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Sunday 27 April 2014 27 Jumadal II 1435 - Volume 19 Number 6048 Price: QR2

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El Jaish win Qatar Cup Abbas: Unity govt Salary payment will recognise Israel RAMALLAH: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas signalled yesterday that he through banks remains committed to troubled US-backed peace talks, say- ing that any unity government agreed with the militant group Hamas would recognise Israel. in three phases Abbas’s comments appeared aimed at soothing Western concerns about the unity deal he reached on Wednesday with First phase to cover big firms Hamas. REUTERS Full report on page 7 DOHA: The government’s plans This makes it difficult for to make sure that all workers the Ministry of Labour and First case of MERS in the country are paid their Social Welfare to monitor sal- wages through bank transfers ary payments by companies, so found in Egypt are being implemented in three there are delays and defaults in phases. several cases. CAIRO: Egypt has discovered The first phase will cover com- The Ministry of Labour and its first case of the Middle East panies with 500 and more employ- Social Affairs, it is understood, Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) ees, while in the second phase has almost completed a study in an Egyptian citizen who had companies with 100 to 500 work- to monitor online salary pay- recently returned from Saudi ers will be included. ments by companies once the Arabia, Egypt’s Ministry of In the third and last phase, ‘Wage Protection System’ is fully Health said yesterday even as all companies with less than 100 implemented. El Jaish captain Wesam Rizik (right) receiving the winner’s trophy from H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad bin Riyadh announced five more workers will be asked to transfer An extensive database is being Khalifa Al Thani in Doha yesterday. El Jaish defeated Lekhwiya 4-3 in the penalty shoot-out to win the maiden deaths. See also page 7 salaries of their workers to their developed by the Ministry of Qatar Cup. See also page 28 respective bank accounts. Interior and the Ministry of To be called ‘Wage Protection Labour and Social Welfare which System’ on the lines of a system will specify who is to be included that is in place in the United in the ‘Wage Protection System’ Arab Emirates since 2009, it will (WPS) and who is not. be mandatory for all companies, Last month, banking regu- 2,598 vehicles run red light in March whether private, government or lator, the Qatar Central Bank semi-government, to transfer sal- (QCB), asked all banks to pro- DOHA: A total of 2,598 vehi- The report has also listed 273 cases involving drivers who and divorces, air traffic, vessels aries of all their workers to their vide it account details of all their cles were caught jumping traf- 21,465 simple “reconciliation failed to renew their driving traffic at the Qatari ports, postal bank accounts. customers. fic lights in Qatar last month accidents” during the period and license. traffic, real estate transactions, The workers would need Companies, on the other hand, while the number of traffic 5,230 “reports against unknown” A total of 9,812 new vehi- the electricity and water produc- to be paid salaries in the first have been asked to provide the violations recorded during the which apparently refer to hit- cles were registered last month tion, imports and exports. week of every month through labor ministry salary details of all period was 93,919, according to and-run cases. including 6,392 private vehicles, The country’s population in bank transfers. their employees. figures released by the Ministry Traffic violations in March 163 private motorbikes and 34 March stood at 2.1 million with Delays would attract punitive The database for the Wage of Development Planning and include 17,966 violations detected taxis. The figure also includes 358 men constituting over 1.5 million action in the form of fine. Protection System is report- Statistics (MDPS) yesterday. by radars besides cases of jumping heavy equipment. and those in 15-64 age group 1.8 Currently, a large number of edly being developed based on The third edition of the the red light. The number of driver’s million. companies do not transfer wages the above information. Banks monthly statistics has put the Another 13,726 vehicles were licenses issued during the The monthly bulletin also of their low-income workers to will be opening accounts for number of road accidents in caught for “not following the traf- month was 9,427, of which 634 includes new data such as viola- banks and rather pay them in hundreds of thousands of low- Qatar last month at 443, includ- fic signs.” were for Qataris, and 8793 for tions recorded by some municipal- cash. income workers in the country to ing 43 major mishaps that led to There were 484 cases in which non-Qataris. ities, and a number of monetary These workers have no access let the WPS work. the death of 13 people and left the owners failed to renew the The report covers a wide range indicators. THE PENINSULA to bank accounts. THE PENINSULA another 621 injured, 58 seriously. registration of their vehicles and of other topics such as marriages Continued on page 6

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SUNDAY 27 APRIL 2014 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 Tunnel boring machine for Qatar Rail arrives Lebretha, first of 21 TBMs, to begin work on Red Line North

DOHA: Qatar Railways TBM Lebretha will be assem- was dismantled into 22 sections Company (Qatar Rail), the com- bled and launched from the Al which were easier to transport pany overseeing the construc- Wahda site towards West Bay including the cutter head. tion of the integrated railway Central. At West Bay Central It commenced its journey, network, has taken delivery it will be disassembled and re- by sea, to Qatar and finally of the first of 21 tunnel boring assembled at Al Wahda and then arrived over the weekend at the machines (TBMs). travel towards Doha Golf Course. Doha Port. Some residents may TBM S-865, also known as It will bore the West Tunnel of have seen the sections of TBM ‘Lebretha’ was manufactured by the Drive while TBM Al Khor Lebretha travelling along Al Germany’s Herrenknecht, and is will bore the East Tunnel when Corniche earlier this week mak- the first of four TBMs which will it arrives. ing their way from the Doha be launched for the Doha Metro TBM Lebretha will travel a Port to the first launch site of as part of the Red Line North distance of approx. 7.954 km and Al Wahda, next to the Qatar Underground project — the design will take approx. 22 months to Exhibition Centre. and build (D&B) joint venture complete – between Q3 2014 to The scope of work for the that is being led by Italy’s Salini Q2 2016). The average speed will ISG JV on the Red Line North Impregilo, with South Korea’s S be between 14m/day to 21 m/day, project comprises the design and K Engineering and Construction depending on ground conditions. construction of approximately Co Ltd, and Galfar Al Misnad And its daily excavation quantity 13.4km twin-bored tunnel, includ- Engineering & Contracting WLL will be approx. 680m2, with a pre- ing seven underground stations, (ISG JV). dicted total excavation quantity of between the proposed Msheireb For the Red Line North 5,408,720m2. Underground Station and Doha Underground project, a total of Each of the TBMs for the Doha Golf Course via Doha West Bay. four TBMs (named Lebretha, Al Metro measure 7.05m in diameter The tunnels will be built at an Khor, Al Mayeda and Al Bidda) and 120m in length, therefore to average depth of approximately are proposed to bore the required ensure transportation was suc- 20 metres below ground. rail tunnels. cessfully managed, TBM Lebretha THE PENINSULA A view of the tunnel boring machine. Qatar tops Arab world in Networked Readiness Index report

DOHA: Ooredoo yesterday Qatar is the top-ranked Arab universal and has helped to achieve Chairman of Ooredoo, said, towards an even brighter future that are up to 10 times faster than celebrated the recent results country and listed as number 23 very high social impacts (eighth). “Ooredoo is driving ahead to with our customers.” the existing copper wire cables. of the 2014 Global Information out of 148 developed and develop- Ooredoo has made major contri- make Qatar one of the best-con- The on-going cooperation One of the key findings of the and Technology Report with ing countries in the ‘Networked butions to this positioning, by sup- nected country’s in the world, and between Ooredoo and numerous 2014 Global Information and the people of Qatar, and reiter- Readiness Index’ report, which plying innovative services such as is set to become a world leader telecommunication companies is Technology Report was that ated its commitment to helping was commissioned by the World the nationwide Fibre Optic network in the networked society, due to a significant step in positioning countries cannot only rely on the nation to become one of the Economic Forum, an interna- to homes and businesses, 4G LTE on-going investment and devel- Qatar as a major hub for connec- ICT infrastructure development, world’s best connected coun- tional institution committed to network and High Definition Voice opment. Ooredoo is proud to be tivity and infrastructure in the and should implement strategies tries, in line with the Qatar improving global issues such as calls – supporting the rapidly- a national brand that represents GCC and wider region. to enhance skills alongside the National Vision 2030. technology, through public-pri- growing knowledge-based economy. Qatar around the world, and in Ooredoo has had several major modern infrastructure. Qatar’s success in rising in the vate cooperation. In the report, Qatar was ranked light of these new findings, we infrastructure milestones in the Ooredoo Qatar has supported ranking is particularly timely, The report states that Qatar 46 in terms of global technological promise to continue pioneer- past year, including surpassing a number of initiatives aimed with the country set to host is among the top 10 of Internet innovation, and with one quar- ing new services, introduce new more than 100,000 Fibre custom- at enhancing youth entrepre- the 2014 annual edition of ITU users in the world (ninth) house- ter of the population employed in technology, and support the ers in Qatar, as part of the com- neurship, including the Ooredoo Telecom World, the global meet- holds having access to a computer knowledge-intensive jobs (61st). development of young Qatari tal- pany’s nationwide roll-out of the Group-led initiative the Arab ing of communications companies (eighth) and Internet connection Sheikh Abdullah bin ent. Ooredoo has a long history Ooredoo Fibre network. Ooredoo Mobile App Challenge. and government bodies. (tenth), which has become almost Mohammed bin Saud Al Thani, in Qatar – and we are heading Fibre provides connection speeds THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 27 APRIL 2014 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

Condolence cables sent to Saudi DOHA: The Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has sent a cable of condolences to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin 3,000 attend HMC forum Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia on the demise of Princess Jawhara bint Faisal bin Abdulaziz. The Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nassir bin Khalifa Al Thani also sent a cable of condolences to Second Middle East Forum on Quality and Safety in Healthcare begins the Saudi King. DOHA: Hamad Medical Tanzania president greeted Corporation (HMC), in part- nership with the Institute for DOHA: The Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani sent a cable Healthcare Improvement, a of greetings to the President of the United Republic of Tanzania on the leading innovator in health occasion of his country’s National Day. The Prime Minister and Interior and healthcare improvement Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani sent a worldwide, yesterday launched similar cable to Tanzania on the same occasion. the second annual Middle East Forum on Quality and Swaziland King arrives today Safety in Healthcare at the Qatar National Convention DOHA: Swaziland King Mswati III will arrive in Doha today on an offi- Centre. cial visit. The forum was opened by QNA HMC’s Managing Director Dr Hanan Al Kuwari and was attended by senior health- care leaders from Qatar and overseas. Around 3,000 healthcare professionals are attending the three-day forum to learn, collaborate and be inspired to deliver the best patient experi- ence. Delegates will learn about the ‘science of improvement’ including research contributing to the development of tools as well as methodologies designed to enable positive and sustain- able change. Dr Hanan in her opening speech reaffirmed HMC’s role as the leader in qual- ity healthcare improvement in Qatar. She explained the HMC’s Managing Director Dr Hanan Al Kuwari addressing the forum. importance of the forum in providing a platform for Healthcare is shaping up to be can adapt their approach to leading author and Senior knowledge sharing amongst the region’s leading conference care by focusing more on the Fellow from the Duke University healthcare professionals which on healthcare improvement patient’s needs. CASE School of Business in the would build upon the work of and HMC is at the forefront “Working closely with USA. HMC’s Centre for Healthcare of delivering health advance- patients and families can also Heath, co-author of Switch: Improvement. ments to the people of Qatar. produce better designs for care,” How to Change Things When “Hamad Medical Corporation HMC is delighted to host this Bisognano stated. Change Is Hard, which debuted has been on a journey of contin- event and we warmly wel- The topics and discussions at number 1 on the New York uous transformation to ensure come distinguished healthcare included in the Forum covered Times and Wall Street Journal the best possible care for our professionals from Qatar, the subjects such as Innovation for bestseller lists, also held a lec- patients. The best healthcare region, and around the globe,” Driving Improvement, Early ture similarly titled Switch: organisations in the world she added. Warning Systems: Scorecards How to Change When Change focus on quality and safety. The opening ceremony was that Save Lives, The Role of is Hard. The lecture’s aim was HMC is the leader in quality followed by the first plenary Leaders in Building a Culture to enable delegates to identify improvement in Qatar and we session, delivered by Maureen of Continuous Improvement the mechanics of human behav- are always looking for ways to Bisognano, President and CEO and Leadership Skills for ior that could help them identify improve,” she said. of the Institute for Healthcare Nurses. positive healthcare changes in “The Middle East Forum Improvement, who talked about Delegates also heard from their own areas of responsibility. on Quality and Safety in how healthcare professionals keynote speaker Dan Heath, THE PENINSULA ACTA Chairman returns DOHA: The Chairman of Administrative Control and Transparency Authority (ACTA) H E Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah and his accom- panying delegation returned to Doha yester- day after an official day visit to France. During the visit, French President Francois Hollande presented Al Attiyah with the Medal of Honour with the rank of Senior Officer from the National Order of the Legion of Honour. PHCC, CCQ sign MoU

DOHA: Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) and Community College of Qatar (CCQ) yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) designed to prepare the next generation to become professionals in the field of Health Information Management. The MoU was signed by PHCC General Manager Dr Maryam Abdulmalik and the President of CCQ Professor Ibrahim Saleh Al Nuaimi. The MoU aims to improve health care for the people of the State of Qatar through cooperation between and exchange of expertise and resources between them to develop, promote and sup- port the Associate Diploma program in Applied Science in Health Information Management. It allows students of Health Information Management program to perform the requirements of their practical training in locations specified by the PHCC under a supervisor commissioned of CCQ. In turn, CCQ will pro- vide high-quality education and training for the stu- dents affiliated to PHCC in order to provide it with skilled manpower. QNA SUNDAY 27 APRIL 2014 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05

Double-digit QA Sidra faculty growth in passengers gets training in at airport

DOHA: Qatar is emerging as a new aviation hub in the IB programmes region with Doha International Airport (DIA) witnessing an impressive double-digit growth in the number of passengers Plan for IB World School recognition travelling through its doors in March 2014 year-on-year. DOHA: In Qatar Academy This challenging process In a press statement DIA yes- Sidra’s (QA Sidra) pursuit to be requires commitment, time and terday announced that the air- recognised as an International dedication from all sections of port registered a 13.85 percent Baccalaureate (IB) World School, the school community. QA Sidra’s increase in the passenger foot- its faculty members have taken efforts of becoming an author- fall in March 2014 compared to part in essential online train- ised IB World School began in March 2013. A total of about ing for the IB Primary Years September 2013. 2.13 million (2,129,639) travellers Programme (PYP) and Middle Once information forms were departed, transferred and arrived Years Programme (MYP). submitted, the school administra- into Qatar during March, rein- Its Primary school teach- tion familiarised itself with the forcing Doha’s importance as an ers focused on an introductory IB’s programmes, philosophy and international transport hub. course to the PYP curriculum, the authorisation process through Cargo numbers also remained while the Middle School teach- several workshops. buoyant with an additional 14.83 ers took subject-specific courses The structure of the school was percent traffic year-on-year. As relating to the implementation of also compared with IB requirements Qatar Airways Cargo grows its the respective MYP curriculum. to ensure compatibility. During the global freight business, it contin- Qatar Academy Sidra, a recruitment process, faculty mem- QRC Mission Head (right) during a meeting with Central African Red Cross Officials. ues to enhance its cargo facility member of Qatar Foundation bers were brought in to coordinate and transport, offering premium for Education, Science and the respective programmes, after and innovative products such as Community Development, aims which applications for candidacy QRC to launch relief operations QR Pharma and QR Fresh. to be officially recognised as an IB were compiled and submitted. Inbound mail traffic increased World School in the near future. Bengt J Rosberg, Academic Affairs through DIA by 9.33 percent com- There are currently 10 IB World Coordinator at QA Sidra, said: pared to March 2013 and aircraft Schools in Qatar. Once fully author- “Qatar Academy Sidra is excited at in Central African Republic movements grew by 7.83 percent ised, QA Sidra will be one of three the prospect of becoming an author- year-on-year. schools to offer the PYP, MYP and ised International Baccalaureate DOHA: A s t h e fi r s t A r a b h u m a n- The QRC team held several extremely critical, including wide- Abdulaziz Al Mass, Senior Public Diploma Programmes (DP). World School. We are committed to itarian organisation to reach the meetings to share informa- spread malaria and measles and, Relations and Communications The IB way of teaching aims to meeting each challenging task head- distressed regions, Qatar Red tion and coordinate efforts with alarmingly, scattered cholera; scarce Manager at DIA said: “As Qatar enters develop a better and more peace- on in order to prove our worth and Crescent (QRC) mission to the concerned parties such as the trained medical workers in hospi- an exciting new chapter in aviation, ful world through intercultural provide our students with the very Central African Republic made Central African Red Cross, the tals and emergency mobile clinics; we’ve seen more than six million pas- understanding and respect. best education available.” a report on its one-week visit to International Federation of Red sheltering shortage particularly in sengers come through DIA’s door this When a school embraces the “Although challenging, our assess humanitarian needs and Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC), southern parts; and bad weather year already. With an ever-growing IB philosophy, which is increasing teachers took the online training identify areas of intervention. the International Committee in some areas, which hinders geo- airport portfolio, this year will see our in popularity around the world, in their stride, and overall, found The QRC team prepared a of the Red Cross (ICRC), the graphical expansion of relief. regional and international travellers it provides students with tools it to be a rewarding experience.” draft cooperation agreement with United Nations Office for the In addition, a plan was suggested enjoy the best possible experience, required to interact in the world The recent IB training is part the Central African Red Cross, Coordination of Humanitarian to send surgical teams from QRC, whether they are departing, arriving and encourages them to become of QA Sidra’s work towards awaiting endorsement to come Affairs (OCHA), Oxfam Arab Medical Union, and Doctors or travelling onwards.” active and compassionate lifelong full program authorisation, and into force as a legal framework for International, and the delegate Without Borders (MSF), in coor- To ensure passengers are pro- learners. candidacy status is hoped to be implementation of QRC projects of the Organization of Islamic dination with the World Health vided with a comfortable, safe and All authorised IB World Schools granted soon. QA Sidra opened in the country. Under the agree- Cooperation (OIC). There are Organisation and ICRC, to operate enjoyable travel experience, DIA have to successfully complete its doors in September 2012 as a ment, QRC will open a resident attempts to enter into partner- healthcare centers in evacuation management has implemented a an intensive, globally consist- part of Qatar Foundation and the office there to recruit well-trained ships for this purpose. regions. Also, there will be coor- range of measures to significantly ent process that enables them to school currently caters to Pre- coordinators and technicians and Through field assessment of con- dination with Oxfam in relation to improve its infrastructure and deliver an outstanding IB educa- Kindergarten through to Grade 8. manage the funds allocated for ditions on the ground, the humani- sheltering, water, and sanitation. manage capacity. tion to its students. THE PENISULA the urgent relief programme. tarian situation turned out to be THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA 22 Doha artists to display works

DOHA: Twenty-two Doha- life’ and are offering a wide range of through the evening. The Doha based artists from diverse styles from realism to abstract. Baroque Ensemble will play live backgrounds and from twelve The exhibition will officially be classical music. different countries, will be exhib- opened on Wednesday at 6pm in The Exhibition is open for the iting their work under the aegis AaQool Atrium, Qatar Foundation Public on Wednesday from 6pm to of the International Artists Doha Recreation Centre in Education 8pm, on Thursday from 10am to (IAD) at their fourth annual City by Jean Paul Engelen (QMA, 6pm, Friday, from 12pm to 6pm, Art Exhibition hosted and Director of Public Art) and Hala and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. sponsored by Qatar Foundation Al Khalifa (QMA Head of Artists Visitors are requested to come Community Services. in Residence Programs). into Education City through Gate Artists are from countries Speakers will include Allyson 2 and follow the temporary road including Germany, Iran, Canada, Vanstone (Dean VCUQatar), signage to the Qatar Foundation Croatia, USA, Egypt, India, the Ibrahim Al Obaidly (Director Recreation Centre. AaQool Netherlands, Sudan, Iraq, United QF Community Services) and Atrium is in the second floor. Kingdom and Qatar. Annette Wendling-Willeke All artists will contribute a The artists will be exhibiting their (IAD Chair). Caitlin Doherty canvas sized 30 cm x 30 cm, for a latest works addressing the theme (VCUQatar Exhibition and silent auction. ‘Rooh Al Hayat – The essence of Speaker Curator) will lead THE PENINSULA

Four VCUQ students win AEB awards

DOHA: Arab Engineering for Design Excellence in Graphic The recently instituted Arab Bureau (AEB) presented Design to Alanoud A Al Attiyah, Engineering Bureau Award the awards for Creative and Amani Abbarah was the for Creative Achievement and Achievement and Potential recipient of the award for Design Potential was presented to and Design Excellence to two Excellence in Interior Design. graphic design junior Ghada M Al junior and two graduating These awards, granted to out- Suwaidi and interior design junior senior students from Virginia standing graduating seniors Noha Olivia Fahmy. These awards Commonwealth University in from VCUQatar’s graphic design aim to help the junior students Qatar’s Graphic and Interior and interior design departments, recognise their true potential, design departments. were instituted eight years ago create leadership and encourage AEB CEO and Chief Architect by Jaidah to encourage and assist them to continue developing their Ibrahim Jaidah presented the graduating students start their skills through their senior year. Arab Engineering Bureau Award life as designers. THE PENINSULA

One of the winners receiving her award. SUNDAY 27 APRIL 2014 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

1,789 births, Project planned 183 deaths in March Continued from page 1 for insects A total of 784 violations were recorded by different munici- palities, which include 184 related to food, 215 (cleaning), classification 146 (building), 16 (beauty salons) 63 (labour accommodations), 34 (enforced eviction of labourers) and 53 (administrative eviction Insects in Qatar Congress begins of properties). The month saw 97 divorces, DOHA: More than 20 Arab and He added that the benefits of against 319 marriages. Those who foreign experts in nature and the project include the training parted ways with their spouses insects are attending the first of Qatari teachers and school included 64 Qatari men, 33 non- Congress of Insects in Qatar staff to pass on knowledge to Qatari men, 58 Qatari women and which began at the Grand students. 39 non-Qatari women. Heritage Doha Hotel at Aspire Al Hajari also referred to the The total number of births Academy yesterday. cultural and scientific dimen- in March was 1,789 against 183 The two-day congress is being sions of the project saying deaths. Of the newborns 896 were organised by the Friends of the insects in Qatar and the newly males. The total Qatari births Environment Centre under the discovered ones will be saved at accounted for 479 including 239 patronage of H E Sheikha Al Qatar National Museum for sci- females. A total of 44 Qataris (27 Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani. entific, research and knowledge males) and 139 non-Qataris (112 The purpose of the conference purposes. males) died during the month. is to study the geographical dis- Nasreen Abdullah Al Hashimi, The Consumer Price Index tribution of the native insects and Head of Corporate Events at totalled 116.9 points last month, identify insects and pests that are the Community College of Qatar Officials at the Qafac pavilion. with a slight increase of 0.3 per- harmful to the plants- native and lauded Qatar insects project and cent over February; 116.5 points. ornamental- to protect crops and it scientific and national benefits, The total deposits in commer- the biodiversity. referring to other similar projects, Qafac takes part in environment fair cial banks in Qatar stood at QR580 The main topics being discussed including a project on the clas- bn marking a one per cent increase at the conference are insect sification of flowers and birds of over February ( QR575bn) Real classification, Integrated Pest Qatar, which aims to classify envi- DOHA: Qatar fuel Additives recover 720M3/D of water from efforts in conserving and recycling estate transactions in Qatar dur- Management (IPM) and miscel- ronmental and ecological life, to Company limited Qafac has par- fuel gas moisture. This water will treated waste water. ing March amounted to 1,096 val- laneous insect-related topics. document the natural heritage in ticipated in the eighth edition of be fed to the demineralisation sec- Qafac is an outcome of the ued at over QR5.5bn. The total In his inaugural address, Dr Qatar and to, subsequently, pro- the “QP Environmental Fair 2014, tion of Qafac’s utilities plant for nation’s farsighted strategic plan electricity generated in March Saif Al Hajari, Chairman of the vide service to countries of the which was held at Qatar National making boiler feed water. Qafac to diversify its petrochemical was nearly 2.3 million kWh, and Friends of Environment Centre, region in these areas . Convention Centre (QNCC) . has also implemented a steam base and expand its downstream water production exceeded 39 mil- said that this congress, the first She said as part of Qatar “Qafac is taking many posi- trap management programme and industries. The company aims lion cubic metres. of its kind, is part of the national insects projects, over 450 insects tive steps in conserving and as a result, there will be a saving to optimise the utilisation of project for classification of insects have been identified and classified recycling treated process waste of 107 T/D of BFW corresponding the country’s vast hydrocarbon Al Resala School in Qatar. with some of them known for the water,” Qafac General Manager to the rectification of steam losses resources through producing and He thanked the project part- first time in the world . Nasser Jeham Al Kuwari told due to faulty steam traps. Qafac exporting Methanol and MTBE. participates in ners, namely the National Head of the project Khaled H E Dr Mohamed bin Salah Al has a plan to implement ultra Qsafac is a joint venture between Institute for Agricultural Mardini gave a presentation on Sada during his visit to Qafac filtration and Reverse Osmosis industries Qatar, OPIC Middle QFI webcast Research, the French insects in Qatar and the differ- pavilion on the opening day of QP process for tertiary treatment of East Corporation, International Agricultural Research Centre for ent phases of the project, initiated Environment Fair 2014. Al Kuwari treated wastewater. Octane LLC and LCY Middle DOHA: Al Resala Independent International Development, the by former scientists in Qatar and informed that Qafac CDR Plant Qafac Senior Environment East Corp. The company was Secondary School for Girls in French Embassy in Doha and the adopted later by Friends of the will be commissioned in 4th quar- & Sustainable development established in 1991 and has com- Doha, to mark the Earth Day, Total E&P Qatar and Friends of Environment Centre. ter 2014. Apart from recovering Engineer also delivered a techni- menced operations in 1999. took part in a webcast by Qatar Environment Centre. THE PENINSULA 500 T/D of CO2, CDR project will cal presentation on the company’s THE PENINSULA Foundation International (QFI), together with the Global Nomads Group (GNG) of New York. The live webcast will be led by students who partici- pated in the Exploring Science, Oxy Qatar launches Sea Connecting Cultures: Road to Doha climate change classroom program. Environmental expert Paige Tantillo, Co-Founder of and Shore Life of Qatar Sprout Middle East, will join a guest panel to share insights and DOHA: In recognition of were printed and distributed at answer questions. Qatar Petroleum’s (QP) sev- the 2012 and 2013 fairs. Sea and “Connecting cultures is an enth Environmental Fair, Shore Life of Qatar fits perfectly important goal for QFI,” said Occidental Petroleum of Qatar with the 2014 fair’s theme of Maggie Mitchell Salem, QFI’s Ltd (Oxy Qatar) has launched water use and conservation. The Executive Director. “What better Sea and Shore Life of Qatar, the book provides information on the way to connect young people from third title in the Qatar Nature marine flora and fauna native to around the world than through Explorer book series. Qatar. discussions about issues that Qatar Nature Explorer was As in previous years, free cop- affect us all - the environment? published in collaboration with ies of the book was distributed at And what better day to celebrate Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation Oxy’s stand in the Qatar National global citizenry than Earth Day?” Publishing and the author, Convention Center. During the webcast, Frances Gillespie. The full book Stephen Kelly, President and Washington Latin students set includes six illustrated books General Manager of Oxy Qatar, shared their experience and show- for young children on the natu- said, “We are very pleased once case a vertical, edible garden that ral history and flora and fauna again to provide these fascinat- they previously developed. The of Qatar, and is available in both ing and informative books to students provided details on the English and Arabic. Sea and students and visitors during the project, including its development, Shore Life of Qatar was presented Qatar Petroleum Environmental growth and progress, as well as during the opening ceremony of Fair. In addition, Oxy Qatar the challenges and obstacles they the QP Environment Fair to H E recently donated the complete faced throughout the process. Dr Mohamed bin Saleh Al Sada, Qatar Nature Explorer set to Following the webcast, the stu- Minister of Energy and Industry. the Supreme Education Council dents created their own vertical Since 2012, Oxy Qatar has to distribute to school libraries garden with various plants and launched a new book each year across Qatar. We hope the books herbs provided by Sprout Middle based on the theme of QP’s will provide value to all students East. Vertical garden materials Environmental Fair. Plants of and enhance awareness of Qatar’s have been provided by Woolly Qatar and Mammals of Qatar, the rich and diverse natural heritage.” Pocket. Dignitaries during the launch of Sea and Shore Life of Qatar. first two titles in the book series, THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA

New fish market in Wakra QNB’s Open Day to provide financial access to SMEs DOHA: As part of its commit- enquiries. The event aims also to granting them easy, convenient ment to support local Small and attract new SME clients, bringing and quick access to finance their Medium Enterprises (SMEs), together both QNB’s SME part- small to medium businesses. Qatar National Bank (QNB), ners and existing SME clients. QNB provides numerous country’s largest lender, has QNB’s open day event will be funded and unfunded products announced to hold an SME- attended by the bank’s premium that are specially tailored to meet dedicated ‘Open Day’, to provide partners, like: Qatar Development every SME’s needs irrespective of easy financial access with inno- Bank (QDB), Enterprise Qatar their sector. In addition, QNB’s vative products, said a state- (EQ), Bedaya, Ministry of Business Programme has lined-up ment yesterday. Information and Communications a slew of products and business Starting on April 28 at Al Technology (ICT), Qatar Chamber offerings that includes, but are not Sharq Village & Spa Hotel, the of Commerce (QCC), Ministry of limited to term and call deposits, two-day event will be open for Energy and Industry, and many term loans, equipment finance, visitors from 10am to 6pm. other partners such as Qatar trade services, vehicle loans, QNB’s SME one stop shop Building Company (QBC), Mannai Corporate Credit Cards, specific event will empower commercial Trading, Qatar Insurance Company Project Financing and IT support and industrial SMEs of various (QIC) and Qatar Life & Medical (Internet banking) to ensure that stages, to start their new busi- Insurance Company (QLM). their customer’s business is always nesses or expand existing ones, Last year QNB launched ahead of competition. and will give them easy access to “SME — Business Banking”, an QNB is one of the leading QDB finance. During this event, QNB’s innovative platform studded with partners on Al Dameen pro- Relationship Managers will update detailed business oriented solu- gramme and working closely with entrepreneurs about QNB and tions that will enable all current EQ on new initiatives to support A view of the state-of-the-art fish market in Al Wakra. The market, which was opened recently, is attracting Partners available services and and future business owners to the SME sector in Qatar. huge number of customers. products, and respond to all their expand or start a business by THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 27 APRIL 2014 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07

MERS virus Unity govt will reject violence: Abbas cases top Speech to PLO’s Central Council a ‘coup de grace’ to the peace process, says Israel 313 in Saudi,

