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THURSDAY 19 MARCH 2015 • 28 Jumada I 1436 • Volume 20 Number 6374 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780

OPINION Qatar, Somalia sign deals Qatar following Private firms policy of open Negotiations doors: Al Attiyah with devils can give civil DOHA: Qatar has been follow- ing the policy of “open doors” in ome dealing with the current situa- Snew tion, regionally and internation- develop- ally, Foreign Minister H E Dr ments are defence training Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah expected said yesterday. to happen He was speaking in an inter- on the active session with students of Syrian Schools to teach fire safety the Education City hosted by the crisis Hamad bin Khalifa University yes- which DOHA: The basics of civil draft law on civil defence that terday. The discussion was titled will be Dr Khalid Al Jaber defence are soon to be taught in seeks to make it compulsory “New Generation, New horizons: clear schools at all levels to spread the for all engineering and building the Future of Qatari Diplomacy”. once a nuclear deal with culture of fire safety in the coun- designs, whether residential, com- Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser He said the national interests of Iran is reached by the end try. And private companies might mercial, industrial or any other, to bin Khalifa Al Thani (standing right) and Somali Prime Minister Omar the Qatari people comes foremost in of this month. be allowed to set up Civil Defence be approved by the Civil Defence Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke witnessing the signing of a memorandum of Qatar’s foreign policy objectives and The statement of US training centres — an area which Directorate of the interior ministry. understanding for cooperation in education and higher education and within a comprehensive vision of a Secretary of State John so far remains a government According to the draft law, which scientific research, and an air services agreement between the two world of peace and reconciliation. Kerry that Washington monopoly. is being forwarded to the Advisory nations at the Emiri Diwan yesterday. Continued on page 5 may find itself ‘compelled’ Also, an apex committee called Council for review, no shop, office THE PENINSULA to negotiate with Bashar Al the Supreme Committee for Civil or industry or any other installa- Assad is a turning point in Defence is to be set up that would tion would be provided the licence this regard. frame general policies about fire to operate unless it has adequate Kerry said that the fighting and civil defence and pre- fire safety system which is duly Clinic shut for health US rebukes Geneva-1 Conference deci- pare a national disaster manage- approved by the Civil Defence sions are a suitable frame- ment plan. The planned move to Directorate. work to find a solution to the allow private firms to open civil The owners of such facilities will Netanyahu Syrian crisis. defence training centres is, argu- be required to carry out regular insurance misuse Interestingly, this is the ably, part of the state’s assurances maintenance of fire safety systems official stand of Russia too, to open up most sectors under its as stipulated in the law. DOHA: For a first in the country, the Supreme Council of Health CLEVELAND: The White the main ally of the Syrian control for private participation. The Cabinet approved another (SCH) has closed down a private clinic temporarily for misusing House yesterday scolded Israeli regime. The State Cabinet yesterday draft decision of the interior min- the national health insurance scheme (Seha). Prime Minister Benjamin This change has been approved a draft decision of the istry which carries with it a list of The closure is effective for one month from March 16. The decision Netanyahu following his re- explained by the CIA Ministry of Interior that talks of civil defence equipment and mate- was taken by Minister of Public Health H E Abdullah bin Khalid Al election victory for abandoning Director John Brennan who permitting 100 percent Qatari- rials whose import will be banned Qahtani based on investigations conducted by the National Health his commitment to negotiate emphasised that Washington owned businesses to own and run and they could not be sold in the Insurance Company (NHIC) that manages Seha, the SCH said in a for a Palestinian state and for and its allies are concerned civil defence training centres. local market without approval from statement yesterday. what it called “divisive” cam- about the disintegration of “All owners of such companies the Directorate. The SCH said it had asked NHIC to stop dealing with the said paign rhetoric toward Israel’s Syria and its eventual fall must be Qatari nationals,” Qatar The draft law, meanwhile, seeks clinic. The statement said that the clinic has been closed for misusing minority Arab voters. into the hands of armed ter- News Agency (QNA) reported to ask the authorities concerned the national health insurance scheme but didn’t name the facility nor White House spokesman Josh rorist groups. yesterday. to closely coordinate with the edu- specified the violation. The case has been referred to the legal affairs Earnest reaffirmed US President The White House later The licence for a training cen- cation sector regulators and make section of the SCH for further action. Barack Obama’s commitment underplayed the significance tre for fire-fighting or civil defence it mandatory for the basics of fire SCH recently said that it had detected three cases of suspected fraud to a two-state solution to the of Kerry’s comments and is to be provided for a three-year fighting and civil defence to be related to the national insurance scheme which apparently has led to Middle East conflict and said said Assad will never be part term and renewable, with the draft taught in schools at all levels. the closure. This is the first time a clinic has been closed for misuse that based on Netanyahu’s com- of peace negotiations. decision making stipulations about The basics are also to be taught of the insurance scheme. NHIC is investigating other suspected cases ments, “the United States will Continued on page 5 how the training centres are to be at the military training centres as before referring it to the SCH, added the statement. evaluate our approach to this THE PENINSULA monitored. well as religious schools, QNA adds. Continued on page 3 situation moving forward.” The Cabinet also approved a THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA See also page 10

THURSDAY 19 MARCH 2015 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03

Emir holds Emir meets GCC governors Premier to phone talks open Police with Hollande College today DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh DOHA: The Police College in Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Qatar will be officially inaugu- yesterday held telephone talks rated today by Prime Minister with French President Francois and Interior Minister H E Hollande. They reviewed bilat- Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser eral relations and latest regional bin Khalifa Al Thani, also developments. Chairman of the Supreme Council of the college. Emir on Asia tour The ceremony will be attended by ministers, delegations from next week other countries, officers from Qatari Armed Force and secu- DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh rity agencies, department Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani directors and military and civil will leave next week for an Asian officers. tour that includes Pakistan, Sri Brig. Dr Muhammad Abdullah Lanka and India. During the Al Mohanna Al Marri, Director- tour from March 23 to 25, the General of the college, said a Emir will hold talks with lead- dream had been fulfilled we ers and senior officials on ways of Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met GCC governors of monetary agencies and central banks at the Emiri Diwan yesterday. Talks dealt with could make the academic entity enhancing cooperation ties and fraternal relations between GCC countries and means of enhancing GCC joint action. Deputy Emir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani was present. real which would bring out issues of common concern. A sen- qualified military cadres from ior official in Indian embassy yes- Qataris and other GCC coun- terday confirmed the visit. “The tries to serve and secure the Emir will visit India next week. It nation. will be a high-level meeting,” the He said the academic method official said. Deals and memoran- was designed based on advanced dums of understanding will be ‘Beautiful Smile Clinics’ soon systems as the college had final- signed covering fields, including ised cooperation agreements youth and sports, culture, health, with UK Policing, Manchester exchange of information and PHCC initiative to provide oral health services for children under five Metropolitan University and communications and information Greater Manchester Police. technology, among others. DOHA: The Primary In other words, almost nine out structure, along with other citrus of care — the Beautiful Smile Academic activities of the college Healthcare Corporation of every l0 kids surveyed showed juices, vinegar and soft drinks, Clinics. These dental practices started with the admission of Alert over power (PHCC) will soon launch a oral health problems even before said Alkhatib. are dedicated to the provision of the first batch of students — 115 new service ‘Beautiful Smile they joined primary schools. “Our ‘Beautiful Smile Service’ oral health services to children Qatari and 23 from other GCC outage at HGH Clinics’ to provide oral health The survey by Alkhatib, in will be launched soon to offer under five,” she added. and Arab countries — last year. services to children under five collaboration with the medi- quick and effective oral health She said for the services to Maj. Dr Jabr Hamoud Al DOHA: Some areas of Hamad years. cal research centre at Hamad assessments, diagnoses, treat- become a success, all healthcare Noaimi, Director, Administrative General Hospital (HGH) will The clinics aim to address the Medical Corporation (HMC) ment and advice to children and professional who have contact and Economic Affairs of the col- face power outage tomor- high prevalence of dental prob- and University of Melbourne, parents. with children and young parents lege, said the college had started row for a short period due to lems among young children in Australia, also found that dietary “The service will be aligned must be aware of their benefits classes last August 2014 after renovation works at Intensive Qatar. habits of these children were not with the National Healthy and understand when and how it was founded by the Emiri Care Unit, Hamad Medical This was disclosed by Dr in favour of oral health. Strategy, and the first pilot is set to refer children to them. Decree No. 161 for 2013. Corporation (HMC) said yester- Asmaa Othman Alkhatib, For instance, the most popular to begin soon,” wrote Alkhatib. PHCC has identified ‘field He said the course duration day. The emergency department Manager, Oral Health Divisions, snacks were juices (65 percent). It will focus on two cohorts. champions’ among school nurses, is four years and cadres will at HGH will operate as normal. Service Development and Health And 85 percent of mothers sur- The first comprises children who are striving to improve the receive a degree in Bachelor Renovation will lead to expan- Promotion, PHCC, in an article veyed thought orange juice was aged one to five. Assessments are oral health of the children they of Law and Policing after they sion of bed capacity in Medical in the latest edition of Qatar good for the teeth. There was a being carried out at Well Baby are working with. complete the course. Intensive Care Unit by 33 percent Health magazine of the Supreme significant association between Clinics and incorporated into “Our aim now must be to take Capt. Fahd Saeed Al Subaiei, and a new and larger Intensive Council of Health. the presence of caries and the standard infant care routines. the excellent examples being set Director, Training Department Care Unit on the second floor of A PHCC survey in 2011 found mothers’ knowledge that orange Where necessary, referrals are by these individuals and build at the college, said a military HGH to ensure more space for that 89 percent of four to five- juice is good for the teeth. made to dental clinics. them into a systemic ‘whole parade by the students will be each critically ill patient. year-old Qataris in government Orange juice is among the “These young children will team’ approach,” she added. one of the highlights of the inau- THE PENINSULA/QNA kindergartens had caries. most damaging to the tooth be introduced to a new model THE PENINSULA gural events. THE PENINSULA Qatar slams attack on Tunisia museum, use of chemical weapons in Syria DOHA: Qatar yesterday con- that admits to constant viola- towards disposing of Syria’s demned the armed attack on tion of Resolution 2118 (2013) chemical stockpile and hoped all Bardo Museum in Tunisia that and calls for holding accountable weapons will be destroyed and killed and injured dozens of those responsible for the use of reports of the fact-finding com- Tunisians and foreign tourists. chemicals, including chlorine, or mittee will be followed up on. In a statement, the Foreign any other toxic chemical. He said Qatar is committed Ministry stressed that the crimi- The resolution extended the to full implementation of the nal attack is contrary to human scope of the resolution 2118 to agreement to achieve its goals of values and principles and aimed include the use of chemicals. It regional and international peace to undermine Tunisia’s stability. also included the pledge of the and security. It also stressed Qatar’s solidar- director-general of Organisation He urged non-member states ity with the Tunisian government for the Prohibition of Chemical to join the agreement and in its quest to protect gains of the Weapons (OPCW) to enclose hoped countries having chemi- revolution by resorting to law future reports of the fact-finding cal stockpiles will destroy them and legal institutions and efforts mission in his monthly reports to for the agreement not to lose its being made to achieve peace and the Security Council. credibility. stability. In a speech on the occasion of He said Qatar, as part of its The ministry reiterated Qatar’s the 78th session of OPCW’s exec- commitment to enhance interna- firm stance against violence in all utive council, Qatar’s Ambassador tional peace and security, hosted its forms and manifestations and to the Netherlands, Khalid bin this month Nato’s annual confer- expressed Qatar condolences to Fahad Al Khater, urged the inter- ence on combating weapons of the families of the victims. national community to exercise mass destruction. Qatar submits Meanwhile, Qatar condemned utmost firmness with Syria to on time its declarations whether the systematic use of chemical implement executive council reso- on non-prohibited uses of chemi- weapons and materials in Syria. lutions as well as Security Council cals or in assistance and protec- It welcomed UN Security resolutions 2118 and 2209. tion from dangers of chemical Council Resolution 2209 (2015) He underlined OPCW’s efforts weapons, he added. QNA Family disputes could be tried in camera DOHA: A law is on the anvil and given time to prepare their Prime Minister and Interior that will make it mandatory for defence. The courts will be free Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah family and other courts hear- to announce verdicts in open ses- bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani ing family and related issues sions. The Cabinet yesterday took chaired the Cabinet’s regular such as marital discord, divorce, measures to ensure that the draft meeting at the Emiri Diwan yes- child custody and support and law is forwarded to higher-ups terday. The court can request an inheritance, among others, to for approval so it could be put in employee of a family counselling conduct their proceedings in force. centre working for reconcilia- camera. The draft was earlier sent tion between litigants to submit This is to ensure that the by the Cabinet to the Advisory a report. It can also use these privacy of families is protected. Council whose recommendations centres to help reach settlement Defendants will, however, be were incorporated into it, QNA through reconciliation. explained court procedures reports. THE PENINSULA People urged to report Seha misuse Continued from page 1 pharmacies for selling medicines without a prescrip- The SCH has urged the public to report to the tion, a local Arabic daily reported, quoting a source. NHIC any suspected cases of misuse of Seha either Over the past two weeks, 25 pharmacies faced by healthcare providers or beneficiaries. closure for selling anti-impotency medicine Viagra NHIC has launched a hotline service — 8008800 and antibiotics Augmentin and Cialis, among others, — to receive queries and complaints about the insur- without a prescription, said the daily. Investigations ance scheme. The Seha provider network includes by the Pharmacy and Drug Control Department at three private hospitals, private clinics besides lead- the SCH found that some pharmacies were doing ing public hospitals. Seha covers all citizens and is this under pressure from patients but this is a clear scheduled to cover expatriates by 2016-end. violation of the rules, the report said. Meanwhile, SCH has closed down many THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 19 MARCH 2015 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Tribal loyalties hinder battle against corruption in GCC states DOHA: Fighting corruption but people shouldn’t misuse it for Society must be involved.” in public institutions in the revenge. She said people hesitate According to Mohamed Al GCC is easier said than done to report suspected cases of cor- Ansari, a prominent lawyer and as tribal ties and loyalties ruption due to strong tribal and key member of Qatari Lawyers’ are strong and prompt peo- family links and loyalties. “This Association, Qatar has laws to ple to ignore wrongdoings, say is typical of this region.” fight corruption but they are not experts. Al Malki said nationals and properly implemented. A common instance of official expatiates can play an effective For example, he said, if some- corruption here is when a new role of whistle-blowers in soci- one is caught for involvement director of a government depart- ety’s fight against corruption. in financial corruption all he is ment takes charge, he sacks old Prominent lawyer, Yusuf asked to do is return the money. staff and appoints new, says a Al Zaman, said employees on “People should be asked to psychologist. public projects can report sus- return the money but must also “This is quite common in pected financial skullduggeries be punished. the GCC. The director acts as to authorities. “They should be jailed That though he got that position as “The public prosecution has will be a deterrent,” he said, add- inheritance,” said Dr Moza Al Dr Moza Al Malki, Yusuf Al Zaman and Sheikh Ahmed Al Buanain. given all guarantees to protect ing the law needs to be updated. Malki. the identity of the person who Sheikh Ahmed Al Buanain, a Old staff is replaced by the new and experience, she said. these things, she told local Arabic campaign launched by the pub- provides information about cor- famous cleric, said citizens and director or head of the depart- There is a need to raise aware- daily Al Arab in comments pub- lic prosecution urging people to ruption,” he said. expats should be actively involved ment without any thought or ness against such practices and lished yesterday. report suspected cases of irregu- “Having legislations alone to in the fight against corruption. taking into consideration merit the government must monitor Asked about a recent larities, she said she was all for it combat corruption is not enough. THE PENINSULA Qatar Airways Cargo to launch HIA: Don’t check in freighter service to Los Angeles with others’ baggage DOHA: Qatar Airways Cargo serving California, the world’s global cargo hub, which is (QAC) will launch a freighter 16th largest economy. reflected by the increasing air- service to Los Angeles, US, Los Angeles ranks fifth in the freight volumes at Los Angeles from April 4. US in terms of air cargo vol- Airport. With the new destina- They may contain contraband: Customs Authority The twice-weekly Boeing 777 umes processed. In 2014, LAX tion, we are able to offer our freighter service will become handled over two million tonnes customers capacity and five-star DOHA: Customs officials at checking in because they will be Ajab Mansur Al Qahtani, Acting QAC’s fourth US destination of air cargo worth more than service into and out of this key Hamad International Airport fully responsible for such baggage Director, Customs Authority, alongside Houston, Chicago and $91.6bn. cargo destination in the US.” (HIA) have warned passen- checked in in their names. HIA. Officials took the passenger Atlanta. QA uplifted over 49,000 QAC’s freighter to LAX will gers not to check in in their “Several pieces of baggage car- to the inspection area after notic- The new addition will pro- tonnes of airfreight from the US extend trading opportunities name baggage of strangers rying prohibited materials were ing his suspected movements. vide 100 tonnes of cargo capac- market in 2014 and it will con- between Southern California which might contain prohibited seized,” Al Sharq reports, quoting Finally they cut the soles of his ity per flight, leaving Doha on tinue to be a key growth mar- and the Middle East. materials. Customs Authority as saying. shoes and found the pills. Wednesdays and Saturdays via ket for QAC, with the market Gina Marie Lindsey, Executive Officials have caught some pas- Meanwhile, customs officials at Last year, some 355 consign- Luxembourg and Mexico to Los predicted to add more than one Director, Los Angeles World sengers carrying others’ baggage HIA caught a transit passenger ments of drugs, including hashish, Angeles International Airport. million tonnes of freight before Airports, said: “The new service in their name and recovered pro- from an Arab country for car- heroin, cocaine, marijuana and The LAX freighter will add 2018. will provide Southern California hibited materials. rying 1,300 pills of tramadol, a narcotic pills and capsules, were to the current US destinations Ulrich Ogiermann, QA Chief businesses with more choices to In such cases, the passenger in narcotic used as painkiller and confiscated. served by QA, including New Officer Cargo, said: “We are ship between the West Coast, whose name a luggage is checked banned in Qatar. The seizure included 23,973 York, Chicago, Washington, proud to announce our fourth the Gulf/Middle East and in will be held accountable for its The pills were hidden in the pills, 888 grammes of hashish, Philadelphia, Houston, Dallas freighter destination in the US, beyond. contents, according to officials. soles of the passenger’s shoes in 10kg of marijuana, 1kg of opium, and Miami. further strengthening QAC’s “It will also open our markets “Passengers are advised not a transparent wrapper. 20 grammes of cocaine and 16 Los Angeles International worldwide airfreight network. to Qatari businesses.” to carry others’ bags and make The soles were re-stitched grammes of heroin, Al Sharq said. Airport is a major cargo hub “Los Angeles is a significant THE PENINSULA sure about the contents before after putting the pills inside, said THE PENINSULA Lulu begins Ooredoo solution to boost transport sector ‘Half Pay Back’ DOHA: Ooredoo transport-related information Using Ooredoo’s advanced 4G and decrease in vehicle and promotion yesterday launched so that companies can plan fleet and 4G+ networks, fleet man- cargo theft. Smart Fleet activities, reduce operational agement solutions are able to With M2M fleet management, DOHA: A ‘Half Pay Back’ Management costs and optimise resources. manage a far higher and more companies can manage, auto- promotion at Lulu outlets Solution to enhance Smart fleet management advanced range of data, contin- mate, monitor, route and dis- in Qatar begins today and Qatar’s transport technology could provide a vital ually updating fleet managers on patch a fleet of vehicles within continues until April 11. sector. tool to reduce traffic pressure as a vehicle’s location and status. Qatar or internationally. Data It covers all items under Smart Fleet is companies use the solution to The solution offers features, capabilities on board allow for the categories of gar- designed to fit the ensure their vehicles avoid jams including route control, real managers and drivers to access ments, saris, churidhars, needs of any com- and keep roads clearer and safer time alarms, administration information footwear and ladies bags pany that has a fleet for other motorists. and fuel management, and fleet Machine-to-machine technol- except lingerie. of vehicles, whether The service features a driver security. ogy is fast transforming the face Customers will get a gift they operate in the behaviour analysis tool that ena- Smart Fleet is available for of business in Qatar. voucher of QR100 on every services sector, trans- bles companies to track employ- a monthly subscription charge, The new-age technology gives purchase of any of the port and logistics, pas- ees’ driving abilities and fuel following a one-off installation businesses the power to commu- above items worth QR200. senger transportation optimisation and saving options. fee. nicate directly with each other Global brands, includ- or construction. Waleed Al Sayed, Chief With operational cost savings or with a central command cen- ing Louis Philippe, Van The solution, which Operating Officer, Ooredoo available through deploying the tre, thereby automating daily Heusen, Allen Solly, Arrow, is an innovative Qatar, said: “We are going to solution, Ooredoo estimates that tasks and delivering maximum Cortgiani, Eten, Debackers, cloud- based service make 2015 the year of ‘smart businesses will see a return on output with minimum invest- Lee, Wrangler, Killer, and deploys GPS and services’ for businesses. The their investment from the solu- ment in manpower, time and Nike, Reebok, Crocs, Josef GSM technology, can launch of Smart Fleet is an tion in an average of six months. cost. Seibel, Woodland, Liberty, centralise and manage important step, since transport Other benefits of Smart Fleet Ooredoo’s M2M data bundles Sketchers, Filanto, Hush companies provide vital ameni- include a simple installation set- offer a flexible pricing plan, from Puppies, Anta, Dickies, ties for people and goods across up and an estimated minimum 100 MB to 50 GB packages that among others, are on dis- the country, and the solution 25 percent increase in customer can be shared among as many play. The promotion is being has an immediate impact on satisfaction, maintenance and SIM cards as needed. repeated after six months their activities.” communication cost savings, THE PENINSULA following requests from cus- tomers. Latest collections of global brands and trendy range of fashion wear and footwear to suit all age groups are on display. Lulu has already launched a promotion of 10 Audi A6 cars, model 2015, which continues until July 4, ending with five draws from July 5 to 9 at D-Ring Road branch, Al Gharrafa branch, Al Khor branch, Lulu Centre and Barwa City branch, respectively. Dohatna Innovative Distribution, in asso- ciation with Lulu Group, has launched a promo- tion on Britannia biscuits and other confectionary items. Customers who buy Britannia food products are entitled to get ten 22Ct gold coins and 50 Lulu gift vouchers together worth QR32,500. Doha Drug Store, in coordination with Lulu Group, has launched a promotion where custom- ers are entitled for two- night stay at Hilton Hotel in Doha when they buy any of Listerine and Carefree products from any Lulu outlet in Qatar. THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 19 MARCH 2015 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 First Aspire Beach Volleyball Tournament on April 17-18 DOHA: To promote volley- female team title in front of an fourth place. Mohannadi, Secretary-General, ball and benefits of a healthy enthusiastic crowd. Sixty-four players are QVA, said: “We are looking for- lifestyle, Aspire Zone will The tournament will start expected to take part in the ward to building a solid relation- hold the first edition of Aspire with preliminary rounds dur- tournament. The women’s tour- ship with Aspire Zone, which is Beach Volleyball Tournament ing which participating teams nament will be held on April 17 playing a great role in sports on April 17 and 18 at its Sand will be divided into Group A and and the men’s tournament on development and promoting Pitch. Group B. The first round will be April 18. activities among Qataris and Aspire Zone has collabo- played in a league format with Abdulla Al Khater, Events residents.” rated with Qatar Volleyball the first of Group A taking on Manager, Aspire Zone, said: The event is open to men and Association (QVA) to host the the second of Group B, followed “Aspire Zone is delighted to women aged 17 and above. event as it aims to diversify by the first of Group B taking on be hosting the first edition Registration is free to give all sporting events it has to offer the second of Group A. of the tournament with the members of the community the the local community. The tournament will end with ongoing support of QVA. We chance to participate. The tournament is an oppor- a final with two matches. The remain committed to organis- To register and secure place tunity for residents to compete winners of semi-finals will com- ing unique events such as this at the tournament, log on to separately and will have the pete for first and second place. one to engage the community www.lifeinaspire.qa as spots are chance to walk away with the The runners-up from semi- in a fun and challenging event.” expected to fill fast. www.swiss-belhotel.com best beach volleyball male/ finals will compete for third and Mohammed Ali Al THE PENINSULA Tel Fax

Cannabis duo Tel jailed for 20 Qatar committed to supporting Fax years, fined people with disabilities: Official QR200,000 each Tel Fax DOHA: A criminal court has sentenced two Bangladeshis to 20 years in jail and fined QR200,000 each for trading, Tel + 974 44298888 using and possessing a large stock of cannabis. Fax The court also ordered their deportation after they have served their sentences. Tel About 3.5kg of cannabis was Fax found at the accommodation of the convicts. Officials at one of the sessions. In a sting operation, police gave money to a source to buy BY RAYNALD C RIVERA Al Nasser said Qatar also minimum but as a maximum, if Tel the drug from one the convicts. focuses on establishing centres we are to realise the possibility of Fax As soon as the source DOHA: Qatar is committed to to provide services and support every citizen across our society.” informed officers that the deal supporting people with disabil- for the disabled. “Islam and laws The opening day featured ses- was done, they swooped on the ities with laws enshrining their in Qatar guarantee the rights sions on disability legislation, man, who later led police to his rights and empowering them, of persons with disabilities,” he employability, inclusive learning Tel accomplice. an official said yesterday. stressed. The Ministry of Labour technologies and attitudes and Fax Police recovered money from “Qatari law includes provisions and Social Affairs is implement- disability terminology. the second convict who had sold for empowering persons with dis- ing projects and programmes The Ilham art exhibition also www.doha.hilton.com a part of cannabis. abilities to support them in areas such as developing national opened, featuring seven deaf and The duo were taken to their such as education and health and capacities programme, integra- ‘disabled’ artists from Qatar, Tel 44233333 974+ accommodation and during integrate them in the labour tion of people with special needs Oman and the UK who have cre- search, eight packets filled force in government and other in Deema programme, capacity ated works inspired by MIA col- Fax 44233000 974+ with 3.511kg of cannabis were sectors,” said Ahmed Nasser Al and needs assessment of disabled lection. A film, Voices, premiered recovered. Nasser, Assistant Undersecretary employees and the art of dealing at the opening, highlighting A forensic report confirmed for Social Affairs. with the disabled, he added. voices of persons with disabili- that the confiscated material He was addressing the open- British Paralympic Champion, ties in Qatar and the region who was cannabis banned interna- ing ceremony the Definitely Able Lord Holmes of Richmond, made amazing accomplishments tionally, reports Al Raya. conference at Museum of Islamic underscored the need for an in sport and art. And a medical report con- Art Education Centre. inclusive society for persons with “The ministry is pleased to firmed that the blood sample The two-day forum, organ- disabilities to “write our own be a supporting partner of this taken from the first convict for ised by Sasol and British Council narrative.” conference. It is in line with test had traces of hashish. in partnership with Qatar “Qatar has fantastic poten- our efforts to create a vibrant Tel THE PENINSULA Museums, highlights sessions tial to have the most accessible, labour market open to all per- Fax on ‘Together enabling inclusion. the most inclusive and the most sons, regardless of disability, It aims to provide platform for connected society and is a beacon gender or any other factor,” said the disabled community and across this region. It all comes Minister of Labour and Social Outlet shut down an opportunity for policymak- down to how much we believe Affairs H E Dr Abdullah Saleh ers and stakeholders to share in inclusion not as a nice thing Mubarak Al Khulaifi. Tel for selling poor experiences. to do but as a must-do, not as a THE PENINSULA Fax quality heaters DOHA: The Ministry of Tel Economy and Commerce has Fax closed down an outlet for one Assad, ISIS two faces of same coin month for selling and distrib- uting electric heaters that do Continued from page 1 involved in the conflict and crimes topped global concerns not meet Qatari standards and On the other hand, Turkish even gave military training to and dominated headlines, and specifications. Prime Minister Ahmed Dawood the opposition, but now it is there were calls for his ouster, Tel A total of 426 heaters were Oglo said, “if you sit with Assad calling for negotiations with but after the horrible crimes of Fax seized during surprise raids by and shake hands with him, it Damascus! ISIS, the world’s attention has inspectors from the ministry. will not be erased from the Ironically, some Western shifted to destroying ISIS. Samples of the heaters human conscience throughout states do not consider Assad The real victims of this con- were sent to Standards and history because there is no dif- a war criminal, a dictator who flict are Syrian people who are Tel Specifications Authority for ference between a handshake is responsible for destruction caught between the IS and checking their specifications, with Al Assad and with Hitler and deaths of hundreds of Assad. Both do not differenti- Fax the ministry said in statement and Slobodan Miloševic.” thousands, and displacement ate between civilians and non- yesterday. Emanuel Valls, French pre- of millions of people. Assad has civilians while throwing bombs Meanwhile, the Ministry of mier, also expressed disappoint- released ISIS terrorists from at areas which are already Municipality and Urban Planning ment with Kerry’s statement, prisons to damage the image of under siege. Tel said it removed 29 abandoned cars saying “there will be no peace the peaceful revolution. It’s sad So what is the difference Fax and conducted 93 inspection cam- if Assad remained in power, and to see the international com- between Hitler and Assad? paigns last month in areas under Kerry knows that very well”. munity’s apathy towards Syrian Both Assad and ISIS are two Al Rayan Municipality’s jurisdic- So, have we entered a new civil war after the equations faces of the same coin. tion. THE PENINSULA road on Syria? US is directly have changed. Earlier, Assad’s THE PENINSULA

