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Wednesday 6 February 2013 25 Rabial I 1434 - Volume 17 Number 5602 Price: QR2

Qatari bourse Spain ready for index adds Uruguay 22.48 points clash in Doha

Business | 19 Sport | 28

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Prescription must for Emir meets Mayor of Berlin 88,000 new vehicles hypothyroidism drug DOHA: Several patients using Eltroxin (levothyroxine), the most common drug to treat hypothyroidism, say they have hit the road last year been hit by a recent decision of the Supreme Council of Health (SCH) making a prescription Death toll in traffic accidents falls to 204 mandatory to buy the medicine. SCH sources said that the DOHA: More than 88,000 new right of others on the road,” Brig decision was intended to prevent vehicles hit the road in Qatar Al Kharji said. a possible misuse or wrong use last year while the number of The department is also coor- of the medicine, which can cause new driver’s licences issued in dinating with the Public Works serious side effects. the year totalled 108,000, traf- Authority (Ashghal) to build tun- Excessive use of L-thyroxine fic department officials said nels and flyovers for pedestrian can lead to weight loss and seri- yesterday. crossings. Some 27.4 percent of ous health problems, including The number of new vehicles the victims of road accidents in irregular heartbeat, angina, heart registered in 2011 was 70,000 2012 were pedestrians. attack and a loss of bone mass. while about 105,000 driver’s “The Traffic Department will Full report on page 3 licences were issued in 2011. install radars to catch motorists Despite the surge in the crossing pedestrian signals”, the Three Kuwaiti ex-MPs number of new vehicles in 2012, director said. death toll in traffic accidents was particularly by young men, was He called on motorists to get prison sentences restricted to 204. the major cause of accidents. respect pedestrian crossings Traffic accidents dropped 9.5 “All necessary measures (zebra lines) and stop the vehicle KUWAIT: A Kuwaiti court percent in 2012 from the previous will be taken to deal with the if people are crossing. sentenced three former opposi- year, Brigadier Muhammed Saad issue. More radars will soon be Moreover, the Ministry’s strat- tion lawmakers to three years Al Kharji (pictured), Director of installed on highways and the egy for 2011 to 2016 is aimed at in jail yesterday for comments Traffic Department, said during distance between two radars will reducing the number of serious deemed offensive towards the his customary annual news brief- be reduced to 2 km from 4 km,” traffic accidents from 300 to 250 ruling Emir, the second such ing here yesterday. Brig Al Kharji said. per 100,000 people in the year conviction in three days. The number of pedestrians who To monitor motorists overtak- 2016, Col. Ibrahim Saad Al Sulaiti, The three ex-lawmakers — died in road mishaps also dropped ing from the right side, radars head of the Traffic Statistics Islamists Falah Al Sawwagh and last year to 56 from 61 in 2011 and have already been fixed on some Department, said. Bader Al Dahum, and populist a high of 74 in 2010. roads in Doha. He also added that the strategy Khaled Al Tahus — were arrested The majority of the victims of The director said that over- of the Ministry aims at reducing in October after an opposition- road accidents were men (90.1 taking from the right side to cut the number of pedestrian deaths led protest where riot police used percent), more than half of whom the traffic, in addition to being a annually to less than 17 percent teargas and stun grenades. Tens were non-Arab expatriates, while clear violation of the traffic law, of traffic deaths, according to glo- of thousands joined similar pro- 21.6 percent were Qataris and 19.6 is also very dangerous. “There is bal standards, and reducing the tests in October over changes to percent were Arab expatriates. also a moral side to this. A driver percentage of traffic deaths from an electoral law passed by the The Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani with Mayor of Berlin, Al Kharji said that over- should have high morals and he country’s total mortality by 10 per Emir. Full report on page 9 speeding and reckless driving, should not encroach upon the cent in 2016. THE PENINSULA Klaus Wowereit, at the Emiri Diwan yesterday. The Emir heads to Egypt today to participate in the 12th Islamic Summit. Obama to visit Israel for first time soon

WASHINGTON: US President Raid on unlicensed factory making fake cleaning products Barack Obama plans to soon make his first trip to Israel as US leader to confer on the BY SATISH KANADY Sanitizer”, “Disinfectant”, “Carpet products of poor quality. after the goods were found on the a licence. Inquiries in the mar- Iranian nuclear showdown Shampoo” , “Thick Bleach “ and The team raided eleven shelves of the retailer. The factory ket revealed that Qatar’s neigh- and to soothe his delicate rela- DOHA: The Consumer “Hand Wash”. The products branches of the popular retailer was violating all mandatory qual- bourhood shops stock many poor tionship with Prime Minister Protection Department has did not match the Consumer and confiscated a large quantity ity standards. The inspection team quality ‘cleaning products’. These Benjamin Netanyahu. swooped on an illegal factory Protection Department’s qual- of products that failed to display found the manufacturers using stores are mainly patronised by The White House said yes- making spurious and poor- ity standards, the Ministry of the mandatory information — sterilizing hand gels past their small contracting companies terday that Obama also plans quality cleaning products being Business and Trade, of which country of origin, production and expiry date to produce different involved in cleaning jobs and those to stop to talk to Palestinian sold by 11 outlets of a major the Consumer Protection expiry dates, which according to cleaning products. They were also supplying staff for the purpose. leaders in the West Bank and retailer in the country, officials Department is a part, said. the Ministry, violates article (7) of found recycling expired products Large quantities of cleaning solu- to travel to Jordan on his trip, said yesterday. The raids were part of the min- Law No (8) of 2008 on consumer with other ‘changing agents’ to tions, liquid detergents and laun- which will bring him close to The products seized from the istry’s inspection campaign in the protection. The raid on the factory make the merchandise. dry products are available in the the turmoil threatening to tear factory in Industrial Area and markets and commercial centres — that led to detergent and clean- Further inquiries revealed that ‘cheap market’, sources told The Syria apart. the outlets bore the labels “Hand to protect the consumers from ing products being seized — came the factory was operating without Peninsula. THE PENINSULA Full report on page 8

Trailer trouble Ahmadinejad gets a rap in first Egypt visit

CAIRO: Iran’s President people have their place in the Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was heart of the Iranian people.” told not to interfere in the “I hope this visit will be a new security of Gulf Arab nations beginning for solidarity between and to respect the rights of his our two people,” he said. country’s Sunni minority as he Ahmadinejad will attend began a landmark visit to Egypt a summit of the 57-mem- yesterday. ber Organisation of Islamic Ahmadinejad, the first Iranian Cooperation that opens today president to visit Egypt in more in Cairo to tackle crises rang- than 30 years, was given a red- ing from the French-led battle carpet welcome by Islamist against Islamist militants in Mali President Mohammed Mursi to the Syrian civil war. but later chided by Egypt’s top The visit comes amid thaw- Sunni cleric. ing relations between Egypt and Ahmed Al Tayyeb, the Grand Iran, which severed ties with Imam of Cairo’s Al-Azhar, Sunni Cairo in 1980, in protest over a Islam’s highest seat of learning, peace treaty sealed between Israel demanded “the Iranian president and Egypt in 1979, the same year respect Bahrain as a brotherly Iran’s Islamic revolution toppled Arab nation, and not interfere in the pro-West Shah. the affairs of Gulf states”. Iran has been reaching out to He also denounced what he Egypt since Islamists came to described as the “spread of power in the wake of the 2011 rev- Shiism in Sunni lands” and said olution that ousted veteran presi- Ahmadinejad must uphold the dent Hosni Mubarak, a staunch rights of his Shia-ruled country’s critic of Tehran. Traffic was disrupted after a trailer truck flipped over at the Gulf Cinema intersection in Najma at noon yesterday. No casualties were reported. Traffic Sunni minority. Ahmadinejad told Mursi, who hails from the pow- policemen who rushed to the accident site said the driver might have negotiated the bend at a high speed fearing the traffic lights might turn red. a news conference at Al-Azhar erful Sunni Muslim Brotherhood, (SALIM MATRAMKOT) that he “came from Iran to say attended a Non-Aligned Summit that Egypt and the Egyptian in Iran. AFP WEDNESDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2013 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Over 9,000 children with special needs in Qatar Hope Qatar begins two-day awareness event at HBKU

DOHA: Thousands of children This year, five members of the to reproduce beautiful landscapes with special needs in the coun- Indian Mouth and Foot Painting using my mouth,” explained M V try require support to unlock Artists (IMFPA) organisation are Ravindran, who has created over their hidden potentials to have the messengers of Hope and they 200 paintings. Bobby Thomas of the opportunity to be value- are in Doha for a two-day event MFPA said they are delighted to adding members of society and comprising sessions from today at come to Qatar because though not looked down upon as social the HBKU Student Center. their organisation has over 800 liability. An exhibition of 29 paintings artists in 74 countries, it is not “Today, there are over 9,000 chil- by the artists, which according to present in the region. dren with special needs in Qatar of Dr Thomas ‘must be seen to be With the motto ‘Self-help not whom less than 10 percent attend believed’ runs until February 14 charity’, MFPA sustains the art- any kind of education,” said Dr at the HBKU Art Gallery. ists financially through sales of Rajeev Mathew Thomas, founder “Disabled children have some- their works and other merchan- and advisory board member of thing in them that should be dises produced out of them. It Hope Qatar Centre for children identified and brought out. It is also offers scholarships to mem- with special needs. important for parents and society bers and lifetime monthly support Dr Thomas, also Chairman of to believe in them,” foot painter regardless of the number of paint- Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee Secretary General Hassan Al Thawadi (second left) with ECA Chairman Karl-Heinz the Message of Hope 2012-13, was Manoj Bhingare told the media. ings they produce or if they have Rummenigge (left), First Vice-Chairman Umberto Gandini (second right) and Second Vice-Chairman Sandro Rosell speaking at a press conference on Two years after he lost his arms created any paintings at all. at the Qatar 2022 Legacy Pavilion. the eve of the event yesterday at in an accident at 10 — the darkest Mouth painter Ganesh Kumar Hamad Bin Khalifa University part of his life — he recalled, was stressed that people with disabili- (HBKU) Student Centre. made worse when he was turned ties should be called ‘differently “If given the right opportuni- down at first when he applied for abled’ as they have their abilities. ties at the right time and with the university. Never giving up, he fin- In his message to special needs European club officials get better right attitude, children and adults ished Fine Arts degree with flying people, mouth painter Manjibhai with special needs can achieve colours and has achieved success L Ramani said: “Don’t be discour- great success in their lives,” he in his career as a painter. aged of your disability, rather see understanding of Qatar 2022 Cup said, stressing it is the responsi- “I wanted to be a photographer it as an opportunity to improve bility of society to provide them but I could not take pictures, but yourself and contribute to society.” DOHA: Qatar Football ECA Chairman Karl-Heinz organisation has taken. with opportunities. I realised I could use my memory THE PENINSULA Association (QFA) President H Rummenigge said. Member “When I look back at our his- E Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa clubs are offered the opportunity tory and at what we have achieved, bin Ahmed Al Thani opened the to visit the Qatar 2022 Legacy I find it difficult to believe that plenary session of the European Pavilion, which presents the world we have only been around for Club Association’s (ECA) 10th cup project in detail. five years. ECA’s development is General Assembly yesterday. The gathering in Doha coin- remarkable, but we should not Representatives from 153 cides with the association’s fifth rest on our laurels as there are member clubs are taking part anniversary. During its short still challenges lying ahead of us. in the assembly to learn more existence, ECA has achieved sig- I thank everyone, inside and out- about the Qatar 2022 Project. nificant progress with regard to side ECA, for the commitment, ECA is the first European European club football and devel- respect and trust they have shown football stakeholder to offi- oped constructive relationships our organisation.” cially visit Qatar to get a bet- with fellow stakeholders within The two-day event concludes ter understanding of the Qatar the European football family, ota- today with a workshop for non- 2022 World Cup. bly UEFA. European clubs. For the first time, “The clubs have a responsibil- This is highlighted by last and in response to positive feed- ity towards their players, there- year’s signing of a memorandum back from clubs around the world fore, ECA was happy to accept of understanding between ECA following ECA’s achievements, this invitation. It is important and UEFA. ECA has decided to share its FROM LEFT: Mouth and Foot Painting Artists Manjibhai L Ramani, Ganesh Kumar, Ravindran and Manoj Bhingare to get a first impression which In his address to member clubs, experience with clubs from other during the press conference of the Message of Hope 2012-13, at Hamad Bin Khalifa University Student Center is based on personal experience Rummenigge congratulated eve- confederations. yesterday. KAMMUTTY VP and not driven by third parties,” ryone for the successful path the THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03

Emir visits Tea Emir ratifies restructuring Prescription With Nefertiti of some Ashghal units

exhibition DOHA: The Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani ratified the Cabinet’s decision DOHA: The Emir H H No. 4 of 2013, restructuring some administrative required for Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa units of the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) Al Thani visited yesterday and setting their functions. the Tea With Nefertiti exhibi- The Emir also endorsed the Cabinet’s deci- tion at the Arab Museum of sion No. 5 of 2013 on the enforcement of the thyroid drug Modern Art. provisions of the law No. 24 of 2002 con- He also viewed several cerning pension and retirement of Qatari Pharaonic, Coptic, Islamic and employees of some state-owned companies or Orientalist art pieces. those companies to which Qatari Diar Real Decision to prevent misuse Tea with Nefertiti explores Estate Investment Company (Qatari Diar) is how an artwork can acquire contributing. DOHA: Several patients Some doctors and clin- numerous meanings and func- The Emir also ratified decision No. 7 of 2013 using Eltroxin (levothy- ics would insist on elabo- tions that can embody several on enforcement of the provisions of the law No. roxine), the most com- rate tests that could cost diverse narratives. 24 of 2002 concerning pension and retirement of mon drug used to treat QR350 on an average. With It departs from an excavation Qatari employees of Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohamed hypothyroidism, say that one prescription, I can buy of contested histories by which Bin Thani Social Care Foundation. they have been hit by a the tablet for a maximum Egyptian collections have been The decisions will be implemented and take recent decision of the three months period,” said amassed in international muse- effect from the date of issue and will be published Supreme Council of Health a concerned patient. ums since the 19th century. The Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani during his visit to in the official gazette. (SCH) making a prescrip- Some pharmacists said QNA Arab Museum of Modern Art, yesterday. The Emir also endorsed a protocol on cultural tion mandatory to buy the they found it difficult to cooperation to restore, renovate and develop medicine. explain the new rule to their Tunisian historical monuments. SCH sources said that customers. A memorandum of understanding on Qatar’s the decision was intended to “They are surprised development progammes in Tunisia, encouraging prevent a possible misuse or when we tell them that 29 Qatar-based Indian fishermen and protecting investments between both countries wrong use of the medicine, we cannot give the medi- and cooperation between the Prosecution-General which can cause serious side cine without a prescription of Qatar and the Tunisian Ministry of Justice were effects. since it is very commonly also ratified by the Emir. QNA Excessive use of used and easily available freed from Iran jail reach home L-thyroxine can lead to in many countries,” said a weight loss and serious pharmacist. DOHA: A group of 29 Qatar-based Indian fish- India-based South Asian Fishermen’s Fraternity health problems, including A private physician said ermen that had strayed into Iranian territorial (SAFF) said that the fishermen were detained irregular heartbeat, angina, that continuous use of the waters early last October and were detained has in their boats for 60 days before 22 were sent to heart attack and a loss of medicine without periodic been released. They have joined their worried jail while seven were allowed to remain in boats bone mass. In severe cases medical checkup can cause families back home. off the Iranian coast. it can lead to osteoporosis serious side effects. Asked why the fishermen did not return to The group was released on January 10 and (extremely porous bones). “Hypothyroidism Qatar from where they had ventured on fishing asked to pay a fine of QR12,000 ($3,287.6) for However, medical sources patients should undergo expeditions in six boats, a source at the Indian each boat. say that they have no knowl- medical examination at embassy yesterday said that many were feeling As reported earlier, six Qatari fishing boats edge of a rampant misuse of least once in every three homesick and wanted to join their near and dear were involved. the tablet. months to adjust the dose. ones. So the total fine the group was required to pay People suffering from An overdose of Eltroxin Soon after reports of the fishermen having was QR72,000 (roughly $20,000). hypothyroidism are required can cause many side been detained by the Iranian authorities trick- The statement said that the fines were paid to take the pill for long peri- effects, especially palpita- led down, the embassy began coordinating with in full by the sponsors who were also owners of ods continuously. tion,” he said. their sponsors and Qatar’s foreign ministry to the boats. Like many other coun- He said a prescription is get them released. Although the fines were paid, the fishermen tries, the medicine was sold now mandatory for many The embassy, as a matter of routine, took up the were detained in their boats for another 25 days in Qatar over the counter other medicines, especially case with its counterpart in Tehran and contacted and released on January 25, according to SAFF. until a prescription was those used to treat erec- the Iranian mission here to expedite the release of They travelled to the state capital of made mandatory about two tile dysfunction or impo- the fishermen. Thiruvananthapuram early yesterday and were months ago. tency among men. This Indian embassy sources said that they man- received at the airport by the MP from the “I have been using has caused an increase in aged to ensure through their contacts that food Kanyakumari constituency, Helen Davidson. Eltroxin for the past three the number of people visit- supplies and financial assistance were provided Most fishermen come from the coastal years and I am supposed to ing private clinics just for to the detainees regularly. Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu. SAFF take it lifelong. Now I have a medical prescription, he The fishermen hailed from the southern state lauded the role of the Indian embassy in Tehran to visit a doctor every time added. of Tamil Nadu. in the release of the fishermen. I want to buy the tablet. THE PENINSULA Meanwhile, a press statement issued by THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2013 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Doha camp to host 80 diabetic children QDA and Eljaish Sports Club will hold the meet from Feb 17

DOHA: A total of 80 children parts of the globe, raising the the best services. The goal is to with diabetes from all over the number of partakers to 80, includ- create a safe and loving envi- world will take part in this ing 30 kids from Qatar and two ronment for children with dia- year’s edition of AlBawasil from each of the other six regions. betes, and teach them how to camp, organised by Qatar “We all believe that sports help control the disease and avoid its Diabetes Association (QDA). build a healthy community that is complications. For the first time Doha will able to give its best to our coun- Sharoud Aljundi, Programme host kids from all seven regions try,” said Dr Abdullah Al Hamaq, Manager at QDA, added that comprised in the International Executive Director of QDA, at the the camp will feature workshops Diabetes Federation (IDF) — press conference to present the in English and Arabic, given America, Europe, MENA, North agreement. that the number of non-Arabic America, South and Central On his part, Dr Thani Al speakers will be higher than in America, South East Asia and Kuwari, Executive Director of previous editions. Aljundi also Western Pacific. Eljaish Sports Club, said: “Eljaish warned that the number of chil- QDA and Eljaish Sports Club Sports Club adopts the best inter- dren with diabetes is increasing signed a sponsorship agreement national practices in using its worldwide, but in Qatar it’s not yesterday to launch the 13th edi- potentials throughout moral and growing at the same incredible tion of the AlBawasil camp for healthy approach; we hope to be percentage.” Dr Thani Al Kuwari (left), General Secretary and Executive Director of El Jaish Sports Club; and Dr Abdullah children with diabetes, which with you, side by side, inspiring In this context, she stated: Al Hamaq, Executive Director, Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA), exchanging documents after they signed a will take place from February 17 the new generations in Qatar “Millions of dollars are spent sponsorship agreement for the 13th AlBawasil camp for Children with diabetes at a function held at the QDA to February 21. The camp usu- throughout self confidence and worlwide to try and answer the premises in Doha yesterday. Also seen is Dr Sharoud Al Jundi, Programme Manager of QDA. SALIM MATRAMKOT ally hosts around 60 children from continuous development.” question of why the prevalence of Qatar and the MENA region, This camp is coordinated by diabetes in children is increasing. Netherlands, and the lowest in been invented to help children live which also helps the kids’ mental however, only this year AlBawasil doctors, nurses-nutritionists and Traditionally the highest number the hot countries like Sri Lanka.” their lives with diabetes, this is health,” she concluded. will have attendees from other social specialists in order to offer was in the cold countries like “In the meantime a lot has one of the objectives of the camp, THE PENINSULA

Qatar working on wide use of 58 students join UCQ nursing course info systems in all projects DOHA: University of Calgary Qatar (UCQ) has seen an DOHA: Qatar is working on a various parties in the state to create increase in enrolment with the unified framework for Geographic a perception of a unified Geographic start of its winter semester. Information Systems (GIS) in the Information System service through 328 students are now in vari- light of the big projects that will the Ministry of Municipality and ous stages of working study- be carried out ahead of the FIFA Urban Planning,” he added. ing for a Bachelor of Nursing World Cup in 2022, President of QSA president underlined the degree. 58 are newcomers to the Qatar Statistics Authority importance of coordination and coop- the Winter Semester, including (QSA) Sheikh Hamad bin Jabor bin eration between GCC countries in five Qataris. There are nine new Jassim Al Thani said yesterday. the field of geographic information male students bringing the total He was addressing a joint press systems applications. He said this col- male population to 24. conference held with Paul Chang, laboration will be fruitful, especially “I heard that this university Senior Advisor in the United Nations after the establishment of the GCC has a very good reputation for its and Coordinator of the Second High- Statistics Centre. “We hope that the nursing programme. I look for- Level Forum on Global Geospatial coming years would see considerable RasGas officials and senior staff during the ceremony at the Ritz-Carlton. ward to getting my degree and Information Management, being held coordination between these countries being able to help people who are at the Qatar National Convention in the field of geographic information sick, lonely and in need of care,” Centre. systems under the umbrella of this RasGas celebrates 30m hours of safe work explained Amani Abda, one of the “We have a good coordination with centre’’, he said. He said the interna- new students. “We are thrilled with the Ministry of Municipality and tional experiences in the field of GIS DOHA: RasGas Company especially given the size and unwavering focus on safety the constant rise in our student Urban Planning in several projects applications that were presented at Limited (RasGas) recently pace of the mega projects that by everyone throughout our numbers. It is becoming clear that and there is a trend to involve all the conference, revealed the impor- celebrated the successful this team is executing. The organisation each and every there is a growing interest in the stakeholders in the state to develop a tance of information systems in the completion of 30 million man Barzan Project is currently uti- day,” said Nafez Bseiso, RasGas nursing profession in Qatar. We are common framework for promoting a service of various sectors such as hours with no Loss Time lizing more than 21,000 work- Venture Group Manager. The honored that 328 people have put bigger use of information systems in the traffic, security, transportation, Incident (LTI). The company’s ers while the Helium 2 Project event was hosted at the Ritz- their trust in our program and the all projects and various services,” said communications and planning sec- Venture Group that manages peaked at 1,300 workers,” said Carlton where senior staff wonderful opportunities it will cre- Sheikh Hamad bin Jabor Al Thani. tors, hosting large sporting events several huge projects rang- Hamad Rashid Al Mohannadi, and representatives from ate for them,” expressed Dean and “We will cooperate with and others. THE PENINSULA ing from the Barzan Project RasGas Managing Director. shareholder companies, Qatar CEO Dr Kim Critchley. to the Helium 2 Project RasGas continues to be at Petroleum and ExxonMobil, In addition to the undergrad- honoured its employees and the forefront of safety perform- gathered to present recognition uates, nine students are study- contractors who made this ance in the oil and gas industry awards to representatives from ing for their Master of Nursing achievement possible at a cel- through the application of best the Venture departments and Degree. Nahrida Nazir, who was ebration in Doha. practice safety management projects teams as well as key amongst the first batch of UCQ “Achieving 30 million man- processes and positive leader- contractors and subcontractors Bachelor of Nursing graduates, is hours without an LTI is an ship behaviours. for their outstanding perform- now earning her Masters. outstanding achievement, This is achieved by an ance. THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA

An expert addressing the workshop. Civil Defence holds safety workshop DOHA: A 10-day specialised workshop on safety and security held by General Directorate of Civil Defence (GDCD) for engineers and consultants began here on Sunday at Intercontinental Hotel as part of Building Safety Improvement Programme. A group of safety experts from US National Fire Protection Association are leading the workshop that is attended by a number of engineers, consultants and specialists from institutions, engineering consultancies and other concerned authorities in the country. The workshop will discuss many important subjects related to the safety of the new and existing buildings. Chance to win signed shirt of Liverpool FC DOHA: Standard Chartered Bank launched a regional social media competition where fans have the chance to win a limited edition signed Liverpool Football Club (LFC) shirt. The LFC shirt will have the ‘Seeing is Believing’ logo instead of the Standard Chartered logo to raise awareness about the Bank’s global initiative to raise $100m by the year 2020 to eliminate avoidable blindness. The LFC team will be wearing the limited edition shirts on Monday, February 11 in their match against West Bromwich. The match will be called, “The Perfect Match”. To win a signed shirt, LFC fans in Qatar need to take part in the “Perfect Match” competition by vis- iting the Bank’s FaceBook page http://www.facebook. com/StandardCharteredQA. The competition will end February 11. THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 Ministry to release new construction guidelines Suggestions from public, private sectors will be considered

DOHA: The Ministry of implemented when new buildings These guidelines will ensure pub- Environment, together with are built. lic health and safety, especially in several institutions, will set new “The standards are set for envi- avoiding accidents,” Al Kuwari mandatory requirements for ronment-friendly buildings which told a seminar at the St Regis constructions such as energy reduce consumption of water Hotel, Doha. and water saving measures, and energy, reduce carbon diox- “They will also look into ways reduction of solid waste and ide emissions and enhance recy- of preserving Arab and Islamic FROM LEFT: Eng Nasser Al Naimi, Eng Khalid Al Emadi, Eng Nawas Al Mana and Dr Nurudeen Dahas at the wastewater and improvement cling,” said Dr Mohammed Saif identity in architectural designs Sustainability Specification for Qatar Constructions 2013 seminar at St Regis Doha yesterday. KAMMUTTY VP of indoor environment to safe- Al Kuwari, the Assistant Under- of the buildings,” Al Kuwari guard public health. This will Secretary for Laboratories and added. final draft of the Sustainable will be taken into consideration “The final document of the coincide with the Qatar National Standardisation at the Ministry Monday’s seminar was held Standards for 2030. Another before we finalise the guidelines,” Sustainable Standards for 2030 Vision 2030. of Environment. in cooperation with public sec- meeting is scheduled soon with said Nawaf Ibrahim Al Hamad would be released by end of this Sustainable Standards for 2030 “Also, Gulf and international tor institutions such as the the private sector. Al Mana, Director of Standards year, “said Al Mana, who was also would be released in two phases standards will be taken into Ashghal and Qatar Green “We are going step by step in and Metrology Department at the a panelist at the seminar for pub- — voluntary standards and man- consideration while setting up Building Council to know their setting the standards. Suggestions Ministry of Environment, on the lic sector institutions. datory standards — which will be Sustainable Standards for 2030. suggestions to be included in the by the public and private sectors sidelines of the seminar. THE PENINSULA