RAMALLAH: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said five more die yesterday that the new unity government he is set to head KUWAIT: Saudi Arabia said with the backing of Hamas on Friday that it had discovered would reject violence and rec- 14 more cases of the potentially ognise Israel and existing deadly Middle East Respiratory agreements. Syndrome (MERS) in the king- Israel, however, slammed his dom, bringing the total number speech to the Palestine Liberation to 313. Organisation’s Central Council as a A health ministry statement said “coup de grace” to the peace proc- the new cases had been reported in ess. The PLO body had convened Riyadh, Jeddah and Makkah in the to chart a course of action after past 24 hours. Authorities had also Israel suspended US-brokered registered five more deaths due to peace talks in response to a rec- the virus, it said. onciliation deal with the Islamist The jump in cases is of particu- Hamas movement. lar concern because Saudi Arabia The agreement between the will host pilgrims from around the rival Palestinian factions came world in July during the month as the United States and Israel of Ramadan, as well as in early had hoped to extend the faltering October when millions of worship- peace talks beyond their April 29 pers perform the annual Haj. deadline. In total, 92 people have died of Israel said it would not negoti- MERS in Saudi Arabia, the min- ate with a government backed by istry said on its website. Hamas, the armed Islamist move- Saudi Arabia has witnessed a ment ruling the Gaza Strip, which jump in the rate of infection in is pledged to the destruction of recent weeks, with many of the the Jewish state and has always new cases recorded in Jeddah. rejected peace talks. “The upcom- A large proportion of the people ing government will obey my pol- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (centre) gives a speech to members of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO)’s Central Council during a infected are health care workers. icy,” Abbas told the PLO council. meeting in Ramallah yesterday. Although the number of MERS “I recognise Israel and reject vio- infections worldwide is fairly small, lence and terrorism, and recog- borders of a promised Palestinian speech, and concurred with the Fatah party which dominates the he said the Palestinians would the more than 40 percent death nise international commitments.” state. PLO position that the new gov- PLO. refuse a state that did not have rate among confirmed cases and He stressed that the new govern- Israel, which had already dis- ernment would not be involved in Under Wednesday’s PLO- east Jerusalem as its capital. the spread of the virus beyond the ment itself would not be charged missed these same conditions, peace talks. Hamas accord, Abbas would head Hamas’s Naim said the Abbas Middle East is keeping scientists with negotiations, but rather the slammed his speech. He “recy- “It is not the government’s an “independent government” of “speech had mostly positive and public health officials on alert. PLO which “represents the entire cled the same conditions, after he mission to take care of political technocrats, to be formed within points, and we cannot but support A spokesman for the World Palestinian people”. Efforts to already knows Israel won’t accept issues,” Bassem Naim, an adviser five weeks. That new interim it on... not recognising (Israel as) Health Organisation in Geneva extend hitherto fruitless talks them,” an Israeli government to Hamas’s Gaza premier Ismail administration would be charged the Jewish state”. said on Friday that it was “con- hit a wall last month when Israel official said, charging that the Haniya, said. “It has only three with holding parliamentary and The dispute over recognition cerned” about the rising MERS refused to release a final batch of Palestinian alliance came “while main missions: unifying the presidential elections within six and Israel’s continuing construc- numbers in Saudi Arabia. “This Palestinian prisoners. Israel was making sincere efforts Palestinian organisations, prepar- months of taking office. tion of settlements in the occupied just highlights the need to learn The Palestinians retaliated by to advance negotiations with the ing for elections and reconstruct- Abbas reiterated that the territories presented major obsta- more about the virus, about the applying to adhere to 15 inter- Palestinians”. ing Gaza,” he said. Palestinians would never recog- cles to US Secretary of State John transmission, and about the route national treaties as Abbas listed Israel and Western nations The PLO is the internationally nise Israel as the “Jewish state”, Kerry’s dogged efforts to coax the of infection,” he said. conditions for extending the talks view Hamas as a “terrorist” recognised representative of the saying they recognised it as a state two sides towards a historic peace Saudi authorities say they have beyond the deadline. organisation, and Israeli Prime Palestinians and their interlocu- in 1993 and should not have to agreement. “If they (Israel) don’t invited five leading international He reiterated these conditions Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tor in peace talks. The Palestinian accept its religious identity, which want to commit there is the other vaccine makers to collaborate yesterday, saying Israel must said Abbas must choose between Authority (PA) was created as has been a central Netanyahu’s solution — for them to take over with them in developing a MERS freeze settlement construction reconciling with the Islamist part of the Oslo peace process in demand. He noted that no simi- everything,” Abbas said, implying vaccine, but virology experts in the occupied West Bank and group and negotiating peace. A the 1990s to administer the occu- lar demand was made of Egypt or that a consequence of not renewing argue that this makes little sense annexed east Jerusalem, free the senior Hamas official in Gaza pied Palestinian territories. Abbas Jordan when they signed peace talks could be dismantling the PA. in public health terms. prisoners and begin discussing the praised Abbas’s “mostly positive” heads both, as well as the secular treaties recognising Israel. And AFP REUTERS SUNDAY 27 APRIL 2014 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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Syrian quagmire Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

yria is aiming for a ‘free and transparent’ presidential election. “The Syrian presidency... maintains an equal distance from all candidates in order that Syrians can Schoose their... president freely and transparently,” a statement from the government said. The Bashar Al Assad Women are the pandas of regime could be thinking that this statement should set at rest any doubts the international community and Arabs are having about the fairness and transparency of the forthcoming polls. And it’s perfectly sensible for Assad to the Scottish referendum think so because in the conflict that has almost decimated his country, he has been able to stand on his own legs. BY RUTH WISHART Women for Independence now has And she had to conclude that there The fact that Assad is thinking of conducting a grassroots offshoots across Scotland; was no obvious conclusion. In broad- presidential election at this juncture speaks more of the hey seek them here, they and Better Together has set up a wom- brush terms it seems that women weakness of the opposition than his strength. The Syrian seek them there, but they en’s subsidiary. are probably more uprising has been stuck in a stalemate for a long time, with can be damned elusive. So Neither is there any risk-averse, and cer- Assad making some progress and the opposition foundering the hunt intensifies as the shortage of women tainly more inclined yes and no camps in the at the top table in to examine the eco- and even losing some of the hard-won territories. The TScottish independence referendum Scottish politics – nomic arguments Women wooing international community is in disarray on Syria, the Arab campaign try to locate electoral gold heavens, we’ve just in terms of likely initiatives to help the opposition have hit too many obstacles, – the disproportionate number of unde- got two more female women’s votes is impacts on the fam- the Barack Obama administration is yet to have a credible cided female voters. They matter. They ministers elevated to ily budget, rather policy on the issue while Russia and other allies of Assad matter more and more as the polls nar- the full cabinet, taking an increasingly than whisky sales to have been stubbornly steadfast in their support of the regime row, and carving out a single-digit swing the tally to 40 percent. Japan. from the don’t-yet-knows could decide The leader of Scottish common tactic: So it’s absolutely in Damascus. For the same reason, this is going to be an the fate of the union. Labour is a woman. no accident that the election no one will look forward to, not even supporters They matter too because there are The current leader Women for Scottish govern- of Assad. The president, whose family has controlled the significantly more men than women of the Scottish Tories ment’s white paper- country for four decades, has yet pledged to vote yes. Some polls put the is young, female and Independence now put increased, more to announce his own candidacy. gap at 7 percent, some at 13 percent. gay. (Bet we’ll wait a has grassroots affordable childcare There are strong chances he But that tan- while before a simi- at the heart of its Assad’s talising gap is lar description can be offshoots across offer. Or that the would stand, and there is no an ever more attached to the UK shadow Scottish decision to hold doubt that he will win if he does. crowded space variety.) Scotland; and secretary put for- What the opposition can where pollsters, Not that these ward a plan around presidential do at the most is boycott the The yes and psephologists and women speak with Better Together has areas such as female election and try to sabotage it. strategists fore- one voice on the employment and elections gather, scratch- 18 September poll. equality. Or that But Assad will deny them even no camps are set up a women’s ing their heads as Sometimes they don’t Gordon Brown was indicates the the opportunity of participation desperate to why so many speak at all; some- subsidiary. wheeled out to tell in the polls, even if they want women’s indeci- times it’s handbags at pensioners to stick weakness of to, making the entire election to work out sion is still appar- dawn and unseemly shouting. The tel- with the UK nurse in case of something his opposition process a palace affair. Under what women ently final after evision encounter between the SNP’s worse. a new constitution adopted months of fren- Nicola Sturgeon and Labour’s Johann There are women to be wooed and more than his want. We’re zied campaigning. Lamont made strong men avert their only five months to get them to the in 2012, the year after the It’s not that eyes. Not so much reasoned argument altar. If only the suitors could find the strength. country’s civil war erupted, holding out like they don’t care. as, in Glaswegian parlance, a right good words and the means. Their problem, those who have not lived in When the stairheid rammy. everyone’s problem, is that we are sail- Syria continuously for the Tian Tian in Scottish Women’s A few nights ago BBC Scotland ran ing in uncharted electoral waters. A past 10 years are barred from Edinburgh zoo. Convention set a peak-hour documentary on What constitutional referendum is not just standing. That effectively excludes most of the opposition. up a conference Women Want. The object of the exer- for Christmas and not just for a fixed- debate on the cise was finally to crack this conundrum term parliament of four or five years. Previously, under the current president and his late father, referendum at the of why women are still dithering about On the other hand this is not about only one candidate was presented, and his name submitted to beginning of the year it was over-sub- how to vote. Rather like Tian Tian, the party politics either. It matters not that a referendum. scribed by a factor of two and they had Edinburgh zoo panda who stubbornly Nigel Farage can’t buy a round of drinks The fighting is continuing and people are getting killed. to stage a re-run two months later to refuses to sleep with the first chap in Edinburgh, that Ed Miliband is haul- According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, at accommodate the queue. When Scottish offered up, they tease and tantalise the ing his shadow cabinet up to Glasgow, or Women in Business reprised the format doorstepping canvassers with definite that David Cameron agonises whether least 88 rebel and regime forces were killed in two days of this month it was sold out. maybes. The presenter sampled opinion another wee trip north would antago- clashes for control of strategic sites in the southern Daraa Both events were able to field top in bingo halls and comedy clubs. She nise more women than it impresses. province. women speakers, including the deputy spoke to party leaders and the com- And just maybe they’d like a break Syria is one conflict where old ideas are dying and new leader of the SNP, the shadow Scottish mentariat. She invaded wedding shows from being nagged about getting off the ones are refusing to take birth. This conflict has become an secretary, and the erstwhile leader of the and changing rooms. She sat cosily in fence. As Tian Tian doubtless said to ugly scar on Arab Spring. Confusion reigns supreme not only Scottish Tories. Women wooing women’s the kitchen of the deputy first minister, Yang Guang: “Gonnae gie us peace.” votes is an increasingly common tactic: leaving no scone unturned. THE GUARDIAN in the battlegrounds in the country, but in world capitals too• The other side Quote of MH370 mystery deepens the day T IS ONE of the most baffling “It’s extraordinary that with all the airport. Nor could it have landed at the alike, is that attempts are being made to mysteries in the history of modern (satellite and telecommunication) tech- next land mass, which is Indonesia. It conceal or cover up some critical infor- aviation. The search for Malaysian nology that we’ve got that an aircraft must be remembered that the jet had mation about flight 370. This impres- IAirlines flight MH370 continues to can disappear like this,” says Tony enough fuel to take it to Beijing and sion is gaining traction given that right The upcoming draw a blank and nobody has a clue Tyler, the head of the International Air when it turned, it still had 4-5 hours from the very start the search operation government will as to how a plane could vanish into the Transport Association that links over 90 of fuel. has been hampered and impaired by a blue without a trace. per cent of the world’s airlines. The line of flight from where it was steady stream of ambiguous, inaccu- obey my policy. I It is 50 days now since the jet with Conspiracy theories ranging from last seen on radar to where it is now rate and at times contradictory informa- 239 on board went off the radar on the far-fetched one of the plane being said to have been headed goes into the tion from different quarters. recognise Israel March 8 and despite vaunted technol- abducted by aliens to North Korea hav- Indian Ocean. Five hours’ flying time in With every passing day, hopes of ogy and numerous eyes in the sky, we ing a hand in the disappearance or the that direction leads to the British Indian ever finding the plane will recede and and reject violence cannot find comfort for the relatives of possibility that MH370 turned around Ocean Territory. That’s the place we the search finally be called off. It’s and terrorism, 239 people who vanished in mid-air. and flew in a line that took it towards know better as Diego Garcia, former indeed a very strange and twisted tale There has been no sign of wreckage Straits of Malacca. Whatever the rea- US air base. Is this where it could be? and one can only hope that one day the and recognise despite a search by the navies and mili- son for this whole sad drama, what is Or is it in China as some claim? mystery will be solved, the plane found international tary aircraft of over a dozen countries certain is that the missing aircraft could An impression, which is shared by and grieving relatives of the 239 missing Mahmoud Abbas across Southeast Asia. not have touched down at a civilian airline professionals and the public will find closure. KHALEEJ TIMES commitments. Palestinian President SUNDAY 27 APRIL 2014 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 West needs new strategy for Putin’s Russia US and Europe did not seek this challenge from Putin’s Russia. But we must rise to it all the same. Our shared interests and values depend on our resolve.

BY JOHN McCAIN, JOHN weakness emboldens Putin. The only BARRASSO, JOHN HOEVEN & thing he respects, and that can change RON JOHNSON his calculus, is greater strength. We must make policy on this basis. In e recently visited the short term, the United States must Norway, Estonia, expand sanctions to major Russian banks, Latvia, Lithuania and energy companies and other sectors of Moldova. In each coun- Russia’s economy — such as the arms try, our allies want a industry — that serve as instruments of Wstronger immediate response to Russia’s Putin’s foreign policy. annexation of Crimea and its ongoing We should also expose the most egre- subversion of Ukraine. They also believe, gious corruption of Russian officials and as we do, that Russian President Vladimir cut off those people, their business associ- Putin’s latest acts of aggression require ates and relatives from Western econo- an enduring strategic response from mies and travel. Some of our European the United States, Europe and Nato. It allies may hope to avoid tough sanctions, should be clear to all that Putin’s Russia but weak measures will not stop Putin, has taken a dark turn. There is no reset- and the costs of doing so will only grow ting this relationship. We cannot return with time. to business as usual. Ultimately, Putin’s actions in Ukraine Western countries had high hopes require a strategic response. This does for our relationships with Russia after not mean a new Cold War. But it does the Cold War and acted on that basis. require recognising Putin’s geopolitical We provided billions of dollars to help challenge to the post-Cold War order in Russia’s transition from communism. We Europe and preparing for a more com- created new mechanisms for consulta- petitive relationship with Russia. tion. We expanded trade. Nato committed Nato must recommit to its core mis- US soldiers stand on the tarmac after arriving at the air force base near Siauliai Zuokniai, Lithuania yesterday. US troops arrived in not to deploy significant military capa- sions of deterrence and collective defence. Lithuania, part of a US contingent of 600 sent to the region to reassure Nato allies amid the escalating Ukraine crisis. bilities onto the territory of new alliance This requires a rebalancing of the alli- allies, even as it expanded. In short, the ance’s force posture and presence. Nato West sought to include Russia in the military capabilities must be increased them to market (indeed, about $1.5m support our allies, strengthen the US military support to Ukraine, Moldova, promise of a Europe whole, free and at and more evenly distributed across the worth of gas has to be “flared” — that economy, increase federal revenue and Georgia and other European countries peace — a vision we still believe would alliance, including a more robust and is, burned uselessly because there is not create thousands of good jobs. that aspire to be part of our transatlantic benefit all participants. persistent presence in Central Europe enough capacity to transport or refine Another fact repeatedly highlighted community. Unfortunately, hope of a constructive and the Baltic countries. Some steps in it — each day in North Dakota alone). It during our trip is that Putin is winning We must show all of these countries relationship with Russia under Putin has this direction are underway; these actions will take years to align European demand the war of ideas among Russian-speaking that, as long as they meet the rightfully vanished. A friendly rival has become, must be sustainable and enduring. and US supply, but we must start now. peoples in the former Soviet Union. high standards for membership, the doors at best, an unfriendly adversary. Putin For Nato to do more for its members, European countries must invest in the Putin’s propaganda rests on lies, but it to Nato and the European Union remain will not compromise his quest to domi- its members have to do more for them- infrastructure to receive liquefied natural is effective and hardly refuted. open and the fundamental choices about nate Russia’s sovereign neighbours (not selves and the alliance. The United States gas from the United States, as Lithuania We have all but given up on communi- their future foreign policy are for them least as a cynical way to build support must reverse harmful cuts to its defence is doing, and transmit it across Europe. cating the truth, in Russian, to Europe’s to make — no one else. at home for his corrupt and autocratic budget. And Nato allies must meet their For our part, the Obama administration Russian-speaking populations. This needs The United States and Europe did rule). He may play along with Western commitment to spend at least 2 percent should lift holds on terminal applications to change, and the old state-run public not seek, or deserve, this challenge from diplomats eager to avoid conflict, as hap- of GDP on defence as soon as possible. for liquefied natural gas and ensure their diplomacy is not necessarily the answer. Putin’s Russia. pened recently in Geneva, but only as a We also need a transatlantic energy expeditious processing so the private sec- The private sector can play an important But we must rise to it all the same. way to consolidate his gains, divide the strategy. Europe remains dependent on tor can build new capacity for transport role. Our shared interests and values depend United States and Europe, play for time Russian oil and gas, while US supplies are and storage. Finally, the West must provide far on our resolve. and prepare to push further. Western growing faster than our ability to bring These actions could weaken Putin, greater diplomatic, economic and WP-BLOOMBERG

Malaysia’s values of freedom and democracy Why Israel is pulling out In Malaysia, of the peace process there is an BY JEFFREY GOLDBERG he decision by Israel’s security Cabinet to suspend peace talks opportunity to now that the Palestinian Authority has decided to forge a unity government with Hamas contains elements of reasonableness, take a different Trealism, hypocrisy and myopia. Reasonableness: Hamas is an anti-Semitic terrorist organization committed to Israel’s destruction. Hamas has not changed in a way path. that would suggest it is embracing the official position of the Palestinian Authority, which is to argue for a two-state solution. If Hamas were BY ANWAR IBRAHIM to revoke its Jew-hating charter, cease making it a policy to murder Jewish people whenever the opportunity presents itself, and come to or 15 years, the people the view that a peace treaty with Israel is a moral, theological and of Malaysia have been political possibility, then Israel might revisit its position. immersed in our own Realism: The peace process was going nowhere fast. Now it’s going FArab Spring. After nowhere faster. Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, could enduring a corrupt and authori- not even reach an agreement with the moderate Palestinian president, tarian regime for more than five Mahmoud Abbas, on how to reach an agreement. With Hamas in the decades, an era has emerged in picture, the possibility of an actual — as opposed to a procedural — which we are standing up for our breakthrough is vanishingly small. rights. Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim Hypocrisy: Israel contends that it can’t negotiate with a group that For the first time in our his- denies its right to exist. There are, however, parties in Netanyahu’s tory, the voices of reform and governing coalition that are opposed to the creation of a Palestinian democracy represent the major- opportune moment to live up to power, be they in government or groups including Suaram and state. So both camps have in their ranks extremists and negationists. ity. In last year’s general election, the ideals Obama espoused in his the private sector. Most certainly Human Rights Watch. With This is a very weak argument. the popular vote in favour of the campaign and the early days of we would repeal draconian laws, the print and electronic media Myopia: Netanyahu’s government has pointed out — correctly — that opposition would have swept from his administration. Then, there such as the Sedition Act, so they under the regime’s full control, it is very difficult to negotiate with a divided Palestinian entity. The power the authoritarian regime of was hope that US engagement cannot be used to muzzle political rumours are spread about an West Bank is under the control of Abbas’ Palestinian Authority. Gaza, Najib Razak and the party that with Muslim countries would opponents. imminent government takeover which would comprise a large part of any future Palestinian state, is has ruled Malaysia since its inde- be based on mutual respect and In our pursuit of a robust by Christians, threats of violence under the control of Hamas. Until the Palestinians end their own civil pendence in 1957. mutual interest. Yet as the Arab and dynamic economy, social are hurled against non-Muslims, war, the argument goes, the peace process would be stalled. In its place would have been Spring came and went, hope was justice principles would prevail Bibles are seized and bishops get Now, of course, Netanyahu is advancing the argument that Israel the Pakatan Rakyat (People’s eclipsed by disappointment. It is over unfettered accumulation of hauled in by the police for inter- cannot negotiate with a unified Palestinian entity, if Hamas is to be part Alliance), poised to push the baffling that the United States wealth by the rich and powerful. rogation. My address to a congre- of it. This is a hard argument to make, given his previous argument. nation on the path to greater can talk about a democratic tran- Rent-seeking projects would no gation in a Catholic church one (See hypocrisy, above.) It is also somewhat myopic: Israel doesn’t get freedom and democracy. Alas, sition in Egypt today as hundreds longer be allowed to be masquer- Sunday was condemned as an act to pick its enemies. It has to make peace with the ones it has. Hamas widespread fraud and devious of innocent people are sentenced aded as infrastructure spending, of apostasy. is one of those enemies. And Netanyahu’s argument doesn’t take into gerrymandering perpetrated by to death while thousands languish nor would the misappropria- No doubt Malaysia’s media consideration that, theoretically at least, the Palestinian Authority the ruling party, a situation the in prison. tion of state funds be permitted will shower praises on the could, over time, help moderate Hamas and bring it more into the White House noted, affected In Malaysia, there is an oppor- under the guise of subsidy cuts regime in the wake of Obama’s two-state fold. the outcome. A study conducted tunity to take a different path. while higher and higher taxes are visit. Malaysia has descended But who am I kidding? Maybe both of Netanyahu’s superficially con- by Harvard University ranked Our agenda for Malaysia is foisted on the middle and lower to 145th place on the Reporters tradictory beliefs are true. Maybe he can’t make peace with a divided Malaysia as having one of the straightforward. We envision a classes to pay the bills. Without Borders index of media Palestinian entity. worst records on electoral integ- nation that enforces the rule of In tending to the needs of all freedom, so it takes some effort And maybe he can’t make peace with a unified Palestinian entity. rity in the world. law; a country where judges are races, the Pakatan Rakyat envi- for Malaysians to get the truth. Maybe he can’t make peace with any Palestinian entity because mem- Despite this setback, the independent of executive influ- sions a pluralistic society in which And the truth is that the US bers of his own political coalition are uninterested in taking the steps Malaysian people have remained ence, the media are free and the moderate Islam coexists harmo- pivot to Asia should not merely necessary for compromise. steadfast. Despite anger and frus- election commission conducts niously with other faiths whose be about trade and investment In sum, no one really wants to make peace, except: Secretary of tration over our government’s its affairs unfettered by the dic- espousal is a fundamental liberty or the creation of alliances of the State John Kerry, the Israeli left, the European Union, and a large continued corruption and abuse of tates of the ruling party. We under the federal constitution. It world’s great powers, important number of other individuals and entities who believe that the time power, we have pursued a peaceful would fight corruption by guar- would be a far cry from the dia- as these goals may be. The values is ripe for Arab-Israeli reconciliation. Perhaps, this is the crowd that approach to educating and engag- anteeing the independence of the bolical politics of the ruling party, of freedom and democracy must lacks realism. ing with the masses. Thousands Anticorruption Commission and which purveys to the Western remain paramount, and even if Kerry made a heroic attempt to bring the two parties together. It have come to hear our message removing the laws that make gov- world its facade of moderation in Wilsonian idealism appears to be is appropriate now for him to focus on Ukraine or Iran or something and embrace our cause. ernment procurements opaque. religious and race relations while on the wane, Jeffersonian ideals more urgent than the peace process. This moment doesn’t represent President Barack Obama’s visit In our Malaysia, all media pursuing a policy of race baiting still resonate with the people in a true emergency. It is a low moment for the Middle East, of course, to Malaysia this weekend comes would be independent and free and incitement to religious hatred this part of the world. but it can always go lower. at a pivotal time. It would be an to shine sunlight on excesses of — abuses widely documented by WP-BLOOMBERG WP-BLOOMBERG SUNDAY 27 APRIL 2014 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST

Damascus for ‘free, transparent’ 3.5 million Syrians presidential vote DAMASCUS: Syria said yes- terday it aimed for a “free and transparent” presidential elec- tion, responding to opposition need aid: UN chief and Western criticism that the June 3 poll will be a parody of democracy. Children starving to death, says official So far, a businessman who stud- ied in the US and an independent NEW YORK: The United victims, “none of the parties to weapons left untreated”. MP and former communist are Nations Secretary-General has the conflict have adhered to the “To deny access to food and the only two hopefuls to register called on the Security Council demands of the council. Civilians medicine in this way is a grave their candidacy. President Bashar to take urgent action to ensure are not being protected. The violation of international law by Al Assad has yet to announce his 3.5 million people cut off by security situation is deteriorating all parties in Syria, effectively a own candidacy. fighting in Syria have access to and humanitarian access to those war crime,” he said. “It’s vital that “The Syrian presidency... main- food, water and medical help. most in need is not improving.” the UN and other humanitarian tains an equal distance from all Ban Ki-moon said the block- He said medicine was being agencies are able to reach chil- candidates in order that Syrians ing of humanitarian supplies routinely denied to those who dren in need wherever they are – can choose their... president freely represented “flagrant violations needed them, including tens of in government or opposition held and transparently,” a statement of the basic principles of inter- thousands of women, children areas, across borders and across said. And it saluted the “democratic national law”. and older people. “The security conflict lines.” atmosphere” in which the two can- He said both sides in the war council must take action to deal The UN estimates that more didates had stepped forward. were responsible for hampering with these flagrant violations of than 9 million people are in dire Would-be candidates must win access to life-saving assistance, the basic principles of interna- need of humanitarian assistance the support of at least 35 of Syria’s but his report to the UN Security tional law.” within Syria, of which more than 250 MPs to do so. Of those, a full Council said that more than 80 Ban, however, did not stipulate 6 million have been forced out of 160 are members of the Baath percent of the nearly quarter of what action the Council should their homes by the fighting. The party, which has ruled Syria with a million people in the worst con- take. The body is deadlocked by 3.5 million people classed as hard an iron fist for nearly 50 years. ditions, totally cut off from help, disagreements between Russia to reach are scattered across 262 Under a new constitution were in areas besieged by govern- and the western powers, now locations, of which aid convoys have adopted in 2012, the year after ment forces. These included as the exacerbated by the freeze in rela- only managed to reach 34. On top the country’s civil war erupted, old centre of Homs, Madamiyet tions over Ukraine. of that there are 2.4 million Syrian those who have not lived in Syria Elsham, Eastern Ghouta, Darayya The head of Save the Children, refugees who have fled to Jordan, continuously for the past 10 years and Yarmouk. About 45,000 peo- Justin Forsyth, said that with mil- Turkey, Lebanon and Iraq. are barred from standing. That ple are in areas besieged by oppo- lions of people cut off from outside On Wednesday, the heads of effectively excludes most of the sition forces in Nubul and Zahra. help “we are witnessing the kind the UN’s five main humanitarian opposition. Previously, under the Ban pointed out that two of horrors never thought possi- agencies said that the appeal for current president and his late months after the Security Council ble in 2014: Children starving to national donations to the emer- father, only one candidate was passed a resolution demanding death, operations without anaes- gency Syria appeal had gone largely Residents fill water in vessels in the Al-Bayada neighbourhood of Aleppo. presented, and his name submit- humanitarian access to the war’s thetic, injuries from explosive unanswered. THE GUARDIAN ted to a referendum. AFP Intelligence suggests Syria can still produce chemical arms UNITED NATIONS: Syria maintains to the international disarmament mis- have long suspected Syria did not declare agreement between the Syrian govern- arrived in the country and other anomalies. an ability to deploy chemical weapons, sion after discrepancies were reported all aspects of its chemical arms program. ment and the OPCW aren’t principled In interviews over the last two months diplomats say, citing intelligence from by inspectors on the ground, officials said. But the envoys say they have kept silent but rather childish,” he said in a mobile- with Western officials with access to Britain, France and the United States Under threat of US airstrikes, Assad on the issue to avoid giving Assad an phone text message to Reuters. intelligence about Syria, Reuters learned that could strengthen allegations agreed with the United States and Russia excuse to curtail cooperation with the “If they have some evidence they must that topics of concern include deadly Syria’s military recently used chlorine in September to dispose of his chemical UN-OPCW mission and slow down an share it with the OPCW rather than pre- nerve agent ricin, mustard gas, precursor gas in its bloody civil war. weapons — an arsenal that Damascus had already delayed timetable for shipping tending to have secret evidence!” Ja’afari chemicals used to make sarin, and, more The comments reflect a growing con- never previously formally acknowledged toxins out of the country. said the three Western powers’ goal was recently, the use of chlorine gas in Syria. viction among Western capitals that — after hundreds of people were killed With more than 90 percent of Syria’s to needlessly extend the UN-OPCW mis- US and British officials have also spo- President Bashar Al Assad has failed to in a sarin gas attack in August on the declared chemical stockpiles now out sion by “keeping the ‘chemical file’ open ken of ambiguities and problems with the come clean about Syria’s chemical weapons outskirts of the capital. of the country, Western officials have indefinitely so that they can keep exert- Syrian chemical weapons declaration. US program despite his promises to end it, and Washington and its Western allies said started to break their silence. ing pressure and blackmailing the Syrian officials warned as early as November they insist the United States and its allies it was Assad’s forces who unleashed the “We are convinced, and we have some government.” that intelligence suggested Syria may try will resist calls by Assad to shut down a sarin attack, the world’s worst chemical intelligence showing, that they have not Another Western official told Reuters to hide some toxins. special international chemical disarma- attack in a quarter-century. The govern- declared everything,” a senior Western that while there was not 100 percent cer- Suspicions that its declaration was ment mission set up to deal with Syria. ment blamed the rebel side in Syria’s civil diplomat told Reuters, adding that the tainty Syria maintains chemical weapons, incomplete deepened when Syria did not Syria denies it maintains the capacity war, which is now in its fourth year. intelligence had come from Britain, the three Western powers agreed that report to the OPCW having sarin, which to deploy chemical weapons, calling the The verification of Syria’s declaration France and the United States. When there is a “high level of probability” that was used in the outskirts of Damascus on allegation a US and European attempt to on its poison gas arsenal and its destruc- asked how much of its program Syria Syria deliberately under-reported the full August 21, or the type of rockets used to use their “childish” policies to blackmail tion has been overseen by a joint team of has kept hidden, the diplomat said: “It’s extent of its chemical arms-related stock- deliver an estimated 300 litres of the toxin. Assad’s government. the United Nations and the Organization substantial.” He offered no details. piles. He cited examples of large batch of The senior Western diplomat said Britain, But in a tacit acknowledgement of the for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Syrian UN Ambassador Bashar Ja’afari a sarin precursor chemical going missing France and the United States had pro- original declaration’s incompleteness, (OPCW), the global chemical arms dismissed the charge. “These countries in Syria and Damascus’ unverified claims vided information to the OPCW months Syria earlier this month submitted a watchdog. aren’t really reliable and their poli- to have destroyed most of its mustard gas ago, including on specific undeclared more specific list of its chemical weapons Diplomats say Western governments cies towards the implementation of the stocks before the UN-OPCW mission chemical weapons sites. REUTERS