‘Our foreign policy seeks stability’ Tel QIA 9th largest in world Fax Continued from page 1 DOHA: The Qatar third in the SFWI listings, “Our foreign policy is geared to promote preventive measures to contain Investment Authority, the with assets worth $757.2bn. crises, ease the severity of disputes and conflicts in the region and across country’s sovereign wealth Kuwait is sixth with assets the world and seek to realise regional balance and stability,” said Al Attiyah. Tel fund, with assets total- of its investment authority at He said global peace and security constitute an international system that Fax ling $256bn, is the ninth $548bn. The National Social ensures the rights and respect for all peoples. But, the sad and regrettable largest in the world in Security Fund of China with thing is that the Middle East peace process relapses and stumbles, again terms of asset size, says $240bn assets was ranked and again, to stop and get frozen eventually. www.marriottmarquisdoha.com Sovereign Wealth Fund 10th. The assets of eight of He said Qatar’s ties with Gulf states are social in the first place, and on Institute (SWFI). Norway’s these 10 largest sovereign them economic, political and other relations were built. Tel + 974 44195000 Government Pension Fund wealth funds haven’t eroded He stressed that the GCC is the last cohesive bloc in the Middle East, Fax + 974 44195100 with assets of $863bn is the this year so far compared adding that Gulf states share the same destiny and their strength comes biggest in the world, followed to the first quarter of 2014. from their cohesion. by Abu Dhabi Investment Norway’s Pension Fund has On Qatar’s relationship with Turkey, he said Turkey is a developed coun- Authority, whose assets are lost $30bn in a year since Q1 try that made tremendous leaps, adding that it was essential to establish estimated at $773bn. of last year and China’s fund relations with them to achieve the goals of the Qatari diplomacy which Saudi Arabia Monetary has lost some $38bn in a year. has always pursued an “open door” policy in dealing with what is at stake Authority (SAMA) ranks THE PENINSULA regionally and internationally. THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 19 MARCH 2015 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Sidra appoints new HMC marks Annual Residents chief financial officer DOHA: Sidra Medical and Carmack joins Sidra from Lucile and Fellows Research Day Research Center (Sidra) has Packard Children’s Hospital at appointed Tim Carmack as its Stanford (LPCH) where he was vice- DOHA: Senior leaders and Chief Financial Officer. president and chief financial officer. researchers from Hamad Carmack brings more than 25 LPCH is consistently rated as one Medical Corporation (HMC) years of financial leadership experi- of the best children’s hospitals in the gathered for Annual Residents ence in the healthcare sector to the US by US News and World Report. and Fellows Research Day. role. It specialises in the care of babies, The event showcased the Sidra Member of the Office of children, adolescents and expect- research being conducted by the CEO and Executive Vice Chief ant mothers and is part of Stanford residents and fellows within Medical Officer, Dr Abdulla Al Kaabi, University Medical Center. HMC’s training groups. said, “We are pleased to welcome Carmack has been chief finan- It provided an opportunity for a highly experienced executive of cial officer at Huntington Memorial young researchers to present Carmack’s calibre to this role, where Hospital (Pasadena); Good Samaritan their published papers and be he will be responsible for implement- Hospital (Los Angeles); and Anaheim formally recognised for their ing financial plans and productivity Memorial Medical Centre. works. The event opened with benchmark. “It is a privilege for me to join a presentations by Dr Wanis “His experience in working in a world-class medical and research Ibrahim, Chairman, Annual similar medical environment will be centre like Sidra as CFO. Residents and Fellows Research an integral addition to our leadership “I am looking forward to working Day Steering Committee, and team as we work towards achieving with Sidra’s dynamic leadership team Professor Ibrahim Janahi, Senior HMC leaders at the event. our vision to be ranked among the and becoming an active member of Executive Director, HMC’s top academic medical centres in the the organisation,” said Carmack. Medical Research Centre together and share knowledge resident or fellow at HMC or is important in creating the evi- world.” THE PENINSULA (MRC). and experience.” PHCC, and original published dence base that can be used to Dr Ibrahim said, “This was Prior to the event, residents research, case reports and con- drive forward changes in clinical a wonderful celebration of the and fellows were invited to sub- ference abstracts within the last practice to improve outcomes research work undertaken by mit original research papers, five years were admissible. for our patients. residents and fellows at HMC. case reports, conference post- Five winning projects were “Research is a central part of “We want to encourage and ers and quality projects for five announced for four catego- HMC’s academic health vision, Vodafone unveils pre-orders nurture our researchers by award categories. ries: Best Case Report, Best combining education and train- teaching them the appropri- Submissions were assessed Original Research, Best Poster ing to deliver excellent clinical ate skills for planning research based on criteria, includ- Presentation, and Best Quality care. It is encouraging to wit- projects, applying for grants and ing the research paper must Project. ness the strength and depth of for Galaxy S6 and edge conducting research. have received approval from Research plays a valuable role research expertise of our resi- “The day provided the MRC or Primary Health Care at HMC in delivering high-qual- dents and fellows as showcased DOHA: Vodafone is the first tel- 4G networks. Being the first to offer research community at HMC Corporation (PHCC), the ity healthcare to patients. at the event.” ecom operator in Qatar to launch pre-orders in Qatar underlines our with the opportunity to come researcher had to be a current Prof. Janahi said, “Research THE PENINSULA pre-orders for redefined smart- commitment to lead the market in phones — Samsung Galaxy S6 and terms of bringing unique offers to our Samsung Galaxy S6 edge — via customers.” www.vodafone.qa/S6 Crafted from metal and glass, both Pre-order customers can pick up blend purposeful design with power- devices starting from April 10 at any ful features. Galaxy S6 edge shows 3,045 benefit from QRC programmes Vodafone store and will also receive a outstanding beauty, provides a solid free gift. Vodafone will contact cus- grip and an immersive viewing expe- DOHA: A total of 3,045 people tomers to notify them of the time to rience with the world’s first curved in Al Shamal benefited from pick up their devices. They can also display on both sides. A refined and events and first aid lectures try out the new Samsung Galaxy S6 fully optimised user experience sim- under ‘I Am a Paramedic’ and S6 edge, price, respectively, start- plifies applications and offers features training programme organ- ing at QR2,599 for S6 32GB model and settings in a more intuitive way. ised by Qatar Red Crescent’s and QR3,099 for S6 edge 32GB model, Both devices are equipped with (QRC) Al Khor branch. with demo units at Vodafone stores vivid, bright and fast front and rear During the second phase of in Villaggio, City Centre Mall and cameras. The F1.9 lenses and high the health exhibition held by Al Landmark as of March 20. resolution sensors on both front Khor Primary School for Girls, Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge (5MP) and rear (16MP) cameras QRC had a corner to introduce seamlessly blend premium materi- provide the most superior image students to its mission of serv- als with the most advanced Samsung quality in a smartphone even in the ing Qatari and other societies technology to offer consumers an dark. Both are setting a new indus- around the world, deliver a unmatched mobile experience. try standard for universal wireless lecture on asthma, distribute Marc Norris, Chief Commercial charging. The devices work with any health education handouts, and Officer, Vodafone Qatar, said: wireless pad that supports WPC and conduct free blood pressure “Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 edge PMA standards. They sport fast and sugar tests for over 100 are a major leap forward in terms wired charging, 1.5 times faster than participants. of design and both boast a range Galaxy S5, providing about four hours The branch held train- of impressive features. It is an of usage after 10 minutes of charging. ing courses for 36 students of ideal smartphone on which to The thin and lightweight Galaxy S6 Abdullah bin Ali Al Musnad access content services available on and Galaxy S6 edge integrate the cut- Independent Secondary Vodafone’s RED price plans, seam- ting-edge, Samsung core technology School for Boys, 64 of Al Khor lessly streamed over our superfast available today. THE PENINSULA Model Independent School for Visitors at the QRC corner at Safe Spring festival. Boys, and 45 of Abdullah bin Ali Al Musnad Independent Traffic Department and Ras implemented by QRC volunteers companies in Al Shamal. Preparatory School. Laffan Community Outreach with QR750,000 funding from During the four-day event, They received theoretical Programme (COP). Chevron Philips Chemical Qatar QRC volunteers and medical and practical training in first A QRC corner informed for 23,000 expatriate workers, staff informed the public about aid, including cardiopulmo- the public about the basics of the branch distributed hygiene QRC activities and programmes, nary resuscitation; how to deal first aid that must be offered kits and water bottles to 300 recruited new volunteers and with suffocation, bleeding, inju- to the injured and road safety municipality workers in the performed physiology tests for ries, fractures, burns, epilepsy, guidelines. public cleaning, insecticides and nearly 1,000 visitors. asthma and poisoning; and tech- QRC ambulance vehicles and sewerage departments. QRC and Al Khor Cultural niques of moving injured people. medical workers distributed The branch took part in the Centre also held a three-day Al The branch co-organised a informative brochures, gifts, and fifth annual ‘Safe Spring’ festi- Khor Spring Festival on Safa two-day ‘Safe Journey’ exhibi- first aid kits and performed free val organised by the Community Al Touq corniche. QRC’s cor- tion at Al Shamal Sports Club medical check-ups for over 1,000 Policing Department in coop- ner provided medical and edu- and Simaisma Youth Centre, in participants. eration with COP, Ministry of cational services to over 500 partnership with the Community Under ‘Together for Interior departments and 50 people. Policing Department, the Benevolence’ campaign civil society organisations and THE PENINSULA TAMUQ hosts materials science symposium DOHA: The sixth edi- dependent on advanced mate- tion of the Materials rials: lightweight composites for Science and Engineering faster vehicles, optical fibres for Symposium hosted by Texas telecommunications and silicon A&M University at Qatar microchips for the information (TAMUQ) brought together revolution and many polymer- experts from academic insti- related applications. tutions, research centres, “The fascinating element industry and government about materials science is that organisations to discuss latest the outcome of research projects advances in materials science are tangible and directly impact and engineering. our lives. Knowledge transfer Dr Mark H Weichold, Dean and education in materials sci- and CEO, said, “TAMUQ is ence and engineering is essen- proud to partner with aca- tial,” he said. demic and industry collabora- The symposium featured tors such as Qatar University speakers from top international (QU), Qatar Petrochemical academic institutions, QEERI, Company (Qapco) and Qatar QU, TAMUQ and industry and Environment and Energy served as a platform to foster Research Institute (QEERI) to interdisciplinary future collabo- help realise sustainable solu- rations among participants. tions to real-world challenges Officials at the symposium. It also included a poster ses- and encourage exchange of sion with a competition of sep- knowledge, ideas and expertise poster presenters focused on from Qapco. arate tracks for students and essential to fuel innovation and the symposium theme ‘Building In his keynote speech, Dr researchers. new thinking. Capacity, Knowledge Transfer Mohammed Yousef Al Mulla, First-place winners from each “The symposium illustrates and Education in Materials Vice-Chairman and CEO, track received QR5,000 and the importance of industry, Science and Engineering’ to Qapco, described sponsoring the second-place winners QR3,000. academic and government support research challenges in symposium as an honour and Students and researchers pre- partnerships in developing sci- Qatar. highlighted benefits of innova- sented the outcomes of their entific solutions that have direct The event was co-organised tion and its impact on the next research and impact on advanc- impact on the world around us.” by QU, QEERI and TAMUQ and generation of materials. ing the industry in Qatar. Speakers, presenters and supported through sponsorship “Our modern society is THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 19 MARCH 2015 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 Gunmen storm Tunisia museum, kill 19 After Saudi, Italians, Germans, Polish and Spanish among 17 dead; security forces kill two militants UAE recalls

TUNIS: Gunmen in military tourists. Nineteen people were envoy from uniforms stormed Tunisia’s killed including 17 foreign tour- national museum, killing 17 for- ists. Twenty-two tourists are eign tourists and two Tunisians wounded,” the premier said. Sweden yesterday in one of the worst “Two militants opened fire on militant attacks in a country the tourists as they were getting STOCKHOLM: The United that has largely escaped the off the buses before fleeing into Arab Emirates recalled its region’s “Arab Spring” turmoil. the museum,” one Bardo employee ambassador from Sweden yester- Visitors from Italy, Germany, said at the scene. An official at the day, widening a diplomatic row Poland and Spain were among the Italian foreign ministry in Rome triggered by the Nordic country’s dead in the noon assault on the said two Italians had been wounded criticism of Saudi Arabia. Bardo museum near parliament in the attack. About another 100 The protest came a week in central Tunis, Prime Minister Italians were in the area and had after Saudi Arabia recalled its Habib Essid said. been taken to safety by Tunisian ambassador from Stockholm, Security forces stormed the police, authorities added. citing Swedish Foreign Minister former palace around two hours Tunisia’s government has Margot Wallstroem’s criticism of later, killed two militants and taken measures to prevent any its human rights and democracy freed other tourists held hostage new attacks, President Beji Caid record in the Swedish parliament. inside, a government spokesman Essebsi said. “The authorities The UAE’s foreign affairs min- said. One policeman was killed in have taken all measures to ensure istry said in a statement that the the police operation. that such things don’t happen” ambassador was recalled “in the European Union foreign policy again, Essebsi said as he visited wake of offending remarks by chief Federica Mogherini said victims of the attack in a Tunis the Minister of Foreign Affairs Islamic State militants, who hospital. “I hope that the means of Sweden” and that it had lodged have become particularly active available to us will become more a complaint with Sweden’s envoy in Libya, were behind the attack. efficient,” he said. to Abu Dhabi. “The EU is determined to mobi- “All of the authorities have been Tourists evacuated from the site of an attack carried out by two gunmen at Tunis’ famed Bardo Museum yesterday. The ministry said it condemned lise all the tools it has to fully sup- informed and I hope such a dis- the “strong statements” made port Tunisia in the fight against aster will not happen again.” He an attack and vowed to stand today’s wanton violence and their condolences to the families of by the Swedish foreign minister terrorism,” she added. described the attack as a “horrible with the Tunisian people. “The efforts to resolve the hostage situ- the victims of this deplorable against Saudi Arabia. It added Prime Minister Essid declared crime” and said he had assured United States condemns in the ation and restore calm.” act,” said his deputy spokesman that those statements “vio- in a national address: “All the wounded of “our support, our strongest possible terms today’s In Brussels, French Prime Farhan Haq. late the principle of sovereignty Tunisians should be united after sympathy and our regrets that deadly terrorist attack at the Minister Manuel Valls said he The museum is known for its upon which the normal relations this attack which was aimed at such a thing has happened”. National Bardo Museum in condemned “this terrorist attack collection of ancient Tunisian between countries are based” and destroying the Tunisian economy.” An Islamist lawmaker, Monia Tunis,” Secretary of State John in the strongest terms”, add- artifacts and mosaics and other “do not respect the religious and Television footage showed doz- Brahim, said that gunfire from Kerry said in a statement. ing that there had been a “hos- treasures from classical Rome cultural particularities of states ens of people, including elderly the initial assault prompted par- Extending America’s sympa- tage taking”. French President and Greece. There were no imme- and communities”. foreigners and one man carrying liamentary committees to sus- thies to the victims and their Francois Hollande also expressed diate reports the attackers had In early February, Wallstroem a child, running for shelter in the pend their meetings as lawmakers families, Kerry said Washington his country’s “solidarity” with copied Islamic State militants in described the kingdom as a “dic- compound, covered by security were ordered to assemble in the “stands with the Tunisian Tunisia, a former French colony. Iraq by targeting exhibits seen by tatorship” that violates women’s forces aiming rifles into the air. main chamber. “There was enor- people at this difficult time UN Secretary General Ban hardliners as idolatrous. rights and whips bloggers during Authorities did not immediately mous panic,” another lawmaker, and continues to support the Ki-moon condemned what he The assault was the worst parliamentary talks about arms identify the gunmen. Sayida Ounissi, wrote on Twitter, Tunisian government’s efforts called the “deplorable” attack on attack involving foreigners in sales to the country. Sweden last “Two terrorists disguised in saying the attack took place dur- to advance a secure, prosperous, Tunisia’s national museum. Ban Tunisia since an al Qaeda suicide week cut military ties with Saudi military clothes got into the ing hearings on Tunisia’s anti- and democratic Tunisia”. He “condemns in the strongest terms bombing on a synagogue killed Arabia after Wallstroem accused parliament building, then the terrorism law. also commended the “Tunisian today’s attack” against the Bardo 21 people on the tourist island of Riyadh of blocking her from mak- museum where they attacked The United States denounced authorities’ rapid response to museum and “conveys his deepest Djerba in 2002. AGENCIES ing a speech at the Arab League about human rights. “We regret this of course, we have good relations with the United Arab Emirates which we want to Saudi forces wrap protect and develop,” a foreign ministry spokesman Erik Boman up exercises Kuwait ex-PM, speaker told Swedish daily Aftonbladet. “But one should bear in mind that on Iraqi border Saudi Arabia and UAE have spe- cleared in ‘coup plot’ cially close relations, so we should SUWAYF: Saudi security perhaps not draw any exaggerated forces yesterday ended a weeks- KUWAIT CITY: Kuwaiti were not authentic and had been conclusions from this.” AFP long exercise on the Iraqi bor- prosecutors said yesterday they tampered with. Sheikh Ahmad der where three troopers died would not press charges against insisted at the time that he had in a January attack blamed on a former prime minister and secured a Swiss court ruling that US embassy in “terrorists”. an ex-parliament speaker over the videotapes were genuine and Border Guards and other inte- allegations of coup-plotting and that the voices were those of the Saudi closed rior ministry units have been con- corruption. former two officials. ducting daily training as part of Public prosecutor Dherar Al Sheikh Nasser, 75, resigned in the “first joint tactical” exercise Assoussi said in a statement 2011 after five years in office fol- for fourth day north of Arar city, the Saudi Press that an investigation had found lowing massive street protests RIYADH: The United States Agency reported. The exercises the accusations against the two over allegations that 13 MPs had embassy in Saudi Arabia remained began late last month. former top officials were not sup- received millions of dollars in closed to the public for a fourth SPA said that one scenario ported by evidence. bribes. Khorafi, a wealthy busi- straight day yesterday because of involved repelling an attempt In April last year, Sheikh nessman, was parliament speaker unspecified security concerns. “to storm the border with vehi- Ahmad Fahad Al Sabah, a sen- between 1999 and 2011. “The consular services remain cles.” That exercise included 1,500 ior member of the ruling family, The two former officials, who suspended,” embassy press officer US Secretary of State John Kerry (left) holds a meeting with Iran’s Foreign men from the Border Guards, the presented videotapes allegedly were questioned by the prosecu- Johann Schmonsees said, add- Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (right) over Iran’s nuclear programme in high-tech command and control showing former premier Sheikh tor, categorically dismissed the ing that other embassy business Lausanne yesterday. centre, customs department and Nasser Mohammad Al Ahmad accusations and described them continues as usual. No visa and other agencies, SPA said. Al Sabah and ex-parliament as “fabrications and lies”. other consular services are being The northern border is guarded speaker Jassem Al Khorafi plan- Both are nephews of Emir H offered at the embassy in the As N-deadline nears, fears by a double-fence system and ning a coup. H Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Saudi capital and at consulates complementary radar and camera The two dignitaries were also Sabah. The case shook the state, general in Jeddah and Dhahran. surveillance network stretching accused of establishing contacts prompting the ruler to call for The embassy has said it decided Saudi may try to match Iran for hundreds of kilometres. The with foreign intelligence, money calm and to let the judiciary not to open to the public because system has become the front line laundering and stealing public investigate. Opposition groups of “heightened security concerns”. RIYADH: Fears that Iran Switzerland with US Secretary in efforts to protect the kingdom funds. had called for an international On its website, the embassy will remain a potential nuclear of State John Kerry, said other from IS group extremists who Assoussi said that examina- probe and judicial cooperation warned US citizens to take extra threat under a mooted interna- foreign ministers from world have seized vast areas of Iraq as tion by Kuwaiti security agen- with Switzerland. precautions and keep a low profile tional deal have raised concerns powers involved in the negotia- well as Syria. AFP cies showed that the videotapes AFP if they are out in public. AFP that Saudi Arabia could seek its tions were unlikely to join them. own atomic capability. As the deadline nears, As the March 31 deadline for Washington appears to have Kuwait arrests talks between Tehran and world abandoned demands that Iran powers approaches, an influential completely dismantle its nuclear CDM leader Saudi prince has suggested his activities, raising fears in the Gulf, country will respond in kind if a where Saudi Arabia has long vied KUWAIT CITY: Kuwaiti final deal leaves open the possibil- with Iran for regional influence. secret police arrested the leader ity of a nuclear Iran. “There is a concern that Saudi of an opposition youth group Saudi Prince Turki Al Faisal Arabia and perhaps other states early yesterday following a com- warned this month that a deal in the region may now seek simi- plaint from the Saudi embassy, between Tehran and the so-called lar capabilities” to Iran’s, said the interior ministry and activ- P5+1 powers (Britain, France, Mark Fitzpatrick, director of the ists said. China, Russia, the United States non-proliferation and disarma- Civil Democratic Movement plus Germany) could spark a ment programme at the London- (CDM) leader Tareq Al Mutairi nuclear race in the region. “I’ve based International Institute for was detained after he ignored a always said whatever comes out of Strategic Studies. “Seeing how summons by the public prosecutor’s these talks, we will want the same,” costly this has been for Iran, office over a complaint by the Saudi Prince Turki, the kingdom’s former however, I expect the kingdom embassy, the interior ministry said intelligence chief and ex-envoy to will think twice about going down on its Twitter account. It gave no Washington, told the BBC. such a route.” details of the Saudi complaint. “So if Iran has the ability to The oil-rich region is already The CDM accused the authori- enrich uranium to whatever level, looking to diversify its energy ties of kidnapping its leader and it’s not just Saudi Arabia that’s sources with nuclear power. The said it would hold them respon- going to ask for that. The whole first of four reactors being built sible for his safety. It said on world will be an open door to go for the United Arab Emirates by Twitter that Mutairi was detained that route without any inhibition, a South Korea-led consortium by armed men in civilian dress as and that’s my main objection to is to come online in 2017. Saudi he was returning from a meeting this P5+1 process,” he said. Arabia, the Arab world’s larg- of opposition groups. The CDM Marathon talks to draw up est economy, this month signed has campaigned for wide-ranging the outlines of a landmark Iran a preliminary deal for technical reform in the state. nuclear deal by a March 31 and other nuclear cooperation On Friday, Kuwait arrested the deadline looked set to go down with South Korea. leader of the Islamist Ummah to the wire as Tehran played Still, experts said that even if Party, Hakem Al Mutairi, for alleg- down chances of finishing the Arab Gulf states develop atomic edly insulting Saudi Arabia on tel- job this week. Iranian Foreign energy, they would be a long way evision. He was released on Sunday Minister Mohammad Javad from possessing nuclear weapons. after questioning by prosecutors. Zarif, currently holding talks in AFP AFP THURSDAY 19 MARCH 2015 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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ENJAMIN Netanyahu has roared to victory over the ruins of the Palestinian peace process. What sealed Netanyahu deployed politics his sweeping victory was his unequivocal, arrogant Brejection of a future Palestinian state. Defying pollsters and pundits, Netanyahu’s rightwing Likud party won 30 of the 120 seats in parliament, against 24 for Isaac Herzog’s centre-left of fear; it worked like magic Zionist Union. BY ALUF BENN The results send several messages and have huge for the same voters – showed their open Netanyahu appealed to the primal fear consequences. First of all, it shows the radicalization of the contempt to the prime minister, por- of his political base. Israeli society and their significant turn to the right. It seems a SRAELI election campaigns always traying him as soft on Hamas. Likud You don’t have the luxury of voting majority of Israelis share Netanyahu’s view about Palestinians. end with surprises, exposing the operatives managed to elect the liberal for small parties, he told them, it’s me weakness and uncertainty of poll- Reuven (“Ruvi”) Rivlin as president over or the left. On election eve he buried his The right-wing leader has built his fortunes on the sole issue of Isters and pundits. The unexpected Netanyahu’s fierce objection. Surveys alleged support for a two-state solution, security as his government was a complete failure in improving gainers are usually newcomers whose showed that voters cared mostly about vowing that no Palestinian state will be the lives of ordinary people and in ensuring economic equality. anti-establishment freshness enchants social and economic issues, traditionally established under his watch, and there His rival Isaac Herzog was a moderate, and believed in peace voters. Tuesday’s election followed the the achilles heel of Likud. will be no more territorial concessions. talks with Palestinians and promised better lives for Israelis. trend with one notable exception: the Netanyahu reacted by turning right- On election day he warned that “masses unlikely winner was not a new face, but ward, pushing out his centre-left coali- of Arabs” are rushing to the polling sta- Secondly, the results show that Netanyahu is unbeatable in the veteran prime minister. After lag- tion partners and calling a snap election. tions to vote out the right. brinkmanship and craftiness. Several opinion polls showed voter ging behind throughout the campaign, Cutting his government’s term after less This was vintage Bibi: instilling fear fatigue with him and his rival was leading until the last minute. all but succumbing to voter fatigue, than two years appeared desperate – and anxiety, retreating to outright rac- But Netanyahu was able to turn the wind in his favour with a Binyamin Netanyahu has won a deci- but, lacking a serious opponent, Bibi was ism against Israel’s Arab citizens, por- few last-minute manoeuvres. sive victory. slated to win. From the outset, the elec- traying his opponents and critics as Netanyahu is an epitome of everything negative in Israeli In the final days before the vote, “Bibi” tion was practically a referendum over traitors, and standing up to the pow- proved that his political instincts are Netanyahu’s rule, and it duly focused on ers that be – President Obama, the old politics and society and the fact that Israelis have embraced him unmatched. Through a blitz of public his personality rather than his policy. leftist elite, the mainstream media, and shows he has been able to brainwash them. He specializes in appearances, he single-handedly con- Herzog, the opposition leader, unex- former generals and intelligence chiefs politics of fear. He used a 28-second video on the election day to vinced rightwing pectedly joined forces with Tzipi Livni, who opposed him. And it worked like warn that Israeli Arabs were voting voters to ditch the a peace-process champion who was magic. The well-mannered Herzog failed in droves and his incendiary remarks far right and reli- recently fired by Netanyahu from the to formulate a decent response to Bibi’s were nothing but racism. gious parties, and justice portfolio. They renamed the smear campaign. Israelis have Israel’s ultimate come back home Labour party The Zionist Union – The election will end in forming a Netanyahu’s victory is certain to Likud. The meaning “we’re centrist, not leftists” rightwing government, without the cen- rewarded to accelerate the isolation of Israel comeback kid effect was dra- – and overtook Likud in the surveys. tre-left coalition partners of Netanyahu’s in the international community, won by using matic and unprec- Given Israel’s tribal society and multi- last two cabinets. There will be no peace Netanyahu for especially after his vehement NO edented. The final party system, Herzog’s chances to form process with the Palestinians, and there to a Palestinian state. Several racist invective opinion polls, pub- a centre-left government appeared slim will be further efforts to curb democracy his promise lished last Friday, at best; but despite lacking charisma or at home in favour of strengthening what European capitals reacted in dismay against the gave his opponent experience in high cabinet jobs, he posi- he sees as Israel’s Jewish character. West to abort the and disappointment. The Obama country’s Arab Yitzhak Herzog’s tioned himself as an alternative to Bibi. Bank settlement expansion will be con- birth of a administration snubbed Netanyahu, Zionist Camp the The next blow came from a former tingent on external pressure from the rebuked his divisive rhetoric and citizens and lead by four seats. chief housekeeper at the prime minis- US and Europe, while the Palestinians Palestinian reaffirmed its commitment to the The count ended ter’s residence, who was fired and sued move forward to promote their state- creation of a Palestinian state. But portraying his with Netanyahu for damages. Netanyahu and his wife, hood through the UN, arguing they have state. leading by five Sara, were notorious for their stinginess, no Israeli partner for peace. Netanyahu doesn’t have to worry. The opponents as seats. billing of personal expenses to taxpay- Israel’s Arab citizens, who united White House can’t go beyond verbal Bibi has ruled ers, and abuse of their servants. But the before the election and expanded their rebuke. The Republicans support him traitors. Israel for nine new revelations were more damaging Knesset caucus, will launch an equal and if the next presidential election in US installs a Republican years – between than ever before, and were followed by rights protest campaign to test the lim- in the White House, Netanyahu can count on the new president’s 1996 and 1999, and since 2009. Only an official investigation. its of the Jewish majority’s tolerance. support to thwart Palestinians’ efforts for a separate state. David Ben-Gurion spent longer at the Netanyahu tried in vain to shift the And Netanyahu will have to pay more helm; if the new government completes public attention from his wife’s skim- than lip service to dealing with social Netanyahu’s victory will destroy Israeli-Palestinian relations its four-year term, Netanyahu will sur- ming of recycled bottle deposits to the affairs such as housing. and the latter is likely to go ahead with measures which Israel pass the founding father’s longevity in safer ground of national security – flying But still, at least for now, Netanyahu opposes. Palestinian leaders have made clear they plan to go with office. Netanyahu was never a main- to Washington to rally Congress against is immune to pressure from the right as a raft of cases against Israel to the international criminal court. stream politician, relying on his right- President Obama’s impending deal with much as he can ignore the left. The elec- With Israel already blocking tax receipts to the Palestinian wing base to stay in power, but in recent Iran. But even this daring endeavour tion was his referendum and he won it years he appeared irreplaceable to the made no impression on the voters. on his own, backed only by Israel Hayom Authority for joining the international court of last resort, that majority of Israelis. Last summer, how- Fearing a collapse, Bibi resorted to his – the free paper owned and paid for by move would trigger US Congress to order the freezing of US aid ever, his magic appeared to be waning. well-tested trick of being in power and his US backer, the gambling magnate to the authority, a large part of which goes to supporting security The relative security calm under his in opposition simultaneously. Blaming Sheldon Adelson. The ultimate come- forces. rule was shattered in a 50-day indeci- a cabal of “foreign money”, the Obama back kid of Israeli politics has just com- Another potential consequence may be a renewed effort by sive waragainst Hamas in Gaza. Likud administration and a hostile media for pleted the masterstroke of his life, and Mahmoud Abbas to seek recognition for a Palestinian state at leaders and their far right frenemies – “aiming at ousting him and electing a he is going to enjoy every moment of it. like-minded ideologically but competing leftist government relying on Arabs”, THE GUARDIAN the UN security council, a move which was blocked last year. The other side Quote of AIIB banks on real growth, not rivalry the day HAT Britain has chosen to cooperation, and to the prospect of a decision-making. opportunity for the UK and Asia to invest join the Asian Infrastructure more reasonable and harmonious world The Asia-Pacific economies share and grow together.” Investment Bank is a “surprise order. a keen consensus on the importance US obstructionism has been less Tdecision”. That France, That the AIIB was proposed by and of interconnectivity for regional devel- than effective this time because it has Germany and Italy have reportedly is headquartered in China does not opment, and their recently agreed-on failed to see that Washington and Beijing It is clear Israel has sought to follow suit and also sign up mean it is Chinese, or an instrument interconnectivity blueprint points to have no reason to stand against each to the AIIB as founding members is “a of Chinese soft power. The Chinese astronomical financing needs. China has other on a matter such as this. voted for burying further blow” to the United States. initiative has received an enthusiastic a huge surplus, needs a broader market Instead of rivaling or competing the peace process, Such is the way an otherwise purely response from countries near and far, abroad and is itching to invest overseas. with the World Bank and the Asian economic topic is being framed in the because the new, international financial By joining the AIIB, the four European Development Bank, the AIIB means against the two- light of China-US rivalry. The AIIB itself institution is an obvious all-win formula. friends of the United States would both an additional source of investment state choice and for is portrayed as a China-led challenge The initial memorandum on estab- contribute to and benefit from a more for countries in need. That is why to the US’ economic and political lishing the AIIB was negotiated and prosperous Asia-Pacific. Which is why Chancellor George Osborne put the the continuation dominance. Such misrepresentation signed by 21 countries. The AIIB gov- the British government said it is “in the AIIB’s role as “complementary” to other of occupation and Saeb Erekat is harmful, to both the existing and ernance structure, from its charter to UK’s national interest”. According to funding institutions, and why heads of potential members and beneficiaries of rules and procedures for admitting new British Chancellor George Osborne, both the WB and ADB welcome the settlement. Chief Palestinian the AIIB, to international development members, is the outcome of collective joining the AIIB “will create an unrivalled entry of the AIIB. China Daily negotiator THURSDAY 19 MARCH 2015 ARAB VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 Sisi’s ideas on Syria, Arab force lack clarity terrorists are the ones seeking to Egyptian president is unaware of. harm us and the only target of the The first is that the Syrian joint force is terrorism. regime was not and will not be Well, which kind of terrorism part of a political solution. It is are we talking about here? Is it the a closed sectarian family system Sunni terrorism targeted by the based on — especially during the US-led coalition? Or is it Shia ter- era of Bashar Al Assad — the prin- rorism? What will the relationship ciple of forming a minority alliance between the proposed Arab force in Syria and the region. Therefore and the international coalition be any political solution that does not against IS? take that into account threatens I think Shia terrorism is not on to destroy the very nature of this Sisi’s mind, since all his speeches regime from its roots. BY KHALID AL DAKHEEL focused on IS, the Libyan situation Both Kofi Annan and Lakhdar and terrorism in Sinai. Brahimi tried to find a peace- head of his recent visit On the other hand, the presi- ful political solution in Syria to Riyadh, Egyptian dent ruled out any solution in and failed. UN envoy Staffan de President Abdel Fattah Syria except a political resolu- Mistura was modest enough to AAl Sisi proposed the tion. He rarely mentions Iraq and broach the idea of a ceasefire only establishment of a joint Arab force. Yemen. The same goes for the in Aleppo. Before that, he had embraced with Iranian role in the region, espe- The second issue that makes a remarkable quietness what he cially in Iraq and Syria. political solution impossible is that calls a political solution in Syria. In contrast, Sisi frequently talks Iran supports the Syrian regime On close observation, it becomes about Sinai, Libya and the secu- militarily, financially and politi- obvious that they are two different rity of the Arabian Gulf. All this cally, and is a party to deciding issues. There is absolutely no rela- indicates that the joint Arab force whether to accept or reject any tion between them and they can- is not meant to deal with the situ- solution because Assad’s govern- not be part of one plan of action. ations in Iraq, Syria and Yemen, ment is isolated regionally and From Sisi’s words, it appears but with Sinai, Libya and what the internationally and can no longer that each contradicts the other. Gulf states could be subjected to. exclusively decide on any matter The political solution aims to What about the Iranian pres- concerning it. avoid the use of force because of ence in Yemen and in the Gulf’s Is Sisi aware of the magnitude the complexity of the Syrian situ- vicinity? This is also missing in the of the political, financial, military ation. However, the idea of a joint president’s conversations. He also and human investment that Iran force may require abandoning the doesn’t talk about the dangerous has made in Syria? Does he think political solution and resorting to militias in the region funded and Tehran will accept a political A file photo of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman of Saudi Arabia with Egyptian President the use of force, if necessary. trained by Iran. solution that ends its control over To explain the subject further, When President Sisi was Abdel Fattah Al Sisi in Riyadh. Syria? And will the Syrian regime the president’s proposal for a joint directly asked by the Middle East accept a solution that “ensures Arab force is extremely vague. newspaper “how he sees his rela- the Arab countries, seems to be Iraqi aspiration to expand during solution in Syria, we face the same everyone’s interests” after refus- What are the limits and goals of tionship with Tehran,” he avoided concerned with Sunni terror- the leftist reign of Abdul Karim uncertainty and confusion. Talk of ing it for more than four years? this force? Who are its targets? the issue completely, and focused ism, which threatens the regime, Qassem and the Baathist reign of a political solution in Syria is no In other words, is there a pos- The president said that it only on the security of the Gulf. ignoring the fact that both Shia Saddam Hussein more dangerous more than beautiful words after sibility of a political solution in would be purely defensive, and What can be deduced from all and Sunni terrorism threaten to the security of Egypt than the all the bloodshed and destruction. Syria without removing all these it would not target any regional this? The Libyan situation is the the state before they threaten the expansion of Iran in the era of the What for? obstacles, which are preventing state. At the same time, we under- first and foremost issue behind regime. mullahs and the mandate of the The general statement doesn’t such an option? stand from Sisi’s words that the Sisi’s idea of a joint force. If this It is important here to recall an faqih (jurist)? offer a clear vision or an answer; These obstacles were allowed to main, and perhaps only target, is is true, it is only another mecha- incident directly related to this Are Iraq and Syria’s security not even the ingredients of a solu- grow with regional and interna- terrorism. nism to help Egypt secure an Arab issue. Egypt, on two occasions, and sovereignty less important tion. What is the political solution tional support. Egypt was one of During an interview with the cover for its expected role in Libya. sent troops to protect Kuwait for Egypt than the Gulf’s security envisioned by Sisi? The most he the contributors during the rule of Middle East newspaper, Sisi was This reminds us of an earlier from Iraqi threats. This hap- and sovereignty? Egypt’s security said to the Middle East newspaper the Muslim Brotherhood and even asked about how to confront joint Arab force in Lebanon in the pened during the reigns of Gamal starts from the Levant, and the was: “The meaning of a peaceful after the army took control again. Islamic State (IS). He replied: “We seventies. What happened to it? Abdel Nasser, in 1961, and Hosni security of the Arabian Peninsula political solution is for everyone’s They can be removed only by have the ability to form a powerful Yes, Egypt is not Syria, and Libya Mubarak, in 1990. and Gulf is an extension of the benefit and not for the benefit of a rebalancing the military powers of force with a meaningful message, is not Lebanon, and the circum- Now, Egypt is quiet in the face security of Mesopotamia and the single party. What I mean is that the parties who have an interest telling those seeking to harm us stances were different then, but of the military, political and intel- Levant. the opposition and the regime in this solution. that we cannot be defeated when Sisi’s speech ended with a vague ligence incursions by Iran in Iraq, Taking the aforementioned should find a real way out, and Being courteous to Iran for united.” idea without disclosing its objec- Syria, Lebanon and Yemen. In facts into consideration, why does then we may start tackling the whatever reason won’t help The meaning of “those seeking tives and limitations. such a case, what is meant by the Cairo seem more understanding, dangerous issues that affect Arab achieve the solution the Egyptian to harm us“ is ambiguous. Who is This Arab proposal is without statement, “security of the Gulf is unhurried and calm in the face security.” president is looking for. Could it intended here? The president said a political programme or a clear an Egyptian red line”? of the Iranian expansion than it The problem is that the Syrian be that Sisi doesn’t see a political further: “The terrorists will not strategy that takes into account Terrorism and Iran are the was against Iraq’s ambitions in regime does not consider the solution in Syria but only wishes be able to harm us unless we are the interests of all the countries main source of danger not only in the last century? How does one other parties equal to it to even to buy time with such a proposal? disunited.” Therefore, we under- concerned. the Persian Gulf but also in the explain this? accept such a solution. This The author is an academic, a stand from his last statement that Egypt, like America and all Arab world as a whole. Was the Coming to the idea of a political leaves us with two issues that the columnist and a political analyst The Yemeni Taif agreement The ‘Islamic state’ or the It is crucial that this man this dialogue can occur in is present in the Yemeni Riyadh unless strategic nego- dialogue as a representative tiations take place to forge a inevitability of modernity? of his party, which makes new relationship between the it incumbent upon the dia- Yemeni parties and the GCC DR KHALID AL HAROOB Notwithstanding this debate about theoretical model of the Islamic State. logue’s facilitator to engage countries. definitions and what is more worthy Initially, the book is limited to Saleh in political consultation The third power is the n his new book, The Concept of the of being a foundation, what is really addressing the political Arab experi- and remind him of his previ- Salafi factions that feel dis- Islamic State: Its Foundation Crisis important is to clarify the logic behind ence, and not the Islamic experience, ous alliance. appointed with Saudi Arabia Iand the Inevitability of Modernity, including or excluding any of the in the past and present. This shouldn’t be diffi- because it didn’t support Muhammad Jabroun, Moroccan above mentioned concepts. The author justifies his focus on cult as Saleh’s ties with the them in the town of Dammaj researcher and academic, presents Moving to the key concepts, for the Morocco by saying: “Throughout Houthis are temporary and until they were forcibly the theoretical model for the “Islamic sake of pushing the debate with the modern history, Morocco was one of BY FAYEZ AL based on factors that will soon evicted by the Houthis, who State” as he sees it, built on three author forward, we can claim that the historical examples that exposed NASHWAN cease to exist. They will soon had surrounded them for notions: allegiance, justice and vir- the concept of equality — which is a the deficiencies of the Islamic State fight each other, especially years. However, they know tue. The book is about the application great revolutionary thought achieved and the anxious state in the critical since Saleh had Hussein Badr that unity will be in Yemen’s of these three concepts and debates by political modernity — is far more historical times”. he Yemen crisis seems Eddin Al Houthi, founder of interest. views about their development. important, politically, than the con- Surely, Morocco, throughout its his- to be following the same the Houthi militia and elder If the Yemen dialogue takes According to the author, they form cept of the formation and modernity tory, has reflected its speciality, which Troute as the civil war in brother of current leader place in Riyadh, it will put Al the core of political Islam as they form of the state, in general. does not represent the rest of the Lebanon before the Taif accord Abdul Malik Al Houthi, killed Houthi where he belongs. its base and goals. In a state of “Islamic modernity”, Islamic and Arab world. This refers ended it, but in a more set- in 2004. Then the Salafis could I quote: “On a plain reading of the equality is far more important than to another problematic issue with the tled way, with all the Yemeni The second Yemeni power enter the political process, Quranic text, clear political under- justice, as the prevalence of the lat- theoretical model the book follows. forces concerned assembling in is the parties opposed to the which will involve all Yemeni standing of its verses, and deep appre- ter is a foregone conclusion, keeping For instance, Morocco has reli- the Saudi capital, Riyadh, to former president. At their groups that give up arms, dis- ciation of the historical experience of in mind the impossibility of ensuring gious harmony with few non-Muslim secure Yemen’s future. forefront is the Islah Party, solve their militias and inte- Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the its perfect application in practice. All citizens, and it has been ruled by the Finding a satisfactory for- which is considered part of grate with state institutions light of modern thought and solid intellectual and philosophical con- same dynasty for a long time. Due to mula for all parties to man- the Muslim Brotherhood, to fit into the national project, tools of knowledge based on Quran structs, with all their political and these reasons the ideas proposed in age Yemeni affairs after a which is classified by Saudi which everyone wants for and prophetic traditions (Sunnah), social representations, pay great the book (allegiance, justice and vir- national dialogue failed as a Arabia as a terrorist group. Yemen, the place of origin of we are guided to a set of comprehen- attention to the principle of justice tue) suit the country. result of the Houthis’ occupa- Due to the changing rela- all Arabs. sive principles which construct the and uphold its status. However, if this method is applied tion of the capital, Sana’a. It tionships between the Yemeni The author is a columnist religiosity of the state throughout its The real challenge is how to apply in another country, we will find lots has become a major roadblock parties and Saudi Arabia, and an expert in counterter- historical Islamic history. These prin- equality between people regardless of of systemic problems. For example, to internal dialogue. there are doubts whether rorism issues ciples are in order: allegiance, justice their race, religion, colour and social in the east there is religious diversity, The problem does not lie and virtue.” status; since this is the practical with some areas that were part of in moving the dialogue from Despite the importance the author embodiment of the idea of a modern the Ottoman Empire, whose rule was Sana’a to Riyadh, but in who gives to these three principles, he does Islamic state. totally different from the Moroccans’. will attend the dialogue to not explain in his book the method The concept of citizenship is at the In addition, the contemporary give valuable political inputs he followed to select them and on core of this challenge. Citizenship is application of some elements of this to make it a success. what basis he chose them. However, what drives people’s loyalty to the theoretical model can raise lots of The Yemeni tribes are we can find in his book a clear deal state, since they are its citizens. methodical questions as well. For not politicised, and there is of arbitrary selectivity of these con- Here, through research done by example, all Gulf countries rely on the no influential political force cepts. Why not, for instance, choose Jabroun, we cannot find the cor- concept of allegiance in the frame of on the Yemeni scene whose consultation (Shura) and the distinc- rect basis for the principle of equal- “influential people”. Therefore, how to absence will doom the dia- tion between the message, politics and ity and its important position when apply this model today with so many logue to failure. public and individual responsibility as he talks about the creation of the developments taking place? Will its Therefore, we must first the foundations on which the politi- Islamic State. We also cannot find, for current application by ruling systems look at the key parties that cal institution of Islam was built on, instance, any deep debate concerning be different from its historical expe- control political life in Yemen. as mentioned by Muhammad Abed equality in relation to the status of rience? And will the concept of alle- The People’s Congress Al Jaberi? non-Muslims in the Islamic State, as giance be solid in all countries that Party, controlled by former Why not think that liberty — in Jabroun sees it. follow modern systems of democracy president Ali Abdullah Saleh, its broad sense, free from any sort of The failure to show the importance and elections? comes first, being a former force — can be a basis and a goal of of equality leads us to another prob- All these factors point to the defi- ally of Saudi Arabia; but that Houthi supporters wave Yemeni flags during a protest after Houthi political Islam? lem with this book, which is the focus ciencies of this model in the past and relationship has deteriorated media official Abdul Karim Al Khiwani was killed by unidentified Also, in the same sense, why not on the Moroccan experience, which its rejection today. The author is a columnist and after he supported the Houthi gunmen in Sana’a. consider equality, instead of justice, captivated the author and which is takeover of Sana’a. as a vital base? the illustrative model for his proposed academic THURSDAY 19 MARCH 2015 MIDDLE EAST 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com US scolds Netanyahu after election win White House commits to two-state solution; Obama to congratulate Israeli premier ‘in coming days’

