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Minister visits McCullum bids Sudair Industrial farewell with City in Saudi lasting legacy

TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2016 • 30 Rabia II 1437 • Volume 20 • Number 6701 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar More than 200 Prime Minister attends AIPS Congress events lined up for Sport Day

health and professional development of individuals. Fifty government She pointed out that the leader- entities and 17 sports ship of the country had a head start clubs are organising among other nations of the world by allocating a day for sports at the events ranging from state level, recognising that sport is Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani at the 79th session of International Sports Press marine and aerial an essential component for a healthy Association (AIPS) Congress organised by Qatar Sports Media Committee in Doha yesterday. Qatar Olympic Committee President H E eikhSh living. Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani also attended the Congress. →Report on page 2 activities to games The Ministry is organising a such as basketball, programme including a walk with participation of employees from the soccer and beach Ministry of Public Health, Hamad handball as part of Medical Corporation (HMC), and Windy weather the National Sport Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), under one umbrella for the Commemorative NSD stamp released forecast today Day today first time “The Ministry of Public Health”. By Raynald C Rivera More than 200 events and activ- The Peninsula The Peninsula ities are being organised at various The Peninsula locations to celebrate the National- Sport Day today. Katara, one of the main NSD hubs, will see over 80 DOHA: Qatar Postal Services DOHA: As Qatar marks the events and activities taking place Company (Q-Post) yesterday National Sport Day today, the DOHA: As the country marks at the Esplanade and on the beach issued a commemorative stamp Meteorology Department has fore- National Sport Day (NSD) today, from 8am till 10pm. to mark the fifth National Sport understand its meaning. National first day covers, each of which costs cast a windy and dusty day. the Minister of Public Health H E Fifty government entities and Day (NSD). Sport Day is a very important event QR6, are also ready. Qatar is one Strong dust winds could hit Dr. Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari has 17 sports clubs are organising the With a dimension of 47mm by on the calendar which everyone of the few countries which desig- all parts of the country reducing urged people to engage in sport and events ranging from marine and 31mm, the postage stamp bears the must support,” Abdulla Shlash Al nate a day to celebrate sport and visibility, warned the depart- healthy lifestyle to avoid diseases aerial activities to games such as NSD logo reminding the people of Hajri, CEO Human Resources and issuing a sport day commemora- ment yesterday. It would be cold and lead a quality life. basketball, soccer and beach hand- the importance of celebrating the Services at QPost, told The Penin- tive stamp is seen as a significant by night, with the day’s tempera- The Minister stressed that the ball. There will also be free medical annual public holiday. sula yesterday. step for further exposure to the cel- ture hovering between 15 and 23 positive development of physical screening and health tips as well as “We issued this commemora- Each stamp is priced QR5, and ebration internationally. degrees Celsius in Doha , having activity is a necessity to overcome sport workshops for various ages. tive stamp for everyone feel the 40,000 units are available for sale slight variations in other areas. physical, psychological and behav- spirit of National Sport Day and starting today. Some 2,000 units of →Continued on page 5 Messaied, Wakra, Dukhan and Abu ioural problems and is crucial for the →Continued on page 5 Samra are expected to be colder.

UAE plans to Men’s Tour of Qatar Qatar hopes to host 2028 Olympics trim ministries