Al Qaeda chief 13 Mursi supporters get calls for kidnap up to 88 years for rioting of Westerners CAIRO: An Egyptian court mass death sentencing in Egypt’s sentenced 13 supporters of modern history. The sentences DUBAI: Al Qaeda chief Ayman deposed Islamist president caused an international outcry. Al Zawahiri has called on Mohamed Mursi yesterday to Tomorrow, the same court is Muslims to kidnap Westerners, prison terms ranging from five due to pass sentence on Muslim particularly Americans, who to 88 years for rioting, a judicial Brotherhood chief Mohamed could then be exchanged for source said. Badie and 700 other Mursi jailed jihadists including a blind They were accused of “riot- supporters. Egyptian cleric convicted in ing, sabotage and public order Rights group Amnesty 1995 of conspiring to attack the offences” in the southern towns International says more than United Nations and other New of Samalut and Minya during 1,400 Mursi supporters have been York landmarks. protests against a bloody crack- killed since the army ousted him In a wide ranging audio down in Cairo on August 14 when last July 3. Another 15,000 have interview, the Al Qaeda leader hundreds of people were killed, been arrested as the military- expressed solidarity with the the source said. They are able to installed interim authorities Muslim Brotherhood which is appeal the verdicts. crack down on the Brotherhood facing a violent crackdown by On March 24, 529 Mursi sup- after designating it a “terrorist” the army-backed government in porters were sentenced to death group and blaming it for the wave An employee stacks ballot boxes ahead of elections in Arbil yesterday. Egypt and urged unity among on the second day of their trial of violence sweeping the country. rebels in their fight against Syrian in Minya province in the largest AFP President Bashar Al Assad. Iraq attacks kill 15 as polls loom Reuters could not verify the authenticity of the Zawahiri tape, but the voice resembled that of BAGHDAD: Attacks in Iraq the capital, security and medical a Shia militia previously blamed the Al Qaeda leader. “I ask Allah killed 15 people yesterday in officials said. for killing US soldiers and kid- the Glorious to help us set free Iran bans third reformist paper the run-up to next week’s first In Salaheddin province north of napping Britons, has been linked Dr Omar Abdel-Rahman and the parliamentary election since US Baghdad, a series of attacks left to groups fighting mostly Sunni rest of the captive Muslims, and TEHRAN: Iran’s judiciary read prisons chief was dismissed, troops withdrew, with violence eight people dead. In one incident, rebels in Syria, whose civil war I ask Allah to help us capture banned reformist newspaper while he has been appointed to at its worst in years. gunmen killed four soldiers, while has split the Middle East’s sectar- from among the Americans and Ebtekar yesterday for “spread- another post and not dismissed,” Shootings and blasts in the militants elsewhere in the prov- ian communities, particularly in the Westerners to enable us to ing lies”, ISNA news agency ISNA said. capital came a day after a twin ince killed a provincial councillor multi-confessional Iraq. exchange them for our captives,” reported, making it the third According to opposition web- bombing by a jihadist group on a and three of his guards. The Islamic State of Iraq said Zawahiri, according to the such publication to be shut down sites, several inmates in the noto- Shiite political rally there killed Also in Salaheddin, insurgents and the Levant (ISIL) claimed SITE website monitoring service. by authorities in recent months. rious Section 350 of Evin prison 36 people, the deadliest single detonated bombs at two polling the attack, saying it wanted to Abdel-Rahman is serving a life “I received a note from media were beaten after scuffles broke attack during campaigning for centres but did not cause any avenge the League’s involvement term in the United States for a court which said a ban has been out at a cell block, with some Wednesday’s polls. casualties. A police officer said at in neighbouring Syria. ISIL, itself 1993 attack on New York’s World imposed on the daily for spread- of them seriously wounded and Prime Minister Nouri Al least two of the Baghdad assas- fighting in Syria, made the claim Trade Center. ing lies,” Mohammad Ali Vakili, taken to hospital. Maliki is seeking a third term sinations appeared to be revenge in a statement on jihadist forums Zawahiri also urged “jihad managing director of the daily, After the incident prisons chief on Wednesday, with voters citing attacks for Friday’s twin bomb- hours after the attack. and overthrowing the criminal told ISNA. Gholam Hossein Ismaili, was a long list of grievances ranging ings targeting the political rally. Iraqis will vote with no sign of Al Assad regime” in Syria and ISNA said the ban was replaced by Asghar Jahangir and from poor electricity and sewer- Friday evening’s car bomb fol- a let-up in the violence, and the renewed his call to end infight- imposed because of a head- appointed to a senior post as head age services to rampant corrup- lowed by a suicide attack hit a country still needing to rebuild ing among jihadists that increased line in Thursday’s edition for of the justice department in the tion and high unemployment. rally for the Sadiqun bloc, the after decades of conflict and sanc- this year, pitting the Islamic State a story about the replacement capital. A judiciary spokesman A bomb inside a central political wing of the Asaib Ahel tions. Several Shia blocs are com- of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) of the country’s prisons chief said Ismaili’s reassignment “had Baghdad cafe killed three people Al Haq (League of the Righteous) peting with Maliki for votes in his against rival rebels including over reports of violence against nothing to with what happened on Saturday, and gunmen killed militia, killing 36 people. traditional heartland of central other hardline Islamists. political prisoners. “The headline in Section 350”. four others in shootings around The League of the Righteous, and southern Iraq. AFP REUTERS of one of the Ebtekar columns AFP SUNDAY 27 APRIL 2014 INTERNATIONAL www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11

Sainthood at Dutch mark first King’s Day Vatican today Tensions rise over VATICAN CITY: THE HAGUE: Hundreds of unveiling a giant painting in the Thousands of pilgrims thousands of orange-clad Dutch city centre. began a night of prayer lined the streets yesterday as Willem-Alexander, 46, was sworn in Rome yesterday the Netherlands celebrated its in on April 30 last year, the first as Pope Francis and first “King’s Day” in honour of Dutch king in more than 120 years. Benedict XVI pre- observers’ kidnap Willem-Alexander, inaugurated Yesterday marked the first-ever pared to confer saint- one year ago. “King’s Day” celebration, a tradi- hood on John Paul II The popular king and his tion introduced during the reign of and John XXIII in a Western powers threaten Russia with more sanctions Argentinian-born wife, Queen a succession of Dutch queens, start- historic effort to unite Maxima, were greeted by thousands ing around 1890. the Catholic Church. SLAVIANSK, UKRAINE: of enthusiastic fans in the north- The day came just ahead of the Religious chants rang Pro-Russian separatists in east- western fishing town of De Rijp, monarch’s birthday today, and saw out as pilgrims settled ern Ukraine offered yesterday where they took part in traditional the country turn orange as the down with sleeping bags to release eight captive inter- Dutch games. Dutch donned hats, shirts, scarves, and picnic chairs to be national observers in a prisoner Queen Maxima hit a ball into the sunglasses and even blow-up first in line for today’s exchange, as Western govern- mouth of a mock-up whale — sym- crowns in the colour of the Royal ceremony in the Vatican ments prepared new sanctions bol of the town’s past as a whale House. honouring two of mod- against Moscow. processing centre — to thunder- Some 89,000 people travelled ern Catholicism’s most The pro-Western govern- ous applause before moving on to by train to traditional party spot influential figures. AFP ment in Kiev blamed Russia for receive flowers from well-wishers. Amsterdam yesterday morning, the what it called the kidnapping on From there the royal procession, Dutch rail service said, to join some Friday of the monitors from the including the king’s mother, now 800,000 other visitors expected in Organisation for Security and Princess Beatrix, who abdicated last the city. Colombia mine Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). year after 33 years on the throne, Dutch media speculated that The separatists said they sus- travelled south to Amstelveen near Willem-Alexander may change blast kills four pected the observers of spying; Amsterdam. celebrations next year or do away Ukraine said they were being used The royal couple were awaited with the tradition altogether, but he BOGOTA: An explosion as human shields. by their three daughters, crown- told crowds in Amstelveen: “Why in a Colombian mine has Since Ukrainians toppled princess Amalia, 10 and princesses would you want to change some- killed at least four peo- their pro-Russian president in Alexia, 8 and Ariane, 6, who made thing that’s such a success?” ple and injured 81 others, February, Russia has annexed a surprise appearance, before AFP authorities said yester- Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula day. The blast took place and massed tens of thousands of in the northwestern town troops on the country’s eastern of Buritica and generated border. NATO has responded by An armoured personnel carrier is seen near a barricade around the state large amounts of toxic sending reinforcements to eastern security service building in Slaviansk, Ukraine, yesterday. gas, local disaster relief Europe, in the gravest East-West official Cesar Hernandez crisis since the Cold War. yesterday to seek the release of of a German-led military veri- told reporters. Earlier yesterday the Group of those detained in Slaviansk, a fication mission deployed since Seven major economies announced city under the separatists’ con- early March at Kiev’s request Slovenia PM loses they had agreed to impose more trol. Those being held are from — were being held “in inhuman sanctions on Russia, which they Germany, Sweden, Denmark, conditions” and that one needed party leadership believe is bent on destabilising Poland and the Czech Republic. medical help. A spokeswoman its former Soviet neighbour and Vyacheslav Ponomaryov, de for the Vienna-based organisa- LJUBLJANA: Political possibly grabbing more territory. facto mayor of Slaviansk, told tion, of which Russia is a mem- turmoil returned to Diplomats said the United States reporters: “They were soldiers on ber, said the OSCE had been in Slovenia yesterday after and the European Union were our territory without our permis- contact with “all sides” since late Prime Minister Alenka expected to unveil new punitive sion, of course they are prisoners.” on Friday but had had no direct Bratusek lost the party action against Russian individuals He said the separatists were contact with the observers. leadership following 13 from tomorrow. ready to exchange the captured The Russian Foreign Ministry months in office that saw Russia denies orchestrating a monitors for fellow rebels now said it was working to resolve the bailout fears ease in the campaign by pro-Moscow mili- in the custody of the Ukrainian crisis, but blamed Kiev for fail- small eurozone mem- tants who have seized control of authorities. ing to ensure the OSCE mission’s ber. Bratusek, 44, was public buildings across eastern “Prisoners have always been safety in “areas where the author- defeated in a vote in the Ukraine. It accuses the Kiev gov- coins to exchange during times ities do not control the situation early hours of yesterday ernment of whipping up tensions of war. It’s an international prac- and where a military operation at a congress of the rul- by sending troops to root out the tice,” he said. against residents of their own ing Positive Slovenia (PS) separatists. Ukraine’s state security service country has been unleashed”. party. The OSCE sent more monitors said the OSCE observers — part REUTERS Finland military for joining Nato

HELSINKI: Almost two-thirds of Finnish military officers believe the country should join NATO, and even more think the Russian mili- tary threat has grown in the wake of the Ukraine crisis, a poll showed yesterday. Russia forces kill 5 Dagestan rebels

MOSCOW: Russian security forces killed up to five suspected militants in armed confrontations in the North Caucasus province of Dagestan yes- terday. Two officers were wounded in the fighting in the Caspian Sea coastal city of Derbent, where police and other govern- ment forces stormed two homes, Interfax news agency said. Opposition turmoil in Zimbabwe

HARARE: Infighting in Zimbabwe’s main oppo- sition party intensified yesterday, with a splin- ter group announcing it has suspended leader Morgan Tsvangirai for violence and violat- ing the party’s consti- tution. The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) faction said it suspended former Prime Minister Tsvangirai, his deputy Thokozani Khupe, chairperson Lovemore Moyo and four other sen- ior party officials. Berlusconi remark ruffles opponents

ROME: Italy’s gaffe- prone former premier Silvio Berlusconi enraged his political opponents yesterday by saying Germans do not believe World War II concentra- tion camps existed. AGENCIES SUNDAY 27 APRIL 2014 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA / PHILIPPINES

Thailand jails protest leader Obama voices solidarity on missing jet

BANGKOK: Thai authori- US president on first Malaysia visit ties have made a rare arrest of one of the leaders of the KUALA LUMPUR: Barack He also had tough words for country’s anti-government Obama yesterday became the Pyongyang yesterday, telling protest movement on charges first sitting US president in cheering US troops in Seoul that including insurrection and nearly 50 years to visit mod- the North’s iron rule and belliger- inciting unrest, an official said erate-Muslim Malaysia, where ent threats were signs of weak- yesterday. he quickly expressed solidarity ness. He bemoaned a “pariah Former opposition lawmaker with his hosts over the mystery state that would rather starve Sakoltee Phattiyakul is one of missing flight MH370. its people than feed their hopes of only a handful of promi- Obama touched down on the and dreams”. nent protesters to have been third leg of a four nation Asia US ties with economically detained despite dozens of tour designed to showcase his successful, Malaysia have vastly arrest warrants. “rebalance” of US resources to improved after years of anti-US He was arrested at around the dynamic region, but which has antagonism under former leader midnight at Bangkok’s main been repeatedly interrupted by Mahathir Mohamad. airport while returning from a foreign policy crises from Ukraine Washington sees Malaysia as a trip overseas. to the Middle East. pivotal player in Southeast Asia, “He faces five serious accu- Obama arrived on what is his and talks with Prime Minister sations including insurrection, first-ever visit to Malaysia with Najib Abdul Razak will concen- trespassing, inciting unrest the country under uncomfort- trate on increasing convergence and obstruction of an election,” able scrutiny over its handling of in trade, security cooperation and said Tarit Pengdith, director- tragedy over the airliner which intelligence-sharing. general of the Ministry of vanished on March 8 with 239 “While we may be differ- Justice’s Department of Special people aboard. ent as nations, our people have Investigation (DSI). Transport Minister similar hopes and similar aspi- Sakoltee was later released Hishammuddin Hussein said rations,” Obama said in a toast by the Criminal Court in Obama told him he knows “it is a to Malaysia’s king, Sultan Abdul Bangkok on bail of $18,600 tough, long, road ahead”. Halim Mu’adzam Shah, at a state US President Barack Obama (centre) poses for a photograph with Malaysian King Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam on the condition that he does “We’ll work together. There is dinner. “We can draw strength in Shah (second left), Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak (left), Queen Hamidah Hamidun (second right) and Prime not leave the country or incite always support,” Hishammuddin both our nations from our ethnic Minister Najib’s wife Rosmah Mansor during a state banquet at the National Palace in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. unrest. said the US leader told him at a and religious diversity.” Leaders of the anti-govern- humid arrival ceremony under Malaysia is among several rebuked China for setting up what corruption-plagued coalition Susan Rice. Rhodes said Obama ment movement have flouted grey skies punctuated with a nations with competing territorial it said was an “illegitimate” air in power for 57 years, which is will discuss the broader issue of arrest warrants to deliver fiery crashing formal field gun salute. claims in the South China Sea, defence identification zone in the accused of persecuting opponents. political freedoms in a town hall speeches, lead marches, block “I’m very happy to hear (this) where Beijing’s assertiveness has East China Sea. “We support an open politi- speech to Southeast Asian youth roads and besiege government because it is a long journey.” sparked alarm. In a Malaysian newspaper cal process in Malaysia. We have leaders Sunday, and stressed the buildings in their bid to top- Obama’s tour reaffirms his view In Japan, Obama made clear interview published yesterday, been concerned when we see president does not always meet ple Prime Minister Yingluck that the United States is a key that US mutual defence agree- Obama touted growing security any restrictions on the political opposition leaders when overseas. Shinawatra. Pacific power in a region where ments with Tokyo covered dis- cooperation with Malaysia as a space,” said Ben Rhodes, a deputy Obama will however meet rep- Sakoltee led protesters to US allies are discomforted by the puted islands in the East China way to ensure “freedom of navi- national security adviser. resentatives of civil-society groups storm the building of broad- rise of China and where maritime Sea also claimed by Beijing. gation in critical waterways” and The White House skipped a critical of Najib’s government. caster Thai PBS late last year. tensions have disrupted years of But in a sign of festering ten- that nations “play by the same meeting between Obama and The president is also expected The movement wants to relative calm between nations. sions, Japanese authorities said rules”—a clear reference to China. opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, to try to ease Malaysian concerns replace Yingluck’s government Obama has also been forced to two Chinese coastguard ships Obama has a professed affinity who faces five years in jail on a on his stalled plans for a 12 nation with an unelected “people’s address the potential threat of sailed into Japan’s territorial with Southeast Asia, having spent March 7 sodomy conviction he Trans-Pacific trade agreement, council” that would oversee a new nuclear weapons test by waters around the islands again four years as a boy in Indonesia. calls politically motivated and which has been delayed by tough reforms to tackle alleged cor- North Korea and his adminis- yesterday — just two days after He will simultaneously which the US government has negotiations among potential ruption and rein in the politi- tration’s crumbling effort to forge Obama left Tokyo. court Najib and acknowledge criticised. Anwar will instead partners. cal dominance of her billionaire Middle East peace. The White House last year rising discontent with the meet US national security adviser AFP family. AFP China probes Nepal bill offers amnesty for war crimes Workers hold protest senior official KATHMANDU: Former Maoist Under provisions of the legisla- investigations are underway, now for corruption rebels and security forces who tion, those found guilty of serious these cases will be brought under committed torture, killings and crimes during hearings by the the new commissions,” he added. over factory disaster BEIJING: China is inves- other crimes during Nepal’s commissions could receive a full The conflict between Maoist tigating a senior official in decade-long civil war could be pardon, said Ram Narayan Bidari, guerrillas and the state ended in SAVAR: Thousands of Violent protests broke out in western Qinghai province for granted amnesty under new leg- a Maoist lawmaker. 2006, leaving more than 16,000 Bangladeshis held emotional the capital where police fired tear graft, the ruling Communist islation approved by parliament, Bidari was present in parlia- dead. Rebels, soldiers and police and violent protests on the one- gas at some 2,000 brick-throwing Party’s corruption watchdog a lawmaker said yesterday. ment when the bill was passed by were accused of serious human year anniversary of the world’s demonstrators demanding higher said late on Friday, making Lawmakers late on Friday a minimum two-thirds majority. rights violations including killings, worst garment factory disas- wages and compensation outside a him the latest target in a passed a bill in parliament to set “The commissions will inves- rapes, torture and disappearances. ter, as Western retailers faced small garment factory hub. crackdown on corruption. up a Truth and Reconciliation tigate cases of war-time crimes Victims’ rights groups have pressure to hike aid for victims “More than 20 garment fac- Mao Xiaobing - the party Commission and a Commission related to rape, murder, abduc- accused politicians of bowing to of the accident that cost 1,138 tories were forced to shut down secretary of Xining, the capi- on the Disappeared, aimed at tion, et cetera, and recommend demands from Maoist lawmakers lives. for the day fearing unrest,” local tal of Qinghai - is “suspected healing wounds from the dec- whether they qualify for amnesty to include an amnesty provision in Angry victims, some wearing police chief Moshiur Rahman of serious discipline violations” ade-long conflict. The legislation or not,” Bidari said. the bill, despite recommendations funeral shrouds, staged dem- said. and is being investigated, the had drawn fire before its passage The commissions will examine from a government-appointed onstrations at the site of the Global labour and rights Central Commission for from UN human rights chief Navi all pending war-crimes cases and panel against one. Any offer of now-infamous Rana Plaza fac- groups marked the day by criti- Discipline Inspection (CCDI) Pillay who warned earlier this decide whether to forward them amnesty would still need the vic- tory complex, which collapsed cising the Western retailers said in a one-line statement on month that amnesties for serious to a special court that will be tim’s approval, according to the last April 24 after a catastrophic linked to the disaster, which its website. abuses would “weaken the foun- established under the new legis- bill, which will now be forwarded structural failure. include Spanish brand Mango, It gave no further details but dation for a genuine and lasting lation, Bidari said. “Even if cases to President Ram Baran Yadav Chanting “We want compen- Italian brand Benetton and in China the term discipline peace in Nepal”. have been filed in court or police for his signature. AFP sation!” and “Death to Sohel French retailer Auchan. “Brands violations is generally used to Rana!” the owner of the shoddy are failing workers a second denote corruption. building, the demonstrators -- time,” said Ineke Zeldenrust President Xi Jinping has said who included injured survivors from the Amsterdam-based endemic corruption threatens Fire in Manila residential area and families of the deceased Clean Clothes Campaign. the party’s very survival and -- marched to the ruins of the “First they failed to ensure the has vowed to go after high- nine-storey building outside factories they bought from were flying “tigers” as well as lowly Dhaka carrying flowers and safe, and now they are failing the “flies.” wreaths. survivors and the families of those Mao is the eighth provincial Relatives of the 140 workers who lost loved ones.” or ministry-level official inves- still unaccounted for also joined More than 2,000 people were tigated so far this year, the in, calling on the government injured in a tragedy that high- Global Times, a popular tab- to help find their bodies. They lighted the lax safety standards loid owned by the party’s offi- included toddlers, holding photos and often abusive working condi- cial newspaper People’s Daily, of their missing mothers. tions in the world’s second-biggest said yesterday. “I want my daughter’s dead clothing producer. body. At least it would give us The disaster shamed Western 2 imams jailed some consolation,” said crying brands into launching new mother Minu Begum, clutching safety inspections and pushed over school fire a photo of her missing daughter Bangladesh’s government to Sumi Begum, who worked at one increase wages and ensure the YANGON: Two imams in of Rana Plaza’s five factories. better enforcement of regulations. Myanmar have been sen- For the first time since the dis- But trade union group tenced to eight years in aster, when the site was sealed off, IndustriALL slammed retailers prison for negligence over a relatives of the dead and survi- this week for making “woefully fire at a religious school that vors were allowed inside. Some inadequate” contributions to a killed 13 boys, state media fell to the ground, sobbing and proposed $40m fund set up to said yesterday. Filipino firemen use water cannons to extinguish a blaze in a residential area in Manila yesterday. The Manila grabbing handfuls of dirt, while compensate the families of the Around 70 children, some Fire Department said the fire razed 12 apartment units. No one was hurt. others prayed. dead and the injured. AFP orphans, were sleeping in dor- mitories at the school inside a mosque complex in Yangon when the blaze broke out in April 2013. A court in Yangon said in its ruling on Friday that the All sunken ferry crew in custody, say prosecutors fire was caused by overheating of an electrical regulator and JINDO: All surviving crew The remaining four were sharply criticised for delaying the Korea Register of Shipping today,” a rescue team official said. that the door of the school was members of a sunken South arrested late Saturday after the evacuation order until the — the body responsible for issu- Although all hope of finding locked, according to the New Korean ferry were in cus- warrants were issued, prosecu- ferry was listing so badly that ing marine safety certificates. A survivors has been extinguished, Light of Myanmar newspaper. tody and under arrest yester- tors said. The confirmed death escape was almost impossible. looming storm and high tides put there is still anger and deep The victims died of suffoca- day, prosecutors said, as bad toll from the tragedy stood Prosecutors have raided a host a temporary halt to operations frustration among relatives of tion when they were unable to weather prevented the recov- Saturday at 187, with 115 unac- of businesses affiliated with the to recover the remains of those the missing over the pace of the escape. ery of any of the more-than counted for — many bodies are ferry operator, the Chonghaejin still missing over a week after the recovery operation. The tragedy fanned reli- 100 bodies still missing. believed trapped in the ferry Marine Company, as part of disaster. Frogmen have battled strong gious tensions in the country The Sewol’s captain, Lee Joon- that capsized on April 16 on a an overall probe into corrupt Despite the difficult conditions, currents, poor visibility and following a wave of deadly Seok, and 10 crew members had routine voyage to the southern management. divers made several attempts to blockages caused by floating fur- Buddhist-Muslim unrest, but already been arrested on charges resort island of Jeju with 476 The widening investigation has get into the ship, but to no avail. niture as they have tried to get the authorities were quick to ranging from criminal negli- people on board. also seen travel bans put on eight “Divers could not go deep into inside the upturned vessel, which rule out arson. AGENCIES gence to abandoning passengers. The ship’s captain has been current and former executives of the ship due to strong currents rests on a silty seabed. AFP SUNDAY 27 APRIL 2014 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 Copter crash kills five Afghanistan floods soldiers in Kandahar Nato chopper crashes due to malfunction: Official

LONDON: Five troops were “The incident is under investi- and crashed as a result of techni- killed yesterday in a British gation and it would be inappro- cal fault.” military helicopter crash in priate to comment further until There was no immediate claim Afghanistan, the Ministry of families have been notified.” of responsibility from insurgents. Defence in London said, with ISAF said five troops had died Six US troops were killed in the cause of the incident under in the crash, while it was “review- the December attack when a investigation. ing the circumstances to deter- Blackhawk chopper went down The identities of those on board mine more facts”. in the southern province of Zabul. have yet to be confirmed, though The ISAF statement did not Immediately after that crash, sources said they are all thought name the province where the US officers suggested the heli- be to British service personnel. crash occurred and made no ref- copter had come down due to a The crash in southern erence to whether any insurgents mechanical failure but that the Afghanistan is the largest sin- were active in the area. crew may then have come under gle loss of life for the Nato-led But local officials in southern fire. Officials later said that International Security Assistance Afghanistan said the helicopter Taliban militants brought down Force (ISAF) since a US helicop- came down in volatile Kandahar the aircraft. ter crashed in December after and was not attacked by militants. Aircraft crashes have been a being hit in a Taliban insurgent “A helicopter belonging to Nato regular risk for the ISAF mission attack. troops has crashed in Takhta Pul, in Afghanistan, with troops rely- “The MoD can confirm that a Kandahar province,” said Zia ing heavily on air transport to bat- UK helicopter crashed in south- Durrani, the provincial police tle the Taliban insurgency across ern Afghanistan yesterday,” the spokesman. the south and east of the country. ministry said in a statement. “It was doing military exercises AFP Afghan men walk through a flooded area in Khowaja Dokoh, northern Afghanistan, yesterday. The death toll from flash floods in northern Afghanistan rose to more than 100 with many still missing. Six killed, two wounded in tribal fighting No majority in Afghan presidential election

ISLAMABAD: At least six KABUL: Afghanistan’s presidential election goes to the second round,” Ahmad over alleged fraud. As no candidate gained a possible power-sharing deal. Ghani has people were killed and two election is set for a second-round vote, Yusuf Nuristani, head of the Independent more than 50 percent, a run-off between also vowed to fight on in a run-off. wounded yesterday during preliminary results showed yesterday, Election Commission, told a press confer- the two leading names is required under Serious fraud allegations are being an exchange of fire between as former foreign minister Abdullah ence in Kabul. Abdullah secured 44.9 per- the Afghan constitution. investigated in the vote and yesterday’s two tribal groups over a land Abdullah and ex-World Bank economist cent of the April 5 vote, with his main rival Eight men ran in the election, with poll- announcement is expected to be followed by dispute in the tribal region Ashraf Ghani both failed to secure a Ghani on 31.5 percent, according to the ing day hailed a success by Afghan officials fierce debate over disputed voting papers, of North Waziristan, Dawn decisive victory. preliminary results. and foreign allies as the Taliban failed to ballot-box stuffing and other cheating News reported. The vote will choose a successor to The 2009 election, when Karzai retained launch a major attack despite threats to allegations. According to sources, more outgoing President Hamid Karzai in power, was marred by fraud in a chaotic disrupt the vote. “The election went pretty Preliminary results were delayed by two deaths were feared due to an Afghanistan’s first democratic transfer of process that shook confidence in the mul- good, we are satisfied with it and I think we days due to fraud investigations, with offi- armed clash between the two power. The eventual winner will have to tinational effort to develop the country and are prepared if it goes to the second round,” cials vowing to sift out all suspect votes tribal groups in the Lowara oversee the fight against a resilient Taliban also marked a sharp decline in relations Nuristani said. before they were counted. Karzai, who has Mandi area situated in the insurgency as 51,000 US-led troops depart with the United States. Another expensive, and potentially vio- ruled since the Islamist Taliban regime was Dattakhel tehsil of North this year, as well as strengthen an economy The final official result is set to be lent, election could be avoided by negotia- ousted in 2001, is constitutionally barred Waziristan. The cause of strife that relies on declining aid money. announced on May 14 after a period for tions between the candidates in the coming from serving a third term. between the two groups was “Based on our results, it appears that the adjudication of hundreds of complaints weeks, but Abdullah has dismissed talks of AFP said to be over a piece of land. North Waziristan is one of the seven regions in Pakistan’s 16.5 tonnes of bomb materials seized Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) governed by tribal laws. An extremist insurgency Islamabad govt to set led by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) plagues the region and the area is known to be infested with militants, up Land Port Authority including those from Al Qaeda and other armed extremist ISLAMABAD: With a delay bureaucratic red tape and non- organizations. of more than three months, seriousness of the government Pakistani Finance Minister caused much delay in the imple- Govt to create Ishaq Dar has convened the mentation of this crucial project. first meeting of high-powered On Friday, finance minister con- food authority committee to set up Integrated stituted a sub-committee to make Transit Trade Management a concept paper outlining the ISLAMABAD: The System (ITTMS) at border cus- detailed work plan. Moreover, the Pakistan government is to toms stations to facilitate trade Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) establish a first of its kind with neighbouring countries. will prepare PC1 for the project. halal food authority in order The 13-member committee Dar said on a parallel track all to regulate the production constituted by the prime minister stakeholders would also provide of food and non-food items in January was tasked to recom- inputs and proposals for estab- for import and export. This mend solution and way forward for lishing “Land Port Authority” to body is to be set up under trade facilitation, security of supply be responsible for looking after the the Ministry of Science and chain, infrastructure for developing project on permanent basis. Technology and run by a better controls and advance and The sub-committee consist- board of governors. integrated use of technology with ing of four members secretaries Officials at the ministry swift customs operations. defence, commerce, chairman revealed that the documenta- In December 2012, the PPP- FBR and a representative of ADB tion is complete to move for- led coalition government in will visit the sites to review the ward to fulfil the legislative its Strategic Trade Policy existing arrangements and iden- process. Federal Minister for Framework (2012-15) announced tify the impediments for future up Science and Technology Zahid Security officials display ammonium nitrate bags which were seized during an operation in Laghman, Afghanistan, the establishment of Pakistan gradation of the land ports. Hamid said Pakistan’s share in yesterday. The National Directorate of Security (NDS) force seized 16.5 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, which can Land Port Authority (PLPA), but INTERNEWS the export of halal food items is be used in explosives. nominal. “This amount in total comes up to $2tr,” said Hamid. An official at the ministry said the private and public sector companies would be accredited with the halal food Call to prevent forced Punjab education bill in limbo authority and efforts would be made to boost the export LAHORE: The Punjab Free working for education are con- 2013, every child shall have a right of halal products through the religious conversions and Compulsory Education Bill tinuously demanding the govern- to free and compulsory education proposed regulatory authority. 2013 in Pakistan’s most popu- ment make the free education from Class I to X, nonformal edu- PESHAWAR: Pakistan’s fed- League-Nawaz member of the lous province that may bind the bill public for an open debate so cation, vocational education or a Army hands eral Ministry for Religious Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly government to ensure education it could be made into law, which combination of all or any of the Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Frederick Azeem said that the to children aged 5-16 years in would be free of controversies and two. over 13 inmates has directed the Khyber cases of forced conversation of the province has been consigned apprehensions. The bill states the local govern- Pakhtunkhwa Auqaf and reli- religion was common in Sindh to cold storage, and there is no The Punjab government is sup- ment shall maintain a record of ISLAMABAD: The inter- gious affairs department to take and parts of Punjab, while such indication of having it passed posed to enact the Punjab Free children up to the age of 16 years, mediaries of Tehreek-e- legal steps for the prevention of cases had never been reported in from the Punjab Assembly in and Compulsory Education Bill ensure and monitor admission, Taliban Pakistan (TTP) forced conversions of religion Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. the near future. to ensure right to free and com- attendance and completion of have been told that 13 under the guise of marriages. He said many Hindu girls had Sources say the bill had been pulsory education for all children education by every child residing Taliban prisoners who were Also, the provincial government been converted to Islam under the passed by the Punjab cabinet between 5-16 years of age, which within its jurisdiction. to be released have been has been told to increase quota in guise of marriages. in its previous tenure and con- was recognised under Article It further states that in case a handed over to the govern- jobs in its departments for mem- “This practice is common in sequently presented before the 25(A) incorporated in the 18th child above five years of age has ment by the army for the bers of religious minorities. Sindh, where Hindu girls are Punjab Assembly. However, the Amendment. not been admitted to any school purpose. Sources in the provincial reli- victimised,” he said, adding the assembly was dissolved after its In Punjab, millions of chil- or after admission could not com- “However, they will be gious affairs department said forced conversions of religion five-year tenure. dren aged 5-16 were still out of plete education, the local govern- freed only after knowing how yesterday that the federal gov- prompted the federal government Since then, there seems no school and Punjab Chief Minister ment shall develop a mechanism and when the Taliban would ernment had approved certain to take legal steps. The sources progress on the subject. Only Shahbaz Sharif had last week to ensure admission of the child in reciprocate,” a credible source measures for the protection of said the federal government had Punjab Education Minister Rana launched Students Enrolment a school according to age, previous quoted the government side as the minorities’ rights and asked asked the provinces to increase Mashhood had in February stated Campaign with a commitment to class and other circumstances. telling the Taliban representa- all four provinces to ensure its quota for members of minorities the Right to Education Bill, enrol some four million of such The bill states the government tives led by Maulana Samiul implementation. in their jobs and educational insti- already passed by the Punjab cab- children this year. He also com- and local authority shall have Haq, who held a session with The federal government is likely tutions. Five percent job quota inet, would be presented before mitted to enrolment of all out-of- concurrent responsibility for Interior Minister Nisar Ali. to bring the Hindu Marriage Bill was fixed in federal government the Punjab Assembly for approval school children by May 31, 2016. providing funds to offer free and AGENCIES in the National Assembly soon. jobs for minorities in 2009. in the first week of March. According to the Punjab Free compulsory education to children. Pakistan Muslim INTERNEWS Civil society organisations and Compulsory Education Bill INTERNEWS SUNDAY 27 APRIL 2014 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA Singh ‘very sad’ over kin joining BJP Family shocked over Daljit’s move