CLEVELAND: The White backtracked on his support for Jewish state of Israel is “the best charged on election day in Israel Two weeks ago Netanyahu outcome that would create a new House yesterday scolded Israeli eventual creation of a Palestinian way to defuse regional tensions”. that left-wingers were trying defied Obama with a politi- ruling coalition more in sync Prime Minister Benjamin state, the cornerstone of more Netanyahu’s insistence that to get Arab-Israeli voters out cally divisive speech to Congress with - or at least less hostile to - Netanyahu following his re- than two decades of peace efforts there will be no Palestinian state “in droves” to sway the election attacking US-led nuclear talks Obama’s agenda, especially with election victory for abandoning - and promised to go on building while he holds office - seen as a against him. with Iran. The final days of cam- an end-of-March deadline loom- his commitment to negotiate for Jewish settlements on occupied manoeuvre to mobilise his right- “The United States and this paigning only served to deepen ing for a framework nuclear deal a Palestinian state and for what land. Such policies could put him wing base when his re-election administration is deeply con- tensions with the White House. in negotiations between Tehran it called “divisive” campaign on a new collision course with the prospects were flagging - angered cerned about rhetoric that seeks Despite US concerns, Earnest and world powers. rhetoric toward Israel’s minor- Obama administration. the Palestinians and drew criti- to marginalize Arab-Israeli citi- said Secretary of State John But Netanyahu’s Likud party ity Arab voters. White House spokesman Josh cism from the United Nations and zens,” Earnest said. “It under- Kerry had called Netanyahu to won 29-30 seats in the 120-mem- Even as US President Barack Earnest yesterday reaffirmed European governments. Chances mines the values and democratic congratulate him on his election ber Knesset, comfortably defeat- Obama’s administration congrat- Obama’s commitment to a two- for restarting long-stalled Middle ideals that have been important to victory and Obama would follow ing the center-left Zionist Union ulated Netanyahu for his party’s state solution to the Middle East East peace moves already had our democracy and an important suit “in coming days”. opposition with 24 seats. decisive win in Tuesday’s ballot, conflict and said that based on been very low. part of what binds the United “The unprecedented security Although Netanyahu must still the White House signalled its Netanyahu’s comments, “the Speaking to reporters aboard States and Israel together.” cooperation between the United put together a coalition to remain deep disagreements - and thorny United States will evaluate our Air Force One on the way to Arabs comprise about 20 per- States and Israel, including our in power, his victory all but guar- relationship - with Netanyahu approach to this situation moving Cleveland, Earnest said the cent of Israel’s population of strong military and intelligence antees that Israel’s president will will persist on issues ranging from forward”. administration would com- eight million and have long com- relationship will continue and give him the first opportunity to Middle East peacemaking to Iran He said the United States municate its concern directly plained about discrimination. that relationship will continue,” form a government, putting him nuclear diplomacy. believes that establishment of a to the Israeli government over They emerged from Tuesday’s Earnest said. on course to become the longest- In a hard-right shift in the final Palestinian state living side by much-criticised rhetoric used vote as the third largest party in US officials had left little serving leader in Israeli history. days of campaigning, Netanyahu side in peace and security with a by Netanyahu’s campaign. He parliament. doubt they hoped for an election REUTERS Israeli PM to form new govt in three weeks

JERUSALEM: Benjamin Netanyahu swept to a stun- Israeli election results ning election victory yester- day, securing a third straight Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu won Israel’s election term for an Israeli leader who with 99.5 percent of votes counted on Wednesday. has deepened tensions with the VOTES WON As a percentage Palestinians and infuriated key ally Washington. Zionist Joint Yesh Likud Union Arab List Atid Kulanu After a close-fought campaign, Other Netanyahu’s rightwing Likud party 23.26 18.73 10.98 8.77 7.41 30.85 confounded expectations and won 30 of the 120 seats in parliament, against 24 for Isaac Herzog’s cen- SEATS IN PARLIAMENT Out of 120 United Torah Judaism tre-left Zionist Union. 29-30 24 14 11 10 It was a victory Netanyahu 8 746-7 6 himself described as “against all Likud Zionist Joint Yesh Kulanu Shas Meretz the odds”, proving him once again Union Arab List Atid Jewish Yisrael Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stands next to his wife Sara as he delivers a speech to supporters at to be Israel’s master of political Home Beitenu party headquarters in Tel Aviv yesterday. brinkmanship. Source: Israel's Central Election Committee and Israeli media “I am moved by the weight of F. Chan, 18/03/2015 the responsibility the people of Israel have placed on my shoul- fresh start in Israeli-Palestinian election results must be pub- Win leaves Palestinians grim ders,” he said on a visit to the ties. “It’s time to turn the page,” lished within eight days of the Western Wall. “I appreciate this she said. vote. President Reuven Rivlin RAMALLAH: Palestinian toward independence, including Britain and France, have called decision, of the citizens of Israel, Herzog had pledged to resume then has seven days to entrust a leaders yesterday called for filing charges against Israel at on their governments to recognise to elect me and my partners.” talks with the Palestinians in a party leader — almost certainly international pressure on Israel the International Criminal Court. an independent state of Palestine Although the Palestinians had bid to end the conflict. Netanyahu Netanyahu — with the job of and support for their unilat- “This makes it more necessary in the past year, reflecting exas- harboured little illusion the vote had argued he was the only one forming the next government. eral moves toward statehood than ever to go to the interna- peration at continued settlement would bring about any fundamen- capable of protecting Israel from Under Israel’s electoral system, after Prime Minister Benjamin tional community, and to go to building on occupied land. Sweden tal change, they said the pros- an Iranian nuclear threat, but the prime minister is not the leader Netanyahu’s election win. the ICC and escalate peaceful formally recognised Palestine in pect of yet another Netanyahu Tehran dismissed his victory, of the party that gains most seats Netanyahu’s surprise victory resistance and boycott against the October. government would spur them to saying the other Israeli political but whoever can build a coalition left Palestinians grim about occupation,” Wasel Abu Youssef, a Adding to Palestinian frustra- accelerate their already-advanced parties were no different. commanding a majority of at least prospects for a negotiated solu- Palestine Liberation Organisation tion is Israel’s January decision campaign for statehood. After Herzog conceded defeat, 61 seats in parliament. tion to a decades-old conflict. leader, said. to withhold $127m tax reve- Palestinian President the Netanyahu camp set about Netanyahu is likely to favour “It is clear Israel has voted for The Palestinians are due to nues it collects on behalf of the Mahmoud Abbas’ spokesman said forming a new government a narrow rightwing coalition but burying the peace process, against become ICC members on April Palestinian Authority, a retalia- he was ready to work with any “within two to three weeks”. It for that he will need the support the two-state choice and for the 1. Erekat called in a statement tory step after the Palestinians Israeli government that supports said Netanyahu had already spo- of kingmaker Moshe Kahlon, continuation of occupation and on the international community moved to join the ICC. Though statehood. “It doesn’t matter to ken with rightwing and religious a Likud defector whose newly settlement,” Saeb Erekat, chief to back Palestinian efforts “to Israeli officials have indicated no us who the next prime minister party leaders whose support he formed centre-right Kulanu Palestinian negotiator in talks internationalise our struggle for imminent change, Gaza-based of Israel is, what we expect from will need to form a coalition. party won 10 seats. The Joint List, with Israel that collapsed in April, dignity and freedom through the political analyst Hani Habeeb this government is to recognise But Herzog ruled out a broader which groups the main Arab par- told Voice of Palestine radio. International Criminal Court said Netanyahu may unfreeze the the two-state solution,” said Nabil unity government. “Going into ties, made a strong showing with Palestinian leaders said a and through all other peaceful funds, which cover around two- Abu Rudeina. opposition is the only realistic 14 seats, making it the third-larg- fourth term for the Likud party means”. thirds of the Palestinian budget, EU foreign affairs chief option facing us,” he said. est alliance in parliament. leader meant they must press The parliaments of several now that the election is over. Federica Mogherini called for a Under Israeli law, the final AFP forward with unilateral steps European countries, including REUTERS

Syria downed US drone over ‘spying’ fears Houthi official shot dead SANAA: Two gunmen on a motorbike shot dead a top official of DAMASCUS: Syria’s military 1740 GMT, “US military control- the Shia Houthi militia here yesterday. Abdul Karim Al Khiwani, said yesterday that it downed lers lost contact with a US MQ-1 who was a member of the Revolutionary Committee of the Houthis an American drone over sus- Predator unarmed remotely that control Sana’a, was shot close to his home in an incident con- picions it was spying, in what piloted aircraft operating over firmed by Houthi television channel Al Massira. A journalist who won would be its first attack on an northwest Syria”, a US defence Amnesty International Special Award for Human Rights Journalism aircraft in the US-led coalition official said in an email. under Threat in 2009, he had been head of the militia’s media depart- battling jihadists. Damascus is not participating ment. He represented the Houthis during national talks held under a A military source said the in the coalition’s strikes, although UN-backed deal that ended a year of deadly protests against president drone was not immediately iden- its own aircraft also target IS, but Ali Abdullah Saleh, who stepped down in February 2012. tified as being American but was has so far refrained from taking shot down as a hostile aircraft. action against the foreign planes “As soon as it entered Syrian air involved in the operations. It Salva Kiir rules out power-sharing space, we considered it to be gath- has been critical of the coalition, JUBA: Hopes of an end to South Sudan’s 15-month old civil war were ering security and military infor- warning before the strikes began dealt another blow yesterday as President Salva Kiir ruled out a pro- mation on Syria’s territory,” the that it would consider them an posed power-sharing deal with rebels. Speaking at a political rally in source in Damascus said. attack on Syria if they went ahead the capital Juba, Kiir rejected key elements of the latest draft deal “The aircraft entered areas without government consent. between him and rebel leader Riek Machar, and accused foreign pow- where Daesh is not present,” he The Syrian Observatory for ers of undermining peace with talk of sanctions. “I don’t agree with added, using the Arabic acronym Human Rights, a Britain-based the suggestion that Riek be given the position of vice president,” Kiir for the Islamic State (IS) jihad- monitor, said the drone was shot said, rejecting the key proposal put forward during talks brokered by ist group. down in Al Maqata, a village near east Africa regional bloc IGAD and hosted in the Ethiopian capital Syrian state media reported the provincial capital of Latakia. Addis Ababa. “I don’t accept the issue of the two armies,” Kiir added, late on Tuesday that air defences “There are no opposition fighters referring to another section of a proposed agreement that envisages a had targeted a US surveillance or jihadist groups anywhere in that separation of forces during a transitional period. aircraft over Latakia province, area, but there is a large presence a coastal stronghold of President of regime forces,” said Observatory Another Egypt policeman faces trial Bashar Al Assad. Without speci- head Rami Abdel Rahman. fying a location or timing for the The US-led strikes in Syria CAIRO: A policeman is to face trial over the death of a wounded incident, state media published a have largely been focused on Islamist in hospital, Egypt’s judiciary said yesterday, in the second series of close-up photos showing Aleppo and Raqa provinces, such case this week against the police. The policeman, detained what they said was the mangled where IS has strongholds. But since February, is to be tried in criminal court on charges of “vol- wreckage of a small aircraft. the campaign has also targeted untary homicide”, a judicial official said, without giving a date. The The US military confirmed the group elsewhere and hit sus- interior ministry said at the time that a row had broken out in losing communication with a pected positions of fighters affili- a Cairo hospital between a Muslim Brotherhood member and the Predator drone over Syria and ated with Al Nusra Front, the Smoke rises after what activists said were air strikes by forces loyal to Syria’s policeman on guard duty, who opened fire at the Islamist. The sus- said it was looking into claims the Syrian wing of Al Qaeda. President Bashar Al Assad on Jobar, a suburb of Damascus, yesterday. pect had been wounded during his arrest as he allegedly planted a aircraft was shot down. At about AFP bomb in a northern district of the capital. AGENCIES THURSDAY 19 MARCH 2015 EUROPE / AMERICAS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11

Chinese, North Russia in treaty with Korean leaders to attend WWII rebel Georgian region anniversary MOSCOW: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Stirs West’s anger with South Ossetia ‘annexation’ deal Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader MOSCOW: Russia yesterday — similar to one sealed between on Alliance and Integration’ with Kim Jong Un will attend cel- signed a wide-ranging alli- Moscow and a second separatist Georgia’s breakaway region of ebrations in Moscow to com- ance with Georgia’s breakaway enclave Abkhazia last year — as South Ossetia... will be yet another memorate the end of World region of South Ossetia that a “de facto annexation” of its step that goes against ongoing War Two in Europe. will further cement its control territory. efforts to strengthen security and Lavrov said the heads of over the territory despite fierce “This step made against the stability in the region,” she said in 26 countries have confirmed condemnation from the West. territorial integrity of a sovereign a statement. their attendance at the May President Vladimir Putin inked state further worsens the situ- NATO Secretary General Jens 9 celebrations which mark the a deal in Moscow with South ation created as a result of the Stoltenberg also slammed the 70th anniversary of the end of Ossetian leader Leonid Tibilov occupation and brings it to the accord, insisting that the two the war. that officially makes Russia level of an annexation,” Georgia’s separatist regions will never North Korea and Russia responsible for defending the President Giorgi Margvelashvili be accepted internationally as have grown closer recently as self-declared republic, where the said in a statement. independent. relations between the North Kremlin has stationed thousands “It is outrageous that the “South Ossetia and Abkhazia and its traditional ally, China, of troops since a war with Georgia Russian Federation responds with are integral parts of Georgia. have cooled. This month, North there in 2008. destructive actions to Georgia’s NATO fully supports Georgia’s Korea and Russia declared The signing of the controversial efforts to find meaningful ways sovereignty, and territorial integ- 2015 to be a “year of friend- pact came as Russia marked one to settle the existing problems.” rity within its internationally rec- ship” between the two coun- year to the day since Putin signed The United States and the ognised borders,” Stoltenberg said tries. Russia has also expressed off on the annexation of Ukraine’s European Union denounced the in a statement. eagerness to broaden economic Black Sea republic of Crimea in new treaty with South Ossetia. Abkhazia and South Ossetia ties with neighbouring China. a seismic shift slammed by Kiev “The United States’ position broke away from Georgia after South Korea’s Yonhap news and the West as an illegal land on South Ossetia and Abkhazia civil wars in the 1990s that fol- agency cited Russian media grab. Putin hailed the “landmark” remains clear: these regions are lowed the break-up of the Soviet as saying that among the 26 agreement after the signing cer- integral parts of Georgia, and Union. countries attending would be emony in the Kremlin, saying we continue to support Georgia’s Moscow officially recognised Vietnam, Greece, Israel, Egypt, it would bind Russia and South independence, its sovereignty, and their independence after fight- and the Netherlands. Ossetia even closer together. its territorial integrity,” US State ing a five-day war with Georgia The Moscow celebration “A joint defence and security Department spokeswoman Jen in 2008 and stationed thousands could be the first opportunity zone will be created between our Psaki said. of troops there. for the North Korean and two countries, our customs agen- European Union foreign policy The rebel regions are hugely People attend a festive concert marking the first anniversary of the Crimean Chinese leaders to meet. cies will be integrated and bor- chief Federica Mogherini warned dependent on Russia for mili- treaty signing, with a portrait of Russian President Vladimir Putin seen on It would be Kim’s first trip der crossings for our citizens will that the treaty would further tary and financial support. Only a flag in front of St Basil’s Cathedral, in central Moscow, yesterday. Putin overseas since taking power become open,” Putin said. destabilise the volatile region. a handful of other countries allied said his country, hit by Western economic sanctions over the Ukraine crisis, in 2011 after the death of his Officials in pro-Western “The signature by the Russian to Russia recognise the regions’ father, Kim Jong Il. Kim has would overcome all difficulties from outside. Georgia have blasted the pact Federation of a so-called ‘Treaty independence. AGENCIES yet to visit China, which is still his country’s most important ally despite more distant ties since Kim took over, partly because of his defiance in 2013 Putin fetes Crimea takeover in front of huge crowd of international warnings and UN sanctions to conduct a MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir it is,” Putin told the crowd. “It was a matter a historical injustice. “It means a lot to us, and September have prompted many vocal third nuclear test. Putin yesterday triumphantly joined tens of millions of Russian people, our compa- it was always ours after all. Our grandpar- critics to leave the region,” John Dalhuisen, Chinese Foreign Minister of thousands of supporters to mark one triots, who needed our help and support,” ents shed their blood for it,” said Alexei, 39, Amnesty International’s Director for Europe Wang Yi said this month the year since his takeover of Crimea, a seis- he said, before joining in a rendition of the a security guard who stood smoking with his and Central Asia, said. “Those remaining leaders of China and North mic shift that shattered ties with Ukraine national anthem. The concert in Moscow — friends near Saint Basil’s Cathedral. face a range of harassment from authorities Korea would meet “when it is and the West. estimated to have drawn 110,000 people by While some Russians celebrated having determined to silence their opponents,” he convenient for both parties”. Putin appeared on stage in front of a flag- local police — was the culmination of days of recovered Crimea, Amnesty International said in a statement. Chinese President Xi waving crowd at a celebratory concert by highly-choreographed nationwide festivities accused the region’s pro-Kremlin authori- Putin signed a treaty claiming the Black Jinping has met South Korea’s the walls of the Kremlin to make an impas- to mark the anniversary. ties of an “unrelenting campaign of intimi- Sea region of Crimea as Russian terri- President Park Geun-hye six sioned justification for seizing the Black Sea Despite condemnation from the West and dation to silence dissent” under Russia’s tory with Crimean prime minister Sergei times since both took office in peninsula in a move that sent his poll rat- Kiev that the radical redrawing of Europe’s rule. “Since Russia annexed Crimea, the Aksyonov two days after more than 97 per- 2012, underscoring strengthen- ings soaring. “We understood that in terms borders amounted to an illegal land grab, de facto authorities are using a vast array cent of Crimeans voted in favour of joining ing ties with North Korea’s old of Crimea it was not a matter of just some people at the event echoed the belief of many of bully boy tactics to crack down on dis- Russia in a disputed referendum on March rival. REUTERS territory, however strategically important Russian that the annexation had corrected sent; a spate of abductions between March 16, 2014. AFP

Serbs urged not to throw US probing threats Letter sent to White House to Japan envoy grenades in garbage cans Caroline Kennedy tests positive for cyanide

BELGRADE: Serbia’s interior minis- other explosive devices not to dispose of WASHINGTON: The White House this concerns for the person at the mail-sorting try urged citizens to hand over grenades them in garbage containers and other week was sent a letter that tested posi- facility who opened the letter, an unidentified rather than leave them in garbage cans places,” the interior ministry said in a tive for cyanide, US media reported, in yet law enforcement official told CNN. as it seeks to cut down on illegal weapons statement on its website. another piece of bad news for the Secret It was just the latest incident to hit the left over from the 1990s Balkans wars. “Instead, they should only call the near- Service. “On Monday 3/16/15, an envelope Secret Service, which has been rocked by The appeal was not in response to any est police station and officers will come as was received at the White House Mail scandals. Just hours before, the US Secret specific incident, but came with authorities soon as possible to safely take them away,” Screening Facility. Initial Biological test- Service director admitted to Congress that encouraging residents to hand in illegal the statement said, adding that they would ing was negative; however, on 03/17/15, his agents often drink, even as he sought weapons and the government tightening not face charges. the chemical testing returned a presump- funding to build a life-size mock-up of the laws on arms possession. Serbia’s parliament recently adopted a tive positive for cyanide,” Secret Service White House to improve training. Police have no precise figure on the law on arms possession providing amnesty spokesman Brian Leary said in a statement Joseph Clancy, the tarnished agency’s new amount of illegal weapons in circulation, to anyone handing over illegal weapons to on CNN. “The sample was transported to boss, was grilled by lawmakers outraged over but fear there could be several hundred the authorities before June 4. The law sets WASHINGTON: US officials another facility to confirm the results.” its latest embarrassing security lapse, in thousand unregistered arms remaining out a five-year jail term for illegal posses- said yesterday they are inves- Because an investigation is under way, the which two senior agents drove into White from the 1990s Balkans wars. sion of arms and provides stricter condi- tigating threats made against Secret Service had no additional comment, House barricades March 4 after a night “The interior ministry of Serbia appeals tions to obtain a weapons licence, including Caroline Kennedy (pictured), Leary was quoted as saying. of boozing, but were not detained or given to all citizens who have hand grenades and medical and psychiatric checks. AFP the American ambassador to There were no injuries or exposure breathalyzer tests. AFP Japan, which emerged as First Lady Michelle Obama arrived in Tokyo on a visit. Catherine’s support for children The news comes only weeks after the US ambassador to South Korea was stabbed and Donald Trump takes formal injured during a public event in Seoul. Kennedy, the last surviv- ing child of former US president steps toward presidential run John F Kennedy, took up her post in Tokyo in November 2013 as the first woman US ambassador to WASHINGTON: Real estate mogul the Asian nation. and TV personality Donald Trump “We take any threats to US (pictured) took the first steps yester- diplomats seriously. We take day toward launching a 2016 presiden- every step possible to protect our tial campaign, a sign the businessman personnel,” State Department may jump into the Republican race after spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in publicly considering it in years past. a statement, refusing to go into Trump said he had formed an explora- specific detail about the nature tory committee to determine whether to of the threat. “We are working run, and that he had hired staff in Iowa, with the Japanese government to New Hampshire and South Carolina. ensure the necessary measures Those states are among the first to hold are in place,” she added. Republican and Democratic presidential Senator Marco Rubio, South Carolina Japanese television station nominating contests. “We have lost the Senator Lindsey Graham, Wisconsin NTV reported earlier on Monday respect of the entire world,” Trump said Governor Scott Walker, former Florida that Japanese police were inves- in a statement. “I am the only one who can Governor Jeb Bush and New Jersey tigating death threats made by make America truly great again!” Governor Chris Christie. Trump has gar- an anonymous caller against Trump, who owns several hotels and nered attention for his sharp criticism of Kennedy. A man speaking in hosts the reality show “The Apprentice” President Barack Obama’s policies. But English phoned the embassy “mul- on NBC, has toyed with running before but he also ruffled feathers with discredited tiple times last month, saying he has indicated that this time, he is serious questions over whether Obama was born Britain’s Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (left) leaves Brookhill Children’s Centre in London would kill Ambassador Kennedy,” about considering it. in the United States, which led to Obama after finding out about the work of Home-Start and its support for children and families. NTV television reported. AFP A growing list of Republicans is weigh- releasing his long-form birth certificate to ing White House runs, including Florida end the controversy. REUTERS THURSDAY 19 MARCH 2015 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA / AFRICA