& outsource AFP Championships in 2019, the football Cup, including the building of a metro World Cup in 2022 and the 2023 FINA system in Doha. most services world swimming championships. Qatar previously unsuccessfully In addition, Qatar has in the past bid to host the 2020 Summer Olym- DOHA: Qatar has a “vision and tar- 12 months hosted a world handball pics, which will be hosted in Japan. Reuters get” of hosting a Summer Olympics championships and the paralympics Doha was strongly expected to and will bid to hold future games, a athletics world championships. bid for the 2024 games but in the end senior member of the Qatar Olym- “All the facilities are going to be decided against running. pic Committee (QOC) said yesterday. ready for everything, especially after Kawari added that the decision DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates Dr Thani Al Kuwari, Secretary- 2022, the facilities almost 99 percent was taken because Qatar wanted plans to outsource most govern- General of the QOC added that the are ready,” he added. to ensure “we are strong in every ment tasks to the private sector country would undoubtedly bid to “Also, the logistics for those facil- aspect” of the bid. and cut the number of ministries, host an Olympics, maybe as early as ities are completed, so why not? Despite pledges from Qatar that Prime Minister Sheikh Moham- the 2028 games. He added: “So we are hoping to stadiums would be air-conditioned med bin Rashid Al Maktoum said “The vision and the target is to have one day, you never know, Maybe for players and spectators, foot- yesterday. host one of the Olympics, one day,” he 2028.” ball’s governing body, FIFA, last year The announcement comes said on the fringes of a sports report- One of the stadiums which will decided to switch the tournament to as energy-rich Gulf Arab states ers’ conference. host World Cup games in 2022, the be played in November and Decem- have been hit by low oil prices, Asked if Qatar would bid in the Khalifa International Stadium, will ber 2022. When Qatar was awarded encouraging them to streamline future, he replied: “Of course.” also be the site of the 2019 athletics football’s biggest tournament, it was British rider Mark Cavendish celebrates on the podium after winning institutions and attract more for- Kuwari pointed to the fact that championships. initially meant to host it in the sum- eign investment. stage one of Men’s Tour of Qatar from Dukhan to Al Khor Corniche Qatar is busy building facilities which Outside stadiums, Qatar is under- mer months, when temperatures can “We will have a road map to yesterday. → See also Page 36 Pic: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula could be used at an Olympics, for going a massive multi-billion dollar reach up to 50 degrees celsius (122 outsource most government serv- such events as the World Athletics building programme for the World fahrenheit). ices to the private sector ... The new government will have a smaller number of ministries and more ministers to deal with national and strategic issues,” the prime minister said on his official Twit- Iraq deploying thousands of troops to retake Mosul ter account. He announced the formation of a single education ministry, AFP more than 18 months as the country’s said the officer, who is part of the It is the largest city held by IS, and likely take longer than either. abolishing the ministry of higher security forces battled the militants security command tasked with retak- along with Raqa in Syria is one of the Lieutenant General Sean MacFar- education, and fused several other in other areas. ing Nineveh province, of which Mosul two main hubs for their operations. land, the commander of the US-led state bodies into related ministries. “Units from the Iraqi army have is the capital. Iraqi forces recaptured The initial aim is to sever IS sup- operation against IS, has said that No time frame was given for the KIRKUK, IRAQ: The Iraqi army is begun arriving to a military base near Ramadi, the capital of Anbar prov- ply lines between Mosul and areas Iraqi generals do not think they will changes. deploying thousands of soldiers to the Makhmur district to start launch- ince, west of Baghdad, in December farther south including Hawijah in be able to recapture Mosul until Gulf Arab oil exporters have for a northern base in preparation for ing initial military operations towards in a major blow to the IS. Kirkuk province and areas near Baiji the end of 2016 or early 2017 at the years subsidised food, fuel, elec- operations to retake the Islamic State Mosul,” a staff brigadier general said But Mosul is expected to be the in Salaheddin, the army officer said. earliest. tricity and water, keeping prices (IS) group’s hub of Mosul, officials said on condition of anonymity. Makhmur most difficult battle of Iraq’s war Iraqi forces have worked slowly A Kurdish official said that most very low in an effort to maintain yesterday. lies around 70km southeast of Mosul. against IS due to its size, the pres- and deliberately to isolate other IS- of the soldiers deployed to Makhmur, social order, though the UAE econ- IS seized Mosul in June 2014 and “There are three brigades located ence of large numbers of civilians in held cities such as Tikrit and Ramadi which is located within territory con- omy is less reliant than some of its except for air strikes has held Iraq’s in that base now,” and their number the city, and the long period the mil- before launching assaults to retake trolled by Iraqi Kurdistan, are ethnic neighbours on oil revenues. second city largely unopposed for will eventually reach 4,500 soldiers, itants have had to prepare defences. them, and cutting off Mosul will Kurds from the Iraqi army. 02 TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2016 HOME

PM opens sports congress FM meets new Kyrgyz ambassador

QNA and is winning a war for human- Documentary under ity, dignity and the rights of the defenceless. the theme of clash of AIPS President Gianni Merlo DOHA: Prime Minister and Interior civilisations between thanked Qatar for hosting the con- Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin ference, stressing the importance of Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani yesterday the East and the West sharing means of preserving sport opened the 79th International Sports calls for integration behaviour, principles and credibility, Press Association (AIPS) Congress at defending values of sport and fight- Sheraton Doha. among civilisations ing corruption. The four-day event is being held through sport A documentary under the theme under the organisation of the Sport of clash of civilisations between the Media Committee with the participa- East and the West was screened dur- tion of international and local sport ing the opening ceremony and called organisations. Sheikhs, ministers the participants in Qatar and thanked for integration among civilisations and state guests attended the open- them for choosing Doha as the host through sport. ing ceremony. venue for the event. Syrian refugee and Getafe Sheikh Faisal bin Ahmed Al He told the congress that media coach Osama Abdul Mohsen was Thani, Chairman of the committee, has become stronger and won respect also present and welcomed by the expressed pleasure and pride to host and recognition of the whole world, audience. Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani received Kyrgyzstan Ambassador Nouran Nizaraliev who presented a copy of his credentials. The Foreign Minister wished the ambassador success and relations between both friendly countries further development. Ministry recalls Rights panel meets Chevrolet US female politicians Traverse cars HBKU centre to hold lecture on ‘Crises QNA of Fiqh in Modern Times’ tomorrow