NEW DELHI/AMRITSAR/ shock at Daljit’s “extremely KOLKATA: Prime Minister wrong” and “shameful” decision Manmohan Singh said he felt to join the BJP. “very sad” at his step-brother His nephew Mandeep Singh joining the BJP even as his fam- told reporters in Amritsar on ily literally got divided between Friday: “The whole family is the opposition party and the shocked to learn of Daljitji’s deci- Congress, with another step- sion. We have been associated brother joining the Congress with the Congress from the very road show of party candidate beginning and will remain faith- Amarinder Singh in Amritsar ful to them always. What he has yesterday. done is extremely wrong. This Manmohan Singh said he felt is shameful and should not have “very sad” at his younger step been done.” brother Daljit Singh Kohli join- Hitting out at the BJP for ing the Bharatiya Janata Party. showcasing its new recruit, Speaking to reporters on the Daljit, the Congress said it did sidelines of the Padma awards not go overboard when former function in New Delhi, he said prime minister Atal Behari to a query: “I feel very sad. But I Vajpayee’s niece quit the BJP have no control over what others and joined its fold. do. They are adults.” “I don’t think this is some- In Amritsar, just a day after thing you need to hawk politi- Rahul Gandhi (centre), Congress party’s vice-president, waves to supporters during a campaign rally in Gujarat yesterday. the BJP embarrassed the cally. But since the BJP is trying Congress and Manmohan Singh to hawk it politically, let me say by inducting Daljit, another that we didn’t go to town when Re-polling in step-brother, Surjit Singh Vajpayee’s niece joined us,” Congress alone can develop Kohli, an entrepreneur, joined Congress national spokesperson the Congress road show with Abhishek Manu Singhvi told 12 booths Amarinder, who is contesting reporters in Kolkata. the Amritsar Lok Sabha seat “...Vajpayee’s niece was much Telangana, says Prime Minister in Karnataka against senior BJP leader Arun more in active politics, and was a Jaitley. sitting MLA,” Singhvi said about HYDERABAD: Prime a new phase of development and opportunities, it can become one Daljit had joined the BJP and Karuna Shukla. Minister Manmohan Singh prosperity will begin,” he said. of the developed states. He also said on Tuesday shared the dais with BJP’s prime Shukla ended her 32-year asso- yesterday claimed that forma- Manmohan Singh said the Hyderabad will have a key role in ministerial candidate Narendra ciation with the BJP last year and tion of Telangana state was not Congress fulfilled its promise the development of Telangana. “If BANGALORE: Re-polling will Modi during an election rally here joined the Congress in February possible without the Congress though many hurdles came in our government is elected, we will be held on Tuesday in a dozen on Friday evening. slamming Modi and alleging and said that it is only the party its way. “Many smaller parties work for prosperity, development polling booths spread across “Today, Prime Minister that a “special group” now occu- which can take the new state are now trying to take credit for of agriculture and industry and will nine Lok Sabha constituencies Manmohan Singh’s brother pied the BJP with the end of the on the path of development and Telangana but I say if Congress and provide new employment opportu- in Karnataka due to glitches in Daljeet Singh has joined the BJP. Vajpayee era. prosperity. Sonia Gandhi had not worked hard, nities for youth.” the electronic voting machines This will further strengthen us. In a barb at the functioning “I want to assure that your strug- it would not have been possible,” The prime minister said after the (EVMs) and fault of polling We are not a membership party. of the PMO when Vajpayee was gle and sacrifices for formation of he said without naming Telangana bifurcation, the government kept in personnel in one booth, a senior We form blood relations,” Modi the prime minister (1998-2004), Telangana state will not go in vain. Rashtra Samithi (TRS). view the needs of both the states. official said yesterday. said in Amritsar while welcom- Singhvi said Manmohan Singh We will together make a Telangana He said the people of Telangana “I announced in parliament a spe- “We have ordered re-polling ing Kohli into the BJP fold with had always kept relatives at a state which the whole country will had a responsibility to choose first cial package for Andhra Pradesh. in 11 booths of nine parliamen- a warm hug on the dais. “bargepole distance”. be proud of,” he told an election rally government of the new state. “It’s We want both the states to set new tary seats after technicians found Daljit’s entry into the BJP “As far as we know, the prime in Bhongir in Nalgonda district, a huge responsibility because the records of development,” he said. the EVMs used in them faulty fold was played up by the BJP minister of this country has about 50km from here. policies and functioning of the The Prime Minister said that and due to mishandling of the leadership here, especially by been exemplary - and let me It was Manmohan Singh’s first government will decide how the statements of some BJP lead- machine in one booth,” state chief Jaitley who is facing a tough fight be very clear, totally unlike first public meeting in Telangana much development Telangana ers show that dividing society is electoral officer Anil Kumar Jha against Amarinder, a former chief the previous PMO, that is the after parliament passed a bill can achieve,” he said adding that inseparable part of the party’s told reporters here. minister PMO of 1999-2004 — in keep- in February for bifurcation of Congress alone can live up to their politics. “Though BJP later tried General elections were held Daljit, a textile exporter with ing every relative at a bargepole Andhra Pradesh. expectations. “We have experience to distance away from these state- April 17 in all the 28 Lok Sabha no political background earlier, distance,” he said. Congratulating people on for- of working for development. We ments, I believe attempt to divide seats across the state, and saw had told media that he joined the Manmohan Singh had studied mation of Telangana state, he said know how to achieve development the society is an inseparable part 67.3 percent voting. BJP as he was upset about the in Amritsar after his father’s fam- after few days, the first govern- by taking along all sections of people. of BJP’s politics. The statements Re-polling will be held from 7am way that Manmohan Singh was ily migrated there from western ment of Telangana will be formed Above all we respect sentiments of have come at a time when some to 6pm on April 29 in Ranebennur treated by the Congress. Punjab following the partition in and their old dream will turn into Telangana people,” he added. states are going to polls where booth (57) in Haveri constitu- The prime minister’s family August 1947. reality. “I have no doubt that with Manmohan Singh said if BJP think politics of division will ency, Bagalkot and Jamkhandi members had on Friday expressed IANS the formation of Telangana state people of Telangana get right benefit them,” he said. IANS booths (7 & 27) in Bagalkot, Sindagi booth (216) in Bijapur, Sedam booth (165) in Gulbarga Polling officials Each candidate had separate (reserved), Shapur and Yadgir booths (35 & 112) in Raichur, two arrested over booths in Bidar town (20 & 21) in ballot box in first election! Bidar, in Byandur booth (174) in rigging in Assam NEW DELHI: Did you know were printed by the Election Shimoga, in Arsikere booth (72) that in the first general election Commission at the Government in Hassan and in Turvekare booth GUWAHATI: Two days after in India, held over a four-month of India Security Press at Nashik. (8) in Tumkur constituency. the final phase of the Lok Sabha period in 1951-52, voters were The first general election had a The state poll panel sought the polls in Assam, police yesterday given differently coloured bal- total number of 1,874 candidates, Election Commission’s permission arrested six people, including lot boxes for each candidate in including 533 independents, com- for re-polling after technicians the presiding officer, four col- which to cast their vote? pared to 8,070 candidates in the retrieved the data from the faulty leagues and a polling agent of a India’s first Election Commission 2009 election. The number of politi- EVMs. “Re-polling is being held political party, over allegations had very thoughtfully kept in mind cal parties participating were 53, to avoid any dispute after count- of casting of votes under influ- the large population of illiterate vot- including 14 national parties. The ing of votes May 16 due to glitch ence, officials said. ers — literacy level was just 16 per- 2009 election saw 363 political par- in the EVMs,” Jha clarified. The The incident of rigging took cent then as compared to 73 percent ties participating, which included poll panel has also re-enforced place at polling station No.35 at now — while deciding on the ballot- seven national parties and 34 state the model code of conduct in all Bornijora L.P. School in Jalukbari ing system. At polling booths, each parties, with the rest comprising the nine constituencies where re- assembly segment of the Gauhati candidate was allotted a separate unrecognised parties. polling has been ordered. IANS Lok Sabha constituency. Re-polling ballot box, differently coloured, on “As many as 196,084 polling sta- in the booth will be held on which each candidate’s name and tions were set up throughout the Repolling in one Monday, according to the orders election symbol was labelled. length and breadth of the country, of the Election Commission. “A voter had to simply insert of which 27,527 were exclusively Bengal booth today According to the allegations, the ballot paper given to him in reserved for women,” he says in the polling officials had allowed the ballot box of the candidate of the book. Of the 173 million elec- KOLKATA: Repolling will be the agent Bimal Boro to press his choice in the voting compart- torate, 105,950,083 voted. held in one booth today in West the button of the electronic vot- ment,” writes former chief elec- After the votes were counted and Bengal’s Malda district follow- ing machines for other electors. tion commissioner S Y Quraishi results declared, the first House of ing an electronic voting machine The controversy came to the in his book An Undocumented the People was constituted by the (EVM) error during Thursday’s fore yesterday after a local TV Wonder: The Making of the Great Election Commission on April 2, polls, a Election Commission channel showed visuals that Indian Election (Rainlight, Rupa). 1952. To help out in the election official said yesterday. the election agent was press- Even as the country is in the process, a provision was made under Meanwhile, the poll panel has ing the EVM button himself for midst of its 16th general election Section 159 of the Representation sought a detailed report from several voters. The Bharatiya spread over 36 days and 10 phases, of the People Act, 1951, to allow the West Midnapore’s district magis- Janata Party and the Asom Gana what is not known are the chal- employees of local authorities and trate regarding the damage to the Parishad (AGP) lodged formal lenges the fledgling democracy faced government servants to be deployed Commission’s vehicles deployed complaints in this regard with the in conducting the country’s first gen- on election duty. for videographing a Trinamool state chief electoral officer (CEO). eral election in 1952, that was spread Employees from the private Congress rally in Kolshibhanga “We have received formal com- over four months and 68 polling sector were deliberately kept out, area of Salboni village. plaints in this regard. Already a days, or phases, says Quraishi. writes Quraishi. But as the size of The Communist Party of India- case has been registered against The elections were held from the electorate and elections grew, Marxist has lodged a complaint the five polling officials and October 15, 1951, to February the poll panel found the number of with the panel for a missing log the election agent in Bornijora 21, 1952, for an electorate of government servants inadequate. book linked to EVM commission- polling station,” said Assam over 173 million (173,212,343). In 1997, Section 159 was amended ing. The commission has sought a CEO Vijayendra. The Election The first phase was held in the to include the services of employ- detailed report from the district Commission also ordered re- assembly constituencies of Chini ees of state-run universities and officer of Kolkata. The tally for poling in 15 polling stations in A girl holds a placard during a ‘Let’s Vote for Better India’ awareness and Pangi in Himachal Pradesh, other government institutions as candidates contesting in the fifth Kokrajhar, Guwahati, Mangaldai campaign rally in Hyderabad yesterday. The campaign aims to raise before the onset of winter, while well as public sector companies to phase of the polls on May 12 stood and Nowgong constituencies, awareness among urban youth to participate in the voting process. the final 68th phase was held in add to the human force needed. at 189 after scrutiny. The last date which will be held April 27. IANS Uttar Pradesh. The ballot papers IANS for withdrawal is April 28. IANS SUNDAY 27 APRIL 2014 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15

President presents War of words over Saradha scam Padma awards Mamata shielding party leaders, deflecting focus: Singhvi; Trinamool hits back NEW DELHI: President Pranab Mukherjee yesterday NEW DELHI/KOLKATA: the Communist Party of India- Chidambaram said she appeared so keen to hide things for a scam Sen and appointed a judicial com- presented the Padma awards The Congress and West Bengal’s Marxist and Congress itself were as a professional advising a woman of this proportion? Why are they mission that has already compen- to eminent personalities like ruling Trinamool Congress yes- involved in the scam which has who was exploring “some indus- not prepared to leave criminal- sated four lakh investors. author Ruskin Bond and actor terday engaged in a bitter spat been hogging the limelight in trial opportunities with Sen”. He ity to an agency like the CBI?” he In contrast the legislation sent Paresh Rawal at a function at over the Saradha scam, accusing the ongoing Lok Sabha poll cam- said while her remuneration was asked. “There are MPs from the by the Mamata Banerjee regime the Rashtrapati Bhavan here. each other’s leaders of involve- paign in the eastern state after paid by a cheque, the issue was Trinamool, contesting candidates, to the central government for The president presented one ment in the state’s biggest scam. the central agency Enforcement clarified nine months ago. political leaders from the state... presidential assent on the chit Padma Vibhushan, 11 Padma Finance Minister P Directorate recently arrested On Banerjee’s allegation that he all are involved.” fund issue was still pending in Bhushans and 44 Padma Shri Chidambaram yesterday joined the wife and son of purported had instructed the ED to step up Taking a dig at Banerjee’s claim Delhi. awards at a civil investiture cer- the attack against Chief Minister Saradha scam kingpin Sudipta the probe ahead of the polls, the of personal honesty and maintain- BJP president Nitin Gadkari emony, an official statement said. Mamata Banerjee on the multi- Sen. minister said he did not monitor ing an austere lifestyle, he said: told the media in Kolkata that Yoga exponent Bellur crore rupee Saradha chit fund Addressing the media in New individual cases. “What is the use of talking about Banerjee should agree to a CBI Krishnamachar Sundaraja scandal, questioning why she was Delhi, Chidambaram countered “I don’t monitor or give direc- simplicity, cleanliness, when you probe into the scam to uphold her Iyenger was conferred the Padma taking the side of those charged Banerjee’s demand that his wife tion to any individual cases. And don’t have the moral and politi- government’s image as all other Vibhushan — the highest among with “wrongdoing”. Nalini Chidambaram should be this particular case happens to be cal courage to act against your states affected by the scandal has the Padma awards, but the second Chidambaram’s comments arrested as her name figured in a case where the Calcutta High own people, who have defrauded consented to it. highest civilian award. coincided with Congress national a letter written to the CBI by Sen Court has passed an order, and the poor people of the state The Saradha scam — the big- The Padma Bhushan was spokesperson Abhishek Manu before his arrest last April. there is some petition pending in about whom you shed crocodile gest such scandal to hit the state conferred among others on ten- Singhvi lambasting the West “The chief minister of course is the Supreme Court.” tears every day?” The Trinamool — came to light in April last year nis player Leander Paes, Indian Bengal regime and Banerjee for free to make allegation. But why In Kolkata, Singhvi went all responded to the twin attacks when the company closed shop Institute of Science director P “hiding facts” and “desperately try- is the chief minister so concerned guns blazing. “In the Supreme by iterating it did not “trust” across Bengal, unable to pay back Balram, Justice Dalveer Bhandari ing to protect” tainted Trinamool about people, rightly or wrongly I Court, the most vehement oppo- the CBI, calling it the “Congress depositors, many of whom were and Bond. members and leaders by “vehe- don’t know, charged with wrong- sition to any part of the inquiry Bureau of investigation”. from poorer sections of society. Agriculture scientist mently opposing” a Central Bureau doing? The chief minister should being conducted by the CBI is In a joint statement, Trinamool As the company went bust, Madappa Mahadevappa, Space of Investigation probe. be concerned with the victims of coming from the state govern- national spokespersons Derek many agents and investors com- Commission chairman Koppillil The Trinamool hit back by the wrongdoing.” ment,” he told media persons. O`Brien and Amit Mitra said mitted suicide, and protests took Radhakrishnan, founder director alleging that “leading lights” of Defending his wife, “Why is the state government the state government arrested place across the state. IANS of National Institute of Malaria Research Vinod Prakash Sharma and artist, writer and education- ist Gulammohammed Sheikh Traffic woes were also conferred the Padma Bhushan. Eminent oncologist Siddhartha Ramdev says sorry for Mukherjee, best known for win- ning the Pulitzer prize for his book on cancer, received the ‘honeymoon’ remark Padma Shri. Among those from the medi- cal profession who received the NEW DELHI/LUCKNOW: A extremely objectionable com- Padma Shri was N K Pandey, day after his comment on Rahul ments and we strongly condemn chairman and managing direc- Gandhi visiting Dalit homes them. These remarks about Dalits tor of Asian Institute of Medical for his “honeymoon” sparked and women show his mentality. He Sciences. outrage, Baba Ramdev yester- claims to be a Yoga guru. Does our “I’m deeply humbled by the day apologised and said he was culture teach him to talk this way honour conferred on me, but I misinterpreted, even as a police about Dalits? Are Dalit women also recognise the responsibil- complaint was filed against the commodities to be used?” said ity of living up to this honour by yoga guru in Lucknow. Kumari Selja, former social justice redoubling my efforts to further “I did not mean to insult Rahul and empowerment minister. improve the healthcare sector in Gandhi or Dalits. Rahul Gandhi She was accompanied by our country,” he said. indulges in publicity with photos Women and Child Development Cricketer Yuvraj Singh, emi- of him sitting in homes of Dalits. Minister Krishna Tirath and nent writer Anita Desai and If my statement hurt the Dalits, Congress’s women’s wing head noted painter Sunil Das, who I regret it,” Ramdev said. Shobha Ozha. The BJP, mean- were also on the list of awar- Ramdev had on Friday said in while, defended Ramdev. dees, could not make it to the Lucknow: “He (Rahul Gandhi) “Ramdev’s comment was twisted. ceremony. Noted academic goes to Dalits’ houses for honey- He was referring to the ‘honeymoon Dhirubhai Premshanker Thaker A family of five travels on a motor-bike in the busy traffic of Kolkata yesterday. The frequency of accidents moon and picnic. Had he married period’ that is used in common fig- was posthumously awarded the in India is among the highest in the world with reports saying that the country accounts for about 10 percent a Dalit girl, his luck could have ure of speech... What he meant was Padma Bhushan. IANS of fatalities in road accidents worldwide. clicked and he would have become that Rahul Gandhi casually goes prime minister.” to Dalit homes, and does noth- A first information report ing for them,” BJP spokesperson has been registered in Lucknow Shahnawaz Hussain said. against the yoga guru. The In Mumbai, the Congress and Congress reacted strongly to the NCP strongly protested against comment, accusing Ramdev of Ramdev’s comments with both Heat wave forces Odisha to close schools insulting Dalits and women. parties threatening to ban “Yoga has a physical and spir- the yoga guru from entering BHUBANESWAR: With the Celsius and above. Seven stations wave situation was likely to con- Special arrangements for treat- itual dimension. The spiritual Maharashtra. “The daughters of mercury crossing 43 degrees crossed the 43 degrees Celsius tinue till May 3. ment of heat-stroke patients have dimension is more important. Dalits are not stranded without Celsius in many parts of Odisha, mark. These were Hirakud (43.8 People have been advised to been made in all hospitals. How can someone call himself a shelter. Ramdev has insulted the the state government yesterday degrees), the state’s highest of the take precautionary measures and Dedicated heat-stroke treat- yoga guru with this kind of men- entire Dalit community,” said ordered the closure of all gov- day, followed by Bhawanipatna protect themselves from the heat. ment rooms have been arranged tality?” said Congress spokesper- Nationalist Congress Party execu- ernment and private schools (43.5 degrees), Titlagarh (43.5 No non-air-conditioned buses with air-conditioning or cooling son Abhishek Manu Singhvi. tive president Jitendra Awhad. from May 1. degrees), Sambalpur (43.4 will be allowed to ply from 11am facilities in medical colleges in “This is an insult to Dalits He termed Ramdev’s state- “Examinations are over in all degrees), Talcher (43.3 degrees), to 3pm, especially during the peak Bhubaneswar and various district and women, all for a deep seated ment that Rahul Gandhi visits schools and morning classes are Angul (43.1 degrees) and Bolangir heat hours. headquarters. venom for Rahul Gandhi. I think the homes of Dalits for honey- being held now. All schools will (43.1 degrees). All bus operators have been Many roads were deserted as people have forgotten that Baba moon and picnic as “shocking”. break for summer vacation from State chief secretary J K told to keep ready first-aid boxes people preferred to stay indoors. Ramdev has spent all his energy “Ramdev must withdraw this May 1. The colleges will break Mohapatra Saturday reviewed and drinking water in their vehi- There were reports of power on BJP’s prime ministerial candi- statement immediately and for summer vacation on May 9,” the situation and the prepar- cles. Instructions have been issued cuts and water scarcity from date Narendra Modi and his party express an unconditional apol- special relief commissioner P K edness of various government to both government and private interior parts of the state. Even in the last few weeks,” Singhvi said. ogy to the Dalits. Otherwise, Mohapatra told reporters. departments at a meeting held organisations not to carry out any in Bhubaneswar, there were fre- Three women leaders of the we will not allow him to enter As many as 17 stations recorded at the secretariat. outdoor activities and engage any quent outages in some areas. Congress accused Ramdev of Maharashtra,” Awhad warned. temperatures of 40 degrees Weather officials said the heat workers during noon. IANS being “anti-women”. “These are IANS

Kashmir unrest Court issues notice to Woman judge takes charge of Kerala shrine

YouTube, Facebook THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: K P Indira, the principal additional sessions judge here, NEW DELHI: A court here well as the secular character of yesterday took charge as the head of the admin- yesterday issued notice to the nation. istration of the Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple YouTube, Facebook and a TV “The purpose of the video and as directed by the Supreme Court. channel on a plea by a lawyer contents thereof are in any case The Supreme Court’s interim order on the seeking permanent restraint to mislead and misguide the inno- administration of the temple came on Thursday on an alleged hate speech by cent members of the Muslim on the recommendations of amicus curiae Gopal Andhra Pradesh legislator community and to imbalance the Subramaniam, who had sought overhauling of the Akbaruddin Owaisi, saying it religious harmony in the country functioning of the temple. The order said that if the was hurting the sentiments of for political gain. district judge is not a Hindu, the administration various religious communities. “The defendants are continu- should be handed over to the next senior-most judge. Advocate Amit Sahni told ously broadcasting the same, As soon as the court order came, district judge civil judge Vikrant Vaid that the which is against the very secular Sunil P Thomas on Friday asked Indira to take alleged speech hate speech was fabric of the Constitution,” Sahni over the charge of the temple administration. Indira being continuously broadcast said in his plea. offered prayers at the temple on Friday and took by YouTube and it was hurt- Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen charge yesterday. The Apex Court bench of Justice ing the sentiments of religious leader Owaisi had delivered the R M Lodha and Justice A K Patnaik has also asked communities. controversial speech at pub- former comptroller and auditor general Vinod Rai He sought a permanent lic meetings in Nizamabad and to undertake the audit of the temple accounts and restraint on the video, saying Nirmal in the state on December properties, for the past quarter of a century. it was easily visible and acces- 8 and 22, 2012 respectively. The court also appointed senior Indian sible to every common man. The The speeches went viral on Administrative Service officer and former administra- court issued notice to YouTube, social networking websites and tor of the Guruvayur temple K N Satish as the execu- Facebook and 4TV channel and people lodged complaints with tive officer of the temple. Satish is, however, expected asked them to file their replies police and courts. Followed by the to take charge only next month. The five-member by June 5. complaints, Owaisi, a legislator Villagers shout slogans during the funeral procession of Shabir Ahmad, a suspected militant committee will comprise Indira, the temple’s tantri Sahni told the court that the from Chanrayanagutta in Andhra in Keller, some 60km south of Srinagar, yesterday. Three militants and two army men includ- and chief nambi and two more members, of which video may lead to dangerous con- Pradesh, was arrested but later ing an officer were killed in a 22-hour long encounter in south Kashmir’s Shopian district. one will be appointed in consultation with the state sequences in society and it was released on bail in January 2013. government and one would be selected by Indira. necessary for preserving peace as IANS IANS SUNDAY 27 APRIL 2014 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME International Wind Festival

Fajr (Dawn) 3:40 Shorook (Sunrise) 5:01 Zuhr (Noon) 11:32 Asr (Afternoon) 3:01 Maghrib (Sunset) 6:03 Isha (Night) 7:33

WEATHER Weather Today Monday Tuesday Conditions: Clear Clear Partly cloudy Hazy at first at places High: 38° High: 41° High: 40° becoming fine Low: 28° Low: 26° Low: 26° to relatively hot during the day with scattered clouds.

DOHA - SUN & SEA SUN TIDE SEA SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND 05:03 17:59 03:00 & 16:15 09:30 & 22:15 03-10 KT

THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW

HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER

MUSCAT 36/28 Partly cloudy 36/28 Clear Giant kites in shape of a whale, a shark and octopuses fly during the XVII International Wind Festival at a beach in Valencia, Spain, yesterday. MAKKAH 38/28 Clear 38/27 Partly cloudy KUWAIT 37/29 Chance of rain 37/29 Mostly cloudy BAHRAIN 39/27 Partly cloudy 38/27 Partly cloudy SANAA 28/12 Partly cloudy 28/12 Clear RIYADH 40/24 Partly cloudy 40/25 Partly cloudy Last letter from the Titanic sells for £119,000 DUBAI 37/27 Partly cloudy 38/28 Partly cloudy BAGHDAD 33/21 Chance of storm 37/22 Partly cloudy LONDON: A letter from a pas- said a spokesman. “We have sold be delivered to Hart’s mother in there is one. It is very nice weather senger on the Titanic, written other letters from the Titanic but Chadwell Heath, east London. but awfully windy and cold.” THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW just hours before the ship hit an none have reached anything like It tells how Esther Hart was She adds: “They say we may get HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER iceberg and sank on its maiden this price.” suffering the effects of sea-sick- into New York Tuesday night but voyage, sold at auction yester- The Titanic sank on the night ness and feeling the cold. we are really due early Wednesday ATHENS 22/15 Thunderstorm 23/15 Clear day for £119,000 ($200,000). of Sunday 14 April 1912, on the “My dear ones all,” it begins. morning. Shall write as soon as WASHINGTON 20/08 Clear 19/10 Chance of rain It was written by British survi- fifth day of its first voyage from “As you see it is Sunday afternoon we get there.” SYDNEY 21/16 Chance of rain 23/14 Chance of rain vors Esther Hart and her seven- Southampton to New York. Over and we are resting in the library The letter, with a cheery fare- LONDON 15/11 Chance of storm 19/10 Chance of rain year-old daughter Eva who had 1,500 passengers and crew lost after luncheon. I was very bad all well from young Eva at the bot- PARIS 16/11 Chance of storm 16/10 Chance of rain been travelling in Second Class their lives in the tragedy, includ- day yesterday could not eat or tom, survived because it had been ISTANBUL 20/12 Mostly cloudy 23/14 Chance of rain on their way to start a new life ing Hart’s husband Benjamin. drink and sick all the while, but in the pocket of her husband’s MANILA 34/25 Chance of storm 34/25 Chance of storm in Canada. Auctioneers Henry The letter, written on special today I have got over it. coat, which he had given to his DHAKA 40/27 Partly cloudy 41/27 Partly cloudy Aldridge and Son said the price stationery headed “On board RMS “The sailors say we have had wife to keep her warm as the ship DELHI 38/25 Clear 39/25 Clear was believed to be a record for a ‘Titanic’” and complete with an a wonderful passage up to now. was evacuated. He did not survive ISLAMABAD 35/19 Partly cloudy 36/21 Clear Titanic letter. envelope embossed with the White There has been no tempest, but the disaster. “There was a lot of interest,” Star Line flag, was intended to God knows what it must be when REUTERS Full vocabulary of music Woman charged with stealing at New Orleans Jazz Fest toys from tot’s NEW ORLEANS: As crowds cuisine. But Jazz Fest producer flock to New Orleans Jazz and Quint Davis, who helped found the grave in Ohio Heritage Festival for perform- event with Newport Jazz Festival ances by Eric Clapton and other founder George Wein, said when CLEVELAND: A woman international stars, many also it comes to New Orleans’ musical caught on an Ohio cemetery have their sights on home- traditions, he’s not fretting. surveillance video taking a toy grown talents like Trombone Davis points to some of New duck off the grave of a 14-month- Shorty, Aaron Neville and Irvin Orleans’ famous musical blood- old boy has been charged with Mayfield. lines, including the Neville, petty theft, police said. Local musicians have for dec- Marsalis and Batiste families, Police in Ontario, Ohio, had ades been mainstays of the seven- whose influence spans generations tried for nearly two years to cap- day event that began on Friday and whose younger members play ture a clear image of someone who and stretches across two week- contemporary styles also steeped was taking mementos from the ends in the heart of New Orleans. in tradition. boy’s grave. They finally got that The 45-year-old Jazz Fest “It’s not just that we have a lot image on Saturday and posted it presents hundreds of bands on of musicians, it’s that we have a to the police Facebook page. more than a dozen stages offer- lot of great musicians, and almost Thousands of comments came ing not only jazz, but also blues, all of them can play gospel, blues, in on the video showing a woman rock, pop, hip hop, gospel, African, and traditional, straight-up and leaving the gravesite with a Latin and other styles, all the bee-bop jazz,” among other styles, stuffed duck that had been placed while spotlighting the distinctive he said. “They have the full vocab- there just hours before by the tod- local music that helps define New ulary of music — it’s a shared lan- dler’s parents. Some of the posts Orleans and whose future some guage here.” identified the woman as Frieda consider endangered. That language contributes to Kay Shade, 54, Ontario police “The question that always the undercurrent of indigenous Detective Jon Sigler said. comes up is, when something music at Jazz Fest. Davis said The theft of toys and solar-cell gets popular, does it get loved to the depth of the local talent pool lights from Hayden “Tank” Cole death?,” said Tulane University enables him to fill more than 80 Sheridan’s grave started in 2007, anthropology professor Nick percent of the performance time soon after he died and was bur- Spitzer, who is host of the pub- slots with Louisiana bands. ied at a cemetery in Mansfield, a lic radio music programme “After Katrina, a lot of people town next to Ontario, Sigler said. “American Routes.” wondered if our traditions would Mementos left at other graves Spitzer said New Orleans’ be lost — would we have the cul- nearby remained undisturbed, popularity has grown during the ture bearers, would we still have making the family feel targeted, years since Hurricane Katrina people who know the songs,” he he said. struck the city in 2005 as more said. “When the family came to me, people have come to appreciate “But today we have all these you could see the pain on their the area’s ethnic diversity and its older guys and younger kids who faces. It is such a sad story,” culture. are all still playing this music.” Sigler said in a telephone inter- “New Orleans feels culturally For New Orleans native, pian- view. “It hit us the same way it different from the rest of the ist, singer and composer Davell hit everyone else, that this is United States, it has a deeper Crawford, the endurance of local crazy.” sense of continuity, tradition and traditions is no surprise. After several people identi- creativity...and that appeals to a Crawford, 38, comes from a fied the woman from the video, lot of people,” he said. long line of New Orleans piano Sigler said he went to Shade’s Worries about whether New aficionados who honed an infec- Facebook page and saw images Orleans can retain its distinc- tious and complex style that of her wearing the same clothes tiveness from “outside” influ- draws from classical, swing, as seen in cemetery surveillance ences abound among residents jazz, rhythm and blues, and tapes. who are fiercely protective of the funk. Shade turned herself in city’s landmarks, architecture and Some see him as a keeper Wednesday and told police she of a piano legacy that reaches saw an “aggressive dog” digging from early 20th century jazzman up flowers at the cemetery and Jelly Roll Morton through Fats placed the toy on top of a garbage Domino, Henry Roeland Byrd, can to keep it safe. or “Professor Longhair”, James Police do not believe that Booker and contemporary song- Shade and the boy’s family have writer Allen Toussaint. a connection. He is the grandson of R&B pio- Shade is scheduled to appear in neer James “Sugar Boy” Crawford, court next month on the misde- famous for “Jock-A-Mo.” meanour charge. REUTERS REUTERS Sunday 27 April 2014 27 Jumadal II 1435 Volume 19 Number 6048 Price: QR2

