha deal. If most share to secure a short-term boost in oil dollar. rates will be applied to about a more ambitious and countries have sent mixed and confusing prices and revenues. Japanese bank shares have 23.2 trillion yen, more than comprehensive deal in signals about their willingness to reach a Key to this is whether a deal now or slumped by as much as 30 per- some market players expected. The production a few months’ time. deal, that reflects sound negotiating strat- later in the year can remove some of the cent as they are unlikely to pass Another 23.8 trillion yen will freeze announced The depth and dura- egy as well as the extent of the remaining current and expected surplus barrels from on negative rates to savers, who have zero interest rates while tion of the price slump disagreements. the market. already get negligible interest on the rest will continue to receive in Doha could be have taken all produc- Until now, no country wanted to be the The way to judge yesterday’s deal in their deposits but would baulk positive 0.1 percent interest. seen as a stepping ers by surprise and are first to make a concrete production-limit- Doha is not whether it is a comprehen- at paying to save. Negative rates While Kuroda notes the inflicting intense pain ing offer for fear of weakening its negotiating sive solution to the oversupply problem could push down bank operating BOJ can cut rates deeper below stone towards a on all oil companies and position. The deal announced in Doha is but whether it makes an eventual broader profits by 8-15 percent, Standard zero, market participants say more ambitious and exporting countries. incomplete in that it relies on concessions deal more likely. No one knows for cer- and Poor’s said. there’s little hope that more of Opec’s original strat- by other countries that were not party to tain whether a deal is possible, but the Economists at Mitsubishi the same would have a benefi- comprehensive deal in egy of maintaining high the agreement, and may not restrict output likelihood appears to have climbed in UFJ analysts said any economic cial effect. a few months’ time production envisioned a enough to restore market balance. But its sig- recent weeks, which is why oil prices have modest and brief drop in nificance is that it indicated at least a subset bounced off recent lows. Technology helps keep miners afloat but prices under water

By Sonali Paul and Nicole Mordant most recent financial year relative to 2012, helped set up systems for Goldcorp. relatively inexpensive and easy enough for Reuters according to government data. The trend is running against the indus- mine staff, rather than electricians, to install That means mines that would have been try’s broader drive to cut capital expenditure. and maintain. Northern Star Resources, doomed in past downturns are proving far “There’s a growing interest towards more Australia’s no.3 gold miner, has boosted its more resilient, prolonging oversupply and automation,” said Petri Virrankoski, manager reserves by exploring deep underground near EW technology is helping min- keeping downward pressure on prices. of load and haul in Australia for Sandvik Min- existing mines using 2-D and 3-D technology ers cut costs to survive the “You’re getting more output for a lower ing, the Swedish maker of mining equipment. from HiSeis, a company spun out of Curtin worst downturn in commodity price. It’s just one issue that’s making pro- Sandvik has successfully tested automated University in Western Australia. prices in nearly two decades, duction a bit stickier than you would expect,” trucks and loaders at a mine in Finland. Seismic campaigns cost up to A$1m which is good news for compa- said Ric Ronge, a portfolio manager of Pen- Gold miners in particular have stepped ($704,000) each, but they pay off in helping Nnies that might otherwise have gone to the gana Global Resources Fund. up technology investment within a falling the company identify exactly where to posi- wall, not so good for an industry drowning At a new gold mine in northern Canada, capex budget, as the gold price in producers’ tion drills, which has improved its exploration Global resource-based in overcapacity. huge fans switch on to suck dust and diesel currencies, such as Australian or Canadian success rates, said Northern Star’s chief oper- Commodity prices from coal to zinc are fumes out of shafts 650 metres underground dollars, has held up much better than other ating officer, Stuart Tonkin. That has helped companies have adapted down in some case as much as 80 percent from when equipment or workers approach the commodities. “I’d say half our clients are gold, the company cut exploration spending by 30 to the fall in revenue record highs a few years ago, caused in part area, and switch off when they leave, not which is quite lucky, because gold’s still doing percent this year to A$35 million. by adopting new by slowing economic growth in China — for wasting energy spinning all day long. quite well,” said Charlie Forrest, vice presi- Dundee Precious Metals, another gold years the world’s biggest user of raw materials ‘Ventilation on demand’ is saving Gold- dent of sales for Quebec-based Newtrax, a miner, started using wireless technology and technologies enabling — which shows little signs of abating. corp as much as $2.5m a year at the Eleonore private company that makes battery-oper- software platforms in 2012 to track opera- real-time tracking of Global resource-based companies have mine, and has cut energy costs more than 20 ated wireless nodes that convey data from tions in real time at its Chelopech mine in adapted to the fall in revenue by adopting new percent at a Glencore copper mine in Canada, underground operations to the surface. Bulgaria, where it has halved production costs operations, which helps technologies enabling, for example, real-time thanks to software tying together data from Newtrax has doubled its sales in each from a peak in 2008. That technology alone reduce down time, saves tracking of operations, which helps reduce tracking tags on the workers and sensors on of the past two years, and Forrest says it is has accounted for about 15 percent of the sav- down time, saves fuel, improves safety and ore loaders. “They’re seeing it as: ‘If I don’t on track to do so again in 2016, with strong ings Dundee achieved, Chief Executive Rick fuel, improves safety and boosts production. Despite the collapse in do this, I’m not going to be around, because demand for its products in underground hard Howes said. “It is the gift that keeps on giv- boosts production prices, Australian mining companies have it’s helping lower my costs,’” said Doug Bel- rock mines. One client, Glencore’s Kidd cop- ing. We are not realising the whole potential suffered only a 20 percent fall in profits in the lin, senior manager at Cisco Systems, which per and zinc mine, says Newtrax’s nodes are yet,” said Howes. 28 WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2016 BUSINESS BACK TO BUSINESS

Technology stocks selloff may sight turn IPO chill into IPO freeze EU unveils plans to

By Heather Somerville vet energy contracts Reuters outside bloc HIS WINTER was sup- posed to be Nutanix’s time AFP entirely reliant on Moscow. “With to shine. The high-tech political tensions on our borders computing and storage still on a knife-edge, it is a sharp company filed for a hotly reminder that this problem is not Tanticipated initial public offering in BRUSSELS: The EU unveiled going to go away,” Canete said. December, ready to woo investors plans yesterday to vet energy Brussels also wants to be early in the New Year. contracts that member states automatically notified of any But so far, Nutanix hasn’t been sign with countries outside the commercial contract lasting able to shake the chill of what is bloc as it seeks to cut depend- more than one year if the market shaping up to be a largely barren ence on Russian gas. share it involves means that it season for IPOs. And with the batter- The European Commission, carries a risk of security of sup- ing technology stocks have suffered the executive of the 28-nation ply. “We consider a 40 percent in the past couple of weeks, and the bloc, proposed changes so it can market share to be an appropri- dismal performance of technology review such agreements before ate threshold,” Canete said. IPOs in the past couple of years, any they are signed to see if they Germany’s plans for a sec- idea of a springtime busy with tech- comply with EU rules. ond pipeline, Nord Stream 2, nology offerings may also be wishful Currently the Commission to carry Russian gas under the thinking. can only examine contracts Baltic Sea have caused some Eric Jensen, an IPO attorney for after they have been signed. “It disquiet. Rome saw it as hypo- Cooley LLP, said his firm has “a pretty means no country should sign an critical that Berlin should pursue significant pipeline of deals,” with inter-governmental agreement a major deal when the rest of about 32 companies that have filed second or third quarter. But he is expand in developing nations such market intelligence firm Ipreo. Last until the Commission has given the bloc is being asked to sac- with regulators for IPOs, either confi- running the company a little leaner, as India, according to regulatory fil- year, a slow year for deals, there was its opinion,” EU energy Commis- rifice their interests to pursue dentially or publicly. But he said plans slowing down on hiring, and making ings and previous statements from still one deal in January. Even after sioner Miguel Arias Canete said. sanctions against Russia over by the five or so technology firms with sure there are ample cash reserves so the company. this year got off to a rocky start, with Such opinions would be Ukraine. a $1bn-plus valuation in that queue, he can be flexible with his IPO timing. Employees will also have to wait low oil prices sending the stock mar- given in 12 weeks and the mem- The Nord Stream 2 con- “are all stalled out.” In the seven years since it was longer to cash in their stock options, ket lower, many tech companies and ber state would have to do its sortium said its deal is only The cratering in technology stocks launched, Nutanix has attracted more a hefty part of many tech employ- bankers had bet on the IPO window “utmost” to take the findings based on commercial cooper- has also helped to push down the val- than $300m from investors including ees’ compensation. From August opening in the second quarter. Now, into consideration. “This is an ation between companies and uations of private tech companies and Khosla Ventures and Fidelity Invest- 2012 through November 2015, Nuta- those involved in bringing deals to important and unprecedented is not based on any agreements interest in investing in them, say capi- ments. It had $241m in revenue for the nix granted more than 35 million market are worried that might not step to ensure a level playing between countries. “Therefore tal markets experts. Fewer options for fiscal year ending July 31, 2015, selling shares of common stock at a price happen. field for all,” Canete said. there are no potential issues capital raising means that high-flying servers and storage systems to cus- ranging from $1.22 to $15.06 to offic- Companies face risks if they wait “As EU markets continue to with EU law compliance of companies may need to rein in spend- tomers such as Nasdaq Inc, Nintendo ers, directors and employees at the longer than six months between fil- integrate, decisions taken by one underlying intergovernmental ing, delay some ambitious expansion Co Ltd, and Nordstrom Inc. company, according to its IPO filing. ing for an IPO and listing. Investors member state can have a neg- agreements,” it said. plans and even lay off staff, accord- Last year, it set out on a well- It also granted more than six million can lose interest, management teams ative impact on the security of Also under the plan, all ing to investors and tech consultants. trodden path for high-growth tech restricted stock units. can lose momentum and the offer- supply in neighbouring coun- countries will be required to IPO experts also say they expect startups, filing paperwork for an IPO Nor has an IPO happened for any ing can become anticlimactic, said tries,” he added. ensure gas supplies to house- more startups will get acquired that was expected to value the com- technology company so far this year. Karim Anani, IPO west region leader The European Union is holds, hospitals and other key cheaply, and go the way of Good pany at around $2.5bn, and with its None have even priced. Indeed, Jan- for consulting firm EY. already investigating whether services in the event of a crisis. Technology, a mobile security com- eye on a January debut, according to uary marked the first month since IPO advisers say a company Russian state energy firm “In practice this means pany once valued at $1bn and last two people familiar with the matter. September 2011 without an IPO of any should not go public when the volatil- Gazprom has imposed unfair member states will have to give year sold to Blackberry for $425m. And yet, come mid-February, kind, according to Renaissance Cap- ity index, or VIX, which measures the prices which breach the EU’s priority to vulnerable consum- It had planned an IPO but that never that hasn’t happened. Nutanix hasn’t ital, manager of IPO-focused funds. market’s expectation of price volatil- rules, in a move which fur- ers in neighbouring countries got off the ground. offered a price range for the sale, Some had certainly been hoping ity, is above 20. The index has closed ther inflamed relations already over non-vulnerable consum- “A lot of these companies are which usually precedes a week or to come to market. Cloud communi- above 20 every day but two so far this strained by the Ukraine crisis. ers at home,” Canete said. going to have to rein in their costs in two of investor presentations known cations company Twilio filed for an year. Last year, it only closed above For the tenth year in a row, The energy package pro- order to survive,” said Matt Brady, co- as the roadshow, making the earliest IPO confidentially last year, while that level 42 times. EU states imported half of their posals will now have to be founder and chief operating officer of possibility for a public debut weeks both security company Okta and Further eroding investor con- energy needs in 2014. A third of submitted to the European Par- investment firm Militello Capital. The away. It is unclear what the delays cloud software startup Coupa have fidence is the weak performance their gas imports comes from liament and member states for markets tanked just as Apttus, which will mean for Nutanix’s growth plans. been in talks with bankers for an IPO, of tech IPOs from the last couple Russia alone and some newer eventual approval which could makes sales software for businesses, Nutanix has been seeking to according to two people familiar with of years. Of the 87 tech IPOs that eastern members are almost take several years. was putting the finishing touches on expand its customer base quickly, the matter. debuted over 2014-2015, about 80 its IPO filing. CEO Kirk Krappe said particularly among the large global In 2014, there were two tech IPOs percent are underwater from their he is still anticipating a debut in the companies, to hire aggressively and in January and February, according to IPO price.