Al Faisal group buys 2 Berlin hotels

DOHA: Al Rayyan Tourism Philharmonic Hall, with the the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Investment Company (Artic), Culture Forum. in Chicago. A wholly-owned Al the international hospitality The Maritim Hotel Berlin, Faisal Holding Company sub- subsidiary of Al Faisal Holding opened in 2005, is located cen- sidiary, Artic is engaged in real Company, yesterday signed pur- trally in the Diplomatic Quarter estate development, acquisition chase agreements on the Grand in Berlin’s Tiergarten district, and leasing with a focus on the Hyatt Hotel and the Maritim between Kurfürstendamm and hospitality sector and hospital- Hotel in Berlin, Germany, with the Brandenburg Gate. It offers ity-related services in Qatar and SEB Asset Management’s open- 505 rooms and event facili- overseas. ended real estate fund SEB ties for up to 5,500 people in 49 “We are delighted with the ImmoInvest. rooms. The hotel was designed by acquisition of the Grand Hyatt The Grand Hyatt Berlin Hotel renowned architect Jan Kleihues Hotel and the Maritim Hotel in is a five-star hotel in Potsdamer in 1930s art deco style. Berlin. These two iconic hotels, Platz in the heart of the city. These two acquisitions are a with their unique architectural The luxury hotel features stun- further step towards realising qualities and prime city centre ning work of Spanish architect Artic’s vision of increasing its locations, reflect our clear invest- José Rafael Moneo, spectacular investment in the hospitality sec- ment focus on high quality assets interior design and contemporary tor and accumulating an impres- and bring us a step closer to our art. sive portfolio of hotels in prime target. We will continue to build It has 342 luxury rooms and cities around the world. our portfolio locally and inter- suites and is located in the Berlin With this agreement, the com- nationally and I look forward to Mitte district, with Tiergarten pany’s portfolio of hotels in opera- further expansion all around the Park, the Reichstag and the tion or under development has world over the coming years,” Brandenburg Gate, all within reached 25 properties across the said Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Sheikh Faisal bin Qasim Al Thani, Chairman of Al Rayyan Tourism Investment Company (Artic), shaking hands with walking distance. Middle East and North Africa, Al Thani, Chairman of Al Faisal Barbara Knoflach, CEO of SEB Asset Management at the signing ceremony, yesterday. Klaus Wowereit, Berlin Mayor Directly opposite the Grand Europe and North America. Holding. (centre), Sheikh Mohammad bin Faisal Al Thani (right) and Tarek M El Sayed from Artic are also seen. ABDUL BASIT Hyatt Berlin hotel is the Last year, Artic acquired THE PENINSULA Paintings by young artists on display DOHA: The Minister of Culture, Katara. Al Kuwari said the paint- providing them with the opportu- Arts and Heritage H E Dr Hamad ings in the exhibition reflected nity to highlight their talents. He bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari inau- creativity and excellence of their stressed the importance of crea- gurated yesterday the Second owners, despite the fact that the tivity exhibition in giving young Creativity Exhibition, organised expo is designed for the youth and people the opportunity to commu- by Youth Activities and Events youngsters. nicate with the public directly and Department of the Ministry. He praised the department for share with them their artworks. It will run until tomorrow at promoting emerging artists and QNA WEDNESDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2013 06 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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Criminal foul play Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

illions in the world love football, and they love it with a passion and zeal that is not reserved for any other game. It is for this reason that European Mlaw enforcement agency Europol’s revelation about massive match-fixing in the game made headlines all over the world and shocked fans. After an 18-month investigation Can Googling be racist? codenamed Operation VETO, Europol discovered that World BY ARWA MAHDAWI Cup and European Championship qualifiers were among more racial fairness”. Woah – did someone than 380 professional football matches targeted by criminals just claim that society is racially biased? trying to fix games and found that 425 match officials, club EADERS, I hate it to break it to Hold the front page. While the Harvard executives, players and criminals in 15 countries worked to you, but according to Harvard study makes some interesting points, Your digital footprint cheat. Rthe internet is racist. I suggest the research is also a telling case of you stop using it immediately unless you digital dualism – the idea that online has profound Match-fixing in sports is nothing new and has been acquiring want your patronage of Google et al to and offline are separate and distinct gargantuan proportions lately as sports have evolved into an blacken your name. Actually, err, maybe realities. implications on your real industry of its own, with billions of dollars involved. Cricket has wait until you finish reading.. This may have been true decades ago life. As Descartes didn’t particularly been tarnished by frequent charges of betting and A recent study of Google searches by when the internet was something you fixing, and the Indian subcontinent, where the game is more Professor Latanya Sweeney has found “dialled-up” in order to check AltaVista quite say: “Googlito popular than all other games put together, is often rocked by “significant discrimination” in ad results for deals on VCRs, but it is now woefully depending on whether the name you’re outdated. Most people now see the vir- ergo sum” – I am on such revelations. But football has been relatively unscathed. Googling is, statistically speaking, more tual world as simply a reflection of the Europol’s revelations will change that image. The enormity of likely to belong to a white person or real world. Indeed, a report published Google, therefore I am. the match fixing problem and its unfixability were highlighted a black person. So while Googling an this year by the Government Office for by Burkina Faso coach Paul Put, who said that the problem Emma will probably trigger nothing Science proclaims that: “The UK is now has always existed and little can be done. Players willingly and more sinister than an invitation to look a virtual environment as well as a real unwillingly fall prey to the nefarious up Emma’s phone number and address, place.” in the design process, rather than sim- searching for a Jermaine could gener- The question of how (and, indeed, ply reacting to them after afterwards. Latest match- designs of match-fixing mafias, ate an ad for a criminal record search. if) technology can rid itself of what While this seems like a good idea on which are connected to international In fact, Sweeney’s Sweeney describes as “structural rac- the surface, it’s a viper’s nest of ethical fixing allegations networks and can even threaten research sug- ism” has some interesting parallels to questions when you dig deeper, throwing will tarnish players to fall in line. The networks gests that it’s debates about language that have been up a broader debate about the idea of working in the field are deeply 25% more likely taking place long before Google was universal values and cultural relativism. football’s entrenched, have been operating you’ll get ads for a twinkle in Sergey Brin’s eyes. Take, But all this theory is, perhaps, a lit- criminal record for example, the phrase I used earlier, tle highbrow and detracts from the image, though for long, and millions of dollars A Harvard study searches from “blacken your name”. most important point in Sweeney’s ultimately are involved which will make its “black-identify- It’s a fairly common idiom and you’d research: your digital footprint has eradication difficult. But at the same has found racial ing” names than hardly call someone out for racism if profound implications on your real life. the game will time, Europol’s revelations will help white-sounding they used it; nevertheless it is a laden As Descartes didn’t quite say: “Googlito immensely to cleanse the game by bias in Google ones. term. Benjamin Zephaniah has a great ergo sum” – I am on Google, therefore survive all So what poem called White Comedy, which I am. creating awareness among fans, the scandals. searches. Yet it’s does this mean addresses the politics of this sort of And, if what you are on Google is a media and football governing bodies exactly? Does phraseology: “I waz whitemailed / By potential criminal, it is going to make to be more vigilant. In Paul Put’s own not the search Google have some a white witch / Wid white magic / An your chances of getting a job somewhat words, the worst of betting is behind us. engine but our sort of racial pro- white lies,” the poem begins. You get the harder. But getting rid of this bias isn’t The onus is now on Europol to get to the bottom of the filing tool inlaid idea. a matter of algorithms, it’s a matter of issue and reveal to the public all the details. The agency must own prejudice into its algo- For centuries people have been changing attitudes. rithms? Well, not attempting to rid language of its “struc- There is an interesting insight into reveal the matches which were fixed and the players involved, that’s to blame. exactly. Google tural racism” by inventing politically this in the word “highbrow” itself: a which could humiliate would-be fixers into refraining from this has unequivo- neutral dialects. Esperanto, created term that comes from the 19th-cen- nefarious activity. It’s true that such revelations could create cally stated that by the rather wonderfully named LL tury “science” of phrenology, which the equivalent of a tsunami in sports, but for a change, it will be it “does not con- Zamenhof, has been the most success- used the shapes of people’s skulls to a positive tsunami. Secondly, those found guilty must be given duct any racial ful of these efforts, designed to tran- justify racism. In the 1820s-1840s, exemplary and deterrent punishment. No player who is building profiling” and the research paper itself scend nationality and foster peace, love, when phrenology was all the rage, admits that it’s probably not as insidi- harmony, all that good stuff. It hasn’t employers often demanded a charac- a future in this game will scupper his prospects by succumbing ous as that. Rather it posits that the quite got there yet but it has managed to ter reference from a local phrenolo- to the temptations of immediate gains. demographic discrepancies probably spawn tens of thousands of fluent speak- gist to check whether you’d be a good Third, football fans need to be more vigilant. There is nothing come from “smart” algorithms which ers, as well around a thousand native employee or a potential criminal. Back wrong with watching every match with some suspicion, so adapt ad placement based on mass-user speakers. in the day, then, your skull served as that heartbreaks and euphoria at the win and defeat of their habits. In short, writes Sweeney, the It could be said that the technologi- a sort of Google search. And we didn’t results raise “questions as to whether cal equivalent of Esperanto is Value progress as a society by changing our favourite teams can be tempered with a dose of some harsh Google’s advertising technology exposes Sensitive Design (VSD), a belief that skulls, rather we changed what went truths. Ultimately, the game will survive all scandals because racial bias in society and how ad and technology should be proactively influ- into them. football’s popularity is matched only by football. search technology can develop to assure enced to take account of human values THE GUARDIAN Letters Quote of

good amount as a ‘gift’. advantage of this situation and code, it is also fair to point out the day Malpractices If they are not satisfied with the trying to fool the learners and grab that local English newspapers, ‘gift’, they technically mislead and money. such as yourselves, print in driving tactically demoralise the learners. Instead of conducting driving pictures advertising, in particular, In the end, when the learners tests in such schools, the authorities new cars, using a photo of the schools are not able to clear the tests, the can explore the possibility of car (of course!) surrounded by trainers demand a big amount of conducting the tests inside a group of decently clad men If Tehran and HE article ‘Trainers take money to help them clear the test. centralised government premises and the ubiquitous two Western learners for a ride’, published In this school, other than the field to avoid such malpractices. women inappropriately dressed Cairo see more eye on Sunday, January 6, 2013 trainers, three more officials are NAME WITHHELD (short dresses, no sleeves). to eye on regional Tin your daily pointed out the employed: a simulator instructor, a ON REQUEST So, to be fair, this needs to malpractices being carried out by cashier, and a manager. be addressed — in addition to trainers in driving schools. In spite of the availability of these the number of men who feel and international I would like to draw your attention officials, two influential senior field it is appropriate to jog on the issues, many to the only driving school available trainers are allowed to interact with Dress code Corniche in short shorts and in the industrial city of Mesaieed. and help (to carry files, papers etc.) lycra. This is unacceptable to (issues) will In this school, the trainers are the officials who conduct the tests hile we must, of course, a lot of people, men as well as not giving proper training to the (one trainer each day). respect customs in Qatar women. change. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad learners unless they are given a All the trainers are taking Wwith regard to the dress PAULA MARSH Iranian President WEDNESDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2013 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 US control on Mideast oil diminishing

If you look at the record, the yearning Washington has long for democracy is a bad joke. That’s even recognised by leading scholars, though assumed the right they don’t put it this way. One of the major scholars on so-called democracy promotion is Thomas Carothers, who is to use violence to pretty conservative and highly regarded — a neo-Reaganite, not a flaming liberal. achieve its aims, but He worked in Reagan’s state department and has several books reviewing the course of democracy promotion, which it is now less able he takes very seriously. He says, yes, this is a deep-seated to implement American ideal, but it has a funny his- tory. The history is that every US admin- istration is “schizophrenic”. They support its policies. democracy only if it conforms to certain strategic and economic interests. He BY NOAM CHOMSKY describes this as a strange pathology, as if the US needed psychiatric treatment oes the United States still or something. Of course, there’s another have the same level of interpretation, but one that can’t come to control over the energy mind if you’re a well-educated, properly resources of the Middle East behaved intellectual. as it once had? Within several months of the toppling DThe major energy-producing coun- of [President Hosni] Mubarak in Egypt, tries are still firmly under the control he was in the dock facing criminal charges of the western-backed dictatorships. So, and prosecution. It’s inconceivable that actually, the progress made by the Arab US leaders will ever be held to account spring is limited, but it’s not insignifi- for their crimes in Iraq or beyond. Is that cant. The western-controlled dictatorial going to change anytime soon? system is being eroded. In fact, it’s been That’s basically the Yglesias principle: being eroded for some time. So, for exam- the very foundation of the international ple, if you go back 50 years, the energy US soldiers in Afghanistan. order is that the US has the right to use resources — the main concern of US violence at will. So how can you charge planners — have been mostly national- George Kennan, head of the US state Centuries ago, there used to be something including support for democratic change, anybody? ised. There are constantly attempts to department policy planning staff, and called presumption of innocence. If you a desire for stability, and wariness of reverse that, but they have not succeeded. others sketched out the details, and then apprehend a suspect, he’s a suspect until Islamists who have become a potent politi- NO ONE ELSE HAS THAT RIGHT? Take the US invasion of Iraq, for they were implemented. What’s happen- proven guilty. He should be brought to cal force”. The Times identifies three US Of course not. Well, maybe our clients example. To everyone except a dedicated ing now in the Middle East and north trial. It’s a core part of American law. goals. What do you make of them? do. If Israel invades Lebanon and kills ideologue, it was pretty obvious that we Africa, to an extent, and in South America You can trace it back to Magna Carta. Two of them are accurate. The US 1,000 people and destroys half the coun- invaded Iraq not because of our love of substantially goes all the way back to the So there were a couple of voices saying is in favour of stability. But you have to try, OK, that’s all right. It’s interesting. democracy but because it’s maybe the late 1940s. maybe we shouldn’t throw out the whole remember what stability means. Stability Barack Obama was a senator before he second or third largest source of oil in the The first major successful resistance to basis of Anglo-American law. means conformity to US orders. So, for was president. world, and is right in the middle of the US hegemony was in 1949. That’s when That led to a lot of very angry and infu- example, one of the charges against Iran, He didn’t do much as a senator, but major energy-producing region. You’re an event took place that, interestingly, riated reactions, but the most interesting the big foreign policy threat, is that it he did a couple of things, including one not supposed to say this. It’s considered is called “the loss of China”. It’s a very ones were, as usual, on the left-liberal is destabilising Iraq and Afghanistan. he was particularly proud of. In fact, a conspiracy theory. interesting phrase, never challenged. end of the spectrum. Matthew Yglesias, How? By trying to expand its influence if you looked at his website before the The US was seriously defeated in Iraq There was a lot of discussion about who a well-known and highly respected left- into neighbouring countries. On the other primaries, he highlighted the fact that, by Iraqi nationalism — mostly by non- is responsible for the loss of China. It liberal commentator, wrote an article in hand, we “stabilise” countries when we during the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in violent resistance. The US could kill the became a huge domestic issue. But it’s a which he ridiculed these views. He said invade them and destroy them. 2006, he co-sponsored a Senate resolution insurgents, but they couldn’t deal with very interesting phrase. You can only lose they were “amazingly naive” and silly. I’ve occasionally quoted one of my demanding that the US do nothing to half a million people demonstrating in something if you own it. It was just taken Then he explained the reason. He said: favourite illustrations of this, which is impede Israel’s military actions until they the streets. Step by step, Iraq was able for granted: we possess China — and, if “One of the main functions of the inter- from a well-known, very good liberal for- had achieved their objectives, and cen- to dismantle the controls put in place by they move toward independence, we’ve national institutional order is precisely eign policy analyst, James Chace, a former suring Iran and Syria because they were the occupying forces. By November 2007, lost China. Later came concerns about to legitimate the use of deadly military editor of Foreign Affairs. Writing about supporting resistance to Israel’s destruc- it was becoming pretty clear that it was “the loss of Latin America”, “the loss of force by western powers.” Of course, he the overthrow of the Salvador Allende tion of southern Lebanon, incidentally, going to be very hard to reach US goals. the Middle East”, “the loss of” certain didn’t mean Norway. regime and the imposition of the dicta- for the fifth time in 25 years. So they And at that point, interestingly, countries, all based on the premise that we He meant the US. So the principle on torship of Augusto Pinochet in 1973, he inherit the right. Other clients do, too. those goals were explicitly stated. So in own the world and anything that weakens which the international system is based is said that we had to “destabilise” Chile in But the rights really reside in November 2007 the Bush II administra- our control is a loss to us and we wonder that the US is entitled to use force at will. the interests of “stability”. Washington. That’s what it means to own tion came out with an official declaration how to recover it. To talk about the US violating interna- That’s not perceived to be a contradic- the world. It’s like the air you breathe. about what any future arrangement with Today, if you read, say, foreign policy tional law or something like that is amaz- tion — and it isn’t. We had to destroy the You can’t question it. The main founder Iraq would have to be. journals or, in a farcical form, listen to ingly naive, completely silly. Incidentally, I parliamentary system to gain stability, of contemporary IR [international rela- It had two major requirements: one, the Republican debates, they’re asking, was the target of those remarks, and I’m meaning that they do what we say. So tions] theory, Hans Morgenthau, was that the US must be free to carry out “How do we prevent further losses?” happy to confess my guilt. I do think that yes, we are in favour of stability in this really quite a decent person, one of the combat operations from its military bases, On the other hand, the capacity to Magna Carta and international law are technical sense. very few political scientists and inter- which it will retain; and, two, “encour- preserve control has sharply declined. worth paying some attention to. Concern about political Islam is just like national affairs specialists to criticise aging the flow of foreign investments to By 1970, the world was already what I merely mention that to illustrate concern about any independent develop- the Vietnam war on moral, not tactical, Iraq, especially American investments”. was called tripolar economically, with that, in the intellectual culture, even at ment. Anything that’s independent you grounds. Very rare. In January 2008, Bush made this clear in a US-based North American industrial what’s called the left-liberal end of the have to have concern about, because it He wrote a book called The Purpose one of his signing statements. A couple of centre, a German-based European centre, political spectrum, the core principles may undermine you. In fact, it’s a little of American Politics. You already know months later, in the face of Iraqi resist- roughly comparable in size, and a Japan- haven’t changed very much. But the paradoxical, because traditionally the US what’s coming. Other countries don’t ance, the US had to give that up. Control based east Asian centre, which was then capacity to implement them has been and Britain have by and large strongly have purposes. The purpose of America, of Iraq is now disappearing before their the most dynamic growth region in the sharply reduced. That’s why you get all supported radical Islamic fundamental- on the other hand, is “transcendent” — eyes. world. Since then, the global economic this talk about American decline. Take ism, not political Islam, as a force to block to bring freedom and justice to the rest Iraq was an attempt to reinstitute by order has become much more diverse. a look at the year-end issue of Foreign secular nationalism, the real concern. of the world. But he’s a good scholar, force something like the old system of con- So it’s harder to carry out our policies, Affairs, the main establishment journal. So, for example, Saudi Arabia is an like Carothers. So he went through the trol, but it was beaten back. In general, I but the underlying principles have not Its big front-page cover asks, in bold face, Islamic state and the bastion of US and records. He said that, when you studied think, US policies remain constant, going changed much. “Is America Over?” It’s a standard com- British policy. They’ve consistently sup- the record, it looked as if the US hadn’t back to the second world war. But the Take the Clinton doctrine. The Clinton plaint of those who believe they should ported it against the threat of secular lived up to its transcendent purpose. But capacity to implement them is declining. doctrine was that the US was entitled have everything. If you believe you should nationalism from Gamal Abdel Nasser’s then he says that to criticise our tran- to resort to unilateral force to ensure have everything and anything gets away Egypt and Abd Al Karim Qasim’s Iraq, scendent purpose “is to fall into the error ECONOMIC WEAKNESS “uninhibited access to key markets, from you, it’s a tragedy, and the world is among many others. But they don’t like of atheism, which denies the validity of Partly because the world is just becom- energy supplies and strategic resources”. collapsing. So is America over? political Islam because it may become religion on similar grounds” — which is ing more diverse. It has more diverse That goes beyond anything that George A long time ago we “lost” China, we’ve independent. a good comparison. power centres. At the end of the second W Bush said. But it was quiet and it lost southeast Asia, we’ve lost South The first of the three points, our yearn- It’s a deeply entrenched religious belief. world war, the US was absolutely at the wasn’t arrogant and abrasive, so it didn’t America. Maybe we’ll lose the Middle ing for democracy, that’s about on the It’s so deep that it’s going to be hard to peak of its power. It had half the world’s cause much of an uproar. The belief in East and north African countries. Is level of Joseph Stalin talking about the disentangle it. And if anyone questions wealth, and every one of its competitors that entitlement continues right to the America over? It’s a kind of paranoia, Russian commitment to freedom, democ- that, it leads to near-hysteria and often was seriously damaged or destroyed. It present. It’s also part of the intellectual but it’s the paranoia of the super-rich racy and liberty for the world. It’s the to charges of anti-Americanism or “hat- had a position of unimaginable security culture. and the super-powerful. If you don’t have kind of statement you laugh about when ing America” — interesting concepts that and developed plans to essentially run the Right after the assassination of Osama everything, it’s a disaster. you hear it from commissars or Iranian don’t exist in democratic societies, only world — not unrealistically at the time. bin Laden, amid all the cheers and The New York Times describes the “defin- clerics, but you nod politely, and maybe in totalitarian societies and here, where This was called “grand area” planning? applause, there were a few critical com- ing policy quandary of the Arab spring as even with awe, when you hear it from they’re just taken for granted. Yes. Right after the second world war, ments questioning the legality of the act. how to square contradictory US impulses, their western counterparts. THE GUARDIAN Labour needs to speculate to generate interest over leadership

stands out as a potential leader the excellent LabourList meet- one a hardworking, commit- The Labour party needs to start with the possible exception of the ing on One Nation that I attended ted and talented woman (Yvette home secretary, Theresa May, at the Commons last month Cooper), another a younger, less exciting the public — every elected who shows few signs of exciting showed, there is a lot of creative experienced but exciting black the voters very much. thinking going on in the party. man (Chuka Umunna). Will the Labour’s frontbench is a com- Eventually under the guidance of outcome be the same as in the leader so far has been a white man. pletely different story. I can count Jon Cruddas it will make it into US? Every elected leader of the at least eight MPs, not including a powerful party programme. But Labour party has been a white BY LANCE PRICE couldn’t think of an alternative Ed and Harriet, who could step up right now it’s not cutting through man. Next time around will it be leader anyway which may have into a leadership position tomor- with the wider public at all. time for a change? ust because it’s conven- come as a relief to Ed Miliband row with a realistic chance of With just two years to go to the Painful though it was, that tional wisdom it doesn’t and his team. But I’m not sure winning the next election. If you general election we need to start primary election strengthened mean it’s true. that it should. Speculation in the include David Miliband, “on the exciting a bit of interest. Ed may the Democrats and put them Conventional politi- Sunday papers about challenges frontline but not on the front- Chuka Umunna could be a future have decided against brainstorm- in a position to dominate presi- J candidate for Labour leader. cal wisdom tells us that lead- to David Cameron’s leadership bench”, in his own words, that is ing the country with a series of dential politics for a generation. ership speculation is bad for a damages the Tory party only an array of talent that outshines challenging speeches as Tony Separately and together they party, undermines the current because the alternatives are so the cabinet on any day of the of speculation about who among Blair did between 1995 and 1997, inspired and reinvigorated the leader and gives an impression improbable. A black millionaire week. them might one day take over is but there needs to be a bit of a centre-left. Here in Britain it of division which the electorate nobody has heard of, a maverick To point that out is not to not a bad way of reminding voters buzz about Labour pretty soon. cannot and should not be left to hates. Journalists love it but we mayor of London who’s not even undermine Ed in any way. He is just how strong the team is. So how about this for start- one man to do that, so why not shouldn’t play their game. in parliament, and that’s about it. staying as leader and that’s an And Labour does need to get ers? One day we might face our “speculate to generate” — a little John Rentoul of the If you look across the ranks of end to it. But it is to enhance itself talked about a bit more in own Hillary/Obama moment. Two interest, that is. Independent claims he and his pals the Tories in the cabinet, nobody Labour’s standing overall. A bit the proverbial Dog and Duck. As contenders for the leadership, THE GUARDIAN WEDNESDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2013 WEDNESDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2013 08 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09

Syria opposition Egypt, Iran turn new page Obama plans first visit talks offer Iran ex-prosecutor held suffers setbacks

DAMASCUS: An offer of talks to Israel as president by Syria’s main opposition leader as power struggle flares to President Bashar Al Assad suffered setbacks yesterday as Bid to soothe frayed relations with Netanyahu state media said it was two years too late, and a principal opposing Ahmadinejad calls arrest a ‘very ugly action’ WASHINGTON: US President A high-ranking Palestinian faction flatly rejected the idea. Barack Obama plans to soon with Netanyahu on the phone on official said that the Obama visit Assad himself has yet to com- TEHRAN: Iranian President punished. That case is still under make his first trip to Israel afterJanuary the 28,Israeli and willleader likely finishes arrive would follow a trip to the region ment on the offer from Ahmed Mahmoud Ahmadinejad yes- investigation. Ahmadinejad,he would file aaccording complaint to against media as US leader to confer on the assembling his new govern- by his new Secretary of State John Moaz Al Khatib of the opposition terday criticised the judiciary Mortazavi was at the centre of reports. Iranian nuclear showdown ing coalition after last month’s Kerry between February 15 and 16. National Coalition who says “the over the arrest of his ally and a raucous parliamentary session Other Larijani brothers and to soothe his delicate rela- election. “We hope the visit will permit a ball is now in the regime’s court”. ex-Tehran prosecutor, Saeed on Sunday when the bad blood Mohammad Javad and Bagher tionship with Prime Minister “The start of the president’s sec- relaunch of talks on a two-state Khatib was following up on his sur- Mortazavi, amid a brewing between Iran’s government and Larijani also run important Benjamin Netanyahu. ond term and the formation of a solution based on the 1967 borders,” prise announcement last week that political fight between state parliament spilled into open with organisations in Iran. The White House said yes- new Israeli government offer the the Palestinian official said. he was ready for talks with Assad’s branches. Ahmadinejad accusing speaker Mortazavi, targeted by US terday that Obama also plans to opportunity to reaffirm the deep There was no immediate regime. The Syrian National Mortazavi was arrested late Ali Larijani and his family of sanctions over “sustained and stop to talk to Palestinian leaders and enduring bonds between the confirmation on the date of Council, the main component of on Monday and transferred to nepotism and corruption. severe violations of human in the West Bank and to travel United States and Israel and to dis- the Kerry visit from the State Rebel fighters ready their weapons close to their position as they prepare to the Coalition, rejected the pos- Tehran’s notorious Evin prison, Larijani and his four broth- rights” as prosecutor, had been to Jordan on his trip, which will cuss the way forward on a broad Department. Obama angered fight against pro-Syrian regime forces on the Jabal Al Turkman mountains sibility of any talks, saying it was where many political prisoners ers who have held top positions appointed as caretaker of Iran’s bring him close to the turmoil range of issues of mutual concern, Netanyahu during his first term in Syria’s northern Latakia province, yesterday. committed to ousting the regime. and journalists have been impris- in the regime form one of Iran’s wealthy social welfare organi- threatening to tear Syria apart. including Iran and Syria,” said by arguing that the shape of a AFP oned over years on his orders, most influential political families. sation against the wishes of It will also come as the United National Security Council spokes- future Palestinian state should according to media reports. Ayatollah Sadeq Larijani heads lawmakers. States mulls whether to make man Tommy Vietor. be based on Israel’s 1967 borders The office of Tehran’s prosecu- the judiciary. In the heated parliament ses- a new effort to revive stalled “Additional details about the with land swaps to ensure a con- tor did not give any reason for the Ahmadinejad on Sunday played sion on Sunday, a majority of MPs peace talks between Israel and trip—including the dates of tiguous territory. arrest. a recording in which a voice said voted to remove the labour and the Palestinians, though political travel — will be released at a later Netanyahu’s Likud emerged as Speaking to reporters before to be of one of Larijani broth- social welfare minister, Abdolreza conditions on neither side seem time.” Israeli media reported that the strongest force after the Israeli Yemen on brink of political collapse: Karman departing for Egypt yesterday, ers, Fazel, allegedly attempts to Sheikholeslam, for refusing to conducive to dramatic progress. Obama would begin his visit to election but the surprisingly robust Ahmadinejad termed the arrest bribe Mortazavi by asking for a sack Mortazavi. SANA’A: The president faced fierce Israel on March 20. showing by the centrist Yesh Atid Yemeni Nobel peace laureate Tawakkul new constitution and preparing for fresh elections a “very ugly action,” saying he favour in exchange for political Sunday’s brawl came as Iran criticism during his re-election White House spokesman Jay party, which backs a two-state Karman warned in an interview with AFP that in February 2014. would pursue Mortazavi’s fate support of both parliament and gears up for its presidential campaign last year for not hav- Carney, meanwhile, said that solution, may put pressure on the her country’s transition process is on the brink of “The ousted president is the one to choose the after returning from his three- the judiciary. election on June 14 to find a ing visited Israel as president, Obama would also travel to Israeli leader to countenance talks. collapse and demanded ex-president Ali Abdullah GPC’s representatives,” she said, adding that Saleh’s day visit, the official IRNA news Yesterday, Ahmadinejad replacement for Ahmadinejad, though George W Bush also the West Bank, which is ruled A statement issued by Saleh be banned from politics. party “rejects the dialogue”. Karman insisted that agency reported. renewed the verbal assault. “The whose victory in 2009 sparked waited for his second term to by the Palestinian Fatah fac- Netanyahu’s office said the Obama The activist, who was a leading figure during the former head of state “should exit politics com- Mortazavi was suspended in judiciary is not a special organisa- protests against poll results visit the Jewish state. tion and to Jordan, where he visit would be an opportunity to the youth uprising in Yemen in 2011, also claimed pletely”. “He has a lot of money that he uses to August 2010 along with two other tion (to serve) a family,” he said in which the opposition claimed Obama has a fractious rela- will renew his friendship with underline the strong support and that President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi is unable to destroy Yemen, harm the political process and exe- judges over the death in prison of an allusion to the Larijanis. were rigged. tionship with Netanyahu, and King Abdullah II. partnership between the United implement his plans to reshape Yemen’s security cute vengeance,” she charged. three anti-government protesters “A person has committed an The rift between Ahmadinejad there has been open disagree- The itinerary mirrors a por- States and Israel. At the top of the forces because he does not control the army. Saleh was eased out of office after 33 years in in the aftermath of the 2009 pres- offence and instead another per- and parliament, dominated by ment between the two men on the tion of a trip Obama made agenda will be the threat posed “The main obstacle facing the political transi- powers thanks to a UN-backed and Gulf-brokered idential election that re-elected son who exposed the offence is conservatives critical of his imminence of the threat posed when he was a senator running by Iran and the notion of either tion and threatening its viability is the fact that Ali deal that ended a year of protests that rocked the Ahmadinejad. confronted. This is very ugly,” administration, first surfaced in by Iran’s nuclear program, and for president in 2008, but the an Israeli or US military strike Abdullah Saleh remains a president of the General impoverished southern Arabian Peninsula nation. A parliamentary probe found Ahmadinejad said. April 2011 after he challenged Israeli settlement building and region has changed out of all should international talks fail on People’s Congress,” the former ruling party, Karman The agreement reached in November 2011 with him responsible for sending pro- Fazel Larijani, an ex-diplomat a ruling by supreme leader talks with Palestinians. recognition as violence and dis- what the West believes is Tehran’s said. She pointed out that Saleh’s party is supposed the opposition gave Saleh and his aides immunity testers to Kahrizak, a deten- who now heads a branch of the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has Egyptian President Mohammed Mursi (right) with Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad at International The White House said that location have followed the Arab nuclear weapons program. to present more than 20 percent of participants in from prosecution, but it did not stipulate a political tion centre south of Tehran, Islamic Azad University, has final say on all state matters. Airport in Cairo, yesterday. Ahmadinejad arrived in Egypt on the first trip by an Iranian head of state since the Obama discussed a visit to Israel Spring uprisings. AFP an envisaged national dialogue aimed at drafting a ban on him. AFP and demanded that he be rejected the accusations. He said AFP 1979 revolution, underlining the thaw in relations since Egyptians elected an Islamist head of state. Kuwait court jails three opposition ex-MPs Saudi cleric