The Peninsula Every year, the committee conducts awareness campaigns to The Peninsula It will discuss the aspects of the HBKU, a member of Qatar disseminate the culture of human DOHA: The Ministry of Economy crises of Islamic Fiqh, the contexts Foundation for Education, Science rights on different aspects, includ- and Commerce, in collaboration of the call for breaking the doctrinal and Community Development, is DOHA: The National Human Right ing health, education, labour rights with Jaidah Automotive, dealer of tradition, the paths of interpretation an emerging research university Committee (NHRC) yesterday and the right to decent housing, he Chevrolet vehicles, has announced DOHA: Hamad Bin Khalifa Uni- (Ijtihad) and fatwa in contemporary building its foundation upon collab- received at its main office a delega- added. the recall of Chevrolet Traverse versity is hosting an open lecture Islam, and the future of the known orations with local and international tion of woman politicians from the Asked how a complaint can models of 2009-2012 to re-pro- tomorrow from 7pm to 9pm at its Islamic Fiqh schools representing partners. US, headed by Patricia Allis. be lodged with the committee, Al gramme the trunk’s opening and Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies Sunni Islam. Located in Education City, HBKU The delegation listened to Sul- Jamali said people can directly visit closing system. building. The lecture will look at Dr Al Khatib will also address delivers undergraduate and graduate tan bin Hassan Al Jamali, Assistant the committee’s office or file com- The ministry said the recall is challenging issues of Fiqh in mod- contemporary challenges facing doc- programmes through its College of Secretary-General, NHRC, who plaints through its website or use the part of its efforts to protect con- ern times. trinal Fiqh. Science and Engineering, Law School, explained the consultative role of hotline available round-the-clock in sumers and ensure dealers follow HBKU’s Research Centre for The initiative is part of HBKU’s College of Public Health, Qatar Fac- the committee by giving recom- four languages. up on vehicles’ defects and repairs. Islamic Legislation and Ethics (CILE) efforts to provide a contempo- ulty of Islamic Studies, and College mendations on human rights to the Complaints can also be lodged It urged consumers to report will hold the lecture ‘The Crises of rary research vision in the field of of Humanities and Social Sciences. government. through the committee’s offices serv- any violations to its Consumer Fiqh in Modern Times: The contem- Islamic studies and as part of CILE’s It also provides unparalleled The committee receives com- ing the Indian, African, Nepalese and Protection and Anti-Commer- porary interpretation and the future pursuit for renewal in Islamic think- opportunities for research and schol- plaints through the legal department. Filipino community. cial Fraud Department through of the Islamic Fiqh schools’. ing, brought forward by combining arship through its research institutes. Notably, the number of complaints The members expressed appre- hotline: 16001; email: info@mec. It is part of a long series of events text and context and highlighting the Its Centre of Executive Education has dropped with time due to the ciation to the open door policy of the gov.qa; Twitter: @MEC_Qatar; planned for the current academic essential role of ethics in the desired delivers customised programmes for increasing awareness about human committee in receiving complaints Instagram: MEC_Qatar; and its year. The lecture will be presented reform. the business community of Qatar and rights among employers and employ- and for being transparent on human mobile app for Android and IOS: by Dr Moataz Al Khatib, Professor of The lecture will be in Arabic, with the region in line with Qatar National ees, Al Jamali told the delegation. rights issues. MEC_Qatar Religious Pluralism, HBKU. simultaneous translation in English. Vision 2030. HOME TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2016 03 Project to cut energy consumption

A research project to develop polyolefin- based heat absorbers to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions and suppress the amount of plastic waste is being conducted by Qatar University Centre for Advanced Materials