Fire razes Philippine slum UN human rights Aquino not chief slams irregularities in liable for raid Nasheed case

GENEVA: The United Nations human rights chief yesterday denounced “flagrant irregu- debacle: BOI larities in the trial of former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed, who last week was Philippine probe chief clarifies report sentenced to 13 years in prison. UN High Commissioner for MANILA: The head of the Magalong said Aquino did not Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Philippine National Police raise his voice, and that they Hussein said the sentence followed (PNP) Board of Inquiry clari- were like brothers talking to one “a rushed process that appears fied yesterday that the BOI did another. to contravene the Maldives’ own not attribute any wrongdoing He was nervous at first laws and practices and interna- on the part of President Aquino knowing that he was talking tional fair trial standards in a in the Mamasapano debacle. to the President, he added. number of respects.” “We clarified to him that we He later felt comfortable and Nasheed, the Indian Ocean never mentioned that he violated asked some direct questions, archipelago’s first democratically the chain of command. We just which Aquino answered to the elected leader, was convicted late said that the President exer- point, he said. on Friday under the country’s cised his prerogative,” Director Also present at the meeting tough anti-terror law of ordering Benjamin Magalong, head of were Executive Secretary Paquito A view of burnt houses after a fire razed a slum area in Malabon City, north of Manila, yesterday. According to the arrest of a chief judge when the BOI and the police Criminal Ochoa Jr and Interior Secretary Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), two residents were killed and more than 500 families rendered homeless in he was president in January 2012. Investigation and Detection Manuel Roxas II. Zeid pointed out that the the incident. Group, told reporters as he con- Magalong said Aquino showed 47-year-old’s trial had begun just firmed meeting with the President him his cellphone containing one day after his arrest on new at Malacañang on Tuesday. his exchange of messages with charges under the anti-terror law, Also at the afternoon meet- Purisima. “The President asked after the country’s top prosecu- ing were PNP officer-in-charge why he wasn’t interviewed by the tor had withdrawn the original Deputy Director General BOI,” he said. Indonesia unlikely to execute charges against him. Leonardo Espina, BOI member The BOI’s request was coursed He hinted that the speedy Chief Superintendent John Sosito, through DILG’s Roxas, but trial could breach the country’s Executive Secretary Paquito Magalong said “Sec. Roxas for- drug convicts for weeks own constitution, which requires Ochoa Jr and Interior Secretary got to mention it to the President defendants to be given adequate Manuel Roxas II. because of too much work.” time to prepare their defence. Magalong finally got the inter- Magalong admitted his short- JAKARTA: Indonesia is not legal appeals following diplomatic was now reviewing all its military “Former president Nasheed was view that the BOI had asked for comings for failing to reiterate likely to execute a group of death efforts to save the prisoners. contracts with Latin America’s without counsel at his remand from the President but did not get, his request to interview Aquino row convicts, mostly foreign- “We will always hear and con- largest economy. hearing. His legal team later rec- reportedly because Roxas failed to in connection with the BOI inves- ers, for weeks or even months, sider opinions not only from “We’re not reviewing contracts used itself after the sixth hearing, forward the request to Aquino. At tigation. “I should have reminded until its courts decide on their Australia but also France and with other countries because but the court did not wait until he the meeting, Aquino gave his side (Roxas) of our invitation to the last-minute legal appeals, Vice- Brazil,” Kalla said in an interview. Australia and the Netherlands, had new counsel before proceed- of what happened and showed the President,” he said. President Jusuf Kalla said “That is why we are very careful they did not harm our diplomatic ing with the trial,” Zeid said. BOI his cell phone messages dur- Magalong said Aquino had clar- yesterday. in ... following the process of the situation, like Brazil,” he said, And, he added, “the fact that ing Operation Plan Exodus. ified that he did tell Purisima to Indonesia has harsh penalties law.” referring to Brazil’s refusal to let judges in the case, as well as the Deputy presidential spokesper- inform Espina as PNP OIC about for drug trafficking and resumed He said, “We’re waiting for Indonesia’s envoy take part in a Prosecutor-General, have also son Abigail Valte confirmed the the operation in Mamasapano. executions in 2013 after a five- the decision of the courts,” add- credentials ceremony. been witnesses in the investiga- meeting and said Aquino wanted “Outright, the President said year gap. Five foreigners were ing that it could take “weeks or Brazil and the Netherlands tion must raise serious questions to thank the BOI members for he did not give Napeñas instruc- among six people executed last maybe months”. recalled their ambassadors in about conflict of interest.” their efforts and give them the tions to inform Espina, but he month, the first executions since Four death row inmates have January after Indonesia executed The verdict came amid grow- opportunity to clarify matters. did order Purisima to inform President Joko Widodo took office appealed against their sentences their citizens among a group of six ing opposition to the government Aquino had not been given due Espina,” he said. Magalong said in October. after Widodo rejected their clem- for drug offences. of President Abdulla Yameen and process because the BOI did not he told Aquino that the BOI did Tensions have flared between ency pleas late last year. A second Brazilian national will effectively prevent Nasheed interview him to get his side of not say that he had violated the Indonesia and countries like Australia has made repeated is among a second group of 11 from running for president at the the story, Valte said. chain of command when he dealt Australia and Brazil, whose citi- calls for mercy on behalf of prisoners due to be executed 2018 elections. Magalong said Aquino was vis- with Napeñas through Purisima. zens are among a group of 10 drug Myuran Sukumaran, 33, and soon in Indonesia. Rodrigo The opposition has held regular ibly hurt by the BOI report on the “I told the President, we (BOI) offenders due to face the firing Andrew Chan, 31, but Widodo Gularte’s family has pleaded night-time rallies over the past Mamasapano raid that led to the never mentioned that you violated squad. has refused to budge, turning for clemency on the grounds of year to protest what they call slaughter of 44 Special Action chain of command,” he said. “We just Widodo has pledged no mercy down an offer of a one-off pris- mental illness. growing authoritarianism, which Force (SAF) commandos. said that President Aquino exercised for drug offenders, saying oner exchange and to have the Others facing imminent exe- has damaged the atoll nation’s “You could see it in his his prerogative directly dealing with Indonesia faces a “drug emer- Australian government bear the cution on the prison island of image as a tourist paradise. demeanor,” Magalong said. (SAF Director Getulio) Napeñas gency”. The country is a major cost of the convicts serving life Nusakambangan include citizens While saying “no one should be He described the meeting as instead of with the PNP OIC before destination for drugs trafficked sentences. of France, the Philippines, Ghana, above the law,” Zeid stressed that “straightforward,” with Aquino and during the SAF operations.” in the region. Kalla said Indonesia Kalla said relations with Brazil Nigeria and Indonesia. “in a polarised context. “very calm, very cordial.” THE PHILIPPINE STAR was more cautious in handling the had been harmed and Indonesia REUTERS REUTERS

Bangla students to stand trial for 2013 murder Rescue workers call

DHAKA: A Bangladesh court capital, a crime that triggered Haider was killed near his Team, a radical group whom yesterday ordered seven uni- international outrage. home in Dhaka days after he police believe are also behind off AirAsia search versity students and a Muslim “Seven of them including the helped launch a campaign against Roy’s killing. cleric to stand trial for the 2013 cleric were present in the court Islamist leaders accused of crimes After Haider’s death machete murder of an atheist when the judge read out the during Bangladesh’s war of inde- Bangladesh’s Islamic parties JAKARTA: An Indonesian he said, adding that his family blogger whom they claimed had charges against them,” prosecu- pendence against Pakistan in kickstarted protests against whose daughter-in-law is among “really appreciated their work”. defamed Islam. tor Saiful Islam said. 1971. The body of Haider, better other campaigning bloggers, call- 56 people unaccounted for fol- Eka Santoso, whose brother, Judge Ruhul Amin ordered the “The students were inspired by known by his Bengali online iden- ing a series of nationwide strikes lowing the December crash of sister-in-law and their two chil- murder trial to start on April 21 the Friday sermons of the cleric tity Thaba Baba, was found with to demand their execution on an AirAsia plane said yesterday dren were on the plane, said he for all eight, who face the death and carried out the attack on wounds to the head in what police grounds of blasphemy. his family had accepted the “sad believed if the search operation penalty if convicted of killing Haider because he was an atheist say was an apparent attempt to Roy was attacked with reality” that her body would was extended, more bodies could 35-year-old atheist blogger and and he defamed Islam,” Islam said. behead him. machetes outside a book fair in never be found. be found, but he had accepted the architect Ahmed Rajib Haider. One of the eight, Rezwanul The seven studied at central Dhaka in February, after Rescuers called off the hunt decision to end it. The announcement of the trial Azad Rana, 30, is on the run and Bangladesh’s elite private North his anti-religion writings enraged for the remaining passengers on The body of his brother has came just weeks after American police this month announced a South University, while the imam the Muslim-majority nation’s fun- Tuesday, almost three months been retrieved, but his three other atheist blogger Avijit Roy was reward of $6,400 for information is accused of being the spiritual damentalist groups. after Flight QZ8501 went down relatives remain missing. hacked to death in the Bangladesh leading to his arrest, Islam said. leader of Ansarullah Bangla AFP in stormy weather as it flew from “I have already asked AirAsia the Indonesian city of Surabaya and the search and rescue agency to Singapore, killing all 162 peo- to extend the search, but I cannot ‘Fishing’ on the road ple on board. The crash of the do more,” said the 53-year-old, Airbus A320-200 sparked a huge adding that he would just have to international search, with ships “accept that they are no longer Singapore and aircraft from several nations searching for our loved ones”. scouring the waters for the plane Bambang Soelistyo, head of leader Lee’s wreckage and the victims. Indonesia’s search and rescue In recent weeks the hunt had agency, said the decision to end the health worsens already been scaled back, with search had been taken after con- just Indonesia’s civilian search sulting the victims’ relatives at a SINGAPORE: Singapore’s and rescue agency involved and meeting in Surabaya. “The search founding leader and former only a small number of new bod- should have ended much earlier prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, ies found. but out of respect for family mem- who has been on life support in Early yesterday, the last bers, we extended the operation hospital, “has deteriorated fur- ships involved in the search left until we completely ended it yes- ther” and is “critically ill”, the Pangkalan Bun, the town on terday (Tuesday),” he said. government said yesterday. Borneo island which had served The Indonesian National The 91-year-old, widely credited as a base for the hunt, said agency Transportation Safety Committee with transforming Singapore from official SB Supriyadi. has so far shed little light on what an economic backwater into one of A total of 106 bodies have been caused the flight to crash, or what Asia’s wealthiest economies, has recovered, with the last three occurred in the moments before been in the intensive care unit at found at the weekend. the tragedy. Singapore General Hospital since Hadi Widjaja, whose son and It has reported that the plane February 5, receiving treatment daughter-in-law were on the climbed rapidly in an area of tow- for severe pneumonia. flight, praised rescuers for doing ering storm clouds before crash- “Mr Lee Kuan Yew remains a “good job”. ing, and that the co-pilot was critically ill in the ICU and has His son has been found but his at the controls, rather than the deteriorated further,” a statement daughter-in-law remains missing. more experienced pilot, in the from the office of his son, Prime He said her family realised it was moments before the accident. Minister Lee Hsien Loong, said. time to move on. The plane’s black box flight On Tuesday, the government “Her parents and my family data recorders have been recov- said his condition had worsened People pick up catfish which have fallen from a truck on a street in Kaili, Guizhou province of China yesterday. have let her go in peace. We have ered, and will provide vital clues due to an infection and that he The door of a truck carrying 6,800kg of fish was opened by accident as it travelled along a street in Kaili. With to accept this sad reality,” he said. as investigators seek to figure out was on antibiotics. “The rescuers spent three what caused the crash. the help of local firefighters and residents, most of the fish were cleared up in about two hours. AFP months on this search operation,” AFP THURSDAY 19 MARCH 2015 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13

34 militants 7 killed, 41 hurt in Afghan truck bombing killed in air Taliban target provincial officials in Helmand; govt spokesman among injured strikes near

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan: civilians were killed and 41 were ministry also confirmed the 12,000 international troops target Afghan government offi- A Taliban truck bomb target- wounded in the attack”, Deputy attack in a statement. have remained to help train cials and security forces, claimed Afghan border ing senior provincial officials Provincial Governor Mohammad Afghanistan’s military began Afghanistan’s security forces, but responsibility for the attack yesterday killed at least seven Jan Rasolyar said. a offensive against Taliban fight- a rising tide of violence has led through their official Twitter PESHAWAR: Pakistani air civilians and wounded around “The attack was targeted at a ers in Helmand province last US and Afghan leaders to revise account. strikes yesterday killed 34 mili- 40 in southern Afghanistan, gathering of senior government month, in what was seen as a key their plans over further planned There have been growing hopes tants in the country’s lawless where the military has been officials, civil society members and test of their ability to curtail the withdrawals. for talks between Kabul and the northwest, near the mountain- battling insurgents since last journalists in a hall for a seminar insurgency following the end of The number of civilians killed Taliban aimed at moving towards ous border with Afghanistan, month, officials said. on human trafficking and kidnap- US-led Nato combat mission in and wounded in Afghanistan reconciliation after more than a security officials said, but resi- The suicide bomber detonated ping,” he added. late December. jumped 22 percent in 2014, the decade of war, involving both the dents put the toll at 20. his explosives-rigged truck near a The wounded, including provin- On Monday, it claimed the kill- UN said last month, as Nato United States and Afghanistan’s Fighter jets pounded posi- complex that houses the governor, cial government spokesman Omar ing of militant commander Hafiz troops withdrew from combat. neighbour Pakistan. Afghanistan’s tions in the Tirah Valley in the the head of the provincial council Zhwak, were taken to hospital. Waheed, who led a faction Kabul The United States was due to chief executive Abdullah Abdullah Khyber region, west of the city and the deputy provincial police A senior police officer, who claims is linked to the Islamic reduce its 10,000 troops to 5,500 said last month that peace talks of Peshawar, in “precise” strikes”, chief in Lashkar Gah, the capi- declined to be named, confirmed State group — though the organ- by December, but that number with the Taliban could begin the military said in a statement. tal of Helmand province, a senior the attack and casualties, add- isation has never acknowledged is expected to be revisited soon, within days, though the militants “The local population had fled local official said. ing that buildings in the complex having affiliates in Afghanistan. according to US officials. swiftly dismissed the idea. their homes and villages when the All three survived, but “seven were also damaged. The interior A residual force of about The Taliban, who frequently AFP operation was launched against the terrorists,” an official said. Another security official said those killed belonged to the out- lawed militant group Tehrik-e- Taliban Pakistan and an allied 9 hanged, convict’s group, Lashkar-e-Islam. “In precise aerial strikes in Tirah, Khyber Agency, 34 terror- ists were killed today,” the mili- mom files mercy plea tary said in a statement. The Pakistani Taliban are allied ISLAMABAD: Pakistan to either commute her son’s death with the Afghan militants of the hanged nine death row convicts sentence to life imprisonment or same name and share a similar yesterday, media said, as the reinvestigate his case. “I have not jihadist ideology. But they operate brother of a man charged as a seen him for the past 11 years.” as a separate entity, focused on child with murder and due to Makhani Begum said in the toppling the Pakistani state and be hanged this week told of his petition that her son had sent establishing strict Islamic rule in months of torture at age 14 to a mercy petition to the presi- the nuclear-armed nation. extract a confession. dent’s office after his execution In a statement, the Taliban Yesterday’s hangings bring the was stayed following the Interior claimed responsibility for the kill- number of executions in the past Ministry’s notification, which said ing in Peshawar on Wednesday of two days to 21, and to 48 since an to hold an inquiry to make sure if a district president of the ruling unofficial moratorium on capital he fell within the said parameters Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz punishment was lifted in December. defined by the government. (PML-N), headed by Prime Twelve were executed on Tuesday. “No inquiry was conducted by Minister Nawaz Sharif. However, the Interior Ministry the trial court, nor was any plea Taliban spokesman Muhammed said it did not know the exact raised by Shafqat’s trial lawyer. Khurassani said the group had number of planned executions. We were not aware that Shafqat targeted members of the small “The ministry does not have was arrested in a case, as our vil- Awami National Party, the consolidated data after the lifting lage is over 2,000km away from former ruling party in Khyber of the moratorium as new cases Karachi, in Azad Kashmir.” Pakhtunkhwa province. include all types, including terror- She said the police had noted “Now PML-N is on our hit list ism,” a spokesman said in a text his age as 23 years old and since and today’s activity is our start.” message. he had no ID documents, neither The security officials said there The death sentence cannot be the court nor his defence lawyer Members of Pakistani civil society hold placards as they take part in a protest against the planned execution of were strong indications the leader used against a defendant under ever challenged that. Shafqat Hussain in Islamabad yesterday. of the Pakistani Taliban, Maulana the age of 18 when the crime was “Shafqat, too scared and suffer- Fazlullah, was in the area at the committed. Testimony obtained ing from a learning disability, did Sarah Belal said no investigation humanity, to stop his execution,” freely.” Prime Minister Nawaz time of the air strikes. by torture is also inadmissible. not find it in himself to disagree had been conducted to ascertain if he said. Sharif lifted the moratorium on Tribal sources said 20 mili- Shafqat Hussain’s mother, how- with anything that the police had Hussain was a juvenile at the time The death sentence cannot be Dec. 17, a day after Pakistani tants, among a group that had ever, filed a mercy petition yester- told him to say, for fear of being he was sentenced to death. used against a defendant under Taliban gunmen attacked a school taken refuge in the valley, were day, seeking President Mamnoon tortured again.” Justice (retd) Tariq Mahmood the age of 18 when the crime was and killed 134 pupils and 19 adults. killed in the air strikes. Hussain’s help to intervene to The Justice Project Pakistan said the president has the author- committed. Testimony obtained Fatima Bhutto, the niece of Abdur Rashid, one of those dis- commute her son’s death sentence (JPP) has despatched all docu- ity to stop Hussain’s execution. by torture is also inadmissible. assassinated former prime min- placed by the fighting, said he and to life imprisonment. mentary evidence to Interior “President Mamnoon Hussain, with “He was burnt by cigarettes, ister Benazir Bhutto, has taken other residents had left behind “Through this new petition, Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali the advice of the prime minister, subjected to electric shocks,” up Shafqat Hussain’s cause. some family members to look we beg pardon of the president Khan and requested him to stay could entertain the mercy petition Manzoor told Reuters. “Police “There was no moment of after their houses and livestock. and prime minister,” Hussain’s the execution. The documents either by commuting the death sen- kept a 14-year-old boy in cus- reflection, no introspection, only “My elder brother said he had 65-year-old mother Makhani show that Hussain was born in tence to life imprisonment or order- tody for four months and 14 days a knee-jerk call for vengeance,” seen militants shifting bodies of Begum said over the phone from 1991. These documents have been ing a reinvestigation into the case.” (before extracting a statement). Fatima Bhutto said in the New the slain fighters to upper Tirah Neelum district in Azad Jammu submitted to the office of the Hussain’s brother, Manzoor, “... And we are going through York Times of the lifting of the from Sandasa and nearby villages,” and Kashmir. president as well. begged for a change of heart. this ordeal because we are poor. moratorium. “In Pakistan, blood he said by telephone from the “I beg for new life for my son.” Contradicting the interior min- “I request them, in the name If Shafqat had a name like Sharif will always have blood.” Landi Kotal subdivision of Khyber. She appealed to the government ister’s claim, JPP executive director of Allah, and in the name of or Zardari, he would be roaming AGENCIES REUTERS

Channels warned against airing Govt planning how to defamatory content spend Saudi grant ISLAMABAD: In a rare but much-needed move, the other- ISLAMABAD: After receiving Secretary Dr Waqar Masood, and wise inactive Pakistan Electronic the grant to the tune of $1.5bn the company secretary to man- Media Regulatory Authority from Saudi Arabia last year, age, operate and draw amounts (Pemra) has warned all the tel- the government of Pakistan will from the PDFL account to comply evision channels against air- now finalise a business plan to with the requirements of SECP, ing live programmes, including decide how to spend the money. for the conduct of the company interviews and speeches, con- Minister for Finance and business and other administrative taining defamatory and objec- Economic Affairs Ishaq Dar yes- expenses. tionable remarks, particularly terday chaired a second meet- The chair called upon the BOD against the army and judiciary. ing of the Board of Directors members to fully operational- Pemra also issued an “advice” to of Pakistan Development Fund ise the company for financing all the satellite television channels Limited (PDFL), asking the board projects in the country. The first to install a time delay mechanism to finalise the plan after which meeting of PDFL was held in so that derogatory and objection- another meeting will be held to December last year. able remarks could be censored. filter projects to be funded. The Fund specially focuses on Besides this advice, three tel- Pakistan had received the providing finances for infrastruc- evision channels have been issued grant in two equal tranches and ture development projects coming show cause notices for airing booked the aid under Pakistan up on the basis of public-private objectionable interviews of the Development Fund (PDF). It partnership, said the Ministry of MQM leader Altaf Hussain in also added contributions from Finance. which he cast aspersions on the the Asian Development Bank Justice Mohammad Reza, defence forces. The three channels and International Finance Secretary Law and Justice, have been told that they have vio- A member of the security services escorts health workers as they administer polio vaccines to children in Karachi Corporation of the World Bank, Secretary Planning and lated the law and rules by letting yesterday. said an official of the ministry. Development, Hasan Nawaz objectionable material go on air. During the meeting, it was Tarar, Secretary Finance, Dr In a separate “advice” to all informed that in accordance Waqar Masood, Advisor Finance the satellite TV licensees, Pemra Plan for single-day anti-polio drive with the directive of the Board, Division, Rana Assad Amin, noted with serious concern that the all requisite documents had been Additional Secretary (IF) Abdul licensees had resorted to offer TV prepared in consultation with Akbar Sharifzada also attended channels as a medium and platform ISLAMABAD: Some offi- drive on the first day and plot “Their campaigns last just one the Securities and Exchange the meeting. for airing live interviews wherein cials of Pakistan’s National attacks on the vaccination teams day during which a ban is imposed Commission of Pakistan to make Meanwhile, Dar also approved defamatory, objectionable and Health Ministry and the Prime the next day. So far around 80 on pillion riding. Hardly any attack the PDFL functional and fully Credit Guarantee Scheme focus- derogatory remarks were passed Minister’s Polio Monitoring Cell polio team members and security has been observed in those areas of compliant with the Companies ing on small farmers who do not against the judiciary and the integ- yesterday expressed the will- officials guarding them have been KP where the one-day campaign Ordinance 1984. have any collateral to offer against rity of the armed forces of Pakistan. ingness to rethink the way anti- killed and over 50 injured. has been introduced,” they said. The documents were under loans. Pemra added, “Furthermore, polio campaigns are conducted Officials in the NHS ministry The one-day campaigns are submission to SECP for grant of Farmers with land holding up STV licensees are not installing/ in the country. They thought believed that the best option was carried out on Sundays. That licence as Non-Bank Financial to 5 acres in canal-fed and 10 utilising time delay techniques, that the campaigns should be a to adopt Sehat Ka Insaf model allows deploying more personnel Company. The NBFC provides acres in rain-fed areas are eli- particularly for live programmes, one-day affair. introduced by the Pakistan for the security of the polio teams. banking services but cannot take gible to apply. The scheme was which is obligatory under Clause An official of the ministry of Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) govern- Besides, due to the weekend holi- deposits. announced in the budget for the 3.9 of the terms and conditions of NHS said that the campaign ment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa day, the ban on pillion riding does The Board of Directors also current financial year, it may be STV licences.” spread over two or three days which has now been converted not disturb office-goers. authorised the chief executive recalled. INTERNEWS allowed militants to monitor the into the Sehat Ka Ittehad (SKI). INTERNEWS officer, who happens to be Finance INTERNEWS THURSDAY 19 MARCH 2015 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA Mamata wants CBI to probe attack on nun Bishops visit convent; rights panel issues notice

KOLKATA: In the face of “The Ranaghat incident of to hand over the case to the CBI massive protests over the bru- March 14, 2015 is a very serious was taken as the police had “some tal gang-rape of a septuagenar- matter. The police administra- limitations”. ian nun inside a convent, West tion was instructed to take swift “It may well be that the crimi- Bengal Chief Minister Mamata action to nab the culprits. They nals have gone elsewhere. If they Banerjee yesterday announced are making their best efforts. have gone to some other states or she would “entrust the investi- “Considering the seriousness another country, the CBI can take gation” to the CBI, hours after and sensitivity of the case and proper action, because it operates a high-level Catholic delegation also the fact that the place of inci- on a wider periphery,” the minis- visited the spot and demanded dence is very close to the border ter told the media. “visible” action including arrest area, I have decided to entrust Yesterday morning, a two- of the culprits. investigation of the case to CBI,” member team of the Catholic Banerjee’s announcement on Banerjee said, and promised that Bishops’ Conference of India Twitter and Facebook came over her government will provide (CBCI) went to Ranaghat, met five days after the gruesome inci- all “necessary cooperation and the brutalised nun and other sis- dent, that has caused revulsion assistance” to the federal agency. ters of the convent, besides the across the country and beyond. Interestingly, Banerjee had on students and took stock of the Despite releasing images Monday condemned protesters in happenings. They also visited the from CCTV footage of four of Ranaghat, who had blocked her crime scene. the purported criminals, police convoy seeking a CBI probe and Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, detained 10 people but were expressing anger over police fail- who heads the CBCI, said they Cardinal Baselios Cleemis (front, centre) walks out of the Convent of Jesus and Mary school and convent after unable to arrest even one of the ure to arrest any of the culprits. wanted swift action from the meeting with the school staff in Ranaghat yesterday. culprits, who raided the Convent “Those who are shouting ‘CBI, chief minister. of Jesus and Mary in Nadia dis- CBI’ and trying to play politics “I would like to request the that the process has begun to find “We prayed together and we Nun rape?” tweeted Communist trict’s Ranaghat, some 80km over rape, I condemn you,” the authorities to ensure that justice out the culprits but we would like prayed for everyone. She has Party of India-Marxist state from Kolkata, on March 14 and chief minister had said after her is done. The sisters have forgiven to request the chief minister to forgiven (the culprits) and prays secretary S.K. Mishra, who gang-raped the 71-year-old Sister convoy was stranded for over an but justice needs to be made vis- make a fast approach and to see for them. We have forgiven but demanded action against police Superior. hour when she came out of the ible and such acts should not that justice is done at the earli- justice has to be brought to the for “sleeping over” complaints of Earlier in the day, the National hospital where the victim was continue. est,” Cleemis said in the morning. people,” he said. attacks on the convent a week Human Rights Commission took under treatment. “We are here to also personally Iterating the Catholic Church’s Archbishop of Kolkata Thomas before the rape. suo motu cognizance of the inci- The Banerjee government has verify what has happened. These commitment “with more fervour”, D’Souza expressed happiness over Throughout Wednesday, dent and shot off separate notice also over the past months spewed same sentiments I will transmit Cleemis asserted “we are not the government handing over the Kolkata continued to be rocked to the state chief secretary and venom on the CBI and organised to the chief minister and request stopped by such events and such probe to the CBI. by protests over the Ranaghat director general of police, calling road protests against it after the her to act fast. Such inhuman act violations”. “In a way we are happy that the crime. The Bharatiya Janata for reports within two weeks. probe agency arrested and quizzed should be stopped,” Cleemis told He also thanked the public in government is taking steps to nab Party Mahila Morcha took out a Banerjee said she decided several Trinamool Congress the media. Ranaghat and “the public of the the culprits,” D’Souza said. march to the secretariat, while to hand over the case to the leaders in connection with the He met the chief minister at entire country who are showing However, the opposition parties the Left Front’s women activists Central Bureau of Investigation Saradha chit fund scam. the state secretariate Nabanna their sympathy and their senti- said Banerjee had to bow down to organised a silent protest rally considering its “seriousness and Urban Development Minister late in the afternoon. ments of togetherness at this the people’s protest. from College Square to Esplanade. sensitivity”. Firhad Hakim said the decision “What I have understood is point of time”. “Has CBI agreed to probe d IANS