KUWAIT CITY: A Kuwaiti court yes- Barrak, who is facing similar charges, said claimed allowed the government to influ- urges veil for terday sentenced three former opposition after yesterday’s verdict was issued. ence election results and elect a rubber- MPs to three years in jail for insulting the “They have breached the constitution and stamp assembly. The Kuwaiti opposition emir as the opposition blasted the ruling played with the election system ... now they even boycotted the December 1 general baby girls as “political” and called for protests. want to terrorise us ... we will not surrender polls in protest against the amended law. The opposition urged its supporters to and will not be scared,” Barrak told opposi- Mohammad Al Humaidi, director of RIYADH: A Saudi cleric has gather at the home of Falah Al Sawwagh, tion supporters at the house of Tahus. Kuwait Society for Human Rights, con- said baby girls should be veiled one of the three MPs, to protest the verdict In a separate statement the opposition firmed yesterday’s verdict and said what to avoid sexual harassment, in and to stage a demonstration at night. urged the “Kuwaiti people to gather at the the defendants spoke at the gathering was remarks broadcast on televi- “The verdict against Khaled Al Tahus, house of Sawwagh” . Former Islamist oppo- “more of an advice rather than a criticism.” sion that sparked outrage in the Falah Al Sawwagh and Bader Al Dahum sition MP Khaled Al Sultan warned that “There is no clause in the Kuwaiti con- conservative kingdom. is three years each with immediate effect,” “politicising the judiciary” could trigger stitution that bars people from address- “Girls should wear the veil from lawyer Mohammad al-Jumia wrote on his violent reactions and held the government ing the emir directly and advising him,” the age of two,” said Abdullah Twitter account. The ruling means that responsible for the consequences. Humaidi said. Daoud on Islamic television Al the three former MPs must go to prison The information ministry said Kuwait Under Kuwait’s constitution, it is illegal Majd, adding that Saudis should immediately without even waiting for their has a “transparent and independent judi- to criticise the Emir. There was no imme- follow the example of South appeal to be heard. cial system”. “All citizens, regardless of diate reaction from the former MPs who Asian countries. “If a girl is sexu- The former lawmakers were charged of their position, are equal in the eyes of the were detained for six days in October and ally desired, her parents should undermining the status of the Emir dur- law. Anyone accused of a crime in Kuwait then released on a bail of $17,850 each after cover her face and force her to ing an address at a public gathering on will get a fair trial with a comprehensive the first hearing. During that hearing they wear veil,” to protect her against October 10 in which they had warned that legal defence and open appeals process,” strongly denied the charges levied against perverts, he said. any amendment to the electoral law could said the ministry. them, saying they had spoken within lim- Practicing Muslims believe lead to street protests. Kuwait has seen many opposition-led its of the law. Yesterday’s verdict is not that girls must begin wearing “This is a political ruling,” former demonstrations in protest against the final and can be challenged in the court of head covers such as the veil from MP and opposition leader Mussallam Al amendment to the electoral law which they appeals and the supreme court. AFP the age of puberty. Daoud’s com- ments, in an interview which was posted on the Internet, sparked an outcry across social networks Iraq prisoner woes and the local press, with promi- nent cleric Salman Al Audah join- Somalia jails alleged rape ing the protests. “We hope that these aberrant victim, scribe for one year statements will not be exagger- ated and taken as fatwa (religious MOGADISHU: Somalia yesterday jailed for one year a edict),” Audah said yesterday. woman who said she was raped by security forces and a Saudi columnist Badria Al journalist who interviewed her, saying they were guilty of Bisher slammed Daoud for his pro- insulting the state. “We sentence her for offending state posal of veiling little girls, “instead institutions by claiming she was raped,” judge Ahmed Adan of proposing a stern law curbing told the court in the capital Mogadishu. “She will spend one sexual harassment, and school year in prison after finishing the breast feeding of her baby.” and media awareness campaigns.” Freelance journalist Abdiaziz Abdinuur, who is already in Saudi tweeters also vented their detention, was to begin serving his sentence immediately. fury. “What level of moral deterio- “The court finds that he offended state institutions by mak- ration have such people reached?” ing a false interview, and entering the house of a woman asked lawyer Abdulrahman Al whose husband was not present,” the judge added. Rights Lahim on Twitter. groups have condemned the case as “politically motivated”. “The best solution is to exile Three other defendants, including the husband of the women, old or young, to remote alleged victim, and a man and woman who helped introduce countries, as long as we have her to the journalist, were found not guilty and released. men acting like animals,” wrote The reporter, who works for several Somali radio stations female Saudi journalist Halima as well as international media, was detained on January 10 Iraqi women gather outside the Abu Hanifa mosque in Baghdad’s Sunni Muthffar on Twitter. Women in Mogadishu after researching rampant sexual violence in stronghold of Adhamiya, yesterday, to meet with an Iraqi officials about in Saudi Arabia are deprived of Somalia. Ahead of the trial the United Nations said it had the fate of their detained relatives. A top Iraqi minister said that the many rights that are considered “raised concerns” at the treatment of those arrested, noting authorities had released 3,000 prisoners over the past month in a bid basic elsewhere, including the the “prolonged detention” and intial lack of access to legal to appease weeks of angry demonstrations in Sunni-majority areas of right to drive. AFP advice could “could negatively impact” the trial. the country. Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the Committee to Protect Journalists have said in a joint state- ment that the case is “linked to increasing media attention given to the high levels of rape... including attacks allegedly committed by security forces”. Iran nuclear talks set for February 26 Somalia, which has been ravaged by relentless conflict since 1991, chose a new administration in September in a UN-backed DUBAI: Iran and world powers announced appointment to meet was made yesterday by Iran’s process, ending eight years of transitional rule by a corruption- new talks on Tehran’s nuclear programme on deputy nuclear negotiator Ali Bagheri and European riddled government. Many have hailed the new government for February 26, but hopes of progress after yes- Union counterpart Helga Schmid. However, there offering hope it will be the first effective administration since terday’s announcement were tempered when an were immediate signs from Iran that powerful fig- the fall of president Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991. Iranian official said the West’s goal in talking was ures were skeptical of their worth. Last week, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to undermine the Islamic republic. Western powers say Iran may be close to having the visited the European Union, issuing a joint statement with First word of the meeting, to be held in Kazakhstan, capacity to build a nuclear weapon, though Tehran the bloc’s foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton claiming came in comments from Iran’s Supreme National insists it is seeking only electricity. “I hope that Iran that “a new Somalia is defying the cynicism of outsiders”. Security Council to state news agency IRNA. Later, is coming to these talks with a real sense of ‘we want Somalia needs “a justice system offering fair access to all”, a spokesman for EU foreign policy chief Catherine to make progress.’ In every round I start from this the statement said, warning that “without security for every Ashton said she hoped to make progress in allaying principle, that the purpose of the meeting is to engage Somali citizen there will not be the rule of law and the space concerns about a program Iran denies has a mili- and I hope we will see that this time,” Ashton told for economic development”. AFP tary purpose. Both sides said the widely expected reporters in Brussels. REUTERS WEDNESDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2013 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL

Seven tourists raped in Mexico Georgia US govt faces belongs heat as drone to EU, says premier

TBILISI: Georgia’s Prime memo leaked Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili (pictured) yesterday expressed optimism about restoring ties Paper okayed killing of citizens with arch-foe Russia while pledging to keep up the ex- Soviet state’s pro-Western WASHINGTON: The US gov- One national security offi- course. ernment has authorised the kill- cial said the leak of the Justice At a press conference con- ing of American citizens as part Department memo may have been vened to sum up his 100 days in of its controversial drone cam- timed to blunt such congressional power since the surprise win in paign against Al Qaeda even demands for the release of addi- October parliamentary polls of without intelligence that such tional, possibly classified, docu- his Georgian Dream coalition, Americans are actively plotting ments relating to the US use of Ivanishvili said: “Europe is what to attack a US target, according drones. Georgia belongs to.” to a Justice Department memo. Senator Dianne Feinstein, the He said he hoped that “within The unclassified memo, first Democrat who chairs the Senate 20 years Georgia will be a fully- obtained by NBC News, argues Intelligence Committee, in a Police agents guard the main gate of the District Attorney’s office, where seven women raped on a beach fledged member of Europe.” that drone strikes are justified statement yesterday said she had “Europe will remain our bea- are giving statements in Acapulco, Mexico, late on Monday. Armed men burst into the bungalow rented by under American law if a tar- been calling on the administration con and we should make our 13 Spanish tourists — six women, seven men, and a Mexican woman. They gagged and tied up the men and geted US citizen had “recently” to release legal analyses related to European dream come true.” been involved in “activities” pos- the use of drones for more than then raped the women. In terms of security and ing a possible threat and provided a year. defence, “there is no alternative that there is no evidence suggest- Feinstein said the document to Nato” membership, he added. ing the individual “renounced or published by NBC had been given But he also said he was “opti- abandoned” such activities. to congressional committees last Richard III’s face reconstructed mistic” about restoring ties with The document was disclosed as June on a confidential basis, and Russia, severed following the a bipartisan group of US senators that her committee is seeking 2008 war the two neighbours called on the Obama administra- additional documents, which are LONDON: The face of Another member of the soci- fought over Georgia’s breakaway tion to release to Congress “any believed to remain classified. England’s much-maligned King ety, Philippa Langley, who led the provinces of South Ossetia and and all” legal opinions laying out Attorney General Eric Holder Richard III was revealed yes- project to unearth the bones of Abkhazia. the government’s understand- yesterday said he was concerned terday for the first time in 500 the last Plantagenet king, said “I am optimistic. With careful ing of what legal powers the release of more documents could years following a reconstruction the reconstruction showed for and measured actions” ties can president has to deliberately kill put sources and operations of his skeleton which was found the first time what he might have be restored, he said, adding that a American citizens. at risk. buried underneath a car park. looked like when he died in battle first step would be to renew trade The senators who signed the “We’ll have to look at this and The three-dimensional plastic aged 32. links. “Huge results need more letter, including members of the see how, what it is we want to do model is based on a CT scan of the “The portraiture that we have time,” he said. Senate Intelligence Committee, with these memos. But you have skull of the king, who was killed of him that was done in the Tudor “Russians as well as Georgians said the administration’s coopera- to understand that we are talk- in battle in 1485 after just two era always seems to bring out this want our relationships be tion would “help avoid an unnec- ing about things that are, that go years on the throne but lived on guy who looks like he was 50,” she restored,” he said. essary confrontation that could into really kind of how we conduct as one of history’s worst villains told AFP. Ivanishvili — a tycoon who bit- affect the Senate’s consideration our offensive operations against a in the eponymous play by William “He led armies and he fought terly opposes the anti-Russian of nominees for national security clear and present danger to this Shakespeare. A facial reconstruction of King many skirmishes and I think you rhetoric of President Mikheil purposes.” nation,” Holder said at a press Academics hope the discov- Richard III in London, yesterday. can see that strength of character Saakashvili — says he is ready to Obama has nominated John conference. ery of his remains under a car and that determination.” engage Moscow in direct negotia- Brennan, his White House coun- “That is a real concern to park in the central English city now only depicted in paintings, The task of reconstructing the tions, vowing however to continue ter terrorism adviser, who defends reveal sources, to potentially of Leicester, complete with the will be key to rewriting his legend. face — complete with shoulder- Saakashvili’s bid to join Nato and drone strikes, to lead the CIA. reveal sources and methods and twisted spine of folklore and “It’s an interesting face, length black hair — was led by the European Union. An Intelligence Committee put at risk the very mechanisms major wounds to his skull, will younger and fuller than we have Caroline Wilkinson, professor of A darling of the West, confirmation hearing on the nom- that we use to try to keep people lead to a rehabilitation of his been used to seeing, less care- craniofacial identification at the Saakashvili has long accused ination is scheduled for tomor- safe, which is our primary respon- reputation. worn, and with the hint of a University of Dundee in Scotland, Ivanishvili — who made his multi- row, and Brennan is likely to face sibility, he added. And Richard III enthusiasts smile,” said Phil Stone, Chairman and paid for by the Richard III billion fortune in Russia — of questioning on drone policy. REUTERS believe the image of his face, until of the Richard III Society. Society. AFP being a Russian stooge. AFP

Cross-Atlantic ties Hezbollah behind Kid freed from bunker after bus attack, says Bulgaria six days, kidnapper killed WASHINGTON: A five-year- time, he said. “The subject is Poland tried to block him, shot SOFIA: Bulgaria said yesterday old boy held hostage in an deceased,” Richardson said of the man dead. it had evidence showing that underground Alabama bunker Dykes. The agent declined He then snatched Ethan and Lebanese militant movement for almost a week was rescued at a brief news conference to held him in a bunker on his Hezbollah carried out a bomb on Monday in a raid that left provide more details on the property for six day as police attack on a bus in the Black Sea the kidnapper dead, authori- kidnapper’s death. tried to negotiate his release. city of Burgas that killed five ties said. “We were certainly concerned “It got really tough to nego- Israeli tourists last year. The boy, who has been identi- for the safety of the child,” tiate with him,” Dale County The conclusions of the fied only as Ethan, was rushed to Richardson explained. Sheriff Wally Olson told report- Bulgarian investigation, citing safety and is “doing fine,” an FBI The boy was reunited with his ers after the rescue. a clear connection to an attack agent told reporters in Midland mother at a hospital in nearby Dykes — a US Navy veteran on European Union soil, might City, Alabama. Dothan, Alabama. who worked in aircraft mainte- open the way for the EU to join Agents said they feared the “He’s laughing, joking, play- nance in the 1960s — had been the United States in branding the boy was in “imminent danger” ing, eating — the things that known to stay in his under- Hezbollah a terrorist organisation. after they saw the kidnapper, you would expect a normal ground bunker for up to eight Three people were involved retired trucker Jimmy Lee five-to six-year-old to do. He’s days, neighbours, who have evac- in the attack, two of whom had Dykes, holding a gun. very brave. He’s very lucky. uated the area, told ABC News genuine passports from Australia Negotiations with the gun- The success story is that Ethan earlier. They also told US media and Canada, Bulgarian Interior man deteriorated, according is with his mother right now,” he had dramatic behavioural Minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov told to FBI Special Agent Stephen Richardson added. swings and paranoid-sounding reporters after Sofia’s national Richardson. Residents described hear- anti-government views. security council discussed the “Within the past 24 hours, ing an explosion and shots. “I The slain bus driver, Charles investigation. negotiations deteriorated and heard a big boom and then ... I Poland, 66, was described as a “There is data showing the Mr Dykes was observed hold- believe I heard rifle shots,” Bryon quiet man who enjoyed a simple financing and connection between ing a gun,” Richardson said. Martin, who owns a house near life with his wife, Jan. Hezbollah and the two suspects,” “At this point, FBI agents, fear- the bunker, told CNN. It was a People who knew him said it Tsvetanov said. ing the child was in imminent loud noise that “made me jump was hard for Poland to disci- “What can be established as a danger, entered the bunker and off the ground,” he said. pline children on his bus when well-grounded assumption is that rescued the child.” Agents were Police have said Dykes, 65, they misbehaved, an Alabama the two persons whose real iden- British Prime Minister David Cameron (right) with US Vice President Joe ordered to storm the bunker boarded a school bus last Tuesday newspaper, the Dothan Eagle, tity has been determined belonged Biden at 10 Downing Street in London, yesterday. at 3.12pm (2112 GMT) central and when driver Charles Albert reported. AFP to the military wing of Hezbollah.” Israel blamed the attack in Burgas, which killed five Israeli tourists, their Bulgarian driver and the bomber, on Iran and British ruling party split on Hezbollah, a Shia Islamist militia French police arrest four Islamists that is part of the Lebanese gov- ernment and waged a brief 2006 PARIS: French police arrested robust local policing, better intel- individuals to take action, or unconventional marriage war with Israel. Iran has denied four suspected Islamist mili- ligence sharing and the ability to encourage others to build up a responsibility and accused arch- tants near Paris yesterday as infiltrate small radical Islamist network,” she told Reuters. LONDON: British Prime It was getting into “Alice in enemy Israel of plotting and carry- part of an investigation into groups if it hopes to fight new A police source said three of Minister David Cameron’s rul- Wonderland territory” for any ing out the bus bombing last July. the recruitment of volunteers security threats on its soil. the four men arrested yesterday ing Conservative party split in government to come along and Hezbollah, designated by the by Al Qaeda insurgents in Analysts say the insurgency were Franco-Congolese and one two yesterday over his plans to rewrite the rules of marriage, United States as a terrorist Mali, Interior Minister Manuel that seized the north of Mali is was Malian. legalise unconventional mar- Conservative lawmaker Roger organisation in the 1990s, had no Valls said. paving the way for attacks on Valls said the arrests had come riages, a move that many of his Gale told parliament, echoing the immediate reaction to yesterday’s France’s intervention in Mali to France as more French Muslims after a long investigation into own lawmakers said was wrong, views of many in his own party. announcement. rid its former colony of Islamist of African origin were finding a Al Qaeda recruitment rings led not a priority for the public, and “This is not evolution, it’s rev- Israeli Prime Minister fighters has prompted the author- cause in the conflict. by Trevidic. unnecessarily divisive. olution,” added Edward Leigh, Benjamin Netanyahu said ities to increase security against “France is really being sin- “There is an operation ongoing Many Conservative MPs stood another Conservative member Hezbollah and Iran were wag- possible reprisal attacks on its gled out at the moment,” said in the Paris region, conducted by up in parliament to denounce of parliament, saying marriage ing a “global terror campaign” interests in mainland France Anne Giudicelli, consultant with the DCRI (domestic security serv- the legislation ahead of a vote in was “by its nature a heterosexual and the Burgas bomb was just and abroad. national security specialists ice), which comes after the arrest which up to half of Cameron’s 303 union”. one in a series of attacks carried Anti-terrorism judge Marc Terrorisc. of an individual a few months ago lawmakers are expected to reject Expected to be carried thanks out against civilians in Thailand, Trevidic, who is in charge of “It’s being accused of want- on the border between Mali and the measure on moral and reli- to support from Cameron’s polit- Kenya, Turkey, India, Azerbaijan, the operation, told Reuters last ing to occupy Muslim territory Niger,” he told BFM TV. gious grounds, threatening a cor- ical rivals, the vote was to take Cyprus and Georgia. REUTERS month that France needed more and that could clearly push some REUTERS rosive legacy of bitterness. place late last evening. REUTERS WEDNESDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2013 ASIA / PHILIPPINES www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11

Afghan deployment Riots as Dhaka report causes stir in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka said jails political yesterday it had rejected a US request to send troops to Afghanistan but retracted the claim within hours, trigger- ing angry responses on social leader for life media about the government’s credibility. “President Mahinda Rajapaksa has rejected a call by US to send Man shot dead in clashes with police Lankan troops to Afghanistan,” the government’s information DHAKA: Deadly riots broke hundreds of protesters attacked department said in an SMS news out in Bangladeshi cities yes- us with firearms and handmade alert which was immediately terday after a court sentenced bombs,” deputy police commis- rebroadcast by almost all local a senior Islamist opposition sioner Habibur Rahman said, media outlets. leader to life in prison for mass adding an unidentified man died US diplomats in Colombo murder during the 1971 libera- of bullet wounds and 10 officers appeared puzzled over the Sri tion war against Pakistan. were injured. Lankan government claim and Abdul Quader Molla, 64, the Police also clashed with pro- privately said that there was no fourth-highest leader of the testers in Dhaka, firing rubber pending request. Jamaat-e-Islami party, was the bullets to disperse a group of A couple of hours later, pres- first politician to be found guilty protesters who were smashing idential spokesman Mohan by the International Crimes vehicles. Samaranayake officially trashed Tribunal, a much-criticised And in the northwestern city the government’s own claim. domestic court based in Dhaka. of Rajshahi police fired tear gas “President Rajapaksa has nei- Molla cried “Allahu Akbar!” and rubber bullets at about 500 A member of the Rapid Action Battalion swings a baton at an activist of Bangladesh’s Jamaat-e-Islami, after he ther received nor rejected any (God is greater) and said the Jamaat supporters who hurled a was arrested on suspicion of vandalising a car during a day-long strike in Dhaka, yesterday. requests by the US for Lankan charges were false after presid- dozen homemade firebombs. troops to be sent to Afghanistan,” ing judge Obaidul Hassan deliv- The verdict is the second by while studying physics at Dhaka on patrol as war veterans and Jamaat’s assistant secretary gen- he said in a brief one-paragraph ered the verdict in a crowded and the tribunal. On January 21 a top University, and was a member of ruling party supporters held rival eral, spent the entire time in the statement. tightly guarded court. TV preacher who is an ex-Jamaat a pro-Pakistan militia accused of marches. nine-month war in his village and President Rajapaksa’s own “He deserved the death sen- official was sentenced to death in killing hundreds of thousands of Schools were closed and many alleged that the tribunal severely twitter account @PresRajapaksa tence because of the gravity of the absentia for murder and genocide. people. shops and businesses shuttered. curtailed their ability to prove his admonished journalists to “double crimes. But the court gave him Ten other opposition figures — “He directly participated in Motorways linking Dhaka with innocence. check facts w/multiple sources” life imprisonment,” said Attorney including the entire leadership of the killing of over 350 unarmed other cities were largely empty. “We put forward the name of before publishing and this drew General Mahbubey Alam, adding Jamaat and two from the main Bengali civilians including a poet Police said a young banker was 965 defence witnesses. But the sharp responses from Sri Lankan Molla was found guilty of five opposition Bangladesh Nationalist and a top journalist,” Prosecutor burnt to death and four people tribunal allowed only six,” said reporters. out of six charges including mass Party (BNP) — stand accused of Mohammad Ali said, adding injured in Dhaka on Monday Shazzad Chowdhury, adding that “Are u saying we cant even murder. war crimes. he was known as “Butcher of night after a bus was torched by they would appeal the verdict. ‘TRUST’ what the Govt Info is A man was shot dead in clashes Both Jamaat and BNP have Mirpur”, a Dhaka suburb. suspected Jamaat activists pro- Bangladesh, which was called saying through its SMS service. with police in the port city of labelled the cases “show trials” “He killed my father and he testing the war crime trials. East Pakistan until 1971, has Who can we trust?,” tweeted Chittagong as the ruling sparked aimed at barring the leaders from got away. I am not happy,” said The tribunal, which has no inter- struggled to come to terms with Gandhya Senanayake. immediate protests by Jamaat, upcoming polls. International Khandoker Abul Ahsan, son of national oversight, was created by its violent birth. “So MR (Mahinda Rajapaksa) the country’s largest Islamic rights groups have questioned the Khandoker Abu Taleb, a well- the country’s secular government The current government says wants us to verify official Gov party, which enforced a nation- proceedings. known journalist killed during in 2010. The opposition has alleged up to three million people were info statements as well,” tweeted wide strike in anticipation of the Prosecutors said during the the 1971 war. that it is politically motivated and killed in the war, but independent Azzam Ameen. “Journalists conviction. war Molla was a senior figure in Security was tight in the capi- is selective in its targets. estimates put the figure far lower. blamed not the Govt Info dept “We fired in self-defence after the then-student wing of Jamaat, tal with more than 10,000 police Defence lawyers said Molla, AFP who created the blunder.” “How can the government information department make such a blunder. We have pub- lished the story on ______. Darn,” said another Sri Lankan reporter. Court again blocks Philippine cyber crime law Leaked US embassy cables had shown that Colombo expressed MANILA: The Philippine “We submit to the court’s dis- But opponents swiftly sued the new injunction would be in perfect law and even (Jardeleza) willingness to send troops to Supreme Court has again cretion and respect such decision over provisions that authorise force and Supreme Court officials had questions about the takedown train Afghan forces in March stopped the government from to extend the TRO,” she said in heavy prison terms for online libel declined to comment. provisions,” Carandang said. 2009. enforcing a controversial cyber a text message. “It’s not a total and give the state powers to shut Aquino spokesman Ramon Jardeleza however has also said It later changed its mind, fear- crime law, officials said yes- defeat. It’s just a TRO pending down websites and monitor online Carandang said the govern- this provision was not enough rea- ing possible reprisals from foreign terday, amid concern it would determination of the merits of activities. ment acknowledged the public’s son to strike down the entire law. Islamic militants. severely curb Internet freedoms. the petitions.” The court in October issued a concerns. Democracy.Net.PH, a Relations between Sri Lanka Justice Secretary Leila de Lima President Benigno Aquino four-month injunction that was to He noted that even its chief Philippine online group advo- and the US have been strained said a fresh “temporary restrain- signed the law in September last have lapsed this week, as it scru- lawyer, Solicitor-General Francis cating Internet freedom, in as Washington pressed Colombo ing order” (TRO) issued by the year, amid huge online protests, tinised the law for possible viola- Jardeleza, had publicly acknowl- a statement applauded the to probe alleged war crimes by its Supreme Court meant the law to stamp out cyber crimes such tions of constitutional provisions edged that shutting down web- court’s “responsiveness to public troops while crushing Tamil sepa- passed last year could not take as fraud, identity theft, spamming on freedom of expression. sites may be illegal. sentiment”. ratists in May 2009. effect. and child pornography. De Lima did not say how long “As the president said, it’s not a AFP AFP Nepal launches Japan protests as China points radar census of Royal TOKYO: A Chinese navy vessel aimed a type a chain of rocky, uninhabited isles in the East Bengal tiger of radar normally used to aim weapons at a China Sea. In particular, there are hopes for a target at a Japanese navy ship in the East leaders’ summit to help ease the strains that a China Sea, prompting Japan to protest, Japan’s junior Japanese coalition partner said on Tuesday KATHMANDU: Hundreds of defence minister said yesterday, an action that could take place as early as April. conservationists have begun a could complicate efforts to cool tension in a But deep mistrust, simmering nationalism in major survey of the number of territorial row between the rivals. both countries and bitter Chinese memories of endangered Royal Bengal tigers “Projecting fire control radar is very unusual,” Japan’s wartime aggression mean the road to a living in a vast forest region Japanese Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera told summit will be rocky and any rapprochement bordering Nepal and India, offi- reporters of the incident, which he said occurred fragile. cials said yesterday. on January 30 but took time to confirm. Onodera said a similar incident may have Wildlife experts are monitoring “One mistake, and the situation would become occurred on January 19, when a Chinese naval images from hundreds of cameras very dangerous.” ship may have directed so-called fire control set up in protected areas of the Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, however, told radar at a Japanese navy helicopter. Tarai Arc Landscape, a mainly Onodera it was important to respond calmly and The long-running row over the islands, known forested area which stretches for not meet provocation with provocation, Kyodo as the Senkaku in Japan and the Diaoyu in China, some 950km, in the four-month news agency reported. has in recent months escalated to the point where survey. Hopes have been rising for a thaw in ties both sides have scrambled fighter jets while patrol “We are conducting a survey between Asia’s two biggest economies since a chill ships shadow each other. on the tiger’s occupancy and began in September when Tokyo nationalised REUTERS behaviour. The results will help us identify the animal’s paths and prey,” said Megh Bahadur Pandey, Director general of Nepal’s Jumbo woes Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation. “In 2011 and before that, we conducted surveys of tigers in some national parks but this is the first nationwide survey in five years,” he said, adding that a par- allel survey was being conducted in India. “The census results will enrich our understanding. If we find that the number has increased, then we will know the reasons. In case the population is on decline, the survey will help us develop effec- tive strategies,” he said. Ghanashyam Gurung, Conservation Programme Director for Nepal at WWF, said it was the first time that officials from Nepal and India had worked together to get a full picture. “India and Nepal used to con- A Filipino student feeds Maali, a 38 year-old Asian elephant, at her enclosure at the Manila Zoo, yes- duct surveys without consulting terday. The worsening condition of Maali prompted the Philippine Congress which handles the House each other, but this census will Committee on Natural Resources to approve a resolution supporting the immediate transfer of her to provide us with the data from Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand. both sides,” he said. AFP WEDNESDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2013 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN Peace pledge risks being one-sided Analysts say involvement of US and Taliban in talks crucial for achieving agreement in six months