The Peninsula

DOHA: A research project to develop polyolefin-based heat absorbers to reduce energy consumption and Dr Patrik Sobolciak, Post-doctoral Researcher and Haneen Abdelrazeq, Master’s student from QU’s Materials carbon emissions and suppress the Science and Technology Programme at College of Arts and Sciences, working on the project. amount of plastic waste is being con- ducted by Qatar University Centre for Advanced Materials (QU-CAM). ‘Development of Polyolefin-based According to Prof Al Maadeed, in to save electrical energy and reduce costs but also suppresses amount of Heat Absorbers for Effective Energy Qatar, the harsh climate can produce carbon dioxide emissions,” she said. waste plastic.” Management in Bioclimatic Buildings’ temperatures up to 45 degrees Celsius Dr Krupa said, “In addition to Dr Sobolciak said: “Sun is the has been continuing for four years. during summer, and lower than five being one of the key producers of oil most common source of energy for It is being conducted by a team degrees during winter, which leads and gas in the Middle East, Qatar is energetic requirements in biocli- A scene from Shrek the Musical. of researchers, including QU Qatar to an intense consumption of energy, one of the world’s leading producers matic buildings. We are developing Petrochemical Company (Qapco) Pol- particularly for air conditioning. of plastics, particularly low-density compact composite sheets based on ymer Chair Prof Igor Krupa, CAM In general, it is estimated that polyethylene. polyethylene, paraffin wax, graphite Director Prof Mariam Al Maadeed, buildings consume up to 40 percent “It is estimated that plastics waste and special PCM foams. Shrek the Musical show Post-doctoral Researcher Dr Patrik of total energy. represents almost 14 percent of all “PCM foams have a double Sobolciak and Master’s student from “The project is focused on the solid waste in the country. functionality serving as common QU’s Materials Science and Technol- development of plastic heat absorb- “Except a designing of effective insulators on the one hand and during from March 9 to 19 ogy Programme at College of Arts and ers called ‘Phase Change Materials’ heat absorbers, the second key impact the phase transition when they effec- Sciences (CAS) Haneen Abdelrazeq, (PCM) based on recycled polyethyl- of the project is a utilisation of plastic tively absorb and release thermal in collaboration with Qapco Head of ene and paraffin wax which can be waste, particularly polyethylene for energy from the sun which improves The Peninsula for all the family. It is colourful, Research and Development Dr Mab- used as components that improve the this purpose instead of neat polymers, thermal comfort with a minimal use positive and, most of all, highly rouk Ouederni. passive heating or cooling of buildings which not only reduces production of electrical energy,” he added. entertaining,” said Hussein Fakhri, CEO, TripleTwo. DOHA: Shrek the Musical will be The animated movie was staged for the first time at Qatar released in 2001, and the three National Convention Centre (QNCC) sequels have grossed so far more from March 9 to 19. than $2bn worldwide. Based on the multi-selling The live stage musical version DreamWorks blockbuster, Shrek premiered in 2008 and since then, the Musical is set to entertain fam- the show has played with immense ilies, with its lavish costumes and success for more than a year on great music. Broadway in New York and in the As part of its vision to help make London Westend. Qatar a tourism and entertainment An extensive tour travelled hub in the region, Qatar Tourism through the US, the UK, Europe, Asia Authority (QTA) has partnered with and South America. the production. Current versions of Shrek are “We are excited to bring this the- playing in Germany, the UK and atre spectacle which features a much Japan. Since 2008, the show has loved character all over the world been seen by more than two mil- to Qatar. lion people. “Featuring all new songs as well Tickets for the show at QNCC as Shrek’s famous anthem, Shrek Theatre are on sale online at www. the Musical brings the much–loved ticketmaster.qa and at Ticketmas- DreamWorks characters to life, live ter outlets in Carefour branches in on stage, in an all-singing, all-danc- City Centre, Villaggio and Land- ing extravaganza. mark. Early bird discounted tickets “It is this year’s must-see show are available until Saturday.

Motorists pass through the new Al Thumama intersection on E-Ring Road after its conversion from a roundabout to a signal-controlled intersection. Part of East Industrial Street to be closed from Thursday New Al Thumama intersection partially open

The Peninsula Najma Street, Public Works Author- in the first quarter of this year. pedestrian and cyclists pathways, car ity (Ashghal) said yesterday. The upgrade project aims to parking, median islands and infra- Two newly-constructed lanes in develop about a three-kilometre structure utilities in the area. each direction on Najma Street and stretch of Najma Street, in addition Al Thumama Intersection is DOHA: The new Al Thumama E-Ring Road were opened to traffic, to building two new signal-controlled considered an important step in the intersection on E-Ring Road is now while the remaining work continues intersections and developing about a upgrade project on E-Ring Road and partially open after its conversion in both directions. 3.3km stretch of E-Ring Road. Najma Street. Work started in the first from a roundabout to a signal-con- The fully developed intersection, The project also includes the quarter of last year by a local con- trolled intersection. which will include four lanes in each development of another intersec- tracting company with a contract The intersection was opened direction on E-ring Road and three tion at Oqba Bin Nafea Street and worth about QR240m. The project is to traffic on Sunday as part of the lanes in each direction on Najma Najma Street. expected to be completed by the end upgrade project on E-Ring Road and Street is scheduled to be completed It includes landscaping works, of this year. Major rise in Ooredoo’s Mozaic TV Clubs subscriptions