Kerala govt EU keen on summit with India, working on dates agencies to NEW DELHI: The European fair on April 13, and is expected to productive meeting with the parliamentary delegation had met meetings with the appropriate Union is very keen to hold the travel to France too, will not be Indian government under their “appropriate counterparts” in counterparts”. India-EU Summit and is work- visiting Brussels where the EU the aegis of the EU-India India, amid reports that the group They said they were “very pleased” hire nurses for ing on dates for a proposed sum- is headquartered, after the bloc Environment Forum end of of six MEPs could not get to meet that the delegation had construc- mit, after India called off a visit reportedly failed to get back to February,” he said. Modi, or External Affairs Minister tive meetings with Parliamentary overseas jobs by Prime Minister Narendra India with dates for the prime This week, six Members of the Sushma Swaraj after the EU failed Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu, Modi to Brussels in April, a top minister’s visit. European Parliament (MEPs) to give dates on time for the prime Road Transport, Highways and KOCHI: Two Kerala government EU official said here yesterday. Modi is expected to travel to are on a visit to India and have minister’s proposed Brussels visit. Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari, agencies will have full rights “The host for the next EU-India Canada from France. He was had meeting with ministers and Geoffrey Van Orden, chair of Shashi Tharoor, chairperson of the to take up the recruitment of Summit is the European Union. reportedly keen to include a sum- officials in New Delhi and Jaipur, the European Parliament del- Standing Committee on External nurses to overseas countries from The EU is keen to have a sum- mit with the 28-member bloc as he said. egation for relations with India, Affairs, Deputy National Security April 30, a minister announced mit with India and is looking for the last India-EU summit was He said “official consultations admitted at a briefing with the Adviser Arvind Gupta and Minister yesterday. a mutually convenient date which held in 2012. on cyber security and on the media earlier this week that he of State for External Affairs V K Diaspora Minister KC Joseph would allow for sufficient prepa- Cravinho said that as a mutu- renewal of the EU-India Science was “very disappointed” that the Singh in Delhi and Rajasthan Chief said that an order from the union ration,” Joao Cravinho, EU envoy ally convenient date is being and Technology Agreement are summit would not be taking place. Minister Vasundhara Raje and overseas Indian affairs minis- to India, said in a statement. worked out for Modi’s visit, “high slated to take place in the follow- The European Union delega- Rajasthan assembly Speaker Kailash try has come and from April Modi, who is visiting Germany level visits continue to take place”. ing weeks”. tion to India, which also visited Meghwal in Jaipur. 30 the state-owned Overseas for the Hannover Messe industrial “We have had a highly The EU also said a senior Jaipur, said they had “sought IANS Development and Employment Promotion Consultants (ODEPC) and Roots-Norka (the agency that looks after the welfare of Pigeon flying the Kerala diaspora) will be doing this. Godse temple hurts “This is a decision that’s going to bring a lot of cheer and one that was a long standing demand from several quarters. We are Gandhi memory: Kin thankful to the centre for taking this decision. LONDON: The proposal to build government, said that while “Lots of nurses hailing from a temple to Nathuram Godse by Britain honoured Mahatma with poor backgrounds have been a section of the Indian society is a statue in a prime area, a section cheated by private agencies and denigrating Mahatma Gandhi, in Indian society was denigrat- with this decision, none would be according to Gopal Krishna ing him by thinking of building a cheated.” Gandhi, the Mahatma’s grandson. temple to his assassin. Roots-Norka comes under Asserting that India needs He was referring to the move Joseph’s ministry while the Gandhi more than ever before, by the Akhil Bharatiya Hindu ODEPC comes under the labour Gopal Krishna mentioned in Mahasabha to build a Godse temple ministry. an article that the work of the at Sitapur district in Uttar Pradesh. Labour Minister Shibhu Father of the Nation succeeded in The veteran diplomat also wrote Baby John said his department more ways than one can imagine. about the women in India in his would only be glad to take up The article, published in Asian article saying that they were wor- this work. Lite newspaper here, marked the shipped in concept but neglected, “Through this new arrange- unveiling of a nine-foot-tall statue exploited and abused in reality. ment, nurses can freely undergo of Mahatma Gandhi at Parliament “You were not infallible the interview without fear of Square in London, next to a statue Mohandas Gandhi, you erred often, being cheated by anyone. of Nelson Mandela. as your wife, Kasturba knew more This sector for long was one Gopal Krishna, former gov- than any other person. But you where there were numerous ernor of West Bengal, who has owned your errors, tried always to fly by night operators. From worked in top bureaucratic be better than your best,” he added. April 30 onwards, it will all A resident makes his pet pigeons fly away from the roof of his house in the old quarters of Delhi yesterday. and diplomatic positions in the IANS come to an end,” John said in Some local residents carry out this activity during sunrise and sunset. a statement. The Kerala government for long has been demanding to the centre that the state government should be given Let NJAC work before questioning its efficacy, says govt exclusive rights for nurses recruitment as last year about 500 nurses recruited by private NEW DELHI: The central Appointment Commission Act, stepping in at this stage, he said: “judicious mix of judiciary, execu- challenged the NJAC, favours agencies was left high and dry government yesterday strongly 2014 was “abstract, bereft of “It is always in the course of imple- tive and the civil society”, Rohatgi changing it. in Kuwait after they paid hefty opposed the plea seeking to facts, bereft of injuries, or bereft mentation or trial some difficulties said “there is no absolute say here Arguing that the court could agency fees and the state gov- restrain it from setting up a of the facts that the body of the will arise and they can always be (with judiciary), no absolute say not pass an order restraining the ernment had a tough time to panel to make appointments lawyers who are opposing it would corrected. Allow it to work. Only there (executive)” and mocked government from going ahead handle it. to the higher judiciary, replac- be affected”, Attorney General then court can examine whether the contention that NJAC was an with the NJAC, Rohatgi, referring Today the recruitment fees to ing the collegium system, tell- Mukul Rohatgi asked the bench this (collegium system) is better “affront” to judicial independence. to an earlier constitution bench Kuwait for a nurse is in the range ing the Supreme Court that the of Justice Anil R Dave, Justice J or that (NJAC) is better.” Questioning the collegium sys- judgment, said that the court had of Rs1.5 to Rs2m and with the plea was “premature, academic Chelameswar and Justice Madan Underlining the supremacy tem, he said: “Experience has no power to tell the government state agencies now getting com- and without cause” and the new B Lokur whether elected mem- of parliament, he asserted that shown that everything is not to enforce a law and by the same plete rights for recruitment, they system should be allowed to bers of parliament should “have the question of deciding between well with existing system”, and measure, it does not have power will be doing it at minimal fees to work first to see its efficacy. no say in the appointment of the two is “is in the province of added that even the petitioner - inhabiting the government from cover expenses incurred by these Contending that the plea to stay judges”. parliament”. the Supreme Court Advocate on enforcing a law. two agencies. the enforcing of National Judicial Making a plea against the court Describing the NJAC as a Record Association - who have IANS IANS THURSDAY 19 MARCH 2015 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15

Tension at Black money Osmania varsity as police foil bill proposes student march

HYDERABAD: Tension pre- vailed at Osmania University yesterday when students pelted 10 years in jail stones and clashed with police while trying take out a march to Telangana state assembly, 300pc tax on concealed assets demanding the government to immediately fill one lakh job NEW DELHI: Giving concrete An Indian Express report last vacancies. shape to Finance Minister Arun month said that 1,195 Indians On a call given by Telanagana Jaitley’s budget announcement were in the list of clients who held Students-Unemployed Joint last month on recovering black accounts in HSBC bank’s Geneva Action Committee, a large money stashed away abroad, branch from 2006-2007, number of students began their the cabinet-approved anti-black Reacting to the report, Finance march from Arts College. Holding money law provides a short win- Minister Jaitley said the govern- placards and banners and raising dow to income tax assessees to ment has completed assessment slogans against the government, declare assets, pay tax and pen- of 350 foreign accounts while they demanded that the govern- alty and avoid imprisonment. tax-evasion proceedings have ment immediately issue notifica- The Foreign Income and been initiated against 60 account tion for filling all vacancies. Undisclosed Assets (Imposition of holders. The protestors alleged that New Tax) Bill, 2015, to be tabled Meanwhile, the income tax Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar in the Lok Sabha, provides for a department has shifted its atten- Rao has gone back on his word to maximum of 10 years rigorous tion from civil consequences to fill all the vacancies after forma- imprisonment for offenders who criminal consequences in serious tion of Telangana state. Claiming evade taxes in relation to foreign cases of tax evasion. that students played a key role in F armers attend a protest rally over the land acquisition bill in New Delhi, yesterday. assets. “In its crusade against black formation of the separate state, Under its provisions, the con- money and with a view to hav- they demanded justice to the cealment of foreign income and ing credible deterrence against unemployed youth. assets will be non-compoundable generation of black money, the Land bill fight to continue: Sonia However, police stopped them at and offenders will not be permit- government has shifted its focus NCC Gate, which was sealed with ted to approach the Settlement to successfully prosecuting the barbed wires. As orders banning Commission for resolving offenders in the shortest possible NEW DELHI: Congress parties had met President Pranab in 2013 had provided some relief to meetings, rallies and processions disputes. time,” the finance ministry said in President Sonia Gandhi has told Mukherjee on Tuesday to urge farmers and there was no need for are in force in view of the ongo- There will also be a penalty at a statement last month. social activist Anna Hazare that him not to let the government go the BJP-led government to bring ing budget session of the assembly, the rate of 300 percent of taxes on “During 2014-15 (up to she agrees with him the land bill ahead with the “anti-farmer bill”. an ordinance in December last year. they did not allow the students to the concealed income and assets. December 2014), the income brought by the Narendra Modi The bill, which has been passed Noting Modi government had come out of the university. The new legislation will pro- tax department had conducted government was not in the inter- by Lok Sabha, is yet to be passed promised “acche din (good days)”, Students pelted stones on vide that income in relation to searches in 414 groups and seized est of farmers and her party will by Rajya Sabha, where the govern- he said it instead brought in anti- police, who responded with mild any undisclosed foreign asset undisclosed assets of Rs.582 continue its fight against it. ment does not command a major- farmer measure and demanded the use of force. Few protestors were or undisclosed income from any crore,” the statement added. In her reply to Hazare’s letter ity. “I assure you that our fight will provisions of land mapping and clas- also arrested. The JAC alleged that foreign asset will be taxable at Undisclosed income of Rs6,769 on the land bill, Sonia said that continue on this issue,” she said. sification as well as a law to prevent its leaders including president K the maximum marginal rate. crore has been admitted by the Congress will oppose the bill in Hazare had sent a three-page fertile land being used for industry. Manavata Roy were arrested by Beneficial owner or beneficiary taxpayers during such searches. every forum. letter to Sonia on March 14. Backing several provisions of the the police early yesterday. of foreign assets will be manda- India has strongly advocated “I agree with you that the “The anti-farmer provisions in UPA’s law including those relating The chief minister had stated torily required to file return, even the fast implementation of ordinance brought by the NDA the bill should not be passed at any to return of land to the owner if in the assembly on Saturday that if there is no taxable income. the automatic exchange of tax (National Democratic Alliance) cost. I urge you to strongly oppose the project was not completed in a vacancies will be filled in two The Bill seeks to make non- information globally, within the government and the amended bill them in the Rajya Sabha and force stipulated time, he said the Modi years and that notifications for filing of income tax returns or time-frame agreed by the G20 in parliament are not at all in the the government to take decisions government has tinkered with the the same will be issued at regu- filing returns with inadequate countries, in the backdrop of interests of farmers,” Sonia said in the interest of farmers,” he said. section providing land acquisition lar intervals. He also stated that disclosure of foreign assets liable media reporting names of Indian in her letter sent on Tuesday but Hazare, who had also partici- for government projects and pri- exact number of vacancies will be for prosecution with punishment account holders in HSBC bank’s released to the media yesterday. pated in an agitation against the vate companies only after securing known after K C Kamalnathan of rigorous imprisonment up to Swiss branch. The Congress president said bill, said that the land acquisition 80 percent consent from farmers. Committee submits its report. seven years. IANS that representatives of 14 political bill passed by the UPA government IANS IANS BJP legislator elected Kashmir Govt re-examining nine House speaker coal block allocations JAMMU: Kavinder Gupta, a Bharatiya Janata Party legisla- NEW DELHI: Even as the cen- re-examination of these bids by tor, was yesterday elected as the tral government races against the auction nominated authority. speaker of the state legislative time to secure legislative sanc- Five of these blocks belong to assembly. tion for the auction of cancelled Schedule III (near operational) After the budget session of coal blocks before parliament category, while four are under the assembly started here on goes into its scheduled month- Schedule II (operational), a coal Wednesday, senior PDP leader and long recess on Friday, it is “re- ministry official yesterday. Education Minister Naeem Akhtar examining” nine winning bids The ministry is considering proposed the name of Kavinder out of the 33 coal blocks auc- whether these bids were too low Gupta for the post. Gupta is an tioned so far. when compared with the win- MLA from Gandhi Nagar constitu- The development comes even ning bids for other similar blocks ency of Jammu district. as the bill which seeks to replace through an analytical tool called Deputy Chief Minister and the ordinance under which “outlier”, which looks for unusual senior BJP leader Nirmal Singh mines are being e-auctioned, was observations that are far removed seconded the proposal after which approved on Tuesday by a Rajya from the mass of data, the source Gupta was unanimously elected. Sabha panel, paving the way for added. Gupta replaces the Protem its passing by the upper house. “Not making any allegation Speaker Muhammad Shafi of the The coal ministry will take a of cartelisation as of now,” Coal regional National Conference. decision this week on whether Secretary Anil Swarup tweeted He defeated senior Congress there are any price discrepan- on the matter. leader Raman Bhalla in the state cies in case of the nine winning The ministry is looking at polls in December last year. bids, including those made by instances like the Brinda and After a fractured verdict in the companies like Jindal Steel and Sasai blocks, bidding for which assembly election, a PDP-BJP com- Balco. opened at Rs1,802 per tonne bine government assumed office in The final decision on whether and closed at Rs1,804 per tonne. the state and members were sworn mine winning companies like Similarly, bidding for the Meral in on March 1 after protracted Hindalco, Jindal Steel and mine opened at Rs725 a tonne and talks between the two parties. Power, Jaypee Cements and Usha closed at Rs727 a tonne. IANS Martin would depend on the IANS

Solar Impulse lands in Varanasi

The solar-powered plane Solar Impulse 2, HB-SIB, taking off with Swiss explorer Andre Borshberg on board for the third leg Ahmedabad to Varanasi, of the Round-The-World, in Ahmedabad, yesterday. It later landed in Varanasi. THURSDAY 19 MARCH 2015 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME Garden of Butterflies

Fajr (Dawn) 4:24 Shorook (Sunrise) 5:40 Zuhr (Noon) 11:42 Asr (Afternoon) 3:08 Maghrib (Sunset) 5:45 Isha (Night) 7:15

WEATHER

Today Friday Saturday Weather Conditions: Partly cloudy Partly cloudy Partly cloudy Partly cloudy to cloudy with

High: 27° High: 30° High: 28° a chance of Low: 23° Low: 22° Low: 22° scattered rain may be thundery at places.

DOHA - SUN & SEA

SUN TIDE SEA SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND 05:40 17:45 04:00 & 16:15 10:45 & 22:15 15-25/30 KT

THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW A butterfly sits on a blossom in the Tropical House, part of the ‘Garden of Butterflies’ in Friedrichsruh, Germany, yesterday. Visitors can observe more HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER than 1,000 butterflies from Asia, Africa and South America at Germany’s oldest butterfly garden until October 2015. MUSCAT 32/26 Clear 32/24 Clear MAKKAH 33/22 Clear 34/23 Clear KUWAIT 28/17 Clear 27/17 Clear BAHRAIN 29/21 Partly cloudy 27/20 Clear SANAA 26/12 Clear 26/12 Clear Dust cloud, aurora detected around Mars RIYADH 28/18 Chance of storm 28/19 Clear DUBAI 34/28 Partly cloudy 34/24 Partly cloudy MIAMI: A Nasa spacecraft cir- December 25, MAVEN saw a “The electrons producing it The source of the dust, its con- BAGHDAD 24/12 Clear 24/11 Clear cling Mars has detected a mys- bright ultraviolet auroral glow must be really energetic.” tents, and whether it is temporary terious dust cloud and a vibrant spanning Mars’ northern hemi- Experts believe the source of or permanent, are all unknown. THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW aurora, both unexpected phe- sphere,” it said. the energetic particles for the MAVEN launched toward Mars nomena on Earth’s neighbour- Aurora are seen when geomag- Mars aurora is the Sun, because in November 2013, on a mission to HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER ing planet, researchers said netic storms unleashed by erup- MAVEN’s Solar Energetic Particle study how the planet lost most of ATHENS 12/06 Clear 13/09 Partly cloudy yesterday. tions on the Sun cause energetic instrument “detected a huge surge its water and atmosphere. AFP WASHINGTON 11/01 Partly cloudy 04/01 Rain and snow Nasa’s Mars Atmosphere and particles like electrons to crash in energetic electrons at the onset Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) into the atmosphere, causing the of the aurora,” Nasa said. SYDNEY 28/18 Partly cloudy 22/18 Mostly cloudy detected the aurora — known gas to glow. Since Mars lost its protective LONDON 11/04 Cloudy 11/06 Mostly sunny on Earth as the Northern lights “What’s especially surprising magnetic field billions of years ago, PARIS 11/06 Cloudy 16/05 Clear — in December, so they were about the aurora we saw is how the solar particles can directly ISTANBUL 08/03 Cloudy 08/06 Chance of rain nicknamed “Christmas Lights,” deep in the atmosphere it occurs strike the atmosphere and pen- MANILA 31/23 Mostly cloudy 31/23 Chance of storm according to a statement issued — much deeper than at Earth or etrate deeply. DHAKA 33/19 Clear 34/21 Clear by Nasa on the same day as the elsewhere on Mars,” said Arnaud Scientists also observed an unu- DELHI 30/17 Clear 31/18 Clear findings were presented at a Texas Stiepen, Imaging Ultraviolet sual dust cloud, with the help of ISLAMABAD 25/12 Partly cloudy 27/12 Clear astronomy conference. Spectograph team member at the MAVEN, about 150 kilometres “For five days just before University of Colorado. above the Red Planet’s surface. Thursday 19 March 2015 28 Jumada I 1436 Volume 20 Number 6374 Price: QR2

Commercial Bank plans expansion

Business | 18

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Oil up 5pc as Qatari stocks tumble dollar falls on worry of slow on fresh oil drop US rate hike

NEW YORK: Oil prices jumped QE extends losing streak to sixth session as much as 5 percent yesterday as the dollar fell after the Federal BY SATISH KANADY was hammered by 3.18 percent. with Barwa performing the worst. Reserve indicated it preferred a As a whole, the pack of industri- The shares of Barwa were bat- more gradual path to normal- DOHA: Qatari stock market als stock plummeted 2.42 percent. tered by 5.11 percent and UDC izing US interest rates despite took a nosedive yesterday, after Amwal expects price of oil to lost 2.68 percent. Of the 38 compa- GCC Central Bank Governors during the meeting. being open to the first rate hike US crude futures slipped and remain volatile, particularly as nies traded, just one advanced, 35 in almost a decade. Brent edged down. The Qatar companies report surprise Q1 declined and two closed unchanged. Benchmark Brent oil saw Exchange (QE) benchmark profits. This will affect stocks. About 8 million shares worth Qatar won’t review currency peg choppy moves earlier while US index plunged 2.23 percent, the Even if oil stays at around $50 QR380m were traded. Islamic crude prices fell after inventories worst drop of the year, extend- levels, many businesses will con- lender Masraf Al Rayan was the DOHA: Qatar remains fully continuous global challenges such in the United States hit record ing the bourse’s losing streak to tinue to strive, but stock selection active volume leader, while Barwa committed to its currency peg as growing unemployment rate. highs for a 10th week. sixth straight session. is key particularly in times like was the value leader. to the US dollar and is not Stressing the importance of The dollar’s tumble on the Fed’s Oil price volatility is continu- these. Elsewhere, Saudi Arabia main reviewing its currency policy, the meeting, Sheikh Abdullah latest policy statement changed ing to drive the stocks and it will “Yesterday we witnessed shares index, which has the heaviest central bank governor H E said the meeting is happening the market’s direction, however. remain volatile for a while, ana- drop by as much as 5 percent while weighting of petrochemicals Sheikh Abdullah bin Saud Al amid global changes that had The Fed opened the door fur- lysts told The Peninsula. other stocks preserved their value, among the Gulf markets, fell 1.8 Thani said yesterday. negative impact on the global ther for an interest rate hike as “Short lived oil price recovery it pays to do bottom’s up analysis percent to 9,134 points, although “We are fully supporting the economy and led to a decline in early as June, ending its pledge to is the main reason for decline in on the company, its management it closed comfortably above its peg and will not re-examine this growth rates and an increase in be “patient” in normalising mon- stocks over the past week. After and the sector.”, Afa said. intraday low of 8,888 points. Saudi policy...This has been our policy unemployment levels in most etary policy. But it also made it its initial drop from around $100 Industries Qatar, which has Basic Industries, the region’s big- for years and will stay the same,” economies of the world, except clear that it needs to see more per barrel to below $50, Brent oil one of the biggest weighting in gest petrochemical firm, tumbled he told Reuters on the sidelines of in the US. The financial markets gains in the labor market and had recovered briefly to around the index, closed 2.32 percent 4.8 percent in its heaviest trade the 61st meeting for GCC commit- are volatile, dollar is rising oil price growth to raise rates. $63 in February. But this recovery down at QR134.50. Banking in five months. Prices for many tee of central banks and monetary prices are falling. The dollar fell against most proved very short term, declining major QNB, whose credit rating of its products are linked to oil institutions governors opened The QCB Governor noted that major currencies after the state- back to $53 currently”, Afa Boran, has been upgraded by Fitch yes- prices, Reuters reported. Dubai’s here yesterday to discuss number major central banks around the ment. A weaker dollar raises the Head of Asset Management, Amwal terday, tumbled 2.94 percent to index dropped 3.6 percent to a of issues and recommendations. world have adopted expansionary appeal of dollar-denominated commented. QR188.30. 10-week low of 3,408 points. All Sheikh Abdullah opened the monetary policies bolstered by commodities, including oil, for The energy-related Gulf In six straight bearish run, major stocks fell sharply and only event with a speech focusing on quantitative easing programmes holders of other currencies. Brent International and MPHC were the market cap was squeezed by a handful of small-caps closed efforts to unify GCC monetary to recover their economies. closed up $2.40, or 4.5 percent, at the worst hit. Gulf International QR45bn. Property-related shares higher. Abu Dhabi’s fell 1.2 per- and financial policies against THE PENINSULA $55.91 a barrel. tumbled 4 percent and MPHC took a beating across the sector cent. THE PENINSULA REUTERS THURSDAY 19 MARCH 2015 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS Commercial Bank plans expansion Fitch raises QIIB’s credit rating to ‘A +’ from ‘A’ Bank to open six new branches, launch overseas operations DOHA: Fitch Ratings has upgraded BY MOHAMMAD SHOEB the Long-term Issuer Default Ratings (IDR) of International Islamic (QIIB) to DOHA: Commercial Bank yes- ‘A+’ from ‘A’. The outlook on QIIB’s long- terday revealed its aggressive term IDR is ‘Stable’, indicating the bank’s expansion plans, which include financial strength and liquidity. opening up of up to six new QIIB’s upgrade by Fitch follows the sov- branches and installing scores of ereign rating of Qatar by Fitch at ‘AA’ with new ATMs at different strategic a stable outlook, which underscores the fact locations in Qatar, according to a that QIIB is in total alignment with vari- senior official of the bank. ous sectors of the vibrant Qatari economy. “We are looking forward to Commenting on the Fitch upgrade, QIIB Chief Executive Officer, expanding our operations in Qatar Abdulbasit Ahmad Al Shaibei (pictured), said: “We are proud to be as well as overseas, including a part of the success and strength of the Qatari economy. The credit opening up several new branches rating upgrade of QIIB is a reflection of the prestigious level enjoyed and many additional ATMs in the Commercial Bank’s Annual General Meeting yesterday. by the Qatari economy. The new legislation that is applicable to the country,” said Abdullah Saleh Al country’s banking sector, the strength of Qatar’s banking sector Raisi, bank’s CEO, adding, “the we will not be affected at all, but accordance with Basel norms, and nod for two important amend- and the opportunities offered by the national economy are all fac- Bank is also exploring investment at the same time I am expecting in compliance with the instruc- ments in the Articles of Association tors that helped us grow and perform well. Our activities have been opportunities outside Qatar.” the prices to rebound. We have tions of the Qatar Central Bank. that will allow Non-Qatari investors mainly focused on the domestic market, which provides numerous Al Raisi, speaking to The gone through more difficult times The AGM also approved the to own 49 percent of the total of the opportunities.” Peninsula on the sidelines of the than now. So I am confident that Board’s recommendation to a Company’s share capital, and the Al Shaibei said QIIB had been successful in implementing the Bank’s Annual General Meeting the government will handle it in a combination of a cash dividend of other one was concerning the legal strategic plans approved by the bank’s Board of Directors. The (AGM) yesterday, added: “We much more professional way than QR3.5 per share and the issue of name of the Company to change bank has been able to get continuous ratings upgrade by various are thinking very seriously about before.” one bonus share for every 10 held. it from “The Commercial Bank of global rating agencies. He pointed out that the Bank’s capital base expanding our scope on the inter- Earlier the shareholders of Commercial Bank had reported Qatar (Q.S.C.)” to “Commercial would increase with the approval granted by its shareholders at national front, which may include the Company approved all the a net profit of QR1.9bn for the Bank (Q.S.C.)”. the General Assembly held on March 15, 2015 to raise up to QR3bn acquisitions, new branches and agenda of the meeting, includ- year ended December 31, 2014, up Net operating income of the through an additional Tier 1sukuk issuance, which will be used other types of investments.” ing the direct issue of unlisted 20.9 percent compared to QR1.6bn company increased by13.6 percent to support the bank’s capital requirements for future growth and Commenting about the impact instruments of up to a maximum in 2013. The Earnings Per Share to QR3.9bn for the year ended 31 expansion. It will also strengthen the Bank’s capital adequacy ratio of oil crisis on the bank’s opera- amount of $1bn (QR3.6bn) that (EPS) amounted to QR5.93 in December 2014, up from QR3.4bn The bank maintains a strong capital adequacy according to tions in the coming years, Al shall be eligible as Additional Tier 2014 compared to QR5.40 in 2013. achieved in 2013. Basel 3at18.8 percent in the end of 2014 . Raisi said: “I am not saying that 1 Capital and/or Tier 2 capital in The shareholders also gave the THE PENINSULA QNB credit ratings upgraded to ‘AA-’ DOHA: QNB has further consolidated its position as the leading financial institution in the Mena region with the Fitch Ratings Belgian trade announcing the upgrade of the Group’s Long Term Rating to ‘AA-‘ from ‘A+’. The move by the global ratings agency Fitch fol- delegation lows their recent report on the positive outlook of Qatar and in particular, the “healthy condition” of the Banking Sector. Fitch stated that Local Banks were highly capitalised and that asset to visit Doha quality was solid. Within the comprehensive Fitch Report, QNB DOHA: A high-level Belgian was singled out as “The Flagship Bank” in the sector with its trade delegation, presided over impressive market performance and strong public and private by Princess Astrid, repre- sector business relationships. sentative of the King, will visit At the heart of the strong QNB credit ratings is a robust and Doha next week to attract and growing financial performance. Profits for Financial Year 2014 were facilitate major investments FROM LEFT: The Economic & Commercial Attache Charlotte Struye; Director General of Belgian Foreign Trade QR 10.5bn (up 10.3 percent on 2013) and Total Assets increased to a into both countries. Qatar and Agency (BFTA), Marc Bogaerts; Ambassador Christophe Payot; and Economic & Commercial Attache at the record high level of QR 486bn (up 9.7 percent on 2013). In addition, Belgium are important trad- Belgian Embassy, Mounif Kilani at a press briefing at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel yesterday. SALIM MATRAMKOT QNB confirmed its position as “One of the Top 50 World’s Safest ing partners as volume of trade Banks” in The Global Finance Annual Survey 2014. between both countries reached The mission will kick off with meetings and networking oppor- to be signed during the visit in QNB’s strong financial performance is complemented and sup- around 1.2 bn euros in 2014. the Qatari-Belgian Economic tunities will to be conducted. various sectors including medi- ported by an expanding international presence. QNB currently Composed of 223 companies, 22 Forum 2015, which will be held Sectorial events and seminars cal, clean tech, luxury goods and operates in more than 26 countries across 3 continents. Following federations, two universities and 20 under the patronage of H E on sports infrastructure, future education sector. a prudent strategy of international expansion the QNB Group public organisations, the 400-peo- Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin infrastructure projects, medical Additionally, Princess Astrid, has capitalised on, and strengthened, its brand equity, which was ple and 267 organisation-strong Mohamed Al Thani, Minister of technology, energy and technol- along with the Belgian govern- recently recognised by Brand Finance when it confirmed that QNB economic mission will engage in Economy and Commerce. ogy cooperation between Qatar ment officials, will have separate was now “The biggest banking brand by value in The Middle East two days of productive exchanges At the two-day event sched- and Belgium, clean technology meetings with high-level Qatari and Africa”. Brand Value stood at $2.6bn and this placed QNB as of vital information and discussions uled for 22-23 March 2015, sev- will also be organised. Around officials. the 79th largest Banking Brand within the Top 500 Global Bank with their Qatari counterparts. eral B2B (business to business) 10 to 15 agreements are expected THE PENINSULA Brands in 2015 up from 101st in 2014. THE PENINSULA Milaha to increase foreign ownership DOHA: Qatar Navigation’s along with highlights of busi- increase backed by strong perform- to 2017: Sheikh Ali bin Jassim (Milaha) general assembly has ness plans for the year 2015. The ance in our gas and petrochem seg- bin Mohammed Al Thani is the approved the recommendation to Chairman stated that “Looking ment, and gains in our investment Chairman of the Board. Sheikh amend the concerned article to back, 2014 was an excellent year portfolio.” Khalid bin Khalifa Al Thani (QP) increase the company’s foreign for Milaha financially.” Dividend distribution will com- is the Vice Chairman. ownership limit up to 49 percent. Sheikh Ali stated: “Milaha con- mence starting March 24, through Other Board members: Sheikh The Ordinary General Assembly tinued its effort to build a stronger all of Qatar National Bank (QNB) Jassim bin Hamad bin Jassim yesterday approved all the items and more sustainable foundation branches. QNB has been appointed Al Thani; Saad Mohammad Al on its Agenda including the pro- for our future.” Net profit for official Dividend Distribution Rumaihi; Hamad Mohammad posal by the Board of Directors 2014 reached QR1bn, a 10 percent Agent and will provide dividend Al Mana; Adel Ali bin Ali, to distribute a cash dividend of increase over 2013. Shareholders distribution, dividend account Salman Abdullah Abdulghani; 55 percent of the nominal share can review the company’s financial administration and other admin- Dr Mazen Jassim Jaidah; Ali value. statements for more information. istrative support services to Ahmad Al-Kuwari; Sulaiman During the meeting, Sheikh The Chairman also highlighted ensure shareholders have easier Haidar Sulaiman; and Ali Hussain Ali bin Jassim bin Mohammad Milaha’s significant progress. and more efficient access to their Al-Sada. Reserve members include Al Thani, Chairman of Milaha’s “When we reported our first half earned dividends. Sheikh Suheem bin Abdulaziz bin Chairman Sheikh Ali bin Jassim bin Mohammad Al Thani (centre), Vice Board of Directors presented an results of 2014, our net income was The General Assembly elected Suheem Al Thani, and Mohammed Chairman Sheikh Khaled bin Khalifa Al Thani (left) and Board member overview of the company’s activi- down. A much stronger second half the Board of Directors for the Nasser Al Qahtani. Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani during the AGM of Milaha ties and financial results for 2014 relative to 2013 drove a net profit next three-year term from 2015 THE PENINSULA yesterday. ABDUL BASIT Mannai gets CIMA Premier Partner Accreditation

DOHA: Mannai Corporation, one of the largest conglomer- ate companies in Qatar, has become the first organisa- tion in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Region to be formally recognised by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) as a Premier Partner for Training and Development. The prestigious Premier Partner status vali- dates the importance Mannai Corporation places towards Officials of Mannai and CIMA supporting career long train- ing and development of CIMA Financial Officer, Mannai the CIMA qualification, and we to present Mannai Corporation members and students within Corporation said, “To be accred- are confident that these num- with a much deserved Premier its organization, helping to ited as a Premier Partner for bers will increase progressively.” Partner status and look forward draw and retain quality man- CIMA is remarkable accom- Geetu Ahuja, Head of GCC, to working closely with them in agement accountants in the plishment and a great source CIMA said, “The Premier the future.” company. of pride for us. It reiterates Partner accreditation repre- The CIMA Premier Partner CIMA is the world’s leading Mannai Corporation’s mission sents excellence in supporting accreditation is awarded for and largest professional body of to attract the best talent in the lifelong professional develop- three years and is available to management accountants, with industry and maintain a com- ment. Mannai Corporation has any employer who supports over 218,000 members and stu- mitted team of capable profes- been tremendously supportive learning & development of their dents operating in 177 countries, sionals who add value to the to their employees towards talent teams with CIMA and with a mission is to help people company’s operations and play a achieving professional growth, holds both the CIMA Training and businesses to succeed in the leadership role in our growth. At which reflects the importance Quality Partner and CIMA public and private sectors. present we support 10 employ- they place on career growth and Development Quality Partner Ewan Cameron, Chief ees who are working towards development. We’re delighted awards. THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 19 MARCH 2015 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19 Only half of world’s adults have bank accounts, region better