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Ezdan Holding profit up 82.3pc Qatar trade review First quarter profit jumps to QR460.67m from QR252.72m year-on-year gets WTO praise DOHA: Ezdan Holding Group the development vision, the moti- yesterday announced its finan- vating investment environment, DOHA: The State of Qatar has also praised the Qatari high-level cials for the first quarter of as well as the laws and legisla- achieved a great success in the delegation headed by H E Sheikh 2014, reporting an impressive tion that is keen to fulfil stability World Trade Organisation review Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed jump of 82.3 percent in its prof- and security for businessmen and with regard to its economic and Al Thani, the Minister of Economy its to QR460.67m compared to investors.” trade policies. It answered over and Trade, terming the Qatari QR252.72m for the correspond- Ali Mohammed Al Obaidli, 200 questions aimed at assessing report as a valuable reference for ing period last year. Group CEO of Ezdan Holding said the extent of its commitment to the organisation.” The yield rose to QR0.17 dur- that record profits of the Group implement the requirements of The members also commended ing the first quarter of 2014, started to emerge with last year’s the conventions and rules of the the high economic growth rates compared to QR0.10 in the first results in 2013, which is the first organisation. and low unemployment rate and quarter of 2013. year in which company was trans- Member states commended the low inflation rate as well as sev- Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Thani bin formed into a holding group. answers provided by the delega- eral other enormous economic Abdullah Al Thani, Chairman of He added that the Group, tion of Qatar, including clarifica- achievements made by Qatar dur- Ezdan Holding Group said: “We headed by Sheikh Khalid, has tions related to the strategy of ing the past few years. congratulate all the sharehold- taken quick action in the imple- national development for Qatar They also welcomed the efforts ers of Ezdan for the success we mentation of well-planned strat- 2011-2016 within the framework made by Qatar to diversify its econ- have achieved, which we believe egy that would reflect work of Qatar Vision 2030. They also omy and the lack of direct depend- that it will change the course of mechanisms in this stage of Ezdan acknowledged the report pre- ence on oil and gas, in addition to the Group in the future to attain Holding Group history. pared by Qatar in the context its efforts to ensure justice between higher local and international Sheikh Dr Khalid (left) and Al Obaidli. He added that the results of this review, which allowed the generations, especially with regard position. We believe also that achieved by the Group during the member states of WTO to have to the best use of non-renewable Ezdan Holding Group will be an first quarter of the current year is broader understanding of the resources through establishing example of the optimal invest- years, thanks to Sheikh Thani bin He stressed Qatar’s economic due to the large number of major Qatari economy and other trade- projects the health, education and ment management that seeks to Abdullah Al Thani, the Founder environment is the main factor projects being implemented, espe- related policies, in addition to the infrastructure sectors. achieve maximum benefit, while of the Group, who planted the that drives and spur all sectors cially Al Shamal residential com- challenges it faces. They also praised measures maintaining the highest levels seed and paved the way for such to grow and achieve best results, pound in an area of 115,000 square In the final statement of the taken by Qatar to facilitate cus- of stability and risk aversion, success, and now we reap the hailing the role Qatar plays in this meters. meeting on the Trade Policy Review toms procedures and the estab- in line with clear strategy and through good plans and a clear regard, saying: “The prudent and The compound includes 129 of the State of Qatar, Ambassador lishment of an integrated single defined vision for the future of vision and shareholders support. wise leadership of the State of luxurious villas, 256 apartments Joachim Reiter, Chair of the WTO window system with the relevant the Group”. The increase in profits for the Qatar represented by The Emir and a four-star hotel. The com- Trade Policy Review said that the authorities to simplify the regis- Sheikh Khalid added: “This Group expressively reflects the H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al pany reported that all the resi- discussions and exchange of views tration procedures of trade in success is not a new phenomenon, size of Ezdan investment portfo- Thani had a key role in achieving dential units of the project have among member states had con- order to improve the business but it is a product of hard work lio and all what it includes of huge a quantum leap in the country’s been booked. tributed significantly to further environment and investment pro- and effort provided over the past projects with high profitability.” economy in all sectors through THE PENINSULA deepening understanding. He motion. QNA SUNDAY 27 APRIL 2014 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS Markets calm QE hosts experts to mark bourse’s performance DOHA: Qatar Exchange (QE) hosted a working dinner for top executives of broker- age firms and representatives of the Qatar in emerging Financial Markets Authority (QFMA) and the Qatar Central Securities Depository. The experts discussed the market perform- ance and the key driver that helped Qatar bourse index to break its previous record clos- economies: QNB ing value to hit an all-time high. They discussed the general market trends and the reasons that have led to higher prices Underlying vulnerabilities remain for many stocks. The growing local economy, strong performance of listed Qatari compa- DOHA: Capital flows to emerg- maintained relatively low foreign nies, strong budget allocations and the launch ing markets (EMs) recovered in currency reserves, which act as of many government-supported mega projects February and March 2014 lead- buffers to absorb capital outflows. were all positive contributing factors behind ing to calmer financial mar- Third, they were confronted with the strong trading performance and upward kets, said Qatar National Bank high foreign ownership of debt, momentum in the market, they observed. Group (QNB) in its weekly which has tended to result in The market experts also discussed the analysis yesterday. higher capital outflows. Finally, apparent return of many large investors However, the fundamen- a slow or weak policy response, and the increase in trading volumes, and tal weaknesses in specific EM such as delays in raising central the potential impact on the market that economies have not been fully bank interest rates, has exacer- may result from having a greater number of addressed, leaving them exposed bated vulnerabilities. foreign portfolio managers seeking to invest to further rounds of capital out- The EMs that have experienced in Qatari listed stocks. Rashid bin Ali Al flows, weaker currencies and fall- the most severe exchange rate Mansoori, CEO, QE thanked regulators, bro- ing asset prices. Some EMs are depreciation include Argentina, kers and government authorities, for their likely to fare better than oth- Indonesia, South Africa, Turkey role in supporting the efforts of Qatar bourse. Rashid bin Ali Al Mansoori, CEO, QE (fourth from right) addressing the guests. ers, depending on their underly- and Ukraine. Based on the factors THE PENINSULA ing fundamentals and the policy mentioned above, these are the measures they have taken so far countries that probably remain to address their imbalances. the most vulnerable to further EMs received large amounts of capital flight. Each had a high capital inflows during the period current account deficit in 2013, Nakilat profit up of quantitative easing (QE) fol- with the exception of Argentina US expanding corporate foreign lowing the 2008 global financial where foreign exchange restric- crisis. Near-zero interest rates in tions kept the current account 17pc to QR207m advanced economies drove capital deficit near balance. towards higher-yielding EMs. They also had relatively low DOHA: Qatar Gas Transport bribery probes to include hiring However, since the announce- foreign exchange reserves at end- Company (Nakilat) yesterday ment in May 2013 by the US 2013 (all below 14 percent of GDP announced its financial results WASHINGTON: US govern- Qualcomm declined to com- company business, the American Federal Reserve of the gradual compared to an average of 21 per- for the first quarter of 2014, ment agencies that have been ment. The Justice Department firm could run afoul of the Foreign reduction of its asset-purchas- cent in the 16 vulnerable EMs we where the company’s net profits probing banks’ hiring of chil- and SEC declined to comment Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), ing programme, the so-called analysed), limiting their capacity reached QR207m up by nearly dren of powerful Chinese offi- on whether they have expanded a 1970s law that bars bribes to QE tapering EMs suffered bouts to defend their exchange rates 17 percent compared to QR177m cials are expanding existing their probes. officials of foreign governments, of capital outflows as yields in against capital outflows. compared to the corresponding investigations in other indus- Some of the new inquiries have for instance. “The government is advanced economies rose, leading Furthermore, foreign owner- period last year, the company tries across Asia to include zeroed in on hires in China, South starting to recognise there may be to weaker EM currencies, rising ship of debt is high. said in a statement yesterday. hiring practices, four people Korea and southeast Asia, includ- widespread abuse but the misper- yields and falling equity prices. In summary, the fundamental H E Dr Mohamed bin Saleh familiar with the matter said. ing Singapore, two of the people ception that it is not illegal,” one Capital outflows were most vulnerabilities amongst selected Al Sada, the Minister of Energy The Justice Department and familiar with the probes said. source said. severe in May 2013 after the ini- EMs remain. QE tapering is and Industry, and the Chairman the Securities and Exchange It was not clear how many Proving corrupt intent on the tial announcement of QE taper- expected to continue until late of Nakilat, said: “The results of Commission in the US have been companies were involved in the part of both the officials and the ing, but inflows also dropped back 2014 and is likely to put further the company’s earnings clearly asking global companies in a expanded probes and the people, companies hiring the workers to very low levels in late 2013 and pressure on capital flows to vul- reflect the strong growth of range of industries including oil who declined to be named because would be difficult, though, defence January 2014 when the start of nerable EMs. Nakilat’s main business activities and gas, telecommunications and details of the investigations are lawyers predicted. QE tapering was actually imple- Additional exchange rate of transporting liquefied natural consumer products for informa- not public, did not name specific Charles Duross, who led the mented. Since February 2014, weakness, higher interest rates, gas (LNG), through the expan- tion about their hiring practices firms. Hiring issues have become Justice Department’s FCPA unit portfolio inflows to EMs have then weak growth and financial mar- sion of the company’s business to determine if they could amount a focus in bribery probes as a mat- until January, when he joined the recovered along with exchange ket instability can therefore be activities to include international to bribery, these people said. ter of course, sources said. That law firm Morrison & Foerster, rates and asset prices, begging expected. Based on the metrics, markets.” On Wednesday, mobile chip- reflects a change in the wake of said a job offer could constitute a the question, is the crisis over? the most vulnerable EMs appear Dr Al Sada also pointed that maker Qualcomm Inc said it the investigation into whether “thing of value” under the law but The short answer is no. The to be Argentina, Indonesia, South Nakilat will continue to pursue could face a civil action from US JPMorgan hired children of the challenge would be proving a EMs that were most adversely Africa, Turkey and Ukraine. any good opportunities to acquire authorities over alleged bribery China’s state-owned company quid pro quo. affected by the tightening of However, there is a second tier new vessels, and he further high- of officials associated with state- executives with the express pur- In the wake of the JPMorgan global liquidity from QE taper- of EMs that have so far avoided lighted the positive impact of owned companies in China. It also pose of winning underwriting and probe, in November the SEC had ing can be characterised by four the worst of the crisis but remain the increased level of activities said it found instances in which other business, they added. sent letters to Morgan Stanley principal factors. First, they had exposed, including Brazil, India at the shipyard’s facilities, in “special hiring consideration” was If employees were hired at and other banks, including structural economic weaknesses, and Poland. Further EM instabil- achieving Nakilat’s strong finan- given to people associated with the direction of an official at a Goldman Sachs and Citigroup, such as relatively large current ity is likely in the months ahead. cial results. state-owned companies or agen- state-run company who was in seeking information about their account deficits. Second, they THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA cies in China. a position to grant a US-linked hiring practices. REUTERS

GE, Alstom $13bn deal talk progresses on fast track Arab Bank

PARIS: General Electric boss and management of the groups Group Q1 net Jeff Immelt is due in Paris concerned that this transfer of today and is expected to meet control is out of the question,” France’s economy minister as former Socialist Minister Jean- profit up 5.4pc he closes in on a deal to buy Pierre Chevenement said in an the global power arm of strug- open letter to Valls published by AMMAN: Jordan-based Arab gling French engineer Alstom, Les Echos newspaper yesterday. Bank Group said yesterday its sources close to the matter said. Montebourg met Alstom first-quarter net profit rose 5.4 Several sources close to talks Chief Executive Patrick Kron percent to $216.3m due to pru- between the companies said on on Thursday and said on Friday dent lending policies in a period Friday a transaction could be he would meet “shortly” with of regional turmoil. announced in days. Some put a Immelt. An industry source close The bank, one of the Middle $13bn valuation on Alstom’s tur- to the talks said GE would argue East’s major financial institutions bines and power grid equipment there was not much concern with a $46.4bn balance sheet, said business. about job cuts in France, where in a statement net interest and Sources close to the govern- Alstom employs 20 percent of commissions grew 4 and 8 percent ment who flagged the likely meet- its workforce, some 18,000 peo- respectively, compared with the ing between Economy Minister ple. The source noted that in gas same period last year. Arnaud Montebourg and Immelt turbines, for example, GE has its Chairman Sabih Al Masri said said Prime Minister Manuel Valls own gas turbine making business the results showed the bank was might also meet the chief execu- in France while some of Alstom’s “progressing in implementing a tive, who heads one of the 10 larg- is in Switzerland. strategy of diversifying income est investor-controlled companies “The French state is asking streams and concentrating on in the world, should the more sen- for assurances from GE, all that operating revenues in all the ior politician return from a visit is a game that implies a discus- countries we operate.” to Rome in time. French media sion around the disappearance Arab Bank’s Chief Executive said a decisive Alstom board of national champions,” said the Officer Nemeh Al Sabbagh said meeting, the second since Friday, source. “Conversely, GE will try credit facilities grew by 2.5 per- would also take place today. not to offer too much.” cent to $23bn, with the bank Socialist Montebourg has been Sources have said a deal is maintaining a high level of liquid- a strong exponent of France’s tra- backed by Alstom’s main share- A tramway made by French train maker Alstom drives past the Alstom production site in Villeurbanne yesterday. ity in keeping with prudent credit ditionally cautious approach to holder, French conglomer- policies to keep the quality of its foreign takeovers of companies ate Bouygues with 29 percent. soar on Thursday. weakening prospects prompted technology. The deal would let lending portfolio. in flagship industries. Alstom’s Kron told union officials Alstom was bailed out by the Bouygues to take a $1.9bn writ- GE “materially strengthen its The bank’s loans to deposit Last week he said he would on Friday he was discussing an French state in 2004 and relies edown on its stake in February. competitive position in the global ratio stood at 61 percent while protect the national interest “industrial operation” but did not heavily on orders from national Alstom is less than one- power market,” said analyst Brian its capital adequacy ratio was and study “other solutions and name GE. Bouygues and GE have rail operator SNCF and utility twentieth the size of GE and Langenberg. 14.6 percent at the end of March, scenarios” for Alstom, also the declined to comment. EDF. It employs 93,000 worldwide, much smaller than its European GE, which already employs Sabbagh said. “This level of profits maker of TGV high-speed trains A deal to sell Alstom’s power with about half of its French total archrival, German group Siemens over 10,000 people in France, has shows the ability of the bank to and one of France’s top private- assets, which account for about of 18,000 in the power business. AG, and its orders have slumped said it wants to increase its earn- deal with local and regional devel- sector employers, which is strug- 70 percent of total group rev- Alstom’s power assets include since the 2008 economic crisis ings contribution from industrial opments successfully,” he added. gling with heavy debt and weak enue, would effectively break up turbines for coal, gas and nuclear depressed demand for power operations relative to its financial The firm is one of the Arab demand. However, one source the engineering group and leave power plants, wind farms and equipment. In need of raising activities. Ten years ago, when world’s largest privately-owned close to the talks said the gov- Alstom as a pure transport busi- systems for power transmission cash, Alstom reached out to GE, France was negotiating a bail- banks with over 20 percent owned ernment had been looking for ness building its well-known high- and distribution. The trading of two industry sources said. out for Alstom with European by the family of Lebanon’s former alternatives for months without speed TGV trains, other rolling Alstom shares was suspended on Industry sources said Alstom Competition Commissioner Mario Prime Minister, Rafik Al Hariri, success “so I don’t see what they stock and transport industry Friday after a report GE planned was strong in steam turbines used Monti, Siemens was a potential who was assassinated in 2005. The will find now”. equipment. a full takeover of the company. by the nuclear industry, while buyer of its power arm. In the end, remainder is mainly held by long- Nevertheless, political sensi- It could, however, be less politi- Before that Bloomberg report, GE was a top player in gas tur- then French President Nicolas term investors. tivities run deep. cally sensitive than a full takeo- Alstom shares had slumped 20 bines and not so strong in steam. Sarkozy balked at the prospect of Arab Bank also owns 40 per- “I ask you, prime minister, ver offer for the company, talk of percent in 12 months on con- A deal would also enable GE to German ownership and Alstom cent of Saudi Arabia’s Arab to please tell the shareholders which caused Alstom shares to cerns over its cash flow, and its expand into wind power and grid remained intact. REUTERS National Bank ANB. REUTERS SUNDAY 27 APRIL 2014 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19 US alleges Apple will fix faulty insider trading iPhone 5 in eBay deal models SAN FRANCISCO: Apple Former executive involved in case offered to fix some older iPhone 5 smartphones with flawed on- WASHINGTON/NEW lessened penalties because they off buttons. YORK: The US government cooperated with the regulator. The California-based com- filed criminal and civil charges The US Department of Justice pany said a “small percentage” of accusing a former executive has long used deferred prosecution iPhone 5 models manufactured of insider trading in advance and non-prosecution agreements through March of 2013 may have of eBay Inc’s purchase of his to encourage and reward coop- on-off buttons that stop working e-commerce company. eration in criminal investigations, or work intermittently, in a post- The case against Christopher and the SEC in January 2010 said ing on its support website. Saridakis, 45, is also notable it would also use them in its civil “Apple will replace the sleep/ because it marks the first time probes. “Although Saridakis’ tips wake button mechanism, free of the US Securities and Exchange spun a web of illegal trading, some charge, on iPhone 5 models that Commission reached a so-called of the downstream tippees sub- Demonstrators protest against the use of hazardous chemicals in the production of iPhones outside an Apple exhibit this issue and have a qual- “non-prosecution” agreement stantially assisted in our investi- Store in New York. According to the protesters, Apple has been using chemicals such as benzene and n-hexane ifying serial number,” it said at with an individual, an unnamed gation while others hindered it,” in the production at its overseas manufacturing facilities. the website. trader who it said provided “early, Andrew Ceresney, head of the The support web page con- extraordinary and unconditional” SEC’s enforcement division, said tained instructions for iPhone cooperation. in a statement. 5 owners, along with a way to Federal prosecutors in “The reduction in penalties Tech firms to pay $324m to settle case check serial numbers to deter- Philadelphia charged Saridakis, for those tippees who assisted mine if smartphones qualify for who led the marketing solutions us, together with the non-pros- SAN FRANCISCO: Four case was based largely on emails be sued later?’” he said, accord- free repair. division of GSI Commerce Inc, in ecution agreement for one of the major tech companies including in which Apple’s late co-founder ing to a court filing. The HR The process began Friday a so-called criminal information traders, demonstrate the benefits Apple and Google have agreed Steve Jobs, former Google CEO director agreed. The companies in the US and Canada and will with securities fraud for leaking of cooperating with our investiga- to pay a total of $324m to settle Eric Schmidt and some of their had acknowledged entering into begin in other countries on May material nonpublic information tions,” he added. “The increased a lawsuit accusing them of con- Silicon Valley rivals hatched plans some no-hire agreements but dis- 2, according to Apple. in March 2011 about eBay’s plan penalties for others highlight the spiring to hold down salaries in to avoid poaching each other’s puted the allegation that they had Apple prides itself on the qual- to buy his company. Investigators risks of impeding our work.” Silicon Valley, sources familiar prized engineers. conspired to drive down wages. ity of its devices, and offers of free said the resident of Greenville, Saridakis could face up to 20 with the deal said, just weeks In one email exchange after Moreover, they argued that the fixes are rare for the company. Delaware, encouraged two rela- years in prison and a $5m fine if before a high profile trial had a Google recruiter solicited an employees should not be allowed In mid-2010, Apple put off deal- tives and two friends to trade convicted in the criminal case, been scheduled to begin. Apple employee, Schmidt told to sue as a group. ing with concerns about iPhone on his tips, leading to more than prosecutors said. Tech workers filed a class Jobs that the recruiter would be Rich Gray, a Silicon Valley anti- 4 reception problems and the $300,000 of illegal profits. Richard Zack, a partner at action lawsuit against Apple Inc, fired, court documents show. Jobs trust expert in private practice, ensuing controversy came to be GSI shares rose nearly 51 per- Pepper Hamilton representing Google Inc, Intel Inc and Adobe then forwarded Schmidt’s note said the companies had an incen- dubbed “Antennagate.” cent on March 28, 2011, after eBay, Saridakis, said: “Chris accepts Systems Inc in 2011, alleging they to a top Apple human resources tive to avoid trial because their Apple was forced to address the the online retailer, announced full responsibility for his conduct conspired to refrain from solic- executive with a smiley face. executives’ emails would make issue after Consumer Reports, the its $1.96bn purchase of the King in this matter, and has done eve- iting one another’s employees in Another exchange shows them look extremely unsympa- influential product review maga- of Prussia, Pennsylvania-based rything he can to make the situ- order to avert a salary war. They Google’s human resources direc- thetic to a jury. However, the zine, said it could not recommend company. ation right. He will continue to do planned to ask for $3bn in dam- tor asking Schmidt about sharing plaintiff attorneys risked an the iPhone 4 because of signal loss The SEC said Saridakis agreed so. He deeply regrets the effect ages at trial, according to court its no-cold call agreements with appeals court saying the engineers problems it blamed on a design to pay $664,822 and accept an of his mistake on his family and filings. That could have tripled to competitors. Schmidt, now the could not sue as a group at all. flaw. officer and director ban to set- friends.” $9bn under antitrust law. company’s executive chairman, “An appellate court could say, Apple downplayed the issue tle its charges. The cooperating According to the SEC, Saridakis The case has been closely advised discretion. ‘Hey we just don’t buy that,’” as being the overblown result of defendant and five other people tipped his friends Jules Gardner, a watched due to the potentially “Schmidt responded that he Gray said. Trial had been sched- the way people held their smart- agreed to pay more than $490,000 retired marketing executive, and high damages award and the preferred it be shared ‘verbally, uled to begin at the end of May on phones and offered free cases as to settle related SEC charges. Suken Shah, a doctor, about the opportunity to peek into the since I don’t want to create a behalf of roughly 64,000 workers. a fix. Three of these defendants got eBay acquisition. REUTERS world of Silicon Valley’s elite. The paper trail over which we can REUTERS AFP Omnicom, ECB to bring shadow Publicis deal hits roadblock banks under lens NEW YORK: A merger of HELSINKI: Major organisa- global financial crisis could lead Omnicom Group Inc, the No. 1 US tions that carry out banking to growth in unregulated shadow advertising company, and French activities, but are not banks, banking. If markets then began to rival Publicis Groupe SA has hit may become so important to the expect that shadow banks would a roadblock following disagree- financial system that they need have to be bailed out with public ments over terms of the deal, the to be regulated like traditional funds to prevent a financial sec- Wall Street Journal reported. banks, a European Central tor collapse, the problem would Last July, both companies Bank (ECB) governing council not have not been solved, Liikanen announced the proposed $35bn member said yesterday. said, adding that authorities were merger that would overtake WPP Financial regulators are seek- following developments. Plc as the world’s largest advertis- ing to shine a light on so-called “Such proactive measures as ing company. The companies have “shadow banking”, a €24-trillion applying systemically-important essentially not agreed on who will ($33 trillion) industry in Europe financial institution definition be the legal acquirer, which is —half the world’s total — that and extending that regulation and delaying crucial paperwork with comprises money market funds, supervision also to the shadow the US Securities and Exchange some hedge funds, and firms banking sector could be taken if Commission. involved in securities lending and necessary,” Liikanen said in the Despite both companies owning repurchase markets. text of a speech. Systemically- 50 percent of the new entity, tech- Such groups borrow and lend important banks face higher nically one has to acquire the other like banks, but because they are capital requirements than smaller for accounting reasons. Omnicom not banks they often fall outside banks under new rules, called and Publicis have stopped meet- the remit of regulators. Basel III, which are currently ings of about 70 integration com- Speaking at the Finnish Social being phased in. Liikanen, who mittees, where they present their Forum, Erkki Liikanen said there also heads the Bank of Finland, networks, teams, organisation, the was a risk that tighter banking has been closely involved in regu- report said. REUTERS regulation in the aftermath of the latory reforms. REUTERS

Microsoft completes Nokia deal

Workers install the logo of Microsoft on the wall of former Finnish telecom giant Nokia’s headquarters in Espoo, Finland yesterday. Nokia completed the sale to Microsoft of its once iconic handset businesses on Friday, leaving factories in India and Korea out of the deal. SUNDAY 27 APRIL 2014 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS Morgan Stanley to cut Google’s self driving car broker compensation Remuneration cut up to 50pc on sales of new issues

NEW YORK: Wary of brokers Stanley has underwritten the to new issues. Access to hot IPOs who make their money by “rid- Facebook and Twitter IPOs and and new bond issues can also be ing the calendar” of new stock is also expected to win the assign- make-or-break for building new and bond issues rather than ment for the forthcoming offering client relationships and maintain- patiently building the firm’s from Chinese ecommerce giant ing existing ones. wealth management business, Alibaba Group. The average retail broker at Morgan Stanley is cracking Morgan Stanley spokeswoman Morgan Stanley typically gets no down where it hurts the most: Christine Jockle confirmed the more than a few hundred shares compensation. change in the broker compensa- per client for popular IPOs that Since April 1, Morgan Stanley tion policy. She said it was meant the firm underwrites, said one of Wealth Management financial to ensure that new offerings were the advisers, who requested ano- advisers have seen their com- distributed more broadly across nymity because he did not want pensation cut by as much as 50 the client base. to be seen criticising his own firm. percent on sales of new issues to Archrival Merrill Lynch, a unit “I got 100 shares of Twitter for clients who use the firm primarily of Bank of America Corp, has a guy when they went public, and to get allocations of those securi- not made similar changes to its I’m sure he won’t be happy if he ties. The severity of the pay cut compensation structure, a source wants something else and I tell Google’s Lexus RX 450H Self Driving Car is seen parked on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC. Google varies, but some top earners are familiar with the matter said on him it’s not available,” the adviser has logged over 300,000 miles testing its self driving cars around the country. seeing payouts cut by half. Friday. Wall Street recruiters said. “It’s not a good situation.” The new system applies when said they think that only Morgan Morgan Stanley uses its retail more than 70 percent of the busi- Stanley has made such a move brokerage in seeking to win stock ness from a client comes from among the bigger brokers. and bond underwriting assign- those deals. While the change at Morgan ments, saying the size of its sales Iraq oil exports average 2.5m bpd Morgan Stanley is hoping that Stanley was detailed internally force gives it an advantage over a drastic cut in this kind of com- in November in a lengthy docu- Wall Street rivals. The bank was BAGHDAD: Iraq said it had Kurdistan region had met its more than a year due to an ongoing pensation will spur brokers to sell ment that outlined the wealth ranked No. 1 for equity under- exported an average of 2.5 mil- 400,000bpd target. row with the federal government more products, such as mutual unit’s 2014 compensation struc- writing fees in the first quarter, lion barrels per day (bpd) of oil In March, Iraq reported a 2.39 over resource rights and revenue funds, loans and financial plan- ture, some advisers realised it according to data. in April so far, exceeding its fig- million bpd average. sharing. Nevertheless, exports ning services, to those clients, was happening only after it was At the same time, the bank is ures in March, and would have “Regrettably, the security averaged 2.4 million bpd in the according to several Morgan implemented and their pay checks also trying to improve the profit sent out even more if insurgents forces failed to secure the north- first quarter of 2014, Shahristani Stanley advisers. dropped in recent weeks accord- margins in its wealth manage- had not sabotaged its northern ern export pipeline, or we would added. No oil has flowed through At the same time, the bank is ing to several advisers. ment unit, which now accounts pipeline. have been capable of exporting the northern export pipeline hoping the move could force cli- The advisers said many of the for about 40 percent of the com- Deputy Prime Minister for between 2.8 and 3 million bpd, to Turkey since early March ents who want continued access bank’s roughly 16,426 financial pany’s revenue, looking at both Energy Hussain Al Shahristani even without a contribution from when it was bombed, and repair- to hot IPOs to put more of their advisers are now unhappy. They increasing assets under manage- said the figure could have reached the Kurdish region,” Shahristani work is on hold because insurgents assets with the firm’s wealth said the change could repel clients ment and selling clients more 3.2 million bpd without the said. Kurdistan has not exported have killed technicians sent management business. Morgan who use the bank to get access products. REUTERS damage and if the autonomous any oil via Iraqi infrastructure for to fix it. REUTERS