The Peninsula (southbound lane), which is divided The Peninsula through the Mozaic GO app. The all-digital entertainment portfo- devices at no extra charge.” to have both directions (to and from most popular packages include the lio, as more and more people look to In addition to Mozaic TV Clubs, Doha city), with one lane in each ‘Mozaic Club’, which offers an incred- watch their favourite shows when- Ooredoo offers Mozaic’s Movies on direction. ible range of content, including ABC ever and wherever they are. Demand, a digital rental service that DOHA: The Public Works Author- The diversion will have minimal DOHA: Ooredoo has announced studios, Disney, on-demand movies, Yousuf Abdulla Al Kubaisi, COO, offers many titles available just after ity (Ashghal) will implement a impact on traffic and vehicles will that its Mozaic TV Clubs, which ena- TV series and more. Ooredoo Qatar, said: “Our customers the cinematic release. Once rented, temporary closure on part of the still have full access to all properties. ble customers to watch movies and Ooredoo has also seen strong want 24/7 access to news, shows and movies are available for 48 hours and north-bound lane of East Industrial The diversion is required to start programmes on demand, has seen growth for its StarzPlay pack- movies, which is why we launched the customers can rent more than one at Street leading to Doha for a distance works on the East West Corridor an unprecedented take-up in the past age, which provides multi-screen, Mozaic TV Clubs as part of our wider a time. Additional benefits of renting of 250 metres, as shown in the map. Interchange with Al Aziziya Street few months, recording the highest video-on-demand services, includ- portfolio of packages. The incredible via Mozaic TV include the freedom to The closure to be implemented Extension as part of the East West growth in the history of the service. ing premium Hollywood TV series, choice of content, combined with the play, pause, fast forward and rewind. in coordination with the Traffic Corridor Expressway project. The wide range of Mozaic On movies and kids’ content on the same convenience and ease-of-access of This week Ooredoo has Department, starts on Thursday and Ashghal will install signs advis- Demand Clubs offer programming, day of broadcast as the US. the service, has proven to be a hit with announced a special ‘We love Matt lasts six months. ing motorists of the diversion and including films, children’s television, The rise of Mozaic Clubs for our customers. To ensure constant Damon’ week to celebrate the release Traffic on the closed sec- has urged road users to abide by soap operas, comedies and dra- Next Generation Mozaic TV cus- entertainment connection, we also of the blockbuster success The Mar- tion of the street will be diverted speed limits and follow signs for mas, on demand and on the go via tomers marks another step towards offer all Mozaic TV Club subscribers tian now available on Mozaic’s Movies to the opposite side of the road safety. users televisions, phones and tablets Ooredoo’s vision for delivering an access to their content via their smart on Demand. 04 TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2016 HOME

Sri Lankan ambassador hosts reception to mark Independence Day

Minister of Culture and Sports H E Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali (left); Assistant Foreign Minister H E Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Mutib Al Rumaihi (right) and Sri Lankan Ambassador Dr WM Karunadasa cut a cake to mark the occasion as Ibrahim Fakhroo, Director of Protocol at the Foreign Ministry, looks on. (Right) Students perform a traditional dance.

The Peninsula Sheraton was attended by Minister country’s traditional dances. post-civil war era of the country. and Sri Lanka is promoting it to poten- Daily three Qatar Airways return of Culture and Sports H E Salah bin In his speech, Dr Karunadasa On bilateral relations, he said: “Sri tial visitors from around the world. flights and one SriLankan return flight Ghanem Al Ali; Assistant Foreign Min- highlighted the emerging trends of Lanka’s relations with Qatar date back Tourism is booming in the country.” are available between Doha and ister H E Mohammed bin Abdullah bin political and economical platforms to 1997 when the Sri Lankan embassy Sri Lanka is one of the few places Colombo as an added advantage for DOHA: Sri Lankan Ambassador Dr W Mutib Al Rumaihi, Director of Protocol in Sri Lanka, thriving tourism indus- was opened in Doha.” in the world offering traveller such a tourists keen to travel from Qatar to M Karunadasa hosted a reception on Ibrahim Fakhroo and ambassadors of try and strong relationships between He also highlighted the positive remarkable combination of stunning Sri Lanka, he added. Sunday for diplomats and other dig- several countries and other guests. Qatar and Sri Lanka. impact on relations by official visits landscapes, pristine beaches, capti- There are around 120,000 Sri nitaries to mark his country’s 68th The Ministers and the ambassa- “A favourable political and eco- by head of sates and ministers of both vating cultural heritage and unique Lankans employed in Qatar, includ- Independence Day. dor cut a cake to mark the occasion as nomical atmosphere is being created countries. experiences within such a compact ing skilled and semi-skilled workers The reception at the Doha Sri Lankan students performed their in Sri Lanka,” he said referring to the He said: “Tourism is an industry location. and professionals. Cyber security forum Sewing centre for Syrian refugees on February 17