History has shown that China’s monetary policy Capital change can be swift and unexpected. Companies Kim Eng Tan, senior director are wary of sudden changes, and such behavior of Asia-Pacific sovereign Comment contributes to the addition of leverage. ratings, S&P

TOP TWEETS BLOGS AND VIEWS Market Talk Goldman suggests Fitch Ratings @ MoneyBeat shorting gold FitchRatings NAME IN THE MARKET: 2015 MEGA MERGERS #China Credit Quality, Property are Key Risks Reuters said in a note pn Monday. “We for Hong Kong #Banks in 2016 are recommending shorting No one knows how much gold through a GSCI-style roll- lower stocks will go, but SINGAPORE: Investors should ing index,” it said, referring to Moody’s Ratings News @ short gold, one of the best the S&P GSCI commodity index. many money managers performing assets this year, Goldman expects prices to MoodysRatings agree on one thing. This bull Goldman Sachs said, as it fall to $1,100 in three months Rouble deprecia- market is old and tired. believes a recent rally triggered and $1,000 in 12 months. Gold tion will erode Russian by concerns over the health of has already given back some of banks’ capital ratios the global economy has been its gains, falling below $1,200 and loan performance overdone. early yesterday as equities Bullion has gained about 13 rebounded. percent in 2016 as worries over The US Federal Reserve Financial Times @ negative interest rates and their would hike interest rates fur- Wealth Adviser impact on the banking sector sent ther, putting pressure on gold, FinancialTimes investors scurrying out of equities Goldman said, despite recent and into safe-haven gold. speculation the Fed might resort Crude slide ignites Concerns over the Chi- to negative interest rates to stim- interest in oil ETFs nese economy and fears of a ulate the economy. US recession also helped gold Bullion was also likely to see post one of its biggest rallies in little support from top consumer Financial advisers need to years. Prices hit a one-year high China, with a large amount of Telegraph Finance @ of $1,260.60 an ounce last week. physical demand unlikely, Gold- TeleFinance maintain a calm and steady But Goldman Sachs said prices man analysts said in the note. demeanor with clients even will roll back. China has already shown its Generation Rent: Lon- “Fears around China, oil pessimism with the gold rally, don to become a city of when markets are crazy. and negative interest rates selling the metal after return- renters by 2025 have likely been overstated in ing from a week-long holiday on the gold price and other finan- Monday, while post-Lunar New cial markets,” Goldman Sachs Year demand is set to falter. www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAGE | 32 PAGE | 33 Ronaldo key as Platini ‘happy’ RReal Madrid clash after FIFA with AS Roma hearing

WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2016 • 8 Jumada I 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar Prizes worth QR2.5m up for grabs at Emir’s Sword show jumping event

The CSI5* championship to showcase 15 top international riders and Qatar’s Rio-bound squad at QEF’s Outdoor Arena H.H The Emir’s Sword International Showjumping

BY RIZWAN REHMAT we are six months away from the Games The Peninsula but we are looking at it as if we are just two months away from the Olympics,” Al Attiyah said. “Qatari riders will be in Al Ain for the DOHA: Next week’s Emir’s Sword show Four Nations (this week). Then they will jumping gala will offer a staggering come here for this Emir Sword event and QR2.5m in prize money, event organisers before going to to CHI Al Shaqab (March announced yesterday. 2 to 5). Some of them will continue at the The hugely popular event will be held Doha Tour in March. In between we will at the Outdoor Arena of the Qatar Eques- have a show in Paris - the Hermes event, trian Federation (QEF) from February 24 another CSI5* event,” he said. to 27. Al Attiyah said Qatar will be aiming Hamad bin Abdul Rahman Al Attiyah, for gold at Rio Olympic Games. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FROM FEBRUARY 24 TO 27 President of QEF, said 15 international “That’s our target,” Al Attiyah said. entries including Luciana Diniz of Portu- “We always looks for first place. It is a Wednesday 24 February gal and Abdelkebir Ouaddar or Morocco sport after all. We have support from the Time 09:00-10:30 & 11:00-12:30 Horse inspection Technical meeting; Draw and will join Qatar’s Rio-bound squad at the H H the Emir, the Qatar Olympic Com- Warm up CSI5* event. mittee and our stakeholders. Thursday 25 February “H H The Emir’s Sword event is going “We will be attempting to win the Qatar’s Ali Yousef Al Rumaihi clears a hurdle on the final to be a real spectacle this year. It will be a medal but it is not an easy game since day of Qatar International Show Jumping Championship at Time: 9:00 Horse re-inspection five-star show. The timing of the event will we are competing against riders who have Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club in Doha in this January Time:1:00pm Competition No 1: CS12 Two Phases Article (274.5.3) Fences: Height be good for the home riders since Qatar are been in this sport for 20-30 years. 2016 file photo. 125cm Speed 350m/m (one horse per rider) prize (QR40,000) preparing for the 2016 Olympic Games,” “Our riders are still young. They can Time: 4:30pm Competition No 2: CS15 Two Phases Article (274.5.3) Fences: Height Al Attiyah said. give more. They have done well in the last 145cm Speed: 350m/m (one horse per rider) prize (QR122,100) LR “It is a five star event so the prize two years. What they have done is what Time: 6:30pm Competition No 3: CS15 Table (A) Against the Clock Article (238.2.1) money will be on the higher side. The prize riders do in 10 years,” he said. Fences: Height 150cm Speed: 350m/m (one horse per rider) prize (QR307,200) LR money is QR2.5m. All the top Qatari riders “They (Qatari riders) are in train- Friday 26 February will be at this event,” he said. ing mode. Let’s say the riders have not Time:1:30pm Competition No 4: CS12 accumulator woth Joker Article (269) Fences: “There is going to be international been on vacation for two years. They are Height 125cm Speed: 350m/m (one horse per rider) prize (QR42,000) presence. We will have the big names here. forever in training. Soon they will be in Diniz won the Global Champions Tour in Europe as they prepare for the Olympic Time: 4:30pm Competition No 5: CS15 Article (263-Table C 239) Fences: Height Doha. Abdelkebir, the Moroccan star, will Games. 145cm Speed: 120se (one horse per rider) prize (QR122,100) LR be here as well. We are talking about 15 “While we are talking about Olym- Time: 6:30pm Competition No 6: CS15 The 50th best rider Qualifier for the com- international riders,” Al Attiyah said. pics let me add that when we say we are petition number 9 (Grand Prix) Table (A) Against the Clock with Jump Off Article “The entry is free for fans. There are preparing for the Games, it doesn’t mean (238.2.2) Fences: Height 155cm Speed: 350m/m (one horse per rider) prize family entertainment areas. It is going we are just training. This means we could (QR307,200) LR to be a three-day event. We will have a be in training, we could be at a compe- Saturday 27 February number of competitions as you can see tition or we could be doing some show. Time:1:00pm Competition No 7: CS15 Table A against the clock Article (238.2.1) in the schedule. “We won’t be going to Rio for any kind No.J.Off Fences: Height 155cm Speed: 350m/m (one horse per rider) prize “Competitions will start around 1pm. of training or event before the Games. We (QR460,300) LR It is the first time that the Emir’s Sword have a flight from Europe to Rio, so they Time: 4:30pm Competition No 8:CS12 Final Table (A) Against the clock with jump event will be a 5-star event. Nine classes need to stay with their horses while they off Article (238.2.2) Fences: Height 145cm Speed: 350m/m (one horse per rider) and seven of them are ranking classes. train and compete in Europe. prize (QR122,100) LR The Grand Prix will be A class,” Al Attiyah “Once their horses are ready to be Time: 4:30pm Competition No 9: CS15 (Grand Prix) Open to the 50 top riders from said. The QEF president said the next six flown to Rio, the riders will move a few competition 6 qualifier for OG RIO 2016 + EC 2017 (certificates capability) Two rounds months will be key for the Qatari riders. days before them. They have to welcome Hamad bin Abdul Rahman Al Attiyah, President of QEF (left) and with jump off (Table A) Article 273.3.4.1 & 273.4.5 +273.2.2 + Annex VIII art.6) Fences: “Yes, we are so close (to the Olympic the horses and start training in Rio (closer Height 160cm Speed: 375 m/m (one horse per rider) Prize (QR766,900) LR Games). We are talking about the fact that to the Games),” Al Attiyah said. Qatar’s star rider Ali Yousef Al Rumaihi

Doha Open Boxing Championships Flu keeps Serena out of 2016 Qatar Total Open

The Peninsula Tennis superstars including Simona Halep; Champion of Qatar Total Open 2014, Garbine Muguruza, Agnieszka Rad- wanska, Petra Kvitova, Angelique Kerber DOHA: World No.1 Serena Williams (pic- and the defending Champion Lucie Safa- tured) has been kept out of the 2016 Qatar rova are still in the fray for the top-tier Total Open as a result of flu. tournament. The 21 Grand Slam singles titles win- Tournament Director Saad Al Mohan- ner was among the stars expected to set nadi said, “Although we will miss the the courts of the Khalifa International presence of the World No. 1 Serena Wil- Tennis & Squash Complex in Doha on liams, but the tournament remains one fire as the prestigious tournament kicks of the most keenly contested on the WTA off on February 21 before the unfortunate Tour with the quality of the field we have withdrawal. in Doha. This year will definitely witness Announcing her withdrawal, Serena more competitive field as the superstars said, “I unfortunately have to withdraw slug it out on the courts. We hope to see A Qatari player (right) lands a punch on his opponent’s face during the Doha Open from the Qatar Total Open as I have come Serena in Doha next year as we wish her a Championships at Katara yesterday. The three-day event, which is organised by down with the flu and do not feel 100 per- quick recovery.” cent. I need to take this time to recover Serena was a finalist at the 2013 tour- Qatar Boxing Federation, concludes today. Pic: Baher/The Peninsula but I do look forward to returning to Doha nament where she lost 7–6(8–6), 2–6, 6–3 and seeing my fans soon.” to Victoria Azarenka. 30 WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2016 SPORT