UK business lobby makes U-turn over Scottish campaign Most back LONDON: Britain’s most ... was taken in good faith ... it has percent against and 19 percent normal functions. The CBI’s reg- which has been left in tatters,” a to work after prominent business lobby group inadvertently given the impres- undecided. The CBI, the leading istration was condemned by some Scottish government source said. wants to reverse its decision sion that the CBI is a political group in Britain representing of its members who said the group The main pro-independence to be an official campaigner entity,” its director general John large employers, has consistently had not sought their sign-off over business group, Business for China shoe against Scottish independence, Cridland said. opposed independence, saying a decision that could jeopardise Scotland, said the CBI was now “a after some of its members quit “We have always said that the it would cause uncertainty over their neutrality in the increas- public laughing stock” and urged over its stance. referendum is a decision for the currency, taxation, financial ingly bitter debate. all the CBI’s Scottish members to factory strike The Confederation of British Scottish people and we’re not tell- regulation and European Union The trade body’s stance has quit the group. Industry said in a statement it ing people how to vote.” membership. already damaged relations with Several organisations have BEIJING: A nearly two-week had applied to cancel its reg- Anti-independence campaign- Cridland said the CBI would the pro-independence admin- already resigned from or sus- strike at a huge shoe factory istration as a supporter of the ers have had a small lead in sup- continue to raise questions, but istration in Edinburgh. “This pended their membership of the in southern China appears to anti-independence campaign port in recent polls, with one from that it no longer believed that offi- astonishing attempt at a U-turn CBI because they did not wish to have ended after the Taiwan- ahead of September’s referendum. ICM on April 20 reporting 39 per- cial registration as a campaigner by the CBI ... leaves them with- be linked to the anti-independ- backed company agreed to meet “Although the decision to register cent support for independence, 42 was needed for it to carry out its out a single shred of credibility, ence campaign. REUTERS some of the workers’ demands, including raising their living allowance and benefit payments. More than 80 percent of the employees at the Yue Yuen shoe factory in Dongguan city have Foxconn to decide on Indonesia plan returned to work, the company’s Freeze on foreign Chairman, Lu Chin-chu, said in a statement to the Hong Kong TAIPEI: Foxconn Technology discussions with the Indonesian government is ready, Foxconn will Stock Exchange. Group will decide in October authorities had run into difficul- be ready,” the source added. They workers a wake-up He added that the strike had whether to proceed with a ties after inconclusive parliamen- declined to be identified due to the caused losses of about $27m and planned $1bn manufacturing tary elections in April. confidentiality of the matter. that Yue Yuen’s move to meet project in Indonesia after a new Indonesia is due to hold presi- Foxconn is the parent company workers’ demands “may have a government takes office, a com- dential elections in July and the for Hon Hai Precision Industry call, says Canada material adverse effect” on its pany source said. new government will not take Co Ltd, the world’s largest elec- financial performance. Foxconn, a major supplier office until October. Indonesian tronics contract manufacturer. Tens of thousands of employees to Apple Inc, wants to expand government officials had previ- The Indonesia project is seen as TORONTO: The Canadian gov- the company ended up suspend- at the factory owned by Yue Yuen, beyond China, where its massive ously said they were still discuss- a key factor in making Foxconn’s ernment said companies should ing all applications for temporary which calls itself the world’s larg- production base has come under ing the terms of the project with group sales grow to T$10 trillion raise wages to encourage more foreign worker permits this week est branded footwear maker, had fire from international labour Foxconn but declined to give any ($333.3bn) over the next decade Canadians to apply for unfilled while a third party conducted an been on strike since April 14 in groups after a series of suicides details. from T$4 trillion this year, the jobs, saying the freeze it imposed audit. Tim Hortons Inc, which protest at unpaid social insurance and accidents since 2010. “We are still pursuing the source said. this week on restaurants hiring operates more than 3,500 dough- payments. Brands manufactured It said in February it would project aggressively and commu- The source said Foxconn had temporary foreign workers is a nut and coffee shops in Canada, at the factory include Salomon, submit a concrete proposal to nication is ongoing,” the source yet to receive guarantees from the wake-up call for all employers. would not immediately comment Nike, ASICS, Adidas and Under Indonesia’s government about said. “But it will be until October Indonesian government on incen- The moratorium is on foreign on the impact of the mortorium Armour, according to US-based the project within three months, that our decision can be made.” tives such as tax breaks and dis- hires in food-service businesses on its operations, but it said China Labor Watch, although but the company source said “As long as the next Indonesian counted property. REUTERS only. It follows media reports that that temporary foreign workers that could not be independently McDonald’s Corp restaurants account about 5 percent of its confirmed. turned away qualified Canadians 90,000-strong Canadian workforce. The move by Yue Yuen came on while using Canada’s Temporary The government is no longer the heels of an order by China’s Meet of the US EXIM bank Foreign Worker Program to fill processing new applications from Ministry of Human Resources job openings. Jason Kenney, the food-service businesses and would and Social Security to address employment and social develop- stop restaurants from hiring for- the workers’ grievances after it ment minister, said he was dis- eign temporary workers even if it found that the company had not tressed that wages in Canada have has already approved applications, properly submitted employees’ barely kept pace with inflation Kenney said. social security payments. since the global economic down- The minister gave no indication In its Friday statement, Yue turn. “It’s about raising wage rates. that he supported a complete shut- Yuen said it would provide It’s about increasing salaries. It’s down of the practice of bringing employees with an additional liv- about increasing investments in in low-skilled workers, saying only ing allowance of 230 yuan ($37) a training,” he said at a news confer- that the moratorium in food serv- month as well as additional ben- ence. “We expect to see employers ices would last until his depart- efit payments, a move it expects not just in that sector, but in every ment completes a general review. will cost it an additional $31m this sector, doing better.” An easing of the programme’s year. China is facing labour unrest The Temporary Foreign Worker restrictions on hiring foreign as its economic growth slows Programme was designed to let workers over the past decade has and as factories in its southern employers go outside the country contributed higher unemployment manufacturing heartland report for new hires when unable to find in some sectors in the provinces a shortage of workers, prompting locals to do the job. of Alberta and British Columbia, rising demands from staff. “Our government has been according to a report released by The ruling Communist Party clear,” Kenney said in a statement the C D Howe Institute this week. fears an independent labour late Thursday in announcing the Low-skill workers, such as movement could threaten its grip freeze. “Canadians must have the those in the hospitality and serv- on power, so it only allows one first chance at available jobs.” ice industries, have been hit par- government-linked trade union. He said the Conservative gov- ticularly hard, Dominique Gross, But activists say government ernment is considering unspeci- the study’s author, said. “The officials have been more sympa- fied reforms of the programme to local workers were penalized by thetic to individual grievances (From left) John Podesta, counsellor to President Obama, US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Energy make sure employers recruit and the fact that it was much easier to against factories, especially those Secretary Ernest Moniz, and Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker participate in a discussion on The Trade train Canadians for jobs. hire temporary foreign workers,” funded by foreign companies or Agenda for the Second Term during the 2014 annual conference of the Export-Import Bank (EXIM) yesterday Canada blacklisted three said Gross, a professor of public overseas Chinese investors from in Washington, DC. The two-day event focused on global business environment and prospects for growth. McDonald’s restaurants from the policy at Simon Fraser University Hong Kong or Taiwan. programme in early April, and in Vancouver. REUTERS AFP SUNDAY 27 APRIL 2014 BUSINESS VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

International diversification Coca-Cola really takes fizz is rising, but still very slow BY JAMES SAFT out of shareholder spring

S retirement savers are increasingly diversifying into BY ROB COX market capitalization makes the beverage the late 1880s. The company is now a global international equities, but are still leaving much of what giant one of America’s 20 largest public business that requires careful stewardship. has to be considered a free lunch on the table. merica’s shareholder spring companies. Its stock is widely held by pen- But it can no longer expect growth much U A new study of 3.8 million US savers in 401(K) retire- hit a cold patch. Just when it sion funds, mutual funds and individual above global GDP. In the last three years, ment accounts over the 2006-2011 period shows a general trend seemed investors were finally investors. Its largest holder is arguably the net operating revenue and earnings have towards better diversification internationally, but with most breaking through entrenched most respected investor on the planet. been flat. All that seems to have blossomed accounts still significantly under-diversified. boards’ barricades, the owners But like a senior citizen clinging to his is Coke’s long-term debt, which is up 39 per- And yet, given the diminishing share of US companies in global Aof Coca-Cola turned to jelly, led shockingly Cherry Coke, company owners resisted cent since 2011. These figures partly explain equity capitalization, they are, as a group, far less diversified than by Warren Buffett. The failure to challenge change. On Wednesday, just a small minority why Coke’s stock performance has lagged they ought to be. a transfer of vast shareholder treasure to of shareholders voted against a compensa- the S&P 500 Index over the past five years. “One key fact emerging from the data is that there is an upward the top 5 percent of Coke’s soda jerks shows tion plan that would potentially have handed They also suggest why Wintergreen trend in the extent of international diversification. We show the agency problem is still alive and well in up to $16.6bn worth of stock to 6,400 execu- Advisers’ David Winters objected to a that part of this, but only a small part, is he potentially rational American capitalism. tives. It makes sense to align the interests of plan that would have effectively handed response to the slowly decreasing importance of the US market in Not that investors will retreat from behav- some of Coke’s most prized employees with assets created by previous generations of the world equity markets,” according to the study’s authors, Geert ing more like owners. Greater shareholder investors by compensating them in part Coke entrepreneurs to today’s shop stew- Bekaert and Enrichetta Ravina of Columbia Business School and democracy is still on the march. Last month, through equity, but the plan was just too big. ards. Coke’s defence – that dilution from Kenton Hoyem and Wei-Yin Hu of Financial Engines, a retirement for instance, activists made nearly 100 US It was a classic example of what econ- the option scheme could be offset by stock advice company which supplied access to the data. Securities and Exchange Commission filings, omists call the agency problem. In short, buybacks – only compounded the notion The average international equity allocation is now 17.8 percent, exceeding the February number by a third, the contract between the principals – Coke that the principals’ wealth is being used to with 17 percent holding no exposure at all to the asset class. Given according to Activist Insight. shareholders – and their agents, company overpay their agents. that 64 percent of all global equity capitalization is now outside The capital markets are filled with anec- management, was dramatically off kilter. But the real disappointment is that Buffett, the US, that’s a huge underweight. Diversification in general dotes about shareholders getting more It’s not a new phenomenon. The extraordi- known as a bold straight-shooter, came off as is critical to investment performance, reducing volatility while involved. Massive companies have seen their nary increase in executive pay over the past a coward in the Coke affair. He didn’t agree increasing returns. cages rattled by uppity investors with minor few decades is a testament to the failure of with the company’s compensation plan but Diversification internationally of equities is particularly impor- economic stakes. Some smaller firms have these so-called principals to assert control abstained from voting for fear of suggesting tant because the US over time, while it may perform very well, will been forced to change strategy entirely just to over their agents. he lacked confidence in Chairman and Chief inevitably see its share of global output and equity value decrease. satisfy stakeholder demands. Even little guys But in an age when activist investors are Executive Muhtar Kent. This is not simply about expectations of higher growth rates are getting into the act, successfully putting taming wayward management with ever- As Winters summed it up, Buffett “had elsewhere, but also about deepening capital markets in emerging resolutions on the ballots at annual meetings. increasing war chests, the balance should be the opportunity to take a stand against countries and falling costs to access them. While many of these actions are substan- shifting. That’s especially true at companies excessive management compensation and A variety of reasons have been proposed for why savers tend to tive, some are frivolous, even downright nit- like Coca-Cola that have mature businesses failed to seize it.” That’s true. But by saying stay close to home – familiarity, cost, consumption and currency picky: Should Darden Restaurants spin off and long-standing assets. later he thought the plan stunk, the Oracle risk, and the feeling that the investor will be at a disadvantage Red Lobster with or without its real estate? Coke is obviously no startup. It has had of Omaha may have at least sent a useful to investors closer to the companies and markets on which they None, however, had the signalling power the same company historian for 35 years, message: The next proposal to transfer so trade. Some measure of international under-diversification is of the Coca-Cola compensation debate. Coke six years longer than Mark Zuckerberg has much booty from investors to their agents to be expected, and may indeed be wise. To simply hold shares tops CoreBrand’s 2014 ranking of the most been alive. Its secret syrup was first mixed should be struck down. relative to their global weight exposes the investor to real risks powerful brands in the world. A $180bn by a former Confederate soldier as a tonic in REUTERS which the benefits of diversification may not fully cover, particu- larly currency risk. US investors are saving to meet dollar-based liabilities, and so theoretically dollar assets have an extra value not fully expressed in investment returns. Still the data on the overall benefits of diversification is very strong. In one study by investment man- agers Gerstein Fisher covering 1999-2011, a globally diversified portfolio outperformed a US-only one in 96 percent of rolling three-year periods, with a total outperformance of 35 percentage points over 11 years. Much of the Columbia and Financial Engines study backs up the familiarity hypothesis for why people under-diversify. For example, having an export oriented factory open up near you seems to be a very good thing for your investment sophistication. The study found that states with higher relative export compo- nents in their economies tended to also see higher international exposure in 401(K) accounts. At the zip code level, living in a place with more foreign-born residents also correlates meaningfully with being more willing to hold foreign shares. The general news, however, is upbeat. International diversifica- tion has increased by nearly 50 percent in the five years to 2011, years which included a rather spectacular global market fiasco. As with many trends, the young adapt more quickly and fully than their older peers, but all groups from the oldest to the young- est are moving towards more international diversification over time. There also, as you would expect, is some correlation, though not perfect, between being under diversified internationally and not participating in equities at all. The fact that younger investors seem more open to interna- tional investing is hopeful, and the data is strong enough to imply that the under-diversification may disappear, or at least become less severe, over time. To be sure, 401(K) accounts don’t represent their holders’ entire portfolio, and may also, because of the population which holds them, give a distorted view of overall diversification. Still, the clear implication here is that this is an area in which financial education can play an important role and effect a mean- ingful improvement in outcomes for investors at theoretically very low cost. International diversification is easy, cheap and works. Investors should do it and advisors should push it. REUTERS Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

£5m for Barclays boss disgusting, but so is £71 for unemployed

BY POLLY TOYNBEE the rich the way they gawp at the to the jobcentre. Relative to mid- alongside heartbreaking human they are no longer believed. usually vote. Across all parties 80 poor. dle incomes, jobseeker’s allowance stories, he paints a portrait of an Clark’s powerful analysis illu- percent think the gap between nce a year you can gaze Untouched by a pleading letter has lost a third in value since the already deeply divided society riven minates the social history of rich and poor too wide. That may at the secret world of from Vince Cable, the business late 1970s. further between those hit by the recessions, as each one strikes not easily translate into redistri- the great panjandrums, secretary begging them to “make Barclays’ bonuses are simply slump and those barely noticing it. down the same people and places butional sentiment beyond soak- Ounaccountable, rarely peace with the public”, the board another emblem signifying no If unemployment mercifully rose over and over again, enriching ing the rich, but no one wants a exposed to interview or inquisi- was certainly unmoved by the change, business as usual, nothing less than expected, its backwash the same few as quantitative ladderless society. What this book tion. Yesterday it was the Barclays Robin Hood and Action Aid anti- learned, no precautions for the cast a million more into precarious easing did this time. Something reminds us is that long before the board, avatars of avarice oversee- tax avoidance protesters outside. future. Pulling out of recession, underpaid work, permanently. One else emerges from the book: there bust there was no boom for the ing rewards beyond any conceiv- Is chief executive Antony Jenkins it’s full steam back on to the old example: automatic car washes is indeed a large squeezed mid- majority: for most people median able fair share – a 10 percent rise embarrassed, even a bit, by a £4m trajectory: ever greater inequal- were once the future, but labour is dle whose living standards and pay stopped rising around 2000. in bonuses despite a 32 percent share allocation on top of a £1.1m ity, more wealth sucked up to the now so cheap that “American-style” expectations for themselves and Only the tyranny of averages fall in profits. They outraged their salary? A few hours of mild public top 5 percent, and the top one hand car washes run more profit- their children have taken a hard masked the warped distribution small shareholders and even ruffled shame is probably a price worth per cent’s share soaring again. ably on humans than machines. blow. Holidays, meals out, school of income in Labour’s years. But some of their mighty institutional paying. The remuneration commit- That leaves perpetually worsening This forensic social analysis trips are forgone as ordinary fam- at least that was mitigated by tax investors – though of course the tee chair fought back crossly: they prospects for the 20 percent -30 reveals how in the recession the ilies lose a quarter of the benefits credits that went well above aver- City financiers voted it all through, have to pay these sums because percent stuck in a cycle of no/low big society shrivelled as fewer peo- that used to cushion them. Even age households and whose cur- including up to 200 percent bonuses everyone else does, but “only the employment, insecure temping and ple volunteered or helped a neigh- a small interest rate rise will send rent withdrawal hurts middling for the next three years. most discerning will appreciate zero-hours contracts, seldom earn- bour, and trust fell in the most a million more into deep trouble. families. In polls, most voters, including this”. To his rhetorical, “Do you ing enough to get by and with no stricken towns. Forget Cameron’s What are the politics of this? Most people are all in this Ukippers and Tories, are disgusted think we would pay anyone more ladder up. Block your ears when- wellbeing index: anxiety, family First, Labour must resoundingly together – except the few so well by what one shareholder called than we need to?”, a chorus of ever you hear politicians preach rows and men committing sui- rubbish all averages: an average is protected by the Cameron govern- “management greed”. But these “Yes!” came up from the hall. social mobility: there is no chance cide rose in the hardest hit areas, a man with his head in the oven ment. There is common purpose untouchables stick two fingers up All things are relative: the chief of improving opportunities for with no sign of social solidarity and his feet in the freezer who is to be found against tax-avoiding to the spirit of new EU bonuses executive’s £5.1m jostles alongside those born poor until fewer people as the poor are turned against pronounced on average just fine as freeloading companies, profiteer- rules, far beyond the reach of mere other FTSE jackpot winners. But are poor. Instead their number will one another, accusing each other he drops dead. The great majority ing from rock bottom pay because democracy. Why not, since George the same chancellor who fights grow, as charts from the Institute of getting better benefits. It was will still feel pinched for years to they can, taking Barclays-type Osborne has gone to court against the EU to protect that relativity For Fiscal Studies show. political choice in how to cut the come, relative to what they had, salaries because they can. Good the EU to assert bankers’ rights to attacks the official poverty line The story of the recession, the deficit that put most burden on despite “average” pay figures that jobs, new homes and a living wage pay themselves whatever they like? being set relative to median earn- damage done and its permanent those with least. The coalition ini- include bank bonuses. Second, are themes to reach the heart of An elderly Asian woman, reading ings. So let’s stick to absolutes: scars is told in Hard Times by Tom tially made great virtue of charts once shown this trajectory recession-pinched people whose that 481 Barclays staff are paid in £5.1m is absolutely disgusting; so Clark, Guardian leader writer and showing the broadest shoulders towards ever rising social sepa- living standards may not rise excess of £1m, asked “Who needs is £71 a week unemployment pay former economist at the IFS and taking the burden; these days ration and an ever more squeezed before the next bust – which itself more than a million to live on?” If for food, clothing, toiletries, gas, the Department for Work and they are relegated to an annex of hour-glass middle, the prospect may not be far off. only TV cameras would gawp at electricity, council tax and buses Pensions. In charts and numbers the budget book, recognising that alarms most people whatever they THE GUARDIAN SUNDAY 27 APRIL 2014 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com GECM & TENDERS

GLOBAL ECONOMIC CRISIS MAP (GECM) Every Sunday UK unemployment hits low of under 7pc China’s services trade deficit widens in March Goldman Sachs cuts US Q1 GDP LONDON: Britain’s unemployment, as forecast to one percent measured by International Labour BEIJING: China recorded a foreign- Japan logs record $134bn Organisation methods, hit a five-year Spain’s GDP grows at fastest services trade deficit of 60.9 billion trade deficit in FY 2013 WASHINGTON: Goldman Sachs cut low of 6.9 percent for the three- rate in six years yuan ($9.9 billion) in March, data TOKYO: Japan’s trade deficit its forecast for US gross domestic month period ending in February. MADRID: Spain’s central bank said from the foreign-exchange regulator surged nearly 70 percent to a product (GDP) in the first quarter This rate of unemployment is now far Thursday the country’s gross domestic showed Thursday. Revenue from trade record 13.75 trillion yen ($134 (Q1) due to higher inventories at the below Britain’s European rivals and product grew by 0.4 percent for the in services stood at 118.6 billion yuan billion) in the last fiscal year, end of last year and negative effects shows that its economy is picking first three months of the year, the in March and expenditure was 179.6 the third straight year of deficit, from bad weather. Specifically, the up momentum one year before the fastest rate in six years. The Bank billion yuan, the State Administration of as exports failed to keep pace broker now expects growth of only general elections. According to the of Spain expects the economy to Foreign Exchange. with surging energy costs. The 1.0pc, down from a prior estimate of grow by 1.2 percent this year and Office for National Statistics, the Finance Ministry reported 1.5pc, according to market reports by 1.7 percent in 2015, as per early unemployment rate for the period Monday that exports in the year which quote Goldman analysts as calculations, which are based on beginning November through that ended March 31 rose 10.8 saying that ‘we expect Q1 to be the preliminary data and subject to January was 7.2 percent. percent over the year before to lowest point of the year for growth, change. 70.8 trillion yen ($690.5 billion) with substantial weather effects and Indian rupee sees worst falling while imports climbed 17.3 inventory drag weighing on growth’. streak in 2-1/2 months percent to 84.6 trillion yen ($825 NEW DELHI: The Indian rupee billion). weakened against the U.S dollar in the morning deals on Friday. SA inflation up to 6pc Against the greenback, the rupee fell to a 5-week low of 61.2000. The JOHANNESBURG: South Africa’s Australian dollar falls as pair worth 61.1250 at Thursday’s headline consumer inflation inflation rate soft at 2.9pc quickened to 6,0 percent year- close. on-year in March, slightly above SYDNEY: Reserve Bank of Australia Argentine economy expands 1.3pc in market expectations, Statistics officials are breathing a sigh of relief today after the country’s February over a year ago, says government South Africa said on Wednesday. inflation rate rose by less than This figure was up by 0,1 percent BUENOS AIRES: Argentina’s economy expanded expected over the first three from 5,9 in February On a month- 1.3pc in February compared with the same month months of the year. Australia’s a year ago, the government said on Tuesday, a on-month basis, prices increased annual inflation rate has increased result that outpaced market expectations. The by 1,3 percent in March from 1,1 to 2.9 percent, near the top of the government’s stats office Indec also revised percent previously. Reserve Bank’s target range, but January economic activity to positive 1.4pc from consumer prices rose only 0.6 per a previously reported expansion of 1.2pc. cent over the three months to March, compared with 0.9 percent the previous quarter.

TENDERS

TENDER TENDER CLOSING TENDER TENDER CLOSING No. COMPANY TENDER NO. SUBJECT No. COMPANY TENDER NO. SUBJECT BOND FEES DATE BOND FEES DATE

Provision of manpower transportation 04/05/2014 1LT14104300 QR 40,000 QR 200 11/5/2014 Supply of sensors for hydrant and hydrant Not later services at Ras Laffan 21 LTC 797/2014 QR 30,000 QR 500 units than 11:00am Epic for centralized wastewater & sewage 2GT1410600 QR 2500,000 QR 500 15/06/2014 27/04/2014 treatment plant Not later 22 LTC 781/2014 DR new security infrastructure QR 100,000 QR 500 than 11:00 Documentary films for process orientation am 3ST14101300 QR 18,000 QR 200 19/05/2014 & safety induction for Prod dept. Dukhan 27/04/2014 Consultancy services for updating KM 23 LTC 742/2013 QR 40,000 QR 500 Not later electricity and water regulation than 12 pm Supply of VIP & Regular Bags 2015 (QP 25/05/2014 4LT14MT0025 QR 85,000 QR 500 Diary) (12:00hrs) 15/05/2014 GTC Two years call-off agreement for supply of QR Not later 24 QR 12,000 630/2014 outdoor switchgears 5,000,000 than Stocking & supply of ethylmercaptan (EM) 11/05/2014 11:00am 5LT14MT0011on call-off basis for a period of three (3) QR 30,000 QR 500 (12:00hrs) 01/05/2014 years Two years call-off agreement for supply of QR Not later 25 GTC 633/2014 feeder pillars with ‘j’ type and ‘Din’ type QR 5,000 2,500,000 than Design, printing & supply of QP IC news fuses 05/05/2014 11:00am 6ST14MT0084 bulletin on call-off basis for a period of QR 20,000 QR 100 (12:00hrs) three (3) years 11-05- LTC- Supply of 150 KVA 415 VOLT portable 2014 Not 26 QR 60,000 QR 500 Epic for upgrading merox F&G Det & NGL 808/2014 diesel driven sound proof generator sets later than 7LT14103700 QR 20,000 QR 200 4/5/2014 1/2/3/4 fire water syst ctrl plc ATGO, MES 11:00am 22/05/2014 Call off contract, supply, install, replace GTC- QR TIME: Batch inhibition of gas lines on call-off 27 and maintenance of water & electricity QR 2,000 8GT14104100 QR 350,000 QR 500 27/04/2014 624/2014 2,000,000 BEFORE basis within Dukhan fields meters three year contract 12:00 noon Epic for Additional water storage at Jabel Pre-contract professional consultancy 9GT141039800 QR 900,000 QR 500 27/04/2014 PWA/ services for new custom training center tank farm, Dukhan 28 QR 180,000 QR 750 18/05/2014 ITC/001/14-15 and custom warehouses in road transport 10 LT114103500 Corporate well log data validation QR 50,000 N/A 4/5/2014 BA/13-14/D/099/I Pre-contract professional consultancy PWA/ Call-off cont for window cleaning in new 29 services for five Masjids at various QR 28,000 QR 500 19/05/2014 11 LT14103400 QR 32,000 QR 200 4/5/2014 STC/003/14-15 refinery admin bldg. at QPREF, MES locations (package2) BA/13-14/D/096/S Supply of general electrical items for PWA/ 30 pumping stations AA-DOM/13-14/M/1386- QR 10,000 QR 400 26/05/2014 Stocking & supply of safety helmets and STC/004/14-15 05/05/2014 1.05/S 12 ST14MT0066 ear muffs on calloff basis for a period of QR 10,000 QR 100 (12:00hrs) three (3) years Supply og general items and tools for TSE group, pumping station group and PWA/ 31 mechanical & electrical workshops for QR 10,000 QR 400 19/05/2014 Supply, installation, testing and STC/005/14-15 drainage networks O & M department AA- AF/C/ commissioning of eccentric reducer at 13 QR 5,000 QR 300 27/04/2014 DOM/13-14/M/1366-2.05/S AL5365R2/14 suction side for Kahramaa room at Aspire Logistics Doha & Rayyan sewerage scheme PWA/ sewer Extension & house connections at 32 QR 35,000 QR 750 5/5/2014 AF/C/ Supply , delivery & installation of pool bar STC/002/14-15 Muaither Area (Job ref. #93/2012) IA/D- 14 QR 5,000 QR 300 27/04/2014 ASP5416R1/14 counter at Aspetar HC/13-14/C/081/S Supply & comissioning of VAN Mounted with portable CCTV survey camera Comprehensive maintenance of IPTV PWA/ system (media project centre) at Apsire 33 system, inclusive of Accessories and QR 26,000 QR 500 12/5/2014 15 AF/M/AA3064/14 QR 20,000 QR 500 27/04/2014 STC/001/14-15 Academy and Aspire Sports Hall in components for sewer pipeline inspection Aspire Zone AA/DOM/13-14/M/1572-6.06/S Mechanical & Electrical Maintenance/ PWA/ Supply & delivery of toilet and bio-hazard 34 Enhancement works for pumping stations QR 200,000 QR 1,000 13/05/2014 16 AF/C/AL5470/14 QR 7,000 QR 300 27/04/2014 GTC/002/14-15 pedal operated bins to Aspire Logistics AA/DOM/13-14/M/1614-2.06/G Design, supply, installation, testing and IT infrastructure maintenance & repair commissioning of two (2nos.) MV/LV 35 KH/1262/DMGH QR 65,000 QR 750 5/5/2014 17 AF/M/AF2052/14 services for Awaya IP telephony at Aspire QR 30,000 QR 500 29/04/2014 panels, ATS & power generator for Doha ASPIRE ZONE Zone Foundation Marriott Gulf Hotel

Supply, delivery & installation including Replacement of sub-stn doors, safety AF/C/ hardware refreshment and Data migration 36 GT14105700 shower modificatn & pump testingpit @ QR 150,000 QR 500 25/05/2014 18 QR 50,000 QR 500 29/04/2014 ASP5473/14 and configuration of IBM AIX system for Dkn

Aspetar Laboratory Information System Five year call-off inspection support 37 GT14105300 QR 420,000 QR 500 1/6/2014 services at GO, MES, Eastern Qatar & NFA Design, supply, delivery & installation of Dukhan Physical development plan 2013 38 LT14104100 QR 100,000 QR 200 11/5/2014 AF/C/ main entrance canopy for the proposed revision 19 QR 15,000 QR 300 27/04/2014 ALAT5369R1/13 torch-ballroom area at Ladies Club in AF/C/ Installation of artificial Turf at various Aspire Zone 39 QR 20,000 QR 500 29/04/2014 AL5368R1/14 outdoor areas in Aspire Zone

Investigate and issue report on roof and AF/C/ 20 cladding leaks at various Aspire Zone QR 37,500 QR 500 27/04/2014 AF/C/ Repair of two (2) units of ozone generators AL5340R1/13 40 QR 30,000 QR 500 29/04/2014 venues ALEC5487/14 at Energy Center in Aspire Zone SUNDAY 27 APRIL 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23