The Peninsula intelligence and external threat data Qatar Charity’s facility feeds to help predict threats and stop in Sidon, Lebanon, an attack on its tracks. “The model is an evolution aims to teach sewing DOHA: Paladion, a specialised in cyber defence techniques and to 25 girls and women information risk-management evolves to meet today’s creative, low for free every nine provider, in co-operation with foot print attacks. Our forum aims to Kaspersky, will host a cyber security showcase this new standard in cyber months conference in Doha on February 17 at security and discuss security chal- the Ritz-Carlton, starting from 9am. lenges unique to the region,” Ummer It will target CIOs, CISOs, IT said. heads and senior management exec- “With the mega FIFA 2022 World The Peninsula utives from private and government Cup project ready to take the country enterprises. to the next level, opportunities and The half-day forum will start challenges will increase for enter- with a welcome note from Paladion prises in Qatar. DOHA: Qatar Charity (QC) has Vice-President and Head, Regional “We are delighted to partner opened a sewing centre for female Sales Amit Roy, followed by a key- with Kaspersky Labs, which will Syrian refugees in Sidon, Lebanon. note address by Managing Director offer insights on threat intelligence It aims to teach sewing to 25 Firosh Ummer. Senior executives and end-user protection at the girls and women for free every nine from Paladion and Kaspersky will event,” he added. months. The centre also provides jobs also attend. Paladion Networks is a spe- to 40 women. A focal point of the conference cialised partner for information Under the theme ‘Having a Job will be Paladion’s CyberActiveSM risk management, providing end- Beats Poverty’, the ‘Mother Sewing framework, a cyber defence model to-end services and solutions in Centre’ project is implemented by QC that embeds robust protection in the US, Europe, Asia and the Mid- in cooperation with Islamic Welfare every fragment and continuously dle East. Association, Imam Hussein Mosque Officials tour the centre after its inauguration. integrates threat intelligence for It is rated and has been recog- Association in Bramiye-Sidon and proactive mitigation of threats. nised and awarded by Gartner, Asian Human Appeal International-UK. Ummer said: “Qatar has come a Banker and Red Herring, among A bazaar will be added to the cen- $1m and QC contributed $350,000 to and other countries. “QC was first project in the field of e-learning at a long way in a short period of time. others. tre to allow distribution of clothes to equip the workshop and the centre. concerned with securing food and cost of $3m. We understand that progress in It is also actively involved in sev- the needy displaced families. During inauguration, Ibrahim shelter for the Syrian brothers and QC, Human Appeal International- information technology can also eral information risk management The project also includes a work- Zeinal Mousa, Deputy Executive sisters and later started implement- UK and Islamic Welfare Association introduce new vulnerabilities in an research forums and has authored shop, an atelier to display products Director, International Development ing sustainable projects. It supported have signed, on the sideline of environment. many books on the topic. and donated clothes after packing and and Relief, QC, said the charity has education and schools, income gen- the third International Forum for “Our CyberActiveSM service is With a staff of over 800 security sorting them, a hall to receive donated spent over $102m on its relief projects erating projects and food security in Humanitarian Action, a partnership built on an active defence model that experts, Paladion has six security clothes, and a laundry. — 67 percent in Syria and 33 percent Syria and countries of refuge.” agreement to implement the work- continuously integrates vulnerability operations centres across the world. The total cost of the project was in Lebanon, Turkey, Jordan, Iraq He said QC is preparing for a new shop and the teaching centre. Camaro Drift School opens at Qatar Racing Club