LONDON: The commit- ment by the UK, Pakistan and Afghanistan to reach a peace Karzai to leave power in 2014 deal within six months risks OSLO: Hamid Karzai yesterday confirmed that he planned to being one-sided, analysts said step down next year when his mandate expired. yesterday. “The question of me staying as the president beyond 2014 is out British Prime Minister David of the question,” he said when asked about recent speculation that Cameron, Afghan President he was keen to stay on. Hamid Karzai and his Pakistani “Neither am I seeking a third term, nor does the constitution counterpart Asif Ali Zardari had allow it. There will be an election and a new president will come,” said in London on Monday that he said. Karzai was elected in 2004, and re-elected in 2009 in a vote they would work to reach an marred by accusations of fraud. agreement, throwing their weight Afghanistan’s next presidential election is scheduled for April behind moves for the Taliban to 2014, a few months before the end of Nato’s mission. open an office in Doha. Karzai had also said he would not stay in power beyond 2014 Following talks, the leaders during a meeting with US President Barack Obama last month. also urged the Islamists to join Norway said it would continue to help the country until 2017, the reconciliation process. with annual aid of 750 million kroner ($137m). They had a private dinner on Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg said the aid agreement, which Sunday and full talks on Monday formalises earlier pledges, would depend on Kabul’s commitment to at Cameron’s Chequers country “good governance, the rule of law, human rights, transparency and retreat near London, amid grow- democracy.” We have zero tolerance for corruption,” he stressed, ing fears that a civil war could noting that Oslo had suspended development aid in the past when erupt when Nato troops leave funds had been misappropriated. AFP Afghanistan in 2014. But with neither the Taliban part of an Afghan-led peace proc- negotiating table. There was no nor the US at the talks, and the ess,” it added. reaction from the Taliban. militants refusing dialogue with Karzai had previously shunned The summit was the third tri- Kabul, the commitment appeared the idea of a Taliban office in Doha lateral meeting in a year following Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron (centre) with Afghan President Hamid Karzai (left) and Pakistani President to be too optimistic, analysts because of fears that it would lead talks in Kabul last July and New Asif Ali Zardari at Chequers, near Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, west of London. added. to Kabul being frozen out of talks York in September, but the first in “All sides agreed on the between the US and the Taliban. which Pakistani and Afghan army regularly accused by Kabul and support the initiative. “Peace in Pakistani political and security urgency of this work and commit- The statement said that Karzai and intelligence chiefs took part. Washington of helping militants Afghanistan is peace in Pakistan. analyst Hasan Askari dismissed ted themselves to take measures and Zardari had agreed arrange- Cameron appealed to the destabilise Afghanistan. We feel that we can only survive as “too ambitious” the prospect to achieve a peace settlement ments to “strengthen coordina- Taliban to join the peace process. Support from Pakistan, which together. “We cannot change our of securing a settlement in six over the next six months,” the tion” of the release of Taliban “Now is the time for everyone to backed Afghanistan’s 1996- neighbourhood or neighbours.” months to end more than 11 years leaders said in a statement issued detainees from Pakistan’s custody. participate in a peaceful political 2001 Taliban regime, is crucial Last March, the Taliban sus- of war. by Cameron’s office. Afghan peace negotiators have process in Afghanistan,” he told a to peace, but relations between pended contacts with US rep- “I don’t expect a settlement, it “They supported the opening of welcomed Islamabad’s release press conference after talks. the neighbours remain uneasy resentatives over a potential would be a major setback to the an office in Doha for negotiations of dozens of prisoners in recent Karzai hoped to have “very despite recent improvements. prisoner exchange and opening calculation. The lack of Taliban between the Taliban and the High months, a move they believe close, brotherly and good neigh- Zardari said it was in of a liaison office, and refused to involvement in talks is a prob- Peace Council of Afghanistan as could help bring militants to the bourly” relations with Pakistan, Islamabad’s interests to negotiate with Kabul. lem,” he added. AFP US suspends Kam Air ban after opium probe vow Kabul agrees KABUL: The US military has conduct a full investigation of quantities of opium to neighbour- decision to return its business Ninety percent of the world’s on reform to suspended its blacklisting of Kam Air,” US Forces-Afghanistan ing Tajikistan, the Wall Street relations with Kam Air to nor- opium is produced is Afghanistan, Afghanistan’s largest private said. Journal revealed. mal,” a government spokesman according to the UN Office on airline Kam Air after the gov- In return, the US “will support The impoverished Central said. Drugs and Crime. get IMF aid ernment promised an investi- the Afghan government’s inves- Asian country is regarded as a “We believe this was the right The trade fuels corruption in gation into claims that it was tigation by providing evidence key transit route used by drug decision to take. At the same time the country, and poppy farmers WASHINGTON: The IMF trafficking opium. and documents as required”, it smugglers. The airline rejected the Afghan government remains are also taxed by Taliban mili- said it had reached agreement The US Central Command said. the allegation and the govern- committed to fully investigat- tants who use the cash to help with Afghanistan on the reform made the decision because “it is The US had banned the airline ment demanded proof of drug ing this whole matter, including fund their insurgency against the path needed to unlock the next an appropriate, logical course of from its list of potential mili- smuggling from the US. through the examination of any Kabul government and US-led aid instalment for the war-rav- action at this time for the sov- tary contractors, claiming the “The Afghan government and all evidence from the US Nato forces. aged country. ereign Afghan government to company was conveying “bulk” welcomes the US command’s command.” AFP The International Monetary Fund granted Afghanistan a $133.6m line of credit in November Kashmir solidarity day protest 2011 to help the country through the withdrawal of foreign military forces in 2014. $251m IDB loan for fight But to date the IMF has only disbursed two installments of about $18m each. Following a two-week mis- against polio in Pakistan sion in Afghanistan, an IMF team reached “understandings” PESHAWAR: Islamic The official said the govern- with the Afghan authorities on Development Bank has approved ment had requested the Jeddah- a reform path to allow fresh aid $251m loan for Pakistan’s polio based IDB for loan. to be disbursed, the IMF said in eradication programme follow- “Now, it is the government, a statement. ing the donor agencies refusal which will be responsible for all The disbursement is contingent to offer funding, according to financial liabilities regarding polio upon “the implementation of key officials. vaccination,” he added. structural benchmarks for sub- The $300m programme, which Pakistan has not been able mission of laws to parliament and is for 2013-15, seeks complete vac- to eradicate polio since World strengthening banks’ capital,” the cination of children to eradicate Health Organisation launched IMF said. the crippling disease in three Global Polio Eradication Initiative It said the Afghan authorities years. in 1994. had agreed on the need to tighten “Pakistan has designed its The disease affects 3,50,000 monetary policy, in part to pro- polio eradication programme for children in 125 countries around tect the country’s international the next three years after donor the world every year. reserves position. agencies refused to provide fur- According to the official, donors The authorities also saw the ther funding. say Pakistan has been missing need to increase revenues by “The programme will cost vaccination targets and chang- strengthening customs meas- $300m of which $49m will be ing strategies to cope with the ures and prepare to implement a arranged by the government, situation. value-added tax in 2014, the IMF while the rest will be provided by Donors also insist that they said. IDB,” an official said yesterday. have been spending $100m in According to the global lender, According to him, the loan Pakistan every year but the vac- the Afghan authorities reiterated is a welcome development at a cine-preventable childhood dis- their commitment to complete time when international donors ease is far from being eradicated. “quickly” the winding down of have expressed their inability Last year, 58 fresh polio cases former private bank Kabul Bank, to pump more money into the were recorded. the center of a scandal that had programme. INTERNEWS Supporters of the banned Islamic party Jamat Dawa burn an Indian national flag during a rally to mark Kashmir delayed the original IMF loan for Solidarity Day in Faisalabad, yesterday. a year. The bank, once Afghanistan’s largest, had to be taken over by the central bank in late 2010 amid accusations that powerful former executives siphoned off Election commission to reconsider recruitments clamp more than $900m, some of which was used to buy luxury properties ISLAMABAD: The Election “The ban will remain in place, by-elections in the future, the for nomination papers would also General Pervez Musharraf, in Dubai. Commission of Pakistan (ECP) however, it can be relaxed on the sources added. be considered in the run-up to the while the census was conducted “The economic outlook for will meet here today and basis of need, as there have been They said that several propos- general elections. in 1998. Afghanistan is broadly positive,” tomorrow to consider a number large-scale politically-motivated als were already with the com- The commission will also The commission also intends the IMF said, adding that growth of items on the agenda, includ- recruitments in recent weeks and mission, while its senior officials’ review the continuing door-to- to identify new polling sta- and inflation were better than ing requests by the Ministry months to influence voters dur- interaction with the Federal door verification of electoral rolls tions and update electoral rolls, expected in 2012. of Defence and the Ministry ing general election,” the sources Bureau of Revenue and the in Karachi and the demand of as the National Database and The mission will prepare a of Law and Parliamentary maintained. Audit Department would come political parties for a fresh delimi- Registration Authority contin- report for the IMF executive Affairs to relax the ban on new The panel, headed by Chief in handy to evolve a mechanism. tation of constituencies, which ues to issue new identity cards board “following the implemen- recruitments. Election Commissioner Justice “The ultimate aim is to stop if one goes by the Constitution, to those turning 18. tation of the remaining key struc- ECP sources said that though Fakhruddin G Ebrahim, will try the tax and loan defaulters from could be held after the national The process of inclusion of new tural benchmarks,” it said. the decision would be made after to put in place a mechanism to entering the legislatures,” the census. voters in electoral rolls will con- The board, which represents taking into account the nature detect and identify tax default- sources said. Last time, these processes tinue until the election schedule the Fund’s 188 members, decides of vacant posts, it is likely the ers, who could be barred from Moreover, some draft proposals were held in the capital during is announced. approval of aid disbursements. requests would be honoured. contesting general elections or to amend the proforma (forms) the regime of former pesident INTERNEWS AFP WEDNESDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2013 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13

Airtel launches Companion of mobile service in Kargil area

JAMMU: Mobile service provider rape victim Airtel yesterday launched opera- tions in Jammu and Kashmir’s iso- lated Kargil area, which remains cut off from the rest of the country during winter months. identifies bus “Bharti Airtel, a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 20 countries across Asia and Africa now provides Fast-track court begins hearing seamless voice and data connec- tivity to its customers in Kargil, NEW DELHI: The companion reinforcing Airtel’s pan-India cov- of a medical student who died Iron rod thrust into erage strength,” Jagbir Singh of the after being gang-raped identi- Bharti Airtel group said. fied yesterday the bus on which teenager’s mouth Now, Airtel has become the the attack took place as he tes- during rape bid only private mobile company to tified in the trial of five adults provide services in Kargil. Singh accused of her murder. NEW DELHI: A teenaged added that Airtel through its net- The 28-year-old, confined to a Class 9 student fought off work presence across all 22 dis- wheelchair as a result of injuries a rape bid in her own house tricts of Jammu and Kashmir will sustained in the attack, confirmed here by an electricity con- now allow the people to stay con- that a white bus was the vehicle tractor who thrust an iron nected with their friends and fam- on which the deadly assault took rod into her throat to quell ily across the country. “Given the place on December 16, his father her cries for help, police said extreme weather conditions and said. “Yes, my son could identify yesterday. The accused has rough terrains, the connectivity the bus. The cross-examination been arrested. has been extended to the region is going to start now,” said the The victim, 19, who was through VSAT links and specially father, whose son cannot be attacked around 8.30pm on Stranded vehicles line up as drivers warm themselves by a fire while they wait for the reopening of the Jammu- designed telecom infrastructure named for legal reasons. Monday in south Delhi’s Lajpat Srinagar National Highway, on the outskirts of Jammu, yesterday. Kashmir remained cut off from the rest of the which can be adjusted as per the Although proceedings are sub- Nagar, underwent a surgery in country as heavy snowfall in the Pir Panjal mountain range closed the highway and delayed all scheduled flights need in case of any unprecedented ject to a gagging order, police throat in the morning and is to the valley. The highway is the only road connection between the landlocked valley and the rest of the country. weather conditions,” Singh said. allowed reporters to see the young said to be in a critical condi- IANS man being taken in the company tion, police said of lawyers and the judge to the Anil Kumar, an electricity bus which has been parked in the distribution contractor, tried court compound. No photographs to rape the victim finding her Snowfall, rain lash country’s north were allowed. alone at her house. He then returned inside the “Kumar went to the victim’s courtroom where he was expected home to collect monthly dues NEW DELHI: Snowfall and station near Shimla, was sus- stranded at Jammu bus stand due rain till yesterday morning. The to be cross-examined by lawyers of the electricity. Finding her rain lashed the northern parts pended after a stretch of to closure of the highway. rain was accompanied by high for the five adult accused, who alone, he tried to rape her. He of the country for a second Hindustan-Tibet Road was Almost all mountainous parts velocity winds. Incessant rain also have all denied murder, rape and inserted an iron rod into her day yesterday, triggering land- closed due to heavy snow. of the Jammu region too remained brought back winter chill in Uttar robbery charges. A sixth defend- mouth when she was crying for slides and cutting off parts of Connectivity on Kullu-Manali cut off. The 100km stretch Pradesh. The weather depart- ant is being tried separately as a help,” said a police officer. Himachal Pradesh and Jammu national highway snapped five between Patnitop and Banihal ment forecast more showers. juvenile. Hearing the victim’s cries and Kashmir, and waterlogging km ahead of Manali. had over a dozen road blockades The rainy weather forced “My son will go to any lengths some neighbours came to help roads in Delhi. Kalpa in Kinnaur experienced caused by snow, landslides and Congress vice president Rahul to ensure that the guilty are pun- her but Kumar managed to flee Delhi received the heaviest 54.7cm of snowfall and mercury shooting stones. Gandhi and Bharatiya Janata ished,” the father had earlier said from the spot. He was later rainfall of the winter season since dipped to minus 3.4 degrees Police said they have given food Party president Rajnath Singh to as the two of them entered the arrested from the house of his Monday, breaking a six-year-old Celsius while the minimum and shelter to stranded passen- postpone their trips to the state, courtroom in the Saket district. maternal uncle in Faridabad in record, at 46 mm. Delhi’s Ridge at temperature in Manali was 1.2 gers who could be reached while party leaders said. “He will cooperate and is pre- Haryana, police said. IANS 50mm, Delhi University northern degrees below the freezing point. police units were trying to access The rains, with lightning, thun- pared to answer any questions campus at 51mm and Lodhi Road Further north, the Srinagar- those who are cut off. Even telecom der and icy winds, began late posed by the defence.” at 53.6mm were the wettest spots Jammu National Highway No. 1A, links and electricity supply were Monday and continued Tuesday, He is the main witness in a case three days. I am running fever. I in the capital, and gave commut- the lifeline to the Kashmir Valley, disrupted. The number of pilgrims pulling down mercury. The min- that is being held in a special fast- have pain in the legs.” ers a harrowing time with water- remained closed for the second visiting the Vaishno Devi hill shrine imum temperature in Lucknow track court. The judge has banned The father was speaking at a logged key roads. consecutive day due to overnight also fell drastically to about 5,000, was 4.7 degrees Celsius — six all reporting of proceedings inside press conference organised by The minimum temperature in snowfall and landslides. Hundreds from 8,500 on Monday. notches below normal. In Kanpur, the courtroom and ordered law- local leaders of the main oppo- the capital was recorded at 13.5 of load carriers and passenger The snowfall in Kashmir and it was 5.3 degrees Celsius, while yers not to speak to journalists. sition Bharatiya Janata Party degrees Celsius. The maximum vehicles were stranded. Himachal Pradesh brought on Allahabad recorded 5.1 degrees. Meanwhile, the father of the who want to name a new science was 19.3 degrees Celsius. A Border Roads Organisation heavy rains and strong winds in The rains were caused by a student spoke of the toll that museum in Delhi after her. In Himachal Pradesh, the situ- official said the piled up snow the plains of Haryana and Punjab. westerly disturbance — a storm the case had taken on him and “We will do everything that ation was worse as piles of snow blocked the road in the Banihal In Haryana, Narnaul and system emanating from the reiterated his desire to see his will give respect and dignity to blocked vehicular movements sector while landslides hit the Karnal received 30 and 23.8mm Mediterranean and moving onto daughter’s killers hanged as he her memory. We want her to along road to towns in Shimla, road in Panthal, Seri and Kela of rain, respectively. Rain was also the Himalayas in Afghanistan and appeared at a press conference. become a symbol of change in Kullu and Kinnaur districts. The Morh areas. He said if weather reported in Ambala and Hisar. Pakistan - and the situation was “I don’t read newspapers or watch the society,” the BJP leader in heavy snowfall and rain will con- permitted, stranded vehicles In Punjab, Patiala received likely to remain more or less simi- TV. I only want that all the six Delhi Vijender Gupta said at the tinue till Wednesday, the Met would be allowed to move on from 13.6mm of rain. Amritsar and lar for the next few days, said a people should be hanged,” he said. press conference. Office said. Jammu to Srinagar. Ludhiana also had showers. Met official. “I have not been able to sleep for AFP Traffic beyond Kufri, a hill There were about 200 people Chandigarh received 11.5mm of IANS

Dust storm at Maha Kumbh festival School team to bid for Everest world record

CHANDIGARH: A six-student team will make a bid for a world record to become the first school team to scale Mt. Everest, the highest peak in the world. Supported by leading outdoor adventure gear brand Woodland, the school team will try to scale the 8,848-metre high peak in May this year to mark the 60 years of Everest treks. The expedition will be flagged off from India on April 5. The young team members, all Devotees walk through a dust storm after taking a dip at the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna of whom are from the Lawrence and Saraswati during the Maha Kumbh festival, in Allahabad, yesterday. School at Sanawar in Kasauli hills of Himachal Pradesh, are Hakikat Singh Grewal, Guribadat Singh, Prithvi Singh, Ajay Sohal, Shubham and Fateh Singh. Four of them are from Kamal Hassan thanks fans for support Punjab and one each from Delhi and Himachal Pradesh. CHENNAI: Actor-filmmaker Kamal Hassan of Tamil Nadu Home Secretary R Rajagopal and Woodland Managing Director has thanked his fans for the constant sup- members from Muslim organisations. Harkirat Singh said the team port that helped him steer clear of the con- Kamal says he was moved to see how fans members had undergone strenu- troversies surrounding his multi-lingual film around the country sent donations to him, to ous high-altitude and endurance Vishwaroopam. soften the financial crisis, which was caused due training in the last few months. “I am ever grateful to the Tamil Nadu and to the delay in the release of the film. The team has undergone a Indian people at large. Many peers in the trade According to trade pundits, initial losses on the five-month extensive training in Tamil Nadu also reached out personally to film were between Rs30 crore to Rs80 crore. “I (September 2012 to January 2013) enquire. Unbeknownst to me, the rest of my fra- was angered and hurt by injustice. I stood stoic in all formats of stamina build-up, ternity throughout the country raised their voice through all the troubles but what broke me to fitness as well as adventure sports in my defense,” Kamal said. an emotional pulp was the sight of money orders, to equip them to cope up with the He also said that it is the media which on his currency notes and bank cheques sent to me by hard tenure at Mt. Everest. This behalf fought the battle. “The media fought for admirers to help me tide over my crisis,” said included high-altitude training at my freedom as if it was theirs at stake - prob- the 58-year-old. the Himalayan Mountaineering ably it is so. Nevertheless, the time they spent on “I will be sending all of these to the respective Institute, Darjeeling, to a 1,000km my small cause and the warmth they imparted senders. Please do not take offense. All my fans, I cycling campaign in Thar desert. strengthened me,” he added. owe you all a big salute. You respected my request After a 10-day winter-cum- The Rs95 crore espionage thriller was set for as if it was my command and maintained peace high altitude acclimatisation at release in Tamil and Telugu on January 25, but and harmony in spite of provocation,” he added. Khardung-La in Ladakh, the a day before the release the Tamil Nadu gov- The film, which is written, produced and team members will take their ernment imposed a two-week ban on it fearing directed by Kamal, is finally releasing on annual examinations in school in protests by Muslim groups. The ban on the film February 7 all over Tamil Nadu. The Hindi ver- March before setting out for the was revoked after Kamal agreed to edit a few sion titled Vishwaroop, released on February 1. Everest expedition. scenes from his controversial film in the presence IANS IANS WEDNESDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2013 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA Air show set Kashmir girl band quits after fatwa to take off in Bangalore 27 nations to take part in Aero India

BANGALORE: The stage is set combat aircraft will be the star for a spectacular air show on the of the air show, as its vendor city’s outskirts as the five-day Dassault Aviation has flown in biennial Aero India takes off today three of them, two for aerial dis- with fighters, choppers and other play and one for static display. military aircraft demonstrating The twin-engine delta-wing their strike power and displaying Rafale outsmarted Eurofighter breath-taking aerobatics. Typhoon, which was also short- The dazzling flying display listed out of the six global aerospace in formation by the Indian Air majors, including Russian MiG-35, Force (IAF) Sarang helicopter Lockheed Martin’s F-16 Falcon, team and aerobatics by Russian Boeing’s F-18 Hornet and Swedish Knights in Sukhoi-27 combat air- Saab Gripen for the IAF’s multi- craft and Flying Bulls from Czech billion dollar order of 126 aircraft. Republic will be a major attrac- Vying for equal attention will Kashmir’s first girl rock band Pragaash, or First Light, performs at the annual ‘Battle of the Bands’ in Srinagar. The band has decided to quit after the tion for thousands of people who be other metal birds, including region’s top Muslim cleric declared their music to be “un-Islamic”, their manager said yesterday. Pragaash, a three-piece group whose members are will make a beeline to the venue the India’s Light Combat Aircraft still in high school, had been the target of an online hate campaign ever since winning a “Battle of the Bands” contest in December. for a visual delight twice a day. (LCA) Tejas fighter, F-16 of the Billed as the largest event of US major Lockheed Martin, its kind in South Asia, the ninth Russian Sukhoi, British jet edition of the international expo trainer Hawk and French Mirage on aerospace, defence and civil 2000, which will participate in the aviation will also showcase the flying display twice a day. Fall in higher education quality lamented latest products and technologies Hogging the limelight will be through 650 exhibitors from 27 Boeing’s C-17 roaring Globemaster- NEW DELHI: India is witness- Nation of 2006 referred to it as a near the place of their residence.” education had to fulfil the aspi- nations, including Belgium, Britain, III high lift military transport air- ing a decline in standards in the “quiet crisis that runs deep”, he Even though India has the rations of the youth, who are rest- Bulgaria, France, Germany, Israel, craft, which will join the IAF’s fleet quality of higher education and said. “We have to reverse this second largest higher education less and looking for directions. Italy, Russia and Ukraine. this year, the weaponised version of the trend needs to be reversed, trend and for that collective wis- system, a report by the Planning He also stressed that the flight Organised by the Indian defence HAL’s Advance Light Helicopter President Pranab Mukherjee dom is needed,” Mukherjee said. Commission and industry released of intellectual capital had to be ministry in partnership with the (ALH) Rudra, its multi-role ver- said yesterday. The president said access to last year pointed out that gross discouraged by addressing service Federation of Indian Chambers sion Dhruv and prototype of its Addressing a conference of knowledge was fundamental to enrolment ratio in India of 16 per- conditions of faculty and offering of Commerce and Industry at light combat helicopter (LCH). vice-chancellors of central uni- the country’s bid to empower its cent was much below the world them incentives to serve the insti- the IAF’s Yelahanka air base, the The naval variant of the versities, Mukherjee also said people. “The enrolment of the dis- average of 27 percent. tutions within India for longer trade fair will be inaugurated by LCA with armament mock-ups, that universities should not only advantaged sections is a matter of Ninety percent of colleges were periods. He said universities were Defence Minister A K Antony unmanned aerial vehicle (UAVs) provide knowledge and skills but great concern. For example, for found average or below average “custodian of culture” and they in the presence of 78 foreign del- Rustom-1 and Nishant on launch also inculcate values of humanity Scheduled Tribe population, the on the basis of their accreditation should not only provide knowl- egations, services chiefs, dignitar- vehicles will be on static display and virtue. gross enrolment ratio in higher from the National Assessment edge and skills but “also inculcate ies and representatives of global at the Indian pavilion along with “We are witnessing declining education is only half of the and Accreditation Council, the values of humanity and virtue”. aerospace majors. missiles of the state-run Defence standards in the quality of higher national average,” he added. report said. The president is a Visitor to the With the IAF selecting French Research and Development education in our country,” the “The simple fact is that much He said that besides being a central universities. The last such fighter Rafale to replace its ageing Organisation and radars and president warned. more needs to be done to ensure powerful tool for the realization conference was convened in 2003 Russian MiG-21 fleet, the fourth electronic warfare systems from The National Knowledge availability of opportunity to aspir- of the nation’s technological and by then president A P J Abdul generation medium multi-role Bharat Electronics Ltd. IANS Commission in its Report to the ants, to pursue higher education economic advancement, higher Kalam. IANS SC upholds death Supreme Court fumes over penalty to minor’s killer absence of chief secretaries NEW DELHI: The Supreme NEW DELHI: The Supreme affidavits. The judges on Jan uary Court yesterday upheld the death Court yesterday fumed over 17 ordered chief secretaries of sentence given to a man for kill- the absence of chief secretar- Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Arunachal ing a seven-year-old boy whom ies of Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Pradesh, Goa and Odisha to be he had kidnapped for Rs5 lakh Arunachal Pradesh who were present in the court for their fail- ransom in 2009 in Tamil Nadu. told to be present in person to ure to respond to notice issued Upholding the death sentence explain their failure to file sta- by the court on a public interest awarded to Sunder, the apex court tus reports on missing children. litigation on missing children. bench of Justice P Sathasivam “What do you think, that we Only officials of Goa and Odisha and Justice J S Khehar said there are passing orders just for the were present in court yesterday. was no room in law for “any doubt sake of passing orders?” asked “Why is he not present? He is not that the offence of kidnapping for Chief Justice Altamas Kabir, won- in the court here today. He can’t ransom accompanied by a threat dering if the court should issue come? Don’t give all this,” the to cause death contemplates pun- non-bailable warrants to secure court said as counsel for Arunachal ishment with death”. the officials’ presence. “Nobody Pradesh sought to explain the Justice Khehar said: “Even seems to be bothered about the absence of the chief secretary. without an accused actually plight of the missing children. The court refused to accept the having committed the murder This is the irony,” he said. “deep apology” by Gujarat govern- of the individual kidnapped for The apex court bench of Chief ment’s standing counsel Hemantika ransom, the provision contem- Justice Kabir, Justice Anil R Dave Wahi, saying: “Don’t give this apol- plates the death penalty.” The and Justice Vikramajit Sen took ogy. You don’t mean it.” Class 2 student, Suresh, a resi- strong exception to the three “Whether he (chief secre- dent of Karkudal village, some chief secretaries disregarding the tary) has assumed the charge 200km from Chennai, was kid- court’s directive. recently did not matter. Orders napped July 27, 2009, and killed Senior counsel H.S. Phoolka, were passed by the court and you soon after. appearing for NGO Bachpan were required to be present,” the Jutice Khehar said there was Bachao Andolan, told the court court said when Wahi told the no doubt that Sunder has been that everyday 100 children, who judges that the official took up the “found to have kidnapped Suresh go missing, remain untraced. assignment only recently. for ransom, and has also actually Directing the chief secretaries “Why don’t you wake up from committed his murder”. The guilt of the three states to be present your slumber? Why are you appear- of Sunder “must be considered in person in the court in the next ing at all when there is no instruc- to be of the gravest nature, jus- hearing on February 19, the court tion?” the court said counsel for West tifying the harshest punishment told the union home, woman and Bengal said that he had no instruc- prescribed for the offence”. child development and social jus- tion from the state government. IANS tice ministries to also file their IANS

MIM leader Owaisi’s custody extended HYDERABAD: Forensic experts yesterday 19. Police later shifted him back to jail in Adilabad, recorded the voice of MIM leader Akbaruddin about 30 km from here and 90km from Nirmal. Owaisi in a court, which also extended his judicial Akbar Owaisi was arrested on January 8 for mak- custody till February 19 in a hate speech case. ing a hate speech at a public meeting in Nirmal on Another court dismissed his bail plea in another December 22. He is since lodged in Adilabad jail. hate speech case while he got bail in a seven-year- A member of assembly from Chandrayangutta old case of manhandling an official. Experts of the constituency in Hyderabad, he is facing charges of Central Forensic Science Laboratory recorded the sedition, waging war against the nation and promot- legislator’s voice as he has reportedly claimed during ing enmity between people. the interrogation that the voice in the video footage Meanwhile, in another case of hate speech, a court of his speech is not his. in Nizamabad town dismissed the legislator’s bail Official said the voice sample would be sent to a plea. It also allowed police to take his voice samples. laboratory in Chandigarh to match it with the voice The MIM leader had made the controversial speech in the video footage of the public meeting. Akbar at a public meeting in Nizamabad on December 8. Owaisi was brought from the district jail in Adilabad Police had Saturday questioned him. Akbar Owaisi to Nirmal, where he was produced before Judicial received some relief when a court in Sangareddy town First Class Magistrate K Ajesh Kumar. of Medak district granted him bail in a case booked After the recording of voice, the magistrate against him in 2005. He was directed to deposit two extended the legislator’s judicial custody till February sureties of Rs10,000 each. IANS

WEDNESDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2013 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME Spiderman scales hotel in Havana

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Today Thursday Friday Weather Conditions: Clear Clear Mostly sunny Misy to foggy at places at first High: 23° High: 21° High: 23° becomes hazy Low: 14° Low: 15° Low: 16° with some clouds.