Pujols, Angels trounce NBA: Nets hold off Raptors; Yankees 13-1

NEW YORK: Throughout an up-and-down month, the Los Angeles Angels have been pretty consistent in one area: hitting Dunleavy powers Bulls home runs. Albert Pujols had one of Los Angeles’ four long balls, C.J. Johnson dazzles in Brooklyn’s win; Rookie Daniels lifts Rockets to victory Wilson kept New York in check again and the Angels roughed up the road weary Yankees 13-1 NEW YORK: Joe Johnson tal- Wall went right to the rim and yesterday. lied 29 points as the Brooklyn NBA Playoff Results drew a foul, making both free “The offensive part of our club Nets beat the Toronto Raptors EASTERN CONFERENCE throws, but Butler countered at is doing what it needs to do,” 102-98 in game three of their At New York the other end with a pair of his manager Mike Scioscia said. opening round NBA playoff Brooklyn 102 Toronto 98 own free throws for a 96-93 lead. “Hopefully we’ll start to match series yesterday. (Brooklyn lead series 2-1) Both teams made four free it on the mound, particularly in Deron Williams finished with throws the rest of the way to cap the bullpen.” At Washington 22 points and eight assists and the scoring. Pujols hit homer No. 501 and Paul Pierce scored 18 points for Chicago 100 Washington 97 Meanwhile, Troy Daniels hit Ian Stewart had a two-run shot the Nets, who almost squandered (Washington lead series 2-1) a three pointer in the closing off Hiroki Kuroda (2-2) for the a 15-point lead with five minutes WESTERN CONFERENCE seconds of overtime to lift the majors’ top slugging squad. Erick left in the fourth quarter of the At Portland Houston Rockets to a 121-116 Aybar connected for a three-run Eastern Conference series. Houston 121 Portland 116 win over Portland in a Western drive and Collin Cowgill went “We got a little lackadaisi- (Portland lead series 2-1) Conference playoff contest deep against Bruce Billings, one cal,” said Johnson. “It was very yesterday. of the pitchers called up when uncharacteristic of us to blow a by Johnson in a playoff game since James Harden tallied 37 points Michael Pineda was suspended for lead like that.” 2011. and Dwight Howard finished with 10 games after being caught with On Tuesday, Toronto beat the “We have to be aggressive for 24 points and 14 rebounds for the pine tar on his neck Wednesday Nets 100-95 at home in game two. the whole game,” DeRozan said. Rockets in game three of their night. Even with Josh Hamilton DeMar DeRozan paced the “Once they had the big lead we best-of-seven opening round NBA and Kole Calhoun on the disa- Raptors’ attack with 30 points in tried to fight back. We can’t put series. The Trail Blazers lead the bled list, the Angels set a club front of a crowd of 17,732 at the ourselves in that situation.” series two games to one. record for March and April with Barclays Center arena. Game four of this best-of-seven Harden set a Rockets’ playoff 35 home runs, and Pujols has a In the other East playoff con- set is Sunday. record with 35 field goal attempts majors-leading nine. But Los test yesterday, Mike Dunleavy Dunleavy made eight-of-10 yesterday. He attempted 11 three Angeles, which wasted a ninth- set a franchise playoff record for three point attempts and finished pointers, making good on three inning lead Wednesday in a 5-4 three pointers in a game with with 35 points for the Bulls, who of them. loss, is just 11-11 and has not been eight as the Chicago Bulls beat narrowed the Wizards series lead But it was seldom used rookie above .500 yet this season. the Washington Wizards 100-97. to two games to one. Daniels who stole the limelight. “It was a fun game for us after Patrick Patterson had 17 points Dunleavy’s 35 points were one He made a name for himself as a the off day and after the way the for Toronto, who haven’t won a shy of a career-best but shattered top scorer this season while play- last game went,” Wilson said. playoff game on the road since his previous playoff career-high ing for Rio Grande Valley of the “We’re hitting balls all over the 2001 in Philadelphia. Patterson of 17. NBA’s developmental league. place.” had a chance to tie the game with Jimmy Butler finished with 15 Daniels did not play in either of Wilson (3-2) played catch on 19 seconds remaining, but missed points, Carlos Boozer had 14 and Houston’s losses in the first two a softball field in Central Park two free throws. The second Taj Gibson and DJ Augustin put games of this series but came off wearing his red glove, unnoticed attempt deflected off the rim and in 13 points apiece off the bench the bench to score nine points in by any New Yorkers. It was hard Toronto’s Landry Fields touched for the Bulls. game three. not to notice his dominant per- the ball as he tried to save it from Game four is set for Sunday in “I was just hoping it was going formance in a difficult wind yes- going out of bounds. Washington. to go in,” he said. “I am happy to terday. He gave up a run and four Pierce hit two free throws Butler drained his second have hit it (winner) tonight. It hits in six innings, the seventh with 14 seconds left, but Amir three-pointer of the contest and is my job to perform and that is time in eight starts he’s held New Johnson’s putback off a DeRozan series to give Chicago a 94-91 lead what I did.” York to two or fewer earned runs. miss made it a 100-98 game with with 24 seconds left to play. Harden tied the score 116-116 Hank Conger had a pair of RBI three seconds on the clock. Wizard’s Trevor Ariza then with a 21-footer with 1:51 left in doubles and a run-scoring sin- Nicolas Batum (88) of the Portland Trail Blazers puts in a shot over Joe Johnson made two more missed a three-point try at the the overtime. It remained tied gle, Aybar reached base all five Dwight Howard (12) of the Houston Rockets during the fourth quarter of from the free-throw line less other end. Chicago moved the until Jeremy Lin grabbed a loose times - once when Carlos Beltran Game Three of the Western Conference quarter-finals during the 2014 than a second later to clinch the ball to halfcourt with a timeout, ball and fed Daniels on the left dropped his flyball to right field NBA Playoffs at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon, yesterday. The victory and send the Raptors to but Dunleavy’s inbounds pass wing for his third three pointer of - and scored four runs. Howie Rockets won the game 121-116. their 13th straight road playoff sailed over Joakim Noah and into the game with just 11 seconds left. Kendrick had three of the Angels’ loss. The 29 points was the most Washington John Wall’s hands. AGENCIES 16 hits and scored three runs in a game that ended in front of a near-empty stadium. The Yankees returned home yesterday from an eventful 4-3 road trip in which they lost starters Ivan Nova to a season-ending elbow injury and Gilbert and Valverde big favourites in Liege Pineda for two starts. AGENCIES LIEGE, Belgium: Having won ‘Monument’ races this season. there are others like Daniel chances, saying the course is more than Fleche, where he was none- Baseball Results the previous two Ardennes One such is young Poland’s Martin.“For Joaquim Rodriguez suited to him that that of the theless sixth. Kansas City 5 Baltimore 0 Classics, Philippe Gilbert and Michal Kwiatkowski who is enjoy- the question is whether or not Fleche Wallonne, which he has How well Rodriguez -- twice Alejandro Valverde come into ing a fine season having won the he’s recovered from his falls (at also won twice. a runner-up in Liege and five LA Angels 13 NY Yankees 1 today’s Liege-Bastogne-Liege Strade Bianche, finished sec- both Amstel and Fleche). “I like it because the climbs times in Ardennes Classics Washington 11 San Diego 1 race as the clear favourites. ond at the Tour of the Basque “But he’s a Liege specialist, are not 1-1.5km but 4-5km, -- goes will depend on how he Boston 8 Toronto 1 Gilbert made a stunning attack Country, third at Fleche and fifth (his Katusha team-mate Dani) which is better for me and my recovers from his Amstel and NY Mets 4 Miami 3 on the final Cauberg climb to win at Amstel. Moreno too, they have a very characteristics. Fleche crashes, but if he’s not Atlanta 5 Cincinnati 4 last Sunday’s Amstel Gold Race And another Gilbert expects to strong team.” “It’s a race where positioning on top form, Katusha will look to Chicago White Sox 9 Tampa Bay 6 from Belgian compatriot Jelle ride well in Liege is Giro d’Italia Valverde said there are a lot of isn’t so important as Amstel, his Spanish compatriot Moreno Vanendert while Valverde timed champion Vincenzo Nibali, who riders who could win in Liege but where you’ve always got to be at to have a tilt. Milwaukee 5 Chicago Cubs 2 his final push to perfection to was 14th at Fleche. agreed that he and Gilbert are the the front and paying attention. For Nibali, second in 2012 Detroit 10 Minnesota 6 beat Ireland’s Daniel Martin at “Kwiatkowski is very young two favourites. That creates a lot of tension.” behind team-mate Maxim Oakland 12 Houston 5 Wednesday’s Fleche Wallonne. but he’s already very impres- “There will be Gilbert, I’ll be - Liege is tactical - Iglinsky, there are three St Louis 1 Pittsburgh 0 But both 31-year-old Gilbert sive. You can count on him,” said there, but it won’t just be us two. Several other riders could fig- favourites. Arizona 5 Philadelphia 4 and Spaniard Valverde, 34, were Gilbert. I think there will be a lot of other ure such as Dutchamn Bauke “There are always great rivals. Seattle 6 Texas 5 keen to remind fans and pundits “Nibali is always better over riders fighting for victory,” said Mollema, an impressive fourth Certainly Valverde and Gilbert Colorado 5 LA Dodgers 4 alike that there will be others 260km (Liege is 263km) than the 2006 and 2008 winner. at Fleche, or Vanendert, who is because they won the last two big in the mix at the fourth of five 200km (Fleche is 199km) and But Valverde fancies his own more suited to the Liege course Classics. AFP San Francisco 5 Cleveland 1 Toews lifts Blackhawks past Blues in extra time ST LOUIS: Jonathan Toews can wrap up the first-round series caught the St. Louis Blues’ NHL Playoff Results at home today. Four of the first defence napping after the Philadelphia 2 NY Rangers 1 five games in the series have gone Chicago Blackhawks got a lucky (The best-of-seven series is level at 2-2) to overtime. Tyler Seguin (91) carom. “I think we got lucky on that Chicago 3 St Louis 2 of the Dallas Just like that, the puck was in winning goal, but I don’t think (Chicago lead the best-of-seven series by Stars is checked the net and the defending Stanley that at the end of the day we win 3-2) to the ice by Cup champions were in command because of luck,” Keith said. “I Mark Fistric (28) of the first-round series. Anaheim 6 Dallas 2 think both teams have a lot of fire of the Anaheim “I wasn’t even sure where their (Anaheim lead the best-of-seven series by and grit and a lot of determina- Ducks, as goal- D-men were,” Toews said after 3-2) tion, and it’s a fine line between scoring at 7:36 of overtime to trying to get the puck out of the winning and losing. tender Frederik give the Blackhawks a 3-2 victory zone and all of a sudden it lands “Like I’ve said a few times, Andersen Friday night and a 3-2 series lead. on his stick,” Keith said. “Couldn’t we’re going to need our best game defends his net “Just got going as fast as I could. believe it. So, I was pretty happy of the year our next game.” in the first period Take advantage of a chance.” seeing that.” St Louis defense- TJ Oshie and Alex Pietrangelo of Game Five of Blackhawks goalie Corey man Roman Polak saw Toews scored for the Blues. the First Round Crawford stopped a shot by David coming off the bench but rea- “What’s pouting going to do?” of the 2014 Backes, defenseman Duncan soned that the Blues had con- St Louis forward Alexander NHL Stanley Keith cleared the puck and the trol, so he left the ice about the Steen said. “You just get back on Cup Playoffs at rebound deflected off Andrew same time Backes was shooting. the horse. It’s a game. You have Honda Center Shaw’s shin pad all the way to the Replacement Jay Bouwmeester to win four. They have three, we in Anaheim, Chicago captain alone at center never had a chance and Toews have two. Off to Chicago we go. California, yes- ice off a change. Toews sped in also got behind Jordan Leopold. See you there.” terday. The with two defensemen in futile “It was a lucky bounce or some- All three of the Blues’ home Ducks defeated pursuit and threw a few fakes at thing,” Polak said. “It was just a games went to overtime and St. the Stars 6-2. goalie Ryan Miller before slipping lucky bounce.” Louis won the first two. Before a backhander into the net. Marian Hossa and Ben Smith Toews scored, the top offensive “I was just saying to some of also scored for the Blackhawks, threats in the series had been neu- the guys in the other room, I’m who have won three in a row and tralized in Game 5. AGENCIES SUNDAY 27 APRIL 2014 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Quiros chases Levy; Martin extends lead in Zurich

NEW ORLEANS: American Ben Martin stretched his lead PGA Tour Zurich Poulter unhappy to three strokes by firing a five- under 67 in the second round of Classic Scores the PGA Tour’s Zurich Classic NEW ORLEANS: Scores on Friday. after yesterday’s second round Martin, who has made just two of the $6.8m PGA Tour’s Spaniard three strokes behind Frenchman in China Open cuts in his last nine tournaments Zurich Classic (par 72, USA but finished third in both, com- unless noted): SHENZHEN: Spain’s Alvaro pleted 36 holes at 15-under 129. Quiros remained hot on the heels “It was nice to kind of validate 129 Ben Martin 62-67 of leader Alexander Levy at the what I did yesterday getting off to 132 Andrew Svoboda 64-68 $3.2m Volvo China Open yes- a hot start,” said Martin. “I wasn’t 133 Seung-Yul Noh (KOR) 65-68, Robert terday, as Ian Poulter branded worried about what had happened Streb 67-66 his own position on the board previously or what was coming 134 Peter Hanson (SWE) 65-69, Erik “disgraceful”. up. I wanted to just try to do that Compton 66-68 Big-hitting Quiros — winner of again on the second nine.” 135 Charley Hoffman 68-67, Jeff Overton six European Tour titles — goes Martin is seeking his first 67-68, Keegan Bradley 69-66 into today’s final round three career win on the North 136 J.B. Holmes 71-65, Will Wilcox 68-68 strokes behind Levy of France American tour. Andrew Svoboda after shooting a 68 at the par-72 carded a four-under 68 to remain 137 David Duval 68-69, Retief Goosen Genzon Golf Club in Shenzhen. in second place at 12-under 132, (RSA) 72-65, J.J. Henry 68-69, Bo “I am three shots back... but that while Robert Streb (66) and Van Pelt 74-63, Graham DeLaet (CAN) is nothing in this game,” said the South Korea’s Noh Seung-Yul 69-68, Chad Collins 66-71, Kevin confident Spaniard, who is chas- (68) shared third at minus-11 at Kisner 69-68, Mark D. Anderson 72- ing his first tournament victory the TPC Louisiana. 65, Tommy Gainey 71-66, Michael for almost two and a half years. Erik Compton (68) and Peter Thompson 66-71 “If Alex plays really well then Hanson (69) are tied for fifth at we might not be able to catch him 10-under 134. He pulled further ahead by but it is good to know that I have Martin began his round on chipping for an eagle at the 11th, a chance. Friday on the 10th tee with a two and reached 14-under with a “I’ve not had the (winning) feel- shot lead on the field. seven-foot birdie putt at the 13th. ing for a long time,” he added. He added to his advantage by He added a short birdie putt on Quiros, renowned for regularly landing his second shot at the par- his final hole, the ninth, to finish driving the ball more than 300 four 10th to within a foot and roll- at 15-under. yards, has been a world top 50 ing that in for a birdie. AFP player but he last won at the Dubai World Championship in December 2011 and is now ranked 240th.

Alexander Levy of France hits a shot during the third round of the Volvo China Open at the Genzon Golf Club China Open Third in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen yesterday. Round Scores HONG KONG: Leading scores Levy sits 16-under par after a been as high as number five in the year, when he finished joint fifth. after the third round yester- solid 70, which included a crucial rankings, would be further up the “I am very happy and I hope day in the $3.2m Volvo China 15-foot putt at the last for par, as leaderboard were it not for a two- to keep my name on the leader- Open at Genzon Golf Club: he bids for a career-first title. shot penalty incurred for an incor- board,” Li said. Par 72 His best finish in a tournament rect drop on Friday. World number three Henrik 200 Alexander Levy (FRA) 68-62-70 so far was third at last year’s “I shouldn’t be happy with the Stenson endured another disap- 203 Alvaro Quiros (ESP) 67-68-68 BMW International Open. position I’m in,” said the Ryder pointing day, knocking the ball “I will be nervous,” said the Cup veteran, 38. round in 71 shots to move to only 204 Mikko Ilonen (FIN) 69-68-67 world number 282. “But because “I dropped five shots yesterday minus four. 205 Tommy Fleetwood (ENG) 70-68-67, you are nervous doesn’t mean you in two holes. It’s unacceptable, it’s The Swede had been hoping to Adrian Otaegui (ESP) 68-66-71 can’t play well.” disgraceful. I should be a lot closer advance his quest of toppling Tiger 207 Simon Dyson (ENG) 67-71-69 Quiros bogeyed the last at the to the lead but that’s golf.” Woods from the top spot of the 208 Andy Sullivan (ENG) 71-68-69 7,145-yard-long course for a total Leading the home charge was world standings this week but has 209 Li Haotong (CHN) 73-69-67, of 13-under, one ahead of Finland’s 18-year-old Li Haotong who pro- failed to shoot in the 60s after flu Francesco Molinari (ITA) 70-70-69, Mikko Ilonen. The Spaniard had pelled himself up the leaderboard hampered his preparations. Chris Doak (SCO) 71-68-70 been five behind Levy going into with a spotless 67 that leaves him Stenson started brightly, mak- 210 Ian Poulter (ENG) 69-74-67, Hennie yesterday’s round. in a tie for eighth. ing birdies at the first and second, Otto (RSA) 70-71-69, Michael Hoey Tommy Fleetwood of England Another strong showing today but inconsistency set in and he (NIR) 69-72-69, Julien Quesne (FRA) and Spain’s Adrian Otaegui are will give the Hunan teenager the failed to make a charge, dropping 69-71-70, Robert-Jan Derksen (NED) tied fourth on 11-under. biggest paycheck of his young three shots. 70-69-71 England’s Poulter traded seven career. PGA champion Jason Dufner Selected others birdies with two bogeys for a five- His best finish since turning carded a 69 for his best round of under-par round of 67 to leave him professional aged just 15 came the week but lies in a lowly tie for Ben Martin prepares to putt on the first hole during Round Three of the 212 Henrik Stenson (SWE) 71-70-71 a massive ten shots off the lead. at the relatively minor New 30th at three-under par. Zurich Classic of New Orleans at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, Louisiana. 213 Jason Dufner (USA) 73-71-69 The world number 22, who has Zealand PGA Championship last AFP American Stacy Lewis grabs Swinging Skirts lead DALY CITY: Stacy Lewis Ko said. “My mom brought me magazine’s 100 most influential Miyazato and Ilhee Lee were three noted that she was 29 and play- a cup and I was like, ‘Oh, that LPGA Swinging Skirts Classic Scores people, thought she could get her strokes back at 3 under. Park had ing partner Lydia Ko was 17 better not be hot chocolate.”’ SAN FRANCISCO: Leading second-round scores yesterday putt in before being called off. a 68 in the afternoon, Miyazato when talking about their con- Lewis overcame rain and hail from the LPGA Tour’s Swinging Skirts Classic. (USA unless “I was crazy and out of my shot 69, and Lee had a 73. trasting approaches to a storm to take the second-round lead, noted, par-72): mind thinking about putting in “It was a very good putting day delay on Friday in the Swinging shooting her second straight 138 Stacy Lewis 69-69 the hail,” Ko said. “It started get- and I hit a lot of fairways,” Park Skirts LPGA Classic. three-under 69 at Lake Merced. 139 Karine Icher (FRA) 66-73, Lydia Ko (NZL) 68-71 ting dark and I’m glad I was called said. “I got a little lucky with the “I think you try to stay patient Winless since the Women’s British off.” weather. I only had to play in the 141 Inbee Park (KOR) 73-68, Mika Miyazato (JPN) 72-69, Ilhee Lee (KOR) 68-73 during the delay more than any- Open in August, the third-ranked Ko returned to the course and rain for four holes.” thing, and try to stay loose,” Lewis Lewis had a one-stroke lead over 142 Catriona Matthew (SCO) 73-69, Suzann Pettersen (NOR) 70-72, Brittany Lang 71-71, made the putt. Miyazato finished before the said. “I didn’t sit down too much. Ko and first-round leader Karine Carlota Ciganda (ESP) 70-72, Paola Moreno (COL) 71-71, P.K. Kongkraphan (THA) 74- Icher was tied for the lead with delay. Tried to stay up.” Icher. 68, Jenny Shin (KOR) 68-74, Haeji Kang (KOR) 72-70, Hyo-Joo Kim (KOR) 69-73 Lewis at five under when the horn “The golf course was more chal- Ko did the opposite. Ko had a 71, and Icher followed 143 Hee Young Park (KOR) 70-73, I.K. Kim (KOR) 72-71, Ashleigh Simon (RSA) 73-70, Mo sounded. lenging,” Miyazato said. “I needed “I sat down, had some chicken her opening 66 with a 73. Martin 69-74, Alison Walshe 74-69, C Boeljon (NED) 69-74, Line Vedel (DEN) 72-71 “I ate a little and dried my better course management.” soup, played some cards,” Ko said. Lewis and Ko played alongside clothes,” Icher said. “Rain delays Second-ranked Suzann “I was totally relaxed.” Michelle Wie, dealing with heavy helped several of the late starters. before pounding the course just are never fun but it happens. Pettersen, returning from a since But she was careful to avoid hot rain and hail that suspended play Wie was even par after her sec- after noon, forcing the suspension Being in the top five to start the back injury that sidelined her for chocolate. “I had a cup of hot choc- for just over an hour. Play resumed ond 72. at 12.36 pm. tournament is pretty good, defi- three tournaments, was 2 under olate before during a delay and in steady drizzle that gave way to The weather wavered between Ko, who turned 17 on Thursday nitely my best start this year.” after a 72. next hole I hit it out of bounds,” sunny afternoon conditions that a slight mist and light shower and was named among TIME Top-ranked Inbee Park, Mika AP Masterly Marquez storms to Argentina pole

TERMAS DE RÏO HONDO: quickly today,” said Marquez, who Bradl survived a big highside Termas de Rio Hondo circuit. Reigning world champion Marc has also been fastest in the three but still looked shaken by the It was Miller’s second career Marquez clinched his third pole practice sessions. crash at the end of the session. pole to add to his maiden pole position of the season and 12th “On Sunday, we will have to Alvaro Bautista, Pol Espargaro position achieved at the Grand of his career when he qualified see what the temperature is like and Nicky Hayden will start from Prix of the Americas two weeks fastest for today’s Argentina and the state of the tyres will be the fourth row. ago. MotoGP, the first to be held in very important as it is a very long Australia’s Jack Miller claimed Miller leads the Moto3 cham- the South American country in race,” said 21-year-old Marquez. pole position for the Moto3 race pionship with 50 points ahead 15 years. Aleix Espargaro, on a Yamaha, as he sets his sights on a third of Vazquez, on 32, and Italy’s The Spaniard, who has won Ducati’s Andrea Dovizioso and successive win this season. Romano Fenati, who has 24. both races so far this season in nine-time champion Valentino Miller, on a KTM, continued Spain’s Esteve Rabat will Doha and Austin, was 0.742sec Rossi, on the second factory his blistering form ahead of start from pole position in the quicker on his Honda than 2010 Yamaha, fill the second row for Sunday’s third round clocking Moto2 race on his Kalex ahead of and 2012 world champion Jorge Sunday’s race. the fastest lap in qualifying with French Suter rider Johann Zarco Lorenzo on a Yamaha. Bradley Smith, on a Yamaha, 1min 49.200sec. with just a fraction of a second Spanish MotoGP rider of Repsol Honda team Marc Marquez (front) and Honda teammate Dani Pedrosa leads the third row, ahead of Spain’s Efren Vazquez and separating the two men. Briton Scott Redding of Honda Gressini in action at the Termas de Rio was third in qualifying to com- Andrea Iannone on a Ducati Danny Kent of Great Britain Belgium’s Xavier Simeon, on a Hondo circuit in Santiago del Estero, Argentina, yesterday. plete the front row. and Germany’s Stefan Bradl on were second and third fast- Suter, completes the front row. “I didn’t think I would go so a Honda. est respectively at the AFP SUNDAY 27 APRIL 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25

Pravin Tambe of Merritt beats Rajasthan Royals celebrates after James to Rajasthan Royals taking a wicket during the Indian capture 400m Premier League match against DES MOINES, United Royal Challengers, States: Reigning world champ Bangalore, in Abu cruise to victory LaShawn Merritt beat 2012 Dhabi, yesterday. Olympic Games gold medal win- Tambe took four ner Kirani James to win a star- Spinner Tambe dazzles in six-wicket win wickets in Rajasthan studded 400 metre race at the Royals’ six wicket Drake Relays yesterday. win over Royal American Merritt posted a ABU DHABI: Buoyed by Pravin with caution to begin with. The yielded instant results as the Challengers. winning time of 44.44 seconds to Tambe’s magnificent bowling, question was when, rather than bowler struck with his fourth beat James of Grenada in front Rajasthan Royals handed Royal who or how would Rajasthan ball as opener Yogesh Takawale’s of a crowd of 10,924 at Drake Challengers Bangalore a crush- Royals go about their task. attempted swipe landed in Sanju Stadium. “It is my first time at ing six-wicket defeat in Match In the end, they did man- Samson’s gloves, while Parthiv the Drake Relays,” Merritt said. 14 of IPL 7 at the Sheikh Zayed age to get over the line after 13 Patel was run out next ball. “The crowd was awesome. I like Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. overs with six wickets in hand as Virat Kohli, eager to get off how they cheered my name before Rajasthan Royals’ captain Watson scored run-a-ball 24. strike, took off late for the single I started. Great atmosphere.” Shane Watson did not put a foot Earlier, put into bat, Royal and Rahane’s throw found Patel The field featured the top four wrong yesterday after winning Challengers Bangalore were short of the crease. ranked runners in the world. the toss as his bowlers shot RCB off to a horrendous start Royal Challengers Bangalore Merritt’s time was the fastest out for their third lowest total, 70, after losing both their open- never recovered from that initial of the young season, but he failed in IPL’s history. ers in the very first over. jolt as batsman after batsman just to break the meet record of 44.41 Chasing a paltry 71, Ajinkya Watson’s decision to open the made the walk in and out. set by Michael Johnson in 1996. Rahane and Karun Nair treaded bowling with Stuart Binny Kane Richardson, who had James took second place in replaced James Faulkner in the 44.60, while World bronze med- Scoreboard team, struck twice in two balls to allist Luguelin Santos, of the dismiss Yuvraj Singh and AB de Dominican Republic, finished ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE 3-0-16-0; K W Richardson 4-0-18-2; S R Villiers to send third in 44.72. P A Patel (run out-Rahane/Samson) ...... 1 Watson 2-1-5-1 (1w); P V Tambe 4-0-20-4; R Royal Challengers Bangalore “You have to run a better 200 if Y V Takawale c Samson b Binny ...... 0 Bhatia 1-0-7-1. in deep trouble at 5 for 4. Both you want to have a chance against V Kohli c Southee b Tambe ...... 21 RAJASTHAN ROYALS batsmen were guilty of chas- him,” said James. “Once he’s out Yuvraj Singh c Smith b Richardson ...... 3 A M Rahane c Patel b Starc ...... 23 ing wide balls, only to see their front in the last 80 metres he’s A B de Villiers b Richardson ...... 0 K K Nair c Patel b Starc ...... 8 fall. Yuvraj [3], de Villiers [0], very hard to catch because he’s S Rana b Watson ...... 3 S V Samson (run out-Takawale/Patel) ...... 2 Sachin Rana [3], Albie Morkel very experienced and he’s very J A Morkel c Smith b Tambe ...... 7 A M Nayar (not out) ...... 11 [7], Ashok Dinda [0] presented a strong and a very good athlete.” M A Starc c Binny b Bhatia ...... 18 S R Watson c de Villiers b Chahal ...... 24 sorry scorecard. Merritt and James have now R Rampaul c Southee b Tambe ...... 13 S T R Binny (not out) ...... 0 Except Kohli, who fought a gone head-to-head 10 times in A B Dinda lbw Tambe ...... 0 Extras (LB-1, W-2) ...... 3 brief battle with his 25-ball 21, their careers, with each winning Y S Chahal (not out) ...... 0 Total (for 4 wkts in 13 overs) ...... 71 none of the RCB batsmen man- five times. Extras (B-1, LB-2, W-1) ...... 4 Fall of wickets: 1-31, 2-35, 3-36, 4-68. aged to get past the 20-run mark. batting line-up can be blamed including the prized one of Kohli. “Afterwards, everybody kind of Total (all out in 15 overs) ...... 70 Bowling: M A Starc 4-0-29-2 (1w); R Rampaul The 18-run seventh-wicket more to poor shot selection rather Royal Challengers Bangalore, who said the same thing - they’re glad Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-1, 3-5, 4-5, 5-17, 4-0-16-0 (1w); Y S Chahal 3-1-17-1; A B Dinda partnership between Kohli than demons in the pitch. were reduced to 17 for 5 in the that’s over with,” Merritt said. 6-28, 7-46, 8-62, 9-70, 10-70. 2-0-8-0. and Mitchel Starc was Royal Tambe was the pick of the sixth over, eventually collapsed to “It takes a mental state to get Bowling: S T R Binny 1-0-1-1; T G Southee Player-of-the-Match: PV Tambe (Rajasthan). Challengers Bangalore’s highest. Rajasthan Royals bowlers as IPL’s third lowest total - 70 all out prepared for a race of that mag- The capitulation of a star-studded the leg spinner scalped 4 for 20, in 15 overs. AGENCIES nitude this early in the season, not even a Diamond League race. They should make this Diamond League for sure if they’re going to keep stacking the field like that.” Nishikori to Jamaican Hansle Parchment beat 2013 World champion David meet Giraldo in Sharapova, Ivanovic to Oliver to win the 110-metre hur- dles in 13.14. World silver medal- Barcelona final ist Michael Tinsley won the 400-metre hurdles in 48.57 and Kenyan Helen Obiri won the MADRID: Colombian Santiago clash for Stuttgart crown women’s 1,500 metres in 4:04.88. Giraldo beat Rafael Nadal’s con- In men’s high jump, Canada’s queror Nicolas Almagro 7-5, 6-3 STUTTGART, Germany: of the net.” Sharapova, 27, raced Derek Drouin leaped 2.40 metres at the Barcelona Open yester- Defending champion Maria into a 3-0 lead winning eight of ATP Barcelona to beat Erik Kynard and Dusty day to reach just his second ever Sharapova moved to within one the first 10 points and took the Open Results Jonas who both cleared 2.35m. ATP final. victory of her third straight first set in just 27 minutes with AFP BARCELONA, SPAIN: Almagro had described his win Stuttgart title after a 6-1, 6-2 some powerful ground strokes. Results from the ATP over Nadal, an eight-time cham- win over Italy’s Sara Errani in The Russian picked up Barcelona Open yesterday (x Drake Relays Results pion in Barcelona, on Friday as Colombia’s Santiago Giraldo yesterday’s semi-final. where she left off in Friday’s denotes seeding): possibly a turning point in his returns the ball to Spain’s Nicolas Sharapova, who won the title in 6-4, 6-3 quarter-final win over Semi-finals: Santiago Giraldo (COL) bt Nicolas DES MOINES, United career. Almagro during their semi-final 2012 and 2013, needed just under world-number three Agnieszka Almagro (ESP x6) 7-5, 6-3; Kei Nishikori (JPN States: Principal results yes- However, the Spaniard was match of the Barcelona Open in an hour to see off clay-court Radwanska and converted six of x4) bt Ernests Gulbis (LAT x9) 6-2, 6-4. terday at the Drake Relays unable to find the same form Barcelona, yesterday. Giraldo specialist Errani in what was a her eight break points against Marrakech WTA Results athletics meeting: against the world number 65 as repeat of the 2012 French Open Errani. won 7-5, 6-3. MARRAKECH, Morocco: Men 400M: 1. LaShawn Merritt (USA) 44.44 one break in the 11th game was final which the Russian also won. The 26-year-old Italian was Results from the sixth day of seconds, 2. Kirani James (GRN) 44.60, 3. enough to give Giraldo the first “The further you go in the never allowed to find her rhythm the Marrakech WTA Grand Luguelin Santos (DOM) 44.72 set. Michael Chang, was dominant on tournament, the harder it gets, as Sharapova dominated the sec- Prix tournament yesterday (x 110M Hurdles (wind 1.0m/sec): 1. Hansle The second set was a tale of serve throughout and never faced and I really wanted to step up ond set. denotes seeding): Parchment (JAM) 13.14 seconds, 2. David missed opportunities for Almagro a break point on his way to seal- and produce a good performance,” The Russian, who has never Semi-finals: Maria Teresa Torro-Flor (ESP) bt Oliver (USA) 13.23, 3. Ryan Wilson (USA) 13.30 as he could only convert one of ing victory. Sharapova said, who claimed her won a tournament three times Garbine Muguruza (ESP x5) 6-0, 6-3; Romina 400M Hurdles: 1. Michael Tinsley (USA) Oprandi (SUI) bt Daniela Hantuchova (SVK x1) five break points and was broken “I was very happy to see lots 12th straight win in Stuttgart. running, will face former number 48.57 seconds, 2. Javier Culson (PUR) 48.68, 7-5, 3-6, 6-3. twice himself as Giraldo sealed of Japanese people congratulat- “The first tournament on clay one Ana Ivanovic in Sunday’s final 3. Johnny Dutch (USA) 49.24 victory in an hour and 26 minutes. ing me after the match,” said the is always tough -- it’s important after her 6-3, 7-5 victory over Stuttgart WTA Results High Jump: 1. Derek Drouin (CAN) 2.40 Japan’s Kei Nishikori will be world number 17. to improve with each match and Jelena Jankovic in an all-Serbian STUTTGART, Germany: metres, 2. Erik Kynard (USA) 2.35m, 3. Dusty Giraldo’s opponent in the final as “I love coming to Spain to play. I think I’ve done that this week. semi-final. Results from the sixth day of Jonas (USA) 2.35m. he continued his fine form this There have not been any easy “I know how good Sara is on Sharapova leads the series 7-2, the Stuttgart WTA tourna- Women 1,500M: 1. Helen Obiri (KEN) four min- season with a 6-2, 6-4 win over matches. I am playing great and the surface and I was extra ready with Ivanovic, ranked 12th in ment yesterday (x denotes Latvian Ernests Gulbis. I am particularly pleased with to perform against her. the world, having lost twice last seeding): utes, 4.88 seconds, 2. Brenda Martinez (USA) 4:06.96, 3. Heather Kampf (USA) 4:07.15 Nishikori, playing for the first my serve and forehand against “She has a lot of experience and year on clay to the Russian -- in Semi-finals: ; Maria Sharapova (RUS x6) bt time on clay under new coach and (Marin) Cilic (in the quarter- really knows how to play, so I had the Stuttgart quarter-finals and Sara Errani (ITA x8) 6-1, 6-2; Ana Ivanovic (SRB Pole Vault: 1. Yarisley Silva (CUB) 4.66m, 2. former French Open champion finals) and today.” AFP to take care of things on my side Madrid semi-finals. AFP x9) bt Jelena Jankovic (SRB x5) 6-3, 7-5. Mary Saxer (USA) 4.46 Comeback has Phelps ‘feeling like a kid’