DOHA: There are an estimated financial inclusion and it can Centre for Islamic Economics and 2.5 billion adults across the have immense benefits in poverty Finance, QFIS, Dr Syed Nazim world and only half of them have reduction and narrowing down Ali, and Professor in Islamic a bank account, says a study. inequality among Muslim com- Finance Program, QFIS, Dr This ratio is much lower (barely munities around the world. Taiqullah Khan, at a press con- 18 percent) for adults in MENA This can be done especially ference. The venue of the confer- (Middle East and North Africa) effectively in MENA and OIC ence will be Hamad Bin Khalifa countries and only slightly countries where financial exclu- University (HBKU) Students’ higher (22 percent) in the mem- sion due to religious reasons is the Centre. Welcome message for ber-countries of Organization of highest. The paper by Mohseni- the event will be by Dr Aisha Al Islamic Countries (OIC). Cheraghlou will be presented at Manai, Dean of QFIS, which is The above figures for MENA a key conference being held here part of HBKU. and OIC countries are for the from March 23 to 24 on ‘Islamic The Centre for Islamic year 2011, according to Amin Economics and Finance’. Economics and Finance (CIEF) Mohseni-Cheraghlou, from the This is the 10th conference to has been the driving force behind American University, USA. be held on the subject and among organizing the past three con- About 700 million adults living the other issues that will come up ferences as host for the 8th and in the OIC countries do not have a for discussion at the event is the 10th ICIEF. The 10th ICIEF is bank account or an account with question of absence of a central- being jointly held by CIEF, QFIS, a formal financial institution. ized world regulatory framework HBKU, Islamic Development Studies suggest that among the for Islamic banking and financial Bank (IDB) of the OIC and reasons cited by individuals for The Founding Dean of Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies (QFIS), Dr Hatem El Karanshawi (centre), Professor and institutions. others. not having a bank account, reli- Director, Center for Islamic Economics and Finance, QFIS, Dr Syed Nazim Ali (left); and Professor in the Islamic Details, including the schedule, Another paper will discuss how gious factors were the third larg- Finance Programme, QFIS, Dr Taiqullah Khan at the conference. SALIM MATRAMKOT of the conference were announced Islamic banking and financial est in the MENA region. yesterday by Dr Hatem El institutions are relying overly on About 12 percent adults in states were out of the purview of According to the findings of countries if Islamic finance is Karanshawi, founding dean of debt instruments like (sukuk) and MENA (17 million) and seven banking network and they cited the above study, the situation can made to play an effective role. Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies highlights its negative aspects. percent (47 million) in the OIC religion as the main reason. be reversed in OIC and MENA Islamic finance can enhance (QFIS), Professor and Director, THE PENINSULA Lufthansa grounds 750 flights as pilots strike Strike cost estimated at €15m a day: Analyst

FRANKFURT: German air- passengers of yesterday’s strike arrangement under which pilots line Lufthansa cancelled around ahead of time via text messages can retire at 55 and receive up to 750 short- and medium-haul sent by mobile phone and email. 60 percent of their pay until they flights yesterday, hitting tens At Munich and Frankfurt air- reach the statutory retirement of thousands of passengers, as ports, there were no reports of age of 65. pilots staged fresh strike action large groups of stranded passen- Pilots are also concerned in a bitter dispute over early gers yesterday, national DPA news over Lufthansa’s aim to further retirement. agency said. develop its low-cost activities as it Just over half of the carrier’s Pilots’ union Vereinigung faces growing competition. scheduled 1,400 domestic and Cockpit (VC) announced late on Lufthansa said in a statement European flights to and from the eve of the walkout that the late on Tuesday that calling the Frankfurt and Munich were initially planned one-day stoppage strike lacked “any proportional- grounded, affecting around 80,000 would be extended by another day. ity”, and that the extension was passengers, a Lufthansa spokes- Lufthansa slammed the lat- “completely incomprehensible”. man said. est action as “incomprehensible” It had made an improved offer The strike was set to continue and said that it expected 42 of to the pilots’ union in recent days, throughout Thursday when it its 85 flights scheduled to leave Lufthansa said, calling on VC to will shift to target long-haul and Germany today to be scrapped immediately continue talks. Aircrafts of German carrier Lufthansa stand on the tarmac at the Frankfurt Main airport, Germany, yesterday. cargo services. but that no cargo services were “Instead of working on sound The two-day walkout is the set to be cancelled. solutions for the future, the the airline’s bosses to negotiate compete. IAG has already done a improvement in its underlying 12th bout of strike action to hit Long-haul services are VC is inflicting damage now on “seriously” or accept “an overall good job of this” he said. earnings this year after profits the German airline since last expected to resume as far as pos- Lufthansa customers worldwide,” settlement”. In the previous round of nosedived in 2014. April over management plans sible on Friday, the airline said, it fumed in a statement. Equinet analyst Jochen strike action in mid-February, Lufthansa’s profits were hit to change the pilots’ transitional adding that, similarly, short- and It also said it was “irresponsi- Rothenbacher estimates the lat- Lufthansa’s low-cost subsidiary by a range of factors last year, pension arrangements. medium-haul traffic was set to be ble” to refuse any form of negotia- est strikes are costing the carrier Germanwings was forced to scrap including changes in the value of Flights operated by Lufthansa’s back to normal from today. tion over “privileges” for around around 15 million euros a day in close to 340 outbound flights from a convertible bond it had issued subsidiaries Germanwings, The company said it had 5,400 of the company’s 12,000 lost profit and said the dispute Germany. Overall in 2014, the in 2012, and losses on its options Eurowings, Swiss and Austrian called on other airlines within workers. For its part, Vereinigung could last a long time. “It’s very repeated strikes cost Lufthansa for fuel price hedging. Airlines were not affected. the Lufthansa group to help to Cockpit accused Lufthansa of very important for Lufthansa to an estimated ¤232m ($245m). Strike action by its pilots also A Lufthansa spokesman said cover routes. The dispute hinges not having “moved a millime- bring their costs down to a level Last week the airline said weighed on earnings. the airline had sought to warn on plans by Lufthansa to scrap an tre” despite its claims, and urged at which they can continue to it expected to see a “tangible” AFP/REUTERS Tourism adds $7.6bn to Qatar’s economy DOHA: Arabian Travel Convention Centre, Rayyan Mall Europe this year, has confirmed Market’s 2015 roadshow series (Mall of Qatar), Doha Zoo, Lusail Qatar’s position as an important arrived in Qatar yesterday to Museum, Katara Towers (Lusail travel and tourism hub for the meet with key industry play- Marina), and not forgetting the region, which ATM 2015 is keen ers and highlight the country’s FIFA World Cup football stadi- to highlight.” healthy growth in the hotel and ums, home to the FIFA World The total number of projects tourism sector, which saw over Cup in 2022. planned or underway include 5 $2.5bn in contracts awarded in “Qatar has witnessed astound- museums and libraries; 57 hotels 2014. ing economic growth over the and resorts; 22 shopping venues; Qatar will be represented at past decade, and this has trans- 21 sports facilities; 11 theme Khalefa Al Mesalam ATM 2015 by Qatar Tourism lated into a healthy tourism sec- parks, 6 convention centres; Authority (QTA), Qatar Airways, tor focused on culture, shopping, and a state-of-the-art theatre appointed as QIB Al Rayyan Hospitality, and sporting events, meetings and (MEED). Katara Hospitality, occupying exhibitions,” explains Nadege Qatar saw 2.8 million visitors Human Capital over 815 square metres of floor Noblet, Exhibition Manager, enter the country in 2014, an 8.2pc space at the dedicated Qatar Arabian Travel Market. increase in numbers over the pre- Group head stand this year. “The recent completion vious year, generating 61,000 jobs Projects totaling $8.48bn are of important infrastructure in the tourism sector and an eco- DOHA: Qatar Islamic Bank currently underway that will projects, such as the iconic Hamad nomic injection of $7.6bn, equal to (QIB) has promoted Khalefa set Qatar up as a major tour- International Airport in 2014 and 8.3pc of Qatar’s non-extraction Saif Al Mesalam as new Head ist and venue attraction, includ- Qatar Airways’ plans to signifi- GDP, according to IFP Info. of Human Capital. Al Mesalam ing Doha Festival City, Doha cantly expand its capacity across THE PENINSULA Qatar Airways pavilion at ATM 2015. had already been working as the Acting Head of Human Capital, as well as Head of Recruitment for the Bank. Khalefa Al Mesalam has 15 years of banking experience, LG G3 Best Smartphone of the Year with a blend of retail banking and human capital management BARCELONA: The LG globe and its success has largely by Android Authority, Android expertise gained while work- G3 smartphone from LG contributed to the 16 percent Central, PC Pro and Ubergizmo ing with leading international Electronics (LG) was named increase in annual global reve- for its classical and cosmopolitan and regional banks. He started Best Smartphone of the Year by nue,” said the GSMA in its award design with analogue flavour. The his banking career in the Retail the GSMA at the Global Mobile announcement. “It delivers an world’s first LTE smartwatch, Banking division and progressed Awards during Mobile World easy-to-use, intuitive user expe- LG Watch Urbane LTE, received to various lead roles in Customer Congress 2015 for its quality, rience with its 5.5-inch Quad HD best-of-show recognition from Service, Branches Network variety of useful features and Display and 13-megapixel OIS+ Android Central, AndroidPIT, and Human Resource Quality ease of use. Additionally, the LG camera with Laser Auto Focus.” Digital Trends, Expert Reviews Control and Recruitment. He Watch Urbane and LG Watch On the smartwatch front, the and TechnoBuffalo. It was recog- joined QIB in 2011 as Head of Urbane LTE won nine awards LG Watch Urbane and the LG nized by a number of the awardees Talent Acquisition & Manpower at the show from various top- Watch Urbane LTE were both for being the first smartwatch to Planning – a division within the tier media outlets. named the best smartwatch of this include an NFC-based payment Human Capital Group – from “Since launch, the LG G3 has year’s show by a number of prom- feature and the most powerful bat- where he progressed to his cur- been critically acclaimed, carried inent technology media outlets. tery in the industry. rent role. THE PENINSULA LG officials at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. by over 170 partners across the The LG Watch Urbane was chosen THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 19 MARCH 2015 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS Britain to raise $13bn New headquarters through Lloyds sales Election year growth forecast upgraded to 2.5pc

LONDON: Britain will raise Osborne added in an address to trading at 79.15 pence, comfort- at least £9bn ($13bn) selling parliament. “Five years ago they ably above the government’s 73.6 shares in Lloyds Banking Group (Labour) were bailing out the pence buy-in price. in the coming year as it looks banks, now we’re selling more The planned sales would take to recover £66bn of taxpayers’ bank shares,” Osborne said. the government’s stake in Lloyds money spent bailing out banks As part of further measures to about 7 percent, based on cur- in the financial crisis. aimed at making banks play their rent share prices. The government also said it part in Britain’s economic recov- Osborne did not say how the would sell £13bn worth of home ery, Osborne said he was increas- latest sales will be structured. loans held by bailed out Northern ing the rate of a bank levy to 0.21 UK Financial Investments Rock and Bradford and Bingley. percent of a lender’s assets from (UKFI), which manages the Britain spent £20.5bn rescuing 0.16 percent. The measure, the government’s stakes in bailed- Lloyds during the crisis of 2007- eighth increase since the levy was out banks, raised £7.4bn 9, leaving it with a 41 percent introduced in 2011, will raise an through two sales to financial shareholding. Another £45bn was additional £900m a year. institutions in September 2013 spent bailing out Royal Bank of “The banks got support going and March 2014. Scotland. into the crisis, now they must It has adopted a different Britain’s economy was set to support the whole country as we approach since, appointing invest- grow by a better-than-expected recover from the crisis. I believe ment bank Morgan Stanley to 2.5 percent this year, finance min- they can make a bigger contribu- sell shares in the open market ister George Osborne said yester- tion to the repair of our public through a “pre-arranged trading day in the coalition government’s finances,” he said. The govern- plan”. The government said the final annual budget before May’s ment has so far raised £8.5bn bank levy increase and stopping general election. selling Lloyds shares, cutting its banks from deducting corporation The government forecast com- stake to under 23 percent. It said tax from loan insurance and other pares with 2015 gross domestic any further sales will be subject compensation payments would product expansion of 2.4 per- to market conditions and getting bring in £5.3bn over the next five cent predicted in December, value for taxpayers. years. Chancellor of the Exchequer Shares in Lloyds are currently REUTERS/AFP General view of the interior of the European Central Bank’s (ECB) new headquarters in Frankfurt. The ceremo- nial opening of the $1.4bn 185-meter high skyscraper building took place yesterday.

Israel’s Tamar group to sell EU unveils clampdown on tax avoidance BRUSSELS: The EU intensi- “Tolerance has reached rock- as one percent in secret pacts with ability to secretly shift profits fraction of the problem,” said gas to Egypt fied efforts to fight rampant bottom for companies that avoid tax authorities in Luxembourg. and avoid taxes, at least within Koen Roovers of the Financial tax avoidance by multination- paying their fair share of taxes, The revelations, unearthed by a the EU. The plan however did Transparency Coalition in als yesterday in its first major and for the regimes that ena- consortium of investigative jour- not question the perfectly legal Brussels. “Over 150 companies in via pipeline effort to counter the LuxLeaks ble them to do this,” said EU nalists, were a huge embarrass- practice of providing tax rulings the leak were associated with the scandal that poured embarrass- Economics Affairs Commissioner ment to Juncker, the then-newly to companies, Moscovici said, this United States, but they will sim- JERUSALEM: A group of pri- ment on commission head Jean- Pierre Moscovici in announcing installed Commission head who being the strict responsibility of ply be out of bounds under this vate customers in Egypt has Claude Juncker. the plan. “We have to rebuild the presided over the tax pacts for member states that would have proposal,” he said. agreed to buy at least $1.2bn The commission, the EU’s pow- link between where companies almost 19 years as Luxembourg never approved scrapping them. Activists also criticised that of natural gas from Israel’s off- erful executive arm, said its ambi- really make their profits and prime minister. Critics said the plan was too the contents of a tax ruling would shore Tamar field via an old tious plan would force the EU’s where they are taxed,” he said. Under the new regime proposed narrow in scope, and the trans- remain out of the public eye, pipeline built to send gas to 28 countries to share details of The plan targets so-called tax by the Commission, member parency too limited, to truly remaining privileged information Israel. any tax deals agreed with some of rulings, secret deals at the heart states would be forced to reveal address corporate tax avoidance for authorities. The Tamar partners said yes- the world’s biggest multinationals, of the LuxLeaks scandal that tax rulings made with companies they said occurs on a massive “This is not tax transparency terday they signed a seven-year ending the secrecy that allowed revealed last year that some of to other bloc members automati- scale.“Though this tax transpar- or tax justice. The veil of secrecy deal with Dolphinus Holdings, a member states to often compete the world’s biggest companies — cally every three months. ency package is supposed to be remains in place,” said Tove Maria firm that represents non-gov- against each other to attract busi- including Pepsi and Ikea — had This transparency, Moscovici a response to the Luxembourg Ryding, of the European Network ernmental, industrial and com- ness and investment. lowered their tax rates to as little said, would deny companies the Leaks, it’s only addressing a on Debt and Development. AFP mercial consumers in Egypt, that calls for a minimum 5 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas to be sold in the first three years. Smart watches An energy source in Israel, Sony starts $50 playstation however, said the total export amount in the deal could be more web TV service in 3 US cities than three times higher, depend- ing on demand in Egypt, which NEW YORK: Sony Corp. began selling PlayStation Vue in is facing one of its worst energy three cities, joining a parade of media, technology and phone crunches in years. companies offering pay-TV over the Web. The supplies will pass through Sony’s service is available through PlayStation 3 and PlayStation an underwater pipeline con- 4 game consoles in New York, Chicago and Philadelphia, according structed nearly a decade ago by to a statement from the Tokyo-based company yesterday. Starting East Mediterranean Gas (EMG), at $50 a month, Vue offers on- demand and live programming from the company that oversaw a now- more than 85 channels. Sony reached partnerships with nine media defunct Egyptian-Israeli natural companies including CBS Corp., NBCUniversal, Viacom Inc. and gas deal. Egypt had been selling 21st Century Fox Inc. gas to Israel in a 20-year agree- With the debut in three markets, Sony is putting Vue in the ment, but the deal collapsed in hands of some consumers ahead of competing over-the-top prod- 2012 after months of attacks ucts being prepared by Apple Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc. on the pipeline by militants in While others offer so-called “skinny bundles” like Dish Network Egypt’s remote Sinai peninsula. It Corp.’s $20-a-month Sling TV, Sony is focused on families with has since been out of commission consoles who are willing to pay for more channels. and EMG is suing the Egyptian “Our service is really targeted towards the gamer household,” government for damages. Daniel Myers, head of product for PlayStation Vue, said in an An oil ministry source in Egypt interview. told Reuters the ministry had not “There’s no other OTT provider that’s providing this many live received any requests from pri- TV channels and a DVR functionality with limitless control for vate-sector firms to import gas. the user.” “The ministry is ready to agree The average US home receives 189 TV channels but only watches to gas imports from abroad if the 17 of them, according to a report last year by Nielsen. The average imports achieve the three con- cable bill rose to $87 last year from $80 in 2011, data compiled by ditions of adding value to the Bloomberg Intelligence show. domestic market, solving inter- Apple, which makes the Apple TV set-top box, last week became national arbitration disputes, and the exclusive launch partner for the coming $14.99-a- month HBO providing gas to the market,” the Now online channel. The company is in talks with broadcasters source said. Smart watches are on display at the Cogito booth on the press day at the world watch and jewellery show ABC, CBS and Fox to offer Web-based TV later this year, people REUTERS Baselworld 2015 in Basel, Switzerland, yesterday. The trade show of the global watch and jewellery industry familiar with the effort said this week. running till March 26 is expected to have around 1,500 prestigious brands showcasing their products. BLOOMBERG WHO chief wants tobacco firms pushed out of business ABU DHABI: World Health to undermine the governments’ resolve that the proportion of men who smoke warn that tobacco causes one in six of is rising fastest in countries where con- Organization chief Margaret Chan and determination to protect their own is going down in 125 countries. Chan said all NCD deaths and almost half of cur- trol measures are relatively new,” Chan urged global action yesterday to drive people,” Chan told reporters. non-smoking was “becoming the norm”. rent tobacco users will eventually die of warned. tobacco companies “out of business” “It’s going to be a tough fight ... (but) “We are happy to see this progress in tobacco-related disease. China is “the number one country in and hailed progress in tackling smok- we should not give up until we make so many countries,” she said on the side- “Tobacco use is one of the biggest risk terms of smokers, so it is important that ing in many countries. sure that the tobacco industry goes out lines of the conference. factors for NCDs, and especially for can- China takes appropriate action to reduce Speaking at the World Conference on of business,” she said. However, she urged countries that cer,” Chan told the conference. “It is also tobacco consumption,” Chan added. Tobacco or Health in Abu Dhabi, Chan Despite a decline in the number of produce tobacco leaves to “move faster” one of the most responsive to control WHO says NCDs kill 35 million people welcomed steps taken by several coun- smokers in many countries, more needs to fight tobacco in cooperation with the measures.” annually, of whom 80 percent live in low- tries, led by Australia, to introduce plain to be done to curb tobacco use to meet Food and Agriculture Organization and According to the WHO, one person dies and middle-income countries. packaging for cigarettes. the global target of a 30-percent reduc- the WHO. every six seconds due to tobacco —nearly Chan voiced support for measures The WHO chief called for similar tion in consumption by 2025, participants The five-day conference aims to prove six million people each year. Smoking taken by Australia, Ireland, and most action by other nations. said. that tobacco use, in all its forms, is a could kill one billion people this century, recently Britain, to introduce plain ciga- Tobacco companies “use all sorts of “Largely thanks to legislative meas- major contributor to the occurrence of it says. Participants at the conference rette packaging, despite “being intimi- tactics including funding political parties, ures, smoking has plummeted in several non-communicable disease (NCD) — can- have warned that unless urgent action dated by tobacco industry threats of individual politicians to work for them ... countries,” Chan told the meeting, refer- cer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and is taken, the annual death toll could rise lengthy and costly litigation”. There is nothing they would not exploit ring to the latest WHO report showing chronic respiratory diseases. Organisers to eight million by 2030. “Tobacco use AFP THURSDAY 19 MARCH 2015 BUSINESS VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

The IMF’s leash is way China gloats as Europeans too short for Ukraine BY LEONID BERSHIDSKY rush to join Asian bank

S UKRAINIAN Finance Minister Natalie Jaresko travels BY SIMON DENYER urges it meets international standards of Bank, but European and Asian nations have to Washington, New York and London to try to persuade governance and transparency.” Fearing the grown increasingly frustrated with its failure her country’s creditors to take a haircut, she comes with HINA’S state media indulged in AIIB will become a rival to the World Bank, to agree to reforms of voting rights in the IMF Aa math problem. The restructuring that Ukraine and the a spot of gloating yesterday, as it is worried its lending programs will not that would give China and other emerging International Monetary Fund have agreed to doesn’t really add Europe’s most powerful nations include adequate safeguards over issues like nations greater say. Lew acknowledged that up. Ukraine can’t save $15.3bn over the next four years unless its announced they planned to join the environment and labor rights. the failure by Congress to agree to a “very mild creditors forgive some of the principal they’re owed — yet none of a Chinese-led Asian regional But the European decision to break ranks and reasonable” set of reforms of the IMF had them may be ready to do that. bank, ignoring objections from with Washington represents a significant prompted countries to look elsewhere. The IMF has agreed to lend Ukraine $17.5bn over the next four Cthe United States. diplomatic setback for the United States. Thomas Wright, director of the Project years. This “debt operation” (a euphemism for a soft default) is In a commentary piece titled “Washington, “The administration has made a major on International Order and Strategy at the supposed to save Ukraine $5.2bn in debt payments this year and what are you waiting for?” state news mistake. Not just our refusal to take part in Brookings Institution, wrote that the US $3.4bn, $4.4bn and $2.3bn in the next three years. According to the agency Xinhua described the United States the bank, but the pressure on our allies not approach towards the AIIB had been “con- Ukrainian investment firm ICU, the government wants to include as “petulant and cynical” for declining to to take part, was very short-sighted,” said fused and contradictory,” while Paul Haenle, $20 billion of debt in the restructuring, at least half of which is join the Asian Infrastructure Investment David Sedney, a senior fellow at the Atlantic director of the Carnegie-Tsinghua Center in scheduled for repayment over the next four years. That means Bank (AIIB). It said the bank was open to all Council and former senior State Department Beijing, said the administration had “played that, over those four years, Ukraine would pay investors nothing. nations but said Washington’s “sour grapes” official. “I understand the concerns about it very badly”. “We are going to come out This was more or less expected. With its export potential left it looking “isolated and hypocritical.” standards, but being in opposition to it has looking insecure and weak,” he said. destroyed in the military conflict in the east and its antiquated On Tuesday, Germany, France and Italy meant we don’t have the ability to influ- Several experts pointed out that the tax system unable to ensure steady revenues, Ukraine needs time said they planned to join the bank, following ence it. And it is clearly going to go ahead United States had long urged China to take and investment to become solvent — even if the current govern- Britain’s decision to do so last week. Officials whether we support it or not.” a stronger leadership role in global affairs ment carries out needed reforms more successfully than any its from Australia and South Korea have also Sedney said there was a “strain in US but had then raised objections when Beijing predecessors did. indicated they are considering joining the political thinking that says if we are not in did just that. “This is an issue we have to However, the IMF programme has another ambitious goal: To bank in recent days, after initially declin- the lead role, we should not be part of it — come to terms with,” Haenle said. reduce Ukraine’s debt-to-output ratio to 71 percent in 2020, from ing to do so. The United States was sharply but I think that has been a mistake”. “Because on one hand, we are pushing the 94 percent this year. In absolute terms, that means paring the critical of Britain’s decision last week, with China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Chinese to contribute more, to be a responsi- debt to $56.1bn from $74.9bn. If the amount that Ukraine owes to an unnamed administration official telling Hong Lei welcomed the Europeans’ decision ble stakeholder, to take a greater role where international institutions such as the IMF and to friendly govern- the Financial Times that it had been made to join the bank and urged other countries they can in helping resolve problems — but ments is to stay the same, then only two other parts of Ukraine’s with “virtually no consultation with the U.S.” to join. At a news conference, he said the in many cases when they do step forward debt remain open to reductions: $17.3bn in sovereign Eurobonds and and accusing London of “constant accom- bank would maintain high standards and and say ‘well this is what we are going to $31.4bn in domestic debt. Since it’s impossible to extract $18.8bn modation” of China. learn best practices from other multilateral do,’ our instant knee-jerk reaction is to say from the servicing of these two types of debt (the average coupon China proposed the bank in 2013 to institutions. “The AIIB aims to benefit peo- ‘What are you doing here?’ “ income is 7.1 percent), principal reductions are a must. finance investment in infrastructure across ple all around Asia,” he said. “Most countries Xinhua said this amounted to hypoc- The IMF programme doesn’t say this in so many words, but Asia and had pledged to put up most of its in Asia are developing countries, which lack risy. The People’s Daily, a Communist Party Ukraine’s funding for the next four years depends on, among other initial $50bn in capital. Earlier this month, money for infrastructure projects. To create mouthpiece, said American “jealously won’t things, the finance ministry’s ability to impose a haircut on bond- China said 27 nations had signed up to be more investment and financing is beneficial stop the train of history”. “The US attempt holders. Jaresko asked the IMF to disburse this year’s entire $10bn founding members, but the United States to the development of Asia.” to develop new rules of the game in order installment immediately after the programme was approved, but and allies Japan, Australia and South Korea But US Treasury Secretary Jack Lew to regain its leadership role in the world has she got only $5bn — so she should be motivated to conclude talks have so far held out. The United States has appeared unconvinced, urging countries not been very smooth,” it wrote. “The UK’s with creditors by June. denied media reports that it lobbied its allies to think twice before joining. The United bid to join the AIIB is a choice that fits the Getting them on board, however, will be like herding cats. not to join the bank. It says it welcomes the States enjoys a dominant position in the global trend and national interests.” The biggest private bondholder, the asset management company idea of an infrastructure bank, but “strongly International Monetary Fund and the World WP-BLOOMBERG Franklin Templeton, which holds $7bn worth of Ukrainian debt, has hired Blackstone to help it with the negotiations, signaling it won’t roll over easily. Templeton bond guru Michael Hasenstab, who’s made a name for himself by investing in distressed sovereign bonds just ahead of international bailouts, is not accustomed to losing. While Hasenstab may eventually bow to the inevitable, Ukraine has another creditor even tougher to convince: Russia, which holds $3bn of the $20bn debt in ICU’s estimate. Sergei Storchak, Russia’s deputy finance minister, said yesterday that the IMF programme calls for only private- sector debt to be restructured. “We’re official sector,” Storchak said, somewhat disingenuously. After all, Russia’s loan to the previous Ukrainian government was deliberately structured as a Eurobond to make it hard for Ukraine to avoid paying without triggering a default on its private debt. Given Moscow’s bad relations with the current government, talks would seem to be a nonstarter. This only makes it harder for Jaresko to get the cuts she needs elsewhere. “The funding volume that it is suggested [Ukraine] use for all the planned steps is almost certainly not enough,” Storchak said. He should know: He was a key figure in Russia’s exhausting talks with creditors after the 1998 default. Jaresko appears to agree with him. “The package that we have is going to stabilize the financial banking system, but it’s not enough to seriously restart growth and promote growth,” Jaresko told the Wall Street Journal after meeting with US Treasury Secretary Jack Lew. “I’m looking for more support.” Her argument is that “no one is paying more to protect the world from a nuclear power that is an aggressor” than Ukraine, and if its allies won’t help fight Russia, they should at least cough up more money. With that argument, however, Jaresko risks irritat- ing Kiev’s Western partners, who have already provided billions in aid and persuaded the IMF to put together its bailout package with no certainty of repayment. If, on the other hand, Western governments, especially the U.S., remain sympathetic to Ukraine’s cause, the IMF may have to accept that debt restructuring on its terms is impossible. Ukraine might not be able to persuade creditors to take a significant haircut, but maybe it can get them — even Russia — to wait a bit longer for their money. The IMF’s current leash may just be too short to allow Ukraine to dig itself out of its economic mess. WP-BLOOMBERG Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate A trade agreement that even liberals can live with

BY NOAH SMITH that since US interest rates are won’t stay at or near zero much There is definitely evidence TPP involves not economics, but at a higher rate, and experience still close to zero, trade deals longer. to support these scholars’ pre- geopolitics. Tyler Cowen of George fewer third-party attacks than NE of the bigger eco- will hurt the US economy via Economists David Autor, David diction. Economists Jenny Lin Mason University notes that the buffer states in other alliance nomic issues under Keynesian effects—since aggre- Dorn and Gordon Hanson are of Oregon State and William treaty gives the US a chance to arrangements.” debate right now is gate demand is scarce, he says, among the authors of a famous Lincoln of Johns Hopkins have cement its Asia-Pacific alliances at The TPP includes many buffer the Trans-Pacific trade is a zero-sum game. study arguing that trade with found that although only 9 per- a time when China’s rising power states in the Asia-Pacific region, Partnership(TPP), I’m usually more of a free-trade China caused US employment to cent of US manufacturing com- is destabilising the region: including South Korea, Japan, Othe multilateral trade deal that skeptic than the average econo- take a hit. But they have written panies hold patents, 89 percent “[E]ither this deal happens on Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, would include most countries in mist. The standard argument strongly in support of the TPP. of exporters do. American terms, or an alterna- Taiwan and Vietnam. the Asia-Pacific region as well as for free trade — the Ricardian They argue that manufacturing They find that US manufactur- tive deal arises on Chinese terms Those are all either allies or the US. Many people both here theory of comparative advantage jobs are not coming back, but that ing exporters are extremely sen- without our participation. For quasi-allies of the US, and all have and abroad are suspicious of trade that everyone learns in Econ 101 the TPP’s liberalisation of trade in sitive to patent protection — the rather significant foreign policy reason to worry about Chinese deals, while economists usually -- is just too simplistic. But in this services and knowledge industries more intellectual property is pro- reasons we prefer the former, and encroachment in the South China support them. case, I’m strongly on the pro-TPP — areas in which the US is strong tected internationally, the more the pragmatic side of President Sea and elsewhere. This time around, however, the side. There are just too many good — will provide a big boost to US these companies can export. Obama understands this pretty Free trade was a crucial part of dynamic is a little bit different arguments in favor. workers. They write: Given the US’s big trade defi- well.” US foreign policy in the Cold War, — the TPP is getting some push- University of California- “Anti-competitive asymmetries cit in manufactured goods, this Political science is a murky field, and it remains an important way back from left-leaning economists Berkeley economist Brad DeLong in the world trade system dis- should be an important reason to but there is evidence to back up to cement our relationships with such as Paul Krugman and the does some quick back-of-the-enve- proportionately harm US firms support the TPP. Cowen’s point. Political scientist friendly countries. Center for Economic and Policy lope calculations, and estimates at present. Enactment of the Services are important, of Paul Poast of Rutgers University So there are many good rea- Research’s Dean Baker. that the TPP would increase the TPP would establish protections course, but manufacturing is has found that trade deals are sons to support the TPP. To the Krugman’s point is that since world’s wealth by a total of $3 tril- against these asymmetries for U.S. where the vast majority of produc- very important for solidifying standard argument that trade US trade is already pretty liber- lion. Though that’s not a big deal companies.. tivity gains are made. By having alliances, especially with “buffer boosts economic efficiency, we alised — tariffs and other trade in the grand scheme of things, “A responsible trade agenda stronger international intellec- states” that face a threat from should add the boost that intel- barriers are low—the effect of it’s one of the best reforms that’s should instead seek to provide the tual property laws, we will allow a powerful neighbour. From the lectual property protection will further liberalisation will be feasible in the current polarized supporting policy structure — pro- export-oriented US manufactur- abstract of his paper: give our manufacturers, and the small. With only small gains to political situation. tections for intellectual property ers to thrive, and these manu- “I find that buffer states in geopolitical advantages of the deal. be had, he argues, passing the DeLong dismisses Baker’s and freedom from confiscatory facturers will invest in research alliances with trade provisions The case against the treaty is just TPP isn’t the optimal use of US idea that the TPP would lead to regulations — that allows US and development that will raise experience fewer opportunistic too weak to overcome all of these President Barack Obama’s politi- demand leaking out of the US, companies to excel in the sectors productivity. violations of the alliance terms, advantages. cal capital. Baker’s argument is pointing out that interest rates where they are strong.” Another reason to support the avoid occupation and invasion WP-BLOOMBERG THURSDAY 19 MARCH 2015 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MARKET