DOHA - SUN & SEA SUN TIDE SEA

SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND 06:15 | 17:22 02:00 / 11:30 09:30 / 19:00 03-12 KT

THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW

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MUSCAT 24/16 Clear 25/17 Clear MAKKAH 32/22 Clear 30/22 Mostly sunny Alain Robert of France, who is known as ‘Spiderman’, climbs up the Habana Libre hotel in Havana. Robert, who scales buildings all over the world KUWAIT 20/15 Mostly sunny 22/14 Mostly sunny without safety equipment, successfully climbed the hotel which is 126 metres (413 feet) high. BAHRAIN 20/16 Clear 21/16 Partly cloudy SANAA 22/08 Clear 24/06 Mostly sunny RIYADH 23/09 Mostly sunny 24/10 Mostly sunny DUBAI 24/15 Clear 25/16 Clear BAGHDAD 18/13 Mostly sunny 19/10 Clear Bossy mothers tend to limit kids’ creativity THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW WASHINGTON: Dominating their moms and more negative feel- “Children flourish when they have Mothers often think they are HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER mothers tend to limit their chil- ings toward them, said Jean Ispa, opportunities to make choices helping their children by correct- dren’s creativity and instil nega- professor of human development about what they do, particularly ing them, but they are limiting the ATHENS 16/14 Mostly sunny 16/13 Chance of rain tive emotions in them, says a new and family studies at the University in play situations,” said Ispa. children’s creativity and possibly WASHINGTON 06/-2 Snow 06/02 Chance of rain study. Researchers have found of Missouri, who led the study, For example, during play with making their children enjoy being SYDNEY 26/19 Clear 27/20 Clear that the extent to which moth- the journal Parenting: Science and her child, a highly directive mother with them less, Ispa said. To ben- LONDON 07/02 Chance of rain 07/01 Mostly sunny ers try to control the content and Practice reports. might make her toddler put the efit their children’s development, PARIS 07/03 Chance of rain 06/00 Mostly sunny pace of young children’s play, var- The researchers also evaluated plastic cow in the toy barn through mothers should show affection to ies based on the children’s ages how affectionate the mothers were the barn’s door instead of through their children while supporting ISTANBUL 10/10 Clear 15/08 Mostly sunny and the mothers’ ethnicities. to their children and found that its window. If a child is playing with their play and being careful to limit MANILA 32/24 Mostly sunny 32/24 Mostly sunny When mothers were highly higher levels of warmth reduced a pretend kitchen set, the mom the extent to which they dictate DHAKA 32/19 Clear 32/20 Clear directive during playtime, children the negative effects of directiveness, might not let the child touch the exactly how their children should DELHI 21/10 Thunderstorms 22/08 Clear expressed less positive regard for according to a Missouri statement. fake burners on the stove. play, Ispa added. IANS ISLAMABAD 14/07 Chance of rain 17/05 Mostly sunny

Study: Vitamin C Young musicians seek to show new Afghan face supplements WASHINGTON: Some of fashionably long and counts “Your expectations are the tra- Calling music “the interna- largely on funding from the them call an orphanage home. Claudio Arrau and Vladimir ditional Vivaldi. But, here, you tional language of peace and of United States and other gov- One used to spend her days Horowitz among his piano hear in The Four Seasons Afghan possibilities and dreams,” the ernments to run the school. He tied to kidney selling plastic bags. And this heroes. “If the media just broad- pieces and Afghan melodies,” said former senator said that he had pointed to protests last year in month, the Afghan teenagers cast war, that is the image of Ahmad Sarmast, the founder and “very, very high hopes for your the western city of Herat, where stones in men are taking the stage of the most Afghanistan. If we make music, director of the school. country that you can find peace young people took to the streets prestigious US concert halls. the idea of people will change,” “That’s the way we say to the and stability.” to overrule a cleric who tried to NEW YORK: Men who take In a vivid sign of Afghanistan’s he said in fluent English. international community that The 69-year-old mentioned that ban a concert. vitamin C supplements are transformation, 48 students from The Afghanistan National we are part of you, we want to when he was the students’ age, he “The mentality of the youth at higher-than-average risk the country’s first music institute Institute of Music, which was be part of you. We can speak the played in a rock band called the has enormously changed,” of developing kidney stones, are touring the United States founded in 2010, instructs 144 stu- same language, the language of Electras whose performances can Sarmast said. “The condition according to a Swedish study of to showcase a unique blend of dents, each of whom earned their music,” he said. be found on YouTube. is not the same which led to more than 22,000 men. restored traditional music and spots through auditions. The students, with boys and “And I still play guitar. When the arrival of the Taliban.” His “It has long been suspected Western classics. They study not only music but girls intermingled, started their I go home, I love to play guitar,” institute is working on the first that high doses of vitamin C may When Milad Yousufi was a also English and other courses tour with a recital at the State Kerry said, which prompted notation to preserve Afghan increase the risk of kidney stones child, the Taliban ruled most from the Holy Quran to com- Department, where they sat on several Afghan teenagers, who traditional music that had been as some of the vitamin C absorbed of Afghanistan and imposed an puters. The students will per- the floor performing with Afghan had been listening expression- passed down orally. by the body is excreted in urine austere interpretation of Islam form at the Kennedy Centre in instruments such as the rubab: a less, to roar with approval and Derek Beckvold, 26, an as oxalate, one of the key compo- that banned music as sinful. Washington tomorrow, and, on lute with up to 19 strings. wave him the heavy metal-style American who teaches saxophone nents of kidney stones,” said lead He took up piano five years ago February 12, they will be at New In a surprise, Secretary of sign of the horns. at the Kabul institute, said he was researcher Laura Thomas at the and recently placed third at an York’s Carnegie Hall. State John Kerry took a seat to Sarmast, who earned a doc- trying to broaden the musical Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm. international competition in One musical selection will be listen on his first working day. torate in music at Monash exposure of his students beyond Thomas and her team, whose Germany. a version of Vivaldi’s The Four During Kerry’s tenure, the United University in Australia, said that Afghan and Western classics. findings appeared in JAMA “Music is the only thing we Seasons, adapted by instructor States is expected to withdraw the attitudes of young Afghans Beckvold said the young Internal Medicine, used data can bring peace by,” said the William Harvey with Afghan the last of its combat troops from made him confident about the Afghans enjoyed discovering from a large study of middle-aged 18-year-old, who wears his hair instrumentation. Afghanistan in 2014. future, even though he relies Nigerian Afrobeat superstar Fela and elderly Swedish men who Kuti, along with popular music answered a series of questions on from Morocco and 1970s Ethiopia. their diet and lifestyle, then were Beckvold, a graduate of the tracked for an average of 11 years. New England Conservatory of The current analysis included Music in Boston where the stu- 907 men who said they took regular dents will also play, said that jazz vitamin C tablets and more than was generally a harder sell, as 22,000 who didn’t use any nutri- Afghan folk music lacks the same tional supplements. Of the vitamin concept of harmony. But there are C users, 3.4 percent developed kid- still surprises. ney stones for the first time during “I play them a couple of tracks the study, compared to 1.8 percent and the next day one of the kids of non-supplement users. Men comes in with a flash drive and who took vitamin C supplements says, ‘Teacher, can I have every at least once a day had the highest Charlie Parker album that risk of kidney stones. you own?’ Which is a lot,” said Stones are made up of tiny crystals, Beckvold, referring to the jazz which can be formed by calcium com- saxophone legend. bining with oxalate. They usually pass In the United States, “a lot on their own, but can cause severe of people maybe don’t value the pain in the process, though larger importance of education so much stones occasionally require surgery. because it’s readily available,” he The findings don’t prove that the said. “In Afghanistan, not every- vitamin itself triggers stones to form. body gets a decent education, so But researchers said that because everybody seems very hungry to there are no clear benefits tied to learn.” taking high-dose vitamin C, people Shaheer Kabuli, 20, who stud- who have had stones in the past ies trumpet, voiced hope that might want to think before taking the tour “will show every coun- extra supplements. try that Afghanistan has music” Men are more likely to develop as the country prepares for its stones than women. The findings transition. don’t mean people shouldn’t get “In 2014, if the Taliban will not plenty of vitamin C through fruits come back in Afghanistan, I think and vegetables, since the antioxi- that music will do very well,” he dant is important for bone and Gulalai Norestani (second right) and Huma Rahimy (right), members of the Afghanistan National Institute of Music Sitar and Sarod Ensemble, perform said. “But if they come back like muscle health — and severe defi- in the Dean Aceson Auditorium, in Washington, on Monday. they did 10 years ago, then...” His ciency can cause scurvy. voice trailed off. AFP REUTERS Wednesday 6 February 2013 25 Rabial I 1434 Volume 17 Number 5602 Price: QR2

QP, JPCC hold environment symposium

Business | 18

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Wholesale, retail US govt slaps contribution to GDP grows by 5.1pc

DOHA: The share of wholesale and retail trade sector in Qatari S&P with $5bn GDP has grown by 5.1 percent, according to Qatar Statistics Authority’s (QSA) latest data. The 2012 survey results show the total production of the sec- fraud lawsuit tor reached QR32.1bn, with an increase of 10.7 percent. The gross value added (GVA) generated Ratings agency vows to defend reached QR27.8bn. The net value added amounted to QR26bn.The WASHINGTON: The US gov- emails to misconstrue analyst GVA per employee was QR224m, ernment is seeking $5bn in its activity. an increase of 21 percent. civil lawsuit against Standard “Claims that we deliberately The QSA regularly conducts a & Poor’s, accusing the ratings kept ratings high when we knew comprehensive annual economic service of defrauding inves- they should be lower are simply survey to collect a detailed data tors, in one of the most ambi- not true,” the company said. on the different types of economic tious cases yet from the Justice Floyd Abrams, a lawyer for activities practiced in the country. Department over conduct tied S&P, predicted the government The surveys are prepared following to the financial crisis. may have a difficult time prov- international recommendations. The United States said S&P ing that S&P intentionally mis- The surveys provide basic data inflated ratings and understated marked its own ratings. He also for the penetration of the GDP risks associated with mortgage noted that S&P’s opinions on and the national income as well as securities, driven by a desire mortgage-related products were other key economic indicators. to gain more business from the not that far from major US poli- Officials from Qatalum, Qatar Aluminium Extrusion and ALUNOOR during the signing ceremony. The survey covered a total of investment banks that issued cymakers who did not foresee the 8,784 establishments, of which those securities. S&P also falsely depth of the financial crisis. 14 percent were large ones with claimed its ratings were objective, “There was no fraud,” Abrams Qatalum inks supply deals with more than 10 or more employees. the lawsuit said. said on CNBC yesterday morn- The total number of employees in “Put simply, this alleged conduct ing. “The ratings that were issued the wholesale and retail activities is egregious — and it goes to the very were believed by the people who reached 123,977 persons of whom heart of the recent financial crisis,” issued them. And that’s what the ALUNOOR, Qatar Aluminium 79 percent were employed by large said Attorney General Eric Holder government has got to disprove.” establishments. Their annual at a news conference in Washington Between September 2004 and wages amounted to QR892m. The announcing the charges. October 2007, as stress in the hous- DOHA: Qatalum, the Qatari during the customers’ ramp-up various products for domestic majority of workers in the whole- The 119-page lawsuit, filed ing market was starting to emerge, aluminium smelter, has operations and to test the product and business use. sale and retail sector were non- late on Monday in federal court S&P delayed updates to its ratings announced the signing of supply at their facilities. The excellent Petter said: “Encouraging the Qataris, 98.4 percent. in Los Angeles, is the first from criteria and analytical models, contracts with ALUNOOR and quality of Qatalum products was local aluminium downstream the government against a ratings which weakened its criteria beyond Qatar Aluminium Extrusion for appreciated by both customers, industry is a key priority and Dell unveils private agency, a sector that has generally what analysts believed was needed the sale of premium aluminium. thus the new contracts represent commitment at Qatalum. The shielded itself from liability by cit- to make them more accurate, the The signing ceremony at the a long-term commitment for sup- contracts signed today represent equity buyout ing First Amendment protection. Justice Department said. Qatalum office in Mesaieed was ply from Qatalum. the beginning of implement- Sixteen states and the District During that period, accord- attended by Qatalum CEO Tom The two companies who have ing such commitment towards worth $24.4bn of Columbia are also suing S&P, ing to the complaint, S&P issued Petter Johansen and Deputy signed these supply contracts Qatalum’s participation in devel- a unit of the McGraw-Hill credit ratings on $2.8 trillion CEO Khalid Mohammed Laram; have varied expertise and market oping local industry in Qatar. NEW YORK: Dell unveiled Companies Inc. McGraw-Hill worth of mortgage securities and Owner and General Manager focus. ALUNOOR has two broad Qatalum premium quality prod- plans yesterday to take the shares were down 5.3 percent some $1.2 trillion in related struc- of ALUNOOR Jassim Abdul profiles, in industry and construc- ucts and location represent huge former number one computer at $47.61 yesterday, extending tured products. Noor, and Chairman of Qatar tion, making up 20 and 80 percent opportunities for developing alu- maker private in a buyout led by Monday’s declines. It charged up to $750,000 per Aluminium Extrusion Abdul of its work, respectively. In con- minium downstream industries in company founder Michael Dell No individuals were charged deal it rated, which meant that Rahman Al Ansari. struction, it produces windows, Qatar. The demand for aluminium worth $24.4bn. in the DOJ’s lawsuit, and it was S&P viewed the investment banks The total volume of both the doors, metal curtains and building is obviously there.” “I believe this transaction will not immediately clear why the that issued the securities as its contracts is approximately 10,000 exteriors. Laram added: “Qatalum is ide- open an exciting new chapter for government focused on S&P main customers, according to the tonnes for 2013 of which close to In industrial production, ally located to meet the growing Dell, our customers and team instead of rivals Moody’s Corp complaint. 800 metric tonnes will be deliv- ALUNOOR makes products demand for aluminium prod- members,” Michael Dell said in or Fimalac SA’s Fitch Ratings, In August 2004, the head of ered monthly. Although a small for other factories to use in the ucts based on strong strategic unveiling the deal with invest- which were also major raters of S&P’s commercial mortgage- amount by global downstream manufacturing process, such as fundamentals. With these sup- ment firm Silver Lake, and backed such securities. backed securities sent an email standards, the significance of the mechanical devices and various ply contracts, we are seeing an by a $2bn loan from Microsoft. S&P issued a statement yes- to her colleagues and said they deals is in the pioneering of a high-end precision equipment. exciting future in downstream The company said it had signed terday saying the lawsuit is planned to meet to discuss adjust- downstream aluminium industry Qatar Aluminium Extrusion Qatari industry. We at Qatalum “a definitive merger agreement” meritless and that it will vigor- ing criteria “because of the ongo- in Qatar. Company is an expert in alu- are proud to be instrumental in that gives shareholders $13.65 per ously defend itself. It said the ing threat of losing deals.” Deliveries to local customers minium extrusion and is developing this in Qatar”. share in cash. government “cherry picked” REUTERS started in mid-2012 on a trial basis involved in production of THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA/AFP UAE banks to repay crisis capital Siemens and Qatar Steel DUBAI: Banks in the United to where their senior debt is trad- sources said last week. An ADCB bonds reach maturity at the end Arab Emirates will this year ing, it is a significant difference,” official declined to comment. of 2016, when they will be worth sign deal for substation aim to repay capital placed with said Timucin Engin, Associate Banks going to the bond mar- just 20 percent. them at the height of the global Director for Financial Services ket could either raise ordinary “We will have to do something DOHA: Siemens has signed a control and monitoring system, financial crisis, with some turn- Ratings at Standard &Poor’s. debt and use the cash to repay about it at some point, because no complete turnkey solution con- telecommunication systems, ing to the bond market to avoid And the price for banks will con- the government instruments, or bank wants to fall off a capital cliff tract with Qatar Steel Company civil engineering and the substa- servicing expensive debt and tinue to rise; they are due to pay sell a new subordinated offering. down the line,” Surya Subramanian, (QSC) to build a high-voltage tion building. The project will be risking a sudden ‘capital cliff’ five percent on the bonds this year The latter option would help Chief Financial Officer at Emirates substation. The 220/66/33-kilo- executed on an engineering, pro- later on. and 5.25 percent in the final three retain the boost to a bank’s capital NBD, which has Dh12.6bn out- volt (kV) substation will fea- curement and construction basis. The country’s Ministry of years to maturity, having paid 4.5 ratio, but the cost would be more standing, told a January 31 confer- ture advanced technology The upgrade will enable Qatar Finance placed Dh70bn ($19.1bn) percent in 2012 and 4.0 percent for expensive; three traders estimated ence call for the media. and replace an existing facil- Steel, a wholly-owned subsidiary with banks to shore up their bal- the first two years of the bonds. NBAD would have to pay between Some banks have already begun ity within 14 months, ensur- of Industries Qatar, to replace its ance sheets after the collapse of This price differential between 0.5 and 0.7 percent extra to issue addressing the bonds using their ing more efficient and reliable old substation that utilises earlier Lehman Brothers in September the government bonds, which five-year subordinated debt. own cash resources. NBAD power supply to Qatar Steel’s technology in order to enable effi- 2008 triggered a seizure of the contribute to a bank’s Tier 2 or Also, UAE banks already have originally converted Dh5.6bn of complex at Mesaieed Industrial cient and reliable power supply. world’s financial system. supplementary capital, and mar- strong capital ratios, especially support into bonds but repaid City. The contract is valued at Ali bin Hassan Al Muraikhi, But this support, which was ket prices for new debt is leading compared to their Western coun- Dh2.6bn last year, while National QR138m. Director and General Manager converted into seven-year capi- many in the market to conclude terparts, so the need to replace Bank of Ras Al Khaimah, the “This project is further testa- of Qatar Steel, said: “We are tal-boosting bonds in late 2009, that banks will aim to use the the capital isn’t as great. UAE’s ninth-largest bank by mar- ment to the long and success- very pleased to have signed this was priced at a higher interest current low interest rate environ- Regardless of how banks ket value, repaid all its Dh684.5m ful history of Siemens supplying contract with Siemens, and to rate than the banks would pay if ment to replace the more expen- replace the bonds, the desire of support during 2012. power transmission solutions develop a strategic business part- they borrowed money in today’s sive obligations. among UAE bankers to do it now And with loan growth in the in Qatar,” said Wolfgang Braun, nership with a world-leading sup- market. “Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank is heightened by the fact that the UAE economy modest, banks can Head of Power Transmission at plier of services and solutions in For example, National Bank may kick off the bond sale round, capital worth of the instruments use their liquidity to retire the Siemens Middle East. “We are power generation, transmission of Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s larg- but most banks in Abu Dhabi has already begun to diminish. expensive bonds instead of park- delighted to have been awarded and distribution.” est lender by market value, has a that converted the government Under the terms of the govern- ing it in short-term investments or this turnkey substation project “As Qatar continues to invest $750m bond maturing in March deposits will follow,” a senior UAE ment bonds, the weight attached with the central bank, Engin said. with Qatar Steel and look forward heavily in developing its infra- 2017 that was trading yesterday banker said. to the capital decreases over time. According to central bank to further cooperation with the structure and industries, Siemens at a yield of 2.36 percent — less ADCB, the UAE’s fourth-larg- This year, instead of receiving 100 data, loan growth across the UAE company.” is pleased to be a partner of choice than half the price it will pay this est lender by market value, which percent of the benefit as before, banking sector was 3.4 percent in Siemens will supply Qatar Steel for a broad range of projects, year on the Dh3bn of government received Dh6.6bn in government banks can only count an 80 per- the first 11 months of 2012, while with 220/66/33-kV transformers especially in the energy sec- bonds it still has outstanding. cash, is expected to launch a bond cent boost to their capital. certificates of deposit increased and cables, 66kV-gas insulated tor,” Dietmar Siersdorfer, CEO, “If you look at how much banks offering shortly, having picked This will fall further, by 20 per- 12.8 percent. switchgear, 33-kV switchgear, Siemens Energy, Middle East said. are paying on the bonds compared banks to arrange the deal, two centage points each year, until the REUTERS protection system, substation THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2013 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS Nine-month net profit of Toyota quadruples Full year earnings outlook lifted

TOKYO: Toyota said yesterday The boost “reflects our net profit in the nine months increased vehicle sales and the to December quadrupled while progress we are making with our it also lifted its full year earn- profit-improvement activities”, ings outlook, reflecting the car Ijichi said. giant’s recovery from Japan’s Sales in the period jumped 26 2011 quake-tsunami. percent to 16.2 trillion yen, it said. The world’s number one auto- The firm also hiked its net maker credited a sales boost in profit forecast for the fiscal year Japanese Ambassador Kenjiro Monji, Corporate Environment and Sustainable Developmet Manager at Qatar Petroleum Dr Ali Hamed Abdullah Al Mulla, debt-struck Europe as well as the through March to 860bn yen from Japan Cooperation Centre, Petroleum Managing Director Morihiro Yoshida and Professor Dr Takashi Tatsumi from Tokyo Institute of Technology, during United States and Asia for the an earlier estimate of 780bn yen, the symposium. (QASSIM RAHMATULLAH) rise, and a weaker yen. on projected revenue of 21.8 tril- Toyota did not release its lat- lion yen. est figures for China, the world’s Global vehicle sales in the year QP, JCCP hold environment symposium biggest vehicle market, where a were on track to hit 8.85 million diplomatic row between Tokyo units, up from an earlier fore- and Beijing sparked a consumer cast of 8.75 million units, the DOHA: Qatar Petroleum (QP) companies, and the green tech- innovative technologies,” said and their presentations will boycott of Japanese goods late last automaker said, citing stronger and the Japan Cooperation nologies for the energy sector. Dr Al Mulla. discuss the Qatar Carbonates year. demand in the North American Centre, Petroleum (JCCP) The opening of the event According to the organisers, and Carbon Storage Research But Senior Managing Officer market. opened yesterday the 2nd Joint at Sharq Village and Spa was the symposium has attracted the Centre, the flare mitiga- Takahiko Ijichi said that Toyota’s results for the three Qatar-Japan Environment attended by many top officials participation of over 150 delegates tion efforts at its Natural Gas September and October China months to December saw net Symposium / 21st Joint GCC- of QP and JCCP, including Dr made up of industry profession- Liquids Complex in Mesaieed, sales tumbled by about half, profit rise by nearly one-quarter Japan Environment Symposium, Ali Hamed Abdulla Al Mulla, als from Japan, Qatar, and other the use of geospatial analyses although he added: “By December, although the figure fell short with the theme “Sustainable Acting Manager for Corporate parts of the Middle East. in environmental planning, the (sales) recovered to a 20 percent of some analysts’ expectations. Environment, Climate Change Health, Safety and Environment A total of 23 technical papers status of marine life at North decline from a year earlier.” Vehicle sales in Europe and Japan and Renewable Energy for the and Manager for Corporate will be presented during the sym- Field Alpha, and the imple- Toyota previously said it slipped in the quarter. Oil and Gas Industry”, a press Environment and Sustainable posium, which has been divided mentation of the Zero-Liquid expects to sell 200,000 fewer vehi- Japanese firms struggled with statement said yesterday. Development of QP, and Morihiro into three sessions and one Discharge at the QP Refinery. cles in China in the second half of a strong yen last year as it made The event, hosted by QP, is Yoshida, Managing Director of forum. The sessions will cover a Formed in November 1981, the its fiscal year to March and take their products less competitive being held under the patronage the JCCP. wide range of environmental top- JCCP was established to promote a 30bn yen ($325m) hit to its bot- overseas. The unit hit record highs of H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh “This event provides a plat- ics, including wastewater treat- technical cooperation and person- tom line. It sold 900,000 vehicles around 75 to the dollar in late 2011, Al Sada, Minister of Energy form for industry experts to ment, alternative energy sources, nel exchanges with oil-producing in China in 2011. but it has been on a steep slide in and Industry and Chairman and communicate and exchange carbon capture and storage, and countries in the downstream sec- The results come after Japan’s recent months with the greenback Managing Director of QP. Over knowledge on a wide range of the protection of the marine tors of the oil industry. three biggest automakers — buying 92.86 yen yesterday. the course of the two-day event, environmental issues and chal- environment. The forum, on the It presently has a total of 34 Toyota, Nissan and Honda — “On the back of the recent a lineup of speakers will discuss lenges and to provide better other hand, will focus on the member companies consisting of last month posted record sales depreciation of the yen, Japanese the environmental issues affect- understanding of the improve- best environmental practices in Japanese oil refining and market- for 2012, confirming Toyota had automakers, including Toyota, ing the oil and gas industry, ment and rehabilitation of refineries. ing firms, financial institutions recaptured the title of the world’s will enjoy brisk results toward the the programmes and initiatives the environment through the QP is represented by six and engineering firms. biggest automaker from US giant end of the fiscal year and the early being implemented by petroleum utilisation and application of speakers in the symposium, THE PENINSULA General Motors. The Japanese part of the next fiscal year,” said company lost the title in 2011. Shigeru Matsumura, auto analyst Yesterday, Toyota said it at SMBC Friend Securities. earned 648.2bn yen from April to But “the prospects for sales in December, up from 162.5bn yen China are still uncertain as they a year earlier, when automakers are linked to politics, rather than AUB completes sale of 29.4pc stake in Ahli Bank were pounded by the twin natu- business”. ral disasters which devastated The long-standing row flared Japan’s northeast coast. up in September when Tokyo DOHA: Ahli United Bank BSC of 2.2 x book value and a 15.5 x board memberships in line with investment and acquisition strat- The automaker pointed to a nationalised some of a tiny East (AUB) yesterday announced profit/equity multiplier based on the cessation of AUB’s responsi- egy and is solely driven by the weakening yen and cost-cutting China Sea archipelago that is the completion of the sale of ABQ’s net profit for 2012. bilities for ABQ’s management or specific legal constraints linked for its improved results and also claimed by Beijing, setting its 29.4 percent stake in Ahli As a result of the sale, AUB’s performance going forward. to this investment. upgraded forecast, with operat- off huge demonstrations across Bank Qatar (ABQ) to the Qatar technical and management serv- The decision to sell our stake AUB will continue to seek ing income soaring to 818.5bn yen China and the consumer boycott. Foundation at a price of QR60 ices agreement with ABQ has in ABQ was triggered by our ina- attractive opportunities to from 117.1bn yen a year earlier. AFP per share and for a total con- been modified to provide only bility to maintain our minority develop its banking franchise in sideration of $615.9m, generat- selective advisory services for shareholding above the minimum the region and to enhance its ing a net exceptional profit of a maximum period of one year. levels as per the investment pol- shareholder value, a press note QATARI MARKET $212.9m. In coordination with ABQ, AUB icy. This sale does not represent a issued by AUB noted. Bond Coupon Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P This represents a valuation directors have resigned their ABQ reversal of our regional growth by THE PENINSULA Qatar Govt 5.15% 4/9/2014 USD 104.75 1.05 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 3.125% 1/20/2017 USD 105.44 1.70 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 6.55% 4/9/2019 USD 124.25 2.31 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 5.25% 1/20/2020 USD 117.13 2.55 % Aa2 AA Hollande calls for Qatar Govt 4.5% 1/20/2022 USD 113.19 2.82 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 9.75% 6/15/2030 USD 174.25 3.85 % Aa2 AA stable euro policy Qatar Govt 6.4% 1/20/2040 USD 133.75 4.28 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 5.75% 1/20/2042 USD 123.50 4.32 % Aa2 AA STRASBOURG: French President Francois Hollande urged Qatari Diar 3.5% 7/21/2015 USD 105.00 1.43 % Aa2 AA the eurozone yesterday to set a mid-term target for its cur- Qatari Diar 5% 7/21/2020 USD 115.13 2.74 % Aa2 AA rency’s exchange rate and to forge a jobs policy to fight voter Comqat 5% 11/18/2014 USD 105.38 1.92 % A1 A- disillusionment. Comqat 3.375% 4/11/2017 USD 104.00 2.36 % A1 A- But Hollande’s call, in a keynote speech to the European QIB 3.856% 10/7/2015 USD 104.63 2.07 % NR NR Parliament, ran into immediate opposition from Berlin QNB 3.125% 11/16/2015 USD 103.38 1.87 % Aa3 A+ which opposes intervening on currency markets and says QNB 3.375% 2/22/2017 USD 104.13 2.30 % Aa3 A+ the bloc should instead focus on making its economies more competitive. Doha Bank 3.5% 3/14/2017 USD 103.75 2.53 % A2 A- Speaking two days before an EU summit where the bloc will Qtel 3.375% 10/14/2016 USD 105.13 1.93 % A2 A seek to overcome a stalemate on its budget, Hollande said that Qtel 7.875% 6/10/2019 USD 130.25 2.66 % A2 A European countries should agree on a “realistic” medium-term Qtel 4.75% 2/16/2021 USD 110.75 3.22 % A2 A exchange rate for the euro. Qtel 5% 10/19/2025 USD 110.25 3.96 % A2 A “The eurozone must, through its heads of state and govern- Rasgas 5.5% 9/30/2014 USD 106.75 1.36 % Aa3 A ment, decide on a medium-term exchange rate,” he told journal- Rasgas 5.832% 9/30/2016 USD 108.88 3.23 % Aa3 A ists at a press conference after the speech. Rasgas 5.298% 9/30/2020 USD 112.13 3.48 % Aa3 A Hollande’s call echoes growing fears in some European states and within his Socialist government that fresh gains in the euro SOVEREIGNS could hurt exporters and snuff out the recovery France needs Bond PDA* Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P to restore its public finances. Abu Dhabi Govt 5.5% 4/8/2014 USD 105.75 0..55% Aa2 AA “If there are trends like this (Hollande’s call today), the Slovak Abu Dhabi Govt 6.75% 4/8/2019 USD 127.50 1.99 % Aa2 AA government is ready to support any proposals which will help economic growth and Europe itself,” Slovak Prime Minister Dubai Govt 6.7% 10/5/2015 USD 110.13 2.73 % NR NR Robert Fico reporters in Bratislava. Dubai Govt 4.9% 5/2/2017 USD 106.88 3.15 % NR NR However, concerns about euro strength were unlikely to win Dubai Govt 7.75% 10/5/2020 USD 125.13 3.92 % NR NR over countries such as Germany which is strongly opposed to Dubai Govt 6.45% 5/2/2022 USD 117.63 4.13 % NR NR any form of currency intervention and keen to limit its financial Qatar Govt 4% 1/20/2015 USD 105.13 1.34 % Aa2 AA contributions to Europe in an election year. Bahrain Govt 6.273% 11/22/2018 USD 115.19 3.37 % NR BBB German Economy Minister Philipp Roesler, questioned about Bahrain Govt 5.5% 3/31/2020 USD 110.00 3.88 % NR BBB the euro in Paris shortly before Hollande’s comments, told jour- nalists: “The objective must be to improve competitiveness and Egypt Govt 5.75% 4/29/2020 USD 95.75 6.49 % B2 /*- B- not to weaken the currency.” Morocco Govt 4.5% 10/5/2020 EUR 104.25 3.85 % NR BBB- Growing confidence that the 17-nation euro zone is past the *Periodic Distribution Amount IMPORTANT NOTE: worst of its debt crisis has helped strengthen the euro to around Published by HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, P O Box 57, Doha, Qatar which $1.35 in recent weeks, although some analysts see those gains is licensed and regulated by Qatar Central Bank and Jersey Financial Services as easily reversed. Commission. Information quoted is from publicly available sources or proprietary “This is not about externally setting a target for the European data and subject to change. HSBC accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising Central Bank, which is independent, but about engaging the out of the use of all or part of this material. This information is general and does not take into account individual circumstances, objectives or needs. The price of bonds essential reform of the international monetary system,” Hollande can and does fluctuate. The secondary market for bonds may not provide significant said. liquidity or may trade based on prevailing market conditions. Past performance is not Some countries such as the United States and Japan have a reliable indicator of future performance. You should consider these matters and been accused of using monetary policy to shape currency move- consult your financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions. ments. Any sign of interventionism in the euro zone could run up against resistance from Germany, and the euro’s rise would need to show a significant impact on the economy before the European Central Bank would contemplate reversing course and considering an interest rate cut. REUTERS WEDNESDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2013 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19