The Peninsula unique style. safe environment for the commu- The adrenaline rush and inten- nity to obtain skills to enjoy drifting. sity of drifting has increased the We are thrilled to partner once again popularity of the motorsport among with Jaidah Automotive in promot- DOHA: Qatar Racing Club, the home young Qataris and a national effort to ing a secure and sustainable space of motorsports in the Middle East, in ensure that this generation of enthu- for future generations of drifters to partnership with Jaidah Automotive, siast drifters is safe on the roads is a thrive and master this unique sport,” a subsidiary of Jaidah Group, and focus for the region. said Fahad Bahzad, CEO of the club. the dealer of Chevrolet motors in the Originally, the pioneers of drift- As a motorsport discipline, pro- country, has announced the grand ing were outlaws with street drifting fessional drifting track days are held opening of the Camaro Drift School being the only way to learn. at the club every week. The judged at Qatar Racing Club, Street No. 52 in The school provides a brand competition has six rounds and is the Industrial Area. new fleet of customised Chevrolet held throughout the club’s season. The Drifting as a technique has been Camaros, a state-of-the-art dynamic drifters are judged according to speed, used by drivers since the 1930s in space and world-class professional angle, and showmanship. Today the rally races, enabling them to take a instructors, offering students an sport has evolved into one of the most car beyond its limits. exceptional experience, where nov- popular driving experiences globally. Participants would drift, or slide ices can learn to drift in high-powered The school will provide a rookie Officials at the event. around corners throughout a variety rear wheel Camaro cars. drift training programme, divided into of road conditions, to maintain a high “The club aims to help students three levels to give students a basic speed instead of slowing down to take achieve their drifting experience; step-by-step training of the key drift essential drift techniques, ideal for Operations, Jaidah Automotive, said, of the school , continuing to support turn. Mastering the technique led to we encourage aspiring profession- techniques used by professional drift- anyone wanting to get a taste of what “Drifting is a very popular sport in the national efforts to raise awareness a flashier and more skilled drifting, als to acquire skills to enjoy the art ers. The programme is developed to the sport of drifting is like. region. We are delighted to partner about the importance of safety in mot- with competitors developing their of drifting. The school provides a ensure students are equipped with Khalid Samir, Director of with the club as an official sponsor orsports in Qatar. HOME TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2016 05

PHCC and HMC timings NSD activities for entire family

for National Sport Day Continued from page 1

Sport film screenings and exhibi- The Peninsula tions are also among Katara’s other activities. A healthy food market offering choices of organic and healthy food DOHA: Several health centres will be closed today, while some would is in addition to a sport village which operate at different schedules, the Primary Health Care Corporation provides sport activities and enter- (PHCC) said in a statement. Health centres in Umm Salal, Al Daayen, tainment for children are also among Al Karana, Abu Nakhla, Airport, Al Gharafa and the Premarital Exam- the features at Katara’s celebration ination Clinics will be closed. Health centres in Al Rayyan, Madinat under the slogan “Be the Champion.” Khalifa, Al Muntaza, Umm Ghwelina, Abu Baker Siddiq, West Bay, Qatar Foundation is also organis- Omar Bin Khattab and Massaimeer will be open from 7am to 2pm and ing over 60 events at the Hamad Bin 4pm to 11pm. The Laabib Health Centre will operate from 7am to 11pm. Khalifa University (HBKU) Student Dental services at the health centres will be available from 7am to Centre and the newly opened Oxy- 2pm and 4pm to 10pm. However, the dental clinic at the Massaimeer gen Park from 9am to 4pm. Health Centre will be closed. Al Khor and Al Shamal health centres will They include competitions and be open from 7am to 2pm and 4pm to 11pm; Al Wakrah health centre tournaments the highlight of which from 7am to 11pm and Al Shehaniya Health Centre from 7am to 9pm. will be the annual 3km walkathon, Dental services at Al Shehaniya, Al Khor and Al Shamal health hosted by Sidra Medical and Research centres will operate from 7am to 2pm and Al Wakra Health Centre Centre. The Oxygen Park will host services will be available from 7am to 2pm and 3pm and 9pm. The pony rides, Crossfit, zumba and box- health centres in Al Jamiliya, Al Kaaban, Umm Bab and Al Ghwairiya ercise classes and a beach volleyball will operate on call. Out-Patient Department (OPDs) clinics at Hamad tournament. General Hospital, Al Wakrah Hospital, Heart Hospital, National Cen- Bowling, table tennis, volley- Aspire Zone gears up for the National Sport Day. Pic: Baher / The Peninsula tre for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR), the Cuban Hospital and Al ball, basketball, football, traditional Khor Hospital will be closed today. Al Wakrah Hospital’s dental, phys- games, and group fitness classes will iotherapy and gynaecology out-patient sections will also be closed. be among the activities at the HBKU However, all Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) emergency depart- Student Centre. There will also be events hap- compete in sporting activities. participants target illuminated lights ments will operate as usual, said a statement. Nineteen companies are cele- pening at the Museum of Islamic Employees of the Supreme Com- to test their reaction times and a NCCCR’s day care unit, including the OPD pharmacy and laboratory brating NSD at the Aspire Zone with Art Park, The Pearl Qatar and Asian mittee for Delivery and Legacy, Qatar climbing wall. will be closed while its urgent care section will remain open 24 hours. a number of events and activities. Town. Youth centres and sport clubs Football Association and Qatar Stars There will also be a dedicated At the Cuban Hospital, elective surgery patients who have book- Aspire is also hosting its own activ- all over the country are also organ- League will also take part in activi- zone to keep children active and ings for today will be contacted if there is any change to their bookings. ities for the entire family including ising their own activities. ties across Qatar. engaged while parents or other Patients requiring a prescription refill should consider before attend- Fun Run, family bike and 5,000 steps The Ministry of Justice and the The three entities will join forces family members take part in nearby ing today, as services will be limited to urgent care. journey. In addition, there will also Ministry of Developmental Planning to provide an exciting and family activities. Al Khor Hospital’s obstetrics/gynaecology and dental clinics will be activities for men as well as those and Statistics have completed prepa- friendly day of activities at Aspire Activities in the kids zone include be closed and Inpatient Pharmacy and Accident and Emergency Phar- exclusively for ladies. rations for National Sport Day. Zone, with a staff five-a-side foot- skipping and hula hoop, a giant puz- macy will be open 24 hours. Women’s Hospital OPD clinics will be People who prefer to spend the Aspire Zone Park will be the ball tournament, sumo soccer and zle, face painting, henna, sack racing closed but the pharmacy will operate as usual. day on the Corniche would be able to venue for the events of both min- zorb races. and a play area to catch up on draw- At Rumailah Hospital, patients will be attended to in Treatment witness sailing, water skiing, weight- istries. The programme includes At a football family skill zone, ing skills. There will also be music, Room No. 3 from 7am to 3pm at the Communicable Disease Clinic lifting, handball and mini golf from football, ping pong and billiards, families can show off skills while a popular MC and a bean bag chill- while the four evening clinics will operate as usual from 4pm to 9pm. 9am till 9pm. and a family section for children to a quick reaction challenge will see out zone where participants can rest. The Psychiatry Department will be open from 7am to 3pm. All clinics in the dermatology, dental, plastic surgery and geriatrics depart- ments will be closed and there will be on-call doctors for closed clinics. 280 youth to get married during RAF’s ‘Efaf-7’ programme