QE Indices Summary QE Index 11,426.62 2.23 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Total Return Index 17,557.3 2.23 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 4,163.94 2.17 % RATE QE All Share Index 3,041.71 2.21 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 3,090.67 1.96 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 5807.985 -2.968 -0.05 5962 5248.5 QE All Share Industrials 3,737.78 2.42 % QR134.7660 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 QE All Share Transportation 2,440.46 0.40 % Cac 40 Index/D 5023.61 -5.32 -0.11 5074.83 4076.16 QE All Share Real Estate 2,293.02 2.87 % SILVER UK ...... QR 5.3019 QR 5.3758 QE All Share Insurance 3,988.83 2.12 % Dj Indu Average 17849.08 0 0 18288.6 15855.12 QR 1.8227 Euro ...... QR 3.8379 QR 3.8913 QE All Share Telecoms 1,291.41 2.66 % CA$ ...... QR 2.8161 QR 2.8714 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 6,787.37 2.92 % Hang Seng Inde/D 24120.08 218.59 0.91 25101.96 23312.5 Services Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.6088 QR 3.6605 QE Market Summary Comparison Iseq Overall/D 6035.74 39.95 0.67 6212.11 5072.7 Yen ...... QR 0.0298 QR 0.0304 Aus$ ...... QR 2.7487 QR 2.8023 Today Previous day Karachi 100 In/D 31524.98 -817.28 -2.53 35055.94 32104.5 CRUDE OIL 18-03-2015 17-03-2015 Ind Re ...... QR 0.0575 QR 0.0587 Index 11,426.62 11,687.17 Nikkei 225 Index 19544.48 107.48 0.55 19479.89 16592.57 Pak Re ...... QR 0.0354 QR 0.0361 Change 260.55 73.94 BRENT Peso ...... QR 0.0805 QR 0.0821 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 2119.59 1814.36 % 2.23 0.63 $ 53.11 SL Re ...... QR 0.0271 QR 0.0277 YTD% 6.99 4.87 Straits Times/D 3361.75 -8.2 -0.24 3458.14 3267.89 Taka ...... QR 0.0463 QR 0.0474 Volume 8,499,289 7,329,923 DUBAI Nep Re ...... QR 0.0360 QR 0.0367 Value (QAR) 390,487,769.75 322,016,613.60 Straits Times/D 3290.99 -1.82 -0.06 3387.84 2953.01 SA Rand ...... QR 0.2914 QR 0.2973 Trades 5,314 4,785 $ 50.42 Up 01 | Down 35 | Unchanged 02 Straits Times/D 3274.06 -8.82 -0.27 3291.83 2953.01

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 18-03-2015

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A List of Shares from the world

COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED A B G Infra-T/D 184 5 29613 City Union Bk-/D 96.3 -0.1 42233 Hind Org Chem-/D 15.3 0.65 26413 Kopran-B/D 47.65 -2.65 274838 Patspin India-/D 7.06 -0.04 11355 Kingfisher/D 371.1 4.4 1938686 A C C-A/D 1580 -28.9 16751 Cmc Ltd-A/D 1913.2 -24.9 2253 Hind Unilever-/D 922.2 -9.7 68000 Lakshmi Elec-B/D 327.1 -2.9 3640 Punjab Chem.-B/D 146.3 7.9 38772 Land Secs Grou/D 1250.36 18 523154 Aarti Drugs-B/D 1550 -8.75 14297 Colgate-A/D 2019.2 -41.15 16035 Hind.Petrol-A/D 651.75 17.95 159602 Lgb Broth-B/D 525 2.75 5812 Radico Khait-B/D 88.8 -0.05 30963 Legal & Genera/D 288 0.2 3677361 Aban Offs-A/D 461.45 -0.65 215507 Container Cor-/D 1676.25 -2.6 27780 Hindalco-A/D 133.1 -1.1 398184 Lloyd Metal-B/D 7.8 -0.4 2640 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224.55 4.45 32491 Orchid Chem-B/D 60 -0.55 106898 Bt Group/D 452.7 -0.7 4460088 Chambal Fert-B/D 67.9 1.45 76841 Hcl Infosys-B/D 56.6 2.1 1298019 Kalyani Stel-T/D 150 7.8 306590 Orient Hotel-T/D 22.95 1.4 5414 Centrica/D 249.658 -1.5 5855531 Chowgule St-T/D 25.65 1.2 6829 Him.Fut.Comm-T/D 16.4 0 1015997 Kanoria Chem-B/D 36.95 0.65 8449 Orient.Carb.-T/D 420 -2.4 4703 Gkn/D 367.9 -0.9 2645147 Cimmco-B/D 106.65 -5.6 8332 Himat Seide-B/D 81.3 -0.05 16325 Kg Denim-B/D 22.6 -0.1 6153 Orient.Carb.-T/D 420 -2.4 4703 Hsbc Holdings/D 574.9 4.7 12129500 Cipla-A/D 712 1.95 173201 Hind Motors-T/D 6.79 -0.02 72438 Kilburnengg-T/D 45.3 0.3 48838 Oudh Sugar-B/D 20.1 -0.15 6180 Imperial Tobac/D 3148.95 16 573949 THURSDAY 19 MARCH 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23

Blackhawks beat slumping Zanetti, Hypolito to battle Islanders 4-1 CHICAGO: Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa scored two goals apiece to lead the Chicago Blackhawks to a 4-1 win over the slumping New York Islanders. for top honours in Doha Toews assisted on both of Hossa’s tallies as Chicago won its third straight and for the Three Qatari gymnasts to compete in next week’s three-day event fifth time in the last six games to improve to 42-21-6. New York, however, contin- DOHA: Brazilian ring special- ues to fall. The Islanders (43-25- ist Arthur Zanetti will lead the 4) have now lost four straight star cast at the eighth FIG ART and fallen five points behind World Challenge Cup next week, the New York Rangers for the it was confirmed on Tuesday. Metropolitan Division lead. The three-day gymnastics Chicago goalie Corey Crawford event — the second leg of a six- stopped 38 shots and had his shut- stop international series — will out bid ruined at 5:29 in the third also feature top gymnasts Diana by New York’s Nikolay Kulemin Laura Bulimar from Romania Blues 4, Flames 0 and Americans Jacob Dalton and Alexander Steen scored twice Danell Leyva. and goalie Brian Elliott made Qatar will be represented by 25 saves for the shutout as the Farah Mahmoud, Ahmed Al Blues blanked teams in consecu- Dayani and Mahmoud Al Saadi tive outings with a victory over — Qatar Gymnastics Federation the Flames. (QGF) President Ali Al Hitmi St Louis (45-20-5) enjoyed a said. 3-0 win over Dallas on Sunday Altogether 128 gymnasts, and moved into solo lead of the 84 males and 44 females, will Central Division with the win. participate in the event which The Flames, who have lost two will be held at Aspire Academy straight to fall to 38-27-5, are tied from March 25-27, Al Hitmi in points with the Los Angeles confirmed. Kings for third in the Pacific Zanetti, who won the gold The tournament sponsors of the eighth FIG ART World Challenge Cup pose with Qatar Gymnastics Federation (QGF) President Ali Al Hitmi (centre) Division. Canadiens 3, Panthers 2 medal in rings exercise at the during a press conference at the Holiday Villa Hotel in Doha on Tuesday. PICTURE: QASSIM RAHMATULLAH 2012 Summer Olympics in Montreal Canadiens defense- London, will be joined by 28-year- from April 3 to 5 in Ljubljana. Qatari sports officials in general, World Championships,” the QGF Buainain said: “I am proud that man P.K. Subban scored the old floor exercises superstar Diego “Most of the gymnasts will and gymnastics officials in par- President said. Qatar has the best gymnastics game-winning goal in a wild Hypolito. want to test their prepara- ticular, we were able to earn the According to the QGF training centers in the region, second period to lead the Silver medallist at the 2012 tions and wish to be in the best confidence of the FIG that President, gymnasts from which are ready to host the par- Canadiens to a win over the Olympic Games, Larisa Iordache shape while entering the World awarded our beloved country Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, ticipating teams.” Florida Panthers. will feature in the women’s floor Championships later this year, the rights to host this event,” Al Belarus, Brazil Bulgaria, China, QGF’s Anis Saoud, the Venue All five of the game’s goals were exercises, Abeer Al Buainain, which is the qualifying event for Hitmi said. Croatia, Czech Republic, Finland, Manager and Technical Secretary registered in the second period. Competition Manager and the the Rio Olympic Games 2016,” Al “Our ambitions now have no Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, of the QGF, was also present dur- Montreal defenseman Alexei QGF’s Assistant Secretary Hitmi said at a press conference limits. After hosting this event, Iraq, Jordan, Japan, Kazakhstan, ing Tuesday’s press conference. Emelin and Jacob De La Rose also General announced on Tuesday. here. out next goal will be world artis- Korea, Kuwait, Latvia, Mongolia, Later the QGF signed event scored goals, while Brandon Prust Al Himti said Colombian gym- “Three years ago we staged tic gymnastics championship in Netherlands, Norway, New sponsorship contracts with recorded two assists. nasts will make their debut at the fifth edition just four months 2018,” he said. Zealand, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Khazan Company, DANA Aleksander Barkov and the Doha gymnastics gala. The before the London Olympic “We have the best possible Qatar, Romania, Singapore, Water, The Look Company, Brandon Pirri scored for Florida Qatari capital will be the second Games and we got to witness a facilities and infrastructure to Slovenia, Aspire Academy, Strike Be and (31-25-14) but Montreal backup stop of the 2015 World Challenge high intensity of competition at host any world-class event. We Switzerland, Taipei, Turkey, Carrefour. goaltender Dustin Tokarski made Cup series. Aspire Academy, have qualified manpower work- USA, Uzbekistan, Venezuela and Saoud said the final day of the 41 saves. The first event will be held in “In light of the unlimited sup- ing professionally. This makes us Vietnam will take part in the competition would be broadcast The win moved Montreal (44- Cottbus, Germany, from March 19 port of Qatar’s leadership and ambitious to go for bigger events competition. live by Al Kass Sports Channel. 19-7) into the top spot in the to 22. The third event will be held their continuous guidelines for like the 2018 Artistic Gymnastics Competition Manager Al THE PENINSULA Atlantic Division. Wild 3, Predators 2 (OT) Defenseman Matt Dumba scored the winning goal 22 sec- onds into overtime as Minnesota won for the 11th time in 14 games, Knicks upset Spurs while Pistons tame Grizzlies dumping Nashville. Minnesota (39-24-7) goalie NEW YORK: Two of the in a 15-2 run late in the fourth Devan Dubnyk (30-10-3) made 25 NBA’s Eastern Conference divi- NBA Results quarter to seal the Grizzlies’ fate. saves in his 28th straight start, sional doormats, New York and Detroit 105 Memphis 95 Jeff Green led Memphis with the longest streak in the NHL Detroit, took shock triumphs NY Knicks 104 San Antonio 100 21 points while Marc Gasol had since Jonas Hiller got the call in Tuesday over top Western 17 points and 11 rebounds for the 32 straight games for Anaheim Houston 107 Orlando 94 Conference clubs, stunning the Grizzlies, who had not lost at three seasons ago. New Orleans 85 Milwaukee 84 Memphis Grizzlies and reigning Detroit since 2009. The Predators (43-21-8) fell to champion San Antonio. LA Clippers 99 Charlotte 92 The Pistons are 24-43, last in 2-8-1 in their last 11 games and The league-worst New York worst mark. Tony Parker led the the NBA Central division, while fell one point behind St Louis for Knicks upset visiting San Antonio Spurs with 21 points while Tim Memphis remained atop the first in the Central Division. 104-100 in over-time while the Duncan added 17, Kawhi Leonard Southwest division despite fall- REUTERS Detroit Pistons recovered from a added 13 points and Tiago Splitter ing to 47-21, still the third-best 15-point half-time deficit to defeat had 12 points and 13 rebounds in record in the NBA. NHL Results visiting Memphis 105-95 and snap a losing cause. Meanwhile, Jack Haley, who Chicago 4 NY Islanders 1 a 10-game losing streak. The Spurs slid to 41-25, seventh played for the Chicago Bulls Boston 1 Buffalo 2 New York’s Langston Galloway in the Western Conference. team that set an NBA record for scored 22 points while Russian At Detroit, Kentavious most victories in a season, has Florida 2 Montréal 3 backcourt partner Alexey Shved Caldwell-Pope scored 24 points died at the age of 51, his family New Jersey 2 Pittsburgh 0 added 21, Lou Amundson had and Reggie Jackson added 23 announced. Carolina 1 Ottawa 2 12 points and 17 a career-high points and career-high 20 assists Haley, who died Monday of Vancouver 4 Philadelphia 1 New York Knicks’ Langston Galloway (left) and Alexey Shved celebrate 17 rebounds and Italy’s Andrea in the Pistons’ comeback, which heart disease, played nine seasons Calgary 0 St Louis 4 Bargnani contributed 16 points saw them outscore Memphis in the NBA and also spent time in after defeating the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden in Nashville 2 Minnesota 3 New York on Tuesday. and 10 rebounds as the Knicks 66-41 in the second half. Spanish and Greek leagues. improved to 14-53, still the NBA’s Jackson scored seven points AGENCIES Winnipeg 5 San Jose 2 J. League, QSL agree to deepen ties Pacquiao starts

DOHA: The Japanese J. League (QFA) for successfully organ- and its Qatari counterpart the ising the recent AFC Regional Qatar Stars League (QSL) con- Competition Workshop (West well in sparring tinued to develop their ongo- Asia) that took place in Doha ing relationship this week as a last week. LOS ANGELES: Filipino box- speed,” the Filipino boxing super- J. League delegation visited the The AFC also thanked the ing icon Manny Pacquiao enjoyed star said. QSL’s headquarters at Al Bidda Qatar Stars league (QSL) for a strong first day of sparring on Roach was especially pleased Tower on Tuesday. its professional organisation of Tuesday in preparation for his with Pacquiao’s form considering Afterwards, the two-man del- the event, which was held at the May 2 showdown with unbeaten he had not been inside the ropes egation went to the Sheikh Jassim InterContinental Hotel here. It US rival Floyd Mayweather. since defeating Chris Algieri last Bin Hamad Stadium to watch the was an opportunity for various Pacquiao’s workout at the November in Macau. AFC Champions League match confederations from West Asia to Wild Card Gym included five “Manny looked so fresh today. between QSL team Al Sadd and learn the best practices in match hard rounds with a pair of spar- I’m very happy with what he Uzbek side Lokomotiv, which competition and football facilities ring partners. It pleased trainer showed me,” Roach said. “You ended with an emphatic win 6-2 management. Freddie Roach as well as the couldn’t tell he had been away win for the home side. Speaking at the launch of the Asian legend, who was anxious to from the ring since the Algieri J. League Managing Director workshop, Shin Mangil, AFC’s start swinging his fists at foes fol- fight in November. Manny is on Daisuke Nakanishi and Takeyuki Director of National Team com- lowing nearly two weeks of other fire in the gym.” Oya, from the J. League’s Asia petitions, said: “It is a great pleas- training. Pacquiao, a two-term Office, arrived in Doha on ure to be working in conjunction “After 13 days of strength and Congressman from Sarangani Monday. During their short trip, with the QSL on this workshop. conditioning and boxing drills at province in the Philippines, is 57-5 the Japanese delegates also vis- J. League Managing Director Daisuke Nakanishi and Takeyuki Oya, Asia Qatar is known as a centre for Wild Card plus weeks more of with two drawn and 38 knockouts ited the world-famous Aspire Office, J. League, at Al Bidda Tower in Doha on Tuesday. sports in Asia and has a rich his- working out in the Philippines in while Mayweather is 47-0 with Academy facilities at Aspire Zone. tory in running major tourna- February, it was great to finally 26 knockouts entering their Las The main aim of the Japanese ments; this made Qatar the best put on the headgear and spar,” Vegas matchup, a fight fans have delegation’s Qatar visit was to leagues. The two leagues will aim AFC commends possible location to hold the work- Pacquiao said. been wanting to see for more than discuss ways to increase coopera- to assist each other in areas of shop for the AFC.” “My sparring partners gave five years. tion between the J. League and football development, league QSL and QFA The workshop covered three me good work today. They were The much-anticipated show- the QSL. development, knowledge sharing, DOHA: The Asian Football key areas: infrastructure regu- perfect for testing the strategy down for the pound-for-pound An agreement was reached to ways to best utilise the World Cup Confederation (AFC) has sent lation, match operations and Freddie and I have developed to global bragging rights is expected draft a memorandum of under- for the development of the domes- a letter of appreciation to the safety and security. beat Floyd Mayweather. I was to break boxing revenue records. standing between the two football tic league, etc. Qatar Football Association THE PENINSULA very happy with my stamina and AFP THURSDAY 19 MARCH 2015 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Not ‘chokers’

De Villiers Duminy takes hat-trick as South confident of World Cup Africa storm into semi-finals triumph

SYDNEY: South Africa captain Sri Lankan legends Sangakkara and Jayawardene bid adieu to ODIs AB de Villiers (pictured) said he was growing in confidence that his side will be crowned World SYDNEY: South Africa 1996 champions Sri Lanka lost Cup champions on March 29. stormed into the World Cup their last six wickets for just 19 The Proteas reached the semi- semi-finals yesterday with a runs. South African bowler finals on Wednesday with a nine- nine-wicket rout of Sri Lanka South Africa skipper AB de Imran Tahir celebrates wicket rout of Sri Lanka at the which brought the curtain Villiers, who lost the toss, said he after taking the wicket Sydney Cricket Ground to set down on the ODI careers of feels his team can now go on and of Sri Lankan cricketer up a clash against either New Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela win an elusive first World Cup. Thisara Perera Zealand or the West Indies. Jayawardene. “I’m quietly confident. I’m Chasing just 134 to win, the Off-spinner JP Duminy (3-29) always a positive kind of guy -- I Proteas reached their target in took a hat-trick and leg-spin- always believe in big things,” he the 18th over with opener Quinton ner Imran Tahir claimed 4-26 said. de Kock making an undefeated 78. as South Africa, who had never Sri Lanka captain Angelo Earlier, South Africa dismissed before won a World Cup knock- Mathews admitted his team suf- Sri Lanka -- won the toss -- for out match, set up a clash against fered severe stagefright. just 133, with leg-spinner Imran either New Zealand or West “A score of 130 was not much. Tahir taking four for 26 and off- Indies for a place in the March There were no demons on this spinner JP Duminy, whose figures 29 final. track. But we didn’t bat well. included a hat-trick, three for 29. Chasing just 134 to win, the Maybe it was nerves, we didn’t “I’m quietly confident. I’m Proteas reached their target in go for our shots and it’s easily our always a positive kind of guy -- I the 18th over with opener Quinton worst performance we have done always believe in big things,” said de Kock making an undefeated 78. in the World Cup and it happened de Villiers. Sangakkara, in his last one-day to be in the quarter-final,” he said. “I spoke to (fast bowler) Morne international appearance, top- Duminy said he was shocked Morkel, who loves fishing, and I scored for Sri Lanka with 45 as to have become the first South said it’s his record-breaking run of four African to take a World Cup rid of Kulasekara and Tharindu World Cup winning skipper Steve Bangladesh for a place in the final. almost like successive ODI hundreds came hat-trick. Kaushal lbw for a golden duck on Waugh to give pep talks to the The West Indies are sweating you’ve got to an end. Together with Lahiru “I’ve never got close to a his one-day debut. squad. on the fitness of star opener Chris the big fish Thirimanne (41) he put on 65 for hat-trick so I’m pretty pleased After Kyle Abbott and Dale “It was good to sit down over Gayle who has been laid low by a on the hook the third wicket. with that performance. It was Steyn sent back openers Kusal dinner with him and just chat back injury ahead of their quar- and you’ve Fellow veteran Jayawardene, mainly about keeping the runs Perera and Tillakaratne Dilshan, about cricket and World Cups,” ter-final against New Zealand in got to reel who now quits all international down,” said Duminy, who dis- it was the turn of Pakistan-born opening batsman Aaron Finch Wellington on Saturday. it in.” cricket, made only four before he missed Mathews and then, at spinner Tahir to strike, dismiss- revealed. Former captain Darren Sammy He became one of Tahir’s victims as the start of his next over, got ing Thirimanne and Jayawardene. “He’s obviously captained a turned to boxing to illustrate his added: “We Man-of-the-match Tahir also winning one and played in another belief that the West Indies can had a really got rid of Thisara Perera (0) one as well. There are not many shock favourites New Zealand. good feel- before wrapping up proceedings better-credentialed players to “I remember some guy called ing when with the wicket of Lasith Malinga. talk to about it.” Buster Douglas beating Mike we came to Meanwhile, the build-up con- The winner of that Adelaide Tyson and it’s a case of that on the ground tinues to the other quarter-finals. match will face either India or Saturday,” said Sammy. AFP today. We were almost obsessed Bangladesh insist they will have with our goal. nothing to fear from defending Scoreboard “We always knew JP would champions India when they face probably have to bowl 10 overs, off in front of around 90,000 fans SRI LANKA 6-115, 7-116, 8-116, 9-127, 10-133. so for him and Imran Tahir to at the iconic Melbourne Cricket K Perera c de Kock b Abbott ...... 3 Bowling: Steyn 7-2-18-1 (1w); Abbott 6-1- come on in a crucial stage of the Ground today. T Dilshan c du Plessis b Steyn ...... 0 27-1 (1w); Morkel 7-1-27-1 (2nb, 2w); Duminy game and perform like that gives “Tomorrow will be a high- K Sangakkara c Miller b Morkel ...... 45 9-1-29-3 (2w); Tahir 8.2-0-26-4 (1w). the spinners a lot of confidence.” scoring match on a flat pitch. We L Thirimanne c and b Tahir ...... 41 SOUTH AFRICA The result yesterday meant have to bowl well,” said skipper M Jayawardene c du Plessis b Tahir ...... 4 H Amla c Kulasekara b Malinga ...... 16 that Kumar Sangakkara and Mushrafe Mortaza. A Mathews c du Plessis b Duminy ...... 19 Q de Kock (not out) ...... 78 Mahela Jayawardene would go Friday sees four-time champi- T Perera c Rossouw b Tahir ...... 0 F du Plessis (not out) ...... 21 into their ODI retirement without ons Australia face 1992 winners N Kulasekara c de Kock b Duminy ...... 1 Extras (LB-4, W-12, NB-3) ...... 19 a World Cup title having played in Pakistan who suffered a major T Kaushal lbw Duminy ...... 0 Total (for 1 wkt in 18 overs) ...... 134 the Sri Lanka sides which were setback Tuesday when giant fast D Chameera (not out) ...... 2 Fall of wicket: 1-40. runners-up in 2007 and 2011. bowler Mohammad Irfan was Sri Lanka captain Angelo South Africa’s Jean-Paul Duminy (left) celebrates with team-mate Rilee L Malinga c Miller b Tahir ...... 3 Bowling: Malinga 6-0-43-1 (2nb, 3w); Dilshan ruled out of the rest of the World Extras (B-4, LB-2, W-7, NB-2) ...... 15 2-0-10-0; Kulasekara 1-0-13-0; Kaushal 6-0- Mathews admitted his team suf- Rossouw after he dismissed Sri Lanka’s Tharindu Kaushal for a duck Cup with a stress fracture of the Total (all out in 37.2 overs) ...... 133 25-0; Chameera 2-0-29-0 (1nb, 8w); T Perera fered severe stagefright. during their Cricket World Cup quarter-final match at the Sydney Cricket pelvis. Fall of wickets: 1-3, 2-4, 3-69, 4-81, 5-114, 1-0-10-0 (1w). “A score of 130 was not much. Ground (SCG) Australia have called in former There were no demons on this track. But we didn’t bat well. Maybe it was nerves, we didn’t World Cup hat-tricks go for our shots and it’s easily our SYDNEY: List of players who have claimed hat-tricks in the worst performance we have done Cricket World Cup after South Africa’s JP Duminy achieved Sri Lanka’s cricketer in the World Cup and it happened the milestone against Sri Lanka at the Sydney Cricket Ground Kumar Sangakkara to be in the quarter-final,” he said. yesterday. waves to the crowd Mathews said it was a disap- 1987: Chetan Sharma (India) vs New Zealand (Ken Rutherford, Ian Smith, Ewen Chatfield) as he leaves the pointing finish for his two stal- 1999: Saqlain Mushtaq (Pakistan) vs Zimbabwe (Henry Olonga, Adam Huckle, Pommie ground after the warts. Both Sangakkara, who Mbangwa) 2015 Cricket World will continue to play Tests, and Jayawardene, now finished with 2003: Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka) vs Bangladesh (Hannan Sarkar, Mohammad Ashraful, Cup quarter-final all international cricket, were Ehsanul Haque) match. Sangakkara allowed to lead the players off 2003: Brett Lee (Australia) vs Kenya (Kennedy Otieno, Brijal Patel, David Obuya) bid farewell to limited overs cricket, but the field, sharing warm embraces 2007: Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka) vs South Africa (Shaun Pollock, Andrew Hall, Jacques Kallis, with their South African rivals. will continue playing Makhaya Ntini)* “It’s disappointing to not make Tests, departs having 2011: Kemar Roach (West Indies) vs Netherlands (Pieter Seelaar, Bernard Loots, Berend it a memorable one for Mahela Westdijk) accumulated 14,234 and Sanga,” said Mathews. 2011: Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka) vs Kenya (Tanmay Mishra, Peter Ongondo, Shem Ngoche) one-day runs, second “On behalf of the nation and only to Indian great 2015: Steven Finn (England) vs Australia (Brad Haddin, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Johnson) the team I thank them for their Sachin Tendulkar. 2015: JP Duminy (South Africa) vs Sri Lanka (Angelo Mathews, Nuwan Kulasekara, Tharindu invaluable service. The best thing Kaushal) for us would have been to go to the final and win it for them but *Malinga got four wickets in four balls it was not to be.” AFP THURSDAY 19 MARCH 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25