Reigning Olympic high Olympic jump bronze medallist, triple jump Qatari athlete Mutaz champion Olga Barshim competes in the Rypakova ‘Hero’ Barshim men’s high jump at the World Indoor Athletics championships at the ERGO Arena in Sopot, a star attraction Poland in this file photo. at Asian Indoors

Cray of The Philippines, who clocked 6.60 in Karlsruhe, Germany on February 5, will The world champion lead the challenge to break-up the host’s to join a host of other 1-2 ambitions. In the men’s 800 metres, Qataris who are set to which also gets underway on Friday, Qatari Musaeb Abdulrahman Balla will entertain home crowds start as overwhelming favourite to defend his title. Balla, who was fifth at the world championships in Beijing last summer, has a 1:46.79 run to his credit this season, The Peninsula nearly three seconds faster than any other ASIAN INDOOR ATHLETICS Asian. The final is on Sunday. CHAMPIONSHIPS Also returning for the hosts in Mohamed Al Garni, who’ll defend both DOHA: Local hero Mutaz Barshim will be middle distance titles he claimed two the star attraction when the 7th edition years ago, both in straight finals against of the AAA Asian Indoor Championships strong opponents from neighbouring Bah- kicks off on Friday at Doha’s Aspire Dome. rain. In Saturday’s 1500m, he’ll take on With more than 400 athletes repre- Marouane Habti, and in Sunday’s 3000m Kazakhstan’s Rypakova senting 37 nations competing, the event contest will face Asian Albert Rop, the at Doha’s state-of-the-art athletics facility Asian indoor record holder over the dis- between February 19 and 21, but none will tance at 7:38.77. be as watched as the host nation’s reign- Rising 400m star Abdellelah Haroun one to watch out for ing Olympic high jump bronze medallist. Hassan is another key Qatari medal pros- It’s a rare opportunity for the 24-year- pect. Barely 19, Hassan is already the Asian old, who is also the reigning world indoor record holder in the event both indoors The Peninsula double medal performance when other Asian. The pair will make medal hopeful in the triple jump, champion, to compete on a high level stage (45.39) and outdoors (44.27).He’ll face she won the heptathlon and fin- Iranian Maryam Toosi’s quest to as does shot putter Tianqian Guo, before a home crowd, and he’s already defending champion Mehdi Zamani of Iran. ished third in the long jump at the defend her titles over both dis- the 2015 Asian champion. indicated that he’s hoping for big things. Elsewhere, watch out for China’s rising Asian Games in Doha. After that tances extremely difficult. Other athletes to watch With a 2.34m clearance in Malmö, Sweden pole vaulter Huang Bokai, the 19-year-old DOHA: Olympic triple jump her focus shifted entirely to the And in the 60 metres hur- include Oluwakemi Adekoya of late last month, Barshim has illustrated who tuned up for Doha with a 5.70m effort champion Olga Rypakova of jumps where the Aspire Dome dles, Annastasiya Soprunova and Bahrain, the 2014 Asian Games good form as the championships approach to claim a surprise victory in Gent, Belgium Kazakhstan will be the top star to has played a key role. Annastasiya Pilipenko will pack a and 2015 Asian championships and has already suggested that assaults on February 13. watch in the women’s competition In 2008, she won Asian indoor solid 1-2 punch for Kazakhstan. gold medallist in the 400 metres on his 2.41m Asian indoor record set one In the shot put, India will be gunning for at the 7th Asian Indoor Athletics triple jump title here and returned Nonetheless, China’s overall hurdles, who will compete here in year ago, and even Javier Sotomayor’s a gold-silver finish courtesy Om Prakash Championships which kick off two years later to take world depth could prove too much for the 400 metres. legendary 2.43m world indoor record set Singh Karhana and Indrejeet Singh, the this weekend at the Aspire Dome indoor gold in the event with a Kazakhstan’s aspirations. The The Bahraini squad also nearly 27 years ago, may be under assault. defending champion and 2015 Asian cham- in Doha. 15.14m leap, an Asian record that powerhouse is led by Li Ling, the includes Mimi Belete, a four-time Barshim is a rare breed: only one man has pion, respectively. Each brings a 20.65m More than 400 athletes rep- still stands. More recently she leapt Asian record holder (4.51 indoors, Asian championships medallist ever sailed higher than the Qatari’s out- outdoor personal best to the competition. resenting 37 nations are expected to bronze at the 2015 world cham- 4.66m outdoors) in the pole vault, over 1500 and 5000 metres, who door best of 2.43m while indoors his Asian Other 2014 champions returning to to compete at the event at Doha’s pionships in Beijing. Her outdoor who’ll be challenged by teammate leads the field over the shorter dis- record mark ranks him fourth all-time. A defend their titles in Kuwaitis Abdulaziz state-of-the-art athletics facility best of 15.25m ranks her eighth Menquian Ren and Tomomi Abiko tance. She’s clocked 4:00.08 in the fourth successive victory on Friday will Almandeel and Saleh Alhaddad in the 60 between February 19 and 21, 115 among jumpers all-time. Rypa- of Japan, the defending champion. metric mile outdoors. make Barshim the first four-time winner metre hurdles and long jump respectively. of those entered in the 13 women’s kova leads a formidable Kazakh Zheng Xingjuan, the runner- Meanwhile, the weekend will at these championships. Almandeel will go up against China’s 2013 disciplines. None shine as bright squad who arrive with ambitions up at these championships in 2014, provide the first taste of a cham- Friday will witness another Qatari Asian Championships 110m hurdles cham- on the women’s programme at to top the women’s medal tables. returns as a solid medal threat in pionship experience for Qatar’s gunning for that superlative with Sam- pion Fan Jiang while Alhaddad will face the moment than the 31-year-old In the 60 metres, Victoriya the high jump, aiming to unseat squad of five: Fatemah Sassa- uel Francis targeting his fourth 60 metres Fan’s teammate Huang Changzhou, who who has displayed time and again Zyabkina, a two-time Asian defending champion Svetlana nipoor in the pentathlon, Bashair title after victories in 2008, 2010 and 2014. has an 8.17m career best. her ability to earn medals at major champion in the 200 metres, Radzivil of Uzbekistan. Radzivil Obaid Almanwari in the 60 The biggest threat to the veteran Fran- Doha also hosted the championships events. comes to Doha on the heels of her (1.97m PB) also leapt to gold at the metres, Dalal Mesfer Al Harith in cis, who has clocked 6.70 this season, will 2008 edition at the Aspire Dome, the same Her first came at the 2005 edi- 7.20 national record to take on the 2015 Asian Championships. the 400 metres, Sara Ahmed Al be teammate Tosin Ogunode, who ran 6.50 facility that played host to the 2010 IAAF tion of these championships where role of favourite. Likewise in the Minjia Lu, the 2015 Asian Mannai in the shot put, and Mar- in 2014 and 6.66 this season. Eric Shauwn World Indoor Championships. she took surprise gold in the pen- 400 metres where Elina Mikhi- long jump champion, will start as iam Farid, who’ll join Sassanipoor, tathlon. That was followed a year na’s 53.37 season’s best is more favourite in her specialty, while Almanwari and Al Harith in the later by her first major career than a full second faster than any Xiaohong Li arrives as a strong 4x400 metre relay.

I vanovic starts Dubai ATP AND WTA RIO OPEN RESULTS Nadal downplays Zika virus Men’s singles First Round Championship with Inigo Cervantes-Huegun (ESP) bt Taro Daniel (JPN) 3-6, 7-5, 6-2 threat ahead of Rio Open impressive win Santiago Giraldo (COL) bt Gastão Elias (POR) 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) Reuters Albert Ramos (ESP) bt Dusan Lajovic (SRB) retired AFP DUBAI TENNIS Women’s singles First Round CHAMPIONSHIPS Lara Arruabarrena (ESP x6) bt Rebecca Peterson (SWE) RIO DE JANEIRO: Spanish tennis star 6-0, 6-3 Rafael Nadal, who will play this week in Silvia Soler (ESP) bt Romina Oprandi (SUI) 6-1, 6-2 the Rio Open, downplayed public con- DUBAI: Ana Ivanovic followed up because of the (three-set, second- Paula Goncalves (BRA) bt Julia Glushko (ISR) 6-3, 6-1 cerns over risks linked to the Zika virus last week’s semi-final in Russia round) battle (won by Gavrilova) in the Brazilian city that will host the with a dynamic start at the Dubai we had in Rome on clay,” Ivanovic ATP MARSEILLE OPEN Olympics in August, saying “people are Tennis Championships as the said. “I really tried to step it up RESULTS living completely normal lives.” former world number one crushed today and be aggressive. Nadal is one of the first major sports Australian Daria Gavrilova 6-1, “Especially here in the desert First Round figures to compete in the city since 6-0 yesterday. I feel that the ball sometimes flies Sergiy Stakhovsky (UKR) bt Feliciano Lopez (ESP) 6-3, Brazil became the focal point for the The first-round rout for the a little bit through the air quicker, 2-6, 7-6 (7/5) virus that has spread rapidly across Serb required just 53 minutes as so I tried to use that in my advan- Andrey Kuznetsov (RUS) bt Lucas Pouille (FRA) 7-6 (7/1), the Americas. Health officials believe she showed no mercy to her Rus- tage. So I’m very pleased overall.” 6-4 it is linked to microcephaly, a condi- sian-born opponent, who thrilled Ukrainian Elina Svitolina Ernests Gulbis (LAT) bt Kenny De Schepper (FRA) 6-4, tion marked by abnormally small head her new home audience in Mel- won a battle with Slovak Jana 6-7 (6/8), 7-6 (7/2) size that can result in developmental bourne by reaching the Australian Cepelova, posting a 6-3, 6-1 result problems. Mischa Zverev (GER) bt Ramkumar Ramanathan (IND) Open fourth round. Ivanovic to next take on second seed and Despite a recent surge in reports of 6-2, 7-5 reached the final four in St Peters- 2015 semi-finalist Garbine Mugu- infants born with these birth defects burg at the weekend, losing to US ruza of Spain. DELRAY BEACH in Brazil’s northeast that world health Open finalist Roberta Vinci. “It was a good start but then officials say is likely linked to the “Last week I played some I struggled a little bit to finish INTERNATIONAL RESULTS mosquito-born virus, Nadal, who has great tennis. Obviously it’s a lit- the set. But I’m really happy that Men’s singles Round 1 qualified for the men’s singles tennis tle bit tough, different conditions a good finish with two sets and 8-Adrian Mannarino (France) beat Malek Jaziri (Tunisia) event at the Games, said the situation here completely,” Ivanovic said. only gave up four games. It was 1-6 6-3 6-1 in Rio “was not likely to be so serious.” “I had only one practice here. But a good start.” Svitolina, now tak- 4-Grigor Dimitrov (Bulgaria) beat Dudi Sela (Israel) 6-4 “I see people conducting their lives still I’m very happy. ing advice from former number 6-2 Spain’s Rafael Nadal normally... I see people walking, peo- “I know I’ve done the work, one Justine Henin in an arrange- John-Patrick Smith (Australia) beat 3-Ivo Karlovic hits a return to Austria’s ple on the beach, people in restaurants, and now it’s just about exe- ment put into place recently, won people having completely normal lives,” (Croatia) 6-3 3-6 6-2 Dominic Thiem during cuting and also enjoying the a massive 17-minute game to earn the world’s former top player Nadal told their semi-final tennis competition.” a 4-1 lead in the second set on the DUBAI CHAMPIONSHIPS reporters at the Jockey Club, which is match at the ATP Ivanovic, a three-time Dubai way to her sweep. The 21-year-old hosting the Rio Open. Argentina Open in quarter-finalist, broke six times as said having another voice in her RESULTS Several athletes and visitors plan- Gavrilova committed 22 unforced tennis can only be a huge help. Women’s singles First round Buenos Aires, Argentina ning to come to the Olympics have errors. The challenger was play- “It’s great to have Justine Sara Errani (Italy) beat Zheng Saisai (China) 7-5 6-3 in this February 13 file expressed concern about Zika, which ing the event for the first time after in my team, I worked with her Ana Ivanovic (Serbia) beat Daria Gavrilova (Australia) 6-1 photo. Nadal, who will has been reported in more than 30 losing in qualifying three years in offseason for a little bit, and 6-0 play this week in the countries, according to the World Health Rio Open, downplayed ago. 2008 French Open winner now she’s gonna join us for some Barbora Strycova (Czech Republic) beat Tsvetana Pironk- Organization. public concerns over Ivanovic, ranked 17th, will face top tournaments. ova (Bulgaria) 6-4 6-3 There are currently no vaccines or seed Simona Halep in the second Czech Barbora Strycova beat risks linked to the Zika treatment for the virus, though research Elina Svitolina (Ukraine) beat Jana Cepelova (Slovakia) round at the Aviation Club. qualifier Tsvetana Pironkova 6-4, virus in Rio. institutes and pharmaceutical compa- “I expected a very tough match 6-3. 6-3 6-1 nies are working on several possibilities. SPORT WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2016 31 W indsurf champ warns of pollution at Rio waters

