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GCC can be world’s Khawaja heroics ‘sixth largest put Aussies back market by 2030’ on track

TUESDAY 22 MARCH 2016 • 13 Jumada II 1437 • Volume 21 • Number 6743 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

Emir and Putin Schools to teach hold phone talks

DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim power and water bin Hamad Al Thani yesterday held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. They discussed bilateral rela- tions and ways to enhance them, conservation and exchanged views on regional and international issues of com- mon interest, including Syria, conservation programme, Engi- reports QNA. neer Abdulaziz Ahmed Al Hammadi, Ministry signed the MoU. signs agreement The Education Ministry was Obama and Castro represented by Khalifa Al Dirham, with Kahramaa. director of the office of Independ- spar over human ent Schools, at the signing ceremony. Fawzia Al Khater, director of Education Institute at education rights in By Sidi Mohamed ministry, attended. She said water The Peninsula and electricity conservation is key Reuters to reducing their use and ‘Tarshid’ is part of the lofty goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. HAVANA: US President Barack DOHA: Lessons on the importance The MoU calls for continued H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser participates in the opening session of The Arab Expatriate Science and Obama pushed Cuba to improve its of water and electricity conserva- cooperation between the educa- record on democracy and human Technology Innovation Forum in Doha yesterday. AR Al-Baker tion and ways to save them are to tion ministry and Kahramaa on the rights as he met with President become part of school curriculum issue of ‘Tarshid’. Raul Castro on a historic visit to in the country. ‘Tarshid’ is enshrined as one of the Communist island yesterday, Teachers are to be trained in util- the lofty goals of the Qatar National Sheikha Moza tells scientists but Castro responded by decrying ity conservation methods to help Vision (QNV) 2030, which is the US “double standards”. spread conservation culture among roadmap of Qatar’s future devel- Obama said the two had “frank students. opment and its emergence as an and candid” discussions about Students are to be taught the sig- advanced country with a knowl- to step up research work human rights as well as areas of nificance of conserving water and edge-based economy. cooperation. Castro said they could electricity, starting from their school Kahramaa launched ‘Tarshid’ achieve much better relations if the buildings. Teachers and the taught programme a few years ago with lifted its 54-year-old are to be told about the importance the aim of reducing the consump- By Fazeena Saleem Foundation Research and Develop- chain, including entrepreneurship, trade embargo on the island. “We of maintenance of electrical devices tion of water and electricity within The Peninsula ment, a member of QF, and reflects technology development, and com- continue to have serious differences, and appliances as part of ‘Tarshid’ a targeted period. QF’s commitment to building Qatar’s mercialisation,” said Sheikha Moza including on democracy and human culture. The programme is paying rich research capacity through the devel- speaking at the AES forum held at the rights,” Obama said at a joint news The Ministry Education and dividends and has been quite suc- opment of key sciences, thereby Qatar National Convention Centre. The conference, where Castro made the Higher Education and utility dis- cessful as already the use of both DOHA: H H Sheikha Moza bint enhancing human capital across the AES Forum, which acts as an interna- rare step of taking questions from tributor, Kahramaa, inked a the precious utilities is down quite Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foun- nation and beyond. tional hub for science and technology journalists. Memorandum of Understand- significantly. dation (QF), at the opening session “As we continue to move forward innovation, invites Arab scientists, In response to a question on ing (MoU) yesterday to make the Kahramaa has signed deals with of the Arab Expatriate Science and in the journey of research and devel- researchers, technology entrepreneurs political prisoners, Castro angrily latter’s utility conservation pro- a number of institutions to promote Technology Innovation Forum (AES opment in Qatar, and without losing and investors from outside Qatar to demanded to be shown a list of gramme (‘Tarshid’) a part of school Tarshid. They include research insti- Forum) yesterday called scientists to focus of the basic research and fun- engage with their local peers. such detainees. education system. On behalf of Kah- tutions and government and private take research work to the next level. damentals, I hope you start exploring ramaa, its head of water and power offices. The event was hosted by Qatar the next steps in the innovation → Continued on page 2 → See also page 17 02 TUESDAY 22 MARCH 2016 HOME

PM meets Russian Muftis Shura Council Chief AES initiative expanded

Continued from page 1 The new AES vision is to cre- ate a link among Arab innovators, Together, these leading indus- Celebrating its researchers and scientists to increase try professionals set new objectives 10th anniversary, and celebrate the contributions Arabs and goals for Arab-driven science the scope of make to the global community in the and technology innovations in Qatar, field of science and technology. This the region and around the world to the original AES year’s gathering was, for the first build momentum and excellence in initiative has been time, attended by regional and inter- their fields. national Arab participants. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, expanded to include Throughout the past decade, the the scope of the original AES initi- Arab technology forum has acted as a cultural catalyst, ative has been expanded to include helping form many Qatari research Arab technology entrepreneurs, entrepreneurs, institutes and centres in line with the investors and innovation ecosystem investors and Qatar National Research Strategy. builders. It has also been integral in “Arab scientists and technology innovation ecosystem attracting Arab expatriates to Qatar, entrepreneurs are creating ideas and builders. assisting with the national develop- innovations which make the world a ment of human capital and expertise better and more sustainable place. in the fields of science and research. “The AES forum is a vehi- The forum has also helped facil- Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani yesterday cle to celebrate and support these and we are delighted to celebrate itate and inspire collaboration on met Sheikh Rawi Ain Al Deen, Speaker of Russian Muftis Shura Council and President of Religious innovators and leading industry the 10th year of such an iconic event national and international research Administration of Muslims of Russian Federation, and his delegation. They reviewed cooperation professionals. in Qatar,” said Dr Hamad Al Ibrahim, projects, assisted by organisations between the two countries and matters of common interest. “Qatar Foundation is proud to Executive Vice-President, Research such as the Qatar National Research uphold and enable such initiatives and Development, QF. Fund. PM meets envoys Sheikha Moza to open ARC’ 16 today QNA

By Fazeena Saleem priorities and discuss how to tackle the Innovation Award will be honoured for The opening plenary will include a high- The Peninsula four research grand challenges: Water the first time at ARC 16. The award iden- powered keynote discussion on ‘Strategic DOHA: Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh security, energy security, cyber security tifies an invention created by a Qatar entity Investment in Research and Innovation Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani yesterday held and healthcare. partially or entirely supported by QF. Can- for Society’. Parallel discussions will fol- separate meetings with ambassadors Ajay Sharma (the UK), “The ARC this year is a big success in didates for the award were selected from low, investigating key topics in energy and Angel Roman Barchini (Paraguay) and Tarik Sadovic (Bos- DOHA: The Annual Research Conference many ways. This year, we have more than QF’s intellectual property portfolio. The environment; computing and information nia and Herzegovina). Talks dealt with cooperation between 2016 (ARC’16) , the flagship event of Qatar 1,300 research abstracts, over 350 posters, winning invention was selected out of 280. technology; healthcare; social sciences, Qatar and their countries and means of enhancing it. Foundation Research and Development 100 research technical presentations and Around 60 scientists will also be recog- arts and humanities; and innovation. (QF R&D), begins today under the theme 139 presenters. This ARC is becoming like nised for research work. ARC’16 will showcase important local ‘Investing in Research and Innovating for magnet, when people know it’s happening “We would like to encourage suc- and international collaborations. Alert over rowing drill Society.’ on a particular day, then start to have sat- cess stories and build the eco-system of Tomorrow, the conference will include H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser will ellite events. We have more than 10 events. research. The research is a chain of event the announcement of successful grant DOHA: The General Command of Qatari Armed inaugurate the conference, which will In this way, the annual research conference and things built on each other, and things applicants under QNRF’s flagship National has announced that Internal Security (Lekhwiya) highlight the importance of strategic is becoming like a research festival,” Dr start at research, then go to implement- Priorities Research Programme and the will conduct rowing landing exercises at an altitude of 10 investment in research and innovation for Nabeel Al Salem, Executive Director, Out- ing and then at the end have a product that eight Undergraduate Research Experience metres and the radius of 15 miles on March 30 in Lekhwiya the benefit of Qatar’s society and address reach and Communications, QF R&D, told is commercialised that people can actu- Programme competition, through which camp and Sailiyah field from 7am to 10am. The General the ‘Research Grand Challenges’. a press conference yesterday. ally use. We recognise the two ends of students gain research and development Command has called on those who frequent the areas to The two-day ARC 16 at Qatar National The winners of Qatar QF R&D’s the chain — the beginning research and experience under the guidance of faculty take precautions for safety. Convention Centre will highlight national Best Research Project Award and Best the end innovation,” said Dr Al Salem. members.

Officials inaugurating the facility. RAF builds facility for basic education in

The Peninsula In first year, 530 students got admis- related to health, humanitarian aid sion. The opening ceremony was and education in Somaliland. attended by a RAF delegation, led But it focused on education and by Abdul Naser bin Ibrahim Fakhro, established many schools and edu- DOHA: Sheikh Thani Bin Abdul- Deputy Chairman, Ambassadors of cation centre to fight illiteracy, he lah Foundation for Humanitarian Mercy; Abdullah Ibrahim Al Habni, added. Services (RAF) has built a multi-use Minister of Education and Higher “We would like to thank Qatar facility comprising a huge of Somaliland, and other and its charity organisations that training centre and a school for basic senior officials and dignitaries. leave no stone unturned to provide education, among others, at a cost The facility includes three big education in Somaliland,” said Al of QR1m for needy people in Soma- workshops for training in carpen- Habni. “We cannot forget Qatar’s liland. try, blacksmith and electronics. contribution being made in col- The facility — Hisa Bint Yusuf A section for auto-mechanical laboration with Unicef to establish Ahmad Mahmoud Fakhro Islamic training will be added in phase-2 of educational facilities in remote areas. Centre — was developed by RAF the plan. “We hope that Qatar will also in collaboration with local partner A seven-classroom school for grant scholarships to our students Zamzam Charity Organisation on basic education is the part of the to study in its which are an area of 5,000 square metres on facility, along with a mosque with the providing education of international the outskirt of Hargeisa, capital of capacity to accommodate 500 wor- standards,” he added. Somaliland. shippers and a two-room centre for “We are grateful to the donors The land was provided by the reciting the Holy Quran. and charity organisations of Qatar but the “The facility will help change the for their works in Somaliland, includ- facility was built from a donation situation of the residents of the area ing humanitarian aid, water plants, made by a Qatari woman, said a as it will provide education and social education and health,” said Dr Saed statement. developments,” said Fakhro. Fareh, Secretary-General, Zakat The facility was opened recently. RAF executed several projects Fund, Somaliland. HOME TUESDAY 22 MARCH 2016 03

Education City students visit Nepal to boost youth skills

Community Resource Centre in the both collaborating on a four-year ini- The trip organised Nawalparasi District of western tiative in Nepal. Nepal. The initiative aims to establish by Reach Out To The trip utilised peer-to-peer and upgrade community resource Participants at the seminar yesterday. Asia, in partnership workshops to help provide opportu- centres to create educational, social nities for young people in the country, and economic opportunities through with Hamad Bin aligning with QF’s ambition to unlock community engagement. Khalifa , human potential and develop knowl- During the trip, the student Language and history key to utilised peer-to- edge-based economies for personal volunteers led daily peer-to-peer and economic progression in Qatar workshops on subjects such as peer workshops in and beyond. leadership skills; ICT skills; cultural Nawalparasi District. Mohammed Saleh, Director, exchange; sport; and health. building national identity National Programme, ROTA, said: Sahar Al Ansari, a student from “ROTA is committed to providing Virginia Commonwealth Univer- educational opportunities to dis- sity in Qatar who participated in the The Peninsula advantaged communities around trip, said: “It was an eye-opener to The Peninsula of education, curricula and schools of the Holy Quran and forms the core the world. “ROTA also believes in see young people my age and with in preserving identity. The seminar of the values and traditions of the the importance of providing con- as much ability as me, underestimate consists of two successful case stud- GCC nationals and civilisation. ducive opportunities which enable themselves. Although we came to ies from and . “The campaign embraces identity DOHA: Fourteen students from youth from Qatar and Nepal to inter- teach the students in Nepal, we also DOHA: Language and history play “The overwhelming success of and pride in the Arabic language as a Education City travelled to Nepal on act, share knowledge and learn from learnt a lot from them.” a key role in helping build a nation’s the first edition in 2014, also organ- means of strengthening and empow- a volunteer mission to develop the each other, thus developing com- Ameena Hussain, Director, Stu- identity, a seminar on Qatar’s ised by the centre, and the important ering national identity,”said Dr Khalid capabilities of Nepalese youth. passionate, socially responsible and dent Life, HBKU, said: “The trip national identity was told on the recommendations it came up with, bin Salem Al Ghassani, GCC Assist- The trip organised by Reach Out proactive global citizens.” provided our students with an oppor- opening day yesterday. made us think of hosting a second ant Secretary-General for Cultural To Asia (ROTA), a member of Qatar The ROTA-HBKU Student Vol- tunity to contribute to ROTA’s work. In a paper at the event that ends edition,” said Dr Khalid Youssef Al and Media Affairs. Foundation for Education, Science unteer Trip was part of ROTA’s “HBKU is committed to local today, former education minister Dr Mulla, Executive Director of the Dr Kaltham Al Ghanim, Direc- and Community Development (QF), in overarching ‘International Volun- and international service and I Mohamed Abdul Raheem Kafoud centre. tor, Centre for Humanities and Social partnership with Hamad Bin Khalifa teer Trips Programme’ sponsored hope our students’ work will further said studies confirm the link between The centre believes that edu- Sciences, discussed the role of edu- University (HBKU), was an initiative by HSBC Qatar. raise awareness in Qatar about the language and society as a social phe- cation is the core of the state’s cation in promoting national identity known as ‘Not Your Average Spring The trip was also part of ROTA’s importance of global volunteering. nomenon that preserves identity. sustainable development on social, and said: “Every individual has his Break.’ partnership with the Bill and Melinda The participating students have made Language and history are among economic, political and humanitar- own personality. However, they all The students visited the Agyauli Gates Foundation and READ Nepal, all of us at HBKU very proud.” the most important elements in form- ian levels. share a cultural and national iden- ing a nation’s identity. Thus, identity is “So we aim to target the role of tity, which is marked as one of the linguistically, socially, culturally and educational institutions in preserv- most important educational, moral psychologically significant, Kafoud ing national identity. and civil goals of a country. said. “We want to highlight the role of “The most important stage in The seminar is being held under public, private or even foreign insti- forming an individual’s religious, the patronage of Prime Minister and tutions in preserving our language, cultural and national identity is from Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdul- national identity, and our Gulf, Ara- and continues all the lah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani. bian and Islamic sense of belonging way up to grade 12. This is the second edition of with openness to all noble humani- “It is necessary for students to National Identity seminar organ- tarian values,” said Al Mulla. participate in educational activi- ised by Qatar Heritage and Identity “The call to promote national ties that focus on national identity, Centre. The event is sponsored by identity is a requirement of any strengthening their sense of belong- Vodafone Qatar and eminent local modern country. Identity is what dis- ing and glorifying their cultural and and international academics and tinguishes an individual in and out civil symbols and elements. experts are discussing aspects related of his country and what grants priv- “Another way to raise a student’s to national identity and ways to pre- ileges and responsibilities. sense of pride is by allowing them to serve it. “Arabic language urged us to represent their countries in cultural, Issues include family and identity, organise this media, educational and media and international projects,” ROTA volunteers with Nepalese youth and officials at the Agyauli Community Resource Centre. effects of demography, and the role cultural campaign. It is the language added Dr Al Ghanim. 04 TUESDAY 22 MARCH 2016 HOME

Maserati V8 Qatar International Endocrinology forum held Quattroporte models recalled important forum for sharing the lat- Experts discuss the est knowledge on diverse aspects of endocrinology, obesity, osteoporosis The Peninsula latest treatments and diabetes and is one of the most of diseases related significant gatherings of healthcare professionals with an interest in endo- to hormones, such crinology practice and research, DOHA: The Ministry of Economy as diabetes, obesity, said Dr Mahmoud Ali Zirie, Chief, and Commerce, in collaboration Endocrinology Section, HMC, and with Alfardan Motors, dealer dyslipidemia, Chairman, Conference Organising of Maserati vehicles in Qatar, has thyroid disorders, Committee. announced the recall of Maserati “We were delighted to welcome V8 Quattroporte models of 2014- hypertension and delegates from all over the world, 2015 due to a weakness in the osteoporosis. including specialist physicians, pri- electrical wiring, possible failure mary healthcare generalists and existence in material wiring regu- trainees.” lator and launch system. With a high incidence of obes- The ministry said the recall is The Peninsula ity, diabetes and related disorders part of its efforts to protect con- in Qatar, HMC has led the way in sumers and ensure dealers follow developing and improving access up on vehicle defects and repairs. to high-quality specialised care for The ministry said it will coordi- DOHA: The First Qatar International patients with these conditions, par- HMC officials with speakers at the event. nate with the dealer to follow up on Endocrinology Conference to discuss ticularly through its national diabetes maintenance and repairs and com- the latest treatment methods was held centres at Hamad General Hospi- municate with customers to ensure by Hamad Medical Corporation’s tal and Al Wakra Hospital, part of National Diabetes Strategy to con- increased HMC’s capacity to pro- acquire new skills and information repairs are carried out. It urged (HMC) Department of Endocrinol- HMC’s network of hospitals recently nect healthcare providers in Qatar vide specialised diabetes care to the that will benefit their daily practice, customers to report any violations ogy, Diabetes and . accredited by Joint Commission Inter- as part of efforts to further develop population. and develop valuable relationships to its Consumer Protection and Endocrinology deals with the national under the Academic Medical health services for diabetes patients,” Dr Ibrahim Al Janahi, Senior Con- and collaborations.” Anti-Commercial Fraud Depart- diagnosis and treatment of diseases Center programme. said Dr Ibrahim Treki, Senior Consult- sultant, Endocrinology Section, HMC, Prominent local and interna- ment through Call Center: 16001; related to hormones, such as diabetes, “The national diabetes centres ant, Adult Endocrinology and Internal said, “The conference is designed tional speakers shared knowledge email: [email protected]; Twitter: @ obesity, dyslipidemia, thyroid disor- offer a multidisciplinary approach to Medicine, HMC, and Lead Clinician, to encourage discourse, learning, and experiences during sessions on MEC_Qatar; Instagram: MEC_Qatar; ders, hypertension and osteoporosis. patient care and are an integral part National Diabetes Centre, Al Wakra research and quality improvement. insulin therapy, thyroid, dyslipidemia and the ministry’s mobile app for The conference is an of the Supreme Council of Health’s Hospital, which has significantly We hope it helped participants and other topical issues. Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar. Weather bureau warns of Civil Defence delegation visits rains in some areas today Al Wakrah Hospital’s Burns Section

The Peninsula The Peninsula

DOHA: A delegation of Civil Defence DOHA: Amid a fresh, brief spell of Department of the Ministry of Inte- unstable weather, forecasters have rior visited and gave gifts to patients warned of some chances of rain in at Al Wakrah Hospital’s (AWH) Burns some areas today. Section and Intensive Care Unit. The showers could at times be The delegation included Brig- accompanied by thunder and high adier Aman Al Sulaiti, Assistant winds, the weather bureau said in Director-General of the depart- its routine forecast yesterday. The ment; Lieutenant Colonel Hassan seas will be high and could witness Ibrahim Al Asmakh, Director, Sup- thunderstorms and gusty winds, port Section; Captain Jaber Mohamed according to the warning for offshore Al Marri, Head, Education Section; weather. About inland, the bureau and Captain Jaber Hamad Al Marri, said the weather could be fine with Civil Defence Officer in Al Wakrah. Brigadier Aman Al Sulaiti, Assistant Director-General, Civil Defence the onset of the evening. The team was welcomed by Wilson Inland, northwesterly to north- Ross, CEO, AWH, and Dr Mahmoud Department, with officials during a visit to the hospital. erly winds could move at speeds of Al Heidous, Medical Director, AWH. six to 16 or 20 knots and during the Dr Al Heidous said such visits rains with thunder, the speed could play a crucial role in patients’ psy- required. He said the section includes “It also offered us the opportunity reach up to 25 knots. Offshore, the chological recovery and reflect how an intensive care unit and an opera- to familiarise ourselves with issues wind direction will be southeasterly Doha City received rains last night. Pic: Salim / The Peninsula the community cares for them. tion theatre designed for burns cases. related to patients’ safety and secu- to southwesterly during the day with He said since its transfer to AWH, Brig. Al Sulaiti said: “The visit rity and enabled us to establish any speed reaching from eight to 18 to 25 the Burns Section has become the aimed to promote and consolidate to any problems that might knots at times (during thunder). As and that could mean a little chill in (Doha: 26 degrees C) during the day main burns centre in Qatar, provid- relationship between our department occur in cases of disasters such as the evening arrives, the wind direc- the air. are likely to and about 20 degrees C throughout ing treatments for all types of cases and Hamad Medical Corporation and fires.” tion would change to northwesterly vary between 24 and 27 degrees C the country at night. and conducting plastic surgery when AWH.

Holiday Villa Doha before and during Earth Hour. Holiday Villa Doha observes Earth Hour for brighter future

The Peninsula

DOHA: Holiday Villa Hotel & Residence Doha joined Qatar and the rest of the world as it turned off the lights for 60 minutes that set its nine buildings into darkness to mark Earth Hour. Continuing its commitment, the hotel’s theme A Dark Hour for a Brighter Future promotes the environmental movement among guests and employees and supported the global climate change awareness campaign. Recognising the sole value of the company towards the environment, General Manager Joey Chen said, “Considering everything that has been happening around the world and the natural calamities caused by climate change, the management is steadfast in support- ing Earth Hour and the Going Green campaigns. Caring for the environment does not only concern the future generation, it also affects all of us living at the present.” HOME TUESDAY 22 MARCH 2016 05

Ex-president Obasanjo to discuss ’s evolving transformation

The Peninsula students and professors continuously engage with such questions.” Obasanjo served as Nigeria’s mil- itary head of state from 1976 to 1979. DOHA: Former Nigerian president He was popularly elected president for Olusegun Obasanjo (pictured) will two consecutive terms from 1999 to be an honoured guest of Georgetown 2003 and 2003 to 2007. His tenure at University in Qatar (GU-Q) today to the helm of a democratic government discuss ‘Nigeria’s evolving transfor- ushered in a commitment to the rule of mation’, exploring challenges and law and crucial political reform. opportunities in his country’s efforts In 2008, Obasanjo was appointed to steward and diversify its economy. by the United Nations as a special At the campus event open to envoy to mediate in conflict situations the public, Obasanjo will highlight “Two themes of enormous impor- around the continent, including Dem- instructive insights from Qatar’s tance for the world and for us are ocratic Republic of Congo, experience in investing natural the urgency for single-commodity and South Sudan. He is called upon resource wealth to transition from economies to diversify in pursuit of regularly to oversee democratic elec- a hydrocarbon-based economy to a sustainable development; and building tions on behalf of the African Union knowledge-based economy to exam- and safeguarding national cohesion in and the Economic Community of ine what lessons Nigeria can learn countries of complex ethnic and reli- West African States in countries the from Qatar and what opportunities gious make-up. continent. He is a member of Club de Officials planting a tree at the Turkish embassy. exist for collaborations. “It is an hon- “Obasanjo’s experience and Madrid, an independent non-profit our for Georgetown to host a former insights into challenges and oppor- promoting democracy and change in head of state of President Obasanjo’s tunities for Nigeria, in such efforts, are the international community. He has calibre,” said Dr Gerd Nonneman, valuable for all those concerned with also been a catalyst for driving Afri- Dean, GU-Q. the issues, not least at GU-Q where our ca’s economic transformation. Turkish embassy backs QBG

The Peninsula community to increase awareness accordance with instructions of our about environmental sustainability religion. I would like to express my Vodafone boosts parents’ digital literacy and green issues. gratitude to QBG and Fatima Saleh The event encouraged cross- Al Khulaifi for organising the ‘Ghars’ DOHA: The Quranic Botanic Garden cultural engagement and raised event at the embassy.” (QBG), a member of Qatar Foundation awareness about the importance of A variety of plants and trees for Education, Science and Commu- trees and the preservation of Qatar’s mentioned in Islamic culture were nity Development (QF), collaborated natural resources, supporting QF’s displayed, demonstrating the affili- with the Turkish embassy in a tree- endeavours to help build a sustain- ation between flora, botanic terms, planting ceremony to highlight the able future for the nation in line with and conservation principles men- importance of green conservation the Environmental Development Pil- tioned in the Holy Quran, Hadith and initiatives in Qatar. lar of Qatar National Vision 2030. Sunnah. QBG also held an exhibition The ceremony, inspired by QBG’s Turkish Ambassador Ahmet of tools traditionally used to cultivate ‘Ghars’ campaign, took place in the Demirok and Fatima Saleh Al Khu- the date palm tree, illuminating part courtyard of the embassy in Doha, laifi, Project Manager, QBG, marked of the rich horticultural history of the and brought together representatives the event by planting olive, fig and Qatari community. from QF and other local institutions, Sidra trees. Al Khulaifi said: “We consider the Qatari and Turkish diplomats, busi- Demirok said: “Islam expresses ‘Ghars’ campaign as a literal transla- nessmen, community leaders and great concern for the environment tion of efforts made by QBG towards executives. The ‘Ghars’ campaign and we should endeavour to pre- the environment by caring, protect- provides diverse year-round aware- serve natural resources, especially ing and planting trees to rehabilitate ness activities which engage the local trees, within their natural habitats in and conserve plant life.”

Some of the participants with their prizes.

The Peninsula gather at a Vodafone store to enrich their and any questions they have about digital knowledge about the world of communi- parenting in general. cations and get acquainted with practical This year, AmanTech will reach out to ideas and tools to help them manage what parents and children aged 5-17. It will adopt DOHA: More than their children and the youth generation, in a three-pronged approach with a focus on 1,500 parents and their general, are exposed to. awareness, education and technical sup- children took part in Vodafone Qatar also invited parents to port. This will entail parental workshops, Vodafone’s Treasure join AmanTECH Twitter Chat Series where an online source for information and tips Hunt over the week- parents have the opportunity to ask an edu- for parents, online magazines, in addition end at Ezdan Mall that cational expert any questions they have to the digital parenting guide available at informed parents about regarding maintaining their children’s Vodafone’s stores and online at www.voda- how to keep their chil- safety and privacy in today’s digital world fone.qa/AmanTECH. dren safe in the digital world. The event involved fun puzzles about the digital world parents needed to solve in col- laboration with children to win prizes from Fun Ville, Magnolia Bakery and Popcorn Girl. It was held under the banner of AmanTECH, Voda- fone’s aid programme for online child safety which aims to promote digital literacy among parents and improve children’s digital safety. Dana Haidan, Head, Corporate Social Responsibility, Voda- fone Qatar, said: “We are delighted that so many families enjoyed and benefited from Voda- fone’s digital awareness activity. “Protecting children in their digital world might sometimes feel like a long and com- plicated journey. But it doesn’t have to. When we launched AmanTECH, we made a commitment to ensure that it is a long- term initiative to provide people with everything they need to know and do for their children in today’s ever-expanding digital world.” Since the launch of Amantech in late 2014, Vodafone has held dig- ital parenting activities, including TechMoms sessions where mothers 06 TUESDAY 22 MARCH 2016 HOME

Qatar to observe World Mideast people concerned over online monitoring by private firms

The Peninsula The university has released the survey annu- systematic means of understanding the region, Water Day today ally since 2013. beyond news headlines and subjective com- The survey found that with the exception of mentary. The knowledge of how people use Tunisia, the majority of nationals in all countries media—and what they think about them— DOHA: People in the Middle East are more feel the Internet should be more tightly regu- offers insights about the social and political The Peninsula everything related to providing, and pre- concerned about online monitoring by private lated in their country. Internet users in most climate, as well as vital societal issues like free- serving water resources. companies than they are about online moni- countries are more concerned about online sur- dom of expression. This survey, coupled with “In this year’s celebration, we give a toring by governments, the annual research veillance by companies than by governments. the media industry report released last month, great attention to the importance for the survey on usage and attitudes toward media in The study gets funding from the Qatar continues Northwestern University in Qatar’s DOHA: Qatar will mark World Water Day main role of water and jobs in achieving six Arab countries by Northwestern University National Research Fund and the Doha Film research expertise in the fields of media and today under the theme ‘Better Water Better the sustainable development and ensur- in Qatar (NU-Q) has found. Institute. Everette E Dennis, Dean and CEO, communication.” Jobs’ with a focus on the role of labourers ing better future for coming generations; The survey revealed that majorities of social NU-Q, discussed the findings on attitudes The media use survey is the largest annual in water and allied sectors. which coincide with Qatar National Vision media users in the Middle East, with the excep- related to online privacy concerns in the region. study of its kind in the region and was con- “Qatar marks World Water Day which 2030 that aims to turn Qatar by 2030 into tion of Qatar, are increasingly concerned about Speaking at a panel discussion at the Interna- ducted in collaboration with Harris Poll. falls on March 22 due to its realisation for an advanced country and able to provide social media. tional Press Institute’s (IPI) World Congress, Fieldwork took place from December 20, the importance of water in continuing a sustainable generous living for its peo- The survey, “Media Use in the Middle East” Dennis previewed early findings from the study 2015 to February 27, 2016 and involved 6,058 and developing the life on planet earth. ple,” he added. documents trends in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the which relate to the use of social media. The full interviews, including 4,529 nationals, which Observing this day is shedding light on the Qatar General Electricity and Water UAE, , and Tunisia and was done report will be released next month. constitutes a nationally representative sam- efforts of providing desalination water and Corporation (Kahramaa) said this year’s in partnership with the Doha Film Institute. “The media use study,” Dennis said, “is a ple of adults aged 18 or over in each country. promoting sustainable management of its theme is in line with its mission in pro- resources through events and activities viding sustainable electricity and water arranged by various countries and author- with high quality for better living in Qatar. ities, one of which is Qatar,” Minister of The celebration of World Water Day 10th Al Jazeera Energy and Industry H E Dr Mohammed coincides with GCC Conservation Week bin Saleh Al Sada said in statement yester- starting which starts today. The impor- Martha Stewart opens QA Forum begins day. He said this year’s theme ‘Better Water tance of this occasion is reflected in Better Jobs’ reminds us of the impact of raising and highlighting the concerns for water and jobs in changing life to the best, the importance of rational consumption with labourers in the water sector form- and its impact on preserving resources. Cooking Theatre today QNA ing about half of the world’s labour force. Kahramaa said it also works to provide “ All the jobs depend on fresh water sustainable water with high quality and and labourers’ efforts who work to pro- continuously seeks to bring it up to the best vide it and ensure its quality and safety. level with its commitment to the health, activities and new attractions such as Daad Abu Jaber, Salma DOHA: Al Jazeera Media Net- “Water is the main element for sus- local and international safety standards scheduled at the satellite venues Soleiman, Mohamad Orfali and work Chairman Sheikh Hamad bin tainable development. Thus, working to in order to provide a better living. It has Qatar Airways’ in the Pearl-Qatar and Katara Wafa Al Kandari. Fatafeat Chefs Thamer Al Thani yesterday opened provide water resources, preserve them implemented a comprehensive strategy initiative one of the Cultural Village until March 28. will be presented by Darine Al the 10th Al Jazeera Forum under and enhancing the services connected to achieve an integrated and sustainable Other internationally Khatib. the theme ‘Regional and Interna- to them are a decisive element in funda- management for water resources in Qatar. highlights of Qatar acclaimed celebrities who will Hamad International Airport, tional Struggle in the Middle East. mental issues that are not limited to fight In 2012, it launched the National Pro- International Food headline the event are restau- partner of FC Bayern Munich, has The forum brings together against poverty, economic growth, envi- gramme for Conservation and Energy Festival. rateur and MasterChef secured the club’s head political leaders, intellectuals, ronmental sustainability, food security and Efficiency (Tarsheed) in order to reduce judge George Calombaris; QA’s chef Alfons Schuhbeck to partic- journalists and activists from the human health,” he said. electricity consumption by 20 percent and Ambassador and multi-award- ipate in the theatre, giving fans Arab world and beyond to explore Al Sada said Qatar, under the lead- water consumption by 35 percent in five winning Chef Vineet Bhatia, and the opportunity to explore the and build dialogue on the future ership of Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin years. Qatar is one of the countries that has The Peninsula Chef Massimo Capra, partner of favourite dishes enjoyed by the of the region in light of its Hamad Al Thani is committed to support high rate of per capita water consumption. Qatar Duty Free’s Soprafino Res- popular European team’s players. situation. taurant at Hamad International Salam Al Shawa, Senior Sheikh Hamad welcomed the Airport. Vice-President, Marketing and participants and guests who took DOHA: World famous lifestyle Michelin star-rated tal- Corporate Communications, part in this year’s World Media personality Martha Stewart will ents will also create in the stage QA, said: “It is a great pleasure Summit of International Press Road accident open Qatar Airways (QA) Cook- kitchen at MIA Park, Katara and for QA to welcome these extraor- Institute’s World Congress in Doha ing Theatre today at Museum of the Pearl-Qatar: ’s Tagaki dinary talents to Doha, bringing over the past two days. Islamic Art (MIA) Park as a high- Kazuo; Magno Brasserie’s Paul together these global culinary Since its , Al Jazeera light of the launch of this year’s Bentley joins the line-up from ambassadors, who embody the Forum has served as an annual Qatar International Food Festi- ; Tim Butler of Eat Me airline’s ambitions to provide platform for dialogue where polit- val. Restaurant Bangkok fame, excellent service and hospital- ical leaders, intellectuals and Stewart, America’s most and Spanish pastry chef Jesús ity. QA has curated a selection of activists from around the world famous homemaker, will cook Escalera, who is known for sen- our time’s finest culinary masters, exchange ideas and visions on a healthy menu, featuring fresh sational work at El Bulli and The so that the hundreds of thou- current issues and research, their salads and side dishes and her Fat Duck. sands of connoisseurs, food fans causes and implications, Sheikh take on an energising booster The line-up also includes and guests who visit our cooking Hamad said. juice at 5pm at MIA Park’s main the ‘Queen of Qatari cuisine’ theatre and view these talented He said the forum is taking stage. Chef Aisha, Francisco Ruano, individual’s exceptional demon- place under conditions and impor- QA, the festival host, has owner of one of the top five res- strations will be truly transported tant transformations experienced brought some of the world’s taurants in Mexico and former to the distinctive destinations that by the Arab region in particular, most celebrated chefs to deliver chef at world-famous Noma Res- each chef’s unique cuisine repre- accompanied by regional and exquisite culinary creations at taurant, and fabulous chefs from sents, while enjoying renowned international struggle the region the theatre along with expanded the Arabic food channel Fatafeat, Qatari hospitality.” had never seen in several decades. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education issued a clarification on a picture of road accident used on social media. The picture shows a Karwa school bus running over two vehicles. The clarification with the picture of the mishap was posted on the ministry’s Tweeter account yesterday. Quality Retail’s ‘Pistang “The mishap took place in the early morning. The bus belonged to Al Wafa Ecuador calls for change in Opec rules Model School for Boys. As the bus was on the way to pick up students from Pinoy’ food festival begins their homes for school, no one was in the bus except the driver and a lady attendant. Thank God, no one was injured, the ministry tweeted. The Peninsula The Peninsula

DOHA: Ecuadorian Finance Minister Fausto Herrera, on DOHA: Quality Retail, part of Quality a short visit to Qatar, met International Group, has announced ‘Pis- Finance Minister H E Ali Sherif tang Pinoy’, a carnival of Filipino food and Al Emadi and discussed issues food products from today until April 2. It will of common interest and mak- be inaugurated by Philippine Ambassador ing amendments to Opec rules Wifredo Santos at 6pm at Quality Mall in to give access to the non- Al Hilal. member Opec states in their The cream of the Filipino community development programmes. is expected to participate. Quality Mall Al , Nigeria Ecuadorian Finance Minister Fausto Herrera (right), with Hilal is easy to reach and perfectly placed and have joined Kabalan Abisaab (left) at a media briefing. for weekday and weekend visits. Whether President Rafael Correa’s you pop in during your lunch break or after initiative for changing Opec work, or spend the whole weekend explor- rules and regulations and per- studying areas of mutual laws such funds can only be ing with friends and family, the spectacular mitting poor countries to join interest for investments. used in public sectors such as culinary event should not be missed. the bloc for financial support Ecuador is working on rais- hydro electric energy projects There are exclusive and attractive pro- for necessary projects, Her- ing $500m through sovereign and highways,” he added. motions arranged in all Quality retail outlets rera told the media. “We are bonds. As per the country’s to add joy to the culinary celebration.

Temporary closure and diversion in Legtaifiya Lagoon from Thursday

The Peninsula one-way road built east of the closed road near the location of the Pearl Interchange that will be con- structed in the future, and which DOHA: The Public Works Author- leads to the south via the new ity (Ashghal) will implement a roundabout in front of Lagoona temporary closure on the existing Mall. The northbound traffic to two-lane dual carriageway from Lagoona Mall will be diverted to Legtaifiya Lagoon (Lagoona Mall Lusail Street, as shown in the map. side) to the South Canal Crossing Ashghal will also close down towards Doha, for 300 metres in the existing 150-metre four-lane each direction, as shown in the dual carriageway from the traffic map. signalised junction at Lusail Street The closure in coordination to Lagoona Mall, diverting traffic complete construction works of cables, water lines and DSSS sys- with the Traffic Department, starts to a two-lane one-way road lead- key parts of Lusail Expressway, tems. Ashghal will install signs on Thursday and end in Decem- ing to the new roundabout in front expand the expressway from four advising motorists of the closure ber 2017. of the Lagoona Mall, as shown in to 12 lanes, including eight as part and has urged road users to abide Southbound traffic to Doha the map. of a tunnel, and replace utility lines by speed limits and follow signs will be diverted to a temporary The closure is required to under the road such as electricity for safety. MIDDLE EAST TUESDAY 22 MARCH 2016 07

Morocco asks Verdant landscape UN to shut military office

of a resumption of tensions and pos- sibly even conflict. Tensions rise with Ban was meeting with Security United Nations. Council members yesterday and he would raise Western Sahara, Haq said. UN spokesman Stephane Dujar- Reuters ric chided the council on Friday for not taking a strong stand in the dis- pute. The controversy over Ban’s comments is Morocco’s worst dis- UNITED NATIONS: Morocco has pute with the United Nations since asked the United Nations to close a 1991, when the UN brokered a cease- military liaison office in the disputed fire to end a war over the Western territory of Western Sahara as a spat Sahara and established the mission. between Rabat and the UN chief over Morocco had demanded last his recent remarks escalates, a UN week that 81 UN international civil- spokesman said yesterday. ian staff and three African Union An Iraqi shepherd herds his sheep in the Kurdish town of Aqrah, 500km north of Baghdad, yesterday. Dozens of UN international staff leave the mission. staffers pulled out of their West- Haq said 73 of the UN person- ern Sahara mission, known as nel were temporarily reassigned. MINURSO, on Sunday after Morocco He noted that 11 individuals that demanded they leave after UN Sec- MINURSO ordered out of the mis- retary-General Ban Ki-moon used sion no longer worked there. the term “occupation” during a Morocco had initially given the recent visit to the region. mission three days to withdraw Six troops die in Jihadist attack “MINURSO has ... received a the specified personnel, but later request to close its military liaison extended that to “within the com- office in Dakhla in the coming days, ing days.” which would be the first request Rabat accused Ban earlier this AFP were also wounded in the morning were killed, with the support of lies further along the river and is con- directly targeting the military com- month of no longer being neutral in attack. strikes from the US-led international trolled by the Islamic State group. ponent,” UN spokesman Farhan Haq the Western Sahara dispute when He told AFP that after the suicide coalition. They are closing in on the town told reporters. he used the word “occupation” to BAGHDAD: Jihadist fighters killed at attacks some 25 jihadists launched Malallah Al Obeidi, the head of from Al-Baghdadi and from Ramadi, “There is no reason, none, for describe its annexation of the region least six soldiers in western Iraq in an an assault on the checkpoint, the the Al Baghdadi local council, con- the capital of Anbar province which this escalation,” he said, adding it in 1975, when Morocco took over attack yesterday that began with five main one on the road leading to Al- firmed the details of the attack and was fully retaken from IS last month. would set a bad precedent for other from colonial power . suicide bombers driving explosives- Asad air base, where a large number said that Iraqi forces were in control The vast operation to flush IS out missions if a single member state Ban had visited refugee camps laden vehicles into a checkpoint, of Iraqi troops and foreign advisers of the checkpoint. of cities in Anbar has displaced tens was permitted to interfere with a in southern Algeria for the Sahrawi officials said. are stationed. Al Baghdadi lies on the Euphra- of thousands of people and fighting peacekeeping operation. people, who say Western Sahara A senior officer in the Iraqi army, The officer said most of the gun- tes river, about 180km northwest of is far from over. Without a properly functioning belongs to them. They fought a which was manning the checkpoint men were wearing suicide vests. Baghdad. Iraqi security forces have in Aid agencies have warned that the peacekeeping mission in Western war against Morocco until the 1991 near the town of Al-Baghdadi in About five hours of clashes recent days been involved in a major families displaced from Hit and its Sahara, Haq said there was a risk ceasefire. Anbar province, said nine soldiers ensued, he said, and all the attackers push to retake the city of Hit, which surroundings are very hard to reach.