Qatari bourse BoJ governor to step down index adds 22.48 points Eurozone woes bring Saudi down

DOHA: Qatar Exchange index when there is little local news to continued its upswing trend yes- trade on. terday adding 22.48 points or 0.26 European shares and the euro percent to advance to 8,747.51 steadied on Tuesday, a day after points from 8,725.03 on Monday. a sharp sell-off caused by rising The volume of the shares traded political risks in southern Europe. reached 6,842,953 from 4,691,448 Elsewhere, Cairo’s market on Monday, and the value of shares made a fifth straight gain, rising increased to QR207,384,274.54 0.8 percent to its highest close from QR171,085,663.92 on the since January 9 as foreign inves- previous day. tors — unswayed by Egypt’s vola- Among the top gainers were tile political backdrop — increased Doha Insurance which was up positions. Trading volumes hit a 0.70 percent to QR28.60, al kha- three-month peak. lij which rose 0.99 percent to Orascom Construction QR17.34. While Islamic Holding Industries advanced 0.8 percent gained 2.67 percent to QR34.60, and Commercial International Gulf International added 1.84 per- Bank climbed 0.4 percent. cent to QR33.20. In the UAE, Dubai’s bench- The banking and financial mark rose 0.2 percent, extending sector index was up 0.04 points 2013 gains to 15.2 percent, and while consumer goods and serv- Abu Dhabi’s index hit a fresh ices sector index lost 0.64 points. 34-month high, with banks the The industrial sector gained 0.47 main supports on both markets. Bank of Japan Governor Masaaki Shirakawa (centre) arrives at a news conference in Tokyo yesterday. Shirakawa said he would step down on points while insurance sector Many of the country’s lenders March 19, three weeks earlier than the official end of his five-year term. dropped 0.10 points. posted strong quarterly earnings Meanwhile, renewed worries as provisions decreased and their about the euro zone’s debt crisis stocks are expected to provide dragged Saudi Arabia’s bourse high dividend yields. to a two-week low, while other “We think shifting to high divi- Malone eyes Virgin Media in challenge to Murdoch Middle East markets rallied yes- dend stocks in the upcoming vola- terday to extend early-year gains. tile environment is a safe option as The kingdom’s large-caps they are expected to perform bet- LONDON: John Malone’s A deal could reach as much Liberty Media vied for control of industry into one dominated by a declined, including Al Rajhi Bank ter than the rest of the market,” Liberty Global is in late-stage as $24bn and would give Liberty DirecTV Group, the largest US handful of huge players. Murdoch’s and telecom operator Etihad Al Masah Capital said in a note. takeover talks with Britain’s entry to one of Europe’s biggest satellite TV broadcaster. BSkyB leads the British pay-TV Etisalat (Mobily), which fell 1.1 In Kuwait, the measure climbed Virgin Media over a $20bn and most competitive telecom The stand-off ended when market with 10.7 million customers and 1.3 percent respectively. 0.5 percent to an eight-month high cable deal that would put the markets, allowing it to apply les- both sides backed down. News compared with Virgin’s 4.9 million. Saudi’s main benchmark fell 0.5 as investors bet government spend- billionaire up against his old sons learned as a pay-TV and Corp sold its one-third stake in Virgin emerged two years ago percent to 6,993 points, its lowest ing plans will be put into action. rival Rupert Murdoch. broadband provider in 11 other DirecTV to Malone’s group and from years of heavy losses from a close since January 21. It failed to “We suspected a bit of gov- Virgin Media, the second-big- European countries. Malone sold 16 percent of News costly network expansion. But its hold above 7,000, a key psychologi- ernment activity yesterday on a gest pay-TV provider in Britain It would also put Malone’s Corp that Liberty had acquired, cables still only cover half of the cal level. few stocks but today the trading behind Murdoch’s satellite group Liberty in a strong place to chal- giving the Murdochs fuller con- UK and analysts see potential for “The market is taking cues is mainly retail,” said a Kuwait- BSkyB, released a short state- lenge Murdoch as cable groups trol over their company. more growth. from global events and it was based trader who asked not to be ment yesterday saying it had across the region start to assert Dubbed everything from the Virgin Media’s bonds widened looking heavy around 7,000,” identified. received an approach. their authority over traditional tel- Cable Guy to Cable Cowboy and and the cost of insuring its debt said Muhammad Faisal Potrik, a “The government doesn’t seem Two sources familiar with the ecoms firms with the offer of super- even Darth Vader by former US rose on expectations that more research analyst at Riyad Capital. to be holding back anything but situation said the negotiations fast broadband and pay-television. Vice-President Al Gore due to his debt would have to be raised to “Investors were being cautious on we’re looking for a proper spend- were at a late stage and one of Malone, whose group has perceived ruthless style, Malone finance a deal. It is also rated a neutral local backdrop.” ing plan to tackle the macro them said confirmation and 19.6 million customers, came up made his fortune through a series higher than Liberty Global, which Saudi investors often look to situation.” details of a deal may come as soon against Murdoch a decade ago of deals that transformed, and ulti- could impact its credit profile. global markets for their cues AGENCIES as yesterday. when Murdoch’s News Corp and mately consolidated, the US cable REUTERS

Deyaar records China to invest over $1.6bn in Malaysia steel, port projects $10.5m full KUALA LUMPUR: Chinese its ties with the Southeast Asian of six asylum seekers from the been “ahead of the curve” in domestic demand will prove just year net profit firms will invest more than nation. China has rapidly moved Uighur ethnic minority. enhancing economic and diplo- as potent a force in the global $1.6bn to build steel, alumin- to expand its diplomatic, cul- A dozens-strong Chinese del- matic cooperation with China. economy.” ium and palm oil processing tural and economic influence in egation led by Jia Qinglin, a senior “Over the past decade, the Chinese firm Guangxi Beibu DUBAI: Dubai developer plants and expand a port in Southeast Asia in recent years, member of the Communist Party world has come to terms with International Port Group will Deyaar yesterday reported a a new industrial zone on the from funding mega-dams and Politburo Standing Committee, a model where China’s need for partner with Malaysia’s IJM marginal increase in full year Malaysian east coast, Malaysia casinos in the Mekong region to was also to sign an agreement on resources has driven new pat- Corporation Berhad in a 3bn ringgit net profit, as it booked gains announced yesterday. pushing its territorial claims in Tuesday to set up the first major terns of trade and influence,” he investment to deepen and expand from deliveries of long-pending The Chinese spending is part of the South China Sea. Chinese university campus on for- said at the ground-breaking cer- Kuantan port. Guangxi Beibu will commercial and residential total joint investments of 10.5bn The signing comes a day after eign soil in Malaysia. emony for the industrial park in also lead investments of 5bn ring- properties in the emirate. ringgit ($3.5bn) expected by 2020 Malaysia was criticised by Human Speaking at the ground-break- the eastern state of Pahang. git ($1.6bn) to build the steel, alu- Deyaar, the emirate’s second in the new Kuantan Industrial Rights Watch for what the group ing ceremony, Prime Minister “Now it is beginning to recog- minium and palm oil plants. largest developer by market value, Park as Beijing moves to deepen said was the deportation to China Najib Razak said Malaysia had nise that Chinese innovation and REUTERS made a consolidated net profit of Dh38.6m ($10.5m) in 2012, com- pared with Dh37.7m in the year- Saudi market regulator chief replaced ago period, it said in an emailed statement. RIYADH: The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Its fourth-quarter net profit bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia has replaced the head of the kingdom’s was Dh5.4m compared with a capital market regulator, the Capital Market Authority (CMA), loss of Dh7.8m in the prior-year through a royal decree, state news agency SPA reported yesterday. period, Reuters calculated based The CMA was set up by King Abdullah as part of a series of reforms on the full year earning figures aimed at deregulating Saudi Arabia’s financial services industry provided by the company. and capital markets. “Abdulrahman Al Tuweijri, Chairman of the No quarterly figures were pro- Capital Market Authority, is relieved of his post and Mohammed bin vided and Reuters calculated the Abdulmalik Al Al Sheikh is appointed as chairman of the authority,” quarterly figure from previous said the decree carried by SPA. financial statements. The largest Arab economy is considering allowing foreigners to The earnings fell well short invest on the stock market directly, rather than under a swap system of an estimate by SICO Bahrain which is now in place. which expected a fourth-quarter REUTERS profit of 22.6 million dirhams. The developer, on of the many property firms in Dubai that were badly hit by the real estate bust in 2009, has focused on completion of stalled developments and have not announced any new project • Bullion - Mumbai in years. Gold (10 gm) Standard Rs. 30335 Deyaar delivered a total of Silver (1 kg) Rs. 59070 629 commercial and residential • Indian Rupees QR1 = 14.49 units to customers in 2012 at • Sensex a total sales value of Dh600m, it said. BSE 19751.19 Property firms in Dubai are NSE 5987.25 gradually recovering from a real • LIC (International) launches New Gold Investment Plan ‘GOLD PLUS’ – estate collapse that saw home which provides an opportunity to invest in GOLD ETF & GOLD SPOT, PAN prices in the emirate plunge by Card/Demat Account not required. over 50 percent from its peak in • Short-term investment plan from LIC International upto 6.4 percent return 2008. p.a. (in dollar) Emaar Properties, Dubai’s larg- • Housing loan from HDFC LTD est developer, posted a 28 percent drop in fourth-quarter net profit • Mutual Fund: Buy & Sell: SBI MF, HDFC MF, UTI MF, Birla Sun Life MF, last week, as it revived some of its Tata MF, Reliance MF etc. stalled projects. Contact: Investec, Tel: 44325060/44365060 email: [email protected] REUTERS WEDNESDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2013 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS VIEWS

China’s economic No, there probably data draw scrutiny BY WILLIAM WAN HEN China announced better-than-expected trade isn’t a bond bubble numbers last month, the statistics were met with out- Wright suspicion from international powerhouses such as BY NEIL IRWIN Goldman Sachs, Swiss financial firm UBS and Australian bank Of course, bond prices could drop (and, interest rates, which is set by the Federal ANZ. The disbelieving scoffing only mounted days later, when conversely, longer-term interest rates rise). Reserve. Nobody would buy a 10-year bond the government unveiled numbers showing yet another positive NE peculiar legacy of the finan- But that change is more likely to occur for yielding only two percent if they expected trend — a narrowing income gap between China’s rich and poor. cial crisis is that, among the good reasons — because the economy is get- short-term interest rates were going to soon Numbers in China have long faced suspicion, from optimistic financial commentariat, there ting back on track — than for bad reasons, rise to five percent. As a starting point, bonds recordings of visibly hazy air to the age of its Olympic gymnasts. is a tendency to see a bubble such as out-of-control inflation. should price in what the market expects the But the credibility of its economic data is now coming under whenever the market for a par- So, I’m not particularly worried that Fed to do in the future. Conveniently, leaders particular scrutiny, at a time when China’s growing global role Oticular asset rises. Treasury bonds are a bubble about to pop. of the Fed have become clearer than ever weighs on investors, analysts and governments worldwide, even as We’ve seen it lately with the resurgence in Here’s why: before about what they expect their future the country’s economy is slowing after years of unbridled growth. the stock market, which commentators are The simplest reason to be sceptical of the interest rate policies to be. “The issue is less important when everything’s rosy,” said Patrick quick to say is a built-on-thin-air creation bond bubble story? A bubble means that Fed Vice-Chairman Janet Yellen even Chovanec, a business professor at Beijing’s Tsinghua University. of the Federal Reserve (even though price- people are buying an asset at ever-rising gave a speech in November where she uses “It gets more sensitive when people are trying to assess just how to-earnings ratios are the lowest they have prices for speculative reasons, not for the a slide show to explain her view of what the deep this downturn is and whether China’s facing a hard landing.” been in a generation). And then there are fundamental value of the asset but because “optimal path for monetary policy” would For foreign economists, suspicions about why such numbers are the modest rises in home prices — also seen they are assuming somebody else will buy look like. The chart shows the Fed starting off — and by how much — often boil down to a Rorschach test of as a bubble (even though price-to-rent ratios it at a higher price. I see no evidence of to raise rates at the start of 2016 and shows sorts for how they view the Chinese government: As a develop- show no sign of becoming unhinged from this behaviour by buyers of Treasury bonds. short-term interest rates crossing the two ing nation honestly struggling with statistical challenges or as a reality the way they did in the early 2000s). They tend to be people looking to get their percent line in late 2017. sinister actuarial force always prepared to stretch the truth to But no bubble fears are as widespread as two percent yield and their money back at Now, Yellen’s chart could turn out to be meet its goals. those for the markets for government bonds maturity. And while they may complain that wrong. Perhaps the economic growth, or Regardless of motivation, some experts say the biggest danger — in the US in particular but also in many the yield is so low (and the price of the bond, inflation, will take off before 2016, and the in all this inaccurate data may be domestic, especially if it leads other nations. It almost passes as a mark of by extension, so high), that they are buy- Fed will tighten policy ahead of the switch. to bad policy decisions by Chinese leaders wrestling with how to seriousness to argue that Treasuries are the ing the bond because the guaranteed two Conversely, there could be a new recession, manage a complex, dynamic economy. next big bubble to pop, the biggest in a long percent is a better deal than the alterna- prompting an even longer wait before rates “It’s like driving a car on a road where the traffic lights don’t series that also included the stock market tives — not because they’re convinced that rise. Another uncertainty is that when Ben work,” said Wei Yao, an economist at Societe Generale bank in bubble of the late 1990s and the housing interest rates will fall further and they’ll be Bernanke’s term as Fed Chairman ends less Hong Kong. “How do you make monetary policy for example if and mortgage securities bubble of the 2000s. able to “flip” the bond at a profit. than a year from now, his replacement might you can’t accurately tell if inflation is too high or too low? It all That kind of talk heats up whenever bond But to go a level deeper, it helps to know push the Fed toward a different set of policies. relies on statistics.” prices start to fall a bit, as they have in some basics of finance theory. Think of the But investors buying longer-term The latest round of accusations over trade data began in the last few weeks. (The phrase “bond bub- interest rate that a Treasury bond pays as Treasury bonds know more than they ever January after analysts compared China’s reported December ble” appeared in major world publications a bunch of other rates added on top of each did before about what the Fed itself expects exports to other available information, including corresponding included in the Nexis database 28 times other. If you believe that the market for its interest rate policy to be for the years import numbers from surrounding countries. Little of it matched in January, up from two in January 2012). Treasury bonds is going to collapse, you have ahead, and so the prices they pay reflect up. Analysts’ characterisations ranged from the gentle, noting And, yes, bonds have been in a remarkable to determine why the conventional wisdom, that. And if bond prices fall (and yields rise) “anomalies,” to insulting cries of “ridiculous” and “obvious errors.” 30-year rally, their prices climbing as inter- as is priced into markets, is wrong about one because the economy is doing a lot better, Amid such uncertainty, a booming cottage industry of analysis est rates have fallen almost constantly since or more of these things. that’s a good thing. has sprung up, mostly produced and sold by foreign analysts. They the early 1980s. First, there is the future path of short-term WP-BLOOMBERG sift through obscure though often more reliable government data — looking at things such as electricity usage, rail freight traffic, air travel and the footage of floor space being built. Even the man taking over China’s economy — incoming Chinese premier Li Keqiang — supposedly disparaged his government’s Gross Domestic Product figures, calling them “man-made,” according to a leaked US diplomatic cable from 2007, and saying he too relies on rail-cargo, bank-loan and power-consumption data. But that information can also be manipulated. Once power consumption became a favoured indicator, for example, news reports began circulating last year that tallies of coal usage and other elements of energy production were being tampered with. Part of the reliability problem is the government’s near-total control over numbers, in some cases meaning an outright ban on all others collecting competing data, experts say. “You take something as innocent as weather data,” said Anne Stevenson-Yang, co-founder of J Capital Research, a Beijing-based equities analysis firm. “It’s treated like a national security issue. No one can collect or release numbers but the government.” Another problem is the lack of transparency for statistics that are released. Methodology is never disclosed, and the underlying data used to arrive at the final numbers are equally rarely revealed. For that reason, there are some who believe China’s leaders deliberately manipulate the numbers with firm goals in mind: They push the GDP up to meet pre-announced targets and keep unemployment and income gap numbers down to avoid embar- rassment and public rage. Others have a more charitable view — that China’s long-ridi- culed National Bureau of Statistics is trying its best, in a chaotic market transitioning from a socialist economy dominated by mon- olithic state enterprises to a more modern and market-driven one, to provide numerical disclosures closer to international standards. Does that mean that someone in power is trying to get a more accurate reading by somehow adjusting for their exaggerations? Or does it simply prove the arbitrary nature of China’s GDP as it’s adjusted to follow prescribed targets? Similarly open to interpretation is the latest rich-poor gap meas- urement. The mid-January release of the figure, called the Gini coefficient, came as a shock to many because it’s been more than a decade since authorities have posted new estimates. Many believe officials feared such data would provoke a populace already angry about inequality and the opulent lifestyles of government officials. WP-BLOOMBERG Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate Under Obama, coal country fights for its way of life BY DANIEL TROTTA father was paralysed from the what he called President Barack power plants as a dangerous source existing plants, a measure sure to setting for a novel and a just- neck down in a mining accident Obama’s attempt to shut down of emissions. (Electricity generation provoke industry lawsuits. released collection of short stories EON Lieser has been a when Murray was 9 years old, and the coal industry; the president’s accounts for about 40 percent of US The White House declined to called News From Heaven. coal miner for 49 years, Murray broke his neck twice in failure to understand business; his carbon dioxide emissions, the EPA comment for this article, though “It seems a little crazy that his bent fingers testa- mining accidents during the 16 pandering to environmental radi- says, with coal-fired plants polluting Obama outlined his vision on the people remember it so wistfully,” ment to his first job, years he worked underground, cals; and his promoting the “hoax” the most.) campaign trail and in the inaugu- she said. “I suppose the reason is loading coal by hand before he built the country’s larg- of global warming. The president, To Lieser and Murray, coal ral address, in which he devoted that in a lot of these places, noth- Linto a bucket. Mining also led est privately held coal company. he says, is “destroying America.” brought jobs and wealth to eight sentences to the future of ing (else) has come along. A lot of to a hip replacement and a knee “I’ve got a birdcage of titanium “In his inaugural address, the Ohio Valley, and they fear green energy. them are towns that are just sort replacement. He loves his job and and vanadium between (verte- which is supposed to be bipartisan Washington will regulate them “The path toward sustainable of frozen.” his industry, despite what it has brae) C2 and C8,” said Murray, and unite the country, what did he out of business. energy sources will be long and In the US, miners represent done to his body. pulling back his collar to show a do? He demeaned and he demon- Murray is lobbying Congress to sometimes difficult. But America the fiercely independent white “It’s a way of life. It’s a proud scar running down the back of his ised anyone he thought was his stop rules including one from the cannot resist this transition, we working class that today is life,” said Lieser, 66. neck, the trace of a past surgery. enemy, including all Republicans,” Office of Surface Mining (OSM) must lead it,” he said. largely Republican and resentful It may also be doomed. Lieser’s While cities such as Pittsburgh, Murray said. “This president does aimed at protecting streams from Coal mining has captured of government interference in an boss, Robert Murray, Chief about 120km to the north, have not understand what he’s doing to the adverse effects of coal min- imaginations at least since the industry that brought wealth and Executive of Murray Energy recovered from the decline of coal the lives of these people. I live it ing; a Mine Safety and Health Industrial Revolution. development to Appalachia. Corp, said he fears for the end of and steel, rural areas such as the every day. He does not see what Administration (MSHA) proposal Charles Dickens gave voice “I’m so proud to be part of a coal, prodded by a US president Ohio Valley have been largely left he’s doing to an entire segment of for stricter requirements on the to the coal miner in his 1850 tradition of waking at dawn and who has promoted wind and solar behind. Four or five mines oper- the United States economy.” dust levels allowed in mines; and magazine article A Coal Miner’s working till dark. That pride of power while cracking down on ate in an area that once had 25, Coal mining pride is on dis- EPA rules to reduce sulphur diox- Evidence. In modern America, being self-reliant,” said Mitch emissions from coal-fired power veteran miners say. play in the Ohio Valley now more ide and nitrogen oxide emissions. country music star Loretta Lynn Miracle, 56, a foreman at the plants. Today, Murray works in a than ever, especially since Obama Energy industry experts expect gained fame as A Coal Miner’s Century Mine. “I feel fortunate “There are no coal-fired plants gleaming new office building in St rededicated himself to wind and Obama will sidestep Congress Daughter through her song and to have been part of that for four being built. Mr Obama took care Clairsville, Ohio, though he peri- solar power in his second inau- and use executive power to enact book, later made into a 1980 generations in the Ohio Valley. It’s of that. I think we’re totally elimi- odically drops in on the Century gural address on January 21. his second-term environmental Hollywood movie. absolutely heartbreaking to see it nated by 2035,” said Murray, 73, Mine, tucked behind rolling hills “Fire Obama” signs still stand in agenda. By April, they say, the EPA “Coal miners remember coal taken away.” a prominent advocate for his near Beallsville in eastern Ohio, front yards three months after could issue carbon emission stand- mining as a great economic A Reuters survey found that industry and a fund-raiser for where he hosted Republican pres- the election. Miners attach “Stop ards for new plants that would blessing, but it’s hard to think almost 100 coal-fired power plants Republican Party causes. idential candidate Mitt Romney Obama’s war on coal” stickers to effectively prevent new coal-fired of a more difficult way to make have closed since 2010. Some 150 Murray, too, decided to spend for an August campaign event. their helmets. generators from being built. Next a living,” said Jennifer Haigh, a others have announced plans to his life in the industry, even with He can be affable one moment Obama and the US Environmental would come a more controver- novelist whose fictional town of close before the decade ends. the dangers readily apparent. His and erupt with fury the next over Protection Agency see coal-fired sial effort, setting standards for Bakerton, Pennsylvania, was the REUTERS WEDNESDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2013 MARKET www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

QE Indices Summary WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Index 8,747.51 0.26 % QE Total Return Index 11,915.2 0.26 % RATE QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 2,552.03 0.32 % QE All Share Index 2,109.48 0.21 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 2,041.25 0.04 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 4902.587 -26.552 -0.54 4971.4 4664.6 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 4,792.64 0.64 % QR196.8805 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 Services Cac 40 Index/D 3699.11 39.2 1.07 3793.26 3659.91 UK ...... QR 5.7004 QR 5.7795 QE All Share Industrials 2,792.46 0.47 % SILVER QE All Share Insurance 1,912.2 0.10 % Dj Indu Average 13880.08 -129.71 -0.93 14019.8 12035.1 QR 3.7556 Euro ...... QR 4.9058 QR 4.9740 QE All Share Real Estate 1,616.61 1.30 % CA$ ...... QR 3.6183 QR 3.6896 Egypt Cma Gn Idx 1026.29 32.57 3.28 999.95 312.38 QE All Share Telecoms 1,143.06 0.00 % Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.9863 QR 4.0427 QE All Share Transportation 1,409.35 0.22 % Hang Seng Inde/D 23148.53 -536.48 -2.27 23944.74 22860.25 Yen ...... QR 0.0386 QR 0.0394 QE Market Summary Comparison Aus$ ...... QR 3.7468 QR 3.8209 Iseq Overall/D 3537.45 -5.92 -0.17 3615.73 3396.67 CRUDE OIL Today Previous day Ind Re ...... QR 0.0679 QR 0.0693 05-02-2013 04-02-2013 Karachi 100 In/D 17288.07 21.84 0.13 17280.89 16036.31 Index 8,747.51 8,725.03 BRENT Pak Re ...... QR 0.0369 QR 0.0377 Change 22.48 1.29 Nikkei 225 Index 11046.92 -213.43 -1.9 11285.49 10398.61 Peso ...... QR 0.0888 QR 0.0906 % 0.26 0.01 $ 116.90 SL Re ...... QR 0.0285 QR 0.0291 YTD% 4.65 4.38 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 1514.41 1266.74 DUBAI Taka ...... QR 0.0458 QR 0.0470 Volume 6,842,953 4,691,448 Straits Times/D 3272.66 -24.71 -0.75 3319.19 3160.83 Nep Re ...... QR 0.0427 QR 0.0435 Value (QAR) 207,384,274.54 171,085,663.92 $ 114.22 Trades 3,015 2,851 SA Rand ...... QR 0.4065 QR 0.4146 Straits Times/D 2989.31 24.69 0.83 3035.78 2657.77 Up 17 | Down 16 | Unchanged 08

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 05-02-2013

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A List of Shares from the world

COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED

A C C-A/D 1323.3 22.7 18970 Century Text-A/D 383.25 0.7 173719 Hcl Infosys-B/D 36.4 0 109761 Kalyani Stel-B/D 52.45 -0.75 31938 Orient.Carb.-B/D 107.7 -0.45 1768 Hsbc Holdings/D 710.5 4.4 7603911 Aarti Drugs-T/D 222.5 -3.45 5345 Chambal Fert-B/D 65.2 -0.3 70517 Him.Fut.Comm-B/D 9.26 0.01 204709 Kanoria Chem-B/D 39 0 3793 Oudh Sugar-B/D 23.8 -0.3 2714 Imperial Tobac/D 2347.795 3 663481 Aban Offs-B/D 339.6 -5.7 42752 Chola Invest-B/D 284.3 -0.05 548457 Himat Seide-B/D 37.4 0.45 76473 Kg Denim-T/D 14.34 -0.2 9532 Patspin India-/D 8.13 0.03 3555 Kingfisher/D 276.2 2.2 1032079 Ador Welding-B/D 127.8 -1.2 1795 Chowgule St-B/D 16.05 -0.45 7334 Hind Motors-B/D 10.13 -0.23 71400 Kilburnengg-B/D 17.25 -0.3 3570 Punjab Chem.-B/D 54.5 0.65 1921 Land Secs Grou/D 809.5 8 423828 Aegis Logis-B/D 159.65 -4.4 5427 Cimmco-B/D 40.7 -4 7015 Hind Org Chem-/D 16.9 -0.05 20848 Kin.Motor-B/D 10.05 -0.2 19654 Radico Khait-B/D 144.65 -1.8 19613 Legal & Genera/D 148.628 0.2 3391910 Alembic-B/D 17.45 -0.6 29812 Cipla-A/D 407.5 4.75 124057 Hind Unilever-/D 462.3 -3.95 70576 Kinetic Eng-T/D 114.75 4.1 4737 Rallis India-B/D 127.1 -1.6 14071 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 51.45 0.79 53319641 Alkyl Amines-B/D 169.8 5.1 1888 City Union Bk-/D 62.25 -1.15 418798 Hind.Petrol-A/D 331.15 2.2 138172 Klg Systel-T/D 16.45 -0.15 2236 Rallis India-B/D 127.1 -1.6 14071 Marks & Sp./D 376.2 0.3 1029073 Alok Indus-B/D 10.66 0.07 683589 Colgate-A/D 1355.25 13.45 18812 Hindalco-A/D 113.6 0.45 880274 Kopran-B/D 18.25 -0.5 9020 Reliance Indus/D 424.75 -10.8 64795 Next/D 4092 -11 124543 Andhra Paper-B/D 220.95 1.35 20870 Dcm Financia-B/D 1.48 0.02 11882 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 797.8 -0.2 227342 Lloyd Metal-B/D 13.75 -1.05 10075 Ruchi Soya-B/D 68 0.15 17153 Pearson/D 1197 6 603696 Apollo Tyre-A/D 85.15 -1.4 208308 Dcm Shram Ind-/D 44.25 0.05 5291 I F C I-A/D 35.05 -0.5 1999392 Lloyd Steel-B/D 14.1 -0.6 190488 S Bk Bikaner-B/D 460.05 -2.15 15697 Prudential/D 941.938 7.5 1232491 Asahi I Glass-/D 50.25 2.3 16960 Dhampur Sugar-/D 45.5 -1 8453 Idbi-A/D 101.85 -0.35 238827 Lloydsfin.-T/D 1.01 0.04 10292 Thirumalai-B/D 120.35 -2.6 86843 Rentokil Initi/D 90.05 0.2 392233 Ashok Leyland-/D 25.15 0.3 1823803 Dr. Reddy-A/D 1895.6 -15.35 5898 Ifb Agro-B/D 199.95 1.35 8878 Lok.Hous&Con-T/D 20.75 -0.4 3815 Til Ltd.-B/D 202.8 4.3 2740 Rolls Royce Pl/D 969.51 -2.5 1944442 Bajaj Hold-A/D 966.4 -3.2 3109 E I H-B/D 69.55 -0.45 13416 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 99.15 -2.8 3424 Lupin-A/D 595 -1.6 46974 Timexgroup-T/D 18.8 -0.95 18140 Rsa Insrance G/D 130.088 -0.5 3988296 Ballarpur In-B/D 22.45 -0.15 60842 E.I.D Parry-B/D 171.7 -7.9 13870 India Cement-B/D 86 -0.85 141395 Lyka Labs-B/D 10.55 0.1 2977 Tinplate-B/D 48.85 -1.55 29915 Sainsbury(J)/D 333 2.1 1852524 Bannari Aman-B/D 900 0 1367 Eicher Motor-A/D 2874.15 10.25 1220 India Glycol-B/D 156.1 -1.45 9738 Maha Scooter-B/D 425.8 -25.25 5047 Ub Engineer-B/D 28.85 1.25 61790 Schroders/D 1930 1793858 Severn Bata India-A/D 762.7 -13.2 47991 Electrosteel-B/D 24.95 -0.35 92853 Indian Hotel-A/D 61.2 0.15 82340 Mangalam Cem-B/D 152.75 -2.9 5081 Ub Engineer-B/D 28.85 1.25 61790 Trent/D 1628 8 119722 Bayer Crop-A/D 1183.4 -1.75 1259 Emco-B/D 25.95 -0.45 41474 Indusind-A/D 433.95 -1.5 98983 Maral Overs-B/D 13.52 -0.83 3284 Ultramarine-B/D 50 -1.35 17120 Smith&Nephew/D 707.5 -14 1217892 Beml Ltd-B/D 259.05 -3.15 38379 Escorts Fin-B/D 4 -0.08 1965 J.B.Chemical-B/D 86.6 -0.85 38925 Mastek-B/D 154.2 0 4325 Unitech P -A/D 35.15 -0.5 3842715 Smiths Group/D 1215 5 253251 Bharat Bijle-B/D 522.4 -8.3 2554 Escorts-B/D 69.95 3.1 1140973 Jagatjit Ind-B/D 66 -1 4673 Max India L-A/D 243.45 -1.9 2170 Standrd Chart /D 1680.11 33.5 1116031 LONDON Bharatgears-B/D 45.8 -1.2 4615 Essar Oil-A/D 91.25 -3.3 1290076 Jagson Phar-B/D 12.28 -0.07 2178 Mrpl-A/D 60.35 -0.35 45248 Tate & Lyle/D 796.5 9.5 545772 Bhartiya Int-T/D 177.15 0.75 3490 Eveready Indu-/D 21.2 -0.25 58125 Jbf Indu-B/D 119.9 -1.1 10754 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 22.65 1.55 21030 Tesco/D 360.05 2.55 3630628 Bhel-A/D 212.2 -7 826865 F D C-B/D 93.45 1.15 38117 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.64 0 6004 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 22.65 1.55 21030 3I Group/D 265 -1 641730 Unilever/D 2588 30 968152 Bhuwalka Stl-B/D 14.5 -0.75 1421 Federal Bank-A/D 508.3 1.05 9947 Jct Ltd-B/D 1.34 -0.03 72717 Nahar Spg.-B/D 80.8 -6.7 33084 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 1748.64 -2 209390 United Util Gr/D 735.913 6 1026944 Bom.Burmah-B/D 125.45 -1.9 31803 Ferro Alloys-B/D 5.8 0.35 24942 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 3.58 -0.05 2064 Nation Alum -A/D 47.85 -0.95 30917 B Sky B/D 810.5 -5.5 1592673 Vodafone Group/D 169.95 -0.55 37690800 Bombay Dyeing-/D 106.1 -8.75 902402 Finolex-B/D 78.85 -0.2 87230 Jik Indust-B/D 1.86 -0.09 210636 Navneet Pub.-B/D 64.25 0.35 18785 Barclays/D 295.35 3.85 23210283 Whitbread/D 2643.5126 13 55576 Cable Corp.-B/D 20.45 -1 1298 Forbes-B/D 622 -18 7104 Jindal Drill-B/D 235.25 -3.4 1347 Nepc India-B/D 2.39 -0.11 11752 Bg Group/D 1081.5 -22.5 6430072 Camph.& All-B/D 164.25 -25.15 14872 Gail-A/D 344.45 5.55 45387 Jktyre&Ind-B/D 113.65 -1.75 5896 O N G C-A/D 325.05 -0.5 259291 Bp/D 470.625 8.5 9943892 Canfin Homes-T/D 160.55 -6.5 6761 Gammon India-B/D 34.95 -0.85 19243 Jmc Projects-B/D 100 -3 5948 Ocl India-B/D 156.15 3.15 3445 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3284.44 4 779659 Caprihans-B/D 48.65 -0.75 2755 Gangotri Tex-T/D 2.75 0.05 2868 Kabra Extr-B/D 31.45 0.45 1692 Oil Country-B/D 47.4 -1.5 3269 Bt Group/D 267.2 4.2 7862258 Castrol Ind-A/D 313.6 -2.15 24829 Goodricke-B/D 143.55 1 2133 Kajaria Cer-B/D 209.6 -1.5 2805 Orchid Chem-B/D 83.05 -2.85 106685 Centrica/D 347.293 -1.8 3658732 Century Enka-B/D 119.8 -1.45 4139 Goodyear I -B/D 316.9 2.2 1389 Kalpat Power-B/D 91.45 -0.5 12378 Orient.Carb.-B/D 107.7 -0.45 1768 Gkn/D 247.69007 0.6 1341961 WEDNESDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2013 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT NFL Super Staal brothers dazzle as Bowl viewer ratings down from 2012

Hurricanes crush Leafs WASHINGTON: Sunday’s close Super Bowl contest between the Baltimore Ravens Minnesota Wild acquire veteran forward Rupp from New York Rangers and the San Francisco 49ers failed to beat last year’s game in total viewers, CBS Corp said TORONTO: The Carolina turned aside 41 of 42 Toronto yesterday. Hurricanes had a pair of goals NHL Results shots in total, including several An average of 108.41 million from the Staal brothers and a Carolina 4 Toronto 1 chances from in close. viewers tuned in, compared with stellar performance from goalie Dallas 3 Colorado 2 The Leafs (4-5) thought they 111.3 million a year ago when Cam Ward to thank for a 4-1 Phoenix 2 Minnesota 1 had tied the game late in the the New York Giants defeated win over the struggling Toronto Vancouver 3 Edmonton 2 second period but after a lengthy the New England Patriots on Maple Leafs yesterday. review, the referee ruled that NBC. CBS said it was the third- Anaheim 2 San Jose 1 Carolina erased an early one- Tyler Bozak had kicked the puck most-watched program in tel- goal deficit by dominating the sec- It marked the first time in 27 in the net. evision history, behind last year’s ond period, in which they outshot years that brothers scored in the “It took a little bit to get our Super Bowl and 2011’s match-up the host Maple Leafs 20-5 and got same game for the Hurricanes legs,” Ward, whose 41-save per- between the Pittsburgh Steelers goals from Eric Staal and younger franchise, which was based in formance was his highest total of and the Green Bay Packers, which brother Jordan. Hartford, Connecticut, when the season, told reporters. garnered 111 million viewers. “Eric had a big goal to get us Dave and Wayne Babych accom- “But we really took over in the CBS did not immediately up and going again and he’s been plished the feat in 1986. second period, got our feet mov- respond to a request for com- the star for us this year and it Third period tallies from Justin ing, capitalized one some opportu- ment on whether a 35-minute was nice for me to chip in as Faulk, who scored on a two-man nities and got the momentum.” partial electrical blackout in the well,” Jordan, 24, who was traded advantage 43 seconds into the Meanwhile, The Minnesota third quarter of the game affected to Carolina from Pittsburgh last final frame, and Dwyer put the Wild added some leadership and ratings. Advertisers paid $4m on June, told reporters. “Hopefully game out of reach for Toronto, grit to their lineup by acquir- average for a 30-second spot dur- there will be many more of those who dropped to 1-4 at home. ing veteran forward Mike Rupp ing the game. nights for us.” The loss extended Toronto’s from the New York Rangers, the Late Sunday, CBS said in a The Hurricanes (4-4) tied the worst start on home ice since National Hockey League team statement that “all commercial game 81 seconds into the mid- dropping the first six home games said yesterday. commitments during the broad- dle frame when Jordan, who was in the 2009-10 season. It also The Wild, who made a major cast are being honored.” left alone in front of the Toronto proved dispiriting for the Maple splash in the off season by sign- CBS also said that a record net, received a pass from Patrick Leafs fans as chants of “Let’s ing free agents Zach Parise and 164.1 million people watched all or Dwyer and coolly deked goalie go Blue Jays” rang through the Ryan Suter to matching $98m part of the telecast for at least six James Reimer for his first goal of packed arena in a show of sup- deals, continue to tweak their minutes. This measurement is up the season. port for the city’s revamped Major roster, sending forwards Darroll 3 percent from 159.2m a year ago. Carolina captain Eric Staal, League Baseball club. Powe and Nick Palmieri to New Meanwhile, The National 28, scored what proved to be the Ward allowed the opening goal York for Rupp. He has had stints Football League, the Superdome game-winning goal when his pass less than six minutes into the New Jersey Devils, Phoenix and a utility investigating the from the side of the net deflected game when Matt Frattin shoved Coyotes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Jordan Staal (11) of the Carolina Hurricanes skates past Dion Phaneuf cause of a power outage at one off a Toronto defender and into a rebound by him, but the former Pittsburgh Penguins and Rangers (3) of the Toronto Maple Leafs in a NHL match o at the Air Canada of the world’s most watched and the Maple Leafs net midway Stanley Cup-winning goalie was during 10 NHL seasons . Centre in Toronto, Canada, yesterday. meticulously planned events through the second period. brilliant the rest of the way and REUTERS exonerated the halftime show from blame in the Super Bowl mishap. The 35-minute disruption came moments after performer Beyonce lit up the Superdome In-form James powers Heat with a halftime spectacular that officials said was powered by MIAMI: LeBron James was Bobcats played with passion but generators and would not have at his deadly accurate best and NBA Results they could not keep James out sapped the stadium’s electricity. scored 31 points to help the Indiana 111 Chicago 101 of the paint as Miami’s leader “There’s no indication at all Miami Eastern Conference-leading Philadelphia 78 Orlando 61 never attempted a shot outside that this was caused by the half- Heat’s Miami Heat shoot down an Washington 98 LA Clippers 90 of 15 feet. “At some point, you time show,” NFL commissioner LeBron inspired Charlotte Bobcats realise, boy, he’s getting to the Roger Goodell told reporters on NY Knicks 99 Detroit 85 James 99-94 yesterday. rim a lot,” said Heat coach Erik Monday. “I know that’s out there, Miami 99 Charlotte 94 dunks James made 13 of his 14 field Spoelstra. “He has a great feel that Beyonce’s halftime show had against the goal attempts and added eight Oklahoma City 112 Dallas 91 and read for each game.” something to do with it. That Charlotte assists and eight rebounds as he Portland 100 Minnesota 98 Meanwhile, With NBA All-Star is not the case from anything Bobcats in flirted with a triple double in a Utah 98 Sacramento 91 forward Blake Griffin sidelined by we have at this point,” he said. the second red-hot display that allowed the a pre-game left hamstring strain, AGENCIES half of Heat to prevail in a surprisingly a 6-0 run by their three All Stars the Los Angeles Clippers lost competitive test against the put the game away. their third game in a row, falling their NBA struggling Bobcats. Dwyane Wade finished with 20 98-90 at Washington yesterday. McIlroy must basketball “I knew how important this points and 12 rebounds for the Griffin had started 197 con- game in game was, just as important as Heat (31-14) while Chris Bosh secutive games before missing avoid Duval-like Miami, any game on our road trip,” James added 23 points. the contest for the Clippers, who Florida, told reporters after the Heat had Ramon Sessions had 18 to lead have been without All-Star guard nosedive: Lyle yesterday. played their 10th game in the last six double-figure scorers for the Chris Paul for the past eight 12 away from home. Bobcats (11-36), who lost their games as well due to a knee injury. “For me as a leader, I cannot fourth straight. Martell Webster made 5-of-6 LONDON: Twice major cham- ever have a night off.” On Saturday, Charlotte’s rookie shots from 3-point range to lead pion Sandy Lyle is hoping world Miami were never able to build Michael Kidd-Gilchrist had to the Wizards with 21 points while number one Rory McIlroy’s a double-digit lead against the vis- leave the game on a stretcher Brazil’s Nene and Garrett Temple decision to switch golf clubs itors and were ahead just 89-87 in after sustaining a concussion in each scored 15 points. does not result in the same sort the final minute and a half before a big collision. In his absence, the AGENCIES of “kamikaze dive” in form that David Duval suffered when he made a similar move. Duval appeared to have the world at his feet when he was fly- ing high at the top of the rankings QFA, Qatar Shell launch youth football initiative in 1999 and won the British Open two years later. DOHA: Qatar Football yesterday: “As the governing body The American, like 23-year-old Association (QFA) and Qatar of football in Qatar, The Qatar Northern Irishman McIlroy, also Shell yesterday launched Koora Football Association is pleased agreed a switch to Nike clubs and Time, a five-year sustainable to partner with Qatar Shell to Lyle said that was the moment project designed to improve the launch Koora Time, to address which sparked a sudden decline health and wellbeing of Qatar’s the active and healthy lifestyle he was never able to reverse. youth through football. objectives of Qatar’s National “That move hurt the momen- This initiative created by the Development Strategy, which tum of David’s career,” the 1985 QFA and Qatar Shell will facili- is designed to promote sports British Open champion and 1988 tate access to more football in a amongst Qatar’s youth.” US Masters winner said in an non-competitive environment in He added: “We look forward to interview. “He wasn’t driving the order to support the enjoyment having a positive impact on the ball well which put the pressure of an active and healthy lifestyle health and wellbeing of Qatar’s on his putting and that in turn amongst Qatar’s youth. youth through football.” put pressure on him making cuts. As part of the five-year cam- Wael Sawan, Managing “David then started on a hor- paign, QFA and Qatar Shell will Director and Chairman of Qatar rible spiral of missing cuts. It jointly organise and launch, a Shell companies said: “We are could be that all stemmed from series of youth engagement pro- very proud to extend our part- his problems with his new driver grammes using football as the nership with the Qatar Football and it could be the same thing for platform. Association. Shell has been the Rory now. Koora Time will consist of dif- Platinum Sponsor of His Highness “Rory’s momentum was very ferent programmes that are tai- The Emir’s Cup for seven consec- Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, President of Qatar Football Association (QFA), and Wael good last year but it can be very lored for three age groups: seven utive years.” Sawan, Managing Director and Chairman of Qatar Shell, during a press conference at QFA building yesterday. dangerous to change clubs,” to 12 years-old, 13 to 17 years-old He added: “We are very pleased PICTURE BY: SHAIVAL DALAL added Lyle, referring to the world and 18 to 24 years-old. to join hands with the QFA, once number one’s five worldwide wins As well as the health benefits again, to launch this unique, sus- in 2012 and his money-list victo- of the programme and raising tainable initiative Koora Time, He pointed out: “By activating and health lifestyle by facili- The initiative will begin with ries on both sides of the Atlantic. the profile of sport in the coun- which taps into football – a pop- all the different phases of this tating access to more hours of a ‘big bang’ on National Sports “David never got out of his try, Koora Time is committed to ular and much beloved sport in initiative, I hope that the Qatar physical activity and more spaces Day on February 12 with an spiral. He definitely took a huge supporting the Social and Human Qatar – to inspire a healthy and Football Association and Qatar and opportunities to play; from attempt to break the Guinness kamikaze dive and never really Development pillar of the Qatar active lifestyle amongst Qatar’s Shell will inspire behavioural the ‘show up and play ‘nation- World Record for the largest ever, got it back.” National Vision 2030 and the youth, ultimately leading to a change towards health and fitness wide pitch access initiative, to friendly 5-a-side football match at Last month McIlroy put pen to National Development Strategy positive transformation within through football, enabling Qatari the extracurricular schools pro- Aspire Zone. The current record paper on a 10-year contract, , to (NDS) by engaging Qatari youths the community. This initiative youth to get involved in exciting gramme based on the FutbolNet stands at 464 players. swap from Titleist to Nike clubs at every stage of their lives. reinforces our commitment to football activation in a non-com- methodology created by FC The rest of the programmes and suffered an instant setback by QFA President Sheikh Hamad Qatar National Vision 2030, and petitive environment.” Barcelona Foundation which pro- will begin over the course of the missing the cut at the Abu Dhabi bin Khalifa bin Ahmad Al Thani we hope to have a positive social Koora Time will use football vides children with an extra four remaining year. Championship. said in a press conference impact for years to come.” as a platform to a more active hours of football per week. THE PENINSULA REUTERS WEDNESDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25 South Africa Chile marks new comfortable at number one Test rank start for Nadal JOHANNESBURG: South Africa’s cricketers are increas- ingly comfortable as they look Spaniard set to return after injury lay-off down on the rest of the crick- eting world from their number one spot in the Test rankings. PARIS: Rafael Nadal’s return “Undoubtedly the clay surface over the last eight years. What A 211-run win in the first Test to action after a seven-month is a little less aggressive on my happens after that on the grass against Pakistan at the Wanderers injury lay-off will be the focus of knee,” he said. “My aim is to com- of Wimbledon and the hardcourts Stadium was their fourth win in attention in tennis in Chile this pete courageously and hopefully of New York depends to a great a row -- all achieved within four week. the knee will stand up to it. extent on how his physique and days -- and it extended their The 11-time Grand Slam “There is always the possibility mental fortitude cope with the unbeaten run to 13 matches, going champion has been on the side- that I will lose in the first round new challenges. back more than a year. lines since he was beaten in the after so many months without Few of his peers seem to doubt Not only are South Africa on second round at Wimbledon by competing.” his ability to get back to the top top of the Test team rankings, Czech journeyman Lukas Rosol The consensus is that Nadal, level and everyone agrees that his they dominate the individual cat- in late June. who had been due to return to return will be good for the sport egories too. During that time, Roger action at the notoriously physi- of tennis given the Spaniard’s Hashim Amla tops the bat- Federer, Andy Murray and Novak cal Australian Open in January, huge fan base. ting list, with AB de Villiers and Djokovic have won Grand Slam but who pulled out due to a viral “Can’t wait to see him back Jacques Kallis also in the top ten, titles and, as the other member condition, has been wise to bet on playing again. The sport will be while Dale Steyn and Vernon of the sport’s Big Four, the ques- clay once again. all the better for it,” said Federer, Philander are the two top-ranked tion is whether the Spaniard will Seven of his 11 Grand Slam whose rivalry with Nadal has bowlers, with Morne Morkel at ever be able to compete again at titles have come on the clay- marked tennis and all of sport number nine. the highest level. courts of Roland Garros and he for the last eight years. In addition, Kallis is the leading Nadal, who will be 27 in June, has amassed an unprecedented “As far as I am concerned he all-rounder. has been careful to play down career win record of 254 out of will still be as difficult to beat as “It’s been a great year for our expectations. 273 on the surface since he first ever.” Nadal fans will be encour- squad, and to be honest I still Yes, he still has some pain from exploded onto the international aged by the last time he had a don’t think that I am the best his troublesome knees and no, he scene in 2005. lengthy layoff to rest his knee batsman in our team,” said Amla. does not expect to immediately Vina del Mar is an essentially joints, at the start of the 2010 “What has been most pleas- rediscover his old winning ways low-key tournament, but Nadal season. On that occasion, he ing for us has been the all-round in his first tournament back at is looking to progressively rebuild promptly made two semi-finals contribution from everyone in the Vina del Mar in Chile, the starter his confidence in claycourt tour- at the hardcourt Masters tour- squad.” for the claycourt season that cli- naments in Brazil and Mexico naments in the United States and “Everybody wants to do well maxes with the French Open in before heading up to the United then went on to win all three of for this team,” said Steyn, who Paris in May/June. States for the Masters Series the claycourt Masters tourna- destroyed Pakistan by taking six “Of course I still feel pain in events in Indian Wells and Miami ments and yet another French for eight in the first innings and the knee that sometimes stops on the less unforgiving (for his Open title without dropping a sin- had match figures of 11 for 60. me from playing, but you have knees) hardcourt classics. gle set, a feat never accomplished Rafael Nadal of Spain serves during a training session in Vina del Mar, “We’re really pushing on for to start sometime and I am here After that beckon Monte Carlo, before in tennis history. To round about 120km west of Santiago, Chile, yesterday. Nadal, an 11-time Grand something at the moment. We’ve to try and give my best and hope Barcelona, Rome and on to Paris off the season, he would also lift Slam winner, is preparing to take part in the ATP event in Vina del Mar. managed to bowl teams out for that my knee comes through it,” - the red clay route that Nadal the Wimbledon and US Open tro- Nadal returns to competitive tennis after seven months on the sidelines under 50 and with the bat we he added. has dominated like no-one else phies. AFP due to a knee injury. have managed to have some big sessions where we have piled on the runs. “When this team puts its mind together it’s a pretty tough team Murray calls for more blood testing to play against.” Despite being in his 17th sea- LONDON: Olympic champion The American cyclist was son of international cricket, Kallis Andy Murray (pictured) is stripped of all seven of his Tour says that at the age of 37 he is demanding more blood testing de France titles last year follow- ‘Rafa’s aura may enjoying the game more than ever. in tennis to avoid the kind of ing an investigation by the United “You wake up in the morning, damaging doping scandals that States Anti-Doping Agency. Last keen to practice and play, not only continue to plague cycling. month Armstrong admitted he because the team is winning but World number three Murray, had taken banned substances take time to return’ because of the environment that runner-up at last month’s during all seven of his Tour wins. has been created and the players Australian Open to Novak Murray’s comments come after LONDON: The aura Rafa think they could possibly upset we’ve got.” Djokovic, feels the sport’s authori- 17-time Grand Slam champion Nadal usually carries on court him,” Murray told reporters at Much of the credit for the team ties need to invest more heavily Roger Federer said last year that may take a while to return London’s Queen’s Club. culture is due to captain Graeme in anti-doping programmes, even the number of out of competition when the Spaniard finally “But over time, and if Rafa Smith, the first man to have 100 if it means siphoning funds from blood tests carried out in tennis begins his comeback in Chile wins his first three tournaments Test captaincies under his belt, players’ prize money. had declined. this week, according to world back that changes everything and coach Gary Kirsten, whose “I’ve been asked a lot lately if The International Tennis number three Andy Murray. and people will be worrying understated methods, based tennis is clean or not but I don’t Federation (ITF) runs the dop- Injury-hit Nadal has not about him again. People fear- on humility and giving players know how you judge if a sport is ing programme in tennis but the played a match since a shock ing you comes winning and responsibility, are proving as suc- clean,” Murray said. 2013 budget of $2m, paid for by defeat by outsider Lukas Rosol confidence.” cessful with his native country as “If one in 100 players is doping, the four Grand Slams, the ITF at Wimbledon last June but will Despite just returning from they were when he was in charge in my eyes that isn’t a clean sport. and the men’s and women’s Tours, test his suspect knee in Vina a knee injury which still causes of India. We need to do everything we can is dwarfed by the prize money del Mar today when he takes him pain, the public will be “It’s an environment where to ensure that everone competing available to top players. on Argentine Guido Pella or a expecting Spamiard Nadal to guys are given the freedom to do at the highest level and below is “There needs to be more blood qualifier in the claycourt event. get back in the groove quickly. what they want,” said Kallis. clean. testing,” Murray said. World No. 92 Pella is the kind Murray, however, urged cau- “But there is a mark and no- “That comes with biologoical “Last year I got tested a lot of player usually trampled into tion, although he expects Nadal one oversteps that mark, which passports and more blood test- especially during the French Open the dirt by the 11-time Grand to be challenging strongly for an is an incredible culture to have ing. I know the training that I and Wimbledon and through to Slam champion but Murray eighth French Open title in June. because everyone has respect for do and I know what goes in and the US Open but I think a lot of believes Nadal could be vulner- “The expectation will be high each other.” out of my body and I know from that was due to the Olympics. able until he gets up to speed. and people will expect him to Smith said it was important to my side that I’m clean and I hope “The only way we can improve “He might not have the same do things straight away but it keep setting a high standard. that’s the same for all tennis the testing procedures is to have (aura) straight away and you could take a number of weeks “It’s about being clinical and players.” more blood testing. We need to would expect people in the first and months before he’s back to understanding what you need to Doping in sport has come under spend money to do that but in few months while he is not his old self again,” Murray said. do. Those are the leaps we have close scrutiny following the Lance the long term I think it would be back to his highest level and REUTERS taken as a team. AFP Armstrong scandal. worth it.” REUTERS Pedrosa top in Sepang testing QBL: Semi-finals commence today SEPANG: Spaniard Dani Pedrosa of Honda led a close- BY DANOTZKI SANTOS full on both ends of the floor against fought first day in pre-season Arabi’s Alvin Mofunanya and William MotoGP testing at Malaysia’s DOHA: League-leaders Al Rayyan Byrd. Sepang Circuit yesterday, with will take on Eljaish while Al Sadd In the backcourt, Al Sadd seem to the three-time championship face the challenge of Al Arabi in the have the edge on paper with Chris dela runner-up still looking for his best-of-three semi-finals of the Qatar Rosa reinforcing the already potent first world crown. Basketball League at Al Gharafa tandem of Mousa Daoud and Saad Pedrosa was top of the Indoor Arena today. Abdulrahman. timesheet with a fastest lap of Defending champions Al Rayyan, who Al Arabi will not be left behind with 2:01.157, while reigning dou- topped the elimination round with 13-3 the prolific duo of the hardworking ble champion Jorge Lorenzo of win-loss card, will continue their quest Abdulai Jalloh and the youthful and wily Yamaha was down 0.008 seconds, for a place in the finals in the best-of- Mansour Elhadary. and Honda’s star rookie Marc three semi-finals in the 5.00pm match. Meanwhile, Al Wakra trounced Qatar Marquez of was 0.044 seconds off Coach Brian Rowsom and his wards Sports Club 56-39, in their first game on the pace. are facing a tough Army squad with Fadi Monday, and 78-65 yesterday, to sweep Italy’s nine-time world cham- Abilmona, Mohammad Bakir, Turki Ali their own best-of-three play-offs and pion Valentino Rossi, who is back and Mohammad Yussuf expected to notch the first berth for the battle for with Yamaha after two disap- give out their best playing against the the fifth place. pointing seasons with Ducati, defending champions. On the other hand, Al Gharafa like- briefly topped the fastest times Rowsom will continue to bank on wise won two straight against newcom- but ended the day fourth, 0.427 American Harold Boney Watson. ers Al Shamal, 78-70 and 65-43, to grab seconds adrift. Al Rayyan will also bank on national the right to face Al Wakra in the do-or- The second test session will be team stalwarts Targuy Ngombo, Yaseen die showdown for 5th place. Qatar and held at Sepang from February 26 Mousa and Erfan Saeed to swing the Shamal will contest for 7th place. to 28. The third session will be advantage in their favour.Al Sadd, The second game of the semi-final held in Jerez from March 23 to 25. ranked second after the elimination duels will be played on February 8 with The opening round of the stage, will face Al Arabi at 7:00 pm. Al Sadd and Arabi taking centre-stage MotoGP world championship will Michael Benjamin Southall is the at 5:00 pm and Rayyan and Eljaish going Adel Khalifa of Qatar Sports Club vies for ball possession with Temi Soyebo of Al Wakra during the be in Qatar on April 7. Malaysia backbone of Al Sadd’s offense and against each other in the other game at play-off match of the Qatar Basketball League at Al Gharafa Indoor Arena, yesterday. will host round 15 on October 13. defense and will surely have his hands 7:00 pm. THE PENINSULA PICTURE BY: SALIM MATRAMKOT AFP WEDNESDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2013 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Tour of Qatar Results MESAIEED: Tour of Qatar results after yesterday’s third stage: British cyclist 1. Mark Cavendish (GBR/Omega Mark Cavendish Pharma), 143 km in 3hr 5min celebrates after 14sec crossing the 2. Markus Barry (NED) same finish line of the time third stage at the 3. Aidis Kruopis (LTU) s.t. Tour of Qatar. 4. Nacer Bouhanni (FRA) s.t. Cavendishm, 5. Heinrich Haussler (AUS) s.t. who rides for 6. Edvald Boasson Hagen (NOR) Omega Pharma s.t. Quick-Step, 7. Roger Kluge (GER) s.t. bagged overall 8. John Degenkolb (GER) s.t. his third stage 9. Filippo Fortin (ITA) s.t. win in Qatar. He 10. Geoffrey Soupe (FRA) s.t. won two stages last year also. Overall PICTURES: SYED 1. Brent Bookwalter (USA/ OMAR BMC), 302 km in 6hr 49min 58sec 2. Taylor Phinney (USA) at 6sec 3. Adam Blythe (GBR) 7 4. Mark Cavendish (GBR) 8 5. Greg Van Avermaet (BEL) 10 6. Michael Schar (SUI) s.t. 7. Bernhard Eisel (AUT) 11 8. Mathew Hayman (AUS) 12 9. Edvald Boasson Hagen (NOR) 14 Cavendish wins stage three 10. Geraint Thomas (GBR) 15 Today’s stage Tour of Qatar: The Briton shows good form; Bookwalter still the leader