MESA, United States: Olympic legend 100m fly and 100m free on Thursday. than Michael Andrew, the 15-year-old already Michael Phelps was “feeling like a kid” again “The schedule today wasn’t ideal for what I tipped as the Olympic swimming legend’s after his first competition in 20 months, and should swim at this very moment,” Phelps said. likely successor. eager to see where his comeback will take Phelps has tried to quell expectations that “With him being back at this meet, it’s him. he is on an inexorable path to the 2016 Rio really exciting because I have a chance to swim “As a whole, I felt pretty good just being Olympics. He’s been coy on just what shape with him,” said Andrew, who was born in 1999, able to get back in the water and race again,” this phase of his career might take, although the year before Phelps qualified for his first Phelps said on Friday, after he closed out his he seems to be pointing toward shorter races Olympic team at the age of 15 in 2000. appearance in the Mesa Grand Prix with an such as the 100m fly. Andrew, already an imposing 6 feet 5 inches unfamiliar and experimental 50m sprint One thing’s certain, there won’t be another (1.96m), has stormed through the youth ranks “I’m pretty excited,” said Phelps, whose 22 multiple-medal campaign like the one that of US swimming, toppling a raft of national Olympic medals include an astonishing 18 gold. yielded a stunning eight gold medals in eight age group records -- many of them once held “I felt like a kid. I think that was the coolest events at the 2008 Beijing Games. by Phelps. part about it.” And Phelps, who dominated the 400m indi- He turned professional at 14, a year younger Yesterday, fans were treated to an oddity: vidual medley at the height of his career, said a than Phelps did, and handles himself with all Phelps in a 50m race. return to that demanding event is also off the the aplomb of an older athlete. To make things even looser, Phelps opted table. “I guarantee that,” he said, prompting “Coming into this season, we kind of made to swim butterfly in the 50m freestyle heats, a quick interjection from coach Bob Bowman. some predictions that it’d be cool to break making it more of a training run on the heels “Is that kind of like ‘I will never swim again, 40 national (age-group) records,” he said of his narrow runner-up finish to Ryan Lochte ever?’” Bowman said, drawing a laugh. Saturday at the Mesa Grand Prix in suburban in the 100m butterfly final on Thursday night. Otherwise, Phelps isn’t offering many abso- Phoenix, Arizona. His time of 24.06 put him seventh in his heat lutes. He’s entered in the next stop in USA “But we ended up going 44 or something like of rivals swimming the traditional freestyle Swimming’s Grand Prix series, the Charlotte that. It’s been a blessing, an amazing season, stroke, and 42nd overall. It was also seven- Ultraswim in May. really.” tenths of a second faster than his 100m fly final “He’s entered in Charlotte,” Bowman said, Andrew’s composure cracked just a bit when split time, even though Phelps said he struggled indicating that if Phelps does swim there it told that Phelps had remarked on his talent. with the frenetic pace of the one-lap race. The could be “maybe the same kind of thing, maybe “It’s an honor,” said the youngster, who like main attraction of the 50m yesterday, Phelps just one day”. so many American swimmers his age was said, was just to get in one more race. “Beyond that,” Bowman added, “some train- inspired by Phelps’s remarkable exploits: 22 Michael Phelps competes in the Men’s 100m Butterfly final during day At this point in his training, he didn’t feel ing and we’ll see what happens after that.” Olympic medals, 18 of them gold, not to men- one of the Arena Grand Prix at the Skyline Aquatic Center in Mesa, ready to tackle the 200m free scheduled yes- Meanwhile, no one watched Phelps return tion that glittering eight-gold haul in the 2008 Arizona, yesterday. terday, and he didn’t want to double up in the to competition this week with a keener eye Beijing Games. AGENCIES SUNDAY 27 APRIL 2014 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Roma believe PSG target Pjanic Roma brush Milan aside will stay on ROME: Bosnia midfielder Miralem Pjanic will stay at the Stunning goal helps second-placed side keep alive Serie A title hopes club, AS Roma sporting direc- tor Walter Sabatini has said, ROME: AS Roma kept their in the area leading to a close-range batting aside rumours that slim title hopes alive as a stun- shot stopped by a brilliant sliding the player could be a summer ning Miralem Pjanic goal and block from Milan defender Adil transfer coup for big-spending a Gervinho tap-in earned a 2-0 Rami. Paris St Germain. home win over AC Milan and a Pjanic went one better just “In football surprises are the ninth straight Serie A victory on before the break, however, when order of the day, but we speak Friday. he stunned the Olympic Stadium every day with the player and I The result cut the gap between with an incredible solo effort that think that a positive resolution second-placed Roma and Juventus will be a strong contender for goal will come before the end of the to five points before the league of the season. season, let’s say before the end of leaders visit relegation-threatened Picking the ball up in midfield, May,” Sabatini told the Corriere Sassuolo tomorrow. he set off towards goal, slaloming Dello Sport. Roma’s Bosnia midfielder past Sulley Muntari and Riccardo “After that the World Cup Pjanic skipped past three play- Montolivo before finally slipping begins and things would become ers before calmly firing home round Rami and confidently roll- altogether more complicated.” two minutes from the break and ing his sixth goal of the season past Pjanic was the star man on Ivorian Gervinho tapped in the Milan keeper Christian Abbiati. Friday night as Roma defeated second goal at the end of a light- “A goal like that should do the AC Milan 2-0 to keep their slim ning-quick counterattack after 65 rounds around the world,” said Serie A title hopes alive, opening minutes to down sorry Milan. Garcia. “Miralem is a fantastic the scoring with a stunning goal “The first 15 minutes we were player and I hope that people two minutes before half time. very slow with the ball but we around the globe will be able enjoy Back in January, PSG coach grew over the course of the first the goal.” Laurent Blanc admitted that half,” said Roma coach Rudi “Pjanic scored an incredible goal Pjanic was a target for the Ligue Garcia. “I’m happy because we today, it’s the sort of thing you see 1 champions, and Italian media beat Fiorentina and we’ve beaten once in your life,” added Ljajic, who has been rife with rumours that Milan, two quality teams, and we was involved in the brilliant build- he would be moving to the French can still dream of the title.” up to Gervinho’s goal. capital in the summer. Roma’s team, beautifully con- “It (the title) doesn’t depend Roma are second in Serie A ducted by 24-year-old Pjanic, on us, but if we play like we did and have secured qualification for recovered from their poor start tonight then we can beat anyone.” next season’s Champions League to play exhilarating football and AS Roma’s Daniele De Rossi (left) vies for the ball with AC Milan’s Adel Taarabt during their Italian Serie A soccer A team effort was behind Roma group stage after winning nine are now on a club record 85 points match at the Olimpico stadium in Rome. doubling their lead, with a rapid games in a row. They are five after winning their 26th match passing move sweeping the hosts points behind Serie A leaders this season, also a record for the 2-1 defeat at Benfica) and have Clarence Seedorf’s side stay with visiting striker Mario up the pitch and leading to Ljajic Juventus, who travel to relega- Rome outfit. the (second leg) match next seventh, level on 51 points behind Balotelli offering little threat. slipping in Francesco Totti. tion-threatened Sassuolo tomor- If Antonio Conte’s Juventus Thursday,” said Garcia. “I know Parma, who visit Cagliari today, The home team initially played The Roma captain thumped a row night looking to increase side win tomorrow to reclaim an it’s difficult to play after and and five adrift of fifth-placed well below their usual vibrant shot at Abbiati who spilled the ball their lead to eight with three eight-point lead with three games before a European game.” Inter Milan before their rivals standards but as the first half to Gervinho and the Ivory Coast games left to play. left to play, their third title in a Milan’s comprehensive defeat hosted third-placed Napoli, who wore on they began to impose striker knocked in the second goal The extra money that will come row will be little more than a brought a five-match winning have 68 points, yesterday. themselves on Milan. that, despite a late Milan rally, from playing on Europe’s biggest formality. streak to an end and is a dent in Milan began the match the Something special was needed capped a victory that provides stage should help Roma keep their “Sassuolo will be a hard match their hopes of securing a place stronger side but could not create to break the deadlock and forward a glimmer of hope for their title prized assets and even strengthen for Juventus because they played in the Europa League for next anything against a Roma defence Adem Ljajic almost provided it in ambitions. their squad through the summer. in the Europa League (Thursday’s season. missing lynchpin Mehdi Benatia, the 26th minute, his neat footwork REUTERS REUTERS

Honda Racing takes pole at Al Anabi excels in Houston qualifying HOUSTON: The teams that of others in the category, and alBa- Bol d’Or comprise the Qatar Al Anabi looshi finished the day in the No. Racing Top Fuel team, the four- 8 position in the qualifying order. MAGNY-COURS: Honda time NHRA Mello Yello Top “So far, so good for our team,” Racing will be lining up Fuel World Champions owned said alBalooshi. “I’m happy that on the grid in pole position by Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al our car has been down the track for its first appearance in Thani, accepted the challenge of twice without any problem. We the FIM Endurance World a hot race track and air thick didn’t see the perfect number Championship. This team, with humidity during qualify- that we wanted, but we made a headed up by Neil Tuxworth ing for the O’Reilly Auto Parts little change to the car before the and managed by Steven Casaer, NHRA Spring Nationals in second round, and I think we fig- has entrusted its CBR1000RR to Houston, the sixth of 24 events ured out exactly what we need. a trio of Endurance specialists, that make up the United States’ Tomorrow will be a better day for Julien Da Costa, Freddy Foray 2014 NHRA Mello Yello Drag us. and Sébastien Gimbert. Racing Series season. “Our teammate Shawn had Just behind Honda Racing on The Al Anabi gold team, with some trouble today, but we are not the grid will be the Yamaha Racing driver Khalid alBalooshi, is posi- worried,” alBalooshi continued. “If GMT 94 Michelin with David tioned in the top half of the field you have smart people around you, Checa, Kenny Foray and Mathieu in the No. 8 spot. Al Anabi silver you don’t have to worry. He has Gines, and the Suzuki Endurance driver Shawn Langdon was 13th Alan Johnson and his crew chief, Racing Team with Vincent quickest of the day. Qualifying was who will figure out what’s going Philippe, Anthony Delhalle and to resume yesterday with elimina- on. Tomorrow, Shawn will have a Erwan Nigon. tions set for today. different car.” The grid was largely fixed on Dubai driver alBalooshi made In his first run of the day, Thursday during the first quali- a set of powerful runs in the gold Langdon’s silver Al Anabi Top Fuel fiers as the riders were unable to Al Anabi Top Fuel dragster on the dragster was quicker at the 330- improve on their earlier perform- first day of the event. In the first foot marker on the racetrack than ances in Friday’s wet conditions session of qualifying, alBalooshi the No. 1 qualifier. However, soon on the track at Magny-Cours. clocked a spectacular 3.854 at a after the initial burst of speed, the Only one rider, Matthieu very respectable 315.49 mph speed. power of his car became too much The Qatar Al Anabi Racing gold Top Fuel car driven by Khalid alBalooshi leaves the starting line with a brilliant Lagrive, still had to make his His strong run in his sleek drag- for the racetrack and he smoked display of power during Friday night qualifying at Royal Purple Raceway in Houston. mark on the timesheets as he ster was fourth-quickest overall in the tires. He recorded a 4.489 at missed the first qualifying ses- the opening round. 172.70 mph. In the second session, “We struggled a little bit today the air. We have had to change a a good day today, but we have a sion after a crash in the free prac- His second pass of the day was Langdon’s dragster lost traction with getting this track figured couple of things to accommodate very good team. We will be able to tice aboard the SRC Kawasaki. even better, and alBalooshi blasted and he could not make it smoothly out,” said Langdon. “This is the for those conditions, and we just learn from this, and we know that Despite a benign but painful crack to a 3.841 at a faster 319.22 mph. down the racetrack. His official first track we’ve been to this year weren’t able to make the right we will come back tomorrow and to a vertebra, Lagrive clocked up Although his own performance time for that round was 7.648 at that has been quite a bit warmer changes in order to get the car make two good runs.” a best time of 1’48.307 on a very improved, so did the performance 88.43 mph. and with a little bit of humidity in down the track. We didn’t have THE PENINSULA tricky surface. Although the fac- tory Kawasaki slipped back to 16th on the grid, Lagrive is now qualified to ride alongside his crewmates Gregory Leblanc and Strong start for QMMF Racing Team in Argentina Nicolas Salchaud. In Superstock, Junior Team TERMAS DE RIO HONDO: a second behind his experienced just vibrated and chattered around LMS Suzuki has mounting ambi- QMMF Racing Team rid- teammate and with more to come the whole track. Apart from that, I tions. Baptiste Guittet, Etienne ers Anthony West and Roman yesterday. am happy with the way the bike is Masson and Gregg Black took Ramos had a strong start at “The track was really slippery handling. Everybody I am coming fourth place on the grid behind the Grand Prix of Argentina. in the beginning, but it improved up against, I feel I am on a good the top teams. On the 4.8-kilometre track of steadily. It’s nice to be on a new line, so I’m confident for the rest In this Superstock category, Termas de Rio Hondo, a town circuit and I really like the fast of the weekend!” they are ahead of BMW du about 1,200km northwest of corners here, one turn especially, “When we went out for the first Penz13.com Franks Autowelt Buenos Aires, West felt good where you shift through the gears time, the track was very dirty and Racing Team and the Kawasakis almost immediately, and was on at full throttle and where you are I found it very difficult to ride,” of Hall Motos 02 and the Qatar the pace in both free practice sliding even in fifth gear. That’s said Ramos. “My bike was not at Endurance Racing Team. sessions on Friday. Only a tyre really exciting,” said West. 100 percent either, which is why Honda National Motos will problem towards the end of the “The bike is also feeling okay. In we were too far behind in the be starting in fifth ahead of second session kept the 32-year- the morning, we had some small beginning. But we improved the the Kawasaki of Bolliger Team old Australian from improving problems pushing the front, but set-up a lot for the second free Switzerland. In the qualifiers, further. Fourteenth in the clas- for the second session, we man- practice session and we managed they bested Monster Energy sification so far, West was confi- aged to fix the bike and I could do to go faster by a full 4.2 seconds. Yamaha YART, pushing it back dent of climbing higher when it many, many laps consistently fast. The bike works really well now into seventh on the grid. counts in qualifying yesterday. I could follow Rabat easily and felt and I’m closer to the front than The start of this edition of the Spaniard Roman Ramos, 23, really comfortable. Only in the I ever was since I joined QMMF Bol d’Or, the last to take place at bounced back from a slow start in end, I couldn’t further improve my Racing Team at the beginning of Magny-Cours before it returns to the morning and improved his lap lap time due to a small tyre prob- the year. I want to thank every- the Castellet circuit in 2015, was Anthony West of QMMF Racing Team in action during a practice session time by no less than 4.2 seconds lem: We swapped for the other body in my crew, because they to be given yesterday. at the Termas de Rio Hondo track. to climb up to 27th in the classi- rear tyre compound that I had really did a great job on the bike.” THE PENINSULA fication sheet, only nine tenths of used in the morning and the bike THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 27 APRIL 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27

Nineteen countries still Giggs gets Man United bidding for Euro 2020

LONDON: Thirteen of the 32 countries which originally reign off to winning start expressed interest in host- ing matches at Euro 2020 have dropped out while 19 have con- firmed they are still in the race, EPL: Everton’s Champions League qualifying hopes suffer blow UEFA said yesterday. England and Germany were the LONDON: Ryan Giggs saw Amorebieta’s header three min- only two countries to put forward his first match as interim English Premier utes later. bids to stage the semi-finals and Manchester United manager Nikica Jelavic pulled a goal back final of the tournament which will end in a 4-0 thrashing of Premier League Results for Hull in the 75th minute and be staged around the whole conti- League strugglers Norwich City Fulham 2 (Dejagah 55, Amorebieta 58) Hull they equalised three minutes from nent, European soccer’s governing at Old Trafford yesterday. 2 (Jelavic 75, Long 87) time when Shane Long headed in body added in a statement. Wayne Rooney and substitute Sone Aluko’s cross. In a radical departure from the Manchester United 4 (Rooney 41-pen, 48, Juan Mata scored two goals apiece “It was very disappointing,” said traditional format for major tour- Mata 63, 73) Norwich 0 as the soon-to-be-dethroned Fulham manager Felix Magath. naments, UEFA announced in English champions left the Southampton 2 (Alcaraz 1-og, Coleman “If you are leading 2-0 at home, 2011 that the Euro 2020, when the Canaries just a point above the 31-og) Everton 0 you have to see it through.” tournament celebrates its 60th relegation zone with two games Stoke 0 Tottenham 1 (Rose 33) West Bromwich Albion moved anniversary, would be staged in remaining. Swansea 4 (Bony 10, 90-pen, Shelvey 26, five points clear of the relegation 13 cities in 13 different countries. Giggs, who decided against Hernandez 73) Aston Villa 1 (Agbonlahor 22) zone with a 1-0 win at home to Twelve of those will each naming himself in the starting West Brom 1 (Berahino 11) West Ham 0 West Ham United. stage three group matches plus side or on the bench, saw Rooney Playing today Saido Berahino scored the only a match from either the round give United the lead with a 41st- goal at The Hawthorns when he of 16 or knockout stage while the Crystal Palace vs Manchester City minute penalty after Danny turned in Morgan Amalfitano’s 13th will stage the two semi-finals (1510GMT), Liverpool vs Chelsea Welbeck went down in the box. centre in the 11th minute. plus final. Each country can use (1305GMT), Sunderland vs Cardiff England striker Rooney made Aston Villa were left just four one host city in what UEFA said (1100GMT) it 2-0 seven minutes after the points above the drop after a 4-1 at the time would be a one-off break with a curling shot from Playing tomorrow loss away to Swansea City. format. outside the box as Norwich’s Arsenal vs Newcastle (1900GMT) Wilfried Bony opened the scor- Turkey, which had wanted to defence backed off. ing for Swansea before Gabriel bid for the whole tournament Mata put the result beyond Everton remain a point Agbonlahor briefly drew visitors before UEFA announced the new doubt in the 63rd minute when he behind Arsenal, who currently Villa level in south Wales. format, was among the countries turned in Phil Jones’s cross before occupy the fourth and final However, midfielder Jonjo to pull out of the race. adding a second goal 10 minutes Champions League spot, ahead Shelvey restored Swansea’s lead Under the bidding timetable, later as Norwich retreated again. of the Gunners’ match at home in the 26th minute with a stun- potential host nations were given United great Giggs, previously to Newcastle United on Monday. ning volley from inside the centre until Friday to send detailed bid a player-coach, was put in care- Everton fell behind in under a circle that dipped over the head dossiers to UEFA. taker charge for the final four minute at St Mary’s when Antolin of back-pedalling Villa goalkeeper UEFA said that the 19 coun- games of the season when former Alacaraz headed a cross from Brad Guzan. tries who had sent dossiers were: manager David Moyes was sacked Southampton’s Rickie Lambert Pablo Hernandez made it 3-1 Azerbaijan (Baku), Belarus on Tuesday. past goalkeeper Tim Howard. before Ivorian striker Bony con- (Minsk), Belgium (Brussels), Moyes was dismissed just 10 And the visitors went 2-0 down verted a late penalty for his 24th Bulgaria (Sofia), Denmark months after replacing the retired in the 31st minute when Seamus goal of the season. (Copenhagen), England Alex Ferguson following a 2-0 Coleman diverted Nathaniel Tottenham Hotspur moved to (London), Macedonia (Skopje), defeat by Everton -- his former Clyne’s cross into his own net. within three points of fifth-placed Germany (Munich), Hungary club -- made it mathematically Fulham missed the chance to Everton with a 1-0 win at Stoke (Budapest), Israel (Jerusalem), impossible for United to qualify climb out of the relegation zone City, courtesy of Danny Rose’s Italy (Rome), Netherlands for next season’s Champions after Hull came from 2-0 down 33rd-minute header. (Amsterdam), Ireland (Dublin), League. to secure a 2-2 draw at Craven Stoke were reduced to 10 men Romania (Bucharest), Russia Earlier, Everton suffered a huge Cottage. in the second half when Ryan (St Petersburg), Scotland Manchester United’s caretaker manager Ryan Giggs kicks a ball during blow in their own quest to join Ashkan Dejagah curled in Shawcross was sent off after (Glasgow), Spain (Bilbao), the English Premier League football match against Norwich City at Old European club football’s elite after a 55th-minute shot and the receiving a second yellow card Sweden (Stockholm) and Wales Trafford in Manchester, northwest England, yesterday. a pair of own-goals saw them west London side then doubled for a studs-up challenge on Rose. (Cardiff). beaten 2-0 away to Southampton. their lead through Fernando AFP Both England and Germany sent bids for a group stage pack- age as well as the finals, UEFA said. Monaco win keeps PSG waiting a little longer Armenia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Greece, Kazakhstan, Poland, Portugal, PARIS: Monaco won 4-1 away They are also seven points action to deny Dennis Oliech at for Kondogbia to curl the ball Serbia, Switzerland, Turkey and German to relegated Ajaccio in Ligue 1 adrift of PSG, who must win away the other end. Ivorian striker home from 25 yards for his first Ukraine were the countries who yesterday to keep Paris Saint- to relegation-threatened Sochaux Tallo shot narrowly wide for the Ligue 1 goal, and then Ocampos previously expressed interest Bundesliga Results Germain waiting a little longer on Sunday if they are to celebrate hosts shortly after the restart, but volleyed home a cross from fellow in bidding but did not submit in their bid to secure a second clinching the Ligue 1 crown this the opening goal arrived moments substitute Nabil Dirar in stoppage dossiers. Mainz 2 (Okazaki 30, Moritz 44) Nuremberg consecutive league title. weekend. later when Moutinho played a time. The host nations will be 0 All the goals came in the second Laurent Blanc’s men will now left-wing corner short before Meanwhile, Bayern Munich selected at UEFA’s executive Hoffenheim 0 Eintracht Frankfurt 0 half at the Stade Francois-Coty as have to beat the all-time record getting the ball back and cross- warmed up for Tuesday’s committee meeting in Geneva on Dimitar Berbatov continued his points tally in the French top ing for Berbatov to head home Champions League semi-final, Sept. 19. Bayern Munich 5 (Ribery 20, Pizarro 54, impressive recent form by scoring flight in order to become cham- from close range. It was his sev- second leg at home to Real Madrid Turkey had been expected to 57, Schweinsteiger 61, Robben 74) Werder twice for the visitors before Gadji pions this weekend, which says enth goal for Monaco since joining with a 5-2 come-from-behind win bid for the semi-finals and final Bremen 2 (Gebre Selassie 10, Hunt 36) Tallo got one back. much about how well Monaco the club from Fulham at the end against Werder Bremen in the but on Friday said it wanted to Hertha Berlin 2 (Brooks 61, Allagui 77) Berbatov then set up another have performed in their first sea- of January and it was followed by Bundesliga on Saturday. concentrate on hosting the whole Eintracht Braunschweig 0 goal for Geoffrey Kondogbia, son since winning promotion back another in the 74th minute. Just three days before they try of Euro 2024 instead. Wolfsburg 2 (Perisic 3, 70) Freiburg 2 while Lucas Ocampos added the to the top flight. This time the Bulgarian fin- to overturn a 1-0 first-leg defi- Switzerland said it believed (Mehmedi 61, Terrazzino 83) fourth late on as Monaco made it However, it was not a vintage ished coolly from close range after cit against the Spanish giants, its chances were slight after four successive league wins to all performance from the principality latching onto a pass from James Bayern fell behind twice against it co-hosted Euro 2008 with Bayer Leverkusen 2 (L. Bender 7, Castro but guarantee second second spot club in Corsica against opponents Rodriguez that undid the home Bremen at the Allianz Arena Austria and did not want to risk 35) Borussia Dortmund 2 (Kirch 29, Reus and automatic qualification for whose own relegation was con- offside trap. before scoring four second-half “wasted effort” on an unsuccessful 39-pen) next season’s Champions League firmed last weekend, and there Tallo got one back almost goals without reply. The flattering candidacy. Playing today (1330 GMT unless stated) group stage. was little between the teams in immediately, lashing the ball high scoreline failed to mask Bayern’s French Football Federation Augsburg vs Hamburg, Schalke vs Borussia Claudio Ranieri’s side are now the first half. into the net following a low cross woeful first-half defending, which president Noel Le Graet told a Moenchengladbach (1530) 11 points clear of third-placed Home goalkeeper Guillermo from the right by Paul Lasne, but must sound the alarm bells for news conference on Friday that Lille, who have just four matches Ochoa saved well from a Joao Monaco made sure of the victory coach Pep Guardiola given the France had pulled out because it Played Friday remaining, including Sunday’s Moutinho volley early on, while with two late goals. danger of conceding an away goal was already hosting the whole of Hanover 0 VfB Stuttgart 0 home meeting with Bordeaux. Danijel Subasic was called into First Berbatov turned provider to Real. AGENCIES Euro 2016. REUTERS Al Shamal aim to extend winning run in Emir Cup

DOHA: Upbeat Al Shamal are advance in the tournament. Al eyeing victory against strug- Khor coach Laszlo Boloni hoped gling Al Khor as both sides lock his side will do well ‘to get rid of horn today in the second round the bad memories of the season’. match of Emir Cup, here at the “We have to prove that we can Al Arabi Stadium. win because we’re playing a team Al Shamal who earned an that has become a first division impressive 4-2 victory over Al club in the upcoming season,” said Shahaniya in the first round Boloni. are daring to beat the seasoned Meanwhile, in other second campaigners – banking on their round matches of the prestigious recent form and Al Khor’s recent football extravaganza Muaizer string of failures. will meet Qatar Sports Club, “We want to show that we can Shahaniya will face Al Wakrah play against first division teams,” while Al Rayyan and Al Khartiyat Al Shamal’s coach Silvio D’Alberto will play for a place in the third said ahead of the clash. round. “I’m looking forward to see- The winning teams will join Al ing how the team will play in the Ahli, Umm Salal, Al Rabi and Al second round clash against Al Gharaffa in the third round. Khor. I want to see the difference The quarter-finals of the tour- in level of performance between nament will be on May 3. first division and second division The last four stage matches will teams (of Qatar Stars League) as be on May 10, both at Al Sadd we will be playing in the first divi- Stadium. sion team of QSL next season.” The final of the tournament, But for the desirable result, which brings to close the football D’Alberto’s side will have to season in Qatar, will take place on Al Shamal’s coach Silvio D’Alberto (left) and player Hamad Faraj Al Mas, during a press conference on the eve of the Emir Cup second round match overcome the possible resilience May 17 at Khalifa Stadium. against Al Khor in Doha yesterday. RIGHT: Al Khor coach Laszlo Boloni (right) and player Othman Mohammed Saleh. as Al Khor are also desperate to THE PENINSULA Sunday 27 April 2014 27 Jumadal II 1435 Volume 19 Number 6048 Sport Price: QR2

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A B C

A: El Jaish striker Nilmar Silva (left) and Lekhwiya’s Ismail Mohamad vie for ball possession during their Qatar Cup final match at Lekhwiya Stadium in Doha yesterday. B: El Jaish players celebrate a goal during the final. C: El Jaish players and officials celebrate their win. PICTURES BY: KAMMUTTY VP El Jaish clinch Qatar Cup Lekhwiya pay penalty for missing a spot kick, lose 4-3 in shoot-out

DOHA: A determined El Jaish kept their cool in crucial moments to edge Qatar Stars League champions Lekhwiya 4-3 in the penalty shoot-out to clinch the Qatar Cup at the Lekhwiya Stadium here yesterday. Coach Eric Gerets dreams of clinching a double suffer a jolt as Lekhwiya paid the price for missed chances. A 17th minute missed penalty spelt doom and thereafter a miss in the penalty shoot-out shattered their dreams. The teams were deadlocked at The players and one-all at the end of full time play. officials of El Lekhwiya dominating posses- Jaish pose with sion were rewarded with a pen- the Qatar trophy. alty in the 17th minute. However, RIGHT: El Jaish El Jaish keeper Ahmed Abunora captain Wesam guessed right and saved Korean Rizik holds up the Nam Tae-He kick. Thereafter, in trophy. the 34th minute the mercurial Vladimir Weiss opened the scor- ing for Lekhwiya. Then at the stroke of half time Nilmar of El Jaish was fouled by Mousa Ali, the Congolese striker Kimbo Ekoko stepped up and took the free kick. The ball fizzed into the back of the net as keeper Claude Amin couldn’t get a hand to it. In the penalty shoot-out, Ali Sanad of El Jaish scored to spark off celebrations. THE PENINSULA

Yousuf Muftah Ahmed (left) of El Jaish and a team-mate locked in a battle for ball possession with Lekhwiya’s Yasser Aziz (middle). TOP: El Jaish players celebrate after receiving the winner’s trophy. RIGHT: Action from the final.