windsurfing gold medallist warned Zika would be less problematic. yesterday. Lee Lai-shan is the south- “I think this virus is just another Hong Kong’s only ern Chinese city’s only Olympic gold obstacle. Taking precautions to avoid Olympic gold winner and a local heroine. mosquito bites would be enough,” She expressed concern over the she told the Post. medallist says risk posed to windsurfers from the Brazil has been most affected by tainted waters pose “very polluted” waters in the Brazil- the mosquito-borne virus outbreak a bigger threat than ian city, which will host the Games that has spread rapidly through in August. Latin America and the Caribbean. Zika virus “Our biggest hurdle is... the While it causes only mild flu-like poor water quality. It’s very pol- symptoms in most people, Zika is luted there. Once you fall sick you’re strongly suspected of a rapid rise in This file picture taken on done,” Lee told the South China the number of children born with August 15, 2004 shows AFP Morning Post. Windsurfers will be microcephaly - abnormally small Hong Kong surfer Lee competing in Rio’s Guanabara Bay. heads and brains - to mothers Lai-shan sailing during Brazilian authorities had prom- infected during pregnancy. Bra- the first women’s ised to clean the natural harbour zilian President Dilma Rousseff on windsurfer Mistral race HONG KONG: Hong Kong’s Olym- but even today, half of Rio’s sew- Saturday launched a door-to-door on the second day of pic athletes face a bigger threat from age pours in untreated. Lee, who “war” on mosquitoes that carry the competitions at the the tainted waters of Rio de Janeiro won windsurfing gold at the 1996 virus and vowed they will not jeop- 2004 Olympic Games in than the Zika virus, the city’s former Atlanta Olympic Games, said that ardise the Games. Athens.

Kenya’s Kiplagat targets Olympic ticket and medal in Rio

IANS home with mixed feelings after she in 2014. “It was hard for me to break make the Kenyan team for the Rio from a lean group of Kenyan runners failed to improve on her world record the world record because the winds Olympics and try to get my first Olym- all eyeing the three slots to make the in the 21 kilometre distance but won were so strong. Moreover, I had just pic medal,” Kiplagat added. team to Rio. the race, will now turn her focus to the recovered from a cold and was not in “I’m extremely grateful to the peo- They include New York marathon NAIROBI: After winning the Chicago London Marathon, which will serve my best form. But I wanted to win and ple of Barcelona for their support and champion Mary Keitany (2:18:37), marathon, Florence Kiplagat (pic- as the Kenyan marathon trial for Rio am happy I did just that,” she said on hospitality. Even though it was impos- fourth at the London Olympics in 2012, tured) would have rested assured of Olympics, reports Xinhua. Monday. sible for me to achieve the (world) Berlin marathon winner Gladys Cher- her spot in the Olympic marathon Kiplagat’s time of 1:09:19 on Sun- “I was not in shape for another record, they supported me. Maybe next ono (2:19:25), former London marathon team. This could be an ideal case in day was more than four minutes record. But now I will head to Iten to year, if I return I will go under the one winner Priscah Jeptoo (2:20:14) and any other country, but not in Kenya. outside the half marathon world record keep on with my build-up for the Lon- hour and five minute barrier.” world marathon silver medalist Jem- The 28-year-old, who returned of 1:05:09, which she set in Barcelona don Marathon in April. I would like to Kiplagat will face stiff challenge ima Sumgong (2:20:48). Disgraced ex-chief Jungels wins first stage of Tour of Oman of Rusada dies AFP

AL-BUSTAN, OMAN: Luxem- AFP Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko bourg’s Bob Jungels, riding for the said Kamayev, who had served as Etixx team, won the first stage RUSADA’s executive director since of the Tour of Oman yesterday, 2011, “stood at the origins of the a 145km run between the Oman MOSCOW: The former head of Rus- anti-doping organisation in Rus- Exhibition Center and Al Bustan. sia’s anti-doping agency RUSADA, sia, he created it.” Jungels clocked 3hr 37min Nikita Kamayev, who resigned last “We greatly regret his death,” 33sec to take the leader’s red jer- year over the state sponsored dop- he added. sey, 10sec ahead of Dimension ing allegations scandal, has died Kamayev had initially Data’s Belgian rider Serge Pauwels, suddenly, the agency said on Mon- responded defiantly to the WADA Luxembourg’s rider Bob Jungels of the with France’s Romain Bardet of La day. report released in November, Etixx-Quick Step team celebrates while Mondiale a further 4sec adrift in “The RUSADA former executive branding the suspension of Mos- crossing the finish line to win the first third. director died suddenly at the age of cow’s anti-doping laboratory “utter stage of the Tour of Oman 2016 cycling The Tour’s second stage is a 52,” RUSADA said in a statement. nonsense” and ridiculing the allega- race in Al Bustan, Oman yesterday. 162km ride between Omantel Head “The cause is presumed to be a mas- tions as reminiscent of “the epoch Office and Quriyat. sive heart attack.” of James Bond.” “It is a great loss and unex- “I have a holster, a pistol, and pected for us,” the Russian every day I go to the basements of anti-doping agency’s interim gen- Lubyanka,” he scoffed to journal- eral director Anna Antseliovich, ists in November, using the informal who took charge after the scandal, name for the KGB/FSB security Contador mulls his own pro team in 2017 told R-Sport news agency. Kamayev, service headquarters building in who resigned as RUSADA’s execu- central Moscow. tive director in December, died after Kamayev became the second AFP 2014), double Giro cham- feeling ill while skiing, the former former RUSADA senior official to die pion (2008, 2015) and general director of the anti-doping this month after the former chair- twice winner of the Tour agency, Ramil Khabriyev told TASS man Vyacheslav Sinev, who led the de France (2007, 2009). news agency earlier Monday. agency from 2008-2010, died on MADRID: Current Tinkoff The second option, he “I never heard before that he February 3. lead rider Alberto Conta- said, was “complicated” had heart problems. Maybe his The cause of Sinev’s death dor on Monday said that he and involved a “very high wife knew about some problems,” has not been officially disclosed was mulling over an idea to budget” of around 15 mil- Khabriyev said. but local media reported that the launch his own professional lion euros for a team to Kamayev had resigned along former RUSADA chief also died of team in 2017, not ruling out compete at World Tour with three other RUSADA top offi- a heart attack. himself out as a potential level. cials after a report by a World The announcement of team member. Contador, who was Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Kamayev’s death came as the Barring injury or acci- stripped of the 2010 Tour de independent commission accused world athletics’ governing body the dent, this season was France and 2011 Giro titles Russia of routine violations of IAAF’s taskforce on Monday began widely expected to be the over a positive doping test, testing standards and allowing sus- a two-day visit to Russia to oversee 33-year-old Contador’s last, said he would only consider pended athletes to compete. reforms in its athletics federation the Madrid -born racer tar- racing for the team should it The officials resigned after and its anti-doping efforts follow- geting the Tour de France be competitive on the Tour. President Vladimir Putin called ing a ban for Russian athletes from and Rio Olympics as a per- “If it couldn’t support for Russian officials, trainers and international competitions. fect send off having often me at the highest level, it’s athletes to take responsibility for Just few days ago, the Presi- stressed he wanted to go maybe not so interesting engaging in or abetting doping. dent of IAAF Sebastian Coe thanked out at the top. for me,” the Spaniard said, Both RUSADA and Moscow’s Russia’s new athletics chief Dmitry “I have two options in praising the 2016 Team anti-doping laboratory were sus- Shlyakhtin “for his cooperation with my head: one is to carry Sky line-up around British pended over the bombshell report. the IAAF taskforce.” on if I suffer a mishap on arch-rival Chris Froome. RUSADA in its statement praised The taskforce chaired by Rune the Tour, as I did in 2014, “No other team is at Kamayev as “an experienced and Andersen “will be responsible for and the other is to launch their level,” he said. “They understanding manager” who making recommendations to the a professional team,” said can just about send out two “managed to create a friendly (IAAF) Council over the coming Contador, a three-time full teams for the Tour de Alberto Contador atmosphere among staff”. months,” Coe said. Vuelta winner (2008, 2012, France.” 32 WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2016 SPORT

Rooney wants Red Devils to win trophy to save season

Reuters

LONDON: Manchester United need to end their trophy drought by win- ning either the Europa League or the FA Cup and finish in the Pre- mier League’s top four this season to get the fans back on board, the Red devils captain Wayne Rooney (pictured) said. Knocked out of the Champions League and six points behind Man- chester City at fourth in the Premier League, United face Danish side FC Midtjylland in the Europa League on tomorrow before a trip to third-tier Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup. The club last won a trophy in 2012-13, when they romped to the Premier League title in Alex Fer- Champions League group stages and guson’s last season in charge, and slipped into the Europa League, an have struggled so far under manager outcome derided by fans and former Louis van Gaal. players alike. Saturday’s 2-1 defeat by Sunder- Rooney, however, said the club land led the Dutchman to all but rule could not afford to take the oppor- out their chances of finishing in the tunity to win silverware lightly. Champions League positions. “It would be great if we can win “The important thing now, I feel, (the Europa League),” he added. “It’s is to win trophies again this season,” not where we wanted to be at the Rooney told British media. start of the season but it’s where “Obviously the Champions we’ve found ourselves so why not AS Roma’s coach Luciano Spalletti (centre left) supervises a training session yesterday at Roma’s training camp in Trigoria, outside Rome, on League is massive for this club and go and try to win it. the eve of the round of sixteen UEFA Champions League match against Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid. it was disappointing to go out of it. “This is more or less a new team But our main aim has to be to make so for ourselves, as a team, we need sure we can get in that top four.” to win something. The fans want to United failed to emerge from the see us win something again.”