BY RIZWAN REHMAT

DOHA: British cyclist Mark Cavendish yesterday brought delight in the Omega Pharma Quick-Step camp by win- ning stage three of the Tour of Qatar but American rider Brent Bookwalter managed to retain the leader’s yellow jersey follow- ing a chaotic finish in Mesaieed. Cavendish, known for his explo- sive sprints, produced a trade- mark slick finish to bag his third stage win in the desert in a time of 3hrs 14mins 05secs. Bookwalter, who was the over- night leader after winning stage one on Sunday, retained his posi- tion to lead the Tour of Qatar at the halfway stage. Cavendish pipped Barry Markus (Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team) and Aidis Kruopis (Orica GreenEdge) to the finish line after the riders had com- pleted a distance of 143kms. “It was quite a long finish. It was pretty chaotic in the end. We Dutch rider Karsten Kroon (centre) of Saxo Tinkoff team crashes during the third stage of the Tour of Qatar held between Al Wakra and Mesaieed lost our leadout man with 2kms yesterday. RIGHT: Brent Bookwalter of the US after wearing the yellow jersey. Qatar Cycling Federation (QCF) official Nasser Al Kaabi is at right. to go. It just became chaotic,” Cavendish said. ““Anything can happen in this involved approximately 20 rid- (Cannondale), and Taylor Phinney take one day a time,” he said. “We still have three stages to race. You’ve just got to take every ers, including Karsten Kroon (BMC Racing). “We’ve got to see what happens.” go. Anything can happen. There day as it comes,” Cavendish added. (Saxo-Tinkoff), who was later Despite the crash, Viviani and The British cycling star said he are some good sprinters here. We US rider Taylor Phinney of A crash 18km into the stage taken to the hospital, Elia Viviani Phinney finished the stage that was not thinking about winning, had concerns in the crash but the BMC Racing team receives a started from Al Wakra. rather taking one step at a time. whole team did an incredible job. bouquet from Magid Al Naimi, Cavendish said he had no option “I am not thinking too much “The young guys were great. I Secretary General, Qatar Cycling but to press the accelerator ear- ahead. I am just trying to stay in am just humble and proud that Federation. lier than planned. shape and do well until the Tour my team-mates made it and we’ll Dutch rider “With 800m or 700m to go, de France. Hopefully I will be suc- go again (today),” Boolwalter said. Karsten more guys came and joined the cessful at most races and yes I am When asked about BMC finish it was a dynamic race with Kroon group. I had to go at 350 to go, so happy about my form,” he said. Racing Team, Bookwalter said: groups coming and going and then of Saxo that was that,” the Briton said. “I don’t know how strong I am “The team is in a great position a crash that involved my team- Tinkoff “I am really happy with the right now but it is okay since I (to win). The five guys that are mate Taylor Phinney. Cavendish is team gets guys. They fought at every cor- am winning bike races (laughs),” there are the ones who showed the race favourite here. There are help after ner. I am really happy about that,” Cavendish said. “I am happy with today that they are strong. They three stages to go and all three he crashed he said. Cavendish refused to that.” are doing a great job in a support could end in sprints.” speculate his performance in the Bookwalter echoed Cavendish’s role. We will look at the results The Tour of Qatar continues during the remaining three stages. sentiments about the end. in the night and then finalise our today with the 160-km fourth third stage “Anything can happen in Qatar. “It was a pretty complex end plans.” stage starting from Camel Race of the Tour I am sprinter and I am not guy to the stage. There was a pretty Cavendish now lies just 8 sec- Track (160km). of Qatar. who can make it every time,” bad crash today and one of my onds off the lead. Time bonuses of 10, six and four Cavendish said. team-mates (Taylor) Phinney was Bookwalter tipped Cavendish seconds will be on offer at the fin- “I am not saying it (winning) hit. It was what you see in Qatar, as the race favourite. ish opposite Al Khor Corniche. is out of the question but we will a fast race,” the American said. “Despite ending in a sprint THE PENINSULA Pledge to promote motor sport in the region

DOHA: Top motor sport offi- and its goal is to unite the Arabic LEFT: FIA cials yesterday pledged to speaking FIA clubs of the region President Jean reshape the sport in the Middle to shape the future of motoring Todt delivers a East by increasing the number throughout the Arab world. speech during of events held in the region and The country members of the the Arab Council making the activities affordable. ACTAC are Algeria, Bahrain, for Touring and This was the message Egypt Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Automobile announced at the Arab Council Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, for Touring and Automobile Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Clubs (ACTAC) Clubs (ACTAC) workshop held Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United workshop held on day two of the MENA and Arab Emirates and Yemen. on day two of ASN assembly being hosted by Al Attiyah, who is also the the MENA and the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle FIA Cross Country Commission ASN assembly Federation (QMMF) at the President, said: “It was another hosted by the Radisson Blu hotel in Doha. fruitful day of discussions as we Qatar Motor FIA President Jean Todt and managed to find some dynamic and Motorcycle Dr Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA solutions for the promotion of Federation Vice President joined Nasser bin motor sport in the region.” (QMMF) in Doha. Khalifa Al Attiyah, President, He added: “The QMMF is RIGHT: Jean QMMF, to discuss the future pleased to host yet another gath- Todt with Nasser and mobility of motor sport in ering of expert minds in the field bin Khalifa ABOVE (from left): Khaled Qaddoura of the Palestinian the Arab world. of motor sport. We are confident Al Attiyah, Federation, Bahaa Bahnasi, Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah The ACTAC is a sub-region that with the guidance of Mr Jean President, and Hamad Nasser Al Nuaimi of Qatar Automobile, pose of the Federation Internationale Todt, we can get things done the QMMF. for a group photo. de l’Automobile (FIA) Region I right way.” THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27

Clubs in favour of separate Singapore helping Europol Champions, Europa Leagues

DOHA: European clubs are in favour of keeping the Champions probe match-fixing ring League and Europa League as separate competitions, the asso- ciation which represents them said yesterday. Corruption scandal hurts football, says German captain Lahm The European Clubs’ Association (ECA), whose mem- bers include around 200 clubs SINGAPORE: Singapore match-rigging has long been clear, from across the region, said that police said yesterday they with Wilson Raj Perumal jailed 92 percent of those questioned in helping European authorities in Finland in 2011 and another a survey said they wanted the two in their investigation into an Singaporean, Tan Seet Eng or competitions to continue to exist international crime syndicate Dan Tan, wanted in Italy over the in parallel. that rigged hundreds of foot- “calcioscommesse” scandal. Seventy-five percent were “sat- ball matches in Europe and However, the latest announce- isfied” or “extremely satisfied” elsewhere. ment uncovered the huge scale of with the format of European club “The authorities in Singapore the activities, and raised potential competitions according to the are assisting the European problems for Singapore’s reputa- survey, conducted among 87 clubs authorities in their investigations tion, as well as questions about from 36 countries. The only sig- into an international match-fix- how authorities are dealing with nificant change they wanted was ing syndicate that purportedly the match-fixing syndicates. for the Europa League winners to involves Singaporeans,” the police “This story has the potential qualify directly for the following said in a statement. to severely damage the global season’s Champions League group “Singapore takes a strong reputation of Singapore as a stage, with 61 percent in favour of stance against match-fixing and safe and ethical financial hub the proposal. is committed to working with in Asia,” said Jonathan Galaviz, “The results clearly show that international enforcement agen- managing director of US-based European clubs are very happy cies to bring down transnational consultancy Galaviz & Co, who with the current competitions criminal syndicates, including has closely watched Asia’s gam- and do not wish to see major those that involve the acts of ing industry. changes to their format,” ECA, Singaporeans overseas, and pro- “Singapore’s public policy mak- which is meeting in Doha, said. tect the integrity of the sport.” ers need to reassess whether they The Europe League, which In the latest indication that have enough resources dedicated has replaced the UEFA Cup, has Singapore is at the heart of a to monitoring and enforcing laws produced mixed reactions, with global match-fixing empire, relating to illegal gambling and many clubs fielding reserve teams Europol said Monday they had sports corruption in the country,” in matches and critics saying it is smashed a network rigging hun- he told. too big and complicated. dreds of games, including in the Meanwhile, Germany captain FROM LEFT: Germany’s Philipp Lahm, Mesut Ozil, Toni Kroos, Julian Draxler and Thomas Mueller take part in a The Champions League group Champions League and World Philipp Lahm has said the cur- training session at the Commerzbank Arena in Frankfurt Main, Germany, on Monday. Germany will play France stage is often criticised as being Cup qualifiers. rent corruption scandal rocking tomorrow in Paris. too predictable with the same Europol said a five-country European football is damaging the teams qualifying for the last 16 probe had identified 380 sus- game’s image with politicians here alone, criminals bet 16 million lose authority.” Germany’s Germany has taken a tough year after year. picious matches targeted by a calling on FIFA boss Sepp Blatter euros ($21.7m) on rigged matches, most capped player Lothar stance on football corruption in ECA said that clubs could Singapore-based betting cartel, to act. claiming eight million euros Matthaeus said the global pop- recent years. not agree on the proposal from whose illegal activities stretched Lahm, who will captain ($10.8m) in winnings. ularity of football leaves it vul- Bundesliga referee Robert European soccer’s governing body to players, referees and officials Germany in today’s friendly German parliamentarians have nerable to criminals attempting Hoyzer was jailed in 2005 after UEFA to abolish third-party own- across the world. against France in Paris, said the called on Blatter, the president of to make money. admitting to rigging matches ership of players. A further 300 suspicious squad was shocked by the scale of football’s governing body FIFA, to “Football is played around the for a Croatian mafia circle and “ECA will further assess the matches have been identified the coruption. act fast. world, and there is always some the German Football Federation merits and the impact of third outside Europe in Africa, Asia, “Of course that surprised us,” “Although Sepp Blatter talks black sheep trying to take advan- (DFB) banned him for life. party ownership on the game and and South and Central America, said the Bayern Munich star. about wanting to help in the fight tage of this beautiful sport ille- In May 2011, Ante Sapina was the repercussions of a possible in the course of the investigation. “Something like that is obvi- against match manipulation, he gally,” he told German Sky. sentenced to five-and-a-half years ban,” the statement said. Analysts said revelations about ously bad (for the sport). doesn’t follow his words with “I have never been involved by a court in Bochum having been Third-party ownership is when the scale of the scandal could “Any fan who goes to the sta- actions,” said politician Viola von with such things because I have the leader of a gang which had the transfer rights of players are damage Singapore’s squeaky- dium expects to see two teams Cramon. always believed in the positive bribed players and officials in wholly or partially owned by the clean image as one of the world’s meet who will do anything to “FIFA needs to step up the side of football. But you can see matches across Europe to influ- footballer himself or a company, least corrupt nations. win.” fight against corruption and what is happening all around the ence results which they then bet instead of just the player’s club. Singapore’s role in international Europol have said in Germany betting fraud, so they don’t world of football.” heavily on. AGENCIES REUTERS Al Shaqab to host CHI equestrian Qatar gears up for top sailing event international festival in March DOHA: With just a week to go on February 10. We’ll be arriving before the start of the third edi- in Doha the next day and will be DOHA: World No.1 Christian tion of EFG Bank Sailing Arabia racing in port on February 12, so Ahlmann of Germany and The Tour, a fleet of One Design there’ll be a couple of days for the Edwina Tops-Alexander of Farr 30 yachts has arrived at people of Qatar to see these amaz- Australia will lead a galaxy of Amwaj Marina, starting point ing boats,” Gavignet. equestrian stars who are set to for the two-week competition CEO of event organisers Oman participate in the inaugural edi- that will pit some of the world’s Sail David Graham said the rac- tion of the Chi Al Shaqab 2013, best sailors against the elements ing action for the next three an international equestrian of the Arabian Gulf. weeks will be promising fare. festival. Identical except for the spon- “It’s exciting to know that The four-day festival will take sors’ logos, the nine boats arrived the boats are in place, that the place from March 27 to 3, at Al at Bahrain’s premier yachting crews are getting ready for the Shaqab’s state-of-the-art facilities facility and are preparations for EFG Bank Sailing Arabia – The in Doha, Al Shaqab, a member of the arduous challenge ahead. Tour. We’re looking forward to a Qatar Foundation, announced As the mast of his boat slid into close competition that will inspire here yesterday. position and the boat was lowered the young people of all the GCC The Festival, which is to be into the water, world renowned nations to get involved in sailing held under the patronage of H E single handed sailor and skipper and learn the teamwork and skills Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad of EFG Bank (Monaco) Sidney they will need to compete on the Al Thani and H E Sheikha Gavignet looked forward to the world stage,” said Graham. Al-Mayassa Bint Hamad Al challenges ahead Leaving Manama on February Thani, will be the first event of “It will be two wonderful weeks 10, EFG Bank Sailing Arabia The its kind in Asia. of sailing, with intense competi- Tour calls at Doha, Abu Dhabi, As a CHI international eques- tion on both the long legs between Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Dibba and trian event, Al Shaqab will host Khalid Ibrahim Al Jaber (second left), Director of Sports Affairs Department at Qatar Olympic Committee, speak- ports and the in-port racing. Mussanah and ends February 25 in competitions in three equestrian ing during a press conference at Al Shaqab, yesterday. Also seen are Fahad Abdulla Al Hajri (left), CHI Al Shaqab We’ve got a few days to get the Muscat. The racing will include disciplines over four days, includ- 2013 Media and Broadcast Manager, Fahad Saad Al Qahtani, Al Shaqab Director and CHI Al Saqab President boat and crew in the best possi- in-port racing at selected locations. ing show jumping, dressage and and Omar Khalid Al Mannai, CHI Al Shaqab 2013 Director. PHOTO BY: KAMMUTTY VP ble shape, before leaving for Doha THE PENINSULA endurance. “We are pleased to be organ- Federation’s world rankings CHI AL SHAQAB 2013 FACTBOX EFG Bank Sailing Arabia The Tour Schedule ising this unique international will be invited to compete. Top ABOUT CHI AL SHAQAB 2013 Date Races Location event honouring Qatar’s centu- regional and international teams ries-old tradition of equestrian will also be invited to compete in • CHI (Concours Hippique International International Equestrian Competition) is the February 9 Preparation of Leg1 Manama, Bahrain excellence. Chi Al Shaqab 2013 the endurance race. official title given by the FEI (International Equestrian Federation) only to international February 10 Start of Leg1 Bahrain to Qatar is already receiving interest and Besides top-ranked Ahlmann equestrian competitions with three or more equine disciplines in one week. February 11 End of leg1 Doha, Qatar enthusiasm beyond our expec- and Global Champions Tour 2012 • CHI AL SHAQAB 2013 will be held from 27 until 30 March 2013 in Doha, Qatar. This February 12 Prize Giving Doha, Qatar tations in its inaugural edition, champion Tops-Alexander, both will be the first time that this event is held in the Middle East and Asia. February 13 Start of Leg2 Bahrain - Doha and we would see it become a who will compete in show jump- • The CHI AL SHAQAB festival will be hosted annually, around the same time of the February 15 End of Leg 2 Abu Dhabi, UAE benchmark for all of Asia and ing event, others who are set to year. February 16 Prize Giving Abu Dhabi, UAE a key event in the international compete in Doha include, Steve • The program includes three equestrian disciplines spread over four days: Show February 17 Start of Leg3 Dubai, UAE equestrian calendar,” said Fahad Guerdat of Switzerland, and Jumping CSI 5* and CSI 3*, Dressage CDI 4* and Endurance CEI2*. February 18 Start of Leg4 Dubai - Ras Al Khaimah Saad Al Qahtani, Director of Al Gerco Schroeder of Netherlands • Top world-ranking riders from Qatar, the GCC and around the world are expected to Shaqab, who announced the event gold and silver medallists at the compete during the event, with an initial estimate of 200 horses in competition.. February 19 Prize Giving Ras Al Khaimah, UAE dates at a press conference, said 2012 London Olympic Games. • Members of the Qatari Royal Family and other royal families in the GCC, as well as February 20 Start of Leg4 Ras Al Khaimah - Dibba here yesterday. In dressage, Isabel Werth, win- other national and international VIPs of the equine sport and business world, will be February 22 Prize Giving Dibba, Oman Shining an international ner of five Olympic gold medals in attendance. February 23 Start of Leg5 Dibba Mussanah equestrian spotlight on Qatar, will be the star attraction. February 25 Start Leg6 (Mussanah - The Wave Muscat), Al Shaqab expects participation An estimated 10,000 spectators • The event is open to the public and includes a range of family-friendly activities, in from more than 25 nations, 170 are expected over the four days, addition to the equestrian competitions that will be the highlight for horse lovers and February 25 Final Prize Giving Muscat, Oman riders and 300 horses. including special attendance by connoisseurs. TEAMS: EFG Bank (Monaco); Renaissance Team (Oman); Al-Thuraya Bank Muscat (Oman); The top 30 show jumpers members of Qatar’s Royal Family • A Spectator Plaza extending across 9,000 square metres will offer visitors access to BAE Systems Team (Oman); Team Messe Frankfurt (Germany); Team AISM (United Arab and top 15 dressage riders from and other royal guests from the an equine and fashion exhibition and trade market, a public food court, a “kids’ zone,” Emirates); Royal Navy of Oman (Oman); Team Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates); GAC Pindar / the International Equestrian GCC. THE PENINSULA pony rides, horse shows, a vaulting demonstration and games for all ages. RAK / Bahrain; Team Delft Challenge - TU Delft (Holland) Wednesday 6 February 2013 25 Rabial I Safar 1434 Volume 17 Number 5602 Sport Price: QR2

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www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 World champs ready for Uruguay clash in Doha Spain coach Del Bosque to equal record in today’s match

DOHA: Spanish coach Vicente Del Bosque said his team will Spain vs Uruguay be wary of the threats posed by Uruguay when the two regional Last Six Results champions clash in Doha today. SPAIN Speaking in a press confer- vs Panama (friendly) won 5-1 ence before conducting a training session at Khalifa International vs France (WC qualifier) drew 1-1 Stadium yesterday, Del Bosque vs Belarus (WC qualifier) won 4-0 said: “Uruguay are an organised vs Georgia (WC qualifier) won 1-0 team who plays with intensity. vs Saudi Arabia (friendly) won 5-0 They know how to pass the ball because they are known to look vs Puerto Rico (friendly) won 2-1 up.” URUGUAY He added: “Their strikers are vs Poland (friendly) won 3-1 very dangerous who have a lot of vs Bolivia (WC qualifier) lost 4-1 speed and do not hide their eager- ness to score goals. Their team is vs Argentina (WC qualifier) lost 3-0 very organised, and their defend- vs Ecuador (WC qualifier) drew 1-1 ers are really good and powerful vs Colombia (WC qualifier) lost 4-0 when going forward.” vs France (friendly) drew 0-0 Qatar football team players training on the eve of their 2015 Asian Cup The Spaniard, who will take qualifier against Malaysia at Aspire Academy. The match will take place charge for the 68th time – a at Al Sadd Stadium at 6.30pm. record-equalling tally for a Previous Meetings Spanish national team coach, Spain 2 Uruguay 2 (1950, World Cup) hopes Spain rise to the occa- sion and put in a performance Spain 1 Uruguay 1 (1966, Friendly) Hosts Qatar eye win that is worthy of the World and Spain 2 Uruguay 0 (1972, Friendly) European champions tag. Spain 0 Uruguay 0 (1978, Friendly) Spain’s Carles Puyol (left), Cesc Fabregas (centre) and Gerard Pique (right) The 62-year-old, who took over Spain 0 Uruguay 0 (1990, World Cup) share a smile during a training session at Khalifa International Stadium as national coach in 2008, said: against Malaysia in Spain 2 Uruguay 1 (1991, Friendly) in Doha yesterday. The World and European champions Spain will play a “I hope Spain show why they are Spain 2 Uruguay 2 (1995, Friendly) friendly against Uruguay at the same venue today, in which Puyol is set to World and European champions, Spain 2 Uruguay 0 (2005, Friendly) make his 100th cap. Kick-off time is at 9.00pm. PICTURES BY: SHAIVAL DALAL and rise to the occasion.” The World and European Asian Cup qualifier champions, who are on a 17-match With nine Barcelona players in 100 games is incredible. He has important match,” said Tabarez, unbeaten run that stretches back Del Bosque’s squad, the coach said worked a lot and he deserves it.” who guided Uruguay to their 15th DOHA: Qatar will be eyeing “The match against Lebanon to November 2011, will feature his players represent the coun- Del Bosque said his squad met Copa America title in 2011 after to pick up three points today (on January 31) is history. In Carles Puyol, who is set to become try and not their clubs when they with Spanish legend Raul, who is beating Paraguay 3-0 in the final, when they host Malaysia in that game, we tried a number the seventh national player to wear the Spanish jersey. currently playing for Al Sadd in held in Argentina. a 2015 Asian Cup qualifying of combinations and most of the reach 100 caps today. “I’m Real Madrid and I have the Qatar Stars League. Despite going into tonight’s game. players. We are playing a differ- Former Real Madrid coach Del never hidden that. Barcelona have “It was a nice visit. We gave match as Copa America champi- Coach Fahad Thani will be in ent side and we need a different Bosque had nothing but praise for greater representation influences a shirt to his children,” said Del ons, Uruguay have only just won charge of his first major inter- tactic,” Thani added. the 34-year-old defender, who because the selection is a reflec- Bosque, whose side will be without one of their last six matches, national game after replacing Rajagopal said Malaysia were missed Spain’s triumph at the tion of the clubs. We together midfielders Xavi, Xabi Alonso and which came against Poland in a predecessor Paulo Autuori who missing a number of players due 2012 European Championships represent Spain, not the team,” goalkeeper captain Iker Casillas friendly. was removed after Qatar exited to injuries. last summer. he told journalists. for today’s match. The South American’s dismal the Gulf Cup at the group stage Malaysia, who lost 3-1 on “Puyol is a key player in the Spanish striker Alvaro Negredo Meanwhile, Uruguay coach form means that they are in fifth last month. aggregate to Thailand in the game. I am really happy he will also hailed Puyol’s achievement on Oscar Tabarez said his team will position in the South American Misfiring Qatar, who beat semi-finals of the AFF Suzuki be playing 100 games tomorrow reaching the landmark. be taking today’s match seriously qualifiying group for the next Lebanon in a friendly last week, Cup at the end of last year, (today),” he said. The Sevilla striker, who made in what will be the ninth meeting World Cup to be held in Brazil are in Group D along with arrived in Doha following a 3-0 He added: “He has been a his debut in Spain’s 2-1 win over between the two countries. in 2014. Yemen, Bahrain and today’s defeat by Iraq on Friday with player who has set an example European minnows Armenia in “We know our objectives However, Tabarez believes rivals Malaysia. head coach missing a large con- on and off the field.” 2009 said: “For him to make it to for this match and this is an Uruguay’s attacking trio Last month, Autuori’s reign tingent of regular players. of Liverpool’s Luis Suarez, came to an abrupt end after “We have important (10) play- Internacional’s Diego Forlan and Qatar failed to impress at the ers missing from this match 2015 Asian Cup Napoli’s Edilson Cavani have the Gulf Cup, losing two games out due to injuries (picked up at the potential to cause trouble for the of three. beginning of Malaysian league Qualifying Fixtures Spanish defence if all three are Abdul Karim Hassan, who last month),” Rajagopal said. SINGAPORE: Opening qual- selected. scored in the 64th minute, “These players did not show ifying fixtures for the 2015 Uruguayan He said: “We have a player helped Qatar gain some confi- the required fitness level and Asian Cup in Australia, to be striker Luis (Cavani) who is the top scorer in dence back when Qatar edged played matches, resulting in played today: Suarez looks Italy. We also have Suarez who is past Lebanon last week in an injuries,” he added. GROUP A on during doing really well in the English international friendly. “We know about the Qatari Premier League. We will try to Coach Thani stressed his team side and how they play. They In Muscat a training do our best in the match.” was targeting a win against are a strong bunch and not easy Oman vs Syria 5:15 pm (1515 GMT) session at Khalifa The last time Uruguay played Malaysia managed by Datuk proposition when they play at In Amman International all three strikers was in a 3-0 Rajagopal. home. We are here to win and Jordan vs Singapore 5:00 pm (1400 GMT) defeat to Argentina in October “The team is focused. collect three points. I believe Stadium 2012. Important game for us but I feel we can do that. Qatar’s Khalfan GROUP B in Doha In Tehran The Uruguayan coach, who that match day will take prece- Ibrahim, Ibrahim Magid and yesterday. will be without midfielder Gaston dence over everything else when Qassim Burhan are in form. Iran vs Lebanon 3:30 pm (1200 GMT) Suarez is four Ramirez for the match at Khalifa we play Malaysia,” Thani said. “As a coach, I am doing every- In Bangkok goals behind International Stadium today, said “My team is well aware of the thing to make the team play bet- Thailand vs Kuwait 7:00 pm (1200 GMT) Diego Forlan’s it was too early if today’s oppo- importance of a game like this. ter with each game. Hopefully we GROUP C record of nents Spain could defend their We want to begin the qualifying could reach the standards that In Dubai 33 goals in World Cup title next year. stage with a win,” he added. our fans expect of us. Uruguay’s all- Iraq vs Indonesia 5:30 pm (1330 GMT) Speaking of the Confederations “We have the potential to “Most people say Bahrain and time leading Cup, where the two nations will tackle Malaysia and beat them. Qatar will advance from this In Dammam scorers. meet in Brazil in June, Tabarez We are not taking them lightly Group D. But we don’t care for Saudi Arabia vs China 8:15 pm (1715 GMT) Forlan, said although the Confederations but my players are ready to fight such predictions. We have had GROUP D who plays Cup is important, qualification to on the pitch. good results in the past and we In Sharjah for Brazil’s next year’s showpiece event is the “We know Malaysia and their can do it again. Hopefully we Yemen vs Bahrain 7:15 pm (1515 GMT) Internacional priority. tactics, their weaknesses and can reach Australia (in 2015),” In Doha is also in The coach who managed Italian strengths. They may be miss- Rajagopal added. giants AC Milan in 1996, said: ing a number of players but we With the squad only just Qatar vs Malaysia 6:30 pm (1530 GMT) Uruguay’s “The Confederations Cup is very are only looking at three points,” having re-grouped following a squad for GROUP E important to us and it is also a Thani explained. month off after the AFF Suzuki today’s In Tashkent motivation factor for us. But the “I want the players to fight. Cup, Rajagobal will be without match. Uzbekistan vs Hong Kong 4:00 pm (1100 priority is to qualify for the World We are optimistic of a good Safee Sali, Norshahrul Idlan GMT) Cup.” result. The team has great Talaha, Wan Zack Wan Haikal In Hanoi Spain has the better head-to- support from the fans. We will and S Kunanlan due to injury, head record with three victories, build on the confidence given to while captain Safiq Rahim is Vietnam vs United Arab Emirates 6:00 pm with their most recent in 2005. us by our fans. suspended. THE PENINSULA (1100 GMT) THE PENINSULA