Yemen peace talks could UN rights expert quits over lack of cooperation resume in Kuwait AFP “It was with deep regret that I occupation,” he said, and slammed Palestinian representative Ibra- (Special Rapporteur) continues accepted that the premise upon which “a general lack of accountability” for him Khraishi meanwhile charged that and the (council) president contin- by month-end I took up the mandate... was not ful- such abuses. the appointment of Wibisono’s suc- ues to consult with a wide range of filled,” he told the council. Israel has long accused the cessor had been postponed after an stakeholders,” spokesman Rolando GENEVA: The UN expert on human The Indonesian diplomat, who Human Rights Council of having Israel-linked rights group had sent out Gomez said in an email, adding that AFP rights in the occupied Palestinian ter- had announced in January that he a built-in bias against it. It was not a letter accusing both nominees, Brit- an announcement was expected on ritories voiced scathing criticism of intended to quit, said he had been present for Wibisono’s presentation ish law professor Penny Green and Thursday. Israel yesterday as he stepped down assured before taking up the posi- yesterday. Canadian law professor Michale Lynk, In his presentation, Wibisono DUBAI: A new round of UN-bro- over what he said was a lack of access tion that he would have access to the The EU representative, Peter Soe- of being anti-Israeli activists. stressed the need for a successor to kered Yemeni peace talks could be to areas he was meant to monitor. occupied Palestinian territories. rensen of , said he regretted Khraishi called the delay a “fla- continue his work, voicing alarm held by the end of this month in Makarim Wibisono, who took But he said repeated requests for that Israel had not allowed Wibisono grant violation” of the rules of the at the recent escalation of violence Kuwait, a government official told on the role of Special Rapporteur on access were unsuccessful. to access the Palestinian territories. Human Rights Council. committed by both Palestinians and AFP yesterday. the rights situation in the Palestinian “This lack of cooperation But he also noted that his mandate A spokesman for the coun- Israelis. The talks would be accompa- territories in June 2014, presented his regrettably seems to signal the con- was “limited to investigate Israel’s cil meanwhile told AFP there had According to an AFP count, nearly nied by a ceasefire, much-needed final report to the UN Human Rights tinuation of a situation under which violations”, and insisted that all rights been “no postponement” of the 200 Palestinians, 28 Israelis, two in the war-torn country where a Council, criticising Israel’s refusal to Palestinians suffer daily human abuses, regardless of who committed appointment. Americans, an Eritrean and a Suda- Saudi-led coalition launched a mil- cooperate with his mandate. rights violations under the Israeli them, “should be subject to scrutiny.” “The process to appoint the nese have been killed since October. itary campaign in support of the internationally-recognised govern- ment one year ago, said the Yemeni official who requested anonymity. Tunisian forces Yemen’s warring parties who Beirut buses provide rare link to Islamic State turf met with UN envoy Ismail Ould kill terrorist near Cheikh Ahmed last week have agreed on “the principle of holding AFP journeys a week to areas border town a new round of talks in late March under the jihadists’ grip, often in Kuwait,” the official said. with no more than three pas- The UN envoy wrote on his BEIRUT: “Raqa! Manbij! Al- sengers on board. AFP Facebook page late on Sunday Bab!” drivers call out at a In cities like Raqa, the IS that he held “positive and con- bus station in the heart of de facto capital in northern structive talks” in rebel-held Sana’a bustling Beirut looking for Syria, and Al Bab to the west, ZARZIS: Tunisia’s security forces with the -backed Houthis and passengers to make the per- residents are banned from have killed a “terrorist” outside the their allies — supporters of former ilous journey to Islamic State smoking or wearing clothes southern border town of Ben Guer- president Ali Abdullah Saleh. group strongholds in Syria. deemed inappropriate under dane where jihadists mounted a “Preparations are ongoing for “Just before we reach the jihadists’ interpretation of deadly assault earlier this month, the next round of peace talks on the first Daesh checkpoint, Shariah law. authorities said yesterday. Yemen,” he wrote, without giving everyone throws out their “Women passengers “A terrorist element holed up a specific date or location for the cigarettes,” said Abu Ali, a always carry with them a in a house was killed in the Sayah awaited negotiations. bus driver in his 40s, using full-face veil and they put it area” near the border with , A resumption of talks must a derogatory Arabic name on before we reach the first the interior and defence ministries be accompanied by a “week-long for IS. IS checkpoint,” located on the said in a joint statement. truce that could be renewed if “And we spray perfume highway linking Dmeir near Security forces found his respected,” he said, adding that in the bus so that they can’t Damascus to the ancient city body after several hours of heavy discussions should focus on the smell the tobacco, otherwise of Palmyra, Abu Ali said. clashes, a security source said. implementation of UN Security we’ll be whipped!” he said Men must roll up their The ministries’ statement Council resolution 2216. with concern etched into his trousers to bare their ankles, said 11 people were wounded in The resolution states that the expression, as he prepared to also in line with IS rules on the fighting — three soldiers, a rebels must withdraw from seized travel up to Manbij in north- dress. national guardsman, six police- territories and disarm, before ern Syria. Most of the passengers men and a civilian. peace talks can progress. The jihadists, who apply are Syrians going home to The army and security forces On Wednesday, the Arab coali- their own extreme interpre- People walk past a kiosk selling tickets to various areas in Syria, at the Charles Helou towns and cities that have have flooded Ben Guerdane since tion spokesman Brigadier General tation of Islam in areas of bus station in the Lebanese capital Beirut. The buses are a rare link between IS-held fallen to IS, taking with them jihadists launched a dawn assault Ahmed Al Assiri said that the alli- Syria and Iraq that they have food, clothes, medicine and on security installations in the area turf in Syria and the outside world. ance was at “the end of the major seized since 2013, do more cash for their families. on March 7, killing 13 members combat phase”, raising hopes of a than just inspect the bus for The drivers also act as of the security forces and seven possible relaunch of peace talks. cigarettes. Standing near his bus at “These people, they’re one of Beirut’s busiest dis- delivery men, taking with civilians. Kuwait is a member of the “They even smell our the Charles Helou station dangerous, and they can rec- tricts, are a rare link between them goods that are no longer The security source said nine-nation coalition. hands to make sure we near the Lebanese capi- ognise the bus even from the IS-held turf in Syria and the available in parts of war-torn yesterday’s raid was part of an Previous UN-sponsored haven’t smoked,” said Jawad, tal’s harbour, another driver most minor detail,” said the outside world. Syria. “We take coffee, Nes- operation launched Sunday to tar- negotiations between rebels and another bus driver, also using begged AFP journalists not terrified man. Since IS began conquer- cafe, toys and clothes for the get the alleged killer of a security government officials failed to reach a pseudonym for fear of to film either his face or his The buses, which leave ing swathes of Syria in 2013, children,” said Mohammed, forces official during the March 7 a breakthrough. retribution. number plate. from a bus station located in the buses have made two a driver just back in Beirut. assault. 08 TUESDAY 22 MARCH 2016 MIDDLE EAST Turkey battling terrorism wave: Erdogan

questions at home and among Nato allies as to whether its security serv- President says PKK ices are overstretched as they fight working with on two fronts. “Turkey has recently been facing Islamic State. one of the biggest and bloodiest ter- rorist waves in its history ... Our state is fighting terrorist organisations and the forces behind them with every- Reuters thing at its disposal — its soldiers, police, village guards and its intel- ligence,” Erdogan said in a speech in Istanbul. ISTANBUL: President Recep Tayyip But his critics, including privately Erdogan said yesterday Turkey some of Turkey’s allies, argue that would use all its military and intel- Erdogan’s focus on battling Kurdis- ligence might to battle “one of the tan Workers Party (PKK) militants biggest and bloodiest terrorist waves in the largely Kurdish southeast A woman takes a selfie with her mobile phone as Turkish Kurds gather during Newroz celebrations in Diyarbakir, Turkey, yesterday. in its history”, after a suicide bomber — a campaign he has repeatedly killed three Israelis and an Iranian vowed will continue — comes at the in Istanbul. expense of its fight against Islamic Turkish government faced such seri- fighting Islamic State. But the main attacks in crowded areas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Israeli Defence Minister Moshe State. ous domestic conflicts simultaneously. opposition Republican People’s Party “All provincial police units have Netanyahu has said Israel is trying to Yaalon described Turkey as “awash Erdogan said the PKK and other Turkey is part of a US-led coalition (CHP), which has criticised what it taken action to try to capture the determine whether its citizens were in terrorism”. Turkey’s main oppo- groups were working with Islamic against Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, sees as a pro-Sunni sectarian med- three terrorists suspected of being deliberately targeted. Eleven of the sition party blamed what it called State and had turned on Turkey but is also fighting PKK separatists in dling in Syria, blamed Turkish foreign Islamic State members planning 36 wounded were Israelis. the government’s “adventure-seek- because they had failed to achieve its southeast, where it sees an upsurge policy. sensational attacks,” the state-run Turkey’s Haberturk newspaper ing policies” in the Middle East for their aims elsewhere in the region. in violence since July as fuelled by the “What we are going through Anadolu news agency said. said police had been examining CCTV turmoil washing across Syria’s He accused Europe of “two-faced territorial gains of a Kurdish militia now is the result of the (ruling) AK Interior Minister Efkan Ala footage and that it appeared the sui- borders. behaviour” for allowing PKK sym- in Syria. Party’s unstable, contradictory, uto- on Sunday identified the Istanbul cide bomber had followed the group Saturday’s attack on Istiklal pathisers to set up a tent near an Israeli Defence Minister Yaalon pian, adventure-seeking policies in bomber as a Mehmet Ozturk, born in of Israeli tourists for several kilome- Street, a long pedestrian avenue EU-Turkey summit in Brussels last said: “What must be ensured is that the Middle East,” CHP group deputy 1992 and from the southern province tres from their hotel, then waiting lined with international stores and week. terrorism is not initiated against chairman Engin Altay told a press of Gaziantep near the Syrian border. outside the restaurant where they ate foreign consulates, was the fourth Turkey has seen phases of civil us, from Turkey, from Istanbul,” he conference in parliament. Five people had been detained in con- breakfast before blowing himself up suicide bombing in Turkey this year. disorder, a military coup in 1960, and said in a speech. Government offi- At least half a dozen newspapers nection with the blast. as they emerged. Israeli media gave Two in Istanbul have been blamed left-right street clashes in the 1970s cials deny suggestions that Turkey, from across the political spectrum Israel has confirmed that three details of those who died. on Islamic State, while the two oth- and 1980s that triggered two fur- long seen by Washington as a model carried head-and-shoulders pictures of its citizens died. Two held dual cit- Yonathan Suher, a father of two, ers in the capital Ankara have been ther army interventions. The Kurdish for Islamic democracy but now fac- of three more suspected Islamic State izenship with the United States. An had travelled to Istanbul to celebrate claimed by Kurdish militants. conflict has also caused widespread ing Western criticism over its human members yesterday, saying they had Iranian was also killed, Turkish offi- his 40th birthday with his wife, who The attacks have raised bloodshed, but rarely has a rights policies, is not focused on been instructed to carry out further cials have said. was seriously wounded.

Sadr heat on Iraq govt Iraqi migrant in Kuwait deports 14 foreigners for guilty of war crime Hezbollah links

AFP AFP group, but he denied committing a war crime. Prosecutor Juha-Mikko Hamalainen said his conduct was defined as “a war crime” KUWAIT CITY: Kuwaiti authorities have deported 11 by the International Criminal Court. He had Lebanese and three Iraqis for alleged links with Hez- HELSINKI: An Iraqi migrant to Finland has sought a two-year prison sentence. bollah, the Shia movement classified by Gulf states as been found guilty of committing a war crime Jebbar Salman Ammar arrived in Fin- a “terrorist” group, a local newspaper said yesterday. after he posted images of himself on Face- land about six months ago as part of Europe’s The 14 were recently expelled at the request of book with the head of an Islamic State group huge migrant influx. Kuwaiti security services after they were found to Supporters of Iraqi Shia cleric Moqtada Al Sadr chant slogans during fighter. Finland, a country of 5.4 million people, belong to Hezbollah, daily Al-Qabas reported, with- a sit-in calling for government reform and elimination of corruption, Jebbar Salman Ammar, 29, was given a received some 32,000 mostly Iraqi asylum out providing further details. outside the main gates of Baghdad’s Green Zone, yesterday. 16-month suspended sentence by the Pir- seekers last year, as Europe experienced its The newspaper quoted a security official saying kanmaa district court. biggest migrant crisis since World War II. that a list had been prepared of Lebanese and Iraqi The court found he had desecrated the More than one million migrants fleeing citizens, some in top corporate positions, “who are corpse of a fighter by posting three images war in Syria and upheaval across the Middle unwelcome and should be deported” from Kuwait. on Facebook of himself with the head of the East, Asia and Africa landed in Europe since The Arab League declared Hezbollah a “terror- fighter in the Iraqi city of Tikrit. the start of 2015. ist” group on March 11, after Gulf states did the same He admitted to publishing the pictures A similar case of another Iraqi man is to earlier this month over the movement’s support for and to having fought against the Islamic State be heard in another Finnish court next week. President Bashar Al Assad’s regime in Syria’s war. Last week, Bahrain deported an unspecified number of Lebanese residents for alleged links to Hezbollah and Saudi Arabia warned that it will pun- ish citizens and residents who “support or demonstrate belonging” to the group. Riyadh last month halted a $3bn programme for military aid to Beirut in protest against Hezbollah, which is a key political force in Lebanon and has law- makers in its parliament. Arab League rejects Kurdish moves for federal Syria

AFP

CAIRO: The Arab League yesterday rejected Kurd- ish-led moves for a federal system of government in Syria, charging that they would lead to the break-up of the war-torn country. League deputy secretary general Ahmed Ben Helli said the pan-Arab bloc would not recognise last week’s unilateral proclamation by the Kurds and their Arab and Assyrian Christian allies. “The Arab League rejects such separatist calls that harm the unity of Syria,” Ben Helli told reporters. “The unity and territorial integrity of Syria is a fundamental principle” of the Arab League. Both the Damascus government and the main Syrian opposition grouping involved in UN-brokered peace negotiations in Geneva, the High Negotiations Committee, have also rejected Thursday’s move by the Kurds and their allies. Washington has said it will not recognise any autonomous regions they set up under their planned federation and says that Syria’s future system of government is something to be negotiated in the UN talks. But it has also said that it will continue to work closely with the Kurds, whom it regards as the most effective fighting force against the IS group. ASIA / TUESDAY 22 MARCH 2016 09 Sea row: Jakarta Death toll at 13 says peace bid in Indonesian helicopter crash JAKARTA: The death toll sabotaged from an Indonesian mili- tary helicopter crash rose to 13 yesterday with the reporters in Jakarta after meeting discovery of the body of a Chinese embassy officials to dis- missing soldier. Indonesia is not cuss the incident in the Natuna Sea, The helicopter was on embroiled in rival an area between Peninsular Malay- a mission on Sunday to sia and the Malaysian province of capture the country’s most wanted militant claims with Sarawak on Borneo island. when it crashed and over the South China Pudjiastuti said the Indonesia burst into flames. Sea and has instead patrol boat had fired warning shots Twelve bodies were in the air when it approached the found Sunday, and mili- seen itself as an Chinese trawler. tary spokesman Maj. Gen. Indonesia’s Deputy navy chief, Tatang Sulaiman said the “honest broker” in Arie Henrycus Sembiring, told the 13th victim, a first lieu- disputes between news conference the navy would tenant, was found in the China and the send bigger vessels to back up its wreckage. patrol boats in the region. Indonesia Philippines, says one of its patrol boats on Sat- urday attempted to detain a Chinese Vessel to carry and Brunei. US helicopters are seen at a Defence base in Manila, yesterday. The Philippines hailed a new accord boat fishing illegally in its waters. Eight Chinese crew members were giving the US military access to five of its bases, saying this would strengthen its defensive capabilities plutonium to US detained but the Chinese coastguard and maritime security. Reuters prevented Indonesia from confiscat- arrives in Tokyo ing the fishing boat. On Monday, China’s foreign TOKYO: An armed nuclear ministry repeated that the fishing transport vessel prepar- JAKARTA: Indonesia “feels sab- boat was operating in “traditional China upset over US-Philippine deal ing to ship a huge cache otaged” in its efforts to maintain Chinese fishing grounds”, again of plutonium -- enough peace in the disputed South China demanded the fishermen be released to produce 50 nuclear Sea and may bring its latest mari- and added the Chinese coastguard Reuters China is militarising the South claims most of the energy-rich bombs -- to the US time altercation with China to an vessel did not enter Indonesian China Sea with moves to build air- waters through which about $5 tril- arrived at a Japanese port international court, a minister said waters. China and Indonesia do fields and other military facilities on lion in ship-borne trade passes every yesterday amid tight secu- yesterday. not contest the sovereignty of the the islands it occupies. Asked about year. Neighbours Brunei, Malaysia, rity, local media said. Indonesia is not embroiled in Natuna islands and the seas around BEIJING: China said yesterday that the base deal, Chinese Foreign Min- the Philippines, Taiwan and The stockpile, pro- rival claims with China over the them: both agree they are part of agreements like the one reached last istry spokeswoman Hua Chunying also have claims. vided by the US, Britain South China Sea and has instead Indonesia. week by the United States and the said that US-Philippine cooperation The US says it takes no sides in and decades ago seen itself as an “honest broker” Indonesia protested to China Philippines allowing for a US mili- should not be targeted at any third the disputes but wants to ensure free for research purposes, in disputes between China and the against what it described as an tary presence at five Philippine bases party nor harm other nations’ sov- navigation through the sea. It has said is being returned to the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei. infringement of its waters by the raised questions about militarisation ereignty or security interests. it will increase what it calls freedom- US as part of a bilateral But an incident on the weekend Chinese coastguard vessel. in the South China Sea. “I also want to point out that of-navigation operations by its navy storage deal. Televi- involving an Indonesian patrol boat, While Indonesia and China are The United States is keen to boost recently the US military likes to talk ships through the waters. US allies sion footage showed the and a Chinese coastguard vessel and not disputing the South China Sea, the military capabilities of East Asian about the so-called militarisation of Malaysia and Australia both reiter- Britain-registered ship fishing boat in what Indonesia said tension between them does flare countries and its own regional pres- the South China Sea,” Hua told a daily ated on Monday calls for freedom of entering a port in Tokai- was its waters has angered it and led every now and then, usually over ence in the face of China’s assertive news conference. navigation through the South China mura, northeast of Tokyo, to its questioning of its work to pro- Chinese fishing boats. pursuit of territorial claims in the “Can they then explain, isn’t this Sea. China has never interfered close to where the highly- mote peace. Indonesian fisheries patrol South China Sea, one of the world’s kind of continued strengthening of with freedom of navigation and has toxic substance has been “We feel interrupted and boat and demanded the release of busiest trade routes. military deployments in the South stressed that some of the equipment stored. The material will sabotaged in our efforts,” fisher- Chinese fishermen who had been The United States and its regional China Sea and areas surrounding it it is installing on small islands and be disposed of in US. ies minister Susi Pudjiastuti told apprehended in Natuna waters. allies have expressed concern that considered militarisation?” China reefs will facilitate navigation.

Australian PM Nepal PM visits China Suu Kyi unlikely to take calls for an early polls on July 2 formal role in govt

Reuters Reuters power. Other top-level NLD pol- iticians, including Win Htein, her confidant, have likened Suu Kyi’s role to that of Sonia Gandhi, the Italian- SYDNEY: Australian Prime Min- NAYPYITAW: democ- born widow of former Indian Prime ister Malcolm Turnbull said racy champion Aung San Suu Kyi Minister Rajiv Gandhi. As leader of yesterday he will dissolve both is unlikely to take a formal posi- the Congress party, she dominated houses of parliament and call an tion in the incoming government of the government of Prime Minister early election for July 2 if a parlia- her National League for Democracy Mahmohan Singh before it fell from mentary sitting next month fails (NLD), a senior official said, and will power in 2014, but held no ministe- to pass the government’s labour control the administration through rial position. reform bills. her position as party leader. NLD leaders have derided the The Senate passed voting The Nobel peace prize laureate constitution as “ridiculous”, and Suu reforms on Friday after a mara- led the NLD to a landslide win in a Kyi has pledged to run the country thon session, clearing the way for historic election in November, but a through a proxy president. Turnbull to call an early election to constitution drafted by the former Last week, the NLD-dominated end a hostile upper house Senate. junta bars her from the presidency parliament elected Htin Kyaw, a The budget would also be because her two sons are British cit- close friend and confidant of Suu Kyi, moved forward by one week to izens, as was her late husband. for that role, making him the first May 3, he said. “Taking positions is not that head of state since the 1960s who is “Today, I called upon His important any more...In the United not a serving or recently retired sen- Excellency the Governor-Gen- States there are many famous law- ior military officer. eral to advise him to recall both makers in the parliament who are In the run-up to the Novem- houses of parliament on April 18, very influential, but they don’t take ber poll, Suu Kyi had made clear to consider and pass the Australian any position in the cabinet,” Zaw she intended to lead the govern- Building and Construction Com- Myint Maung, the NLD’s spokesman ment regardless of whether she was mission Bills and the Registered and one of its leaders, told Reuters president, but said the Sonia Gandhi Organisations Bill,” Turnbull told late on Sunday. comparison was “not quite” accu- reporters in Canberra. “It’s the same here. She will rate. She has not elaborated since. “If the Senate fails to pass lead the party, so she will lead the Htin Kyaw made his first public these laws, I will advise the Gov- government formed by that party,” speech since being elected, pledging Nepal’s Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli (left) and China’s Premier Li Keqiang during a ernor-General to dissolve both said Zaw Myint Maung, in the most job security for public servants even houses of parliament and issue welcoming ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, yesterday. detailed remarks from the NLD so as the parliament cut the number of writs for an election.” far on how Suu Kyi plans to wield ministries by about a third to 21. Ruling party wins Kazakhstan elections with 82% vote

Reuters in Astana where he walked trium- anyone in the oil-rich Central Asian some progress was noted,” Marietta oil, were to worsen in the course of Nur Otan’s faction, as it has a list of phantly to the stage as thousands of nation Nazarbayev has run since 1989, Tidei, OSCE Special Co-ordinator the year. The Central Election Com- 127 candidates vying for places in the youths dressed in his party’s blue and brooking little dissent. It has never for the election observation, told mission said two other parties, the 107-seat Mazhilis. yellow colours chanted: “Nursultan! held an election judged free and fair reporters. Communists and Ak Zhol, had passed Observers are focusing, in par- ASTANA: Kazakh President Nursul- Nur Otan!” by Western observers. “The ruling party had a clear the 7 percent threshold needed to win ticular, on the president’s daughter, tan Nazarbayev’s Nur Otan party won “This is a great accomplishment Observers from the Organisa- advantage over others in these elec- seats, meaning that the lower house, Dariga Nazarbayeva, who is deputy 82 percent of the vote in yesterday’s of our democracy,” he said. tion for Security and Cooperation in tions, and while the parties were the Mazhilis, will include the same prime minister and also on the party snap parliamentary election criticised The election could open the door Europe said the vote had fallen short generally able to campaign freely, three parties as before. list as a candidate. by Western observers as falling short for Nazarbayev’s daughter Dariga to of commitments for democratic genuine political choice remains Three other parties, the Social Her potential move to parliament, of democratic standards, preliminary enter parliament under a party list, elections. insufficient.” Nazarbayev called the Democrats - who denounced the poll where she could become the speaker figures showed yesterday. a move that would fuel speculation “It is clear that Kazakhstan still vote in January, apparently favouring as rigged - as well as Birlik (Unity) and of the lower house, would be inter- Nazarbayev, 75, congratulated about her as a possible future leader. has a long way to go towards fulfilling an early election in case the economy, Auyl (Village), won less than 7 percent preted as a step towards an eventual his party at a “victors’ forum” event The result is unlikely to surprise its election commitments, although hit hard by the slump in the price of each. Still unclear is the makeup of transition of power to her. 10 TUESDAY 22 MARCH 2016 OPINION

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR HUSSAIN AHMAD [email protected]

EDITORIAL Mystery of ’s sudden withdrawal US-Cuba détente mercy of Russia, which now has a as some have claimed but rather it reduced their influence and ambi- S President Barack Obama’s visit to Cuba is strong foothold in Syria (a naval has moved out of the Arab countries. tions. They were forced to step back base in Tartus and an air base in Some parties in the region to the southern part of Syria. historic in every sense of the word, because we Hemohim). welcomed the withdrawal of Three players were worried. tend to call a lot of things historic. The fact that We understood Russian’s Russian forces, while some oth- The first was the Syrian regime, Uthis is the first visit by a US president to Cuba in motives for intervening in Syria, ers were worried by the decision. who lost one of its key supporters. about 90 years makes its significance eloquently principally for the protection of Of course, Turkey is the first of Russia’s presence had brought new clear. No president has been there since Calvin Coolidge in 1928, Assad’s regime- not to fight Da’esh those welcoming it, followed by hope for the survival and stabil- a time when presidents visited few countries, and the enmity (ISIS) as had been announced. Also, Saudi Arabia, and Jordon, and IS ity of the regime. The second was between the two countries has been so deep-rooted and vitriolic Moscow was reacting to Western’s and Iran were among those who Israel which felt comfortable with sanctions following its adventure were less welcoming. the presence of Russia because it a rapprochement was considered impossible. By Fahmi Huwaidi in Ukraine. Turkey was not comfortable prevented the growing influence Obama reached in Havana on Sunday with his family Most of the analysts suggested with Russia’s presence because it of Iran and Hezbollah in Syria. The for a three-day visit. He will meet with Cuban leaders and possibilities for the withdrawal, restricted their movements and Israeli President, Reuven Rivlin, businessmen and say that both countries will get more out including the success of an agree- caused tension between Ankara met Putin in Moscow to arrange of working together than staying apart. Hundreds of media wo things have preoccupied ment made between the US and and Moscow, especially when Tur- the situation on the ground after persons from all over the world are in Havana to cover the the global media during Russia to reach a political in key shot down a Russian Sukhoi the withdrawal from Syria. the last week and both of Syria. The second possibility is that fighter plane. Also Russian presence The third player not happy with historic trip. them were related to this Russia’s on Assad made prevented Turkey from establish- the withdrawal were the Syrian The détente with Havana should go as one of the greatest Tregion. The first was the sudden him accept the idea of a federa- ing a safe haven at border areas Kurds who had been increasing foreign policy successes of Obama and will become part of pullout of Russian forces from Syria, tion system, which he previously inside Syria. their influence along Turkish bor- his legacy. He cannot unilaterally lift sanctions embedded in and the second was the launch of refused, instead calling for a par- Saudi Arabia was also happy ders with the help of Russian forces, a number of laws dating to the early 1960s, but he made some the Kurdish federation system in liamentary election in April. with the withdrawal because to establish a federal system sup- much needed policy adjustments. Recently, he eased curbs on the border area adjacent to Turkey. The third possibility links the Russia’s presence during past ported by Russia and the US. Russian banking and travel, both of which will give a huge boost to the Both news items were surpris- decision and the economic crisis five months has weakened fighter planes covered for them to ing to all. Much analysis and many facing Russia due to the oil price hopes of overthrowing Bashar. help them realize their aim. relations and pave the way for further reforms and relaxations comments have been made. People decline and according reduction Their presence also hindered the None of the Arab capitals has that should finally lead to a full normalization in relations are still trying to determine their in its military budget, as the war in advancement of Syrian opposition an answer to the question, “What between the two countries, though it will take time. possible impacts on the new polit- Syria is costly- estimated to be using forces backed by Riyadh. is next?”, because Arab countries The warm-up in relations is also ical and geographic maps being up three million dollars per day. Iran also took a sigh of relief are divided in loyalty between a lesson in the futility of US economic outlined for the region. There is also The fourth reason may be that because Russia was competing with Moscow and Washington. There sanctions against Cuba. The sanctions still no agreement regarding the President Putin is worried about it for Syrian territory and set lim- is no option except to follow what reasons behind the sudden partial Obama’s decision to deploy fight- its for Hezbollah. Iran was also comes from the two capitals and failed to achieve anything significant; withdrawal of the Russian forces, ing forces permanently along the uncomfortable with the coordi- to listen to the daily news coming they failed to cause a popular uprising although analysts had agreed on borders of Baltic States and East nation between Israel and Russia. from there. against the Cuban government and why they originally intervened. European countries adjacent to For Jordon, the presence and However the only correct We tend to nor did it force the Cuban regime The only thing that all analysts Russia. bombardments on its northern bor- answer may come from the Syr- call a lot to surrender to Washington. The have agreed on is that the step taken The reality will be revealed der was a headache, particularly ian people who have not given up of things sanctions only caused economic by Russian President Vladimir Putin within the coming few weeks, but for Amman, which was worried the their dream for freedom from Assad, hardship to ordinary Cubans, which has assured his position as major the major impact of this is that Arab war would reach its border. So, the despite what they have faced for historic, but player in the international arena countries have lost control over problem was solved by the with- the past five years. Obama’s visit the Castro regime blamed on the and the Middle East in particular, their own fates. It is not correct to drawal move. US government and its policies. The as well as showing that the fate of say that the Arab power moved For sure, IS also welcomed The writer is an Egyptian journal- to Cuba is current rapprochement stems from Syria (the Arab’s heartbeat) is at the from water countries to oil states the move because Russian raids ist & columnist. truly historic. a realization that both sides stand to gain nothing from a continuation of hostility that has already run for decades and outlived its purpose. China’s enormous trash problem has a fiery solution At the same time, there have been some frank exchanges between President Raul Castro and Obama. societies generate. But like so much made a remarkable contribution to environmentally hazardous. But Obama pushed Havana to improve its record on democracy and else in China, garbage has changed, keeping cities clean. But the ranks lately, cities such as Shanghai have human rights as he met with Castro, but the latter responded by and in a big way. Today, China of migrant labourers who flocked to been trying to emulate (and import) decrying US ‘double standards’. “We continue to have serious throws out more stuff by that kind of work are thinning. And the advanced and environmentally than the US, making it the world’s city governments, with an eye on secure waste-to-energy incinera- differences, including on democracy and human rights,” Obama biggest trash generator. By 2025, the property values, are pushing out the tors that Europe and Japan rely on. said at a joint news conference. World Bank estimates it will toss small-time recycling markets that The projects underway in Shenzhen Both sides are likely to take their relations forward. Cuba out 1.4 million tons of garbage a day enabled the trade. More pertinently, follow that model. According to the expects US to end the trade sanctions. Castro said they could -- nearly tripling its current rate. in a slowing economy, manufac- local government, they’ll actually achieve much better relations if Washington lifted its 54-year- The trouble is that China already turers simply can’t use everything exceed European Union emission old trade embargo on the island. But the policies of the next generates far more trash than it can that’s being recycled: The world is standards. By Adam Minter safely handle. Last year, scientists over-supplied in commodities, and That’s worth cheering. But it US president will be crucial in deciding the direction of the Bloomberg determined that China was the larg- that goes for bottles and cans, too. shouldn’t be the end of the dis- relations. est contributor to the millions of Landfilling still has its place, cussion. For incineration to gain tons of plastics that enter the ocean but China’s drive to urbanize wider acceptance, local gov- every year, via mismanaged (or not means that today’s remote gar- ernments will have to be more henzhen, China’s high-tech managed) waste dumps. Drive to bage dump is tomorrow’s urban transparent. Waiting to announce boomtown, sprang a surprise the outskirts of any Chinese city nuisance. That’s what happened in an incinerator project until after Son its 12 million-plus residents and you’ll run into a ring of infor- Shenzhen, where one major landfill construction has started -- as Quote of the day last week. Construction has begun mal landfills emanating all kinds has been expanded six times and Shenzhen did --- doesn’t help. To on three giant, state-of-the-art of un-recyclable stench. now abuts newly built apartment ensure that incineration doesn’t incinerators to handle the heav- Shenzhen might be ground zero towers, where residents under- undermine recycling, it should Turkey has recently been ing of trash that the city tosses for this problem. In 1979, the city standably complain about the smell. be paired with so-called pay-to- out daily. One of the mega-burners generated 50 tons of solid waste a The central government, mean- throw programs, in which residents facing one of the biggest — resembling an American-style day. Now, it’s generating 15,000 tons while, is increasingly concerned are taxed on the volume of trash and bloodiest terrorist football dome — will be the world’s a day. Its trash heap is growing by about reducing soil pollution, pre- they’re tossing. Finally, the govern- waves in its history ... Our largest waste-to-energy plant when 6.1 percent annually. That growth serving arable land and ensuring ment should use its considerable state is fighting terrorist it opens in 2018. comes with risks, and not just the long-term food security. Landfills administrative power to encour- Far from being ominous, how- environmental kind: In December, don’t help any of those goals. age alternatives to the single-use, organisations and the ever, that giant burner is good dozens of people were killed when That leaves incineration. In unrecyclable packaging that’s cur- forces behind them with news for Shenzhen -- and for the an unlicensed landfill for construc- recent years, incinerators have rently clogging China’s landfills and everything at its disposal. environment. tion debris collapsed. caused protests and riots among waterways. Thirty years ago, with middle- Ideally, Shenzhen would recycle Chinese concerned about their There are no easy ways to class consumers still rare, China its problems away. For decades, Chi- health and property values. They take out China’s trash problem. Recep Tayyip Erdogan didn’t have to contend with the nese scrap peddlers combed urban have a point: Historically, Chi- But burning is a necessary step to Turkish President large volume of trash that affluent streets for anything reusable, and na’s trash incinerators have been addressing it.

All thoughts and views expressed in these columns are those of the writers, not of the newspaper. All correspondence regarding Opinion page should be mailed to the Editor-in-Chief.

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Activists to N Korea fires launch leaflets against North five missiles AFP SEOUL: South Korean activists said yesterday that they planned to launch millions of anti-Pyongyang leaflets into North Korea, a move into the sea likely to escalate already elevated tensions on the divided peninsula. Conservative activists, includ- earlier this month by imposing its ing many North Korean defectors, toughest sanctions on North Korea have been carrying out leafleting Tensions have to date. exercises using giant helium bal- been soaring on In recent weeks, Pyongyang loons for years -- a practice that has maintained a daily barrage of infuriates Pyongyang which has the divided Korean nuclear strike threats against both threatened military strikes in peninsula with North Seoul and Washington, ostensi- response. bly over ongoing large-scale South In October 2014, North Korean Korean leader Kim Korea-US military drills that the frontier guards attempted to shoot Jong-Un threatening North sees as provocative rehears- down a set of balloons, triggering als for invasion. a brief exchange of fire across the further tests and An official with South Korea’s border. missile launches. Joint Chiefs of Staff said the five Defector-turned-activist Park South Korean soldiers pass a gate as they patrol along a barbed-wire fence at a guard post near the short-range missiles were launched Sang-Hak said the planned launch from near the eastern city of Ham- demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas in Paju, South Korea, yesterday. would take place on March 26 at hung, beginning just before 3:20pm Imjingak, a park located in the AFP and landed in the East Sea (Sea of border city of Paju. Japan). He said analysts were still “We will fly 10 million prop- gathering intelligence on the pre- aganda leaflets criticising Kim cise missile type. Ready to face North threat: S Korea Jong-Un’s severe violation of SEOUL: North Korea yesterday fired The North had fired two short- human rights,” Park said in a five short-range missiles into the range missiles into the East Sea on statement. sea off its east coast -- the latest in March 10, using what state media AFP North’s main nuclear test site that said ministry spokesman Moon The event is to coincide with a series of missile launches ordered described as a new high-calibre suggest a further underground det- Sang-Gyun. Saturday’s anniversary of the sink- by leader Kim Jong-Un amid rising multiple rocket launcher. Existing onation could take place “any time”. The North’s nuclear test on Jan- ing of a South Korean warship in military tensions. UN sanctions ban North Korea from The South’s Unification Ministry, uary 6 was followed the next month 2010, with the loss of 46 sailors. The launches came just days conducting any ballistic missile test, SEOUL: South Korea is fully prepared which is responsible for inter-Korean by a satellite rocket launch that was Seoul pinned the blame on the after the North test-fired two although short-range launches tend for North Korea to carry out a fifth affairs, said it had reached a similar widely seen as a disguised ballistic North and froze trade and invest- medium-range missiles, in what to go unpunished. nuclear test in defiance of tough UN conclusion. missile test. ment ties. the UN Security Council described Last Friday the North upped the sanctions imposed over its surprise “We believe that a fifth nuclear The UN Security Council The South Korean govern- as an “unacceptable” violation of UN ante by test-firing two medium- fourth test in January, officials said test can take place right away. The responded with the toughest sanc- ment says the activists have a resolutions. range missiles, which were seen as yesterday. government is preparing for all pos- tions imposed to date over the North’s right to carry out leaflet launches, Tensions have been soaring on far more provocative given the threat Military tensions have escalated sibilities,” said ministry spokesman nuclear programme, while Seoul and although it has, in the past, used the divided Korean peninsula since they pose to neighbours like Japan. sharply on the Korean peninsula in Jeong Joon-Hee. Washington pushed ahead with their police to block such exercises the North carried out its fourth They were the first medium-range recent weeks, with North Korean The Defence Ministry also reiter- annual military exercises. during moments of heightened nuclear test on January 6, followed launches for two years and followed leader Kim Jong-Un threatening fur- ated its previous assessment that the Since the drills began, Pyongyang inter-Korean tension. a month later by a long-range rocket an order from Kim Jong-Un for his ther tests and missile launches, partly North was ready to carry out another has delivered a near daily barrage of Tensions have escalated launch that was widely seen as a military to prepare a series of mis- in response to ongoing South Korea- test as soon as the order was made angry warnings, including threats of sharply in recent weeks, with disguised ballistic missile test. The- sile launches as well as an eventual US military exercises. by the leadership. pre-emptive nuclear strikes against North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un nuclear warhead explosion test. Last Friday, the North test-fired “In this regard, our military, along the South and the US mainland. threatening further nuclear tests threatening further tests and mis- South Korean President Park two medium range ballistic missiles, with intelligence authorities in South The missiles launched on Friday and missile launches, partly in sile launches. Geun-Hye warned of a “very cru- while a US think-tank said recent sat- Korea and the United States, are thor- were the North’s first medium-range response to ongoing South Korea- The Security Council responded cial time” for the Korean peninsula. ellite images showed activity at the oughly monitoring such movements,” tests for two years. US military exercises.

Niger awaits election results Nigerian royals applaud move to return stolen bronze cockerel Ruling party AFP “welcome development”. The tale of wins Zanzibar the artefacts began when nine Brit- ish officers were killed while on a re-run vote trade mission to the then-independ- NIGERIA: Nigerian royals have ent kingdom of Benin in 1897. ZANZIBAR: The ruling welcomed moves at Britain’s Cam- The British reaction was fierce, party candidate in Tan- bridge University to return a bronze leaving several thousand local peo- zania’s semi-autonomous cockerel stolen with other artefacts ple dead as the city set ablaze and Zanzibar was declared during colonialist looting in the 19th forcing the Oba into exile as his pal- the winner in a re-run of century. ace was looted. In June 2014, two presidential elections boy- Jesus College earlier this month statues were returned to the palace cotted by the opposition. said it was taking down the statue, by a British retired medical consult- The incumbent Zan- known as “Okukor”, pillaged from ant whose grandfather was involved zibar President Ali the former kingdom of Benin and in the original invasion. Mohamed Shein, of the was looking at the possibility of its The statues were presented to national ruling CCM party, repatriation. The move followed a the current Oba, Uku Akpolokpolo won 91.4 percent of the student protest and came as their Erediauwa I, at a colourful ceremony votes in Sunday’s ballot, counterparts at Oxford University in the city. the electoral body said mounted a campaign to remove Nigerian calls for the repatria- after it annulled the ini- a statue of British imperialist and tion of all the bronzes was reignited tial poll in October that donor Cecil Rhodes at Oriel College. when the Cambridge students urged the opposition said it The kingdom of Benin was one the cockerel to be removed from had won. In October, the of the greatest and richest in West Jesus College’s main hall. The issue Zanzibar Electoral Com- Africa and at its height extended of the repatriation of looted treas- mission (ZEC) called for as far as modern-day Ghana. The ures and compensation was raised Niger’s Independent Election Commission members check the results of the presidential elections a re-run citing fraud, a younger brother of the Oba (king) in the early 1990s, when former mil- charge the opposition yesterday at the Palais des Congres in Niamey, a day after the polls. of Benin, Prince Edun Akenzua, itary ruler Ibrahim Babangida set up said was made up. described the cockerel’s removal as a his African Repatriation Movement.