Ronaldo key as Real Madrid Renard named Morocco coach clash with AS Roma today

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: REAL Striker in quest of VS ROMA PREVIEW more goals in first leg of last-16 tie against know that to qualify the key is the the Italian club at first leg... If we’re at our best we’ll Stadio Olimpico win.” Isco looks certain to play in cen- tral midfield with Zidane saying he gave Mateo Kovacic a game against Athletic to rest the Spaniard, who has Reuters been a regular alongside Toni Kroos and Luka Modric under the French- man. The match pits two recently appointed coaches against each other MILAN: Real Madrid coach Zinedine after Zidane and Luciano Spalletti Zidane reckons Cristiano Ronaldo is took charge last month. on top form as the Portuguese looks Spalletti returned for a second to increase his Champions League spell at Roma, who are on a run of goals tally when they visit AS Roma four wins in Serie A, to replace Rudi in the first leg of their last-16 at the Garcia. Stadio Olimpico today. Real Madrid’s Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo arrives with his Spalletti will have been pleased Ronaldo is the competition’s lead- team at Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy, yesterday. to see striker Edin Dzeko end his ing marksman this season with 11 three-month scoring drought with a goals, a record for the group phase. goal in Roma’s 3-1 win at Carpi on Zidane, a Champions League very hard to defend against,” Zidane match squad. “We have to be espe- Friday, although the man Real must winner playing for Real in 2002, added before the game at the Stadio cially wary of the speed of (Roma’s) especially guard against is winger said Ronaldo was on top of his game Olimpico. “That’s how we scored the players because that could hurt us,” Mohamed Salah, who also netted in after the Portuguese scored twice in first goal (against Athletic).” Real striker Karim Benzema was the match. French footballer Herve Renard puts on the Moroccan national Saturday’s 4-2 Liga win over Athletic Left back Marcelo has recovered quoted as saying in Mundo Deportivo. Garcia’s tenure effectively ended football team’s jersey during a press conference after he was Bilbao. faster than expected from a shoul- “They’re going to play to win with the 6-1 drubbing by Barcelona appointed as the team’s new coach yesterday in Rabat. Renard “Cristiano is very important on der injury that forced him to miss because it’s a very important game at the Nou Camp in the Champions succeeds Badou Zaki. the wing because when he attacks Saturday’s home game, was back in for them at home. League group stage, a result they will one-on-one he’s very good... he’s training on Monday and named in the “We must win too because we want to put firmly behind them today. Former United midfielder Coach Spalletti not to focus on Ronaldo Butt to head club’s academy

AFP space elsewhere on the pitch for Real to exploit. Reuters “Ronaldo is one of the strong- est players in the world and always ROME: Roma coach Luciano Spal- makes a difference.” letti said he won’t sacrifice players in He’s a modern day footballer, MANCHESTER: Manchester United a bid to shut down the threat of Cris- strong and fast and capable of scor- have named former midfielder Nicky tiano Ronaldo when they host Real ing lots of goals,” said the AS Roma Butt (pictured) as head of their Madrid in the first leg of their Cham- coach. academy as the club continues to pions League last 16 tie. “But I’m not going to use three of overhaul their youth coaching set- And the Italian insisted the belief my players to close him down.” up. and ambition of his players, and not Spalletti is in his second spell at The 41-year-old, who was part of the past history of either club, will be Roma after replacing sacked French- United’s ‘Class of 92’ along with the key they look to upset the formbook man Rudi Garcia recently, and, among likes of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Vice-Chairman Ed Woodward told at the Stadio Olimpico today. his other achievements, boasts the David Beckham, made 387 appear- the club’s website (www.manutd. Real, who claimed a record 10th feat of steering Roma to consecutive ances for the club between 1992 and com). Champions League trophy in 2014, 2-1 wins over Real in the last 16 in 2004, winning six Premier League Butt’s appointment follows the are among the favourites for this 2008. titles. departures of youth academy direc- year’s title alongside Bayern Munich Roma’s patchy domestic form He returned to the club in 2012 tor Brian McClair last June and last and holders Barcelona. has seen them concede 27 times in as a reserve team coach and was week’s exit of under-18s coach Paul Although Welsh winger Gareth AS Roma’s head coach Luciano Spalletti looks on during a press 25 games, an unenvious statistic that named assistant to caretaker man- McGuinness. Butt said he felt hon- Bale is missing due to a calf strain, conference yesterday at Roma’s training camp in Trigoria. does not leave their defensive game ager Giggs for the last four games oured to be given the role. the world class trio of Ronaldo, Karim in a positive light. of the 2013-14 season after David “It’s a huge honour now to be Benzema and James Rodriguez lead But Greek defender Kosta Mano- Moyes was sacked. given the chance to lead the acad- their three-pronged attack. due to a a dislocated shoulder, back also on the scoresheet. But Spalletti las said: “We defend and attack as a “I am delighted that Nicky emy and to instil its values and Real have also welcomed left- to their matchday squad. said the Portuguese forward won’t unit, but we have to try and not con- has accepted the role of head of attitudes to continue to create future back Marcelo, who missed a 4-2 win Ronaldo hit a brace at the week- come in for special attention, a tac- cede tomorrow so we’re still in the tie academy,” United’s Executive generations of players,” he said. over Athletic Bilbao at the weekend end, when Toni Kroos and James were tic that could theoretically create come the second leg.” SPORT WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2016 33

Blatter tries to Platini ‘happy’ after hearing reverse ban in FIFA appeal

“I have done nothing and I am It was a good hearing, afraid of nothing,” he said. “We’ll AFP see what happens... Maybe this is not well led by sincere over.” people. I was heard Platini had been the favourite to win FIFA’s February 26 presidential ZURICH: F I F A ’ s d i s g r a c e d by people who are vote but the December ruling levelled President Sepp Blatter part of the football the final blow to his hopes of succeed- returned to the headquarters ing Blatter. of world football’s govern- family. Now we’ll see He withdrew from the race, ing body yesterday to face an how it goes, says leading the European confederation appeals committee he hopes embattled Platini (UEFA) to back Gianni Infantino, Plati- will overturn his eight-year ni’s long-serving deputy at Europe’s ban from the sport. governing body. Blatter arrived at FIFA’s But UEFA has said it will not elect Zurich compound for his a new president until Platini’s appeals 9:00 am (0800 GMT) hear- AFP have been exhausted, meaning the ing roughly 90 minutes early, Frenchman could reclaim his post at dodging the crowd of report- the top of European football if his ban ers that would later assemble is overturned. outside, according to a FIFA Platini and Blatter have been security guard. ZURICH: The fallen head of Euro- the most high-profile casualties in Blatter’s hearing came a pean football, Michel Platini said he the unprecedented, wide-ranging day after Michel Platini, the was “happy” following his marathon scandal that has seen senior football head of European football hearing before FIFA’s appeals com- executives suspended or fired, with who has also been suspended mittee on Monday where he protested 39 people indicted for corruption by for eight years, met with the against the “injustice” of his eight- the United States. same appeals body in a bid to year ban from the sport for ethics The saga has provoked endless reverse a conviction for eth- violations. discussion about the complicated ics violations issued by a FIFA Platini’s hearing followed yes- relationship between Blatter and tribunal in December. terday by that of suspended FIFA Platini, who previously were allies Platini, also a FIFA vice President Sepp Blatter, who was also before the relationship turned pub- president, and Blatter were hit with an eight-year ban. licly sour. found to have abused their The former France captain Suspended UEFA President Michel Platini speaks to journalists as he arrives to attend his appeal against a Platini on Monday seemed to positions over a mysterious arrived at FIFA’s Zurich headquarters eight-year ban from football on Monday at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich. dismiss suggestions that Blatter was 2 million Swiss franc ($2m, at 10:30 GMT and left eight-and-a- responsible for his troubles. 1.8m euros) payment made half hours later saying he was “happy “Is it Blatter who put me in this back in 2011. with the way it went”. being found guilty of breaches sur- If the appeals panel rules against situation? Not at all, because he is in Both men have argued “It was a good hearing, well led by rounding a mysterious 2m Swiss franc DAY ONE OF FIFA APPEAL them, both are expected to take their the same situation as me, but some- that the funds paid by Blat- sincere people. I was heard by peo- ($2m) payment Platini received from HEARING case the Court of Arbitration for Sport one pushed the button (against me) ter to Platini were part of a ple who are part of the football family. Blatter in 2011. in Lausanne. and I will try to find out who,” said legitimate oral contract for Now we’ll see how it goes,” he told Both men, once the most pow- The notorious 2011 payment embattled Platini. consulting work done by journalists. erful figures in world football, have questions. “I am not fighting for my is also part of a criminal probe by Meanwhile, as the two men fight Platini a decade earlier, but Platini, accompanied by his law- insisted that the payment was part future, but against injustice,” Platini Swiss prosecutors targeting Blatter, to preserve their football careers, the FIFA’s ethics judges dismissed yer Thibaud D’Ales, presented his two of a legitimate oral contract report- said. in which Platini has been questioned campaign to replace Blatter is heat- that explanation. witnesses – Frenchman Jacques Lam- edly for consulting work performed “If I had anything to feel guilty in a capacity that falls between a wit- ing up with the FIFA election just 11 The notorious 2011 pay- bert, the president of the Euro-2016 by Platini a decade earlier. about, I would be in Siberia, hiding in ness and an accused person. days away. ment is also part of a criminal organising committee, and Spaniard While most football power-bro- shame,” added Platini, also a former Platini boycotted his Decem- Infantino and the head of the probe by Swiss prosecutors Angel Maria Villar Llona, a UEFA vice- kers typically enter FIFA’s compound FIFA vice president. ber hearing at FIFA’s ethics tribunal, Asian Football Confederation Sheikh targeting Blatter, in which president -- to prove the existence in luxury sedans with tinted windows, “I’m very well. There are worse claiming that a judgement against him Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa are Platini has been questioned in of the famous oral contract agreed the 60-year-old Platini walked the things in life.” had been pre-determined. widely seen as frontrunners, ahead a capacity that falls between between himself and Blatter. final 100 metres (330 feet) to FIFA’s Blatter, FIFA’s disgraced presi- But on Monday he said he of Jordan’s Prince Ali bin al Hussein, a witness and an accused Both men were banned by FIFA’s gate, smiling and looking upbeat dent who turns 80 in March, was also would face the appeals committee South Africa’s Tokyo Sexwale and person. ethics committee in December after as reporters peppered him with banned over the payment. “eye-to-eye.” France’s Jerome Champagne.