FACTBOX India vs Bangladesh Bangladesh to battle odds MELBOURNE: Factbox on the second World Cup quar- ter-final between India and Bangladesh at the Melbourne Cricket Ground today. INDIA Captain: Mahendra Singh Dhoni and crowd against India Coach: Duncan Fletcher Squad: Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Stuart People are really pumped up for the quarter-finals, says Suresh Raina Binny, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, Ambati Rayudu, Akshar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed MELBOURNE: Playing met an England side with morale Shami, Umesh Yadav, Mohit Sharma. ‘fearless’ cricket has been at rock-bottom. Results so far at 2015 World Cup: Beat Bangladesh’s war-cry at the Perhaps more impressive than Pakistan by 76 runs (Kohli ton secured win World Cup but courage alone knocking out England was push- against arch-rivals); beat South Africa by will not be enough to upset India ing New Zealand in the dead rub- 130 runs (Dhawan’s hundred and some tight and their army of blue-clad ber loss. bowling sunk Zimbabwe); beat United Arab fans at the Melbourne Cricket Batsman Mahmudullah’s sec- Emirates by nine wickets (Ashwin spun web Ground where the teams play ond consecutive one-day interna- around UAE in a small chase); beat West their quarter-final today. tional ton against New Zealand’s Indies by four wickets (Shami led a strong After a listless lead-up to quality attack was complemented bowling display to beat West Indies); beat the tournament, reigning world by another disciplined effort by Ireland by eight wickets (Dhawan century champions India have turned into the bowlers, underlining the helps chase down modest target); beat a juggernaut, winning all six of strides they have made since Zimbabwe by six wickets (Unbeaten 196-run their pool matches and drawing as being flayed by Sri Lanka in their stand between centurion Raina and Dhoni much admiration for their bowl- second completed pool match. bails India out). ing and fielding as their renowned Captain Mashrafe Mortaza will Top performers so far: Dhawan (337 runs): batting prowess. need his rejuvenated seamers to Has batted himself back into form and will Bangladesh, for all their chut- heap pressure on India’s powerful have to continue the good work, especially zpah, will simply be happy to be batting lineup early or it could be with opening partner Sharma struggling for playing off for a semi-final, having a long, noisy day at the MCG. consistency. never previously made it to the “We know that 95,000 people Shami (15 wickets): Has impressed in World knockout rounds. will come to the ground and most Cup debut with his ability to bowl at a lively While the term ‘surprise of them will be Indian supporters, pace and clever use of the bouncer. package’ hardly credits the but as a professional cricketer I Tigers’ impressive tournament, have to concentrate on cricket so Key to beating Bangladesh: Though the Bangladesh were fortunate to have to handle it,” Mashrafe told batting line-up looks formidable, India will take a point from a washed-out reporters yesterday. have to guard against complacency against pool match against Australia and “Obviously, Bangladesh an opponent who kicked them out of the India’s Virat Kohli (left) and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni share a light moment during a training session in 2007 World Cup. Melbourne yesterday. BANGLADESH supporters will be there so we re-jigged to ensure cricket’s most to the rabble that were thumped Captain: Mashrafe Mortaza cannot ask for equal but we’ll be bankable team would be guaran- by 92 runs by the Sri Lankans, Coach: Chandika Hathurusingha fine.” teed a minimum six matches. though, and have nothing to lose. Squad: Mortaza, Imrul Kayes, Tamim Iqbal, Bangladesh have won only Melbourne’s big Indian commu- A defeat for India by their sub- Mahmudullah, Arafat Sunny, Mominul Haq, three one-day internationals in 28 nity and army of travelling fans continental neighbours, who they Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Nasir against India but two have been will be in force at the MCG to have long dictated to both on and Hossain, Rubel Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, at major tournaments. cheer Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s off the field, would be an unthink- Soumya Sarkar, Taskin Ahmed, Taijul Islam, The last was at the 2012 Asian team into an eighth match, just as able humiliation, however. Shafiul Islam. Cup, which followed a shock win they were for the match against “People are really pumped up Results so far at 2015 World Cup: Beat at the 2007 World Cup. South Africa. for the quarter-finals,” India bats- Afghanistan by 105 runs (Mushfiqur’s For a team whose place in the A crowd of 87,000 turned the man Suresh Raina told reporters. batting and Shakib’s all-round show fashion top tier has forever been ques- venue into a deafening cauldron “It’s the quarter-final stage easy win); match abandoned vs Australia; tioned, Bangladesh’s 2007 upset for the Proteas, who froze to be now, you don’t have much room lost to Sri Lanka by 92 runs (Poor bowling in the Caribbean did more to re- overwhelmed by 130 runs. for error. You just need to do and they succumbed in huge 333-run shape the tournament than any Bangladesh made their debut everything right, whether you’re chase); beat Scotland by six wickets (Strong other result in recent decades. at the ground against Sri Lanka bowling, batting or fielding.” batting display to chase down 319-run India’s unexpected demise in earlier in the tournament and The winner will bid for a victory target); beat England by 15 runs Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza bowls during a training session the first round caused financial were embarrassed by an abysmal place in the final against either (Mahmudullah ton leads to memorable in Melbourne yesterday. carnage for broadcasters and the fielding display. Australia or Pakistan, who play in victory); lost to New Zealand by three wickets tournament was subsequently They arrive a far different team Adelaide on Friday. REUTERS (Mahmudullah hits hundred in spirited fight). Top performers so far: Mahmudullah (344 runs): Sits fifth in the run-scorers’ list with Aussies turn to Steve Waugh in battling Pakistan two centuries and a fifty against his name after group stage. MELBOURNE: Australia have 1999 semi-finals with a match- last night when he said: ‘There’s has had a lean trot with the bat Rubel and Shakib (7 wickets each): Rubel’s drawn inspiration from former winning century against South a reason why there’s pressure — since. The stocky right-hander four-wicket haul against England was crucial World Cup-winning captain Africa after being dropped by it’s because you’re expected to do has been given a stern examina- to their maiden quarter-final appearance. Steve Waugh (pictured) in how Herschelle Gibbs. well and expected to perform’. tion in the nets, copping blows Shakib has also been a pillar for the team, to handle big-match pressure An uncompromising captain “And there’s only one reason from Australia’s fearsome left- both with the ball and the bat. ahead of tomorrow’s quarter- and unflappable batsman in his for that. It’s because we’ve been arm pacemen Mitchell Johnson Key to beating India: They will have to final against Pakistan. prime, the 49-year-old Waugh successful and we’re good play- and Mitchell Starc. bowl and field with a lot of discipline against Waugh captained Australia joined up with the players for ers, so we’re excited about that “I feel like I’ve been play- India’s vaunted batting line-up and Tamim, to their second World Cup tri- dinner to share some pearls of challenge.” ing nicely in the nets. It hasn’t Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur will have to umph in England in 1999, when wisdom in his usual, direct way. Australia suffered one tight translated into runs over the past shoulder the batting responsibility. they beat Pakistan in the final “Guys just threw a few ques- loss away to New Zealand in the couple of games but I’m not too India vs Bangladesh head-to-head at Lord’s, and was a part of the tions out at him,” opening bats- pool phase, but have been domi- bothered about it. Total played: 28 squad that won the nation’s first man Aaron Finch told reporters nant otherwise, with every player “Getting that hundred in the India won 24, Bangladesh won 3, no result 1 trophy in India in 1987. in Adelaide yesterday. Cups. There’s not many better- making a contribution. first game, gives you confidence Never played each other at MCG As leader of one of the toughest “It was good to sit down over credentialed players to talk to Finch scored a match-winning now going into a big game... I’m teams in the modern era, Waugh dinner with him and just chat about it. century to set the tone in the still very confident going into Last match: Was washed out at Mirpur on famously guided Australia to the about cricket really, and World “Steve was great in his chat opening win against England, but Friday.” REUTERS June 19, 2014. England wrong Flags out for Bangladesh Afridi wants happy ending to to axe me as ODI 19 years of ups and downs captain: Cook LONDON: Alastair Cook ADELAIDE: Pakistan’s super- should come to the fore, players believes England were wrong to star all-rounder Shahid Afridi who have done well at the domes- sack him as their one-day cap- (pictured) yesterday vowed to tic level and will carry Pakistan tain less than two months before bring the curtain down on his cricket forward,” said Afridi, the start of the World Cup. 19-year one-day international whose career famously began Eoin Morgan took over as skip- career by scripting a happy end- with the fastest hundred in one- per and presided over England’s ing with a World Cup triumph. day cricket. worst ever 50-over World Cup The 35-year-old will quit the Playing only his second game, campaign in which they won only 50-overs game after the World Afridi hit a 37-ball hundred — two matches and failed to reach Cup and he wants his fifth appear- then a world record — against Sri the quarter-finals. ance at the global showpiece to be Lanka in Nairobi, Kenya in 1996. “I think you saw in Australia a memorable one. That record was broken by at the World Cup the dangers “I want to do what the team the best,” said Afridi, who needs New Zealand’s Corey Anderson of making such a big decision so demands,” Afridi said, ahead of five more wickets to complete 400 with a 36-ball hundred in 2014 close to the tournament,” Cook tomorrow’s quarter-final clash in one-dayers. before it was bettered again by told a Dubai radio station. against Australia at the Adelaide That would make him the only South Africa’s AB de Villiers who “I don’t know what’s gone on on Oval. player in all one-day cricket to hit a 31-ball century against the that tour, but it did look like the “I want to live up to the expec- have scored 8,000 runs and taken West Indies in January this year. lads were shell-shocked from the tations from the fans and I think 400 wickets. Afridi admitted his career has first two games. That’s when you that will help the team win. I But his current bowling form is had its share of ups and downs need real leadership to help steer want a happy ending and I am disappointing, having taken only but has been highly enjoyable. you through that. confident that Pakistan will give two wickets in six World Cup “Playing for 19 years is more “I would have loved to have had its best against Australia.” games. than enough. Like any other the opportunity that was taken Afridi admits that Pakistan’s “The atmosphere is very good career it had bad and good times away from me.” trademark unpredictability could in the dressing room, every player but I played for Pakistan for such Cook was axed as captain due prove to be their secret weapon backs the other and the players a long time which I had never to his poor form with the bat and against Australia having reached gel together as they know the thought would happen,” he said. a supposed lack of tactical acu- the quarter-finals thanks to a value of this tournament.” “Playing five World Cups is a men after a 5-2 one-day series four-game win streak which fol- Afridi said he wants to see big thing. You perform and you defeat in Sri Lanka late last year. lowed two dismal opening losses. younger players coming through don’t perform, you come under “The selectors made that deci- “Pakistan is one team which to take his place in the team once pressure because there are a lot of sion because they thought it was can beat any team and can lose to his career ends. people who expect a lot from you. the best for English cricket,” Cook Members of the Bangladesh Cricket Fans Unity wave national flags in any team and it has been like this “I have not thought about That has been part of my career said. “Hindsight has probably Dhaka yesterday as they hold a ‘flag-rally’ to inspire the Bangladesh team for several years, but everyone anything other than calling it a but it has been highly enjoyable.” proved them wrong, but now it’s ahead of their World Cup quarter-final match against India. knows that on our day we can do day because I think new players AFP easy to say that.” REUTERS THURSDAY 19 MARCH 2015 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Horseracing Raedah gallops to Brouq Cup win Results Local Thoroughbred Maiden Plate 1100M French jockey Convertino times final burst with near-perfection at QREC Running Time: 1:06:12 Ammon, Z. Mohsen, Adrian Nicholls Bersha, Debbie Mountain, Evert Pheiffer DOHA: French jockey Pier Saif Al Shujaa, M. Al Ramzani, Faleh Bughanai Convertino yesterday timed his final burst with near-perfection P/A Maiden Plate as he rode Raedah to his first 1200M win since December 2013 when Running Time: 1:29:08 The podium win- the 7-year-old stormed to vic- Sirat Al Naif, Y. Bentaher, Gerald Avranche tory in the Brouq Cup. ners at the Brouq Dheeb Al Shajaa, H. Al Matwi, Evert Pheiffer Trained by A. de Mieulle, Cup pose for a pic- Raedah finished the 1200m fea- ture at Qatar Racing Bahess Des Vialettes, Jassim Al Ghazali, J.P ture race at Qatar Racing and and Equestrian Guillambert Equestrian Club (QREC) some Club (QREC) yes- Thoroughbred Maiden Plate three and a half lengths ahead of terday. The riders 1200M Al Fakhamah and Hassiba. return to the race Running Time: 1:12:04 Ridden by Richard Mullen, Al track today at Shaqran, Jassim Al Ghazali, Yanis Aouabed Fakhamah finished in second spot 4.00pm to battle for while Hassiba - who had T O’Shea Words Of A Prophet, Ahmed Kobeissi, Evert Umm Al Afai Cup Pheiffer in the saddle - ended the feature for local thorough- Bahamian Art, Jassim Al Ghazali, Stephan race in third spot. breds. BOTTOM: In race seven, Jassim Al Ladjadj French jockey Pier Ghazali-trained Oasis Cannes P/A Graduation Plate Convertino, who raced to win ahead of Star Deal 1800M guided Raedah to and Upholland. Running Time: 2:04:20 Ridden by Stephan Ladjadj, victory receives Rasi, Jassim Al Ghazali, Yanis Aouabed Oasis Cannes clocked a time of his trophy from an 2:01:54 in the 1900m race. official. Wahchey, J. Smart, R. Mullen Star Deal - ridden by Y Al PICTURES BY: Al Khattaf, J. Smart, T. O’Shea Hajri - finished second while JUHAIM Thoroughbred Handicap Rated 55 - 75 Mullen powered Upholland to the 1800M third spot. Running Time: 1:55:38 In race six, Mullen rode Wonder of Qatar to victory ahead Dardawan, I. Al Malki, T. O’Shea of Urban Dreamer and Alsefra in Kalahari Kingdom, Jassim Al Ghazali, J.P a time of 1:04:37. Guillambert Wonder of Qatar finished ahead Dartford, M. Al Ramzani, Evert Pheiffer JP Guillambert-ridden Urban Thoroughbred Handicap Rated 65 - 85 Dreamer by just over a length’s 1100M margin. Alsefra, ridden by Evert Running Time: 1:04:37 Pheiffer, finished a couple lengths Wonder Of Qatar, Jassim Al Ghazali, R. Mullen behind Urban Dreamer. Urban Dreamer, Jassim Al Ghazali, J.P In race five, O’Shea was the Guillambert winner when Dardawan raced Alsefra, Debbie Mountain, Evert Pheiffer past the winning post in the Thoroughbred Handicap Rated 85 - 105 1800m race. Al Ghazali-trained Kalahari 1900M Kingdom - ridden by Guillambert Running Time: 2:01:54 - finished second while Dartford Oasis Cannes, Jassim Al Ghazali, Stephan - who had Pheiffer in the saddle, Ladjadj ended the race in third spot. Star Deal, B. Al Abid, Y. Al Hajri Dardawan won with a time of Upholland, Jassim Al Ghazali, R. Mullen 1:55:38. Jockey Yanis Aouabed scored Brouq Cup L/B P/A Conditions (F&M) two wins with Al Ghazali’s entries, 1200M taking race four on Rasi and race Running Time: 1:18:78 three on Shaqran. Ammon topped race one with Afai Cup for local thoroughbreds. Raedah, A. de Mieulle, P. Convertino In race two, Sirat Al Naif gal- Adrian Nicholls in the saddle. Action in race one takes place Al Fakhamah, Jassim Al Ghazali, R. Mullen loped to a purposeful win with The riders return to the race at 4:00pm today. jockey Gerald Avranche while track today to battle for Umm Al THE PENINSULA Hassiba, H. Al Matwi, T. O’Shea Tearful Pennetta stuns Sharapova, Federer and Nadal power through

INDIAN WELLS, United States: Maria Sharapova fell ATP and WTA Indian victim to an emotional Flavia Pennetta, who burst into tears Wells Results before regaining her composure INDIAN WELLS, United to stun the second seed 3-6, 6-3, States: Results at the ATP and 6-2 at the WTA and ATP Indian WTA BNP Paribas Open ten- Wells tournament yesterday. Flavia Pennetta nis tournament on Tuesday: Also advancing into the next of Italy hits Women’s Fourth Round: Carla Suarez round were four-time cham- a forehand Mohammed Hanzab, President of the International Centre for Sport pion Roger Federer who avenged return to Maria (ESP x12) bt Heather Watson (GBR) 7-6 (7/5), 3-6, 6-1; Serena Williams (USA x1) bt Security speaking at the inaugural Inter Regional Sports Policy Summit his only loss of the season and Sharapova of in Lisbon yesterday. world No. 3 Rafael Nadal avoided Russia during Sloane Stephens (USA) 6-7 (3/7), 6-2, 6-2; Simona Halep (ROM x3) bt Karolina Plískova another early exit yesterday. their 4th round (CZE x14) 6-4, 6-4; Timea Bacsinszky (SUI It was in January that Andreas match at the x27) bt Elina Svitolina (UKR x23) 4-6, 6-1, Seppi shocked Federer in the BNP Paribas third round of the Australian 6-1; Jelena Jankovic (SRB) bt Belinda Bencic Sports policy summit Tennis Open in Open but the Swiss star got his (SUI) 6-3, 3-6, 6-3; Flavia Pennetta (ITA x15) Indian Wells, bt Maria Sharapova (RUS x2) 3-6, 6-3, 6-2; payback Tuesday winning 6-3, 6-4 California in 82 minutes on centre court. Lesia Tsurenko (UKR) bt Eugenie Bouchard yesterday. It was Federer’s only loss and it (CAN x6) 6-7 (5/7), 7-5, 6-4; Sabine Lisicki concludes in Lisbon LEFT: Rafael snapped his streak of 11 straight (GER x24) bt Caroline Garcia (FRA x25) 6-4, semi-final appearances at the Nadal of Spain 6-4. LISBON, Portugal: The inau- in order to develop model regula- Aussie Open. serves during Men’s Third Round: Tomas Berdych (CZE gural Inter Regional Sports tions in the field of good govern- “It was good to play him right his third round x9) bt Steve Johnson (USA) 6-4, 6-2; Lukas Policy Summit drew to a close ance and financial transparency away again and erase it from the match against Rosol (CZE x27) bt Robin Haase (NED) 6-4, in Lisbon today with members and evolve the ICSS’s Charter memory,” said Federer. “This was Donald Young of 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (7/3); Gilles Simon (FRA x13) agreeing to drive forward a for Youth Development and Child one of those matches where I was the US. bt Michael Berrer (GER) 6-2, 7-5; Rafael common agenda in the fight for Protection. happy to get through and happy Nadal (ESP x3) bt Donald Young (USA) 6-4, integrity, good governance and “The time has come to move it was over.” 6-2; Jack Sock (USA) bt Roberto Bautista sound development in sport. beyond platitudes and instigate Federer moves through to the (ESP x15) 3-6, 6-3, 6-2; Roger Federer (SUI) The Summit was hosted by the solid action in the areas of good round of 16 to play American Jack bt Andreas Seppi (ITA) 6-3, 6-4; Tommy International Centre for Sport governance and the integrity of Sock, who beat Spain’s Roberto Robredo (ESP x17) bt Grigor Dimitrov (BUL Security (ICSS) and included sport. The past two days have Bautista-Agut 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. x11) 6-4, 1-6, 7-5; Milos Raonic (CAN x6) bt representatives from the major shown there is a strong desire Three-time champion Nadal Oleksandr Dolgopolov (UKR) 7-6 (7/2), 6-4. linguistic blocks and other inter- by members of the international avoided a second straight early national organisations. The out- sporting community to develop exit from Indian Wells with a 6-4, Nadal hit just one ace and made start to battle past American “I just had to stay focused and comes of the Summit highlighted clear resolutions and bring 6-2 victory over Donald Young. three double faults but he broke compatriot Sloane Stephens use the experience of a three-set the need to create strategic task about real change,” Mohammed Nadal will square off against Young six times in the 80-minute in three sets to reach the match.” forces to address reform in the Hanzab, President of the ICSS France’s Gilles Simon for a berth match on centre court. quarter-finals. Williams, who blasted 14 aces following key policy areas: sport said. in the quarter-finals. He hopes to improve his serve The 19-time Grand Slam win- and broke Stephens six times integrity, sport and economic “Such was the significance of Last year, Nadal was eliminated in the next round against Simon. ner defeated a dogged Stephens in the two-hour, six-minute development, good governance the Summit that, following its in the third round by Alexandr “It’s true that I had a few mis- 6-7 (3/7), 6-2, 6-2 as her emo- match, faces Timea Bacsinszky and financial integrity and youth conclusion, we had an audience Dolgopolov 7-6, 6-4. It was his ear- takes with my serve,” he said. tional return from a 14-year of Switzerland next. development and child protection. with the Portuguese Parliament liest exit in the California desert “But then with a positive attitude Indian Wells boycott gathers pace. The two former Fed Cup team- Once established, the task to present our recommendations tournament since 2004. in the next game, I was able to Williams, 33, said it was good mates have a colourful history forces will work towards develop- and we are confident they have “Last year was 2014 and we have breaks. to play a two-hour match because after Stephens, 21, upset Williams ing a blue-print model for struc- been well received. The ICSS is are in 2015. Every year is differ- “I did what I had to do to get she needs to step up her game if in the quarter-finals of the 2013 tured National Integrity Units, determined to drive forward the ent,” Nadal said. “I played a lot of through, winning in straight sets. she is going to advance deeper Australian Open in three sets. explore the synergies between key outcomes from the Summit good tournaments here with good I need to serve a little bit better into the draw. That win ended Williams’ sport and economic development and we look forward to a contin- results. tomorrow.” “I still am trying to find my 20-match winning streak and the through participation in the ICSS ued close relationship with our “I feel very comfortable. I happy World number one Serena bearings,” she said. “I have been two haven’t been chummy since Index survey, facilitate a knowl- colleagues from the linguistics to be in the fourth round.” Williams woke up after a slow off a little this week. then. AFP edge and best-practice exchange blocks.” THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 19 MARCH 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27

Six-shooter Arsenal win but Goulart fires Guangzhou clear

BEIJING: Tournament top- scorer Ricardo Goulart blasted Monaco qualify a brace as 2013 winners Guangzhou Evergrande beat Kashima Antlers 4-3 to near Atletico edge Leverkusen in penalties a spot in the AFC Champions League knock-out rounds yesterday. PARIS: Arsenal exited the many errors in the first leg. “At China’s record signing kept up Champions League on Tuesday Champions League the end of the day, we paid for his phenomenal strike rate with night despite winning their our performance in the first leg. his fifth and sixth goals in just Champions League last 16 sec- Results Monaco were playing at home three games as Fabio Cannavaro’s ond leg clash 2-0 in Monaco but PARIS: Results from the but didn’t have a shot on goal. We side went five points clear in losing on the away goals rule Champions League last-16 sec- were very close but they surprised Group H. after the tie finished 3-3 on ond leg matches on Tuesday us in the first match because sub- But Guangzhou needed the aggregate. night (aet -- after extra-time): consciously we were too sure of Brazilian’s goals in a pulsating A first-half goal by Olivier ourselves. match, which Kashima briefly led At Monaco Giroud and then Aaron Ramsey “We have to congratulate before succumbing to the Chinese 11 minutes from time gave the Monaco (FRA) 0 Arsenal (ENG) 2 (Giroud Monaco for their place in the champions’ superior firepower. Gunners hope but desperate 36, Ramsey 79); Monaco win on away goals last eight as they defended really Goulart opened the scoring defending by Monaco saw them rule after tie finished 3-3 on aggregate well. with a looping header on nine hold on to reach the quarter- At Madrid “In the last three months we minutes, after losing his marker finals in front of a for once packed Atletico Madrid (ESP) 1 (Suarez 27) Bayer haven’t lacked in anything except in a free-kick routine straight off stadium which included celebri- Leverkusen (GER) 0 -- aet; Atletico Madrid our performance in the first leg. the training field. ties such as U2 frontman Bono. win 3-2 on penalties after tie finished 1-1 on “We have a superb spirit Kashima hit back through The other game went right aggregate. and great qualities,” added the Hiroyuki Takasaki’s close fin- down to the wire but saw last Frenchman, who first made his ish on the rebound on 36 min- season’s finalists Atletico Madrid PSG knocked out Chelsea also on name as a top level coach at utes, before Shoma Doi gave scrape through 3-2 on penal- away goals last week. Monaco. the visitors a shock lead after ties over German side Bayer Arsenal manager Arsene Arsenal skipper Per half-time. Leverkusen -- Stefan Kiessling Wenger was gracious in defeat Mertesacker, who was one of the But Guangzhou quickly equal- missing the penalty to settle the which ended for another season players singled out for criticism ised when Elkeson nodded in encounter. his ambition of winning the piece after the first leg debacle, con- a carbon-copy of Goulart’s goal The match had finished 1-1 on of silverware he most desires. curred with Wenger. from another free-kick, before aggregate after Mario Suarez’ “We knew it would be very dif- “The best team went through,” setting up his fellow Brazilian for deflected first-half effort sufficed ficult to score that many goals,” said Mertesacker. the third. to give them a 1-0 win in the game said Wenger. “Monaco deserved it because Goulart picked up the loose ball itself. “We weren’t realistic enough in they played much better in the after Elkeson’s strong challenge, Monaco emulated fellow Ligue 1 our approach. first leg. Monaco’s French midfielder Jeremy Toulalan (front) vies with Arsenal’s and he surged into a gap between side Paris Saint-Germain in elim- “It’s not a question of if we Monaco vice-president Vadim Welsh midfielder Aaron Ramsey during the UEFA Champions League two defenders before firing in off inating a Premier League giant deserved to go through but of Vasilyev hailed a great night in match at Louis II Stadium in Monaco on Tuesday night. the upright with his lethal left from this season’s competition as being realistic and we made too the club’s history. AFP foot. AFP Ooredoo to be official telecommunications partner of Emir Cup

DOHA: Qatar Football stronger relationship with Qatar’s partnership agreement with a making it one of the most thrill- Association (QFA), the govern- sports fans in 2015. Football has global telecommunications com- ing tournaments of the year. Sheikh Saud bin Nasser ing body of football in Qatar, the ability to inspire connect the pany such as Ooredoo, to support As the main telecommunica- Al Thani (right), CEO of and Ooredoo, Qatar’s lead- diverse population of Qatar, and the country’s most prestigious tions partner for H H The Emir Ooredoo and Saoud ing communications company, we are excited to be working on tournament of the year. By part- Cup, Ooredoo is encouraging as Al Mohannadi, Vice today announced the renewal of this year’s tournament, which nering with Ooredoo, we are able many people as possible to attend President of Qatar a one-year partnership agree- promises to be the biggest and to reach a wider segment of our and share the incredible atmos- ment that names Ooredoo as best yet.” fans, therefore, allowing them to phere with their bigger and faster Football Association the Official Telecommunications “Ooredoo and the QFA have extend their support to the most network at the Thani Bin Jassim exchange doucments Partner of H H the Emir Cup a long-standing strategic rela- popular tournament in Qatar.” Stadium. after signing an agree- 2014-2015. tionship that has delivered some “The partnership agreement The Emir Cup is the last tour- ment in Doha yester- The contract was signed at incredible sporting action over with Ooredoo creates an excellent nament of the season and the final day. QFA and Ooredoo QFA’s headquarters, Al Bidda the years, and we are determined platform to connect with custom- match will take place this year yesterday announced Tower, by Sheikh Saud bin to offer even more in 2015. This ers across various segments that on 23 May in Thani Bin Jassim the renewal of a one- Nasser Al Thani, CEO of Ooredoo year, we will present a range of are specifically passionate about Stadium. year partnership and Saoud Al Mohannadi, Vice activities and services for fans, Emir Cup, and football in gen- The upcoming period will wit- agreement that names President of QFA. players, sponsors and organisers eral,” he added. ness the announcement of the Ooredoo as the Official Sheikh Saud bin Nasser Al that will delight and amaze them The H H Emir Cup is Qatar’s date and location of the official Telecommunications Thani said: “As part of our sup- all when the Emir Cup kicks off,” most popular annual football draw, in which the competi- Partner of H H the Emir port for sport in the country, he added. tournament, with the cup win- tion venues for the preliminary Cup 2014-2015. we are standing shoulder-to- Saoud Al Mohannadi said: ners guaranteed a place in the stages, and match schedule will shoulder with the QFA to build a “We are delighted to sign this 2015 AFC Champions League, be revealed. THE PENINSULA Sports stars set to grace DGC for charity event

DOHA: Over 20 sports per- sonalities faces will be taking to the greens at Doha Golf Club (DGC), playing 18 holes in 22 teams of 4 with members of the general public. The final line-up at the ‘Guardian Wealth and Vodafone Keys and Gray Desert Classic’ in association with ‘Old Mutual’ will include an array of stars from the football field, rugby pitch and athletics track, organisers of the event said. Famous faces from foot- ball include Glenn Hoddle, Ruud Gullit, Graeme Souness, Dwight Yorke, Clive Allen, Ron Atkinson, Trevor Steven, Tony Dorigo and ex-Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon. Tom Shanklin will be representing the rugby greats and legendary British track start Liz McColgan will appear from the world of athletics at the 18-hole extrava- ganza today. The event will feature on a spe- Guardian Wealth and Vodafone Keys and Gray Desert Classic’ in association with ‘Old Mutual’ will include an cial programme of the Keys and array of stars from the football field, rugby pitch and athletics track at Doha Golf Club today. Famous faces BeIN Sports. Gray show on from football include Glenn Hoddle, Ruud Gullit, Graeme Souness, Dwight Yorke, Clive Allen, Ron Atkinson, After the sporting greats have Trevor Steven, Tony Dorigo and ex-Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon. Tom Shanklin will be representing competed during the afternoon the rugby greats and legendary British track start Liz McColgan will appear from the world of athletics at the on Doha Golf Club’s 18 hole 18-hole extravaganza. Championship Course, guests will be treated to an evening of enter- tainment on the lawn outside, fea- the option to purchase a second Airlines are the major sponsors of the legends take their sport very turing a stand-up comedian and ticket for the evening meal at a the event to be hosted in partner- seriously and a few have become question and answer session with reduced price and the Keys and ship with Vodafone and in asso- very good players indeed. I want the legends. Gray Charity Golf Classic Evening ciation with Old Mutual. to thanks all the sponsors for A charity raffle and auction will Only Ticket is at QR400. David Russell, CEO of Guardian their generosity.” also feature. The evening ticket will also said: “Andy and Richard hosted “The sporting legends are kind Fans will have the opportunity include a barbecue buffet. this event for years in the UK enough to donate their time for to talk with and take photos with All profits will go to the Qatar I am delighted that Guardian this good cause will be treated to the sporting stars. Cancer Society. and Vodafone have brought it to the world class travel of Etihad To secure a place in the team The competition will be fol- Middle Eastern shores. The event and the five star hospitality of and the evening meal with the lowed by an Al Fresco sports- will feature a one hour special of Grand Hyatt during their stay stars the ricket is priced at man’s dinner, entertainment from the Keys and Gray show on BeIN in town. We are most grateful to QR1,500, while anyone who buys top comedians. Sports. We are expecting quite a both companies for their support.” a daytime ticket QR 250will have Grand Hyatt Doha and Etihad crowd out on the course. Some of THE PENINSULA Thursday 19 March 2015 28 Jumada I 1436 Volume 20 Number 6374 Sport Price: QR2

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www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 ISF Convention commences in Doha Sheikh Saoud inaugurates the event; ISF President Petrynka lauds QSA’s efforts

DOHA: The Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), H E Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, inaugurated the International School Sport Federation (ISF) Convention at the Doha Marriott Hotel yesterday. Altogether 83 officials, repre- senting 51 nations, were present at the event, which will conclude today. The opening session of the con- vention was also attended by ISF President Laurent Petrynka and the chairpersons of the continen- tal federations and members of the ISF Executive Committe. QOC Assistant Secretary General for Administrative Support, Meshaal Al Khalifa, and Director of the QOC Sport Affairs Department, Khaleel Al Jabir, were also present. The Qatari delegation at the convention was chaired by the Qatar School Sport Association (QSA) Secretary General Ali Al Hitmi and included QSA Delegates attend the International School Sport Federation (ISF) Convention at the Doha Marriott Hotel yesterday. Executive Director Abdulrahman Al Muftah and QSA Assistant support to the Qatar School Sport the Qatari delegation at the ISF Director Abdulrahman Al Moftah Secretary General Nasser Al Association and for its keenness Convention. He stressed that the said the ISF Convention will focus Malki. to provide an ideal atmosphere for convention reflects ISF’s trust in on a number of issues, including Sheikh Saoud gave a welcome school sports. the Qatar’s abilities. marketing and media as the ISF speech in which he greeted the Petrynka also lauded the faith- Sheikh Saoud and Petrynka aims at developing a new vision attendees and lauded the coop- ful efforts of the QSA officials and also signed a cooperation agree- for the future. eration between the QOC and the their organisational abilities that ment between the ISF and the Al Moftah confirmed that ISF, especially during the hosting contributed to the exception edi- Qatar Olympic Academy. The the ISF officials will attend the ISF President Laurent Petrynka (left) and the Secretary General of the of the ISF World Schools Tennis tion of the ISF Schools Tennis agreement aims at developing final competitions of the Schools Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), H E Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Championship 2015. Championships which concluded school sports in the state of Qatar Olympic Program to be held Thani, arrive at the Doha Marriott Hotel yesterday for the opening of the For his part, ISF President recently in Doha. and the whole world. at Aspire Academy of Sport International School Sport Federation (ISF) Convention. Petrynka extended his appre- QSA Secretary General Ali Al In an interview after the Excellence on Friday. ciation to the QOC for its Hitmi gave the speech on behalf of opening session, QSA Executive THE PENINSULA F1: Van der Garde leaves South Africa reach World Cup semi-finals Sauber after bitter row

BERLIN: Giedo van der Garde yesterday confirmed he has ter- minated his contract, by mutual consent, with Formula One team Sauber after a drawn out legal saga. Former reserve driver van der Garde took Sauber to court after claiming they had reneged on a guarantee made last year to give him a seat for the 2015 season. Instead, the Swiss outfit opted for heavily sponsored drivers Felipe Nasr and Marcus Ericsson. “We have reached a settle- ment with Sauber and my driver contract with the team has been ended by mutual consent,” the Dutch driver revealed on his Facebook page. Swedish Formula One driver Marcus Ericsson of Sauber F1 Team in action “As a passionate race driver, I during the Formula One Grand Prix of Australia at the Albert Park Circuit Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara (left) walks back to the pavilion after his dismissal as South African players feel sad and am very disappointed. in Melbourne on March 15. Giedo van der Garde yesterday resigned from celebrate during a World Cup quarter-final match at the Sydney Cricket Ground yesterday. SEE PAGES 24 and 25. I have worked very hard my the Swiss outfit, which opted for heavily sponsored drivers Felipe Nasr entire career, ever since starting and Marcus Ericsson. with go-karts at the age of eight, to live my dream and become a in Australia, just days before “I had a valid driver contract successful Formula One driver.” Sunday’s Grand Prix in for the entire 2015 season and ‘Bayern are best team in last 8’ Later, Sauber expressed Melbourne. enforceable rights to it. I pushed “surprise” at van der Garde’s Sauber appealed that ruling but very hard until last Saturday in BERLIN: Bayern Munich of the hat when the draw for last season on his first season comments. lost, prompting van der Garde’s Melbourne to get the drive that I will be the team to beat when the last eight is made in Nyon, in charge, but his side were sent “We’d have very good answers lawyers to argue that Sauber were was entitled to. the draw for the Champions Switzerland. crashing out of the Champions to the many statements and in contempt of court by not com- “The team principal was ada- League’s quarter-finals is made “We were strong in the group League semi-finals after a 4-0 accusations in Giedo’s post. But plying with an order to honour a mant not to let me drive, notwith- on Friday, according to their phase and put down a marker in drubbing at home by eventual to expand on this wouldn’t help contract with the Dutchman and standing my legal rights to do so German international Thomas the last 16 which certainly made winners Real Madrid after los- our race team nor our fans and let him drive in the season-opener. and a series of rulings and court Mueller. all the other teams sit up and take ing 1-0 in Spain. partners,” the team declared on Van der Garde then said on orders in my favour and despite Pep Guardiola’s Bayern notice,” the 25-year-old striker Meanwhile, there was some good its Facebook page.” Saturday he would give up his my race driving abilities. I will threw down a marker for their told Sport Bild. news for Bayern on Wednesday They added: “It would only right to compete in the Australian never understand this. European rivals when they ham- “From what I have seen so far, as wingers Arjen Robben and encourage a mud fight via the race and has now ended is con- “My future in motorsport has mered Shakhtar Donetsk 7-0 in we are the most superior team Franck Ribery trained with the media and we will not lend our- tract with Sauber. not finished, on the contrary, I Munich last week in the last 16, in the Champions League this side having missed last Saturday’s selves to that.” “I had hoped at last to be able see this as a new beginning. I will second leg clash, having been held season.” 4-0 Bundesliga win at Werder Van der Garde originally took to show what I am capable of, sit down with my management to a 0-0 draw in Ukraine. The quarter-finals will be Bremen with injury. his case to a Swiss arbitration tri- driving a car for a respected mid- in the coming weeks to discuss The 2013 European champions played over two legs on April 14/15 Robben sat out the Werder bunal, which ordered Sauber to field team in the 2015 season. my future plans,” Der Garde said are desperate to play in the June 6 and 21/22 with the teams drawn rout with a trapped nerve, but keep him on the team. “This dream has been taken yesterday. final at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium first out of the hat hosting the took part in team training, while A Victoria Supreme Court away from me and I know that my Sauber’s Nasr took fifth in and Mueller, who scored twice in first match. Ribery trained on his own after ruling backed that decision future in Formula One is prob- Melbourne, with team-mate the Donetsk rout, said Bayern Guardiola led Bayern to the straining an ankle ligament in the last Wednesday, enforcing it ably over. Ericsson in eighth. AFP will be one of the top names out German title and Cup double Donetsk win. AFP