Possible MH370 debris arrives Calls for climate action over Great Barrier bleaching in Australia AFP renewable energy and we must was “driving climate change, warm- SYDNEY: Debris found build reef resilience by reducing ing our waters and bleaching the life earlier this month off the runoff pollution from farms and land and colour out of our reef”. southeast African coast clearing,” WWF spokesperson Rich- Environment Minister Greg Hunt, which some believe could SYDNEY: Environmental groups ard Leck said. who inspected the area by air on Sun- be from a missing Malay- yesterday urged greater action on cli- Bleaching occurs when abnor- day, said three-quarters of the reef sia Airlines flight has mate change after the government mal environmental conditions, such was experiencing “minor to moder- arrived in Australia for declared the highest alert level over as warmer sea temperatures, cause ate bleaching”. testing. Two pieces of an epidemic of coral bleaching in the corals to expel tiny photosynthetic He said while the bleaching was debris will be examined pristine northern reaches of Austral- algae, draining them of their colour. nowhere near as bad as in 1998 or by investigators from Aus- ia’s . Corals can recover if the water 2002, in the top quarter, north of Liz- tralia and Malaysia, as The Australian government said drops and the algae are ard Island, it was severe. well as specialists from yesterday that corals had turned able to recolonise them. Jodie Rummer, a senior research Boeing , Geoscience Aus- white and grey in parts of the World “The pictures we’re seeing com- fellow at James Cook University, said tralia and the Australian Heritage-listed marine park, with the ing out of the northern Great Barrier after spending 40 or so days at Lizard National University in Can- bleaching “severe” in northern areas. Reef are devastating,” Greenpeace Island the situation was “not good at berra. Official said there Environmental group WWF said Australia Pacific’s Shani Tager said. all”. She said while the northern parts is a “high possibility” the large sections of coral near Lizard “The Queensland and federal of the reef were among its most beau- metal chunk belongs to a Island were drained of all colour and governments must see this as a red tiful and pristine, they had also been 777 jet, the same type of fighting for survival. alert and act accordingly.” She called hard hit by cyclones in recent years Experts examining the Great Barrier Reef coral bleaching at Lizard Island aircraft as MH370. “The reef can recover but we on the government to reconsider coal which had caused structural dam- must speed up the shift to clean, mining, saying the burning of the fuel age to the coral. off the Australian state of Queensland, yesterday. 12 TUESDAY 22 MARCH 2016 Parents feel the pinch as schools hike fees

Internews Several private-run educational Parents also claim that many because our objective is to educate passed by the Balochistan Assembly Air strike kills 3 institutions attempted to comply with prestigious schools have hiked their the children and not to make money.” without any review in standing com- strict security measures by imposing admission fee up to 30 to 40 per cent. Additional secretary of education mittees and debate in the assembly. ISIS militants in a hefty increase in their admission The admission fee that was Rs9, 000 Aziz Ahmed Jamali said that there are Section-3 of the private education ISLAMABAD: Unmindful of the edu- and monthly fees, shifting the burden last year has been increased to Rs15, 2,000 private schools in Balochistan, bill, which empowered Balochistan cation emergency in Balochistan to the already hard-pressed parents. 000, they say. out of which 1,000 schools are located Education Foundation (BEF) as a pri- province, private school owners have “My three children have been A teacher at one of the leading in Quetta and the rest are in other vate regularity authority, is the main KABUL: Three militants revised tuition fees on the pretext of studying in a private school, but private schools said on the condi- interior territories of the province. reason for criticism against this bill. belonging to the out- security. the recent surge in admission fees tion of anonymity: “By imparting Jamali said that last year the It is alleged by certain education- lawed armed group of In the wake of the December 2014 is forcing me to shift my children to quality education and providing a education department passed a bill ists that the entire bill was drafted to (ISIS) have been killed attack on the Army Public School the government school,” government secure environment, private schools seeking a check on private schools regularise the BEF and benefit its in an air strike in east- (APS), the federal government as employee Zulfiqar Ali Qureshi said. are compelled to increase admission but the proposed legislation was crit- employees who are affiliated with ern Nangarhar province well as the provincial governments “In the name of security, pri- and monthly fees.” icised by several civil members and one of the ruling political parties in of Afghanistan, spokes- directed all private educational vate schools are taking huge sums Shakeel Ali, an educationist and private school bodies. Balochistan. person for Nangarhar institutions to ensure security on the from parents; the matter should be former member of the Private Schools In October 2015, Private Educa- Parents urged the government Police Headquarters said premises of all schools, colleges and addressed by the provincial govern- Association, said: “Being an educa- tional Institution Registration and to find a solution for the mess at the yesterday. universities. ment,” he said. tionist, I am against the recent hike Regulation Authority Act, 2015 was earliest. According to Colonel Hazrat Hussain Mashri- qiwal, the air strike was carried out in Mamond area of Achin district late Protest against execution on Sunday. Chip system to With its epicenter being Achin district, Nan- garhar is the stronghold of ISIS group in the east- monitor terror ern part of the country, where the group is try- ing to establish a base of operations in its rugged suspects delayed mountains. Ombudsman official associated with the project said when asked about it. The Fourth receives 7,973 If those wearing Schedule defines a terror suspect as tracking chips “a person who is concerned in ter- complaints rorism or belongs to a proscribed go outside the organisation”. ISLAMABAD: The Wafaqi- prescribed areas, Under the law, a person whose Mohtasib Secretariat has name is placed in the schedule must received as many as 7,973 the band will start seek permission from the local law complaints of maladmin- beeping and the enforcement authorities and inform istration in the Ministry of the local police station before leav- Housing and Works over central dash board ing the district where he lives. the last 18 years. will also be alerted. “Many of the fourth schedulers Out of 7,973 com- have not been informing authorities plaints against the about their movement away from housing ministry from the districts. These chips will ena- 1998 to 2016, 30 are Pakistani activists of Bangladeshi origin stage a rally against the Bangladeshi government’s execution Internews ble authorities to keep track of their pending while a decision movements,” the official said. of opposition politicians for crimes committed during Bangladesh’s 1971 war of independence, in front has been made on the “Legislation on the subject is of Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Karachi, Pakistan, yesterday. remaining 7,943. important because if the move has LAHORE: A plan to install tracking the backing of the lawmakers, the chips on 1,700 people being mon- government will be on strong footing itored for terrorist links has been to go ahead with the project. delayed as the Pakistan government We are deciding how many of considers introducing the relevant the fourth schedulers should be legislation first, it was learnt yes- brought under this plan. Cut in foreign funding for TB programme feared terday. The ankle bands will not be Requesting anonymity, a senior installed on all suspects, but only on government official said that law those suspected of being in active Internews foreign funding for the ongoing year. “We provide free of cost treat- MDR patient cannot be treated with enforcement agencies had iden- contact with banned organisations three-year programme which will ment to the patients but still a large the routine medicine because they tified the people last year. He said or being their facilitators,” the offi- end in 2018. The federal government number of people do not get them- develop resistance to the virus after their names had then been added cial said. is providing Rs80m annually, Pun- selves tested and continue spreading stopping treatment midway. to the Fourth Schedule. Another senior government ISLAMABAD: Even as Pakistan’s jab government Rs1.2bn, Sindh and the disease. We are making efforts to Instead, two years are required “Basic information about these official said that some problems financial condition improves and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rs600m and ensure local resources in case foreign for the treatment of an MDR patient, suspects has been geo-tagged. The had surfaced in the working of the foreign exchange reserves cross an Rs200m, respectively, while Balo- funding is decreased,” he said. which costs about Rs1 million against ankle-bands should have been ankle bands. all-time high mark of $20bn, the wor- chistan is yet to finalise its allocation.” “Currently, we detect 70pc Rs70,000 for the treatment of an installed by now, but the govern- “We have observed that if water ries of National Tuberculosis Control He added that foreign fund- patients and a strategy has been made ordinary TB patient. ment fears that it can be challenged is poured on these devices, they stop Programme (NTCP) continue to grow. ing was for another couple of years. to increase the detection rate to 80pc When contacted, DrAsadHafeez [in a court],” the official told. working. The suspects may use the Around 80pc of the funds NTCP Moreover, if the GDP improved, the by 2020 and there should be no TB- of the Ministry of NHS admitted that “The ankle bands have been fact to render them dysfunctional. receives come from foreign aid, which funding would be reduced. The gov- related deaths,” he said. the foreign funding for the TB pro- purchased and are ready to be This problem is also being is proportional to the growth of the ernment should start allocating funds There are 1,500 microscopic gramme would be decreased in future installed. Punjab Information Tech- fixed. Currently, the bands cannot GDP. It means foreign funding for the for the eradication of the disease, he detection laboratories for TB patients as it was linked to the GDP. nology Board (PITB) is working on be removed without triggering an programme will decrease if there is said. and 5,000 treatment centres across He claimed that PC-1 had been the project. alert,” he said. an increase in the GDP, as foreign aid “TB is our local problem so in the country. As many as 30 hospitals prepared for the provinces to provide The tracking chips in the ankle Mahar Ijaz Ahmed Achlana, is given only to poor countries. future we may not get foreign funds have been treating Multiple Drug local funding for the eradication of bands will be monitored through a the Home Department parliamen- An official of the Ministry of like we get for polio,” he said. Resistant (MDR) patients. the disease. “TB is our problem and central dash-board system. tary secretary, said he was aware National Health Services (NHS) on The national programme man- He said three years ago there we have to eradicate it so we are also If those wearing them go outside of the purchase of the ankle-bands. the condition of anonymity said that ager for TB, DrEjazQadeer, said that was only one laboratory for MDR considering ensuring availability of the prescribed areas, the band will “However, I cannot comment on why NTCP had been running with 80pc according to the disease preva- patients in Pakistan but during the improved diagnostic machines and start beeping and the central dash the plan to install those has been foreign funding. lence survey held in 2011-12, around last three years 28 more laborato- funds by the federal and provincial board will also be alerted,” another delayed,” he said. “We are getting Rs10bn as a 420,000 people contract TB every ries were set up in the country. An governments,” he said.

86 Indian fishermen freed Good neighbours ease fears among public in Pakistan polio fight

AFP going alone to knock at door after such as pork derivatives, or that can ornate door armed with nothing but cause infertility as part of a Western their anti-polio drops. plot to reduce the population. She is part of a community vac- Vaccinators are accused of being KARACHI: In a rundown district of cination programme launched in paid spies, a widespread suspicion Karachi, Rabia balks at a neighbour’s Pakistan’s biggest city two years ago which only intensified after the CIA proposal to vaccinate her children, to ease distrust and suspicion from used a fake vaccination campaign to demonstrating one of the biggest hur- parents by using staff from their local help track down former Al-Qaeda dles to eradicating polio in Pakistan area. Pakistan’s anti-polio campaign leader Osama bin Laden in north- by the end of the year: confused and has long been a dangerous task. One ern Pakistan in 2011. frightened parents. hundred people -- both police and To dispel doubts, in 2014 the Rabia, perplexed and surrounded health workers -- have been killed Sindh Emergency Operation Centre by children in her modest two-room in attacks targeting polio vaccina- (EOC), spearheading the fight against home, voices fears the vaccine to the tion campaigns since 2012, including polio in Karachi, began hiring local crippling disease may in fact cause three in Korangi in eastern Karachi in women to take the lead on vacci- infertility. “She was afraid there 2014, who were not part of the com- nations. “Here, everybody knows might be some harmful elements in munity programme. me, I do not have to worry about my the vaccine,” says Sharmeen Aslam, The Muslim nation of some 200 safety,” says vaccinator Shahnaz neighbourhood supervisor of a team million people is one of only two Ayaz. of vaccinators. countries in the world where polio She has worked in other neigh- “I told her there weren’t -- and remains endemic -- the other being bourhoods before, she says, but now, since I live here, she knows she war-torn Afghanistan, just over a admits she was “a bit afraid”. can come and see me if there are any porous border. Some Taliban and Some 2,500 neighbourhood Fishermen stand in a queue to board a bus in Pakistan as 86 Indian fishermen held for trespassing problems, so now she believes me.” ultra-conservative religious leaders vaccinators like Shahnaz are now into its territorial waters were released, officials said. This is the second batch freed this month. Each month, Aslam and her team spread rumours that the vaccine con- working in the metropolis of 20 divide a handful of dusty streets, each tains ingredients forbidden in Islam, million. TUESDAY 22 MARCH 2016 13 Videos of Trinamool leaders taking bribe out

IANS stake has to be,” Panda is seen saying being included in the first video dur- The Trinamool in the video on the site naradanews. ing editing. Talking to a news channel com. Incidentally journalist-turned- in Delhi, Samuel also said Trinamool has rejected the politician Panda had carried out a general secretary Subrata Bakshi and KOLKATA: In what could cause fur- allegations claiming sting operation in 2008 in which Lok Sabha member and former rail- ther embarrassment for the Trinamool then CPI legislator from Nandigram ways minister Dinesh Trivedi “did not Congress, Narada News yesterday the videos had been Muhammad Illyas was seen accept- entertain” him. Trivedi did not even published a new set of videos of its “doctored” and ing money. Illyas was forced to resign meet him. sting operation in which two prom- after the footage was aired by news He also said raw footage of the inent leaders of West Bengal’s ruling “manufactured” and channels. sting will be handed over to the Cal- party were purportedly caught on threatened to take Panda has also been in the cutta High Court before which three tape -- one of them accepting money, news for his grilling by the Central public interest litigations have been and the other seeking a “benami” legal steps against Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the filed seeking a CBI probe. The peti- stake in a project. the news portal. Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the tions have been filed separately by In the latest videos, the website multi-crore-rupee Saradha scam. Congress and BJP leaders as also an claimed Trinamool Lok Sabha mem- The Trinamool has rejected the advocate and are expected to come ber from Arambagh Aparupa Poddar allegations claiming the videos to be up for hearing on Tuesday. (pictured left) accepted money, while uploaded a 24-minute video, in which “doctored” and “manufactured” and day that the “so-called” sting opera- people there. But how the MP got my Calling the sting a conspiracy former party state general secretary as many as 11 Trinamool leaders were threatened to take legal steps against tion video was released. call data? This means they are tap- to malign her, Poddar said she will Shanku Deb Panda (pictured right) shown accepting bundles of cash in the news portal. Questioning the cred- Taking umbrage to O’Brien’s ping my phone. They have intruded resign if the footage was found to be sought a “benami stake” in the ficti- return for favours to a fictitious com- ibility of those behind the sting, assertions earlier in the month, my privacy. I am planning to write a authentic. “I am giving an ultimatum tious company in return for his help. pany Impex Consultancy. In the garb Trinamool Rajya Sabha mem- Mathew Samuel -- the man behind letter to the Rajya Sabha chairman,” to the central government, let there be While Poddar has rubbished the of the firm, the portal claimed to have ber Derek O’Brien, while raising the the sting -- said he will write to the said Samuel, who has repeatedly a probe on my footage, my personal charges, Panda couldn’t be reached approached several ministers and Tri- issue in the house, had alleged use of Rajya Sabha chairman seeking to asserted that the money used in the footage. If there is basis, I will resign for comment. The news portal, which namool leaders seeking favours. foreign money in the sting and even know how the Trinamool member sting was “crowd funded”. He said within a week,” said Poddar. She said claims to have 52 hours of footage “I want a stake in the subject... I claimed that the company had made got details of his call data. the latest videos were released on that during polls, donations are given of the operation, on March 14 had will tell the name in whose name the five telephone calls to Dubai on the “My office is in Dubai, I called the day as they were “missed” from for various purposes.

Lies on quota issue to Spirit of India Run mislead people: Modi Complaint against Big B over wrong IANS Mohan Bhagwat. “So, the prime minister would be well advised if he national anthem directs these queries with regard to revisiting reservation to its or to their NEW DELHI: Short film- NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Naren- ideological mentor,” Tewari said. maker Ullhas PR yesterday dra Modi yesterday said those who Meanwhile, former Bihar chief filed a police complaint did nothing for the country since minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, who against Bollywood super- Independence spread lies on the belongs to the Mahadalit caste in star Amitabh Bachchan, issue of reservation whenever the Bihar, advocated a review of the res- accusing him of taking BJP came to power at the Centre or ervation policy that sets aside quota more time than man- various states. for the weaker sections of society in dated while singing the The Congress hit back, asking government jobs and educational national anthem during Modi as to who raked up the reser- institutions. the World Cup vation issue in the first place and put “I strongly feel that the reser- clash between India and the blame at the RSS’ doorstep. vation policy must be reviewed Pakistan. Speaking at the foundation- because otherwise those who actu- The complaint was laying ceremony of BR Ambedkar ally require reservation are not lodged at the New Ashok National Memorial here, Modi said, benefitting,” Manjhi said in Patna Nagar police station in “Those who did not do anything for on Monday. east Delhi. “Amitabh 60 years often spread lies. When Manjhi’s Hindustani Awam Bachchan sang the Indian Sikhs perform a traditional Punjabi ‘Bhangra’ dance by holding former Australian MP Patrick (Atal Bihari) Vajpayeeji became the Morcha is part of the BJP-led national anthem in 1 prime minister, they started saying National Democratic Alliance. Farmer, who is taking part in the ‘Spirit of India Run’, during his visit to a hotel in Amritsar, yesterday. minute 10 seconds while that reservation will go. He was the Paying glowing tributes to Baba- the mandatory time is 52 prime minister for two terms. Noth- saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, Modi seconds. One can take ing of that sort happened, but lies compared him with American civil two or three seconds were still spread.” rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. more or less while sing- In Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, “If Martin Luther King Jr is seen ing the national anthem where the BJP has been in power for as an image of fight against injustice, but Amitabh crossed the many years, “nothing has ever hap- Ambedkar should also not be seen as 2 Africans held for cheating in Delhi mandated time limit.” pened to end reservation for Dalits second to anyone,” he said, adding and tribals”, but lies were still spread that the Dalit leader was a ‘vishwa Congress wins to mislead the people, he said. manav’ (world leader). IANS Code, and also under the Foreigners The two accused, in connivance Modi said such “misinformation “Babasaheb was the voice of the Act. Police said both the accused with a man named Rozer, who also 2 Rajya Sabha campaigns” were carried out by peo- marginalised,” the prime minister reside in Mehrauli area of south hails from an African country and ple who only wanted to do politics said, adding that the founding father Delhi. is absconding so far, cheated Delhi seats in Assam on reservation. of the Indian constitution should not NEW DELHI: Two men from Afri- “Alain came to India in May 2015 businessman Aditya Bondwal to the “There are misgivings against us. be seen as a leader of any particu- ca’s and Congo have been and was staying here without a valid tune of Rs.80 lakh on the pretext of GUWAHATI: Two can- But the truth is, we in the Bharatiya lar caste. “Rather he was a protector arrested for cheating a businessman passport and visa. Yesh has been providing him $1 million ‘black dol- didates of the ruling Janata Party have always had the of all human values. We should not of Rs.80 lakh on the pretext of clean- residing in India for the last three lars’ by cleaning and changing it to Congress in Assam -- utmost respect for Ambedkar,” limit him to our borders.” ing dollars painted with black ink to years without a valid passport and the original form. former ministers Ripun the prime minister said. Con- “To call Ambedkar the messiah their original form, police said yes- visa,” Deputy Commissioner of Police Police said Alain and Yesh came Bora and Ranee Narah gress spokesperson Manish Tewari only of the Dalits is a great injustice terday. Madhur Verma said. to India on tourist visas and met -- yesterday won the elec- flayed Modi for his comments on to him. He raised his voice against Kamleu Nya Alain, a 43-year-old He said police seized two packets Rozer. “They all planned to cheat tions for two Rajya Sabha reservation. all injustice,” Modi said. from Cameroon, and Mwanza Nawej containing black papers, claimed to Indians through this black dollar seats. A total of 86 leg- “The question to the prime The BJP and the Modi gov- Yesh, a 42-year-old from Congo, were contain $1 million each, five packets fraud. Rozer met Aditya Bondwal in islators cast their votes. minister is: Who raised the issue of ernment have come under attack arrested on Sunday near a hotel in of photocopies of Indian rupees in the Delhi during the India Africa Summit While former state educa- revisiting reservation. Was it raised following the death of Dalit student Civil Lines area of north Delhi. denomination of Rs.1,000, two bot- 2016. Rozer won his confidence and tion minister Bora got 38 by the Congress? Was it raised by Rohith Vemula in the Hyderabad They have been booked on tles of chemical substances used to concocted a ‘black dollar’ story,” the votes, former union minis- anybody in the opposition? The issue University and alleged pressure from charges of dishonestly receiving clean the black paper and a kit, used officer said. Rozer showed interest ter Narah got 47 votes. was raised by the RSS (Rashtriya the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh stolen property and cheating under for demonstration to clients convert- in Bondwal’s business and proposed Although the current Swayamsevak Sangh), by its chief to dilute the reservation policy. relevant sections of the Indian Penal ing the black paper to white. to invest $1 million. strength of the Con- gress in the assembly is 70 -- including two AIUDF legislators who recently joined the Congress -- BJP leader submits nomination in Assam India may strengthen security two legislators did not along its northeast border vote. Karnataka IANS check the smuggling of arms from cancels exam across the international border and to other states in the country,” he after paper leak said. SHILLONG: Union Home Minister “Whatever assistance is required BENGALURU: In a shock Rajnath Singh yesterday admitted from the central government would to thousands of second that there was a need to strengthen be provided to all the state gov- year pre-university course security along the international bor- ernments.” On holding talks with students across Karna- der in the northeastern region to militant groups, Rajnath Singh said taka, the higher education curb smuggling of arms. the Centre was ready to hold talks department cancelled “We are trying to ensure border with any militant group if they shun the chemistry exam held security through all possible means violence unconditionally. yesterday as its question and to curb cross-border terrorism “We are ready for talks with any- paper was leaked. in the region,” Rajnath Singh said- one provided they shun violence Around 1.74 lakh stu- while replying to a query on Maoists unconditionally,” he stated. dents took the science getting arms through Myanmar and Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul subject exam though a Bangladesh. Sangma had earlier expressed con- majority of them were The home minister arrived in cern on the easy availability of arms unaware that their ques- the Meghalaya capital on a two-day at “throwaway prices”, resulting in tion paper in English and visit to attend the 181st Raising Day the mushrooming of armed militant Kannada was leaked at BJP leader Hemanta Bishwa Sharma waves to supporters on his way to file his nomination papers of Assam Rifles, the oldest paramil- groups in the state. India shares a some centres and got cir- from the Jalikbari constituency in Guwahati, Assam, yesterday. The Legislative Assembly election for itary force in India. 1,600km unfenced border with culated to other centres 126 seats in Assam state will take place on April 4 and 11. “We will discuss with chief min- Myanmar and a 1,880km border by noon. isters of the northeastern states to with Bangladesh. 14 TUESDAY 22 MARCH 2016 EUROPE / UK

British Premier Cameron seeks to mend Conservative rift has confidence

However, Duncan Smith rejected in Osborne: any link to the upcoming vote on EU The British Prime membership, which has exposed deep Spokeswoman Minister told the splits among the Conservatives. In a highly damaging attack, he parliament that he accused Cameron and Chancellor of was ditching the the Exchequer Osborne of an indefen- Reuters controversial planned sible attempt to balance the books on the backs of the most vulnerable peo- cuts announced by ple in Britain. LONDON: David Cameron “abso- Finance Minister Reeling from what commentators lutely” backs his finance minister said was the most dangerous crisis after a senior minister quit over George Osborne, in for the centre-right party in years, budget cuts, his spokeswoman said annual budget. Cameron sought to reassert his mis- yesterday. Cameron was left “puz- sion, hitting back at Duncan Smith’s zled and disappointed” on Friday accusations. when when senior minister and “This government will continue to former leader of the Conservative give the highest priority to improving Party, Iain Duncan Smith, resigned AFP the life chances of the poorest in our his post over cuts to disability country,” Cameron said in a statement benefits which were outlined in in parliament. finance minister George Osborne’s He said he was driven by a budget last week. Smith’s depar- LONDON: British Prime Minister “deeply-held conviction that every- ture had widened divisions in the David Cameron issued an impas- one in Britain should have the chance ruling party. sioned defence of his government to make the most of their lives”. Asked whether Cameron had yesterday as he battled to quell bitter “Securing our economy, extend- complete confidence in Osborne, Conservative Party infighting trig- ing opportunity: we will continue the prime minister’s spokeswoman gered by a pro-Brexit senior minister’s with this approach, in full, because told reporters: “Absolutely.” explosive resignation. we are a modern, compassionate one- “We’ve faced ... tough deci- Cameron heaped praise on Iain nation Conservative government,” he Prime Minister David Cameron (second right) listens as British Work and Pensions Secretary Stephen Crabb sions about how the country lives Duncan Smith, who sensationally concluded. addresses members of parliament in the House of Commons in central London, yesterday. within its means and he (Cameron) quit as welfare minister on Friday Trying to heal the wounds, he said has worked very closely with the over plans to slash state welfare pay- Duncan Smith had contributed “an Chancellor (finance minister) and ments for disabled people, saying they enormous amount to the work of this (€1.2bn, $1.4bn) of disability cuts in the referendum, which opinion polls Margaret Thatcher the best part of other ministers on that to date, and undermined the entire purpose of the government and he can be proud of Wednesday’s budget, at the same time suggest will be close. 25 years ago”, he wrote. will continue to do so.” administration and damaged national what he achieved” in six years as work as a tax cut for higher earners, which But the resignation of Duncan Main opposition Labour leader Osborne, once seen as a front- unity. and pensions secretary. proved final straw for Duncan Smith. Smith threatened to turn the debate Jeremy Corbyn called on Osborne to runner to succeed Cameron, will Cameron confirmed in parliament He also issued a clear public But Cameron announced the cuts to toxic, as well as stirring up unrest resign. outline how he will fill that hole in that he was ditching the controversial defence of Osborne, a potential even- disability benefits would be ditched. within the party. The chancellor was not in par- the Autumn statement, she said, planned cuts announced by his closest tual successor, whose standing was “We are not going ahead with the Conservative commentator Paul liament and it was left to one of his referring to one of two statements, ally, finance minister George Osborne, rocked by Duncan Smith’s scathing changes that were put forward,” he Goodman, executive editor of the junior ministers at the Treasury to usually held in October or Novem- in Wednesday’s annual budget. resignation letter. said. influential party website Conserv- defend the budget. ber, when the government makes Critics of Duncan Smith, a former “None of this would be possible if The Conservative Party has ativeHome, warned the row risked Osborne should “either come here its economic forecasts. Conservative Party leader and prom- it wasn’t for the actions of this govern- long been divided over the Euro- damaging the Tories’ long-term and explain how he is going to fill “The Chancellor has already inent supporter of Britain leaving ment and the work of the chancellor pean Union, and Cameron agreed prospects. that hole” now created in the public said that he is looking at this the European Union, accused him of in turning our economy around,” to allow eurosceptic ministers like Duncan Smith’s resignation finances by ditching the welfare cuts, issue and yes we will set out our walking out to boost the Brexit cam- Cameron said. Duncan Smith to campaign openly “marks the most dangerous moment or “consider his position and look for approach at the Autumn state- paign before the June 23 referendum. Osborne announced the £1.3bn against his ‘Remain’ stance ahead of for the party since the ousting of something else to do”, Corbyn said. ment,” she said. Five of family die Man blows self up in Belgrade bakery as car plunges Mastermind behind off Ireland pier AFP around 12:38pm (1138 GMT) on Ilije crashing. We didn’t even understand Garasanina street after he activated what was going on until we heard the ‘biggest’ heist jailed an explosive device in a cake shop,” police,” said a local shopkeeper. a police statement said. The website of daily newspaper AFP BELGRADE: A man blew himself A police statement said the probe Kurir, citing calls from readers, said up in a bakery in the centre of the so “shows that this was not a terrorist the man went into the bakery, “forced AFP He suggested that Reader per- Serbian capital Belgrade yesterday, attack, because before the activa- everyone out of it, lay down on the haps decided that “the enterprise DUBLIN: Five members of a fam- police said, adding that the blast did tion of the device the man asked two bomb and blew himself up”. wasn’t actually going to succeed”. ily group, including three children, not appear to be terror-related. employees and one shopper to leave”. The shop is is reportedly owned Eight others have received were killed when their car plunged Noone else was hurt in the blast Police sealed off the street after by Bratislav Petkovic, a former cul- LONDON: Brian “The Guv’nor” prison sentences for their part in off a pier at a beauty spot in north- after the 50-year-old man asked eve- the incident. ture minister and former adviser to Reader, the 77-year-old master- the conspiracy. west Ireland, police said and Irish ryone inside to leave, while damage A witness at the scene said the President Tomislav Nikolic. mind behind ’s biggest-ever The group broke into the vault on media said yesterday, though a to the surrounding area was minor, windows were still intact at the Petk- Police have previously said there jewel heist, was jailed yesterday for April 2 last year, and over three days baby girl was rescued. police said. ovic bakery. “It was a not a strong could be several hundred thousand six years and three months for his forced open 73 secure boxes where Police, emergency services and “An unknown man was killed at blast, the sound was like two cars unregistered weapons in . part in the audacious raid. many jewellers had left their stock the coastguard were alerted after Reader, the oldest member of the over the Easter holiday. reports that the car had fallen into gang, pleaded guilty to conspiracy The press has compared the the water at Buncrana, a popular to commit burglary last September. robbery to Hollywood heist flicks, tourist town on the Lough Swilly Prosecutors called the raid on made even more remarkable by the sea inlet in County Donegal, a Merkel visits air squadron Hatton Garden, London’s jewellery advanced ages of the conspirators. police statement said. district, the “biggest burglary in Eng- Three other ringleaders were aged “A baby girl was rescued from lish legal history”, netting £14 million 75, 67 and 61. the car, with the assistance of a ($20.2m, €17.9m) worth of booty Disguised as gas workers, the bystander. The baby is currently including jewellery, gold and cash. group rappelled down an elevator in a stable condition” in hospital, “I’m satisfied that you were shaft then used a diamond-tipped the statement said. rightly described as one of the industrial drill to bore three large Those who died were a ringleaders and involved in regular holes in a concrete wall 50 centime- 46-year-old man from nearby meetings,” judge Christopher Kinch tres thick. Londonderry, in Northern Ire- told Reader at Woolwich Crown Prosecutors said that the gang land, and his two sons, aged 12 and Court in southeast London as he hatched their plan in a north Lon- eight; and a 57-year-old woman passed sentence. don pub. and her 15-year-old daughter. They The court heard about Reader’s The court also heard that they were all from the same family ill health. He appeared in court via watched videos on YouTube to learn group. The bodies were recovered video-link. about drilling techniques. from the water by the coastguard. Reader has suffered from a Police even found a book enti- Police are treating the inci- number of strokes, prostate cancer, tled Forensic Science for Dummies at dent as a tragic accident.Dozens loss of hearing, disruption to his the home of one of the conspirators. of local people gathered to try and vision, and requires daily assistance Two-thirds of the loot has not help with the search. with tasks like showering. been found and a red-headed sus- “This is just devastating,” said His previous convictions go back pect known as “Basil” is still on the Pat Gallagher, one of the lawmak- more than 60 years, including a bur- loose. There is a £20,000 reward for ers representing Donegal. glary conviction in 1950. information leading to his arrest and “The news of the deaths has Referring to the fact Reader was the recovery of outstanding stolen left local people in shock. Five not present on the second night of property. people have lost their lives in German Chancellor Angela Merkel (right) speaks to pilot Patrick Betling next to a Eurofighter during the raid, the judge said it appears he So far, just over £3.7m worth what appears to be a very, very her visit to Tactical Air Force Squadron 31 ‘Boelcke,’ in Noervenich, , yesterday. had “had enough” on the first night of gold and jewellery has been sad accident.” and went home. recovered. Bear bone discovery rewrites human history in Ireland

AFP been butchered by a human in about County Clare on west coast of Ireland. The new date means there was was fresh, confirming they dated from paper should generate discussion within 10,500 BC—some 12,500 years ago It was stored in the National human activity in Ireland in the Stone the same time as the bone. The results zoological research world and it’s time and far earlier than the previous date. Museum of Ireland since the 1920s, Age or Palaeolithic period, whereas were revealed in a paper published in to start thinking outside the boxor even “This find adds a new chapter to until Carden and Dowd re-examined previously, scientists only had evi- journal Quaternary Science Reviews. dismantling it entirely!” LONDON: Analysis of a bear bone the human history of Ireland,” said it and applied for funding to have it dence of humans in Ireland in the As well as pushing back the date The National Museum of Ireland found in an Irish has provided Marion Dowd, an archaeologist at radiocarbon dated—a technique later Mesolithic period. of human history in Ireland, the find noted that approximately two million evidence of human exsistence in the Institute of Technology Sligo who developed in the 1940s—by Queen’s “Archaeologists have been search- may have important implications for more specimens are held in its collec- Ireland 2,500 years earlier than pre- made the discovery along with Ruth University Belfast. ing for the Irish Palaeolithic since the zoology, as scientists have not previ- tions and could reveal more secrets. viously thought, academics said. Carden, a research associate with the The team sent a second sample to 19th century, and now, finally, the first ously considered that humans could “All are available for research and For decades, the earliest evidence National Museum of Ireland. the University of Oxford to double- piece of the jigsaw has been revealed,” have influenced extinctions of spe- we never know what may emerge,” of human life in Ireland dated from The knee bone, marked by cuts check the result. Both tests indicated Dowd said. cies in Ireland so long ago. said Nigel Monaghan, keeper of 8,000 BC. But radiocarbon dating of from a sharp tool, was one of thousands the bear had been cut up by a human Three experts confirmed that cut “From a zoological point of view, the natural history division of the a bear’s knee bone indicated it had of bones first found in 1903 in a cave in about 12,500 years ago. marks on the bone were made when it this is very exciting,” Carden said. “This National Museum of Ireland. EUROPE TUESDAY 22 MARCH 2016 15 Russian judge says Savchenko killed reporters

Savchenko, 34, was captured court for a 23-year jail sentence. by pro-Moscow rebels in eastern Ukrainian President Petro Poro- Savchenko joined Ukraine in June 2014 during the sep- shenko’s spokesman called the the Ukrainian army aratist conflict there and handed over proceedings “a farce,” saying Kiev to Russia where she was charged with would step up pressure on Moscow in 2003 and became directing mortar fire which killed two to release Savchenko who was elected a paratrooper—a Russian journalists. a member of parliament while being position that made She has denied wrongdoing. held in Russia. Poroshenko’s wife Regarded as a national hero by many called on Michelle Obama to join the her the only female in her homeland, Savchenko has been campaign to free Savchenko. combat soldier sent depicted by Russian state TV as a dan- Angry Ukrainians pelted the Rus- gerous Ukrainian nationalist with the sian embassy in Kiev with eggs, while to support the US-led blood of civilians on her hands. Russians have picketed the Ukrainian military campaign The United States and the Euro- embassy in Moscow demanding jus- pean Union have called on Russia to tice for the dead journalists. in Iraq. free Savchenko, who has undertaken “It is like the inquisition. It is a various hunger strikes to try to speed kangaroo court,” Oleh Sobchenko, one up her trial, on humanitarian grounds. Ukrainian man, told reporters in Kiev. The judge, Leonid Stepanenko, Others said they felt the trial was Agencies told a courtroom in southern Rus- about turning Savchenko into a bar- sia that Savchenko had “deliberately gaining chip for a future prisoner inflicted death on two persons, acting swap between Moscow and Kiev. according to a conspiracy and moti- US Secretary of State John Kerry DONETSK/KIEV: A Russian judge vated by hatred and enmity.” is expected to raise the case with the yesterday said Ukrainian pilot Savchenko is not being tried by Kremlin later this week in Moscow. Nadezhda Savchenko was complicit jury and Russian news agencies said Savchenko hopes to be returned in the killing of two Russian journal- the judge’s words amounted to a for- to Ukraine before too long as part of ists, an assertion certain to inflame mal guilty verdict. an exchange deal. Belarussians hold portraits of Nadiya Savchenko and posters reading “Free Savchenko” as they gather in already dire relations between Mos- Her lawyers, Mark Feygin and She is expected to launch a new cow and Kiev. Nikolai Polezov, said this was only hunger strike, that would also see her her support in front of embassy of Russia in Minsk, Belarus, yesterday. A report from Ukraine said part of the summing up and not yet a refuse to take liquids, once the verdict Ukrainian President Petro Poro- formal guilty verdict which they said enters into force to put pressure on first lady of America saying “Dear “Maryna Poroshenko stressed army in 2003 and became a para- shenko’s wife Maryna Poroshenko they expected later. Russia to send her back home. Michelle, I hope that your voice will that... Savchenko served side by side trooper—a position that made her appealed to US first lady Michelle They have long asserted that Russia’s trial of Savchenko has join the international campaign to free with US servicemen and risked her the only female combat soldier Obama yesterday to join the interna- Savchenko is the victim of a politi- been condemned by Kiev and the Nadiya Savchenko and let her return life to restore democracy and order in among the 1,690 people Kiev sent tional campaign to secure the release cised show trial and would be found West as a political sham. home,” the president’s website quoted Iraq,” the presidential website added. to support the US-led military cam- and return of Savchenko from Russia. guilty. Prosecutors have asked the Maryna Poroshenko urged the the letter as saying. Savchenko joined the Ukrainian paign in Iraq. UN says climate changing at ‘unprecedented’ rate Spain probes coach crash that AFP sea surface temperatures, unabated temperatures so far in 2016 have sent the extent of sea ice in the Arctic at a “well below” 2 C above pre-industrial left 13 foreign sea-level rise, shrinking sea ice and shockwaves around the climate sci- satellite-record low in February, the levels, with a more ambitiouis target extreme weather events around the ence community,” Carlson said. agency said. Carbon-dioxide con- of 1.5 C if possible. world. “The alarming rate of change WMO confirmed findings by the centrations in the atmosphere also But Taalas warned that the planet students dead GENEVA: January and February 2016 we are now witnessing in our climate National Oceanic and Atmospheric crossed the threshold of 400 parts is already about halfway to the 2 C smashed temperature records, the as a result of greenhouse gas emis- Administration (NOAA) last Thursday. per million (ppm) during the first two milestone, with no sign of slowing World Meteorological Organisation sions is unprecedented in modern The US agency determined that months of the year, WMO said. down. “ AFP (WMO) said yesterday as it warned records,” WMO’s new chief, Petteri last month was the warmest Febru- In 2014, CO2 levels had already Our planet is sending a power- climate change was advancing at an Taalas, said in a statement. ary since modern records began, with risen to 397.7 ppm, which was 143 per- ful message to world leaders to sign “unprecedented” rate. Dave Carlson, head of the an average temperature that was 1.21 cent of levels prior to 1750, considered and implement the Paris Agreement TORTOSA, SPAIN: Spanish Temperatures in the first two WMO-co-sponsored World Climate degrees Celsius above the 20th-cen- the start of the industrial era. ... now before we pass the point of no investigators yesterday sought to months of 2016 followed a year that Research Programme, said the rising tury average. Yesterday’s report came against return,” he said. establish the cause of a weekend broke “all previous records by a wide temperatures this year were espe- The hike in temperatures during a backdrop of the Paris climate talks “Today, the Earth is already one coach crash that killed 13 female margin,” WMO said. cially alarming. the first two months of the year was in December. UN members enshrined degree Celsius hotter than at the start students from six countries, most The WMO pointed to record 2015 “The startlingly high especially felt in the far north, with a goal of limiting global warming to of the 20th century,” Talaas said. of them Italians, as they were returning from a festival. The vehicle was carrying stu- dents from about 20 countries, many of them on the European Paris attack: New Failed robbery bid at ATM Erasmus exchange programme in Barcelona, the seaside capital of Spain’s northeastern Catalonia region, regional authorities said. suspect’s DNA found The driver lost control of the coach which crossed the central reservation and crashed into an oncoming car near the small Cata- AFP The investigation is now wid- lonian town of Freginals, about ening, and Hollande has said that 150km south of Barcelona, around the network involved in the Paris 6am (0500 GMT) on Sunday. attacks was much bigger than pre- Seven Italians, two Germans, BRUSSELS: Police have found the viously thought. a Romanian, a Frenchwoman, DNA of a newly-identified suspect French prosecutor Francois an Austrian and a student from on explosives used in last year’s Paris Molins had said that Abdeslam —all women aged attacks, a French source revealed played a “central role” in the attacks between 19 and 25 —were killed, yesterday, as Belgian and French and originally planned to “blow Jordi Jane, who heads up interior prosecutors met in Brussels to dis- himself up” at the Stade de France matters for Catalonia, told a news cuss the probe into the November stadium but changed his mind. conference in the town of Tor- carnage. “These first statements, which tosa, headquarters of the rescue The suspected accomplice was should be taken cautiously, leave operation. named as Najim Laachraoui, who a whole series of issues that Salah “Some of them were not wear- was previously known by the false Abdeslam must explain,” he added. ing seat belts,” he said. Earlier, he name Soufiane Kayal which he used Belgian Foreign Minister Didier told Spanish radio the victims were to travel to in September Reynders said on Sunday that “crushed between the coach and with Salah Abdeslam, the key sus- Abdeslam—who has been charged the road”. pect who was arrested in a dramatic with “terrorist murder” and belong- He said 34 people were raid on Friday. ing to a terrorist group—had already injured, but declined to indicate Police examine the remains of a local furniture store after a failed ATM robbery attempt in Genarp, Traces of the genetic material of told investigators he was planning the seriousness of their injuries. 24-year-old Laachraoui, who left for some sort of new attack in Brussels. Southern , yesterday. Six of the victims’ families arrived Syria in 2013 and is still on the run, “That may be the reality because in Tortosa yesterday, Jane added. were found on the bombs used in the we have found a lot of weapons, November 13 gun and suicide bomb heavy weapons, in the first inves- attacks in Paris, a source close to the tigations and we have found a new French investigation said. network around him in Brussels,” French President Francois Reynders said. Has France finally reclaimed Joan of Arc’s ring? Hollande, who has said he wants But Abdeslam’s lawyer Sven Abdeslam extradited as quickly as Mary said his client would fight possible, was due to hold his first for- extradition to France and has vowed mal meeting with relatives of the 130 to take legal action against French AFP laboratory, but the trove of histori- Hundred Years War, was burned alive Paris victims. “The president, in light prosecutor Molins for allegedly cal documents that came with it have at the stake but became a symbol of of recent events, will update them on breaching the confidentiality of the yet to prove it belonged to the famous French resistance and was later made what is happening,” the presidential investigation by revealing details of French martyr. “They are only at the a saint by a Catholic Church. palace said. Abdeslam’s statements. LES EPESSES, FRANCE: A ring (pic- start of the exploration. It’s a lot of The difficulty of tracing the ring’s Investigators hope Abdeslam’s Mary also blasted what he called tured) thought to belong to France’s work but a beautiful adventure,” said path through the centuries has left arrest in Brussels on Friday, in which political meddling by the Belgian most famous historical martyr, Joan expert Vanessa Soupault, who saw the many historians sceptical. he was wounded in the leg, will give foreign minister. of Arc, was unveiled at a theme park, ring recently. The bulky piece of jew- It was thought to have been con- new leads on the attacks claimed by “They don’t learn, these poli- even as historians remained scepti- ellery features three engraved crosses fiscated by her Burgundian captors the Islamic State jihadist group. ticians, and realise that there’s a cal about its authenticity. and the inscription “JHS-MAR”, sig- shortly before they handed her over Abdeslam, the last known sur- separation of powers. This chatter The Puy du Fou historical theme nifying “Jesus-Maria”. to the English, and may have ended vivor of the group that carried out has to stop. The investigators and park in western Vendee region paid That fits a description recorded at up in the hands of the archbishop of the attacks, was found just around prosecutors—and I don’t often say €376,833 ($425,000) for the ring, which Joan of Arc’s trial in 1431, where she Winchester, Henry Beaufort, who was the corner from his family home in this—have done an excellent job,” is believed to have been in Britain for “It’s a little bit of France that has told the court the ring had been given present at her trial, and stayed in Brit- the gritty Brussels neighbourhood Mary was quoted as saying in Mon- almost six centuries, at a controversial returned. The ring has come back by her parents. ain ever since. of Molenbeek, where several of the day’s De Morgen daily. auction last month in London. to France and will stay here,” said Puy du Fou says the ring was But it is not the first time the ring Paris attackers hailed from. The lawyer added that France Some 5,000 spectators showed up Philippe de Villiers, the founder of probably enlarged and modified at has supposedly returned to France, has faced heavy crit- “has nothing to teach us” and for the unveiling, with the ring car- Puy de Fou. some point in the last 200 years. said Olivier Bouzy, head of the Joan icism for failing to keep tabs on should not criticise the Belgian jus- ried on a cushion, with its own honour The gold-plated silver ring was Joan of Arc, who fought against the of Arc archives in the north-central Islamic radicals there. tice system. guard and a military procession. dated to the 15th century by an Oxford English occupation of France during the French town of Orleans. 16 TUESDAY 22 MARCH 2016 EUROPE

1,662 migrants Migrants deal: land in undeterred by Greece seeks EU-Turkey deal

logistics help AFP

ATHENS: A total of 1,662 migrants requires new arrivals from March 20 landed on Greek islands near Tur- to be held until their asylum appli- key since a landmark EU-Turkish Turkish officials cations are processed and for those deal on curbing the influx took arrived on the Greek deemed ineligible to be sent back to effect on Sunday, a Greek coordi- Turkey from April 4 onwards. nation panel said yesterday. island of Lesbos “We must move very swiftly and Half of the migrants —830 yesterday to help in a coordinated manner over the —arrived on Chios and 698 oth- next few days to get the best pos- ers on Lesbos, two islands in the implement the deal, sible result,” Greek Prime Minister northeast Aegean which lie close signed in Brussels Alexis Tsipras said after meeting to Turkey, according to the SOMP last Friday. EU Migration Commissioner Dim- agency which is coordinating itris Avramopoulos in Athens. Athens’ response to the migra- “Assistance in human resources tion crisis. must come quickly.” The continuing influx “creates Under the EU-Turkey roadmap a problem, and raises questions Refugees and migrants line up for aid distribution by Hellenic Red Cross outside a passenger terminal used Reuters agreed last Friday a coordination about the intent of all parties” in structure must be created by March as shelter for refugees and migrants at the port of Piraeus near Athens, yesterday. the agreement, SOMP spokesman 25 and some 4,000 personnel — Giorgos Kyritsis said. more than half from other European Syria. “We’ll try, God willing.” refugees had been free to wander out Hundreds of migrants travelling The deal, reached at an EU- LESBOS/GREECE: Greece appealed Union member states —deployed to Like others, he was unaware of the of the camp and head to ferries to the from the islands to the Greek mainland Turkey summit last Friday, aims to its EU partners yesterday for logis- the islands by next week. new EU-Turkey accord. Greek mainland, from where they continued on Monday to disembark at at cutting off a route that ena- tical help to implement a deal with However, migrants continued “We don’t know about this,” would mostly head north through the the port of Pireaus near Athens. They bled 850,000 people to pour into Turkey aimed at stemming the flow to arrive in Greece yesterday. They Bayraktar said. “We’re coming directly Balkans towards wealthier western appeared free to leave because they Europe last year, many of them of migrants and refugees into Europe staggered down the ramp, women from Syria. Everybody wants to go to Europe, especially Germany. had landed in Greece before March 20, fleeing conflict in Syria. as people, many unaware of the and children first, one elderly man the border. We don’t have the news, we Now, new arrivals are supposed to eyewitnesses said. The EU has promised 2,300 tough new rules, continued to come bundled up in blankets. don’t have electricity, we don’t have be held in centres pending the outcome Some migrants said they would try officials and police to help the ashore on the Greek islands. “Where are we going?” asked anything.” of their asylum applications. to reach Idomeni, a northern Greek operation, according to the Greek Economically battered Greece, one Syrian woman who was travel- Two hours later, just as the run rose Under the deal, for every Syrian frontier outpost where some 12,000 government, but none had arrived, for months at the epicentre of ling with her husband and daughter. above the Aegean Sea, the same coast- returned to Turkey, another would refugees remain stranded in squalid the SOMP said. Europe’s biggest migrant crisis since The arrivals were directed to guard vessel pulled another 44 people be resettled from Turkey to the EU, a conditions hoping that Macedonia “We hope that the upcoming World War II, is struggling to mount a coastguard bus that would drive from the water, many of them escap- process which has already triggered will reopen the border and let them Easter break will not be a factor the massive logistics operation them to the Moria “hot spot”, a centre ing conflict in Congo and Sierra Leone. alarm from human rights groups for pass on. in delaying their arrival, because needed to process asylum applica- where new arrivals are being regis- One woman cradled a baby just a few being discriminatory, a violation of “I will try to go to the border with the situation calls for an urgent tions from the many hundreds of tered and their asylum applications months old. international law and one which could Macedonia within the next 10 days response,” Kyritsis said. migrants still arriving daily along are being processed. They walked silently to the bus be challenged in court. even if it’s closed. Maybe I will have Meanwhile, France and Ger- its porous shoreline. “We are very tired. I want to go for Moria, a sprawling, gated com- The fate of those migrants and ref- to come back here, maybe not, but many have offered to send up to Turkish officials arrived on the to my family in Sweden,” said Ahmet plex of prefabricated containers and ugees stranded in Greece before the anyway it’s better than Syria,” said 600 police and asylum experts, Greek island of Lesbos yesterday Bayraktar, a 32-year-old unem- hard tents. accord was brokered, estimated at Hozefa Hasdibo, a 23-year-old from while said on Sunday to help implement the deal, which ployed accountant from Aleppo, Before Friday’s deal, migrants and nearly 47,000 people, remains unclear. Idlib in Syria. that it would send 70.