Shevchenko joins Ukraine Wolfsburg primed for Gent test

coaching staff Reuters Champions League since Anderlecht UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 15 years ago. PREVIEW Gent’s recent results in the Bel- gian league, however, have been Reuters BERLIN: VfL Wolfsburg are hoping disappointing after finishing the first a morale-boosting Bundesliga win confidence as they find themselves half of the season on top. that ended a poor run of results will in uncharted territory in Europe, Club Bruges have caught up, beat- KIEV: Former Ukraine striker help their confidence for the Cham- according to coach Dieter Hecking. ing Gent twice in quick succession, in Andriy Shevchenko has joined pions League last 16 first-leg game “What is important is that we the Cup and the league. the national team’s coaching at Gent today. have now snapped our bad run,” Gent also needed 85 minutes to staff ahead of the 2016 European Last year’s German league run- Hecking said. struggle past bottom side Mouscron Championship, replacing assistant ners-up and Cup winners are eighth “We have won and that is what on Friday with a powerful strike coach Olexandr Zavarov. in the standings after a 2-0 victory matters. This win can do a lot for us by Mbark Boussoufa, who is not on Shevchenko is Ukraine’s over Ingolstadt on Saturday, their first in the future.” their Champions League squad, and record scorer with 48 goals in 111 win in eight Bundesliga games. Wolfsburg did not get past the another goal from Danijel Milicevic. Australia’s captain Tim Cahill celebrates after scoring a goal against games and won the Ballon d’Or in “We have to accept the criticism group stage in their only other Cham- Boussoufa is on loan from Loko- Chile at the Pantanal Arena in Cuiaba in this June 2014 file photo. 2004 at AC Milan. directed against us,” Wolfsburg left pions League appearance in 2009. motiv Moscow but because of doubts He retired after Euro 2012 back Marcel Schaefer said. Gent, in the Champions League over his fitness the Morocco inter- which Ukraine co-hosted with “The past weeks have not been as for the first time after being crowned national was not included in the Poland. all of us had imagined them. That is Belgian champions in 2015, were Champions League squad, a deci- China’s Greenland Shenhua The Football Federation of why it was important to win against the surprise runners-up in Group H, sion manager Hein Vanhaezebrouck Ukraine (FFU) decided not to Ingolstadt as it was also a sign that beating Valencia and Zenit St. Peters- now regrets. extend assistant coach Zavarov’s we are prepared to fight over 90 min- burg at home as well as Olympique “Boussoufa is much better phys- terminate Cahill’s contract contract, head coach Mykhaylo utes as a team.” Lyonnais away. ically and mentally than I was told. Fomenko said while presenting The victory over the Bavar- They became the first Belgian It’s a shame about that list, I admit Shevchenko to the press. ian club will be key for Wolfsburg’s side to reach the round of 16 in the that,” he said. “We made our choice in favour AFP plans, but said he would share more of Shevchenko who will be work- information once “final details” are ing with the Ukraine’s coaching completed. stuff,” Fomenko told reporters. Cahill left Everton in 2012 and Shevchenko was approached SHANGHAI: Australia’s top goals- joined the New York Red Bulls. by the FFU to take over as head corer Tim Cahill has had his contract Many fans posted comments coach in November 2012 but terminated by Chinese club Shang- asking him to join their clubs, includ- declined the offer because he did hai Greenland Shenhua, he said ing Everton supporters urging him to not have the required coaching yesterday, a year after he joined. return to Goodison, and backers of qualifications. The 36-year-old veteran and several clubs in Australia’s A-League. That obstacle was removed former Everton star agreed to extend henhua have hosted high-pro- in March 2015 when Shevchenko, his stay just months ago, but said on file foreign players before, including who also played for Dynamo Instagram: Ivory Coast’s Didier Drogba and Kiev and Chelsea as well as Milan “I’m very sorry to announce that Nicolas Anelka of France, and last at club level, completed a two- I have reached an agreement with month signed Inter Milan’s Colom- year programme for a UEFA Pro Shanghai Shenhua to terminate my bian international Fredy Guarin Licence. contract.” -- the latest in a stream of European- The 39-year-old Shevchenko “I’m not part of the new coach based players to head east. said it was both an honour and Manzano’s plans for the 2016 sea- Cahill said last week that many responsibility for him. son,” he said he had been told. of the new arrivals in the cashed-up “After almost four years on A spokesman for Shenhua did CSL were motivated by greed. vacation, I am coming back to big not immediately respond to request The Chinese record transfer football, as a coach,” the former for comment. fee has been smashed four times in Ukraine captain said. Cahill, one of the biggest for- the current transfer window, cul- “I worked with great coaches eign names in the Chinese Super minating in Jiangsu Suning paying like Valery Lobanovskyi, Carlo League (CSL), said in the posting he Shakhtar Donetsk 50m euros for Ancelotti, Jose Mourinho and got was “very sad.” Brazilian midfielder Alex Teixeira. a huge experience. “Regardless of whether my con- Earlier Guangzhou Evergrande “Coaching courses helped me tract is being honoured and paid out snapped up Atletico Madrid’s Jack- to shape up my ideas and deter- in full, I would much rather have son Martinez for 42m euros, and mine my own vision of football. Wolfsburg’s Robin Knoche (second right) celebrates with his team-mates after scoring a goal during the seen it out.” Jiangsu signed Ramires from Chel- Hope, this will help me in the He did not reveal his future sea for 28m euros. future.” German Bundesliga match against FC Ingolstadt 04 in Wolfsburg, Germany, last Saturday. 34 WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2016 SPORT NZ coach wants long-lasting green top for second Test

Hesson says bowlers of both teams should have opportunity to expose opposition batters as the hosts seek to level series in

Christchurch Pakistan’s T20 captain Shahid Afridi (left) is seen with India’s skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni after a news conference at the ICC Cricket World Cup semi-final match in this March 2011 file photo taken in Mohali. Both the veterans will lead their respective teams in the Reuters forthcoming World Twenty20.

WELLINGTON: New Zealand coach Curator predicts run-fest Mike Hesson is hoping the Hagley Oval pitch for the second Test against Australia will pose a challenge for the in India-Pakistan clash batsmen from both sides after the green Basin Reserve wicket eased out by the end of the first day of the opening Test. IANS HPCA chief curator Sunil Chauhan Australia captain Steve Smith had Chauhan further said that the little hesitation in putting New Zea- condition of the pitch will not dete- land in to bat after winning the toss DHARAMSALA: The much-awaited riorate through the course of the in the first Test that started last Fri- Australian players celebrate New Zealand’s Henry Nicholls (left) being bowled during day four of their first World Twenty20 match between match but added that the outfield day in Wellington. Test at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on Monday. arch rivals India and Pakistan at will be lightening quick. The hosts essentially lost the the picturesque Himachal Pradesh “For 40 overs the wicket will match in the first hour as Australia Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium behave as the same. But the out- exploited the seamer-friendly condi- here will have a batsman-friendly field will be fast. We are preparing it tions and crashed to 51 for five inside meant that both sides weren’t able CRICKET: AUSTRALIA IN the same extent by New Zealand’s pitch and is expected to be a high- right now by using sand and organic 12 overs. They were eventually skit- to be exposed in those conditions,” NEW ZEALAND pace attack, who were also tight but scoring game, the ground’s curator manure.” tled out for 183. Hesson told reporters in Wellington did not get the same assistance from said here yesterday. “Currently, we are preparing The pitch, however, browned off yesterday. the pitch or through the air. India and Pakistan will lock the outfield. If you see the ground quickly and while Australia went “It’s a bit different when it seams “We haven’t been able to expose horns at the HPCA Stadium, which on February 28 or 29, you will see a through some tough periods, the ball for two hours, it makes the toss a lit- wicket, indicating how disciplined them on those surfaces because we is nestled in the Dhauladhar range lush green field unlike now,” added did little off the wicket from the sec- tle bit more important. the Australians were with their lines haven’t moved the ball,” Hesson said. of the Himalayas, here on March 19 Chauhan. ond day as they built up a massive “I think if you’re good enough and their ability to get the ball to do “Even this Test match we weren’t and is expected to be a high voltage Dharamsala will host six 562 with Adam Voges scoring a dou- to make the most of it you can be just enough off the surface. able to move the ball off the straight clash between two former champi- qualifying matches of the World ble century. exposed. Ideally you’d like both sides In New Zealand’s second innings, whether that be in the air or off the ons of the showpiece tournament. Twenty20 from March 9 to 13 and Australia won the match by an to have a bit of a crack at it when it they were able to get the older ball to wicket and that’s something we’re “For Twenty20s, you know how two main tournament games. Trans- innings and 52 runs on Monday. does seam.” reverse swing. going to have to work on in the com- the wickets are. This one will also Tasman rivals Australia and New “I would have liked this to have New Zealand’s top seven bats- Australia’s batsmen had issues ing days.” be the same; it will be a batsman Zealand will square off on March been much greener than it was. It men in the first innings at the Basin with the moving ball against England The second Test starts on Febru- friendly wicket. The pitch is such that 18 followed by the India-Pakistan only seamed for two hours and that Reserve fell to catches behind the last year, but they were not Tested to ary 20 in Christchurch. it will be a high scoring game,” said encounter.