Bosnian Serbs White storks return to Hungary Suspect linked to Petrobras honour Karadzic before Thursday’s scandal arrested in

genocide verdict AFP citizen, adding Brasilia had indi- cated it wished to see him extradited. Brazilian investigators suspect Reuters Schmidt of acting as an intermediary LISBON: A Portuguese-Brazilian for jailed former Petrobras director businessman was arrested in Lisbon Jorge Zelada and of paying bribes PALE, BOSNIA: Bosnian Serb offi- yesterday on suspicion of corruption to other former company directors. cials opened a student dormitory and money laundering in connec- Brazilian media last year said the named after their wartime leader tion with ’s Petrobras scandal, pair were linked through associa- Radovan Karadzic in a show of sources said. tion with a Swiss-based solar energy defiance before he faces Thurs- “Raul Schmidt Felippe Junior was company. day’s verdict on alleged genocide arrested this morning at an apart- Zelada was arrested last July during the Bosnian war. ment in central Lisbon where he had and sentenced to 12 years and two Karadzic was the first presi- been in hiding for some months,” the months in jail in February for cor- dent of the self-declared Bosnian source said. ruption and money laundering. Serb Republic, which the Bos- The arrest came “at the request He was found to have received nian Serbs tried to carve out of of Brazilian authorities in the pres- kickbacks in a huge scandal which Bosnia and link to Serbia during ence of a prosecutor in charge of saw Petrobras executives, their part- the 1992-95 war. It survives as an Operation Car Wash,” the source ners in crime and politicians divide autonomous part of Bosnia under said, using the name for Brazil’s up some $2bn (€1.7bn). the United States-brokered Dayton probe into a huge web of corruption The investigation has revealed peace accords that ended the war. involving state oil giant Petrobras. that some of Brazil’s biggest con- The United Nations war A pair of the first white storks (Ciconia ciconia) returns to a summer breeding ground perch in their Portuguese authorities did not struction companies colluded with crimes tribunal in The Hague nest built on top of a street light pole in Gorbehaza, 183km east of Budapest, Hungary, yesterday. name Schmidt, saying only they had Petrobras executives to concoct will deliver down verdict on arrested a “Portuguese-Brazilian massively-inflated contracts. 11 counts of genocide and war crimes allegedly committed by Karadzic during a war in which 100,000 people were killed. “We dedicated this dormi- Bid to decipher flydubai plane’s voice recorder; airport reopens tory to a man who is without doubt one of the founders of the Republika Srpska, to Mr Radovan Karadzic,” said Milo- Agencies crashed in the early hours of Saturday around 0630 GMT yesterday, but rad Dodik, the Serb Republic at Rostov-on-Don airport in southern incoming flights to the city of one nationalist president, while Russia in strong, gusting winds on its million were still either cancelled or opening the dormitory in Kara- second attempt to land. delayed. dzic’s wartime stronghold of MOSCOW: Russian investigators The stricken plane’s flight data Investigators have launched a Pale along with Karadzic’s wife yesterday were trying to restore the recorder survived largely intact, but criminal probe into whether poor and daughter. damaged cockpit voice recorder of the cockpit voice recorder - which weather, a pilot error or a technical Dodik, who has repeatedly a passenger jet which crashed at should shed crucial light on the pilots’ fault were behind the crash, which threatened the secession of the the weekend killing all 62 people final conversations before the crash killed all 55 passengers and seven Serb region from Bosnia, said the onboard, in an effort to understand - was badly damaged and needs to crew members on board. moment was “strongly symbolic” why it had tried to land in strong be restored. Experts from the state-owned and chosen ahead of the Karadzic winds. That process could take weeks, budget airline flydubai, a sister firm of verdict after a five-year trial that Meanwhile, Prime Minister officials have said. There is so far no Emirates Airlines, and the United Arab he said was “humiliating for the Dmitry Medvedev ordered officials suggestion of terrorism. Emirates authorities are assisting with Serb Republic”. yesterday to examine whether Rus- Russian media say the two main the probe, Russian investigators said. “We see that this is selective sia’s flight safety rules need to be theories under consideration by Flydubai’s CEO Ghaith al-Ghaith justice, that it’s not the justice tightened up after the plane crash investigators, who have opened a said on Saturday it was too early to for all parties, that it is directed incident. criminal investigation into the trag- determine why the plane, which was against one people and its repre- Medvedev told the government to edy, are possible pilot error or a just over five years old, crashed. sentatives,” Dodik told students, analyse the reasons behind the crash. technical failure. One of the big unanswered ques- teachers and local officials who “If there are some technological The airport in Rostov-on-Don tions is why the plane attempted to gathered for the event. issues, then they should be analysed reopened yesterday morning two land in what were reported to be According to reports, a sleepy and, at the conclusion of that analysis, days after a jet from flydubai crashed. fiercely strong winds and did not mountainous village before the proposals should be made to the gov- “The airport is now fully func- divert to a nearby airport. An Aero- war, Pale grew into a town after ernment so that some amendments tional,” an airport representative said. flot plane had earlier made several Karadzic set up his headquarters can be made to technical equipment, Regional authorities said that aborted landing attempts and been Aviation experts inspect the flight recorder from the crashed flight there and brought his support- if that’s needed, or to the rules that workers had finished clearing the diverted. FZ981, in Moscow, yesterday. ers from Sarajevo during the exist in our country’s aviation,” he runway of debris, which investigators Investigators are likely to 43-month siege of the capital by said, without elaborating. said had been scattered up to 1.5km focus, among other issues, on how his forces, during which about The Boeing 737-800, operated by from the crash site. the decision to land was reached, airport in a holding pattern for thinking of the pilots and the air- 11,500 people died. Dubai-based budget carrier flydubai, Outbound flights resumed at why the plane circled above the over two hours, and on the precise port’s landing tower. AMERICAS TUESDAY 22 MARCH 2016 17

Kerry to meet Obama makes govt and FARC history as he negotiators meets Castro AFP BOGOTA: US Secretary of State John Kerry will meet in Havana communist government that has with Colombian government and ruled Cuba since the takeover by FARC rebel negotiators trying to Obama, the first US Raul’s brother Fidel Castro in 1959. strike a peace deal that would end president to visit Obama, the first US president to a half-century of strife, a source visit Cuba in 88 years, hailed a “new close to the talks said. Cuba in 88 years, day”—a “nuevo dia,” as he said—in A delegation from Botoga will hailed a “new day” relations between the former Cold meet for an hour with the top US War foes. diplomat, said a statement from — a “nuevo dia,” as Trying to draw a line under past the office of the High Commis- US President Barack Obama) and Cuban President Raul Castro shake hands during a meeting at the Revolution he said —in relations heavy-handed US intervention in sioner for Peace, Sergio Jaramillo. the island’s affairs, Obama vowed Palace in Havana yesterday. Separately, FARC negotiators between the former that “Cuba’s destiny will not be will huddle with Kerry, also for an Cold War foes. decided by the United States or any hour, the statement said. other nation.” But he insisted that Kerry—who arrived Sunday in Washington was not going to give Obama too popular in Cuba for Cuba’s capital with US President up pressing for political freedoms in Barack Obama—has said he was AFP Cuba, where the Communist Party keen to check in on progress in the controls politics, the media and the peace process. economy. country’s ‘Rogues’ Gallery’ Negotiators at the talks—held The United States “will continue in the Cuban capital since Novem- HAVANA: Barack Obama and his to speak up on behalf of democracy,” ber 2012 -- have announced Cuban counterpart Raul Castro he said. AFP the Caribbean nation join the Com- breaks the tension.“It’s all caricature. several key advances in recent vowed yesterday in Havana to set Meeting Castro for only the third munist bloc—the only country in the And it’s just for fun,” he stresses. months, but a final deal remains aside their differences in pursuit of time for formal talks, Obama was Americas to do so. “I get asked about Obama all elusive. The goal is to turn the what the US president called a “new greeted by a military band at the Pal- The Rogues’ Gallery is meant the time,” said Christopher. “But we Revolutionary Armed Forces of day” for the relationship between the ace of the Revolution. HAVANA: Barack Obama will be on to take a few swipes at the likes of see Obama as a president who has Colombia (FARC) from a rebel neighbours. Obama, under pressure back a whirlwind tour of Havana hotspots hardline Cold Warriors Ronald Rea- improved relations. We just don’t see group into a political party and Castro acknowledged there were home to show that his scrapping of in the next few days. But one place not gan who is portrayed as a cowboy and him as any sort of rogue.” end a grinding, complex conflict still “profound” differences over more than half a century of US hos- on his itinerary is Cuba’s “Rogues’ Gal- George HW Bush, decked out in Roman On a three-day landmark visit— that has killed more than 260,000 human rights and the decades-old tility to the Castro regime is paying lery” lampooning US presidents. emperor garb. It also depicts George W the first by a sitting US president in people and uprooted 6.6 million. US economic embargo. He pointedly off, then sat for discussions against Located at the Museum of the Rev- Bush—long a popular target of Cuban almost 90 years—Obama will likely On the ground in Colombia, refused to acknowledge that Cuba a backdrop of tall tropical plants and olution, the display depicts a small criticism—in a Nazi helmet and with help change the image of the United hostilities have almost entirely holds political prisoners. the two countries’ flags. handful of former US leaders in less donkey ears. States that several generations of halted under the FARC’s unilat- But Castro said the former ene- Earlier he laid a wreath at the than flattering caricatures. Obama, Signs explaining the mean- Cubans have had since 1959. eral ceasefire—although a smaller mies should take inspiration from monument of Cuban independence however, is notably not among them. ing of the exhibit in English, French US sanctions for a half century rebel group, the National Libera- US endurance swimmer Diana Nyad, hero Jose Marti. Today, he will give There are no studies about how and Spanish say that these ex-presi- have hurt Cubans and Americans, who tion Army (ELN), has not joined the who in 2013 managed on her fifth an address carried live on Cuban popular Obama is in Cuba, where dents were all rogues who ultimately are still not allowed to travel as normal peace process and continues peri- attempt to become the first person state television, and then attend a media is run by the state. But it is hard strengthened Cuba’s Revolution and tourists or do business freely. odic attacks. The FARC said earlier to swim from Cuba to Florida with- game between the national to find many detractors. made socialism “irrevocable.” The last US president to visit this month that peace talks were out a shark cage. team and Major League Baseball’s The caricature display, which is The cartoonish, larger-than-life Havana in office was Calvin Coolidge stalled over the issue of a bilat- “If she can do it, we can do it Tampa Bay Rays, before flying out. in the museum filled with the Castro images often make visitors a little in 1928. eral ceasefire. Both sides have too,” Castro told journalists after Obama’s visit has raised hopes brothers’ vintage memorabilia, typifies uncomfortable, bringing on a bit of Bob Johnson, a US doctor who acknowledged that a March 23 more than two hours of talks with among struggling Cubans that dec- this. The venue is almost an obligatory nervous laughter. is 59, also laughed out loud when he deadline they had set themselves Obama in Havana’s Palace of the ades of economic and political stasis stop for tourists familiar with Cuba’s During such moments, young saw Reagan and the Bushes painted would pass without the signing of Revolution, the nerve centre of the may be coming to an end. 1959 Revolution, which ultimately saw Cuban guide Christopher quickly as rogues. a final accord. Priceline strikes deal with Cuba to let Americans book hotels

Reuters three Havana hotel properties. on deals with state-run Cuban chains. are booked solid months in advance. Booking.com would allow Ameri- The only major American lodging Cuba received a record 3.52 million cans traveling to Cuba to reserve and booking service currently availa- visitors last year, up 17.4 percent from pay for rooms at a number of Cuban ble to Americans traveling to Cuba is 2014. American visits rose 77 percent NEW YORK: Priceline Group has and foreign hotels, starting in several online home-rental marketplace Air- to 161,000, not counting hundreds of agreed with Cuba to make Cuban hotel weeks, Booking.com Americas Man- bnb, which began operating in Cuba in thousands of Cuban-Americans. rooms available to US customers via aging Director Todd Dunlap said. April last year. Tourism to Cuba is still technically subsidiary Booking.com, becoming the Americans previously had to Priceline began working on bring- illegal under the U.S. trade embargo. first US online travel agency to strike a reserve Cuban hotels principally ing its services to Cuba shortly after U.S. travelers to the island are required deal with the island state, a Booking. through travel agencies or tour groups. President Obama announced the res- to do so under “general licenses” which com executive said. Booking.com would operate ini- toration of diplomatic ties with the permit travel for religion, family visits, The deal comes on the first full day tially in Cuba only in Havana, Dunlap island on December 17, 2014. cultural exchange, sports, and other of US President Barack Obama’s visit said. It planned to work with foreign Cuban tourism infrastructure purposes approved by the Treasury’s to Cuba and on the heels of US hotel firms already on the island, includ- has seen significant strain since Office of Foreign Asset Control. On U.S. first lady Michelle Obama attends a "Let Girls Learn" conversation firm Starwood Hotels & Resorts World- ing France’s Accor and Spanish chains U.S. relations to the island warmed. March 17 OFAC said it would allow with female Cuban students the Fabrica de Arte Cubano in Havana, wide’s agreement with the Cuban Meliá Hotels International SA and NH Prices have surged for the island’s individual people-to-people educa- yesterday. government to manage and market Hotel Group SA. It was also working 63,000 hotel rooms, many of which tional exchanges, as well.

US court to hear Samsung-Apple Maya Ruins patent damage appeal

AFP of the penalty was excessive because over a single design patent infringe- it was based on the premise that ment,” Mueller said on his blog. “Apple was ‘entitled to’ those entire “I’m hopeful that something good profits no matter how little the pat- will come out of this. And it wouldn’t WASHINGTON: The US Supreme ented design features contributed even be bad for Apple. Once the shoe Court yesterday opened the door to the value of Samsung’s phones,” is on the other foot, Apple, the most to reducing the hundreds of mil- according to the appeal brief. profitable company in the history of lions of dollars in damages owed by Attorneys for the South Korean this industry, will fight the notion of an Samsung to Apple in the blockbuster consumer electronics titan argued unapportioned disgorgement as well.” patent case between the world’s big- the massive payout was not war- Apple declined to comment and gest smartphone makers. ranted because smartphones “contain Samsung did not immediately reply The court agreed to hear one countless other features that give to queries on the case, in which the element of the South Korean giant’s them remarkable functionality California company accused Sam- Sun shines directly through the door of the Seven Dolls Temple in the Maya Ruins of , in appeal—it will not reconsider Sam- wholly unrelated to their design.” sung of copying numerous features the Mexican state of Yucatan, as it rises on the spring equinox yesterday. sung’s guilt, but will look at whether “Even if the patented features from its iPhone. the penalty was excessive for cop- contributed one percent of the value The Computer & Communications yright infringement of certain of Samsung’s phones, Apple gets 100 Industry Association, which repre- components within the electronics. percent of Samsung’s profits,” the sents a number of tech firms but not The highest US court posted the appeal said. Apple, welcomed the decision. case on its weekly list of cases it Intellectual property analyst Flo- “The technology industry is would hear or decline, saying only rian Mueller, who writes a blog on a sigh of relief that this case Haiti deputies reject PM’s govt programme that the appeal would be “limited patents, said the ruling is positive for will get attention it warrants by the to Question 2,” or whether patent technology companies hurt by frequent nation’s highest court,” said attorney infringement should result in hand- lawsuits from holders of patents, some- Matt Levy of CCIA, which filed a brief AFP in yet another setback for the nation. votes from the 75 deputies present ing over all profits from a particular times derided as “patent trolls.” in support of Samsung. The rejection, announced by the for his government plan.In the end, component. “I’m very happy that the Supreme “Misinterpretation of this law Chamber of Deputies sends interim only 38 deputies voted in favor, 36 Samsung last year agreed to pay Court will now take a look at an by Federal Circuit could have dis- President Jocelerme Privert back to voted against and one abstained. Apple some $548 million in the years- interpretation of the law that would astrous effects on innovation. The PORT-AU-PRINCE: Haiti’s lower the drawing board to come up with “Mr Prime Minister, the Chamber long patent battle in federal court in theoretically threaten even a company lower court could green light a new house of parliament rejected new a new prime minister. of Deputies rejects your government California, pending the outcome of like Facebook (or little guys—for exam- breed of design patent trolls that use prime minister’s programme to form Fritz-Alphonse Jean, former cen- plan. Correspondence will soon be the appeal. ple, ‘indie’ app developers) with the design patents to threaten companies’ a government, a move that effectively tral bank governor who was named sent to the interim president,” cham- But Samsung argued that $399m prospect of losing their entire profits entire profits.” signals the recent appointee’s ouster, prime minister needed at least 60 ber president Cholzer Chancy said. 18 TUESDAY 22 MARCH 2016 AMERICAS Hillary criticises Trump’s neutral stance on Mideast

lawmakers. In a separate session with carefully to what he says and what he the Washington Post editorial board, doesn’t say. Can he put forward a very Clinton told the Trump named some members of his clear set of commitments that will help American Israel Public foreign policy team. us understand him?” The team included Walid Phares, Trump was in Washington for Affairs Committee who Trump called a counterterror- closed-door talks with a variety of (AIPAC) conference ism expert, George Papadopoulos, Republicans organised by his top backer an oil and energy consultant, and Joe in the capital, US Senator Jeff Sessions of that Trump would Schmitz, a former inspector general Alabama. It represented his most overt undermine Israel’s at the Department of Defense. bid yet to seek party unity at a time security by taking Trump has drawn fire for his when many establishment Republi- position on Middle East peace nego- cans bitterly oppose him. an evenhanded tiations. The New York billionaire has The meeting, at the law offices approach to described himself as extremely pro- of Jones Day, included some Repub- Israel but has said he would take a lican lawmakers who have backed negotiations between “neutral” stance in trying to negotiate him, such as US Representative Renee the Israelis and an elusive peace settlement between Ellmers of North Carolina. None of the Israel and the Palestinians. congressional Republican leadership Palestinians. Trump’s critics have said he could attended. Former House Speaker Newt harm long-standing US support for Gingrich attended. Israel. Clinton said she would make Trump’s rise has alarmed estab- it a priority if elected to preserve the lishment Republicans who have tried Reuters US-Israeli relationship, ensuring in vain to stop him. Their best hope of Israel has a qualitative military edge. derailing his insurgent candidacy is to “We need steady hands, not a pres- stretch the contest out and deny him ident who says he’s neutral on Monday, the 1,237 delegates needed to formally WASHINGTON: Democratic presi- pro-Israel on Tuesday, and who- win the party’s presidential nomina- dential front-runner Hillary Clinton knows-what on Wednesday because tion. Trump has 678 delegates to 423 attacked Republican Donald Trump everything’s negotiable,” she said. Clin- for Cruz and 143 for Kasich, accord- yesterday for taking a neutral stance ton, a former secretary of state, also ing to the Associated Press. If Trump toward Israeli-Palestinian peace took aim at Trump’s vow that, if elected, does not win the 1,237 delegates, the efforts, in a preview of a possible he would deport illegal immigrants and nominee for the November 8 election US Democratic Presidential hopeful and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton arrives to speak during the general election battle between them. bar Muslims temporarily from enter- would be decided at the party’s con- American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) 2016 Policy Conference at the Verizon Centre in Washington, On a day Trump was visiting ing the United States. vention in Cleveland. DC, yesterday. Washington, Clinton told the Amer- She noted an incident during the ican Israel Public Affairs Committee 1930s, when the United States initially (AIPAC) conference that Trump would refused entry to a shipload of Jews undermine Israel’s security by taking trying to escape Nazi tyranny. an evenhanded approach to nego- “We’ve had dark chapters in Trump unveils partial list of foreign policy advisers tiations between the Israelis and our history before,” Clinton said. Palestinians. “We remember the nearly 1,000 “America can’t ever be neutral Jews aboard the St. Louis who were Reuters media company said. Trump said he their role with Trump’s campaign. Papadopoulos previously advised when it comes to Israel’s security and refused entry in 1939 and sent back would soon unveil more people who Schmitz was a Pentagon inspec- Trump’s former rival Ben Carson, who survival,” Clinton told the pro-Israel to Europe. But America should be bet- are helping him shape his foreign pol- tor general during the George W. has now backed Trump. The London lobbying group, without mention- ter than this. And I believe it is our icies as part of the team, led by U.S. Bush administration and has worked Center of International Law Practice’s ing Trump by name. “Anyone who responsibility to say so. WASHINGTON: Republican pres- Senator Jeff Sessions, a Republican for Blackwater Worldwide, a now- Center website lists him as the head doesn’t understand that has no busi- “If you see bigotry, oppose it, if idential candidate Donald Trump from Alabama who endorsed Trump defunct private U.S. security firm of its Center for International Energy ness being our president.” you see violence, condemn it, if you yesterday unveiled a partial list of his last month. whose personnel were involved in a and Natural Resources Law & Security. Trump, the Republican front- see a bully, stand up to him,” she said. foreign policy advisers in an interview Most of those named by Trump deadly shooting that killed Iraqi civil- Page serves as a managing part- runner, was to address the AIPAC Rick Jacobs, president of the with The Washington Post, after say- are not well known in foreign policy ians in 2007. ner of Global Energy Capital, a private conference later in the day, along Union for Reform Judaism, the New ing last week that he mostly consults academic or expert circles. Phares Kellogg has considerable mili- energy services company, the Post with his Republican rivals, US Sen- York-based organisation represent- himself on international affairs. said he began advising Trump on tary experience, having served as the said. Sessions, who in February ator Ted Cruz of Texas and Ohio ing roughly 1.5 million American The advisory team includes ter- Friday. He previously had served as chief operating officer of the Coali- became the first sitting US senator to Governor John Kasich. Clinton’s Dem- Jews, praised Clinton for her com- rorism expert Walid Phares, energy a national security adviser to former tion Provisional Authority, the U.S.-run endorse party front-runner Trump, is ocratic challenger, US Senator Bernie mand of the issues. He said he hoped industry executive Carter Page, Republican presidential candidate provisional government imposed on also not seen as an influential foreign Sanders of Vermont, was not appear- Trump had prepared a speech that international energy lawyer George Mitt Romney, who has roundly crit- Iraq after the U.S.-led invasion under policy or national security player in ing at the event. revealed specific policy goals as well Papadopoulos, former government icized Trump. Bush. He works at CACI Interna- the US Congress. The former reality TV star, who as a coherent philosophy of the U.S. inspector general Joe Schmitz, and Phares said in an email he has not tional, a Virginia-based intelligence He does not serve on the influen- has struggled to win Republican role in the Middle East. former Army Lieutenant General Keith met Trump in person since last year. and information technology consult- tial Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, establishment support, held private “It’s as complex as neurosur- Kellogg, he told the Post in an on-the- Others named by Trump could not ing firm, the Post reported. although he is a member of the Armed talks with a group of Republican gery,” he said. “I will be listening very record editorial board meeting, the be immediately reached to confirm According to the Post, Services Committee.

Apex Court justices Spring storm in US Five cheetah cubs fight for hostile to Virginia survival after C-section birth Republicans in black voters case

Reuters “Important benchmarks for survival of these cubs are the first week and Reuters month of life.” Belonging to a species considered NEW YORK: Five cheetah cubs are the world’s fastest land animal, the WASHINGTON: Supreme Court fighting for their lives after being cubs are expected to receive special justices yesterday signaled they delivered prematurely at a Cincin- care for the next eight to 12 weeks. Zoo are likely to leave in place a lower- nati zoo by a caesarean section, a visitors are allowed to peek at them court’s ruling that Virginia’s procedure seldom performed dur- through nursery windows. Republican-led legislature unlaw- ing the birth of the endangered cats. The cubs were born on March 8 at fully considered race when drawing The cubs, born earlier this the zoo’s regional cheetah breeding US congressional districts by pack- month, have weak immune systems facility. It was only the third caesarean ing black voters into one of them. and are unable to actively ward off section Campbell said he was involved The court heard oral arguments infections, said Mark Campbell, the in during his 25-year career at the zoo, in the case at a time when Demo- Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gar- one of the oldest in the United States. crats are accusing Republicans in den’s director of animal health. The Cincinnati Zoo is a leading various states of taking actions to The three males and two females captive breeder of cheetahs, a big reduce the influence of black, His- are receiving around-the-clock cat that is native to the savannahs and other voters who often critical care, which involves bottle of Africa. Since 2002, about 54 chee- favour Democrats. The focus of feeding every three hours, Camp- tah cubs have been born at the zoo, the case is on the composition of the bell said in a statement on Friday. officials said. Cheetahs are consid- majority-black US House of Repre- A youth rides his bicycle up Russell Avenue in Plymouth, Massachusetts, yesterday. A spring storm is “Mom is recovering, and we’re ered endangered, as their worldwide sentatives district held by Democrat expected to drop 4 to 6 inches of snow across much of New England. working hard to put some weight on population has shrunk because of Bobby Scott, the only black member the premature cubs,” Campbell said. excessive hunting. of Virginia’s congressional delegation. The eight justices, down one following the February 13 death of conservative Antonin Scalia, heard Two-year-old boy shoots an appeal by current and former Marijuana law: Suit against Colorado rejected Republican House members chal- self with mother’s gun lenging the June 2015 lower court ruling that threw out the district. MIAMI: A two-year-old boy accidentally shot Reuters federal drug control system. Colorado stands filed under the court’s rarely used “original Following that ruling, some himself yesterday with a gun he apparently by its law. It noted that the Obama adminis- jurisdiction,” which covers instances in which black voters from Scott’s district pulled out of his mother’s handbag and was tration has indicated the federal government the justices hear disputes between states that were moved to an adjoining dis- fighting for his life, authorities in the US state lacks the resources and inclination to enforce are not first reviewed by lower courts. trict, which is currently represented of said. WASHINGTON: The US Supreme Court yes- fully the federal marijuana ban. Colorado Attorney General Cynthia Coff- by white Republican Randy Forbes, “That child has been rushed to an area hos- terday threw out a lawsuit filed by the states of “The fact remains — Colorado marijuana man said the legal questions surrounding her one of the challengers in the case. pital and is currently in critical condition and Nebraska and Oklahoma against their neighbor continues to flow into Oklahoma in direct state’s law “still require stronger leadership Without Scalia, the court could currently in surgery,” said Mark Lavigne, spokes- Colorado over a law approved as a ballot ini- violation of federal and state law,” Oklahoma from Washington.” Washington state also voted split 4-4 with its four liberals on man for the DeKalb County police department. tiative by Colorado voters in 2012 that allows Attorney General Scott Pruitt said after the in 2012 to legalize recreational marijuana use one side and four conservatives Lavigne said the circumstances were under the recreational use of marijuana. court’s action. Colorado should stop refusing by adults, while Oregon, Alaska and the Dis- on the other, which would leave investigation but “the information we’re getting The court declined to hear the case filed to take reasonable steps to prevent the flow trict of Columbia followed in 2014. intact the lower-court decision. is that it is accidental, it’s not an intentional act.” by Nebraska and Oklahoma, which said that of marijuana outside of its borders and the “This was a meritless lawsuit, and the court None of the court’s liberals indi- The child, who has not been identified, appar- marijuana is being smuggled across their bor- Obama administration should enforce fed- made the right decision,” Mason Tvert of the cated they are likely to back the ently took the handgun out of his mother’s bag ders and noted that federal law still prohibits eral law against marijuana, Pruitt added. pro-legalization Marijuana Policy Project said. Republican challengers. The court and shot himself in the stomach. The family, who the drug. Two conservative justices, Clarence Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson Tom Angell, chairman of the Marijuana may not even decide the merits of were from neighboring North Carolina, were Thomas and Samuel Alito, said they would have expressed disappointment with the Supreme Majority advocacy group, said legalizing mari- the case. The justices could instead staying in a hotel in Lithonia, east of Atlanta, at heard the case. Court’s action, but said it does not bar new juana would allow the Oklahoma and Nebraska rule that House members from the time of the incident. “The mother is at the Nebraska and Oklahoma contended that challenges to Colorado’s law in federal court. criminal justice systems “to focus on real crime, adjoining districts do not have hospital. We’re interviewing her. A second indi- drugs such as marijuana threaten the health Colorado has said that the Supreme Court and it will generate revenue that can be used to legal standing to challenge new vidual that was in the room we’re interviewing and safety of children and argued that Colo- was not the proper place to resolve the case. pay for healthcare, education and public safety boundary lines that imperil their at the scene here,” Lavigne said. rado had created “a dangerous gap” in the The lawsuit by Oklahoma and Nebraska was programmes.” re-election prospects.

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER Minimum: 22o C Maximum: 32o C

FAJR 04.20 am ZUHR 11.41 am MAGHRIB 05.48 pm HIGH TIDE 03:45 - 16:15 Expected thunderstorms associated with strong SHOROOK 05.37 am ASR 03.08 pm ISHA 07.18 pm LOW TIDE 10:45 - 21:45 wind and high seas by evening.

20 TUESDAY 22 MARCH 2016 MORNING BREAK

ONLINE CHART BUST ‘Spiderman’ scales Paris skyscraper Rare comet ‘twins’ to zip www.thepeninsulaqatar.com AFP past Earth

MOST READ IANS PARIS: Security services looked on School bus crashes with car and helplessly yesterday as France’s “Spi- 1 pickup; no students hurt derman” Alain Robert, who holds a WASHINGTON: Astronomers the world record for urban climbing, world over kept their high-end tel- China to look at free trade, rail deal scaled the Total skyscraper in Paris’ escopes set on the sky yesterday to 2 with Nepal La Defense business district. see the closest ever flyby of two Despite an icy wind the 53-year- comets that may have more in Qatar’s GISS says six injured in old easily climbed -- bare-handed common than their intriguingly 3 drilling rig fire and without ropes—up the 187-metre similar orbits — they may be twins (614-feet) building in less than 45 of a sort. minutes, delighting passers-by. Comet 252P/LINEAR, approxi- “I am happy because yesterday it mately 750 feet in size, will zip past TWEET OF THE DAY was grey all day. Now it is cold, there Earth at a range of about 5.2 mil- will be wind, but at least it will not lion km. Today, comet P/2016 BA14 rain,” Robert said before heading up will safely fly by our planet at a the tower, which he has previously distance of about 3.5 million km. climbed. This will be the third clos- The urban climber has scaled est flyby of a comet in recorded more than 100 structures without history next to comet D/1770 L1 ropes or other safety equipment, (Lexell) in 1770 and comet C/1983 Alain Robert, the French urban climber dubbed Spiderman, climbs setting a record for “most buildings H1 (IRAS-Araki-Alcock) in 1983. climbed unassisted” according to a building of La Defense business area, in Courbevoie, Paris suburb. “Comet P/2016 BA14 is possi- Guinness World Records. bly a fragment of 252P/LINEAR. Nicknamed the “Spiderman”, he no hand or footholds. As usual the Robert has suffered several The two could be related because has conquered many of the world’s location of his climb was kept secret severe falls while climbing and esti- their orbits are so remarkably sim- tallest skyscrapers and iconic build- until the last minute. “I have never seen mates his accidents have left him 66 ilar,” said Paul Chodas, manager ings, such as the Eiffel Tower, the him in person, too bad for work,” said percent disabled. of Nasa's Centre of NEO Studies Sydney Opera House, the Petronas Marie, 43, a Total employee. “Climbing is my passion, my (CNEOS) at the Jet Propulsion Lab- Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur and “To me it is the symbol of freedom, philosophy of life. Although I suffer oratory in Pasadena, California. the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. it is his personal pleasure and no one from vertigo, although my accidents While both comets will safely While known for climbing with can stop him.” Security officials stood left me disabled up to 66 percent, I fly past at relatively close dis- nothing but his bare hands and a bag by helplessly. “What do you want us to have become the best solo climber,” tances, anyone hoping to see them of chalk, he used suction devices and do? We are less strong than him, we he wrote on his website. Robert has will need powerful, professional- a safety rope on the Burj Khalifa, the can’t climb the facade,” said the head been arrested numerous times for grade telescopes, due to their world’s tallest building, which had of Total’s building security. his exploits. relatively small size.

Hello Kitty-themed train

A performer dressed as a Hello Kitty poses inside a Hello Kitty-themed Taroko Express train in Taipei, Taiwan, yesterday.

Tyson film’s China distributor in box office fraud: Officials

AFP the media regulator’s official newspaper said. The State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SAPPRFT) ordered the firm to suspend its distribution activities for a month BEIJING: The Chinese distributor of martial arts while it “rectified all malpractices”, the China Film movie Ip Man 3 — starring former world heavy- Newspaper reported Friday. weight boxing champion Mike Tyson — has had “Buying box office figures is an ‘unspoken its licence suspended for making up thousands of rule’ of this industry,” media commentator Xu screenings in a huge box office fraud, regulators said. Yuan said. One common tactic is for distribu- The movie, also starring Donnie Yen, is the tors to collude with cinemas by buying up empty third instalment in a series of films seats in exchange for guarantees that theatres will about the life of famed Wing Chun master Yip Man, screen their product. “You used to invite the cin- teacher of Bruce Lee and other martial arts leg- ema managers out for dinner and drinks, but now ends. Chinese film distributors and cinemas often it’s become much more direct. Buying the tickets try to inflate box office figures in order to cre- yourself is a way of ingratiating yourself with the ate blockbuster buzz for new releases and attract cinemas,” Xu explained. moviegoers. There may also be financial incen- The distributor of Monster Hunt, touted as the tives for such activities. highest grossing Chinese film of all time, admit- Chinese film industry figures said Ip Man ted in August to falsifying its box office figures 3 raked in more than 500m yuan ($77m) in its by handing out large numbers of free tickets in first four days on mainland screens — more than 17 cities and scheduling extra screenings in the : The Force Awakens over the equiva- middle of the night, among other tricks. SAPPRFT lent period. But the film’s distributor Beijing Max had investigated Ip Man 3 because the case was Screen bought 56m yuan-worth of the tickets simply “too odious” to ignore, Xu said, adding: itself, and fabricated more than 7,600 screen- “There had never before been such a high-pro- ings that it claimed generated another 32m yuan, file and large-scale incident of box office fraud.” www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

PAGE | 22 QE 10,444.93 +30.28 PTS PAGE | 24 Investors upbeat DOW 17,638.83 +36.53 PTS Opec hopes for about growth of FTSE100 6,184.58 -5.06 PTS positive producer hospitality sector BRENT $39.91 +$0.470 meeting in April

TUESDAY 22 MARCH 2016 • 13 Jumada II 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

GCC can be world’s ‘sixth largest market by 2030’

Foreign investors are still unable of just over 3 percent for the next 15 Global advisory firm to treat the GCC as one large market. years and overcomes its fragmenta- Due to existing regulations , the com- tion, it could become the sixth largest EY says that removing panies still need multiple strategies for market in the world by 2030. A sin- obstacles to trade the six GCC markets. Foreign invest- gle market without bottlenecks and ment flows to the GCC as a whole red tape that currently fragment the and investment have halved since 2010, despite the region would be a significant lever to could boost the advances in integration. With Iran help sustain growth at this level. fast emerging as an investment tar- GCC economies are facing a deci- GCC economy by get for the region, it is crucial that the sive moment. With oil price falling, $36bn — with 96% GCC moves quickly to close loopholes, they have to accelerate the creation of the gain coming streamline regulations and align of growth drivers that do not rely on them across the region. EY’s latest oil revenues. To do that, they need from the removal of Growth Drivers report ‘Strength in to make multiple changes simul- bureaucratic barriers unity’ said. taneously-overhauling laws and EY, that has developed an integra- regulations, shifting incentives and to efficiency. tion model to measure the economic Gerard Gallagher, MENA Advisory removing bottlenecks-while devel- impact of removing the remaining Leader, EY. oping new revenue sources for the non-tariff barriers (NTB) to hold long term. back trade, investment and produc- “Governments are already By Satish Kanady tivity, noted that removing obstacles these reforms could be less disrup- responding to the challenge, intro- The Peninsula to trade and investment could boost tive and more effective as part of a ducing measures that would have the GCC economy by $36bn — with wider push towards rekindling and been unthinkable just a few years ago. 96% of the gain coming from the modernizing the drive towards a But the GCC is missing one lever that removal of bureaucratic barriers single GCC market. That would could help boost the private sector, DOHA: The GCC region could to efficiency. The benefits would bring the benefits of scale and effi- create jobs and attract serious lev- integrating them economically. s steady boom in oil price reduced emerge as one of the largest mar- be spread across all six economies. ciency to the diversification drive, els of foreign investment-creating Within less than a decade they had the sense of urgency for economic kets in the world through removing The most significant impact comes and strengthen the most productive an open and competitive GCC sin- launched both a customs union integration. “The urgency is back-but its existing intra-regional trade and not from boosting intra-GCC trade, parts of the private sector by intro- gle market. and a common market, introduc- GCC Governments are still focusing investment barriers. Lengthy border but from making the region’s trade ducing more competition and more The report recalled that it ing a solid framework for the free on how best to use their reserves to checks and lack of regulatory align- and investment relations with the jobs”, said Gerard Gallagher, MENA was in the depths of the oil price movement of goods, and of labour diversify their own economies… it is ment are making the GCC a weak rest of the world easier”. Advisory Leader, EY. crisis of the 1990s that GCC gov- and capital for GCC nationals. How- time to take a fresh look at the power link in global supply chain, global “There are signs that seri- EY’s research suggests that, if the ernments first decided it was vital ever, implementing the details of of GCC integration to strengthen the advisory firm EY noted yesterday. ous change has begun. However, GCC continues to grow at an average to strengthen their economies by that framework dragged out, as a region’s economies.”

Qatar sets 5 percent limit for Ooredoo and QBIC announce ‘Digital & Beyond’ winners shareholders of listed banks

By Sachin Kumar Bloomberg The Peninsula

DOHA: Investors must limit their holdings in pub- licly-traded banks and financial firms in Qatar to 5 DOHA: Ooredoo and Qatar percent of a company’s capital, or 10 percent with a Business Incubation Center central bank waiver, according to regulations pub- (QBIC) yesterday announced lished yesterday. winners of first round of ‘Dig- Shareholders who exceed the limit via direct or indi- ital & Beyond’ LeanStartup rect ownership have five years to comply with the caps, Programme. the official Qatar News Agency reported, citing state- During Demo Day, held yes- ments from Qatar Central Bank and the Qatar Financial terday at QBIC headquarter, Markets Authority. entrepreneurs with the best- It wasn’t immediately clear if the rules apply to developed prototypes pitched state- controlled investors. A spokesman for the cen- their ideas to Digital & Beyond tral bank declined to comment. judges and potential investors, who then selected the best seven pitches to be incubated at Digital Barwa Real Estate wins legal & Beyond. Shnaita, Bazaar-it, Hasalty, Qsooq, Sonex, Spec- battle against Dream Land trum Tech and Indoor Maps were picked up as winners. Demo Day marks the end of The Peninsula Winners of Digital & Beyond LeanStartup Programme with officials. a seven week long LeanStartup programme for 41 entrepre- neurs in Qatar. The programme concepts exhibited at Demo Day knowledge-based economy,” said was based on each idea’s cus- “With dedication, hard work, gave graduates the opportunity to and this reflects the drive and Waleed Al Sayed, Chief Executive tomer validation and traction and action-oriented coach- DOHA: The Dubai Court of Cassation has issued a pitch their business idea in front ambition of our young entrepre- Officer, Ooredoo Qatar. attainment. Selected new ing from QBIC and Ooredoo, we judgement in favour of Barwa International and Green of six industry judges for a chance neurs, as they gear up to become “It is our duty to strengthen start-ups will receive smart hope to be part of their jour- City Company involving a payment of over $31m to to be supported further. part of Qatar’s wider national their efforts, and provide sup- financing, coaching and ney towards becoming the next another company. “We are pleased to see yet development,” he said. port to contribute to the overall mentoring, office space, and QR100m companies in Qatar,” In a regulatory filing to Qatari bourse yesterday, another wave of Qatari entre- The event saw 16 tech-related development of the national pri- networking opportunities from said Aysha Al Mudahka. the Barwa Real Estate Company said the Court of preneurs successfully complete start-up business ideas out of 34 vate sector. Congratulations to QBIC and Ooredoo. Through Digital & Beyond, Appeal upheld a judgement issued by the Dubai Court our LeanStartup Program. Their start-ups, a number of which had everyone who pitched and I look “We are so proud of the 16 Ooredoo and QBIC are providing of First Instance to overturn the Arbitration Center achievements reflect the strength been supported by Ooredoo and forward to seeing your develop- business ideas that made it this a facility for start-ups and SMEs ruling which ordered Barwa International and Green of our program, and their success QBIC’s leading entrepreneurship ment in the future,” he added. far in the one of the most chal- to reduce the time to market for City Company Limited to pay jointly an amount of represents an encouraging trend hub, Digital & Beyond. The incubator, Digital & lenging waves of the LeanStartup new digital products and serv- $31,003,668 in favour of Dream Land Company. in the development of the local “We are extremely proud Beyond, was set up to enable Program, and we congratulate ices, ease processes and solve Dream Land Company has filed an objection on entrepreneurship scene,” said to see the first set of Digital & entrepreneurs to develop prod- those who have been incubated relevant problems in areas of the appeal judgement number 933/2012 – commercial. Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al Khalifa, Beyond entrepreneurs show their ucts and services that provide and are now officially part of the digital living, including: cus- This objection was registered under number 54/2014 CEO, Qatar Development Bank ideas to the world. We believe in digital solutions to enhance cus- QBIC family, and to be pioneer- tomer experience, healthcare, commercial. and Chairman, QBIC. enabling people to reach their tomer experience and introduce ing through for start-ups that will transportation and logistics, The Court of Cassation has ruled to reject this “We have seen a large full potential and understand the new concepts both the local and join the Digital and Beyond incu- education, sports, business solu- objection”, Barwa Real Estate said. Barwa’s shares number of promising high- significant role played by entre- regional digital space. bator at a later stage,” said Aysha tions, and OTT entertainment slipped 0.84 percent to QR35.25 on Qatar Exchange pilot projects and exciting tech preneurs in creating a diverse and The main selection criteria Al Mudahka, CEO, QBIC. & gaming. yesterday. 22 TUESDAY 22 MARCH 2016 BUSINESS

Telecom firm Investors upbeat misses Thai about growth of 4G payment deadline hospitality sector AFP

say leading hoteliers and industry BANGKOK: ’s 4G experts. expansion was thrown into dis- “The Qatari economy, “The Qatari economy, especially array yesterday after a telecoms especially the the hospitality and tourism sector, is company that beat more estab- constantly growing beyond people’s lished rivals at an auction last hospitality and expectations. There are huge oppor- year failed to meet its first pay- tourism sector, is tunities of investments as the market ment deadline, voiding the bid. is growing fast,” said Sheikh Turki bin The failure is a blow to the Sheikh Turki bin Faissal Al Thani (centre), Chairman of Al Sawari Holding, Mohammad Shafiek, Managing constantly growing Faissal Al Thani, Chairman of of Al country’s junta who had ear- beyond people’s Sawari Holding, one of the fastest Director (left) and Amruda Nair, Joint Managing Director and CEO of Aiana Hotels & Resorts at a press marked money from the lucrative growing companies in the sector. conference in Doha yesterday. auctions for use in key infrastruc- expectations. “As far as the apprehensions ture projects and helping farmers, There are huge related to the growing number of many of whom are reeling from opportunities of hotels are concerned, we believe ‘Aiana Suites and Residences and suites in Qatar are continuing to for experience driven, lifestyle ori- low commodity prices and an that there are still great opportuni- is a 180 key luxury property being grow due to various economic activ- ented accommodation and service ongoing drought. investments as the ties and gaps in the market. Similar developed with an estimated cost of ities such as international seminars, offerings that are locally relevant Jasmine International, a market is growing concerns (of over-supply) were raised over QR500m by the Doha-based conferences, exhibitions among and accessible”, added Sheikh Turki. new entrant in an already sat- during the Asian Games when most Al Sawari Holding. The property, others.” “With seven properties launched urated market, surprised many fast,” says Sheikh of the existing hotels and properties located in West Bay, is expected In comparison to Dubai and across the Indian sub-continent and observers in December when it Turki bin Faissal Al were developed,” said Sheikh Turki to open by the year-end. It will be Abu Dhabi, Doha market is still in the Middle East within a short span offered an eye-watering 75.7bn at a press conference held yesterday managed by Doha’s Aiana Hotels & the early stage in terms of life cycle, of less than a year, our vision is fast baht ($2.1bn) for one of two slots Thani, Chairman of to unveil the design and architec- Resorts. and there is a long way to go. “Some taking shape. I am confident that being offered on the 900 mega- Al Sawari Holding. tural elements of the upcoming ‘Aiana Present at the press briefing analysts say that eventually the sup- with launch of our hotels in Makkah hertz waveband. Suites and Residences’ in Doha. were Amruda Nair, Joint Managing ply will overtake the demand in the and Doha in 2016, guests from The company’s share price Sheikh Turki added that people Director and CEO of Aiana Hotels sector, but we haven’t seen that as around the world will be delighted swiftly dived after the auction, at that time were also asking same & Resorts and Mohammad Shafiek, yet, so I am very optimistic about to experience our unique ‘Hospitality with many analysts fearing it By Mohammad Shoeb questions whether Qatar’s popula- Managing Director of Al Sawari the growth,” she said. 2.0’ promise that is aimed at offering would not be able to meet the steep The Peninsula tion will ever surpass the one million Holding. The Company also announced innovative service in a smart, stim- price tag. mark, and what will be the future of Amruda was also very upbeat Aiana’s plans to open a 611-room ulating environment.” Those predictions proved all the big hotels and malls (that were about Qatar’s hospitality and tour- hotel in the Holy City of Makkah, Aiana Hotels & Resorts L.L.C is a true Monday when regulators being developed at that time) after the ism industry. She said: which is scheduled to open in Q3 global hotel management company confirmed the group had missed DOHA: Qatar’s hospitality and tour- games. “The year-on-year growth of this 2016. AianaMakkah will now be with an Indian service ethos that is the deadline for payment of the ism sector is very promising and there “So, as long as the population and sector has not witnessed a slowdown the first Aiana property to welcome fast evolving as a leading operator first instalment of eight billion are huge opportunities of investments the economy are growing, people will compared to other large cities in the guests. “One year ago, we envisioned of hotels, resorts and serviced apart- baht. to fill the demand-supply gap, espe- continue to demand for more and bet- region. The primary reason for this to create a global hospitality brand ments in the Middle East, Indian “The time for payment has cially in the niche market segment, ter options.” is that the demand for hotels rooms that will fulfil a gap in the market Sub-Continent and South East Asia. expired,” Takorn Tantasit, secre- tary-general of Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunica- tions Commission, told reporters, BP and Statoil adding a fresh auction must now be held. to withdraw QAC named exclusive distributor of Liderkit Jasmine would also forfeit an $18m deposit it had put down after staff from the bid, he added. The Peninsula form to be mounted on the vehicle Local reports said the com- Algerian plants chassis. The main advantage of this pany had tried and failed to get product is its versatility and design the cash from Chinese and South as any requirements by the customer Korean investors who baulked at Reuters DOHA: Qatar Automobiles Company can be produced to their specifica- the price it paid at auction. (QAC) has recently signed an agree- tions, as well as the quick assembly Jasmine did not answer calls ment with Liderkit as the exclusive and high quality standards. This high for comment. distributor for its entire range of prod- effectiveness of the production capac- Like many Southeast Asian OSLO/LONDON: BP and Nor- ucts in Qatar. The meeting which took ity of Liderkit is due to a production nations, smartphone use has way’s Statoil will withdraw staff place last month in Jaen, south of system which combines all the stages boomed in Thailand, with many from two gas plants in Alge- Spain, concluded the yearlong negoti- in the development of the product, using mobiles as the main way to ria after an attack by militants ations with the Spanish manufacturer allowing manufacturing of orders in a access the internet. on one of the sites in the North with the first shipment arriving into short period of time. Combining these But many have complained African country, the companies our market in March/April 2016. characteristics Liderkit has produced that the kingdom’s 4G rollout said yesterday. Liderkit Group is the leading a product that is very affordable, reli- has been slow, with auctions Militants attacked the In Salah company in the national (Spain) able, long-lasting and competitive in delayed by the 2014 coup and gas plant, operated with state- and international market producing any market of the world. sky-high winning bids that owned Sonatrach, with rockets a diverse variety of vehicle bodies The Group is composed of more analysts say will have to be on Friday, causing no casualties or in kits: aluminum, polyester, sand- than 180 employees and its head- absorbed by users. damage. Al Qaeda’s North Africa wich, plywood, isothermal, fridge quarters are located in Guarromán Officials in front of Liderkit in Jaen, south of Spain. One less competitor would branch claimed responsibility for box bodies and car recovery plat- (Jaen). It is present in more than 30 likely result in “less choice and the attack. forms, which are distributed in kit countries all around the globe and its exports represent 75% of the total Al Thani in 1970 as a subsidiary of higher prices for consumers”, Algeria’s energy infrastruc- turnover. Furthermore, Liderkit Nasser Bin Khaled Holding which has Cheryl Tan, regional telecoms ture has been heavily protected stands out because of its strong more than 70 years of experience in analyst for BMI Research, said. by the army, especially since a investment and development in RDI, the automotive industry. For over than The mobile industry in Thai- 2013 attack on the In Amenas gas which enables the group to obtain 40 years QAC has committed itself land is currently dominated by plant, also operated by BP and Sta- customised products and advanced to constantly exceeding the expec- market leader AIS, followed by toil, during which 40 oil workers designs that always meet customer’s tations of its customers, guided by its DTAC — mostly owned by Nor- were killed. requirements. QAC was founded by steadfast commitment to upgrading way’s Telenor — and True, part of “BP has decided to undertake the late Sheikh Nasser Bin Khaled customers’ experience and service. the sprawling CP conglomerate. a phased temporary relocation of all its staff from the In Salah Gas and In Amenas JVs in Algeria over the next two weeks. This decision has been taken as a precautionary Jumeirah group partners with Regency Travel in Qatar measure,” the British firm said in a statement. Statoil said it would also with- draw staff from the In Salah and The Peninsula which are widely used by major cor- In Amenas plants, together with porate, travel trade partners and direct staff from its operations centre at customers. The head office has a dedi- Hassi Messaoud. DUBAI: Jumeirah Group, the global cated call centre serving customers 24 “It will happen over the next luxury hotel company, and member hours, seven days a week. few weeks. Those who are on rota- of Dubai Holding, has partnered with Residents from Qatar visiting tion now will not be replaced when key travel agent Regency Travel and Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts in the they finish their shifts,” a Statoil Tours in Doha to boost leisure busi- UAE can now take advantage of an spokesman said, declining to say ness from Qatar to Jumeirah’s 22 hotels exclusive 10% off Best Available Rate. for security reasons how many around the world. The Jumeirah Breaks package incor- employees would be affected. The partnership is set to strengthen porates a number of benefits. All guests “It’s only been four days since Jumeirah’s brand visibility in Qatar and have unlimited access to Wild Wadi shots were fired at In Salah. The increase awareness of the Group’s Waterpark and a kids’ club depend- production started again, but in the portfolio, which includes hotels and ing where they stay. Guests at Jumeirah current situation we believe that resorts in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, the Mal- Zabeel Saray can enjoy access to the this is the right decision to make,” dives, Turkey, China, , resort’s private which is also the spokesman added. London, Frankfurt and Mallorca. offered to guests staying at Jumeirah According to BP’s website, From 2014 - 2015, visitors from Qatar Creekside Hotel. Guests at Burj Al Arab In Salah started production in to Jumeirah hotels globally increased Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach Hotel and 2004 from the Krechba, Teguen- by 20% and room revenue increased the hotels within Madinat Jumeirah The Chief Executive Officer of the Regency Travel and Tours, Tareq Abdullatif Taha (fourth left), Jumeirah tour and Reg fields. In February, it by 11%. The leading tour operator is receive complimentary access to the announced the start up of devel- the only wholesale travel manage- stunning, two-kilometre private beach Group’s Global Account Director Rabih El Hayek (second left), Global Sales Director Jad Doumet (second opment of the Gour Mahmoud, In ment company in Doha. next to Madinat Jumeirah and Jumei- right), Director of Sales, Rabie Al Anker (left), Leisure and MICE Manager Jagannath Pothiraj (third left), and Salah, Garet el Befinat and Hassi Regency offers 40 branches across rah Beach Hotel. Head of Leisure and MICE Farooq Siddiqui (right), during the launch of representation between Regency Moumene fields, to bring output to all major locations in Doha and is Daily complimentary buffet break- and Jumeirah Group, in Doha yesterday. Pic: Salim Matramkot /The Peninsula 9 billion cubic metres a year. responsible for providing over 30,000 fast is also included at the hotel. The Statoil, BP and Sonatrach were room nights in Dubai annually. More offer is applicable at a number of res- Mina A’Salam; Arboretum, Jumeirah to a number of restaurants at Madinat Rosewater. The Jumeirah Breaks due to restart the third and final than 25 travel agents in Qatar deal taurants such as: Al Iwan, Burj Al Al Qasr; Mundo, Jumeirah Emir- Jumeirah. The package at Jumeirah at package can be booked through processing train at the In Amenas directly with Regency for their hol- Arab Jumeirah; Latitude, Jumeirah ates Towers and Nomad, Jumeirah Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi, includes Regency Travel and Tours or online at gas plant, damaged during the iday business. The agency provides Beach Hotel; Imperium, Jumeirah Creekside Hotel. Guests staying at complimentary access to the Obser- http://www.jumeirah.com/en/offers/ 2013 attack, later this year. B2B and B2C online booking engines, Zabeel Saray; Hanaaya, Jumeirah Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf have access vation Deck at 300 and breakfast at jumeirah-breaks/ BUSINESS TUESDAY 22 MARCH 2016 23 EMRQ delivers dugong presentation for students

Al Bayan Secondary School for Girls the Arabian Gulf population, with Important regions for a group of 50 students. updates on findings and future He was invited to give the pres- activities. This research is in collab- for Dugongs in the entation as part of a student-led oration with Texas A&M University Gulf are the UAE near workshop on Dugong awareness. Galveston, and is part of an ongo- The student organisers and work- ing effort developed in coordination Murawah Island and shop attendees are part of the Al with the General Directorate for Nat- the coastal region Bayan Go Blue ROTA Youth Service ural Reserves – Private Engineering Club, which is part of ROTA’s Youth Office (PEO) and the Ministry of of Saudi Arabia Service Clubs (RYSC). Municipality and Environment to between Qatar and The school’s club is running an share findings and information about initiative related to the awareness the local Dugong population, with the the UAE, possibly and conservation of Dugongs in goal of furthering a preservation plan extending Qatari waters. ExxonMobil Qatar is for this unique species. to Mesaieed. RYSC’s platinum sponsor, a strate- Dr Warren explained to the group gic cooperation that was announced of students that important regions for during a press conference and signing Dugongs in the Arabian Gulf are the ceremony in late January by Alistair United Arab Emirates (UAE) near Routledge, President and General Murawah Island and the coastal Students at the Al Bayan Secondary School for Girls during the programme. The Peninsula Manager of ExxonMobil Qatar and region of Saudi Arabia between Qatar Essa Al Mannai, Executive Director and the UAE - possibly extending to of ROTA. Mesaieed. Dugongs can also be found unique Dugong species. We also by raising awareness, enhancing grasses, can reach lengths of greater Dr Warren began the presen- on the northwest coast of Qatar and want to ensure they are protected knowledge and encouraging peo- than three metres, weigh more than DOHA: Dr Christopher Warren, tation with an overview of dugong offshore Bahrain between Fasht Al and continue to live unhindered ple to take action, real steps can 400kg and live up to 70 years. His- Environmental Research Lead for biology followed by a discussion Adhm and the Hawar Islands. in their natural habitat,” said Dr be made towards conserving this torically, Dugongs have had a cultural ExxonMobil Research Qatar (EMRQ), of potential threats to their health “We participated in this work- Warren. “Education is one of the iconic species.” Dugongs, which and economic importance to Qataris, recently delivered a fun, interactive and species viability. The focus shop today because we want to most important tools in the long- are large, long-living herbivorous and have had a presence in the Ara- presentation on Qatar’s dugongs at then shifted to current research on help raise awareness of Qatar’s term conservation of species, and marine mammals that consume sea bian Gulf for more than 7,500 years.

Alibaba reaches Starwood Hotels accepts $13.6bn Marriott bid 3 trillion yuan milestone

Bloomberg Interval Leisure Group stock from a previously announced spinoff of its Bloomberg vacation ownership business, Vistana Signature Experiences, and subse- NEW YORK: Starwood Hotels & quent merger with ILG. The amended Resorts Worldwide Inc. accepted an agreement and the ILG transaction had BEIJING: Alibaba Group Holding improved takeover offer from Mar- a combined value of $85.36 a share of Ltd. sold 3 trillion yuan ($463bn) riott International Inc. valued at Starwood stock, based on Friday’s price. of goods through its online shop- $13.6bn, proceeding with plans to Starwood shares rose 4 percent ping websites in the year ending form the world’s largest hotel oper- to $83.81 at 11:43 a.m. New York time. March, as China’s largest e-com- ator after investors led by China’s Marriott slipped 1.2 percent to $72.29. merce operator moved deeper Anbang Insurance Group Co. sought Marriott’s new offer significantly into the untapped countryside and to thwart the deal. increases the cash portion of the deal. courted foreign brands. Under the terms of the new offer, The previous bid was $2 a share in The company wants to bring in Starwood shareholders will receive cash and the rest stock. The latest plan more quality non-Chinese goods $21 in cash and 0.80 share of Marri- also boosts the termination fee for the and continue to increase its foot- ott common stock for each Starwood takeover to $450m from $400m. print in rural areas to sustain share, according to a statement yes- A combination with Marri- growth, Alibaba Vice Chairman terday. It values the company at ott would create the world’s largest Joseph Tsai said in a Monday post $79.53 a share, based on Marriott’s hotel company, with about 30 brands, on Alizila, a blog run by Alibaba. closing price Friday, compared with a giving it more leverage in negotiat- With China growing at its slowest cash bid of $78 a share, or about $13.2 ing commissions with travel agents, pace in a quarter- century, Ali- billion, from the Anbang-led group. a larger frequent-guest program baba has concentrated on tapping Starwood shares jumped as inves- and cost savings. Marriott said in the the spending power of the half of tors weighed the possibility of a new statement it expects to save about the population that live outside of proposal from the Anbang group. $250 million a year with the merger. the main cities. It’s also exploring The Chinese-led investors earlier The cost savings estimate increased emerging countries such as Rus- this month made a surprise bidfor by $50m a year from the initial one sia and Brazil. the owner of brands such as Shera- made in November. The transactions record would ton, Westin and St. Regis, disrupting Starwood shareholders will own rank Alibaba as the sixth- largest a merger deal with Marriott that had about 34 percent of the combined Chinese provincial economy and Marriott hotel in San Francisco, California. been under way since November. company’s common stock after the bring it a step closer toward achiev- Starwood “has found itself in merger is completed, based on cur- ing billionaire founder Jack Ma’s goal the middle of a bidding war,” Tim rent shares outstanding. working with private equity firm J.C. the Anbang-led investors to increase on a historic tour. Marriott said yester- of shadowing Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Craighead, a research director at “We’re confident” of achieving Flowers & Co. and Chinese investment their offer. “We have a positive view day it received government approval which made $482bn in revenue last Bloomberg Intelligence, said in a cost savings of about $250m a year firm Primavera Capital on the Starwood of the increased cash component and to develop hotel operations in Cuba year. Unlike the US retail titan how- report. “A Marriott-Starwood com- through the merger, Marriott Presi- bid, has been making a push into US Marriott’s willingness to lever up to following the normalization of rela- ever, Alibaba mainly links sellers bination would create a diversified, dent and Chief Executive Officer Arne real estate. Anbang last year purchased get this deal across the finish line,” tions between the two countries. and buyers. asset-light lodging behemoth focused Sorenson said on a conference call New York’s Waldorf Astoria hotel for he said in a report. Sorenson, when Starwood said over the weekend that “The shift toward consump- on expanding its base of fees and Monday. “It should be obvious” that $1.95 billion, and it has an agreement asked on the call about the possibil- it would manage three hotels in Cuba. tion and services is a massive managed and franchised hotels. A Marriott’s new bid offers “compel- with Blackstone Group LP to acquire ity of another counteroffer, said “We Starwood is being advised by transformation that will drive takeover by Anbang Insurance may ling” value to Starwood shareholders, Strategic Hotels & Resorts, an owner are not going to negotiate in public.” Lazard Ltd. and Citigroup Inc. The a new Chinese economy for cloud the long-term growth picture.” he said. An Anbang representative of 16 luxury properties. Sorenson, 57, was speaking from Anbang-led group is working with years to come,” Tsai wrote. “At Under the Marriott offer, Star- declined to comment. The Beijing- David Loeb, an analyst with Rob- Cuba, where he was traveling with PJT Partners Inc., according to peo- the heart of this new economy wood shareholders would also get based insurance company, which is ert W. Baird & Co., said he expected President Barack Obama’s delegation ple with knowledge of the matter. is Alibaba.” Tsai made no mention of some of the potential obstacles to Ali- baba’s global ambitions, including ECB stimulus has created 80,000 criticism by regulators about the Valeant trades barbs with ex-CFO prevalence of counterfeits on its websites, a plague Ma has called French jobs: Bank of France chief “cancerous.” Bloomberg trying to oust Schiller as a director. I have respectfully declined the The company is also grappling “There’s bound to be a lot of request from the company’s Board to with a slowdown in China, a mar- AFP scapegoating going on inside Valeant,” resign from the Board,” Schiller said ket that still accounts for about 90 NEW YORK: Valeant Pharmaceuti- said Ram Selvaraju, an analyst with in the statement, which was issued by percent of its business. Consumption cals International Inc. and Howard Rodman & Renshaw in New York. In a the law firm Winston & Strawn LLP. accounted for about 66 percent of Schiller, a board member and former statement Monday announcing Pear- Schiller said in the statement the country’s Gross Domestic Prod- PARIS: France’s central bank chief Francois Villeroy de Galhau said yester- finance chief, traded accusations son’s plan to resign, Valeant said the that accounting decisions were “care- uct growth in 2015, compared with day that contested economy-boosting measures by the European Cental Bank yesterday over who was responsible improper conduct of its former CFO ful and reasoned” and made by the 51 percent the year before, according had produced “tangible results”, including tens of thousands of French jobs. for problems in financial filings that and controller resulted in the provision company’s controller. “The account- to the National Bureau of Statistics. The central banker defended the volley of growth stimulus and anti- will require the company to restate of incorrect information to its audit ing decision was not my decision, but That shifting economy should help deflationary steps launched by the Frankfurt-based ECB and under fire in earnings. and risk committee and the compa- I was advised of the decision and the companies focused on domestic Germany, as helping to “finance the real economy”. Valeant’s directors blamed ny’s auditors. rationale behind the decision by the spending, Tsai said. He told a news conference on French inflation that ECB action such as Schiller, along with a former con- “At no time did I engage in any Corporate Controller, and I agreed with Alibaba has pulled out the buying up massive quantities of bonds via its quantitative easing (QE) pro- troller, and asked Schiller to quit his improper conduct that relates to any the decision,” Schiller said in the state- stops to get its e-commerce plat- gramme underway since 2014 had “allowed a substantial easing of borrowing seat on the board. Schiller said that restatement of revenue the Company ment. He added that he was told by the forms in front of villagers, setting conditions for eurozone companies”. the drugmaker’s claim he engaged is considering,” Schiller said in his corporate controller that outside audi- up free Internet- equipped com- Such measures also helped “stimulate loans to the real economy”, he said. in “improper conduct” is incorrect, own statement. “In addition, at no tors had reviewed the transactions in puters and working with local Their impact in France was a 0.3-percentage point boost to its gross and he’s refusing to resign. time did I ever provide any incor- question, which include discrepancies officials to train potential buyers domestic product of 1.1 percent in 2015. “That represents the creation of Valeant’s finger-pointing added rect information to the Audit and Risk related to Philidor Rx Services, a mail- and sellers. It had a presence in around 80,000 jobs for the economy,” Villeroy de Galhau told reporters. to the tumult at the company, rais- Committee or the Company’s outside order pharmacy with which Valeant 12,000 villages across the coun- The ECB surprised financial markets after cutting its main interest rate ing even more questions about its auditors regarding this accounting has since cut ties. try by the end of January, out of to zero percent for the first time on March 10 and ramping up a huge stim- accounting and wrangling in the issue.” Along with Schiller, Pearson about 600,000. ulus programme amid doggedly low inflation and subdued growth. C-suite. The board had trusted The drugmaker has said that signed Sarbanes-Oxley statements The company said in August Germany’s Bundesbank chief Jens Weidmann Saturday criticised the Schiller to be interim chief execu- Schiller was involved in actions that attesting to the accuracy of the it would buy a $4.6bn- stake in latest package saying it did “not convince me overall”. tive for two months through the end led to the company having to restate financial statements now at issue. Suning Commerce Group Co.to “Negative interest rates are only one element of a wider package,” Vil- of February while CEO Mike Pear- earnings from 2014 and 2015. That makes both of them culpable leverage its delivery network in leroy de Galhau said. “Monetary policy plays an important role in thwarting son was on medical leave. Three “As a result of the fact that I did should anything be amiss, said Ste- the countryside and its expertise weak inflation and supporting economic activity,” he said, warning it was weeks later, the board is now seek- not engage in any improper conduct ven Caruso, a partner with Maddox in selling electronic household “more risky for central banks to act too late than too early”. ing a replacement for Pearson and regarding this proposed restatement, Hargett & Caruso PC in New York. appliances. 24 TUESDAY 22 MARCH 2016 BUSINESS Apple unveils new and smaller iPhone

past two years — the company sold 30 million of the older 4- inch iPhones The new iPhone last year — and the updated model SE has a 4-inch- could encourage those holdouts to buy a new iPhone. About 37 percent screen and comes of iPhone users have an iPhone 5S or in four stainless- older, according to market-research steel finishes, and firm AppLovin Corp. “There’s a lot of people out there incorporates the who like the smaller form factor, so faster A9 processor this is a good move,” Scott Galloway, a New York University Stern School that also runs the of Business professor, told Bloomb- larger iPhone 6S erg Television in an interview before the product announcement. “It’s evo- handsets. lutionary, not revolutionary.” The iPhone SE comes with 16 or 64 gigabytes of storage, with the latter costing $499. IPhone SE has full sup- Bloomberg port for the Siri voice-enabled digital assistant, a 12-megapixel camera, and includes features found on the larger phones like Apple Pay and ID. NEW YORK: Apple Inc. unveiled a Orders for the new smartphone and new, smaller iPhone that will start at iPad begin Thursday, and the phone $399, seeking to jump-start sales of will be shipped starting March 31. its flagship product by enticing more The company also showed new band users to upgrade, especially in high- styles for Apple Watch, made of woven growth markets such as China and nylon. Prices for that device will now India. start at $299, down from $349. The iPhone SE has a 4-inch-screen While analysts from UBS Group and comes in four stainless-steel fin- AG to RBC Capital Markets predict ishes, and incorporates the faster A9 about 15 million annual shipments of processor that also runs the larger Apple’s new handset, introducing the iPhone 6S handsets, Apple Vice Pres- product in the spring may help bol- ident Greg Joswiak said at an event ster revenue over the summer, when Monday at the company’s Cupertino, sales traditionally dip. Apple sold 231 California, headquarters. Apple also million iPhones in the last fiscal year. Apple Vice-President Greg Joswiak introduces the iPhone SE during an event at the Apple headquarters in Cupertino, California, yesterday. showed off a new iPad, incorporat- Earlier, Chief Executive Officer ing the power and some features of its Tim Cook kicked off the event by larger Pro model for business users, wading into the political debate over government, but we believe strongly discussion focused on the individual “I Won’t Back Down.” Schiller said. For current users, “it is and cut the price of its year-old Apple privacy and encryption. Cook was we have a responsibility to help you handset that is the subject of the case. Phil Schiller, Apple’s senior vice their upgrade,” he said. Watch. first to take the stage, and immedi- protect your data and your privacy,” A judge in Riverside, California, will president and head of marketing, Revenue from the tablet, intro- The revamped lower-end iPhone ately addressed Apple’s legal standoff he said. “We will not shrink from this review the latest evidence today. unveiled the iPad Pro with a 9.7-inch duced in 2010, fell by 21 percent in the arrives two months after Apple said with the FBI over a court order requir- responsibility.” “We need to decide as a nation display, a smaller version of the 12.9- three months that ended in December, that quarterly sales will proba- ing the company to help the US unlock In a series of filings over the past how much power the government inch Pro tablet designed for business with existing users seeing no need to bly decline for the first time since the handset of a terrorist who killed month, Apple has repeatedly sought should have over our data and over users that was first introduced in Sep- buy updated models and more peo- 2003, with concern mounting that 14 people in San Bernardino last year. to frame the FBI debate as a poten- our privacy,” Cook said. As he exited tember. The smaller Pro will start at ple choosing larger phones instead. demand for high-end smartphones Cook said he’s humbled by the support tial threat to the privacy of hundreds the stage at the close of the event, the $599 for a 32-gigabyte model. The company sold 16.1 million of the may have reached its peak. Cus- Apple has received from Americans. of millions of iPhone users around company’s music choice seemed to Apple chose to introduce a new devices in the quarter, a 25 percent tomers’ eagerness to freshen their “We did not expect to be in the world. For its part, the US Jus- underscore his message: speakers 9.7-inch model because “it has decline from the holiday quarter a handsets regularly has waned in the this position, at odds with our own tice Department wants to keep the played a version of Tom Petty’s song remained our most popular size,” year earlier. Court orders Opec hopes for positive producer meeting in April Morocco oil refiner into Reuters Saudi Aramco sees oil rising liquidation

VIENNA: Iran may join other oil as demand catches up producers planning to freeze produc- Agencies tion to support prices at a later date, Opec’s Secretary- general said yes- Bloomberg terday, since the country is seeking to raise its exports. RABAT: A Casablanca court yes- Producers from the Organization terday ordered the winding up of of the Petroleum Exporting Countries RIYADH: Oil prices will increase by the end of this year but won’t rebound Morocco’s sole oil refinery SAMIR and non-members are due to meet on to levels reached in 2013 and 2014, according to Amin H. Nasser, presi- after it was unable to honour debts April 17 in Qatar discuss the output dent and chief executive officer of Saudi Arabian Oil Co. amounting to several billion euros, freeze. But Iran is seeking to increase Prices will gain as “the gap between supply and demand in the oil a judicial source said. The ruling exports, following the lifting of West- market is shrinking,” Nasser said at an event in Beijing on Monday. Oil came after an attempt to resolve ern sanctions in January. exceeded $100 a barrel in 2013 and 2014 before dropping amid a global the issue with creditors failed, the “I hope the result of the meeting glut. Benchmark Brent crude was trading on Monday at $40.21 a bar- source said, speaking on condition will be positive,” Abdullah Al Badri rel in London. The world’s largest crude oil-producing company, known of anonymity. said at a news conference here. “They as Saudi Aramco, is looking to boost investments in the Chinese energy “The customs service and all of are not objecting to the meeting but industry, he said. the creditors rejected the proposed they have some conditions for the “We furnish 20 percent of China’s crude oil imports – about one mil- financial offer from (company production and maybe in the future Secretary-General of Opec Abdallah Salem Al Badri addressing a news lion barrels a day. But there’s a significant gap in what we are doing now, chief) Sheikh Mohammed Hus- they will join the group,” he said of conference in , , yesterday. and what we can offer,” Nasser said. “Our investments in China’s entire sein Al Amoudi because it was Iran. oil value chain - integrating supply, refining, chemicals, lubes, distribu- derisory,” the source said. The comments are a further sign tion and marketing - don’t match our supply.” SAMIR (Moroccan and Ital- that Iran’s position will not derail a supply overhang could be erased. then the price will come back to Aramco plans to invest in Asian refineries to ensure the state-run ian Refining Ltd) director general a wider agreement on the output The “price going up, I hope this normal.” Some OPEC delegates have company can expand sales in the fastest-growing region for fuel demand. Jamal Ba-Amer had offered cred- freeze. Gulf oil exporters including trend will continue,” he said. “I don’t said further action including a sup- It’s adding India to the list of Asian countries where the company intends itors the equivalent of ¤370m, Saudi Arabia had previously main- expect the price will go high but I ply cut could follow the freeze deal to build refineries as part of a plan to almost double its global process- while its debt was around four bil- tained that all major producers should think it will go to a moderate level.” by the end of the year. Badri, asked ing capacity, Nasser told Bloomberg in Jubail, Saudi Arabia, on March 9. lion, ¤120m, the source said. participate. “At this time, the only problem I if a cut was needed, said it was too Aramco is also considering plants in Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam. The liquidation “condemns to Badri said he hoped oil prices, see is the overhang above five-year early to say. The company already owns a stake in a refinery in China’s Fujian death the whole town and throws which yesterday were trading at average of stocks, about 300 million “Let us go to the freeze and see province along with Exxon Mobil Corp. and China Petroleum & Chemi- 6,000 workers into the unknown”, above $41 a barrel, up from a 12-year barrels. what will happen, then we will talk cal Corp. It’s still in talks with another partner, China National Petroleum said socialist politician Mehdi low near $27 in January, had bot- “If we are able to get rid of this about any other steps in the future,” Corp., to build a joint-venture refinery. Mezouri in Mohammedia just tomed out and would rise further if 300 million barrels, the overhang, he said. northeast of commercial capital Casablanca. For its part, the company web- site says SAMIR employs 1,200 people directly and 3,000 indi- rectly. SAMIR was established in Brazil business world bets on Rousseff exit 1959 and in 1999 merged with SCP, the Sherifian Petrol Company. It is 67 percent owned by the AFP economy plunged in its deepest reces- instability, but Brazil’s toxic combina- budgetary oversight or strong measures FIESP president Paulo Skaf. He then Saudi-Swedish Corral group and sion in 25 years, business chiefs have tion of runaway recession, inflation to escape the current crisis. slipped into a reverie about a Brazil has a refining capacity of 150,000 exuberantly welcomed new impeach- and debt — plus an explosive cor- “Every time Dilma seems close where it will be possible to “renew barrels per day. ment proceedings against the leftist ruption scandal centered on state oil to going down, stocks go up and the investment, job creation, entrepre- As Morocco’s only refinery, its RIO DE JANEIRO: The Federation of leader, who is accused of manipulat- company Petrobras — have the finan- country risk rating goes down,” said neurship, strengthening businesses.” closure would make the country Sao Paulo Industries is lit up in the ing the government’s accounts. cial world rooting for the downfall of Margarida Gutierrez, a professor of But Rees, of Capital Economics, entirely reliant on imports. At just green and yellow of the Brazilian flag, The Sao Paulo stock exchange Rousseff and her Workers’ Party. macroeconomics at the Federal Uni- was more circumspect. “We are not under 300,000 barrels per day, a giant black banner cutting across its leapt 6.6 percent Thursday, its big- “Investors seem to be betting versity of Rio de Janeiro. convinced that better policy-making Morocco’s petroleum consumption facade with a blunt message: “Resign gest gain in seven years, after the that the Workers’ Party and Dilma On Thursday, the Federation lies ahead,” he said. is Africa’s fifth largest, according now.” latest series of damaging setbacks will lose power, giving rise to better of Sao Paulo Industries (FIESP), an “Even if there was a change of to data from the US Energy Infor- The powerful industry group is for Rousseff. times,” said David Rees, an econo- umbrella group of some 130,000 busi- government, it’s not clear that any- mation Administration. not the only major player in the Bra- “The market is celebrating the mist and Latin America specialist at nesses, publicly came out in favor of one would have the ability to get Morocco’s government has zilian economy that is openly hostile end of this government,” economic consultancy Capital Economics. Ana- impeaching Rousseff. tough reforms passed, so the struc- said it will do everything possible to embattled President Dilma Rous- analyst Andre Leite of TAG Investi- lysts have been critical of Rousseff’s “Society wants a change. It wants tural problems in the economy could to recover unpaid taxes and pro- seff. With Latin America’s largest mentos said. Markets normally abhor economic policy, bemoaning a lack of the removal of the president,” said remain for some time.” tect the refinery’s workers. BUSINESS TUESDAY 22 MARCH 2016 25 Brexit could cost UK £100bn and 950,000 jobs

Reuters a CBI conference in November, when standards, economic growth and likely to be significantly and adversely lender would have to comply with they unfurled a banner reading “CBI employment would be significantly affected by new restrictions on cross- rules the EU deemed to be “equiva- The CBI said ‘Brexit’ - Voice of Brussels”. reduced compared with staying. border business,” the study said. lent”, or as strict as its own. would deliver a In its defence, the CBI last week Economic output could be cur- Many banks, including interna- Like , Britain would need LONDON: A British vote to leave the published research showing that 80 tailed by as much as about 5 percent tional ones such as JPMorgan, Morgan to be a member of the European Eco- European Union could cost the econ- serious shock to the percent of its members wanted to stay of GDP by 2020, or £100bn, it said, Stanley and Goldman Sachs, have nomic Area (EEA), which offers some omy £100bn ($145bn) and 950,000 British economy, in the European Union, while just 5 while even in a scenario where a free their European bases in London, the of the benefits of the EU’s single mar- jobs by 2020, according to research percent thought leaving the bloc trade agreement with the EU was EU’s biggest financial centre, and ket without being an EU member. commissioned by employers’ group regardless of any would help them. rapidly secured, GDP might still be would lose their “passport” under EU Unless Britain was in the EEA, any the Confederation of British Indus- trade deals the Britons will vote in an in-out ref- reduced by 3 percent. law to offer services across the bloc. replacement trade agreement would try (CBI). country could erendum on June 23 and are more Meanwhile, a study conducted “This ‘passport’ is key to the UK’s have the potential to restrict cross- The CBI said ‘Brexit’ would deliver equally divided than business, opin- for European banking lobby AFME, appeal for many non-EU financial border trading, the study added. a serious shock to the British econ- negotiate with its ion polls show, with about 40 percent said yesterday that banks in London institutions,” the study said. “There is likely to be a long period omy, regardless of any trade deals former European on either side and about 20 percent would be hit hard if Britain left the Campaigners who want Britain to of uncertainty after a vote to leave the country could negotiate with its undecided. European Union to trigger a long spell leave the EU say the UK could nego- as to whether these regimes will be former European partners. partners. The director-general of another of uncertainty. tiate favourable new trading terms available, which will affect mar- “This analysis shows very employers group, the British Cham- The 68-page study commissioned given the size of its financial centre ket participants’ business planning,” clearly why leaving the European ber of Commerce, resigned this month from law firm Clifford Chance looked and economy. They also argue Brit- said Chris Bates, a partner at Clifford Union would be a real blow for liv- a serious shock to the UK economy.” after he went public with his anti-EU at the potential impact of Brexit, or ain could write its own financial rules Chance. ing standards, jobs and growth,” CBI The CBI, which has said it will views, breaching the neutral position Britain voting to leave the EU in a ref- outside the EU. Exchanges and clearing and set- Director-General Carolyn Fairbairn promote the economic case for Britain adopted by his organisation. erendum on June 23. The study said the EU can grant tlement houses for securities could said in a statement yesterday. to remain in the EU, has been criti- The CBI, which mainly represents It is the latest warning that Brexit passports to non-EU lenders, which also be hit by new restrictions unless “The savings from reduced EU cised by anti-EU campaigners who larger British businesses, commis- would be bad news for the financial “could be an important mitigant they are recognised as “equivalent”, budget contributions and regulation say the business community is split sioned accountants PwC to examine services industry, Britain’s biggest allowing wholesale cross-border the study said. Last week Deut- are greatly outweighed by the nega- on the issue. two different exit scenarios based on tax-earning sector and which oper- investment services to be provided sche Boerse and the London Stock tive impact on trade and investment. Two hecklers interrupted a speech the likelihood of reaching new trade ates across the EU. in the EU”. Exchange said their plans to merge Even in the best case this would cause by Prime Minister David Cameron at deals. Under both, it said British living “Banks and investment firms are But to obtain a passport, a non-EU would not be derailed by a Brexit.