Rising Pune Supergiants unveil team jersey Australia’s Watson confident of fitness for World Twenty20

Reuters compressed the three-week schedule. “I tried to bowl a slower ball but put too many revs on it and it twinged a bit,” said Watson, who drew the MELBOURNE: Australia all-rounder highest bid of 95m rupees ($1.39m) Shane Watson (pictured) is confident at the Indian Premier League (IPL) he will be fit for the World Twenty20 player auctions earlier this month. in India despite an abdominal strain Injury aside, Watson’s selec- cutting short his campaign in the tion in the World T20 squad seemed Pakistan Super League. improbable only a few weeks ago. The 34-year-old suffered the Having retired from test cricket injury bowling for Islamabad in the after being dropped following the T20 tournament in the United Arab Ashes series-opener in England, Emirates and immediately withdrew Watson was overlooked for the one- to fly home to Sydney for scans and day international series against India an assessment. last month and had a poor start in the “It’s going to take me a couple of domestic Big Bash T20 tournament weeks to get back into batting and for Sydney Thunder. bowling,” Watson told The Austral- However, he found form at the ian newspaper, adding that the injury right time to be picked for the home was “not major”. the microscope throughout his T20 series against India and blasted “We got it before it did too much 14-year international career, with a century in defeat when leading the damage. a succession of soft tissue injuries side in place of injured former skip- “I’m very confident I’ll be right for robbing him of time in the middle in per Aaron Finch during the third and Industrialist and owner of the Indian Premier League’s Rising Pune Supergiants cricket team Sanjiv the World Cup. That’s still three or recent seasons. final match in Sydney. Goenka (left) and team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni unveil the team jersey at an event in New four weeks away ... It’s not like a side Watson put his latest injury He was subsequently picked in Delhi at a ceremony on Monday. strain or anything like that. If every- down to a vigorous delivery and Steve Smith’s squad for the World thing goes to plan, I’ll be right.” playing three matches in successive T20. Watson’s fitness has been under days in the Pakistan Super League’s The World T20 starts on March 8. A ustralia rebuild on track, must build on win: Lehmann

Reuters helped the visitors to an innings and CRICKET: AUSSIE COACH Smith felt the team was ‘gelling well’ their place. “With the retirements it 52 run victory on Monday at the Basin CONTENT WITH SHOW after successive series wins at home gave people a little bit of a run at it for Reserve. against New Zealand and West Indies, a couple of series,” he added. While Australia can take top spot and said players such as Usman Kha- “You can go speak to them and WELLINGTON: Australia coach Dar- from India in the Test world rankings waja were making the most of their confidently say ‘you’re going to get ren Lehmann had little to complain if they avoid defeat in the second us hard and we need to prepare for opportunities. a good run without chopping and about after his team wrapped up the match, Lehmann knows the hosts will a side that plays very well at home Khawaja, who has scored four changing’”. first Test against New Zealand inside be fired up for the game in Christch- and need to back up that perform- Test centuries since his return “We’re happy with our top six. We four days but he says the challenge urch starting on February 20. ance again.” against New Zealand in Brisbane last are leaving a bloke out who made 182 for his young squad will be to build “The challenge for a young group Lehmann’s team is in the midst of November, said his confidence had in his last Test match and that is tough on that victory in the second match is how they play away from home and a rebuild following the retirements been helped with the knowledge he on Shaun Marsh, so you have to keep next week. I’m pleased with the way we have of batsmen Chris Rogers and Michael would get the chance to prove him- making runs when you have blokes Australia A superb bowling effort on the started this tour,” said Lehmann. Clarke, wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, self because the team was rebuilding. sitting on the sideline, there’s no doubt coach Darren first day, and a double century “The challenge is to back that up all-rounder Shane Watson and pace With quality waiting in the wings, about that. Lehmann from Adam Voges that drove them next week in Christchurch. bowlers Mitchell Johnson and Ryan Lehmann said the players still needed “Everyone needs to do their job to a mammoth first innings of 562, “New Zealand will come back at Harris in the last year. Captain Steve to perform if they wanted to cement day in and day out.” SPORT WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2016 35 Nelson stars in Islanders’ win over Red Wings

New York win for the fourth time in five games overall and fourth straight victory at home

Agencies

NEW YORK: Brock Nelson had a goal and an assist to spark a three- goal second period as the New York Islanders beat the Detroit Red Wings 4-1 on Monday. Josh Bailey, Marek Zidlicky and Ryan Strome also scored to help New York win for the fourth time in five games overall and fourth straight at home. Thomas Greiss stopped 28 shots to win his fifth straight start and seventh of his last eight, improving to 16-6-2 on the season. New York Islanders’ centre Brock Nelson (29) scores against Detroit Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard (35) in front of Detroit Red Wings’ defenceman Xavier Ouellet (61) during the Pavel Datsyuk scored and Jimmy Howard also finished with 28 saves second period of their NHL game at Barclays Center on Monday. Right: Minnesota Wild goaltender Devan Dubnyk (40) makes a save against a shot by the Vancouver Canucks during the second period of their NHL game at Rogers Arena. NHL RESULTS while falling to 0-5-3 in his last nine Charlie Coyle and Nino Niederreiter assist, and Christopher Tanev scored action-packed first period, but with to put Anaheim into the lead for good. NY Islanders 4 Detroit 1 starts for the Red Wings, who were also scored for the Wild, who fired for the Canucks, who have lost two in Johnny Gaudreau in the penalty box, Mike Santorelli, with a pair of goals, Anaheim 6 Calgary 4 coming off a 4-0-1 homestand. Mike Yeo on Saturday following a 4-2 a row after back-to-back road wins Perry banged Cam Fowler’s rebound Hamphus Lindholm and Rickard Florida 2 Pittsburgh 1 In Vancouver, Jared Spurgeon had home loss to Boston that left Minne- that gave them life in the playoff hunt. past Jonas Hiller to tie it early in the Rakell also scored for Anaheim. a goal and an assist and Minnesota sota with just one victory in its past Jacob Markstrom stopped 29 shots in second. The Ducks, 9-1-1 in their past 11 Dallas 3 Nashville 2 beat Vancouver 5-2 to snap an eight- 14 games. Erik Haula and Ryan Suter the loss. The Ducks went right back to the games, leapfrogged San Jose into sec- Chicago 7 Toronto 2 game losing streak and make interim each added two assists, and Devan Corey Perry had a goal and an man advantage and needed only 11 ond place in the Pacific Division. Arizona 6 Montreal 2 head coach John Torchetti a winner Dubnyk finished with 24 saves to snap assist and the Ducks went a perfect seconds to convert, with a rebound Jiri Hudler had two goals and an Minnesota 5 Vancouver 2 in his debut. an 0-6-2 slide. 3 for 3 on the power play to win 6-4. deflecting off several players and assist to lead Calgary. Zach Parise, Justin Fontaine, Henrik Sedin, with a goal and an The Flames led 3-2 after an going in off the skate of Sami Vatanen

Athletics Kenya McIlroy aiming for No.1 return CEO to step aside over bribery Agencies “I can get off to a good start (to GOLF RANKINGS the) year, there’s no reason why I can’t be the No. 1 player in the world 1. Jordan Spieth (USA) 11.83 pts claims: Source LOS ANGELES: Rory McIlroy has going into Augusta,” said McIlroy, 2. Jason Day (AUS) 10.01 set his sights on regaining the world who is chasing a career Grand Slam number one ranking from Jordan at the Masters. 3. Rory McIlroy (NIR) 9.86 NAIROBI: Athletics Kenya (AK) Spieth in time for the Masters as he “That’s a goal of mine, to get off 4. Rickie Fowler (USA) 8.11 chief executive Isaac Mwangi will prepares to make his debut at the to a fast start ... and try to reclaim temporarily step aside pending an Northern Trust Open in Los Ange- that position as quickly as I can.” 5. Henrik Stenson (SWE) 7.20 investigation into allegations that les this week. This week’s Northern Trust at the 6. Bubba Watson (USA) 7.14 he asked for bribes to reduce the The Northern Irishman, who has Riviera Country Club in Pacific Pal- doping bans of two athletes who slipped to third in the latest world isades should suit McIlroy’s strong 7. Justin Rose (ENG) 6.39 failed drugs tests, an AK source rankings behind Spieth and Austral- ball-striking game. 8. Dustin Johnson (USA) 5.65 said yesterday. ia’s Jason Day, hopes his appearance “I’ve heard Riviera is a great A member of the federation’s in California can kick-start his course, and I want to go play there in 9. Patrick Reed (USA) 5.07 executive committee said Mwangi season. LA, and I think it’ll be a good course 10. Branden Grace (RSA) 4.79 (+1) had asked for an investigation into McIlroy moved up to second for me,” said McIlroy. the allegations, by Joy Sakari and 11. Jim Furyk (USA) 4.74 (-1) ahead of the Australian at the start Spieth meanwhile has already Francisca Koki Manunga, that of the month, but after kicking off experienced the Riviera’s challeng- 12. Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) 4.56 Mwangi had asked each athlete his season with two tournaments in ing layout. 13. Danny Willett (ENG) 4.47 for $24,000 to reduce their four- the Gulf, the Ulsterman was inac- He was part of the Texas college year bans. tive last week. team that won the NCCA champion- 14. Brandt Snedeker (USA) 4.25 “He hopes that this will vin- Still atop the rankings is Spieth, ship at the course in 2012, tied for 15. Zach Johnson (USA) 4.14 dicate him because he feels he is who is almost two points clear of 12th there in 2014 before finishing innocent,” said the AK executive Day and he looks likely to stay there tied for fourth there last season. 16. Brooks Koepka (USA) 4.07 (+3) committee member. until the first of the year’s majors, the “This tournament means a lot to 17. Kevin Kisner (USA) 4.004 The AK source said Mwangi Masters, at the start of April. me,” said Spieth. “I think this is one had on Monday sent a let- The only other change to the of the greatest golf courses in the 18. Sergio Garcia (ESP) 4.001 (-2) ter informing the committee top 10 sees South African Branden world. This event is one that I owe 19. Adam Scott (AUS) 3.95 (-1) about his decision to step down World No.1 Jordan Spieth prepares to play his tee shot on the 10th Grace, who won in Qatar at the end a lot back to.” to allow AK and the world 20. Phil Mickelson (USA) 3.70 (+9) of January, ease ahead of US veteran The tournament tees off on hole during the final round of the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am governing body, the IAAF, to Jim Furyk for 10th place. Thursday. at the Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, California on Monday. investigate the case. Jones looks to Joseph as Ireland loom for England