Vietnam’s economy Airlander 10 at risk without Aabar signs €3.6bn loan to reforms: IMF chief refinance debt

Bloomberg macroeconomic stability in an DUBAI: Abu Dhabi’s Aabar environment which is challenging Investments has signed a because the rest of the world is not €3.6bn ($4.05bn) loan of growing at the pace and the poten- five years duration which HANOI: Vietnam risks being vulner- tial we would like to see is quite will be used to replace sev- able to external shocks if it doesn’t remarkable,” Lagarde said in the eral of the state fund’s push through reforms to strengthen interview. “It has done very well in existing debts, it said yes- its banking system and restruc- terms of reducing poverty and it has terday. The transaction ture state businesses, according to not increased inequality, which often was arranged “on tighter International Monetary Fund chief comes with growth.” terms compared to pre- Christine Lagarde. Still, the nation’s economic expan- vious facilities”, it said The nation isn’t in a position to sion since 2008 has been slower than without detailing the loan’s withstand economic blows from tight- the two preceding decades and it has pricing. Nine banks pro- ening of monetary policies elsewhere, failed to match per-capita-income vided cash for the loan: a deep and prolonged drop in com- growth that the region’s most suc- Bank of America-Merrill modity prices and a slowing China cessful economies experienced similar Lynch, BNP Paribas, HSBC, without reforms, she said in a March stages in development, she said. Intesa Sanpaolo, JP Mor- 18 interview in Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam also needs to make gan, National Bank of Abu The Airlander 10 airship during its media launch at Cardington Airfield in , near Bedford, “The risk is that from being slightly greater use of exchange-rate flexi- Dhabi, Natixis, Societe vulnerable, Vietnam could become bility to soften the blows of overseas yesterday. The Airlander, which was originally developed for the US military, is 300 feet long, according Generale and Sumitomo very vulnerable to external shocks,” economic shocks and build exter- its British maker . The Airlander is essentially three streamlined airship-type bodies Mitsui Banking Corp. A fur- she said. “It would expose the Viet- nal reserves, she said. Reforming the merged into one with wings and rotary engines. ther, limited sell-down of namese economy and that would not nation’s state- owned companies and the loan to other banks, be good for the Vietnamese popula- resolving bad debt at banks will offset known as a syndication, tion.” Vietnam’s integration with the the aging of its working-age popula- was now in process, the global economy has driven growth tion that could be a future drag on statement added. and reduced poverty. The economy growth, according to Lagarde. is forecastto grow at 6.6 percent this “We believe the banking system Saudi urges foreign banks to disclose finances year, according to Bloomberg sur- needs to be made stronger, bet- Boubyan Bank veys, while Prime Minister Nguyen ter and more capitalized with less aims to issue Tan Dung has proposed raising the stressed assets in its balance sheets Bloomberg factors, two people with knowledge the region’s largest stock market. The country’s 2016 economic expansion so the banks can actually fuel the of the matter said. only banks which need to disclose $250m sukuk target to 7 percent from 6.7 percent. economy,” Lagarde said. SOEs need The disclosure will give insight into financial statements as of now are The nation’s poverty rate has better governance and to refocus on how much money banks are making the 12 publicly traded domestic lend- KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Boubyan dropped to 13.5 percent from 60 per- their core businesses, she said. DUBAI: Saudi Arabia is telling inter- amid a slowdown in economic growth, ers regulated by the Saudi Arabian Bank aims to issue sukuk cent in 1993 and its economic growth The country is also at risk with national banks to publicly disclose as well as the cost of employing top Monetary Authority. Entities licensed worth $250m before the is expected to be “solid” at more than public debt at about 60 percent of financial statements for the first time bankers. The country is one of HSBC by the CMA, as the investment bank- end of April, the lender’s six percent this year, Lagarde said in gross domestic product and with one as the kingdom’s regulator seeks to Holding Plc’s 19 priority growth mar- ing and markets regulator is known, chief executive said yester- a visit to the country last week, during of the world’s fastest-aging socie- boost transparency. kets, while Deutsche Bank AG said it include the units of international day. Adel Abdul Wahab Al which she met with the country’s top ties and a working-age population The Capital Markets Authority is posted its best-ever performance in banks and the investment-banking Majed told reporters of the leaders. Vietnam, which is in the proc- that is beginning to decline. “When requiring financial institutions it reg- Saudi Arabia last year. and securities arms of local lenders. plan after the company’s ess of a once-in-five-years political you have the combination of high ulates to publish the information on US banks such as JPMorgan Chase The CMA will be “more aggres- annual meeting. Bou- transition, now has one of the world’s debt and slightly declining working their websites from April 1, an offi- & Co. and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. sive” in implementing market rules byan Bank in January said most open economies, she said. age population, you need to be very cial at the Riyadh-based regulator also have a presence in the country, and pushing for greater transparency, it had received regulatory “Vietnam has done very well— careful with your macroeconomic said. Banks must also disclose senior the world’s largest oil exporter, the Chairman Mohammed Al Jadaan said approval to issue a capi- to have the ability to maintain stability,” she said. executives’ pay and significant risk biggest Arab economy, and home to last year. tal-boosting sukuk worth $250m. Majed added that the sukuk would allow the bank to fulfill Basel III requirements and cover its Axa insurance chief capital needs until 2018. $120m aluminium to step down rolling plant soon in Abu Dhabi

AFP from the board of directors on Sep- ABU DHABI: Dubal Hold- tember 1st, 2016,” AXA said. ing, Dubai Investments AXA, second in Europe only to and Singapore-based German giant Allianz, said its board industrial group MARS are PARIS: France’s biggest insurance had unanimously decided at a meet- investing $120m to build group AXA said yesterday that its boss ing Saturday to separate the chairman an aluminium rolling plant Henri de Castries is to step down, with and chief executive functions. in Abu Dhabi’s industrial a British newspaper saying he may Replacing de Castries will be free zone, a statement take over at banking giant HSBC. Denis Duverne as non-executive said yesterday. Emirates The Sunday Times, citing an chairman of the board of directors Aluminium Rolling LLC unnamed source, said at the week- and Thomas Buberl as chief exec- (Emiroll), as the joint ven- end that the AXA chief was favourite utive officer of AXA and a member ture will be called, plans to succeed current HSBC chairman of is board. De Castries has been at to manufacture 65,000 Douglas Flint after joining the board the helm of Axa since 2000 and led tonnes of aluminium coils of the British global bank, Europe’s the insurer’s refocusing on its core annually and expects to largest, on March 1. A spokesman businesses insurance and asset start up in the third quar- for HSBC in London dismissed the management, its expansion into ter of 2017.Dubal Holding report as “speculation”. emerging markets and the sale of and MARS will each hold “After 27 years in the group, and underperforming assets. a 35 percent stake in AXA Group Chief Executive and Chairman Henri de Castries (centre) with his successors Denis Duverne (left) close to 17 years as chief executive This led to a sharp drop in its Emiroll, and Dubai Invest- as non-executive chairman of the board of directors and Thomas Buberl as chief executive officer of AXA and officer, Henri de Castries, chairman gearing — or debt level compared ments will take the a member of the board, prior to a press conference at AXA headquarters in Paris yesterday. AXA announced and CEO of AXA, has announced his to share capital — which stood at 23 remaining 30 percent. that Castries would step down and also leave the board in September. decision to retire and to step down percent at the end of 2015. 26 TUESDAY 22 MARCH 2016 BUSINESS

QE INDICES SUMMARY QATAR STOCK EXCHANGE QE Index 10,444.93 0.29 % QE Total Return Index 16,729.36 0.29 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 3,943.94 0.22 % QE All Share Index 2,847.97 0.29 % QE All Share Banks & Financial Services 2,819.27 0.18 % QE All Share Industrials 3,083.22 0.20 % QE All Share Transportation 2,442.73 0.25 % QE All Share Real Estate 2,514.25 0.72 % QE All Share Insurance 4,620.41 0.85 % QE All Share Telecoms 1,129.29 0.61 % QE All Share Consumer Goods & Services 6,390.89 0.64 %

QE MARKET SUMMARY COMPARISON 21-03-2016 Today 20-03-2016 Previous day Index 10,444.93 10,414.65 Change 30.28 11.32 % 0.29 0.11 YTD% 0.15 0.14 Volume 9,611,767 10,507,727 Value (QAR) 359,957,771.02 414,860,033.45 Trades 5,122 4,830 Up 20 | Down 20 | Unchanged 02

WORLD STOCK INDICES Index Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low All Ordinaries 5224.896 -14.453 -0.28 5379.6 4762.1 Cac 40 Index/D 4453.82 -8.69 -0.19 4586.11 3892.46 Dj Indu Average 17602.3 120.81 0.69 18351.4 15370.3 Hang Seng Inde/D 20684.15 12.52 0.06 21794.84 18278.8 Iseq Overall/D 6179.01 -12.5 -0.2 6791.68 5611.89 Karachi 100 In/D 33022.87 -57.53 -0.17 33304.4 29785 Nikkei 225 Index 16724.81 -211.57 -1.25 18951.12 14865.77 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 2134.72 1810.1

EXCHANGE RATE Currency Buying Selling US$ QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 UK QR 5.2095 QR 5.2833 INTERNATIONAL MARKETS - A LIST OF SHARES FROM THE WORLD Euro QR 4.0797 QR 4.1376 COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME CA$ QR 2.7631 QR 2.8175 NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED Swiss Fr QR 3.7323 QR 3.7878 Yen QR 0.0324 QR 0.0330 A C C-A/D 1375.05 38 33546 F D C-B/D 177.7 -4.35 4350 Kalpat Power-B/D 195.95 3.8 4628 Til Ltd.-T/D 333.9 8.6 2649 Aus$ QR 2.7450 QR 2.7990 Aarti Drugs-B/D 481.8 2.7 6477 Federal Bank-A/D 50.35 0.45 148342 Kalyani Stel-T/D 156.7 0.1 14280 Timexgroup-T/D 32.3 2 39393 Ind Re QR 0.0543 QR 0.0352 Aban Offs-A/D 184.5 -1.75 178881 Ferro Alloys-B/D 4.35 -0.18 22051 Kanoria Chem-B/D 55.7 -0.35 6064 Tinplate-B/D 65.35 -0.05 16924 Pak Re QR 0.0344 QR 0.0352 Aegis Logis-B/D 99.85 -1.75 37778 Fgp Ltd-Xd/D 2.98 0.13 6500 Kg Denim-B/D 69 0.6 44102 Ucal Fuel-B/D 94.95 -1 24952 Alembic-B/D 35.8 -0.5 48836 Finolex-A/D 373.55 -6.4 13348 Kilburnengg-Xd/D 70 -0.65 7014 Ultramarine-B/D 114.2 1.2 6904 Peso QR 0.0778 QR 0.0794 Alkyl Amines-B/D 323 14 3262 Forbes-B/D 1170 -30.5 3503 Kinetic Eng-B/D 82.9 2.75 14399 Unitech P -A/D 5.14 0.07 7128650 SL Re QR 0.0247 QR 0.0254 Alok Indus-A/D 5.16 -0.23 2637901 Gail-A/D 362.05 -2.1 185074 Kopran-B/D 52.1 1.4 116390 Uppergsugar-T/D 86.5 5.9 55323 Taka QR 0.0461 QR 0.0470 Apollo Tyre-A/D 178.15 0.7 188832 Gammon India-T/D 11.15 -0.17 191087 Lakshmi Elec-B/D 355 1.5 4510 Nep Re QR 0.0348 QR 0.0344 Asahi I Glass-/D 142 3.75 10223 Garden P -B/D 21.8 -0.15 9130 Laxmi Prcisn-B/D 32 -1.25 2675 LONDON Ashok Leyland-/D 102.85 5.55 3431112 Godfrey Phil-B/D 1182.7 -2.15 22088 Lloyd Metal-B/D 16.75 -0.1 11640 SA Rand QR 0.2356 QR 0.2404 Ballarpur In-B/D 12.41 0.01 313360 Goodricke-B/D 166.7 0.4 20379 Lok.Hous&Con-B/D 4.7 -0.04 30833 Bata India-A/D 497 9.2 25826 Goodyear I -B/D 476.6 -2.2 2516 Lupin-A/D 1535.35 -23.55 466695 3I Group/D 453 2.5 291407 GOLD AND SILVER Beml Ltd-A/D 1068.3 51 52917 Hcl Infosys-B/D 42.15 0.05 465374 Lyka Labs-T/D 77.95 0.45 38967 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 3414 -6 77639 Bh Electronic-/D 1177.9 77.45 86754 Him.Fut.Comm-T/D 14.3 -0.2 2640149 Mafatlal Ind-B/D 224.3 -13.3 3039 Barclays/D 162.45 0.25 9991645 GOLD QR146.2852 per gramme Bhansali Eng-T/D 17.45 -0.5 282012 Himat Seide-B/D 201.05 2.45 58042 Mah.Seamless-B/D 140 -3 1756 Bp/D 354.9 -2.1 8532187 SILVER QR1.8590 per gramme Bharat Bijle-B/D 816 12.25 3449 Hind Motors-T/D 5.06 -0.01 33625 Mangalam Cem-B/D225.3 15.4 28188 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3970 -7 576081 Bharatgears-B/D 65.95 1.35 2546 Hind Org Chem-/D 13.53 0.33 22555 Maral Overs-B/D 25.75 0.75 1174 Bt Group/D 450.1 3.1 4317311 Bhartiya Int-B/D 465 -18.8 1116 Hind Unilever-/D 880.35 34.3 230877 Mastek-B/D 139.6 0.3 74111 Centrica/D 226.4 0.2 3183824 Bhel-A/D 111.95 -1.4 825007 Hind.Petrol-A/D 763.5 16.55 69758 Max Financial-/D 329 -4.3 9443 Gkn/D 291.9 -0.7 938873 Bom.Burmah-B/D 369.25 7.85 14615 Hindalco-A/D 85.95 0.85 1127298 Mrpl-A/D 57.15 -0.05 90346 Hsbc Holdings/D 451.4 2.6 11787142 Bombay Dyeing-/D 46.3 0.65 249569 Hous Dev Fin-A/D1152.05 24.4 153569 Nahar Spg.-B/D 92 1 16537 Kingfisher/D 350.5 -2.1 845549 Egypt index rises; Camph.& All-B/D 455 2.6 1260 I F C I-A/D 24.45 0.25 613733 Nation Alum -A/D 40 0.1 82612 Land Secs Grou/D 1094.315 -1 642315 Caprihans-Xc/D 82.2 2 3733 Idbi-A/D 70.2 3.05 1551830 Navneet Edu-B/D 81.95 0.4 8985 Legal & Genera/D 240 -1.2 4717442 most Gulf bourses Castrol India-/D 381.55 10.3 24143 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 330.95 -2.65 5766 Nepc India-T/D 1.55 0.03 13687 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 70.02 0.12 29453668 Century Enka-B/D 175.5 3.3 16404 India Cement-A/D 84.7 3.95 719430 Neuland Lab-B/D 605 2.5 6562 Marks & Sp./D 412.6 -4.7 1089081 move little Century Text-A/D 518.35 5.3 90035 India Glycol-B/D 87 -1.15 22636 O N G C-A/D 217.05 2.5 1071219 Next/D 6564.8687 -75 79020 Chambal Fert-B/D 53.85 0.9 55781 Indian Card-B/D 207.8 4 2750 Oil Country-B/D 25.35 -0.15 7796 Pearson/D 910.5 16 676233 Chowgule St-T/D 13.5 0.15 12406 Indian Hotel-A/D 97.95 2.6 71170 Onward Tech-B/D 64.8 -3.7 68845 Prudential/D 1377.5 6.5 1267261 Reuters Cimmco-B/D 74 6.75 22019 Indo-Tcount-T/D 932 -5.8 26565 Orchid Pharm-B/D 39.1 -1.4 128825 Rank Group/D 257.4 2 20600 Cipla-A/D 535.95 7.6 106279 Indusind-A/D 928.55 1.35 81754 Orient Hotel-T/D 20.7 -0.1 6299 Rentokil Initi/D 171.6 0.8 535054 City Union Bk-/D 90.5 1.95 111240 J.B.Chemical-B/D 250 1.5 6314 Orient.Carb.-T/D 489 22.7 1425 Rolls Royce Pl/D707.8425 -8.5 1610374 DUBAI: Egypt’s stock market resumed rising yester- Colgate-A/D 848.85 -1.75 143018 Jagson Phar-B/D 36.55 0 5718 Orient.Carb.-T/D 489 22.7 1425 Rsa Insrance G/D 471 0.3 578929 day after soaring last week in response to a currency Container Cor-/D 1198.55 51.1 29003 Jamnaauto-B/D 134.3 2.4 70636 Oudh Sugar-B/D 64.35 1.6 60455 Sainsbury(J)/D 276.7 3.5 5428346 devaluation, while most Gulf markets moved little as Dcm Shram Ind-/D 103.9 0.8 9544 Jbf Indu-B/D 180.6 1.5 45722 Punjab Chem.-B/D 132.8 1.9 4418 Schroders/D 2724 -26 96791 oil prices pulled back slightly. Dhampur Sugar-/D 81.85 -0.1 123807 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.33 -0.01 20700 Radico Khait-B/D 99.1 2.6 87400 Severn Trent/D 2141 0 95495 The Cairo index jumped 14 percent last week on Dr. Reddy-A/D 3182.9 12.5 26068 Jct Ltd-B/D 5.39 0.02 793388 Rallis India-A/D 175 0.5 15584 Smith&Nephew/D 1118 -2 392800 hopes that the devaluation would attract foreign fund E I H-B/D 104.15 0.4 3501 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 7.67 0.09 39427 Rallis India-A/D 175 0.5 15584 Smiths Group/D 1123 17 419830 inflows, helping to resolve the country’s longstanding E.I.D Parry-A/D 208.5 15.4 238223 Jik Indust-B/D 0.78 -0.04 2000 Reliance Indus/D 424.8 0.2 82151 Standrd Chart /D 496.39 2.35 4556474 foreign exchange shortage. Eicher Motor-A/D18372.45 -30.65 5265 Jindal Drill-B/D 128.5 4.4 1437 Ruchi Soya-B/D 29.8 1.35 104531 Tate & Lyle/D 558.5 3 154472 On Sunday, the index fell back 0.3 percent, and it Electrosteel-B/D 18.7 0 95397 Jktyre&Ind-A/D 83.3 0.55 333438 S Bk Bikaner-B/D 501 -0.65 8557 Tesco/D 198.25 3.4 5905533 dropped further early yesterday. But it rallied in late Emco-B/D 26.35 -0.4 5658 Jmc Projects-T/D 200 -0.3 30619 Saur.Cem-B/D 62.05 5.15 2844652 Unilever/D 3092.6 -4 711674 trade to close 0.4 percent higher at 7,494 points, the Escorts Fin-B/D 3.99 0 7187 Kabra Extr-B/D 83.9 -0.15 1078 Tanfac Indust-/D 26.5 -0.15 2347 United Util Gr/D 915 -0.5 212193 highest finish since early November. Trading volume Escorts-A/D 135 3.7 89645 Kajaria Cer-A/D 942 -7.8 1421 Tanfac Indust-/D 26.5 -0.15 2347 Vodafone Group/D 216.1 -1.25 9433298 shrank slightly, however, a negative technical sign that suggested the uptrend may be losing steam. Eveready Indu-/D 243.65 -0.7 13100 Kakatiya Cem-B/D 152.6 6.1 16289 Thirumalai-B/D 180 1 12719 Whitbread/D 3967 41 221256 Major gainers included real estate firm SODIC, which surged 5.2 percent; the firm has said it could benefit from a weak currency as Egyptians flock to real estate as a store of value. Food maker Edita, an exporter, climbed 5.6 percent. The Saudi index edged up 0.1 percent to 6,486 points, China stocks bounce falls flat in Europe confirming a break above its 100-day average, now at 6,464 points — a bullish technical signal for the medium term. Before Sunday, the index had not closed above the average since June 2015. Zain Saudi was the most AFP calendar at the beginning of short- the European markets,” he added. offer from China’s Anbang. Star- “Most Asian equities seem heavily traded stock, rising 3.5 percent to SR9, though ened Easter week,” said analyst The dollar made only small wood rose 4 percent after Marriott to be continuing their winning it came well off its intra-day high of SR9.50. Jasper Lawler at CMC Markets UK. gains against the euro continued upped its to bid to $13.6bn, com- streak,” added Deutsche Bank Dubai’s index fell 0.2 percent as builder Arabtec He added “investors are taking a to struggle against the yen after pared to the $13.2bn offered last analysts in a research note to cli- pulled back 3.5 percent. The stock had surged 6.8 LONDON: Europe’s main stock step back after US stocks recov- plunging last week in response week by a consortium led by Chi- ents. “Much of today’s... market percent on Sunday, ahead of the announcement that indices finished narrowly lower ered all of the year’s losses for the to the Fed — citing weakness in na’s Anbang Insurance. Shares in rally, while building on momen- it had won a $463m contract from the United Arab yesterday, failing to gain any first time last week.” the global economy — lowered Marriott fell by 1.2 percent. tum from last week, is also driven Emirates government. traction from a strong rebound After the turmoil that swept its outlook for raising borrow- Chinese equities surged after by the fact that policymakers Abu Dhabi’s index slid 0.4 percent as thinly traded in Shanghai due to a change of global trading floors in the first ing costs this year. authorities relaxed rules on bor- have loosened controls on mar- Abu Dhabi National Energy sank 6.4 percent. But tele- trading rules. two months of the year, March has Meanwhile, Wall Street seemed rowing to buy shares, but other gin trading.” communications company Etisalat edged up 0.6 percent In London, the FTSE 100 was seen a broad uptick with sentiment to be stuck in neutral. The Dow Asian markets struggled as oil Margin trading, through which after two days of heavy selling by local investors who down 0.08 percent at 6,184.58 boosted after the Federal Reserve was down 0.01 percent at 17,600.21 ticked lower. Tokyo was shut for investors only need to deposit a had built up holdings in the stock in anticipation of its points; in Frankfurt, the DAX lowered its interest rate hike fore- points in afternoon trades; the a public holiday. small proportion of the value of inclusion in FTSE Russell’s All-World and other indexes 30 was down 0.02 percent at cast last week. S&P 500 was down 0.08 percent Star performer Shanghai their trades, was behind a boom at the end of last week. 9,948.64 points; in Paris, the But with little data coming out at 2,047.94 points, while the Nasdaq climbed above 3,000 for the first that sent the Shanghai bourse up Qatar rose 0.3 percent as telecommunications CAC 40 was down 0.8 percent this week to provide any direction was down 0.03 percent at 4,794.41 time in over two months, mean- 150 percent in 12 months, before firm Ooredoo gained 1.1 percent, although Gulf Inter- at 4,427.80 points, while the EURO to investors, markets are likely to points. ing the bourse has now rebounded it plummeted from last June after national Services fell 2.0 percent. STOXX 50 was down 0.4 percent wobble before a long Easter break “The major averages are - by 13 percent from a January low. regulators moved to tighten rules Bank Muscat fell 0.5 percent to 0.366 rial, under- at 3,046.85 points. that starts this Friday. tially flat amid a flurry of M&A The Chinese market jumped 2.15 on the practice. In Shanghai, the performing a 0.5 percent rise in Oman’s index, after “It has been a choppy day in FXCM analyst Yoav Nizard deals,” said advisors at Wells Fargo, percent after authorities loosened Composite was up 2.15 percent it said 30.3m rials ($78.7m) of compulsorily convert- markets with stocks, bonds and said investors were booking in particular including Marriott rules on margin trading for the first at 3,018.80 points, while in Hong ible bonds issued in 2013 were being converted into oil all fluctuating between gains profits Monday. “The good per- International’s raised bid to acquire time since last summer’s collapse Kong, the Hang Seng was up 0.1 common shares at a price of 0.337 rial. and losses amid a thin economic formance of the euro weighed on Starwood Hotels, overtaking an in mainland markets. percent at 20,684.15 points. BUSINESS VIEWS TUESDAY 22 MARCH 2016 27

US on track for Philippines was a handy black record summer hole for bank heist hackers petrol demand

By John Kemp Short-term consumption esti- Reuters mates can also be affected by regular seasonal factors as well as one-off events such as snow storms, floods and hurricanes. HE United States will Petrol consumption estimates probably consume a appear to have been affected by record amount of petrol the severe Midwest floods and the in 2016, passing the pre- East Coast snow storm in January. Tvious peak set in 2007, and the Some analysts have suggested the prospect is helping lift crude oil current strength of implied con- prices. Recent data indicates the sumption is partly a statistical country is on track for its biggest- effect as refiners and blenders ever driving season this summer, push out winter-grade petrol into which will keep refineries run- the market before summer spec- ning flat-out turning crude into ifications kick in. the motor fuel. But the shift from winter-grade A rapid expansion in US pet- to summer-grade petrol occurs at rol consumption has coupled with the same time every year so it is strong demand growth in India not clear how it could account for and China, falling crude output unusual implied consumption in in the United States, and hedge 2016. Despite some volatility, the funds turning bullish, to send weekly estimates have told a con- crude and fuel prices surging. US sistent story of strong year-on-year motorists consumed 9.16 million growth in petrol consumption in barrels per day (b/d) of petrol in recent weeks. 2015, just 125,000 b/d short of the US refineries have been run- By John Chalmers and Karen Lema financial markets had shown no signs of dis- being hampered by the very strict bank record 9.29m b/d set in 2007. The ning hard to turn crude into petrol Reuters tress over the scandal, but added: “We have deposit secrecy law,” Central Bank Gov- US Energy Information Admin- to meet demand from motorists. to recognise there is a risk that is associ- ernor Amando Tetangco told reporters. istration (EIA) is still forecasting In almost every week so far in ated with this.” “Once the funds go into a bank deposit consumption in 2016 will remain 2016, refineries have processed Unknown hackers breached the com- account, that’s it. The trail turns cold.” slightly below the 2007 peak. a record amount of crude oil for N February 2013, the Philippines puter systems of Bangladesh Bank in early Sergio Osmena, another senator prob- On February 23, the EIA pub- the time of year. In the week to was up against a deadline to amend February and attempted to steal $951m ing the bank heist, has pressed for years lished a commentary titled “Motor March 11, US refineries processed its Anti-Money Laundering Act and from its account at the Federal Reserve to amend the bank laws. He made no gasoline expected to remain nearly 16m b/d of crude, up 15.4m get itself off the ‘grey list’ of a global Bank of New York, which it uses for inter- headway, he said, because secrecy suits below 2007 peak despite increase b/d in 2015, which was itself the watchdog, and lawmakers were bick- national settlements. Some attempted businesses that want to evade taxes and in travel”. But the agency has been previous record. ering over whether to include casinos transfers were blocked, but $81m wound can bribe lawmakers to resist legislative revising its estimates higher in US refineries ran at 89 percent Iunder the legislation. up in the Philippines. change. “I am quite happy that a scan- response to the extraordinary of their rated operable capacity in With one day to go, a Congressional com- Security researchers blamed malware dal like this has happened,” Osmena said, strength in demand exhibited in the week to March 11, up from 88 mittee heard repeated pleas not to hamstring and a faulty printer but said Bangladesh explaining he believes the Bangladesh recent high-frequency data. percent at the same point in 2015, an industry that could rival other Asian gam- central bank officials were also responsible case is the tip of an iceberg alerting people In December 2015, the EIA pre- 86 percent in 2014 and 81 percent bling meccas by obliging casinos to report because of weak security procedures. The to hundreds of money laundering crimes dicted petrol consumption would in 2013. Even with the refineries suspicious transactions. Finally, the senator bank’s governor and two deputy governors going unreported every year. rise by just 10,000 b/d in 2016. processing record amounts of chairing the meeting agreed “with a heavy quit their jobs over the scandal last week. In a March 2 report, the US State By January, it had upped its fore- crude for the time of year, petrol heart” to exclude them, a transcript of the Bangladesh said on Saturday that it had Department said only 49 anti-money cast increase to 70,000 b/d and stockpiles remain close to normal. proceedings shows. formally sought the assistance of the US Fed- laundering cases have been filed since in March, the agency raised the US stocks are equivalent to That same senator now heads a panel eral Bureau of Investigation. the AMLC began operating in 2001. The number to 90,000 b/d (“Short-Term 26.6 days of consumption, almost trying to fathom how $81m hacked last Public hearings on the heist in the Phil- number of prosecutions and convictions Energy Outlook”, EIA, December identical to the 26.7 days at the month from the New York Federal Reserve ippines’ Senate last week focused on the has been virtually nil. 2015 to March 2016 editions). same time in 2015, and only a lit- account of Bangladesh’s central bank wound manager of a Manila branch of Rizal Com- Recent efforts to include casinos in the The upward revisions come tle over the long-term average of up with two casinos and a junket operator mercial Banking Corp (RCBC). Her bank law have been held up because of forth- amid statistics showing gasoline 25.5 days. With demand ahead in the Philippines — and then disappeared. received the stolen money on February 4 coming elections and extensive lobbying demand already running at record of last year, refineries running at It is one of the biggest cyber heists in and transferred it to a foreign exchange bro- from the gaming industry, which the levels. In the four weeks to March seasonal records, stockpiles near history, and since the money trail has gone ker who passed it on in tranches, including report said was “a weak link” in the Phil- 11, implied consumption of pet- normal, and the summer driving cold in the Philippines, the perpetrators may $30m in banknotes that officials say would ippines’ anti-money laundering regime. rol averaged almost 9.4m b/d, an season on the horizon, refinery never be identified. The senator, Teofisto have weighed 1,500kg. “Money laundering is a serious concern increase of about 560,000 b/d com- processing seems set to ramp up Guingona, told Reuters after a public hear- A colleague of the manager testified that due to the Philippines’ international narcot- pared with the same point in 2015. substantially. ing on the case last week that fierce lobbying he saw her drive off in her car with 20m ics trade, high degree of corruption among Implied consumption, what the The prospect of record demand by the gaming industry over the law had pesos ($431,000) in cash from one of sev- government officials, trafficking in persons, EIA calls “product supplied”, was from US motorists for petrol, and left the Philippines one eral fictitious accounts to which the money and the high volume of remittances from more than 200,000 b/d higher than record demand from US refiner- of the world’s softest tar- was wired. The branch manager declined Filipinos living abroad,” the US report said. the previous record for the time of ies for crude, has helped drive both gets for money launderers, to give evidence in public. With ambitions to become one of Asia’s year, set in 2007, and 400,000 b/d spot prices and spreads higher. putting the financial sys- According to an Anti-Money Laundering gaming hubs alongside Macau and Sin- above the 10-year average. The Futures prices for petrol delivered tem at serious risk. Council (AMLC) document seen by Reuters, gapore, the government opened a tract consumption numbers reported in in June 2016 have surged 29 per- “It can wreak havoc on February 8 Bangladesh Bank sent RCBC of reclaimed land near Manila airport the EIA’s “Weekly Petroleum Status cent, from $1.15 per gallon at the on the economy,” he said. several messages via the SWIFT interbank for casinos. Two world-class resorts now Report” are estimates and subject to start of February to nearly $1.50 “Any money coming in communications network requesting trans- operate there, counting Chinese high roll- a range of sampling and non-sam- currently. US crude futures with and out of the country actions be stopped and the funds returned. ers among nearly half of their VIP clients, pling errors. the same maturity have risen by will come under scru- However, five withdrawals were made and two more are under construction. The weekly estimates may 23 percent over the same period It is one of the biggest tiny. People might just from the accounts in 73 minutes the next The Senate hearing was told $29m of be revised when data from more and are up 37 percent from their say ‘to hell with it, it’s not morning. When RCBC responded to the Bangladesh’s money was transferred to comprehensive monthly sur- low in mid-January. cyber heists in history, worth doing business SWIFT message later that day, all that one of these casinos, Solaire, owned and veys becomes available. But the The rise in spot petrol and and since the money with the Philippines’.” remained of the $81m was $68,305. operated by Bloomberry Resorts Corp. weekly estimates tend to track crude prices has coincided with The Philippines depends RCBC President Lorenzo Tan told the For Senator Guingona, the disap- the monthly estimates, especially a predictable strengthening of trail has gone cold in heavily on remittances Senate he could not discuss what hap- pearance of such large sums into casinos when averaged over a four-week the price spreads for crude and the Philippines, the from workers abroad, pened because of the country’s bank deposit underlines the weakness of Manila’s period to remove some of the refined fuels in the second half perpetrators may which account for about secrecy law, one of the world’s strictest and anti-laundering regime and could push short-term noisiness in the series. of the year. 10 percent of its GDP. a legacy of the martial-law era of President the country back into the ‘grey list’ of the never be identified. The country’s central Ferdinand Marcos in the 1970s. Financial Action Task Force (FATF). bank chief said last week “Prevention of ... money laundering is A plea for help: How China asked Fed for its stock crash play book

By Jason Lange and that the Chinese were often reluctant to about the major measures you took at the contours of the Fed’s 1987 game plan. Reuters engage at international meetings. The Chi- time,” Song asked the director of the Fed’s The July 27 plunge in the Shanghai Com- nese market crash triggered steep declines International Finance Division, Steven Kamin posite Index was the biggest one-day fall across global financial markets and within a in the July 27 email. since 2007 and by then the market had lost few hours the Fed sent China’s central bank a The message registered in Kamin’s nearly a third of its value over six weeks. Chi- ONFRONTED with a plunge in its trove of publicly-available documents detail- account just after 11am in Washington. Kamin na’s central bank had already cut interest stock markets last year, China’s ing the US central bank’s actions in 1987. quickly replied from his Blackberry: “We’ll try rates on June 27 in similar fashion to the Fed’s central bank swiftly reached out Fed policymakers started a two-day pol- to get you something soon.” What followed swift move to ease short-term rates in 1987. to the US Federal Reserve, asking it icy meeting the next day and took note of five hours later was a 259-word summary Song told Kamin the PBOC was partic- Cto share its play book for dealing with Wall China’s stock sell-off, according the meeting’s of how the Fed worked to calm markets and ularly interested in the details of the Fed’s Street’s “Black Monday” crash of 1987. minutes. Several said a Chinese economic prevent a recession after the S&P 500 stock use of repurchase agreements to temporarily The request came in a July 27 email from slowdown could weigh on America. Finan- index tumbled 20 percent on October 19, 1987. inject cash into the US banking system in 1987. a People’s Bank of China official with a sub- cial market contagion from China was one Kamin also sent notes to guide PBOC offi- The PBOC had increased cash injections in ject line: “Your urgent assistance is greatly of the reasons cited by the Fed in September cials through the many dozens of pages of Fed June and ramped up repurchase agreements appreciated!” In a message to a senior Fed when it put off a rate hike that many analysts transcripts, statements and reports that were in August as stocks continued to slide. The staffer, the PBOC’s New York-based chief rep- had expected, a sign of how important China attached to the email. All of the attached doc- PBOC also eased policy on Aug. 11 by allowing resentative for the Americas, Song Xiangyan, has become both as an industrial powerhouse uments had long been available on the Fed’s a 2 percent devaluation in the yuan currency. The July 27 plunge in pointed to the day’s 8.5 percent drop in Chi- and as a financial market. website and it is unclear if they played a role As Song and Kamin exchanged messages nese stocks and said “my Governor would like The messages, which Reuters obtained in shaping Beijing’s actions. on July 27 and 28, other Chinese authorities the Shanghai Composite to draw from your good experience.” through an Freedom of Information Act Kamin’s documents detail how the Fed were busy trying to contain the crash. Chi- Index was the biggest It is not known whether the PBOC had request, show how alarmed Beijing has began issuing statements the day after the na’s securities regulator said on July 27 it contacted the Fed to deal with previous inci- become over the deepening financial tur- market crash, known as Black Monday, was prepared to buy shares to stabilise the one-day fall since 2007 dents of market turmoil. The Chinese central moil and offer a rare insight into one of the pledging to supply markets with plenty of stock market and that authorities would deal and by then the market bank and the Fed had no comment when least understood major central banks. cash so they could function. By the time severely with anyone making “malicious” bets reached by Reuters. In a Reuters analysis The exchanges also show that while the Song wrote to Kamin, China had spent a that stocks would fall. In 1987, the Fed con- had lost nearly a third of last year, Fed insiders, former Fed employ- two central banks have a collegial relation- month fighting a stock market slide and tacted banks directly and encouraged them to its value over six weeks. ees and economists said that there was no ship, they might not share secrets even during many of the actions taken by the PBOC meet “legitimate funding needs” of their cus- official hotline between the PBOC and the Fed a crisis. “Could you please inform us ASAP and other Chinese authorities shared the tomers, according to Kamin’s email to Song. 28 TUESDAY 22 MARCH 2016 BUSINESS

BACK TO BUSINESS sight Why the global oil glut might Goldman Sachs holds fast to not fill swimming pools after all strong dollar call

By Grant Smith and Bill Lehane Bloomberg By Candice Zachariahs for the dollar, the Goldman ana- & Anchalee Worrachate lysts wrote. Their forecasts for Bloomberg Fed tightening would suggest a 15 percent appreciation in the NE of the warning US currency, they said. lights that there’s The market’s expectations for too much oil around OLDMAN Sachs Group the Fed are more subdued. Traders is no longer flashing, Inc, one of the world’s put the chances of a rate increase adding to signs that top 10 foreign-exchange in June at 39 percent, accord- global crude mar- traders, is holding fast ing to futures data compiled by Okets are finally on the mend. Just a Gto its bullish- dollar stance, Bloomberg. The odds of a single month ago, oil traders were weigh- unmoved by the currency’s 25-basis-point move by December ing up whether to park unwanted recent slide. Gains in the green- are at 68 percent. The calculation crude aboard tankers while BP Plc back against its higher-yielding assumes the effective fed funds rate Chief Executive Officer Bob Dudley peers yesterday showed at least will average 0.625 percent after joked that swimming pools might be some investors agree. the Fed’s next increase. needed to hold the excess. An index of the US cur- Policy makers last week low- Yet instead of offering bumper rency has dropped 3.4 percent ered their median rate projection profits, as in previous market gluts, this month, on track for its worst to two increases by year-end, stockpiling barrels on ships would performance since April 2011, as from four in December, citing result in a financial loss, just as it has a cautious approach to policy by the potential impact of weaker done for the past six months, in a sign the Federal Reserve prompted global growth and financial-mar- the current surplus may not be as big Macquarie Bank Ltd and Mor- ket turmoil on the US economy. as feared. gan Stanley to highlight the risk Hedge funds and other large Declining US oil production The losses from storage partly “nowhere near” enough to cover the about half the global surplus. Since of more dollar weakness. While speculators reduced bets on dollar coupled with disruptions in Opec reflect that hiring a tanker has cost, Ted Petrone, vice chairman of then, flow from Iraq’s north has the Fed signalled two interest-rate gains versus eight major curren- members Iraq and Nigeria have become more expensive amid robust tanker operator Navios Maritime started to resume. increases this year, economists at cies to the lowest since August helped revive crude to $40 a bar- demand for crude. Day rates on the Holdings Inc said on March 3. It’s a Trading houses including Vitol, Goldman predict stronger eco- 2014 in the week to March 15. The rel, leading the International industry’s benchmark route — to distinct shift from the market con- Koch Supply & Trading LP and Glen- nomic outcomes will force policy so-called net longs dropped to Energy Agency to conclude that the Japan from Saudi Arabia — advanced ditions prevalent a month ago, when core Plc, plus the in-house trading makers into three. 88,214 contracts, according to worst of the rout is over. Contrary to to $66,641, according to data from the Chris Bake, a senior executive at Vitol arms of BP and Royal Dutch Shell Plc, “The underlying case for the the Commodity Futures Trad- expectations that tankers would be Baltic Exchange in London. Group, said that with primary storage collectively made billions of dollars divergence trade is stronger, not ing Commission in Washington. needed, onshore storage hasn’t been That’s about 30 percent more than sites “pretty much full,” it was “proba- from 2008 to 2009 stockpiling crude weaker, given that a dovish Fed will Standard Bank Group Ltd pre- exhausted, according to Torbjoern a month earlier. In dollars-per-bar- bly a good time to be a vessel owner.” at sea. At the peak of the floating stor- spur US outperformance versus the dicts that the setback in the US Kjus, an analyst at DNA ASA in Oslo. rel terms, the cost of using the ships The biggest change between now age spree, sheltered anchorages in eurozone and Japan,” wrote Gold- currency’s long-term advance “There’s less going into float- to store for six months advanced to and a month ago is oil supply that’s the North Sea, the Gulf, the Singa- man analysts led by Robin Brooks, will be temporary. The Bloomb- ing storage rather than more in the $6.80 from $6.16 over the month, E been unexpectedly curbed. One pipe- pore Strait and off each the New York-based head of cur- erg dollar index is still up about past few months,” Kjus said. “Fun- A Gibson estimates. line linking the northern part of Iraq hosted dozens of supertankers. rency strategy. “Going up is hard 18 percent since mid-2014. The damentals are gradually improving. Yet the economics also give an to the Mediterranean Sea halted in The receding risk that storage to do, but the dollar will go up.” bank sees the greenback rising for The worst of the price rout was just insight into the oil market itself. Stor- mid-February, while another from tanks will overflow encouraged Gold- The dollar rose against 21 of 31 about another year, and strength- sentiment.” ing crude at sea becomes profitable Nigeria was hit by sabotage. US oil man Sachs Group Inc. in its view that major currencies yesterday, and ening to $1.10 per euro, 115 yen A crude trader would lose about when the spread between the current production is threatening to drop the worst for oil prices is over. was little changed at $1.1260 per and $1.38 per pound in the next six $7.6m if they wanted to park 2 million price and longer-term ones, known below 9 million barrels a day for the “Your probability of having a euro and 111.57 yen as of 9:45am months. “The greenback has not barrels at sea for six months, more as contango, is wide enough to cover first time since November 2014. containment issue, of blowing out in London. The Bloomberg Dol- become significantly overvalued than double the loss they would have the cost of hiring a tanker. From those three locations alone, storage, is starting to decline,” Jeff lar Spot Index was little changed, against other advanced-country swallowed in February, according to The gap between first and seven- combined output was restricted by Currie, New York- based head of com- after climbing as much as 0.3 currencies,” said Steve Barrow, data compiled by Bloomberg from month futures narrowed to $2.66 a about 1 million barrels a day com- modities research at Goldman Sachs percent earlier. The “underly- head of Group-of-10 strategy at E A Gibson Shipbrokers Ltd and oil barrel on Monday, down from $5.07 pared with a month earlier, according Group Inc said in a Bloomberg Tele- ing appreciation pressure is large” Standard Bank in London. futures exchanges. a barrel on January 29. It’s simply to data compiled by Bloomberg. That’s vision interview.

Customers expect Apple and other Capital technology companies to do everything in our power to protect their personal Apple CEO Comment information. Tim Cook

TOP TWEETS BLOGS AND VIEWS Market Talk Standard & Poor’s @ MoneyBeat standardpoors NAME IN THE MARKET: CHINA’S M&A CAPITAL FLOW #Energy sector #capex More airlines are backing off to decrease most in 2016 YOY, #consumer spending billions of dollars to durables to increase hedge against rising fuel costs most after getting burned by low oil Morgan Stanley @ prices. The speed of the 58% MorganStanley plunge in oil prices since mid- For US #Economy & 2014 caught the airline industry #Fed, 2016 May Be Déjà Vu All Over Again by surprise and turned some hedges into big money losers. Project Syndicate @ ProSyn Prospects for Afri- Wealth Adviser ca’s economy are promising, but policy- makers must take the right steps to sustain Nearly three-quarters of progress financial advisers surveyed by Fidelity Investments are Morgan Stanley @ concerned that the Labour MorganStanley Department’s coming #Healthcare spending in #China is expected fiduciary-duty rule will have to compound at a a negative impact on how faster rate than over- all #GDP growth in the they do business medium term www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAGE | 31 PAGE | 34 Derby win gives Patient Jason Van Gaal top Day wins title four belief at Bay Hill

TUESDAY 22 MARCH 2016 • 13 Jumada II 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar Final batch of gymnasts arrives in Doha today

Gymnastics Federation (FIG) in World Challenge Cup features the coordination with the International ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS participation of the world best gym- QGF President meets Gymnastics Federation (FIG), the CHALLENGE CUP nasts,” Al Boainain added. Qatari gymnasts event will be staged from March 24 On the other hand, the Organ- to 26. ising Committee of the 2016 World to motivate them The tournament will feature the and Farah Tariq to do their best in the challenge Cup will organize a press ahead of the 3-day participation of over 100 gymnasts event to feature the participation of conference at Aspire Academy on to event starting at from 33 countries including China, the world best gymnasts. present the star athletes to partici- Cuba, , , Swe- QGF Secretary General Moham- pate in the event. Aspire Academy from den, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Costa Rica, mad Al Jaber said that the event was The list of participating gymnasts Thursday , Finland, , Switzer- a real Challenge for the QGF since its includes China’s Zou Kai who claimed land, Syria, Turkey, Vietnam and hosts first edition 9 years ago. three gold medals at the 2008 Olym- Qatar. “From the first edition, the QGF pic Games in Beijing. He also won two The players to participate in the proved its ability to host the major more gold medals and one bronze at three-day event began their training events that why the state of Qatar the 2012 . A gymnast trains at The Peninsula sessions at the QGF Training Centre on the rights to host the 2018 World Brazil’s Diego Hypolito will also QGF Training Centre in Al Laqta District in Doha while Gymnastics Championships” Al Jaber be seen in Doha during the event. in Al Laqta District the official training hall of the tour- added. The Brazilian star gymnast won two in Doha ahead of nament at Aspire Academy will be The QGF Assistant Secretary bronze medals in World Cups in Japan Artistic Gymnastics DOHA: With only two days to go available for the participants from General and Tournament Director 2011 and China 2014. Challenge Cup before the beginning of the Doha tomorrow. Abeer Al Boainain said that Doha is The Women’s competitions will starting on Artistic Gymnastics Challenge Cup The QGF President Ali Al Hitmi ready to host the event to begin at feature the participation of Romania’s Thursday. at Aspire Academy of Sports Excel- met with the Qatari Gymnasts to Aspire Academy on Thursday. Catalina Ponor, Larisa Iordache and lence, the final batch of participating compete in the $50,000 event. “The participate of three Qatari Diana Bulimar. ’s Giulia delegations are scheduled to arrive in After the meeting, Al Hitmi said players in the event is a positive step Steingruber, IlariaKäslin, and Stefanie Doha today. that he motivated the Qatari trio of forward on the way to develop gym- Siegenthaler will also compete in the Organised by the Qatar Mahmoud al Saadi, Ahmad al Dayani nastics in the state of Qatar as the three-day event.

Qatar will face Hong Kong on Thursday in their last Group C match at 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha. Qatar ready for tough task in qualifiers, says Al Haydos

The Peninsula QATAR SQUAD first time,” Al Haydos said. “Our team includes a group of players that is mix Claude Amin, Saad Abdullah Al of young and experience. We have a Sheeb, Umar Bari, Khalifa Abu good coach in Daniel Carreno. Our DOHA: Qatar’s key striker Hassan Bakr, Mohammed Kasola, Bualem management provides us all that we Al Haydos said yesterday his team Khoukhi, Ahmed Yasser, Abdulreh- need to remain fit and march on in was prepared to face the next stage man Isa, Pedro Miguel, Mohammed our campaign,” Al Haydos said. Musa, Musab Khidr, Abdulkareem of the 2018 FIFA World Cup quali- “I think all the players keep Hassan, Khalid Muftah, Kareem fiers though admitting the coming thinking about qualifying to reach Buodiaf, Luiz Martin, Abdulreh- games won’t be any easier than the the World Cup finals,” he said. man Mohammed, Abdulaziz Hatem, first phase. Hassan Khalid, Ali Asad, Rodrigo “That’s a great motivation to do Qatar are top of Group C, Asian Tabata, Akram Afif, Majid Moham- well. We must do well because we Zone qualifiers, remaining unbeaten med, Sebastian Soria, Mohammed are the hosts of the 2022 FIFA World in six games under coach Daniel Muntari, Meshael Abdullah, Ismael Cup,” the key Qatari striker added. Carreno. Mohammed and Ahmed Alaa’. Qatar has already qualified for Second-placed Hong Kong visit the 2019 Asian Cup to be held in the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on March UAE and it has reached the third and 24 for their last Group C clash against any qualifying campaign have the final round of the qualification that Carreno’s Qatar. potential to move ahead. However, potentially lead to the 2019 FIFA Four days later, Qatar fly out to regardless of who we face, we know World Cup finals in Russia. China where they will play their last we will face a difficult task,” Al Hay- Meanwhile, coach Carreno qualifying clash of this phase. dos said in an interview. named his squad for Qatar’s next “Our team has been through a “It is a difficult task but not two games. very difficult phase in the 2018 FIFA impossible for Qatar,” the Al Sadd Carreno has included Rodrigo World Cup qualifying matches,” Al stalwart added. Tabata and Sebastian Soria in his Haydos said yesterday. “We can achieve the dream of squad for games against Hong Kong “All the teams who appear in reaching the World Cup finals for the and China PR. 30 TUESDAY 22 MARCH 2016 SPORT

Bangladesh urge ICC to lift Taskin’s ban

Reuters Council (ICC) said while announcing their suspensions. “We are not convinced about Taskin as of now. We don’t have any reason to be satisfied DHAKA: Bangladesh have appealed to crick- with the report,” Bangladesh Board SCOREBOARD et’s world governing body to lift the suspension president Nazmul Hassan told reporters on on paceman Taskin Ahmed, who was ruled out Sunday. “And that’s disappointing, so we have BANGLADESH Shane Watson (run out) 21 of the ongoing World Twenty20 in India due to appealed to the ICC. Mohd Mithun c Watson b Zampa 23 Steve Smith b Mustafizur 14 an illegal action. “They are going to sit down with a team of Soumya Sarkar c Maxwell b Watson 1 David Warner c&b Shakib 17 Taskin and left-arm spinner Arafat Sunny legal experts and will inform us of their deci- Sabbir Rahman c Faulkner b Watson 12 Glenn Maxwell st Mushfiqur b Shakib 26 were suspended from in interna- sion as soon as possible.” S Al Hasan c Coulter-Nile b Zampa 33 Mitchell Marsh c Shakib b Mustafizur 6 tional cricket on Saturday after being reported Bangladesh, who came through the qualifi- Shuvagata Hom lbw Zampa 13 James Faulkner (not out) 5 by match officials following Bangladesh’s ers to reach the Super 10 stage, lost to Pakistan Mahmudullah (not out) 49 John Hastings c Soumya b Shakib 3 qualifying match against the Netherlands in in their opening Group Two match last Wednes-

Mushfiqur Rahim (not out) 15 Peter Nevill (not out) 1 Dharamsala on March 9. day and next lost to Australia in Bangalore Extras (LB-7, W-3) 10 Extras (LB-2, W-4) 6 While Sunny’s elbow extension for the yesterday. Total (for 5 wkts in 20 overs) 156 Total (for 7 wkts in 18.3 overs) 157 majority of his deliveries exceeded the India and are the other teams Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-25, 3-62, 4-78, 5-105. Fall of wickets: 1-62, 2-95, 3-115, 4-119, 15-degree limit, not all of Taskin’s balls were in the pool with the top two advancing to the Bowling: Coulter-Nile 4-0-21-0; Watson 4-0- 5-135, 6-148, 7-152. found to be legal, the International Cricket semi-finals. 31-2; Hastings 3-0-24-0; Marsh 1-0-12-0; Bowling: Mortaza 1-0-9-0; Mahmudullah Australian batsman Usman Khawaja raises his bat after scoring Maxwell 1-0-12-0; Zampa 4-0-23-3; Faulkner 2-0-22-0; Al-Amin 2-0-14-1; Mustafizur 4-0- 50 runs against Bangladesh during the World T20 cricket 3-0-26-0. 30-2; Shakib 4-0-27-3; Saqlain 3.3-0-40-0; Shuvagata 2-0-13-0. tournament match played at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in AUSTRALIA Usman Khawaja b Al-Amin Hossain 58 Result: Australia won by 3 wickets. Bangalore yesterday. Khawaja heroics put Aussies back on track

Australia beat Bangladesh as Tigers slump to last slot in Group Bangladeshi cricket fans burn placards to express their outrage hours after global cricket officials banned the country’s top bowlers from competing in the World Twenty20 in two points table India. Scores of Bangladeshi cricket fans took to the streets of Dhaka on Sunday to protest against ICC’s decision to suspend bowlers Taskin Ahmed and Arafat Sunny on March 19 from bowling in international matches for illegal actions.

AFP Imran Khan wants India-Pakistan BANGALORE: Usman Khawaja hit a quick-fire half-century to help Australia to a thrilling Bangladesh fielder Mohammed Mithun bilateral series to resume three-wicket victory against (right) dives in an attempt to take a catch Bangladesh in their World while team captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza Twenty20 clash in Bangalore watches during their World T20 cricket yesterday. tournament match against Australia IANS The left-handed opener yesterday. smashed 58 off 45 balls as Aus- tralia successfully chased down Bangladesh’s total of 156 for five. Taskin Ahmed and Arafat Sunny Mahmudullah top scored for balls before being caught by ISLAMABAD: Legend Imran Khan (pictured) The victory puts Australia’s were suspended for illegal bowl- the Tigers, striking an aggres- Watson at deep midwicket off has said an India-Pakistan bilateral cricket bid for a first ever World T20 ing actions at the weekend. sive unbeaten 49, that included Zampa. Opener Soumya Sarkar series can help strengthen ties between the trophy back on track after the Skipper Steve Smith was seven fours and one six. was caught for one trying to two countries. top-ranked Test side lost to New bowled for 14 by Mustafizur Seasoned T20 campaigner slash a Watson delivery, only The World Cup winning captain said that a Zealand in their opening match. Rahman and David Warner Shakib also chipped in with 33 for Maxwell to take a stright- bilateral cricket series between the two neigh- The 29-year-old Khawaja was caught and bowled for 17 by off 25 balls, as Bangladesh des- forward catch at point. bouring countries was very important as it will whacked seven fours and one Shakib Al Hasan. Glenn Maxwell perately tried to notch up their Sabbir Rahman scored 12 benefit cricket boards of both. six before he was bowled by Al- was stumped for 26 off 15 balls. first points in the group stage. off 17 balls before Faulkner “A cricket series between the two countries Amin Hossain in their Super 10 James Faulkner hit the win- Shakib struck three fours took a diving catch off a Watson will be a great affair. This will benefit cricket Group Two match. ning runs with nine balls to and one six before being caught delivery in the sixth over at the boards of both,” Imran was quoted as saying Khawaja, born in Pakistan, spare. by Nathan Coulter-Nile off Adam Chinnaswamy Stadium. by BBC on Sunday. The 63-year-old, however, and Shane Watson put on a solid Bangladesh, demolished Zampa for the fifth wicket. Shuvagata Hom, rushed into said that as the Board of Control for Cricket in 62-run opening partnership by Pakistan in their first group Spinner Zampa, 23, spear- the side as one of the replace- India (BCCI) was already financially stable, a team’s loss against India in World T20 clash, before the veteran all-rounder match, are now unlikely to qual- headed the Australian bowling ments for Taskin and Sunny, was series would be more beneficial for Pakistan he said Pakistan team did not do justice with was run out for 21. ify for the semi-finals, sitting at attack by taking three wickets, lbw to Zampa for 13. Cricket Board (PCB). their talent. Bangladesh’s string of bowl- the bottom of their group with his first in T20 internationals, Bangladesh now play India “The PCB may spend money earned “If they had suffered defeat while fighting ers mounted a spirited attack two matches left to play. while Watson claimed two. on Wednesday also in Banga- through this way to improve its domestic there would have been no disappointment, but against the Aussies, after suf- After Australia won the Right-hander Mohammad lore, while Australia take on cricket,” he said. it is regrettable they lost in a one sided affair,” fering a devastating blow when toss and elected to field, Mithun struck a tidy 23 off 22 Pakistan on Friday in Mohali. Expressing disappointment at the national Imran concluded. Battered bowlers hoping for respite, says Ali

AFP bowler against South Africa but still have been a little bit smaller and the went for nearly nine an over and was pitches have been beautiful to bat on,” England’s Moeen Ali during one of those on the receiving end he said. “Hopefully the bowlers are a training session at Feroj Shah last Wednesday when Chris Gayle going to win us a game in the future.” Kotla cricket ground in New Delhi NEW DELHI: Spinner Moeen Ali smashed 11 sixes in a brutal century. Despite their victory over South yesterday. England will play their admitted England’s bowlers were “I have not enjoyed bowling in Africa, England not only need to win World T20 cricket match against hoping for some respite yesterday Mumbai so far,” said Ali after England their last two matches but must up Afghanistan on March today. as they lick their wounds after being arrived in New Delhi where they will their run-rate after losing to the West pummelled by South Africa and a play their next two group matches Indies. rampant Chris Gayle in cricket’s World against Afghanistan on Wednesday England’s batsmen were generally Twenty20. and the holders on Saturday. in awesome form against South Africa Although England are on a high “I think the (Delhi) wicket is but Ali, who has opened for the team after their record-breaking win going to be a little bit slower, though but now bats at seven, has missed out over South Africa on Friday, their I haven’t seen it so I don’t expect in both matches and warned against bowlers were once again clattered to the runs to be coming as quick as complacency towards Afghanistan. all corners at Mumbai’s Wankhede Mumbai.” “They are a very good side. We Stadium as the Proteas raced to a Ali said he and his fellow spinner saw yesterday they competed very huge total of 229. Adil Rashid had felt they “would well,” he added in reference to Reece Topley went for 33 in love to be bowling” on other pitches Afghanistan’s match against South just two overs while Chris which have turned sharply in the Africa on Sunday when the minnows conceded 49 in a three-over stint tournament, such as Nagpur where at one stage threatend an upset by against the South Africans whose India lost to New Zealand. reaching 105 for two while chasing own star bowler, Dale Steyn, was But he conceded it has been tough 210. subsequently carted around the for England’s quicker bowlers as well. “We are not going to take them ground. “I don’t think it has been very lightly... It’s a tough game but Ali was the most economic easy for the seamers. The grounds hopefully we can win in the game.” SPORT TUESDAY 22 MARCH 2016 31

Al Wakrah’s Sasha Al Saadi confident of Al Kharaitiyat’s resurgence suffers knee injury

DOHA: Al Wakrah have suffered a The Peninsula zone on 23 points. “It has been a dif- are under huge due to the big injury blow ahead of the final AL KHARAITIYAT EAGER ficult few months for the side, but I TO RETAIN QSL SPOT matches which will definitely lead to three weeks of the QSL season as feel that Kharaitiyat will be not be rel- injuries.” the club has confirmed key player egated,” said the club’s football head. Commenting on whose held Sasha will be out for at least two DOHA: Al Kharaitiyat’s Head of Foot- “I have huge confidence in my liable for the decline in the team’s weeks with a knee injury. ball, Abdel Nasser Al Saadi (pictured) players that they will battle in the Kharaitiyat could be missing some performance compared to last sea- The Argentine striker picked is confident his team will avoid rele- reaming three games in the league key personnel for the final games of son, Al Saadi concluded: “Everyone up the injury in his sides 1-0 defeat gation from the Qatar Stars League to save the side.” the season. is held liable for that. We can’t blame to Umm Salal in round 23 of the (QSL) with a display in the final Al Kharaitiyat will take on two “In the recent game versus Al one party over the other. Also we can’t QSL. rounds of the lucrative event. relegation rivals Al Khor and Al Wak- Gharafa, three players were Hassan blame the head coach Ammar Osim The injury will be seen as a big Speaking to QSL Online, Al Saadi rah along with a clash with Umm Abdel Fattah, Vivien Aquasy and Al given the fact that football a team blow for Mauricio Larriera’s side believed Al Kharaitiyat will bounce Salal in the final games of the sea- Mahdi Lekhmasi. All three of them sport and therefore we need the con- who are just four points away from back after tough months. son, games. will have medical tests in Aspetar in tribution of everyone for the success the QSL relegation zone. The Blue Waves grabbed a vital “Our destiny is very much in our the next days” he noted. of the side.” Sasha is set to miss the round point against Al Gharafa in round 23, own hands. We will show plenty of Commenting on the increase in Al Kharaitiyat will now rest for 24 clash against Lekhwiya and drawing 1-1. fight in these games,” said Al Saadi. the number of injuries for his side, Al four days, before beginning prepa- could be unavailable for the poten- The result leaves Al Kharaitiyat Reflecting on the campaign Saadi reflected: “We are at the end rations for their must win round 24 tial relegation clash against Al hovering above the QSL relegation so far Al Saadi pointed out that Al of the league season and the players match against Al Khor. Kharitiyat in round 25. Benitez looking for more D erby win gives Van points after derby draw

AFP little bit with better crosses, better deliveries, and being closer to him. He will score goals if we can do that,” Gaal top-four belief he said. NEWCASTLE: Newcastle United The North East rivals remain manager Rafael Benitez warned his in the Premier League’s relega- side that they need to start better in tion zone behind Norwich City and matches, after Aleksandar Mitrovic Crystal Palace, who were the chief Now we have more rescued a 1-1 derby draw against beneficiaries of the stalemate at St Sunderland on Sunday. James’ Park. home matches than The Serbian striker headed in Sunderland manager Sam away matches. We an 83rd-minute equaliser as the Allardyce admitted: “It makes life Magpies ended a four-match los- difficult for us. Norwich and Crys- don’t lose so much at ing streak. tal Palace will look at this and think Old Trafford, so we But Benitez, who was in charge it’s a good result for them. for just the second time since tak- “We are now in a position where have a big chance, ing over from Steve McClaren, knows we must have wins; draws are not says United manager that despite the boost of the late goal, going to be good enough for us, so further improvements are needed we have to win four of our last eight if his new side are to beat the drop. games.” “It was really important for eve- Sunderland, who had won the AFP ryone here -- from the first fan, to last six Tyne-Wear derbies, have the last one. Everybody needed a lost only once in six league games, goal like this and a reaction like but have been involved in too many that. Hopefully we can keep this draws and, to the frustration of their MANCHESTER: Manchester United momentum for the next games,” the manager, have been deprived of manager Louis van Gaal believes that Spaniard said. wins by late goals in their last two his team have a “big chance” of fin- “We know the players can do matches. ishing in the Premier League’s top better. We had to make substi- “It happened at Southampton four following their 1-0 win at Man- tutions in the second half which in our last game and has happened chester City. worked well. again here, so that’s four points United’s season looked to be on “Hopefully next time, I won’t thrown away,” Allardyce said. the rocks after they were knocked have to do so many changes and the “Put those points on the board out of the Europa League by Liver- team will be good from the begin- and we would feel safe. Now it’s pool last Thursday, but teenage striker ning until the end.” going to go to the wire. That’s the Manchester United’s players celebrate a goal against Manchester City during their Premier League match Marcus Rashford’s clinically taken Mitrovic, who suffered a head bottom line.” 16th-minute strike got them back on at Etihad Stadium in Manchester on Sunday. injury in the closing stages, could Allardyce feared the worst after track at the Etihad Stadium in Sun- emerge as a key player in the final Sunderland lost their attacking edge day’s derby. weeks of the season, according to in the closing stages and tried to As well as ending a run of defensive duo Vincent Kompany But the United manager’s ability to motivate his players. Benitez. hang on to the lead given to them four games without victory in and Nicolas Otamendi and Rashford selection problems pale in “I don’t think I lose any control,” “I said before that he has the by Jermain Defoe’s 44th-minute goal, all competitions, the result took gave stand-in centre-back Martin comparison to those troubling his he said. “The attitude of the team potential. We have to help him a and they paid a high price. United to within a point of City, who Demichelis a torrid time, streaking City counterpart Manuel Pellegrini, today (Sunday) reflects that they are currently occupy the fourth and final past him to score the game’s only who lost winger Raheem Sterling to all involved with what we want to do. Champions League berth, and Van goal. a groin problem and goalkeeper Joe “Of course it’s not the best way Gaal is confident that his team can With five goals in eight games, Hart to a calf injury. to finish the season, but I am happy outstrip their local rivals over the Rashford has taken to life at Old Pellegrini estimated that both with the attitude.” Newcastle United eight-game run-in. Trafford with an ease that belies his would be out for “three or four He showed a flash of annoyance manager Rafael “I have said that we must win 18 years of age, but Van Gaal batted weeks”, which would rule them when he was asked why City’s this game and we have done it, so I away talk that he has played himself out of England’s forthcoming current points tally -- 51 -- is so Benitez reacts am very happy,” said the Dutchman, into England contention. friendlies against Germany and the much lower than at the same stage during the Premier whose day had begun with fresh press “I don’t want to interfere and we Netherlands and potentially next of previous campaigns.“Every season League match reports linking Jose Mourinho to his don’t have to exaggerate neither,” month’s two-legged Champions is different,” the Chilean told his against Sunderland position. he said. “He is young. He is good, League quarter-final against Paris inquisitor, who he accused of a “lack at St James’ Park “Because otherwise the gap was otherwise I don’t let him stay and I Saint-Germain as well. of respect”. on Sunday. too big if they won or a draw (and the let him stay there. City’s fourth defeat in six league “I think we are talking in this gap) is still four points, eight matches “Last week there were questions games, and ninth in total, left them press conference about the game we to go, then it should be very difficult. why I let him stay in the media and 15 points behind leaders Leicester played against Manchester United. I “Now it is in our own hands. now I get the question that he has to City and they now have both United can’t explain. Finished. We have to win our games. We play in the national team.” and West Ham United on their tail. “If you have a (question) about have more home matches than Van Gaal said he did not know Pellegrini dismissed the the game, I answer you. If not, I don’t away matches. We don’t lose so whether captain Wayne Rooney will suggestion that with Pep Guardiola’s answer. You have all the right to ask much at Old Trafford, so we have be fit to return from his knee injury arrival as his replacement now what you want, I have all my right to a big chance.” City were missing after the international break. public knowledge, he has lost the answer what I want.” PSG title party gate-crashed by Monaco

AFP a penalty that was coolly converted after ballooning an acrobatic effort Unsurprisingly PSG pushed for- by Fabinho just three minutes later, as well wide. ward in numbers and, after Subasic PSG slumped to just a second league While Blanc’s men appeared to had brilliantly clawed away a Cavani defeat of the season, and a first at be resting on their record-breaking header, Ibrahimovic somehow con- PARIS: Monaco ruined Paris Saint- home since May 2014. efforts from last week, there was a trived to head the ball over the top Germain’s Ligue 1 title celebrations The victory is a timely one for hunger and desire about Champions from two yards out with the goal at as a clinical second-half perform- Monaco in the race for the top three League-chasing Monaco that brought his mercy. ance gave the principality side a 2-0 and the Champions League, as they the opening goal. It was not Ibrahimovic’s day, victory at the Parc des Princes on stay second in the table and now have Some quick passing released the league’s top scorer was left red- Sunday. the cushion of a six-point gap back to Lemar, who crossed low to the back faced again after volleying over an PSG wrapped up a fourth consec- fourth-placed Lyon. post to give Love a simple tap-in with unguarded net from point-blank utive league title in record time with PSG manager Laurent Blanc Trapp out of the picture. range. eight matches to spare by thrashing selected an attacking line-up, with Less than two minutes later and Monaco held on in the face of Troyes 9-0 a week ago, but they were Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Edinson Cavani, the principality side were gifted the heavy pressure to record a first win uncharacteristically flat in the capital. Lucas Moura and Angel Di Maria all chance to double their lead from the against PSG in over six years. After a drab opening 45 minutes starting on a night when the home penalty spot. Earlier, Hatem Ben Arfa’s latest it was the visitors who turned on the fans expected to party. Another horror-show in the PSG breathtaking strike set Nice up for style, as Vagner Love’s fourth goal for But they started slowly, and the defence culminated in Luiz pulling a 3-0 win over struggling Gazelec Monaco’s Croatian goalkeeper Danijel Subasic (right) reacts next to the club gave them a deserved 65th- hosts’ frustration at their lacklus- back Fabinho, and the Brazilian full- Ajaccio that keeps them right in con- Paris Saint-Germain’s Swedish forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic during minute lead. tre opening half an hour was clear, back picked himself up to calmly chip tention for a surprise top-three finish their Ligue 1 match in Paris on Sunday. A David Luiz error gave Monaco as Cavani thumped the turf in anger his spot-kick down the middle. in the league. 32 TUESDAY 22 MARCH 2016 SPORT

Serena slams World No.1 Djokovic fuels Indian Wells boss tennis money equality debate for remark AFP

Novak Djokovic from Azarenka After a pro career of INDIAN WELLS, UNITED Serbia is seen through STATES: World number one Ser- 13 years, the Serbian the trophy after he back into ena Williams ripped “offensive” star feels men’s tennis defeated Milos Raonic remarks by Indian Wells tourna- from during world top-10 ment director Raymond Moore, should get more prize their final match at the who claimed women’s tennis was money than women BNP Paribas Open in riding on the coattails of the men’s Indian Wells, California. game. because ‘it has more Djokovic won 6-2, 6-0. AFP “If I was a lady player, I’d go spectators’ down every night on my knees and thank God that Roger Fed- PARIS: Victoria Azarenka has erer and Rafa Nadal were born, returned to the world top 10 for the because they have carried this AFP first time since August, 2014 on the sport,” Moore, a 69-year-old back of her win over top-ranked Ser- former player from South Africa, ena Williams in the final of Indian told reporters as his annual state INDIAN WELLS, UNITED STATES: Wells on Sunday. of the tournament press confer- World number one Novak Djokovic A former world number one her- ence on Sunday morning. has indicated men’s tennis should self, the Belarussian has struggled Not surprisingly, 21-time get more prize money than women with injury and motivation over the Grand Slam champion Williams because it has more spectators as a last two years, but has been gradually was scathing in her response. new controversy over equality in the working her way back and her victory “Obviously, I don’t think any sport erupted. moves her up seven places to eighth. woman should be down on their After winning the Indian Wells She has won two Australian Open knees thanking anybody like that,” title for the fifth time, the Serbian singles titles (2012 and 2013), becom- Williams said. star said tournament director Ray- ing the only Belarusian player, male “If I could tell you every day mond Moore was wrong to say that or female, to win a Grand Slam singles how many people say they don’t women’s tennis is riding on the coat- title. Her other main achievements watch tennis unless they’re watch- tails of the men’s game. includes winning the bronze medal ing myself or my sister, I couldn’t Djokovic said women “fought for at the 2012 Olympics in London. even bring up that number,” Wil- what they deserve and they got it”. But Going the other way is Maria liams said. he added that the men’s Association Sharapova. The Russian is injured Williams said she quickly of Tennis Professionals (ATP) “should on the men’s tennis matches. director Moore who apologised for those remarks, and apologize to all and under the cloud of a failed drug became aware of Moore’s remarks fight for more.” “I think that’s one of the ... reasons his comments about the women’s the players and WTA as a whole. test and she has fallen out of the top 10 via social media, even though she “I think that our men’s tennis why maybe we should get awarded game after he was slammed as being “I am truly sorry for my remarks,” for the first time since January, 2011. was busy Sunday morning prepar- world, ATP world, should fight for more.” “offensive” by women’s number one he added. Elsewhere Agnieszka Radwanska ing to meet Victoria Azarenka in more, because the stats are showing Djokovic was one of a number Serena Williams. But Williams, who lost in straights is back up to second place thanks to the women’s final, which the Bela- that we have much more spectators of players to question tournament “If I was a lady player, I’d go down to Victoria Azarenka of Belarus in the her run into the semi-finals at Indian rusian won in straight sets every night on my knees and thank women’s final, lambasted Moore. Wells, but she trails well behind the A swift backlash to Moore’s TOP EARNERS IN MEN’S TENNIS God that Roger Federer and Rafa “You know, there’s only one dominant Williams. comments, which also included Nadal were born, because they have way to interpret that,” she said. “Get remarks on the physical attractive- Rank Player Overall earnings 2015 earnings carried this sport,” Moore, a 69-year- on your knees, which is offensive WTA WORLD TOP 20 ness of some of the WTA’s rising 1 Roger Federer $97.3m $8.69m old former player from South Africa, enough, and thank a man ... we, as 1. Serena Williams (USA) 9,505 pts stars, had him issuing an apology 2 Novak Djokovic $94m $21.6m told reporters as his annual press con- women, have come a long way. We 2. Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) 5,775 (+1) even before the men’s Masters final 3 Rafael Nadal $75.8m $4.50m ference on Sunday morning. shouldn’t have to drop to our knees 3. Angelique Kerber (GER) 5,700 (-1) between Novak Djokovic and Milos Williams was scathing in her at any point.” Raonic was completed. 4 Pete Samras $43.2m Retired 4. Garbine Muguruza (ESP) 4,776 response. Williams said she was surprised “At my morning breakfast with 5 Andy Murray $42.4m $8.2m “Obviously, I don’t think any to find the gender controversy still 5. Simona Halep (ROM) 3,960 the media, I made comments about 6 Andre Agassi $31.1m Retired woman should be down on their being raised in a sport has pioneered 6. Carla Suarez (ESP) 3,800 the WTA that were in extremely 7 David Ferrer $28.3m $3.6m knees thanking anybody like that,” equal compensation for women 7. Petra Kvitova (CZE) 3,698 (+2) poor taste and erroneous,” Moore 8 Boris Becker $25.0m Retired she said. competitors -- sometimes over the 8. Viktoria Azarenka (BLR) 3,595 (+7) said in a statement. 9 Yevgeny Kafelnikov $23.8m Retired “If I could tell you every day how objections of their male players. 9. Roberta Vinci (ITA) 3,540 (+1) “I am truly sorry for those many people say they don’t watch “Last year the women’s final at the remarks, and apologise to all the 10 Tomas Berdych $23.8m $3.75m tennis unless they’re watching myself US Open sold out well before the men. 10. Belinda Bencic (SUI) 3,450 (-2) players and WTA as a whole. 11 Ivan Lendl $21.2m Retired or my sister, I couldn’t even bring up I’m sorry, did Roger play in that final 11. Maria Sharapova (RUS) 3,442 (-4) “We had a women’s final today 12 Stan Wawrinka $20.9m $6.54m that number,” Williams said. or Rafa or any man play in that final 12. Flavia Pennetta (ITA) 3,153 (-1) that reflects the strength of the 13 Lleyton Hewitt $20.7m $264,279 There was a swift backlash that was sold out before the men’s 13. Venus Williams (USA) 3,092 (-1) players, especially Serena and Vic- 14 Andy Roddick $20.6m $2.640 (Doubles) to Moore’s comments, which also final? I think not.” 14. Karolina Pliskova (CZE) 2,795 (+5) toria, and the entire WTA. Again, included remarks on the physical US great Billie Jean King, a tire- I am truly sorry for my remarks.” 15 Stefan Edberg $20.6m Retired attractiveness of some rising WTA less promoter of equal opportunity for 15. Lucie Safarova (CZE) 2,768 (-2) But Williams said there was no 16 Goran Ivanisevic $19.8m Retired stars. women in sport, said on Twitter that 16. Elina Svitolina (UKR) 2,695 (-2) mistaking their meaning. 17 Michael Chang $19.1m Retired “At my morning breakfast with she was “disappointed” in Moore’s 17. Ana Ivanovic (SRB) 2,531 (+1) “You know, there’s only one 18 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga $16.6 $2.22m the media, I made comments about remarks. 18. Sara Errani (ITA) 2,530 (-2) way to interpret that,” she said. 19 Nikolay Davydenko $16.1 Retired the WTA that were in extremely poor “He is wrong on so many levels,” 19. Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) 2,480 (-2) “Get on your knees, which is offen- taste and erroneous,” Moore said in King wrote. sive enough, and thank a man ... 20 Juan Martin Del Potro $15.3 $23,475 20. Timea Bacsinszky (SUI) 2,345 (+1) a statement. “I am truly sorry for we, as women, have come a long way. We shouldn’t have to drop to our knees at any point.” Williams acknowledged that she was surprised to find gender- Azarenka shocks Williams related controversy continuing to crop up in a sport that has pio- neered equal compensation for women competitors -- sometimes over the objections of their male in Indian Wells final counterparts. Victoria Azarenka “Last year the women’s final at of Belarus poses the US Open sold out well before AFP with the trophy Azarenka got two early breaks “I was more aggressive. I started the men. I’m sorry, did Roger play at the beginning of both sets against to use my serve the way I wanted to in that final or Rafa or any man and the flag of Williams before closing out the match use my serve. play in that final that was sold out Belarus following INDIAN WELLS: Victoria Azarenka in front of a crowd of about 15,000 on “Having that big goal in mind and before the men’s final? I think not.” her victory over stunned world number one Serena the main stadium court when Wil- going after it, that’s something that Williams invoked US great Bil- Serena Williams Williams 6-4, 6-4 on Sunday to cap- liams sailed yet another forehand makes the momentum shift on the lie Jean King, a tireless promoter of US in their ture her second Indian Wells crown long. big stages.” of equal opportunity for women in final match at and a 19th career singles title. Azarenka held serve in the first With the victory Azarenka will sport and beyond. the BNP Paribas Azarenka blasted five aces while set to take a 2-0 lead that the erratic also return to the top 10 in the world Novak Djokovic, fresh from Open in Indian Williams was undone by 33 unforced American couldn’t dent. for the first time since 2014, moving claiming a fifth Indian Wells title Wells, California. errors and five double faults in the Williams even got caught stand- up to number eight. on Sunday afternoon, acknowl- Azarenka won the 88-minute championship of the joint ing still and admiring a shot at game Runner-up Williams, winner of 21 edged that Moore’s comments were match 6-4,6-4. WTA and ATP Tour hardcourt event. point in the eighth game, allowing Grand Slam titles, collected $500,000 “not politically correct” but added “Definitely not the game plan,” Azarenka to hit a slow forehand win- for her efforts over the week. the matter “was maybe exagger- Williams said. ner into the open court. But she was unable to close the ated a little bit”. “I think I probably was trying to Out of sorts to start the second book on the darkest chapter in her Djokovic said he has “tre- hit through nerves. set, Williams quickly found herself tennis career which took place when mendous respect” for women in “I was talking to Patrick (Mour- in an 0-3 hole, smashing her racquet she beat Kim Clijsters in the 2001 tennis, especially as they have atoglou, her coach) and he said he’s on the ground after dropping serve in Indian Wells final. to “go through a lot of different never seen me play that flat.” the third game before tossing it back- Last year’s semi-final injury things that we (men) don’t have Azarenka, a former world number wards over her shoulder. withdrawal cut short Williams’ first to go through. You know, the hor- one now ranked 15th after battling She briefly came to life to regain Indian Wells campaign since the Cli- mones and different stuff.” injuries, has been a thorn in the side one break, but was unable to mount jsters’ match, when spectators booed Azarenka said men rarely find of Williams over the years and she a charge. her during the final and jeered her themselves the subject of insult- became the first player to deny the Azarenka duly served out the sister, Venus, and father Richard Wil- ing remarks -- whether they were 34-year-old Williams a trophy on four match, adding a second title to the liams after the pair arrived to watch intended as such or not. occasions. Indian Wells crown she captured the match. “I think it’s something that we Heading into the contest Azarenka in 2012 and earning $1.02m for the Richard Williams said he heard have to work through as women,” and Serena’s sister, Venus, were the victory. racial comments. she said. “Men don’t get those com- only players to have beaten Williams “Feels good just to see the work That sparked a lengthy boycott ments. I think it’s still a problem three times in finals. that I have put in and it’s paying off,” by both Williams sisters with Serena in the world,” Azarenka added. The 13th seeded Azarenka also Azarenka said. returning in 2015 and Venus making “It’s not just in sports. It’s in busi- thwarted Williams’ bid to become the “Just everything that I have been her long-awaited return this year ness. We try to talk about the first three-time winner of the Indian through in the last years, it makes it but losing to a qualifier in her open- equality. Sometimes it just gets Wells women’s title. more special. ing match. unrecognized.” SPORT TUESDAY 22 MARCH 2016 33 Americans dominate on the final day