AFP on atoning for an opening draw with England’s replacements was soon said it was “a lot of talk from you Wales and Saturday’s 10-9 defeat to felt, and error-stricken Italy were guys, not from me. Let’s get that right. France in Paris. hastened to a chastening defeat He wasn’t under pressure for his spot. ROME: While Eddie Jones has a But Jones, sounding jovial and when Joseph added another two and You guys had him under pressure.” “pretty good idea” of his squad for a bullish after a much-improved sec- Owen Farrell one. For Jones, who was He added: “I thought he was very crucial Six Nations clash against Ire- ond-half performance saw Bath’s manager of Australia when Jonny good. Last week, his defence was out- land in a fortnight, there is a pretty Joseph score his maiden England Wilkinson’s last-minute drop goal standing... sometimes, in a 13’s job, good chance Jonathan Joseph will be hat-trick, says he has already seen secured England the 2003 World Cup, you don’t get a lot of ball. Today he in his starting XV. enough to know the nucleus of his it was all part of the plan. did, and he was sharp on his feet.” England, who flopped out of the matchday squad. “We weren’t expecting to score a Fly-half Farrell, who finished World Cup as hosts last autumn, “I’ve got a pretty good idea in lot of points in the first half, we were with 17 points, said of Joseph: “He’s saw Joseph score three second-half my head at the moment,” said the expecting to do that in the second half sharp... he’s a classy rugby player tries on his second consecutive start Australian. and that’s how it turned out,” he said. at the same time. He doesn’t make as Jones’ men followed last week’s He added: “For each game we’ll “We could have easily scored 60 many mistakes and makes a lot of battling 15-9 win over Scotland at have a particular gameplan and points out there.” good decisions.” Murrayfield with a 40-9 dismantling depending on who is suitable for that Italy’s only real complaint was Joseph, who also played a full game of Italy in Rome. Having escaped the game will play.” the mid-air tackle dished out to against Scotland, played down sugges- injuries so dreaded against the usu- Jones ruffled a few feathers when Luke McLean by James Haskell, but tions had been trying to prove a point. ally physical Italians, England are he demanded England give Italy a Parisse said it could not excuse Ita- “I wouldn’t say so. It was more a now set for two weeks of intense good ‘smacking’ in Rome, but after ly’s deficiencies. case of just wanting to do my coun- focus on beating Ireland in a fortnight. resisting on their way to trailing 11-9 “When you concede 40 points and try proud, my family proud. I don’t “We’ve had two games and at half-time Italy finally caved in. lose like this, you can’t start complain- take any game lightly, I want to prove two wins and no major injuries, so When an alert Joseph intercepted ing about certain decisions made by the myself every game and put in as much we’re sailing along pretty well at the Leonardo Sarto’s misplaced pass to referee,” said Parisse, who missed a late effort as I possibly can,” he said. moment,” said Jones, who became Michele Campagnaro in the 52nd drop goal that would have secured vic- “I’m obviously very happy to get England’s first foreign head coach minute, Italy’s heads began to drop. tory over France last week. the hat-trick, but I’ll go back to the when he replaced Stuart Lancaster “The turning point was the inter- Jones, meanwhile, was quick to drawing board next week. There’s in the wake of their World Cup flop. ception try. It changed the game for credit the 24-year-old Joseph, while areas to my game that weren’t out- England’s Jonathan Joseph (centre) in action against Italian players England have finished runners- us from a mental point of view,” said taking the media to task for suggest- standing today and I have to make Alessandro Zanni (left) and Lorenzo Cittadini during the Rugby Six up in the last four Six Nations and Italy captain Sergio Parisse. ing the Bath centre had previously sure that’s top notch for two weeks’ Nations match at Olimpico Stadium in Rome, Italy, on Monday. are set to welcome an Irish side bent The speed and alertness of fallen out of favour. The Australian time.” 36 WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2016 Al Sadd edge Al Gharafa as Al Rayyan down El Jaish

Anthony sparkles for Al Sadd in the Qatar Basketball League play-offs series win

The Peninsula

DOHA: Raffa Anthony yesterday sparkled with 28 points as basket- ball giants Al Sadd drew first blood in the Qatar Basketball League (QBL) play-offs series with a win over Al Gharafa. In another match yesterday, bas- ketball powerhouse Al Rayyan edged El Jaish 69-67 to open the play-offs series with a hard-fought win. In the opening clash of the evening, Anthony also managed a couple of assists to help Al Sadd sail to 73-66 win at Al Gharafa Indoor Hall yesterday. Anthony’s team-mate Kone Mohamed Deba chipped in with 18 points and an assist as Al Sadd - coached by Zoran Kreckovic - fought with purpose in the tense clash. Abdi Khalid Suliman also reached double figures when he produced a tally of 15 points and had 2 assists. Action from the Qatar Basketball League match between Al Rayyan and El Jaish at Al Gharafa Indoor Stadium yesterday. Al Rayyan won 69-67. RIGHT: Action from the match between Saeed Erfan Ali with 8 points and 3 assists was the other main scorer Al Sadd and Al Gharafa. Al Sadd won 73-66. for Al Sadd who trailed in the second quarter but picked up momentum in failed to spark in the final quarter James Dominic and Ngombo Tan- for Al Rayyan by scoring 13 points. Mohmmed Mohd Yousuf who scored QATAR BASKETBALL the third by leading 53-50. clinched by Al Sadd. Ndoye Has- guy Alban to beat El Jaish, coached Salem had 3 assists also as only three 17 points and had one assist. Monroe Jr LEAGUE PLAY-OFFS For Koussay Hatem-coached Al sino was the third Al Gharafa player by Dragoslav Milovanovic. Dominic Al Rayyan players - coached by Kou- II Sammy produced a tally of 12 points Gharafa, Adako Emmanuel Osaro to reach the double figures when he scored 24 points and managed 4 fos Stergios - reached double figures. besides managing 8 assists. Ali Ali scored 25 points and managed an scored 13 points. Hassino had 3 assists assists while Alban produced a tally For El Jaish, Macklin Ver- Turki scored 8 points for El Jaish. Games on February 20 assist to round up a good perform- also. Saad Abdulrahman Mohamed of 20 points and an assist to lift Al non Leon sparkled with 26 points In the coming games on Febru- El Jaish vs Al Rayyan, 5.00pm ance in losing cause. (5) scored 5 points. Rayyan past El Jaish. though his team trailed in all the ary 20, El Jaish will take on Al Rayyan Al Sadd vs Al Gharafa, 7.00pm Galloway Kevin Dwayne scored 19 In the second clash, Al Rayyan After a cagey start to the game, four quarters. while Al Sadd face Al Gharafa at Al At Al Gharafa Indoor Hall points and had 5 assists as Al Gharafa relied on the team work of Davon Abdulla Malek Salem also played well Leon was well supported by Gharafa Indoor Hall.

2024 Games Veteran Jankovic schools teen Bencic in Dubai candidates unveil plans AFP

AFP DUBAI: Belinda Bencic suffered a los- ing start a day after reaching the WTA top 10 for the first time as the teen- LAUSANNE: The race to host the ager fell 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 to veteran Jelena 2024 Olympic Games gets under- Jankovic at the Dubai Tennis Cham- way in earnest yesterday with the pionships yesterday. four bid cities -- Budapest, Los Swiss Bencic, 18, was playing Angeles, Paris and Rome -- pre- for the first time as a member of the senting their initial candidature elite after achieving the number nine files to the International Olympic ranking with last weekend’s St Peters- Committee (IOC). burg final. The first step in an 18-month But former number one Janko- campaign to host one of the world’s vic proved to be a tough customer, top sporting events will be a who levelled at a set each following lowkey affair with IOC president an undisclosed change of tactics and Thomas Bach and leading officials left Bencic momentarily sobbing on currently attending the Winter her chair. Youth Olympics in Lillehammer. Jankovic will face German And- Bids will be transmitted by rea Petkovic in the second round. The USB key to IOC headquarters in Serb, who was runner-up 11 years ago Lausanne with Los Angeles and in her Dubai debut, has also played Budapest deciding not to mark the four semi-finals. occasion, unlike Paris and Rome. The veteran used years of expe- The Californian city, the 1984 rience to start turning the tables in Olympic hosts, will publish their the second set, with Bencic failing to bid on their website once the IOC profit from a lead of a set and a break. have confirmed receipt. With the Swiss serving to stay in The celebration on the US the set while trailing 5-6, Jankovic west coast will take place on failed on five set points before finally Tuesday with the unveiling of the squaring the contest at a set each as city’s official logo, a week after Jelena Jankovic of Serbia returns the ball to Belinda Bencic of Switzerland during their first round match of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis WTA Bencic drove a backhand wide. Paris unveiled theirs at a special The final set produced more Championships in Dubai, yesterday. RIGHT: Daria Gavrilova of Australia serves to Ana Ivanovic of Serbia during their first round match. ceremony in front of the Arc De frustration for Bencic, forced to save Triomphe. multiple break points in two service games and finally going down to to her Russian-born opponent, who errors. The challenger was playing set on the way to her sweep. The Los Angeles bid is in line defeat as she was broken in the last thrilled her new home audience in the event for the first time after los- The 21-year-old said having with Olympic Agenda 2020 which game after more than two and a half Melbourne by reaching the Austral- ing in qualifying three years ago. another voice in her tennis can only targets cost reduction. Existing WTA DUBAI OPEN hours. ian Open fourth round. Ukrainian Elina Svitolina won be a huge help. installations such as the Staples RESULTS “I fought on every point, she was Ivanovic reached the final four in a battle with Slovak Jana Cepelova, “It’s great to have Justine in my Center, the LA Coliseum, the Rose playing well,” said Jankovic, who St Petersburg at the weekend, losing to posting a 6-3, 6-1 result to next take team, I worked with her in offseason Bowl, and university stadiums will First Round turns 31 at the end of the month. US Open finalist Roberta Vinci. on second seed and 2015 semi-finalist for a little bit, and now she’s gonna be used with athletes to be housed Ana Ivanovic (SRB) bt Daria Gavrilova “I changed strategy after the first “Last week I played some great Garbine Muguruza of Spain. join us for some tournaments. on the UCLA campus. (AUS) 6-1, 6-0 set, it was that and my fighting spirit tennis. Obviously it’s a little bit tough, “It was a good start but then I “I’m looking forward to it, I’m No ceremony will take place Barbora Záhlavová Strýcová (CZE) bt which got me through at the end. I’m different conditions here completely,” struggled a little bit to finish the set. looking forward to hard work. Of in Budapest where opponents, Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL) 6-4, 6-3 so glad I was able to win.” Ivanovic said. “I had only one practice But I’m really happy that a good finish course there have been some small fearing spiralling costs and risks Elina Svitolina (UKR) bt Jana Cepelová Fellow Serb Ana Ivanovic followed here. But still I’m very happy. with two sets and only gave up four changes, but we are trying to do of corruption, tried to force a citi- (SVK) 6-3, 6-1 up last week’s semi-final in Russia “I know I’ve done the work, and games. It was a good start.” something new what can refresh my zens referendum to block the bid, with a dynamic start as the former now it’s just about executing and also Svitolina, now taking advice from game. That’s it.” like in Hamburg. Sara Errani (ITA) bt Zheng Shuai (CHN) world number one crushed Austral- enjoying the competition.” former number one Justine Henin Czech Barbora Strycova beat The Hungarian capital have 7-5, 6-3 ian Daria Gavrilova 6-1, 6-0. Ivanovic, a three-time Dubai in an arrangement put into place qualifier Tsvetana Pironkova 6-4, 6-3. announced a modest budget Jelena Jankovic (SRB) bt Belinda Bencic The first-round rout required just quarter-finalist, broke six times as recently, won a massive 17-minute Sara Errani defeated Zheng Shuai of of 2.4bn euros ($2.7bn) to build (SUI x5) 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 53 minutes as she showed no mercy Gavrilova committed 22 unforced game to earn a 4-1 lead in the second China 7-5, 6-3. infrastructure.