The host country WORLD INDOOR picks up five gold Coe keen to save CHAMPIONSHIPS medals on the last RESULTS day of the World Indoor Athletics kids programme Portland: Leading results here Sunday from finals at the World Indoor Athletics Championships at Championships the Oregon Convention Centre: Reuters MEN 1,500M 1. Matthew Centrowitz (USA) 3:44.22 AFP PORTLAND: The IAAF will not let Nestle walk away from an agreement 2. Jakub Holusa (CZE) 3:44.30 that benefits millions of young people 3. Nicholas Willis (NZL) 3:44.37 and trainers without a fight, athletics 4. Robby Andrews (USA) 3:44.77 PORTLAND: The United States won chief Sebastian Coe (pictured) said. 5. Dawit Wolde (ETH) 3:44.81 five gold medals as the host nation The Swiss food giant said last 6. Aman Wote (ETH) 3:44.86 dominated the final day of the World month it would end its partnership Indoor Athletics Championships on with the International Association 7. Vincent Kibet (ITA) 3:45.17 Sunday to complete their best ever of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Kids 8. Chris O’Hare (GBR) 3:46.50 showing in the event. Athletics programme because of 9. Ayanleh Souleiman (DJI) 3:53.69 American athletes won gold in the widespread allegations of corruption 3,000M men’s and women’s 4x400m relays, and bribery in the sport. 1. Yomif Kejelcha (ETH) 7:57.21 the men’s 1,500m, the men’s long An independent commission of jump and women’s high jump as the the World Anti-Doping Agency said 2. Ryan Hill (USA) 7:57.39 first major championships since Rus- in a report that “corruption was 3. Augustine Kiprono Choge (KEN) 7:57.43 sia was banned from track and field embedded” at the IAAF. 4. Abdalaati Iguider (MAR) 7:58.04 came to a close. The report said a clique run by 5. Caleb Mwangangi Ndiku (KEN) 7:58.81 The four-day event wrapped up former IAAF president Lamine Diack termination,” he said in an 6. Lee Emanuel (GBR) 8:00.70 before a sell-out crowd of 7,191 at the covered up organised doping and interview at the IAAF world indoor Oregon Convention Center, with the blackmailed athletes while senior championships that ended on Sunday. 7. Paul Kipkemoi Chelimo (USA) 8:00.76 host nation finishing on top of the officials looked the other way. “They were not a global partner,” 8. Isiah Kiplangat Koech (KEN) 8:01.70 medal table with 13 golds, six silver Diack is under formal the former British Olympic champion 9. Mohammed Ahmed (CAN) 8:07.96 and four bronze. investigation in France on suspicion said. “This was actually removing the 10. Youssouf Hiss Bachir (DJI) 8:08.87 Ethiopia -- whose athletics feder- of corruption and money-laundering opportunity for thousands of young 60M HURDLES ation was warned earlier this month linked to concealing positive drug people, millions of young people they could be banned unless they tests, in concert with Russian officials. across 15 different countries, and in 1. Omar McLeod (JAM) 7.41 improve its anti-doping regime -- Coe disputed Nestle’s move. the space of one year removing the 2. Pascal Martinot-Lagarde (FRA) 7.46 finished second in the medal after “We saw no justification in ability to coach and train three-four 3. Dimitri Bascou (FRA) 7.48 winning two golds on the final day. the way they went about their thousand coaches and trainers.” 4. Jarret Eaton (USA) 7.50 Ethiopian star Genzebe Dibaba Nestle said in its February state- 5. Spencer Adams (USA) 7.64 successfully defended her 3,000m ment that it believed the allegations THE MEDALS TABLE 6. Balázs Baji (HUN) 7.65 crown, a third consecutive gold medal against the IAAF “could negatively at the world indoor championships Portland: Medals table from 2016 World Indoor impact our reputation and image 7. Eddie Lovett (ISV) 7.75 after her victories in the 1,500m in Athletics Championships. and (we) will therefore terminate 8. Shane Brathwaite (BAR) 7.88 Marquis Dendy of the 2012 and 3,000m two years ago in G S B Total our existing agreement with the IAAF, 4X400M RELAY Sopot, . US after winning the United States 13 6 4 23 established in 2012.” gold medal in the men’s 1. United States (Clemons, Smith, Giest- Dibaba powered home around Ethiopia 2 2 1 5 Coe reacted strongly to the termi- ing, Norwood) 3:02.45 50 meters clear of her nearest rival, long jump final at the nation at the time and he promised in France 1 1 2 4 2. Bahamas compatriot Meseret Defar, clocking a IAAF World Indoor the Portland interview to continue to time of 8min 47.43sec, with Shannon Championships in 1 1 1 3 fight for the programme. (Mathieu, Russell, Hart, Brown) 3:04.75 Rowbury of the United States taking Portland, Oregon, US. Burundi 1 1 0 2 “I am still slightly bemused by 3. Trinidad and Tobago bronze. Netherlands 1 1 0 2 the decision given that their issue is (Solomon, Gordon, Alleyne-Forte, Len- Earlier, Dibaba’s compatriot Yomif 1 1 0 2 about reputation, yet at the height of dore) 3:05.51 Kejelcha won the men’s 3,000m, com- New Zealand 1 0 2 3 the Lance Armstrong issue they re- 4. Jamaica 3:06.02 ing home in 7:57.21 to deny Ryan Hill third. Zealand. “It’s my first gold medal signed with the Tour de France. You 5. Nigeria 3:08.55 of the United States, who took silver. Cunningham -- the daughter on any championship stage, so I’m China 1 0 1 2 were left being a little confused by ’s Augustine Choge won bronze. of legendary Philadelphia Eagles very excited about it,” Centrowitz Bahrain 1 0 0 1 their motives,” he said. 6. Belgium 3:09.71 Dibaba, meanwhile, frowned quarterback Randall Cunningham said. “Then to not only have it on US Canada 1 0 0 1 The BBC has reported German LONG JUMP when asked about the drugs scourge -- only competed in Portland after soil, but my home city, it’s kind of a 1 0 0 1 sportswear company Adidas AG will 1. Marquis Dendy (USA) 8.26m swirling around track and field since receiving a special invitation from double-whammy.” Venezuela 1 0 0 1 also end its sponsorship deal with the 2. Fabrice Lapierre (AUS) 8.25 revelations of systemic doping in track and field’s governing body, the IAAF officials, meanwhile, IAAF almost four years early. 3. Huang Changzhou (CHN) 8.21 Russia which led to the country’s International Association of Athletics reported a total attendance of 39,283 Germany 0 2 1 3 Coe said though, “Adidas is stay- suspension. Federations (IAAF). over four days of competition, with Ukraine 0 2 1 3 ing with us through 2016 and we will 4. Jeff Henderson (USA) 8.19 “Doping is not good news for our However, the high school student several sessions selling out. Great Britain 0 1 2 3 keep talking to them.” 5. Rushwal Samaai (RSA) 8.18 sport, doping is no good for athletes,” showed no signs of being overawed IAAF President Sebastian Coe said Poland 0 1 2 3 He said he had spent a lot of time 6. Daniel Bramble (GBR) 8.14 said Dibaba, before reflecting on her by the occasion as she comfortably the attendances showed athletics was Romania 0 1 1 2 the past two months speaking to glo- 7. Emiliano Lasa (URU) 7.94 win. cleared the first four heights with her on the road to recovery after months bal partners, taking them through Australia 0 1 0 1 8. Wang Jianan (CHN) 7.93 “I’m so happy, it’s my third world first attempt on each. of scandal. the reform agenda he has initiated to 9. Kafetien Gomis (FRA) 7.88 indoor medal already. It was easy “I did not think that I would “Nobody is denying the challenges Bahamas 0 1 0 1 bring trust back to the sport. for me because the field was not that be here right now at 18 years old,” that lie ahead to regain trust but this Spain 0 1 0 1 “We take it very seriously and 10. Radek Juska (CZE) 7.88 strong.” Cunningham said. “It means a lot to has been a pretty good start,” Coe Hungary 0 1 0 1 in a large part, overwhelmingly in WOMEN Sunday’s action also confirmed be the world champion this young.” said. Qatar 0 1 0 1 large part, they (sponsors) actually 800M the emergence of a rising star in track American distance runner Reflecting on the absence of normally concluded they want to be Serbia 0 1 0 1 1. Francine Niyonsaba (BDI) 2:00.01 and field, with American teenager Matthew Centrowitz, a silver Russian athletes, Coe added: “It’s a sad part of the change process,” said Coe, 2. Ajee Wilson (USA) 2:00.27 Vashti Cunningham taking gold in medallist at the 2013 World moment for our sport ... but it hasn’t Greece 0 0 2 2 who became president of the IAAF in the women’s high jump. Championships in Moscow, drew stopped this from being a fantastic Kenya 0 0 2 2 August. “I have said, help us do this. 3. Margaret Nyairera Wambui (KEN) 2:00.44 Cunningham, still only 18, won one of the biggest cheers of the day athletic experience for spectators and Trinidad&Tobago 0 0 2 2 You are world-class businesses,” Coe 4. Laura Roesler (USA) 2:00.80 gold with a leap of 1.96m ahead of with victory in the 1,500m, winning athletes alike. Barbados 0 0 1 1 said. “You’ve had your own difficult Ruth Beitia of Spain in second place in 3:44.22 ahead of Czech Jakub “It shows you that the sport is still times too in your own histories, now 5. Aníta Hinriksdóttir (ISL) 2:02.58 Croatia 0 0 1 1 and Poland’s Kamila Licwinko in Holusa and Nicholas Willis of New very strong.” help us shape this.” 6. Habitam Alemu (ETH) 2:04.61 3,000M 1. Genzebe Dibaba (ETH) 8:47.43 2. Meseret Defar (ETH) 8:54.26 Brave Ethiopians work hard for gold glory 3. Shannon Rowbury (USA) 8:55.55 4. Maureen Koster (NED) 8:56.44 5. Abbey D’agostino (USA) 8:58.40 Reuters testing programme put in place,” 6. Stephanie Twell (GBR) 9:00.38 Coe said. “Kenya, Ukraine and Bela- 7. Betsy Saina (KEN) 9:01.86 rus need to get compliant by the end 8. Betlhem Desalegn (UAE) 9:03.30 PORTLAND: Ethiopia, one of five of the year.” 9. Jessica O’Connell (CAN) 9:05.71 countries under the watchful eye of The countries are in no immediate 10. Nancy Chepkwemoi (KEN) 9:07.63 the IAAF over concern for their drug- danger of being banned from athletics testing systems, dominated the long and missing the Olympics, Coe said. 4x400m relay races to finish second at the world But six Ethiopian athletes are 1. United States (Hastings, Hayes, Okolo, indoor championships that ended on being investigated for doping, offi- Spencer) 3:26.38 Sunday. cials have said. 2. Poland (Ptak, Holub, Gorzkowska, Swi- Led by world record holder Gen- Ethiopian-born Swede Abeba ety) 3:31.15 zeba Dibaba, the African nation Aregawi, a former world indoor 3. Romania (Pastor, Lavric, Miklós, Razor) swept the top two spots in the wom- champion, also has been banned for 3:31.51 en’s 3,000 metres and claimed gold in a positive doping test. 4. Nigeria 3:34.03 the men’s 3,000m on Sunday. “Doping is not good news for 5. Ukraine 3:40.42 The strong showing came a day athletes,” said Dibaba, who outran after Ethiopian-born athletes took countrywoman Meseret Defar for the HIGH JUMP the first four places in the women’s 3,000m title. 1. V Cunningham (USA) 1.96 m 1,500m. Yomif Kejelcha gave Ethiopia their 2. Ruth Beitia (ESP) 1.96 “I think it is the altitude and hard other gold of the day, defeating Amer- Omar McLeod of Jamaica (left) reacts after winning the men’s 60m hurdles final as Balazs Baji of Hungry 3. Kamila Licwinko (POL) 1.96 training,” Dibaba said when asked ican Ryan Hill and Kenyan Augustine 4. Airiné Palsyté (LTU) 1.96 why Ethiopian men and women are Choge in the men’s 3,000m. looks on at the IAAF World Indoor Championships in Portland, Oregon, US. RIGHT: Vashti Cunningham of so impressive in the distance events. On Saturday, Dutch runner Sifan the US poses for pictures after winning the women’s high jump final. 5. Levern Spencer (LCA) 1.93 Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, Hassan, who was born in Ethiopia, led 5. Sofie Skoog (SWE) 1.93 Ukraine and Belarus have been iden- former countrywomen Dawit Seyaum, in the middle distance race, won only forever,” he said. More than 40 Kenyan “It’s a fairly corrupt time to be in 7. Alessia Trost (ITA) 1.93 tified by IAAF president Sebastian Coe Gudaf Tsegay and Axumawit Embaye two medals in the championships. athletes including top marathoner Rita the sport because of everything that is 8. Erika Viklund (SWE) 1.93 as countries in need of “critical care” in the women’s 1,500m. Choge said he hoped his nation Jeptoo have been banned for doping going on but I can only control what I 9. Doreen Amata (NGR) 1.89 because of their drug-test systems. “It is so sad that people use that,” soon passed anti-doping legislation. in the past three years and three ath- can do,” said British runner Tom Far- “Ethiopia and Morocco -- as a Hassan said of the Ethiopian doping “They really need to pull up their letics officials have been suspended rell. The championships concluded on 10. Lissa Labiche (SEY) 1.89 matter of urgency -- need a robust problem. Kenya, usually a powerhouse socks so the corruption will be killed over corruption allegations. Sunday. 10. Isobel Pooley (GBR) 1.89 34 TUESDAY 22 MARCH 2016 SPORT

Chinese primary school makes Patient Jason Day golf compulsory

AFP

SHANGHAI: A Chinese pri- wins at Bay Hill mary school is making golf lessons compulsory in an effort to widen participation in a country where the sport The 28-year-old has been controversial for its links with wealthy elites. Australian becomes Kim Sei Young of South Korea poses for a selfie with the trophy after Some 400 pupils at the first wire-to-wire winning the LPGA JTBC Founders Cup at Wildfire Golf Club on Sunday the publicly funded Exper- in Phoenix, Arizona. imental School of Foreign winner at Orlando’s Languages in Shanghai famed course since are teeing off weekly, the state-run China Daily said Fred Couples in 1992 Kim bags LPGA Founders yesterday. “Golf is not a high-class sport exclusive to the rich. Cup in record fashion It can be a popular game AFP accessible to all,” it cited school principal Xia Haiping AFP opened this week with a 63, mak- as saying. ing nine birdies without a bogey, and China’s ruling Commu- MIAMI: Jason Day sank a 12-foot followed with rounds of 66 and 70. nist Party has an ambivalent birdie putt at 17 and rescued par from Kim, last year’s LPGA Rookie of relationship with golf. Local a bunker at 18 on Sunday to win the LOS ANGELES: South Korea’s Kim the Year, advanced from seventh authorities have prof- PGA Arnold Palmer Invitational by a Sei-Young matched Annika Soren- to fifth in world rankings with the ited from selling land for single stroke. stam’s 15-year-old record for the victory, enhancing her chances of a courses, but they are seen The 28-year-old Australian lowest 72-hole score in LPGA his- place at the Rio Olympics. as venues for shady deal- became the first wire-to-wire win- tory on Sunday, firing a 10-under par Kim won three times last sea- making between elites and ner at Orlando’s famed Bay Hill layout 62 to win the LPGA Founders Cup. son -- at the Bahamas LPGA Classic, politicians. since Fred Couples in 1992, just weeks The 23-year-old from Seoul LPGA Lotte Championship in The country boasts before Couples went on to win the completed four rounds at 27-under and Blue Bay LPGA event in China -- world-class fairways and Masters. par 261 over the Phoenix, Arizona, and had her best major finish with an emerging crop of young Day fired a two-under par 70 layout to match the mark set by a runner-up effort at the Women’s players, but officials have to finish on 17-under 271, defeating Swedish legend Sorenstam to win PGA Championship. shut dozens of courses American Kevin Chappell by one the 2001 Standard Register PING She also shattered the prior down while the Communist with Sweden’s Henrik Stenson and tournament at Moon Valley Coun- Founder Cup 72-hole record of party last year banned mem- American Troy Merritt sharing third try Club, also in Phoenix. 23-under by Stacy Lewis in her 2013 bers from accepting free on 274 after battling Day throughout “It’s a dream come true,” Kim victory. club memberships. the final round. Jason Day of Australia kisses said. “Today scoring 10 under, it was Kim, who trailed compatriot Ji The Shanghai school Stenson, Day and Chappell shared the trophy after winning the my best score ever. I didn’t know it Eun-Hee by a stroke entering the last made golf classes com- the lead at 16-under with five holes Arnold Palmer Invitational at was best score ever. I asked caddie, round, birdied five of the first eight pulsory for seven- and remaining, four of them playing Bay Hill Club and Lodge on ‘Did I hit 10-under?’ He said, ‘Yeah.’ holes -- including three in a row eight-year-olds from last among the course’s five toughest, and Sunday in Orlando, Florida. Amazing. Dream come true.” at the par-3 fourth, par-5 fifth and month, it says on its website. Merritt was only a shot adrift after Kim, who matched the course par-3 sixth -- and added an eagle at The China Daily said it four back-nine birdies in a row fol- record with her 62, had a chance to the par-5 11th to reach 24-under, her was the first public elemen- lowing a double bogey at the ninth. then a bunker beyond the green Chappell closed the front nine break the mark on the final hole -- 5-wood second shot rolling to a stop tary school to make the Merritt blasted in a 43-foot shot while Merritt’s hopes ended when with a bogey while Day put his and match the best final round in two feet from the cup. game mandatory, although from a greenside bunker at the par-3 his approach splashed down shy of approach inches from the cup at the LPGA history -- but came up short A birdie at the par-4 13th put Kim some private schools have 14th for his fifth consecutive birdie the green. Day blasted 90 feet out ninth and made birdie to reach the on a 12-foot birdie putt and tapped on 25-under, giving her a six-stroke already done so. to grab a share of the lead with Day of the sand and sank a four-foot par turn level for the lead at 15-under. in to tie the record. lead with five holes to play and a “The students now are all and Chappell at 16-under after Sten- putt to win, denying Chappell his first Within seconds of each other, Day World number one Lydia Ko of chance to rewrite the LPGA record quite internationalised now. son stumbled with a bogey at 14 and PGA victory. tapped in for birdie at the 12th and New Zealand made a late charge to book coming down the stretch. Just having the language another at 16 after finding the water. Day pitched in from 70 feet for Chappell birdied the 13th to stay level finish second on 266 with Ameri- Kiwi teen Ko opened with a skills is not enough... Golf Chappell missed a 26-yard eagle birdie at the par-3 second to seize a and set up the exciting finish. can Jacqui Concolino third on 268. bogey, answered with birdies on is an important social skill putt at the par-5 16th but tapped in three-shot lead early but followed “Congratulations to Sei-Young,” three of the next four holes, added for them to step towards for birdie to grab the lead at 17-under. with back-to-back bogeys while GOLF WORLD RANKINGS Ko said. “Not many times you shoot another to close the front nine and international society,” head- Day and Merritt each parred 16 Chappell sank a 16-foot birdie putt 1. Jordan Spieth (USA) 11.08 pts 7-under and still finish five behind.” then birdied four more in a row from master Xia told local media then shined at the par-3 17th, Mer- at the third to match him for the lead. 2. Jason Day (AUS) 10.78 (+1) The victory will provide Kim a 13 through 16 to reach 22-under. outlet The Paper. ritt holing a 12-foot chip shot for par Day blasted his tee shot at the 3. Rory McIlroy (NIR) 9.27 (-1) lift with the year’s first major, the But Kim blasted out of a bun- Though a growing and Day sinking a 12-foot birdie putt fifth just 22 yards off the green and ANA Inspiration at Rancho Mirage, ker to four feet at the par-5 15th and 4. Bubba Watson (USA) 8.93 number of Chinese players to match Chappell for the lead. sank a six-foot birdie putt but Chap- only two weeks away. sank the birdie putt, then dropped 5. Rickie Fowler (USA) 8.09 are making a mark as pro- Chappell had gone into the right pell matched him with a birdie at the “Last couple of tournaments I another short birdie putt at 16 to fessionals, expensive club rough at 18 and evaded a water haz- par-5 sixth to keep them even. 6. Adam Scott (AUS) 7.43 lost my confidence,” Kim said. “After reach 27-under overall. memberships mean that ard but came up short from 25 feet But Day followed with a bogey at 7. Henrik Stenson (SWE) 7.30 this tournament, it has come back “When it’s kind of a birdie fest, only a tiny minority of Chi- for par, a bogey ending his day at the sixth, finding the water with his 8. Justin Rose (ENG) 6.13 and I’m most happy for that.” you know you need to make one nese have swung a golf club. 16-under, one back of Day as the Aus- second shot, and Chappell sank a six- 9. Dustin Johnson (USA) 5.81 Sorenstam fired the all-time more. I knew I needed to make a sie came to the last tee. foot birdie putt at the seize to reach 10. Patrick Reed (USA) 4.90 LPGA low 18-hole round of 59 dur- lot of birdies,” Ko said. “I’m proud Day found the right rough and 16-under and lead by two. ing her record run 15 years ago. Kim of how I played this week.” Kids meet their Qatar national idols Burgess ‘extremely lucky’ after neck The Peninsula and players from the Qatar national rugby sevens squad including captain Talal Mujalli, Orisi Sareki, Isireli Biumaiwai, injury drama Camels 1 captain Iliesa Rakabu. DOHA: The Qatar Rugby Federation kicked Samuel Rico said, “The QRF has a man- off the development plan for schools and date to conduct clinics at all rugby playing AFP the first half as the Drag- kids by attending the Al Khor Youth Sevens schools in Qatar. In the coming months our ons held on for their first tournament held at the Al Khor Interna- national rugby sevens players will visit win of the year with Eng- tional School, Al Khor last Friday. these schools for training and support. It lishman Gareth Widdop During the day’s proceedings, the will give our juniors players the chance to SYDNEY: English star leading the way. young school kids got to meet their hone their skills among a bevy of national Sam Burgess admitted he Melbourne Storm are national rugby idols who were present at rugby stars. was feeling “extremely the new leaders of the the occasion. Rico stressed, “Today was a great lucky” after he suffered a NRL after extending their QRF president Yousef Al Kuwari said, opportunity for the kids to learn from our neck injury as South Syd- unbeaten start to the sea- “It is incumbent on the federation to attend national players in particular our three ney’s high-flying start to son with a 21-14 win over and support all youth rugby programmes Fijians. The kids were all over them. They Australia’s National Rugby the New Zealand Warriors initiatives. I commend Allen O’Halloran really got a buzz from throwing the ball League season came to a in Auckland. and Andy Napier for their drive to fur- around with them. Hopefully they will shuddering halt on Sunday. Marika Koroibete ther enhance and promote youth rugby take away some valuable techniques Burgess, who is back sealed victory with a late in Qatar”. that can be implemented into their local at the Rabbitohs after an try after Test scrum-half Al Kuwari continued “We have received games”. ill-fated stint in English Cooper Cronk had nudged many invitations from different schools to Tournament organiser Allen last year, Storm ahead with a drop hold training sessions and clinics for their O’Halloran expressed his gratitude to was injured in a combined goal. young players. I think it’s a great idea and the QRF for their presence. He said, “We tackle in the second half Newcastle fought the process is in motion. Next Saturday thank the QRF for attending today. It was as St George Illawarra won back from 16-0 down to morning for example the national play- a great thrill for the kids to mix and play 8-6 at the rain-sodden grab a 24-24 draw with ers will again impart their skills at Katara with our national players. We appreci- Sydney Cricket Ground. the unbeaten Canberra Qatar Rugby Federation officials and players with DRFC Under-8s team. beach when they conduct another work- ate their attendance and their continuous The English superstar Raiders. shop for the Lycee Bonaparte French support. Rugby in Qatar is certainly look- lay prone on the ground Hosts Newcastle School. ing positive at the moment”. for several minutes as trailed by 16 points after The young kids are the stars of the Speaking about the national players out rugby pointers, presenting trophies, 14, 16 and colts. QRF with its national play- he was treated by med- 28 minutes, but were future and it’s important that we nurture O’ Halloran said, “What a shock surprise posing for team photographs and signing ers will hold another training clinic for the ical staff before being leading 24-18 with eight them collectively”. to see them here. Originally I was just autographs. Fijian and Camels 1 captain Blue Falcons. Starting at 8.30am, the clinic taken from the field on a minutes left before the “We hope to continue these visits and expecting Hamad and Sam but when they Iliesa Rakabu said “We had a great time will be available for all junior Blue Falcons medicab. Raiders equalised with clinic sessions throughout the year. The turned up with the national coach and with the kids.” players. The 27-year-old was four minutes left after a kids love to meet their national heroes players I was overwhelmed. I think eve- “We went through the basics with them It will be held at Katara beach no. 4 taken to hospital for scans. converted try by Brenko in particular our Fijian boys. This falls in rybody was. The kids couldn’t get enough such as passing, kicking and running. They on Saturday March 26 the and run for 60 “Initial scan results Lee. within the framework of the QRF strategy of them. For their part the national players were very receptive and came with good minutes as some of the stars of the game are positive. Thank you The Sydney Roosters of promoting rugby”. involved themselves in everything and did training background”. shows the juniors what it takes to excel on all for messages of support stayed winless after three The youth sevens tournament was not say no to any request. You can tell they The youth rugby sevens was attended the professional stage. -- feeling extremely lucky rounds following a 40-0 attended by QRF senior coordinator Sam- were happy to be here”. by Al Khor, Blue Falcons, Sherborne and Following the clinic, there will be a tonight. A few days of rest loss to defending champi- uel Rico, team manager Hamad Anbar Al The national players mingled with the DRFC all who were represented in vari- 10-minute session for players to get an now. Sam,” he tweeted. All ons North Queensland in Abdulla, national coach Usaia Biumaiwai, junior players both boys and girls, giving ous age groups including Under 8,10, 12, autograph from the Camels. the points were scored in Townsville. SPORT TUESDAY 22 MARCH 2016 35 Raptors close in on Cavs with win over Magic

DeRozan, Scola lead the charge as Magic Taiwanese lose third game in pitcher Chen a row in Eastern Wei-Yin Conference Marlins name Taiwan’s Agencies Chen as opening starter LOS ANGELES: The Toronto Rap- tors moved within one game of the Cleveland Cavaliers for top spot in Agencies the Eastern Conference on Sunday MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL ROUND-UP with a 105-100 NBA victory over the Orlando Magic. DeMar DeRozan led the Raptors MIAMI: Miami Marlins manager on the organisation to move forward. with a game-high 25 points and five Don Mattingly on Sunday named “I have taken the past few days assists. Taiwanese left-hander Chen Wei- to personally meet with everyone Luis Scola added 20 points and Yin as their opening-game starting involved, including Adam LaRoche, eight rebounds while Kyle Lowry pitcher for the 2016 Major League members of our front office, uni- chipped in with 18 points and seven Baseball season. formed staff and some of our active assists as the Raptors notched their Chen will take the mound in a players,” Reinsdorf said. fourth straight win and improved to season opener for the first time in “I continue to have nothing but 13-4 since the All-Star break. his North American career when the the greatest regard for Adam - in Scola said the pursuit of first place National League Marlins play host to fact, my respect for him has grown in the East was important, but not the the American League’s Detroit Tigers during this process - and I applaud overriding motivation as the post- on April 5. his desire to spend more time with season approaches. The 30-year-old southpaw his family.” “Of course we want to win games, signed a five-year deal worth $80 Chicago Cubs left-hander Jon of course we want to finish first, but million with Miami in the off-season Lester has been pitching with a float- the most important thing is to be able after spending his first four North ing bone chip in his throwing elbow to build good momentum going into American seasons with the Ameri- for years, according to reports. the playoffs,” Scola said. “Eventually, can League’s Baltimore Orioles. The Chicago Cubs knew about when we get to the seventh game of Chen, the Orioles’ first player the bone chip when they signed the conference final, if we get there, from Taiwan, went 11-8 with a 3.34 Lester to a six-year, $155 million con- we’ll worry about that then. earned-run average last season and tract after the 2014 season, Yahoo “We’re fighting for (first), because overall in Baltimore was 46-32 with Sports reported. The bone chip was it’s the right thing to do, but we can’t a 3.72 earned-run average and 547 discovered during a 2014 MRI exam lose sleep over it.” strikeouts. before Lester signed his deal with Orlando, connecting on 51.6 per- Chen played for Taiwan in the the Cubs. cent from the field, took an 82-80 2004 and 2008 Olympics and According to the Chicago Sun- lead into the fourth quarter. spent eight seasons with the Japan Times, Lester calls the chip a But the Raptors used a 10-0 scor- League’s Chunichi Dragons from “nonissue.” ing run to take a four-point lead with 2004 through 2011. He underwent Lester, 32, pitched 205 innings 5:22 to play and held on. “Tommy John” tendon replacement in the regular season last year, plus Victor Oladipo led Orlando with surgery in 2006. another 14 innings in the postseason. 21 points and six rebounds. Evan For his time with the Drag- He posted an 11-12 regular-season Fournier had 21 points, but the Magic ons, Chen went 36-30 with a 2.59 record with a 3.34 ERA in 32 starts have now lost three in a row and trail earned-run average and 520 in 2015. He made two starts in the the Chicago Bulls by six games for the strikeouts. postseason, losing both games. eighth and final playoff spot in the Chicago White Sox chairman Relief pitcher Rafael Soriano has East. Jerry Reinsdorf said on Sunday he announced his retirement after 14 In Dallas, Dirk Nowitzki joined an met with players and staff over Adam big-league seasons. elite group as he poured in 40 points LaRoche’s sudden retirement and Soriano, 36, was an All-Star for to lead the mavericks to a 132-120 that the organization will no longer the Tampa Bay Rays in 2010 and overtime triumph over the Portland Kyle Lowry of the Toronto Raptors shoots the ball against the Orlando Magic at the Air Canada Centre discuss the situation publicly. topped 40 saves three times. Trail Blazers. in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on Sunday. LaRoche retired last week when Soriano signed a minor-league The Mavs snapped a five-game executive vice president Kenny Wil- deal with the Toronto Blue Jays last home losing streak and clinched the liams sought to limit the amount of month. He was unable to report to season series against Portland -- a over the Los Angeles Clippers. Babbitt made two free throws to Sunday, enabling the Jazz to keep time LaRoche’s 14-year-old son, spring training due to visa issues in fact that could come into play with Six of the eight players in uniform stretch the Pels’ lead back to 108- pace with the Dallas Mavericks for Drake, was spending around the the . the teams battling for playoff seed- for the short-handed Pelicans scored 105 with 14.5 seconds left. the eighth playoff spot in the West- team. The right-handed Soriano ing in the bottom half of the Western in double figures, led by Jrue Holi- After Austin Rivers missed a ern Conference. The way Williams handled the recorded 207 career saves as well Conference standings. day with 22. three-pointer for the Clippers, Toney With the Mavericks having pulled decision ruffled feathers among as a 24-28 record and 2.89 ERA in The New Orleans Pelicans, hit Holiday drained two free throws Douglas added one more free throw out a 132-120 overtime victory over the White Sox players and ace 591 career appearances. Soriano led Sunday with the news that All- with 24.8 seconds remaining to put for the hosts. Portland earlier Sunday, the Jazz left-hander Chris Sale referred to the American League with 45 saves Star forward Anthony Davis would New Orleans up 106-103. After JJ Seven players scored in dou- needed to beat the Bucks to stay one Williams as a liar on Friday. in 2010. He saves 42 games for the have season-ending knee surgery, Redick trimmed the deficit to one ble figures to help the Utah Jazz game back of Dallas with 12 games Reinsdorf backed Williams in a New York Yankees in 2012 and 43 for responded with a 109-105 victory point with a reverse layup, Luke beat the Milwaukee Bucks 94-85 on to play. statement Sunday and is now calling the Washington Nationals in 2013. Penguins rout table leaders Capitals for sixth straight win

Agencies on a breakaway by Jets goalie rested No. 1 goalie Semyon Michael Hutchinson but then NHL: HIGHLIGHTS OF Varlamov on Sunday. The SUNDAY’S GAMES flipped in the rebound to give Avalanche’s two top scorers the visitors the win. -- Nathan MacKinnon and PITTSBURGH: Penguins Ryan Kesler, with his 17th, three assists for Calgary, which Matt Duchene -- were out with rookie Tom Kuhnhackl had and Jamie McGinn, with his also got goals from Joe Col- injuries. a goal and two assists, and 19th, also scored for Anaheim borne and Johnny Gaudreau. However, thanks to a Pittsburgh surged back with while John Gibson made 27 Michael McCarron scored 26-save effort from backup four consecutive goals to saves. the lone goal for the Canadiens. Calvin Pickard, Colorado still manhandle the NHL-leading Devils 2, Blue Jackets 1 Wild 3, Blackhawks 2 had enough in the tank to Washington Capitals 6-2 on Goaltender Scott Wedge- (shootout) beat the Edmonton Oilers 3-2. Sunday night and move up the wood made 27 saves in his Charlie Coyle scored the With the win, the Avalanche standings. NHL debut and right winger tiebreaking goal to lift the Min- remains one point ahead of The Penguins, clinging to Devante Smith-Pelly scored nesota Wild to a 3-2 shootout the Minnesota Wild -- who the second Eastern Conference the winner in the third period win over the Chicago Black- also won Sunday - for the wild-card spot less than two as the New Devils hawks on Sunday night. final playoff spot in the West- weeks ago, won their season- defeated the Columbus Blue Erik Haula and Nino Nied- ern Conference. high-tying sixth in a row to Jackets 2-1 at Prudential Center erreiter scored for the Wild Sharks 3, Coyotes 0 climb past the New York Rang- on Sunday. during regulation. Minnesota James Reimer pitched his ers and into the Metropolitan The 23-year-old Wedge- (34-28-11) beat the Blackhawks second shutout as a mem- Division’s second playoff slot wood, a third-round pick by for the sixth consecutive reg- ber of the Sharks, leading San via tiebreaker. They earned the Devils in 2010, spent parts ular-season game, including a Jose to a 3-0 win over the Ari- their 10th victory in 13 games of the past four seasons in the 4-0-0 mark this season. The zona Coyotes on Sunday at SAP overall. AHL. Wild improved to 11-6-1 under Center. Reimer turned away 25 Ducks 3, Jets 2 (overtime) Flames 4, Canadiens 1 interim coach John Torchetti. shots for his 13th career shut- Jakob Silfverberg scored Sean Monahan scored Chicago (42-24-7) dropped out as the Sharks won for the with 58.6 seconds left in over- twice and added an assist to to 2-4-2 in its past eight games. fourth time in six games to time to lift the Anaheim Ducks lift the Calgary Flames to a 4-1 Andrew Shaw and Richard again move within one point to a 3-2 victory over the Win- win over the Montreal Cana- Panik scored during regula- of second-place Anaheim in Washington Capitals centre Evgeny Kuznetsov (right) carries the puck against pressure from nipeg Jets at MTS Centre on diens on Sunday night at the tion for the Blackhawks. the Pacific Division. The Ducks Sunday afternoon. Bell Centre. Avalanche 3, Oilers 2 beat the Winnipeg Jets in over- Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Eric Fehr during the third period of their NHL game played at Silfverberg was stopped Dougie Hamilton recorded The Colorado Avalanche time earlier Sunday. the CONSOL Energy Center on Sunday. The Penguins won 6-2. 36 TUESDAY 22 MARCH 2016

Losail kick-starts MotoGP season successfully again

Hundreds of spectators watch the podium ceremony after the season-opening Qatar MotoGP race at Losail International Circuit on Sunday. CENTRE: QMMF President Abdulrahman Al Mannai (second left), Khalid Al Remaihi, Vice-Chairman and SG Losail Circuit Sports Club and Saud Al Attiyah, Chairman of Losail Circuit Sports Club pose with the riders during the event. RIGHT: Spanish MotoGP rider Jorge Lorenzo (centre) of the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP team celebrates on the podium after winning the Qatar MotoGP race with Italian rider Andrea Dovizioso (left) of the Ducati Team who won second place and Spanish MotoGP rider Marc Marquez (third place) at the Losail International Circuit.

Qatari trio offers tough QMMF riders run out of challenge in Kuwait

The Peninsula to win the NR4 class. A former run- ner-up to Nicolai Georgiou in the luck after good starts Pirelli Star Driver competition, Al- Thafiri is enjoying a useful run of KUWAIT: World rallying is syn- form and would like nothing better onymous with noise, power, cars than to win the international rally sliding sideways and dust and gravel on his home stages. Simeon and Simon being showered over spectators by It will not be easy for the a leading group of drivers entered Kuwaiti, however; he faces a strong fail to finish the race in state-of-the-art World Rally Cars trio of experienced Qatari drivers. after incidents end and Regional Rally Cars. Abdullah Al Kuwari lines up with That is not always the case on Adel Abdullah Hussein in a simi- their campaign at FIA sanctioned events around the lar car. Losail Circuit world. Hussein arrives fresh from tak- Although this weekend’s Kuwait ing fifth place in the recent Ha’il International Rally features some of Nissan International Rally in Saudi the region’s top stars at the wheel of Arabia with Ahmed Al Sabban and R5 rally cars that tick all those boxes, the pair is focused on the win. The Peninsula there are a group of unsung heroes Top seed Nasser Saleh Al Atti- competing further down the entry yah’s brother Khalifa drives a Subaru list in cars that are as close as you Impreza with Cypriot navigator Sav- can get to the saloon you would take vas and Rashid Al-Naimi and DOHA: QMMF Racing Team’s riders to the retail park on a weekend. Italian co-driver Nicola Arena round Xavier Simeon and Julian Simon had The entry list announced by the off the three-pronged Qatari line-up a small breakthrough with the set- Basil Salem Al Sabah Motor Racing in the NR4 class. up of their speed up prototypes in the Club (BMRC) for the second round of Al Thafiri will have plenty of season-opening race of Qatar Grand the FIA Middle East Rally Champion- support in Kuwait though. Rallying Prix, but the good feeling with their ship (MERC) features an impressive is as popular as ever in the North- bikes didn’t turn into a good result line-up of Mitsubishi Lancers and ern Gulf and Jassim Al-Muqahwi and at the Losail International Circuit on Subaru Imprezas entered in the NR4 Salem Abdullah will be hoping for a QMMF Racing Team’s Xavier Simeon in action during Moto2 race at Losail Sunday. Both riders ran into bad luck class for Group N or ‘showroom’ cars. strong finish in a slightly older ver- International Circuit on Sunday. They are very different to ‘show- sion of the trusty Mitsubishi Lancer. room’ cars, of course, but they Al-Thafiri’s brother Mohammed also feature the outer body lines of a features among the local drivers standard road car, strengthened run- alongside Saleh Ali, Elie Chachati and didn’t finish the race. direction.” Meanwhile, Simon was ning gear and upgraded suspension and young Sheikh Jaber Al-Sabah. Simon was hit by another rider on TOUGH START FOR TEAM disappointed for not earning a result to cope with the pounding and pun- No driver has more experience only the second lap, whereas Simeon QMMF TO MOTO2 SEASON at the QMMF’s headquarters. ishment of surviving a dozen special than Lebanon’s Michel Saleh. Present crashed due to increasing chattering “I am sorry that we couldn’t get stages through the deserts of south- in regional rallying even before the problems whilst holding tenth place a result today. Another rider took me ern Kuwait on Friday and Saturday. MERC began in 1984, Saleh returns on the 14th lap. bike was much better in the mid- out in the second corner of the sec- They are no less exciting than to one of his favourite events with “I have mixed emotions. I crashed, dle of the race. Only from about ond lap,” he said. their World and Regional Rally Car close friend and long time naviga- which is a pity, but I am also quite the tenth lap, I had a lot of chatter. “Up until this point, things went counterparts and the fact that they tor Ahmed Ghaziri. satisfied how we went in the race, I wanted to keep pushing in order quite well, I felt good on the bike, had dominate the entry list in Kuwait He certainly has the determi- because I think we made a step for- to catch the group in front of me, better feedback and I was recover- opens the door for a fantastic bat- nation to match the youngsters and ward,” Simeon said after the race. but then the chatter got so bad that ing positions. Then bad luck struck,” tle between the front-runners this will be hoping for car reliability if “I had the pace to fight with the I crashed. I tried to save it, but then he added. weekend. he is to make a sensational return to group of Salom and Kent, which was the rear came around by 180 degree.” “The team worked very hard dur- Meshari Al Thafiri currently the top step of the NR4 class podium positive for me. During the winter Simeon hoped to come up with an ing these days and I am very grateful leads the Kuwait national cham- this week. tests, we struggled a lot and tried so improved show in the remainder of for their support and their confidence pionship in his Mitsubishi Lancer Other drivers are somewhat of many things that we didn’t focus to the season. in me,” he said. Evolution X and has the experience unknown quantities in the region, QMMF Racing Team’s Julian Simon try and test the bike over a whole race “I am sorry for team but I am not Now we will try to catch up and and knowledge of the local deserts with the exception of German lady (left) speaks to a team member distance,” said the rider. completely disappointed because we do a good race at the next round in to give him and Qatari navigator driver Edith Weiss, who competes prior to the race. “Today it turned out that the made an important step in the right Argentina.” Nasser Al Kuwari a superb chance under a Qatar licence. World T20: Pakistan face rampant NZ in key clash

AFP unravelled against the Indians on Australia too with rookie spinners cruise through to the knockout stage Pakistan’s Saturday, sparking an angry back- Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi com- of the tournament which would be a lash from fans back home. bining with recalled paceman Mitchell commendable feat for the young side Mohammad Irfan The Black Caps in contrast have McClenaghan to wreak havoc in the in absence of Brendon McCullum. takes part in a MOHALI: A resurgent New Zealand been riding high with their horses for opposition ranks. Afridi, 36, will be under pressure training session will be eyeing a semi-final berth when courses policy paying rich dividends McClenaghan was a surprise to deliver after taking flak for his tac- at Punjab Cricket they take on a deflated Pakistan in against India and Australia. replacement for Nathan McCullum, tics against India. Association a World Twenty20 group match in New Zealand are perched on top one of the heroes of New Zealand’s Former Pakistani spin great Cricket Stadium Mohali today. of Group 2 with four points followed dramatic victory over India. Saqlain Mushtaq was surprised at the in Mohali Smarting under a six-wicket by India and Pakistan on two each “I think we were fortunate to team selection by Afridi, who is tipped yesterday. defeat to arch rivals India, Shahid from as many games. play on two wickets which were very to retire at the end of the WT20. Afridi’s men need a victory against Skipper Kane Williamson has similar. We adopted similar tactics,” “They couldn’t read the pitch. For the table-topping Kiwis to keep their won plaudits after he packed his side Williamson said after the win over his such a high profile match they should hopes alive of winning the trophy for with unheralded spinners and leav- trans-Tasman rivals. have played a proper spinner,” Mush- a second time. ing out tested fast bowlers Trent Boult “You have to try and read the con- taq was quoted as saying by the Press Pakistan won their opener against and Tim Southee in the key opening ditions and select accordingly,” said Trust of India news agency on Sunday. Bangladesh comfortably but things game against favourites India. the Kiwi skipper. “It was not a pitch to field four fast have since gone downhill as they Their strategy worked well against Another win will see New Zealand bowlers,” he said.