The Peninsula community to facilitate marriages bin Yusuf Al Qasmi from the Min- dowry in the Qatari community by reducing the amount of dower istry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and encouraged marriages of young (mehr). Qatari scholar Sheikh Muad delivered lectures on the evil of widows and divorcees.

DOHA: Sheikh Thani Bin Abdullah Foundation for Human- itarian Services (RAF) will provide household items worth QR50,000, and other gifts to each of 280 youth planning to get mar- ried. The youth have been selected for RAF’s seventh marriage pro- gramme ‘Efaf-7’ to help them get married. The programme includes a five-day mandatory pre-mar- riage counselling to help combat the escalating rate of divorce and contribute to helping maintain family and social stability. Abdulla Shlash Al Hajri, CEO, Human Resource and Services, Q-Post Study suggests that the peo- showing the National Sport Day 2016 stamp during the launch. ple who underwent such courses Pic: Abdul / The Peninsula are less prone to marital prob- lems than those who haven’t. In the past six years, 1,720 youth (male and female) have tied Q-Post lines up NSD programme knot, said a statement issued by RAF yesterday. The target to help 2,000 Continued from page 1 celebrate the day. He was speaking youth get married will be com- at the launch of the stamp yester- pleted by the latest edition of Q-Post issued a commemora- day at Arab Postal Stamps Museum the programme, which begins tive stamp in 2012, the first year of at Katara. The museum, with over on Sunday. NSD and honoured the Qatar football 32,000 stamps from all over the Lectures on the religious, team which participated in the first Arab world, shows how Qatar places economic and social aspects of Gulf Cup in Bahrain in 1970. a strong impetus on philately. marriage will be delivered by Al Hajri highlighted Q-Post’s Said to be the first of its kind in experts. plan to issue NSD commemorative the region, the museum permanently RAF has concluded a week- stamps in the future and said Q-Post houses and exhibits stamps from 22 long programme under Efaf to is organising other activities to member states of Arab League. raise awareness in the Qatari Seminar calls for review of food ingredients to fight obesity

The Peninsula to open sports facilities at schools to and further down in higher classes. the public after school hours, noting “Parents and children should be that they are not fully utilised. encouraged to make sport and walk- Participants suggested that some ing as part of their lifestyle,” said Al DOHA: A seminar organised by the sports celebrities should be involved Aidan. Ministry of Education and Higher in awareness campaigns related to Abdul Rahman Mosallam Al Education ahead of National Sport sports. Dosari, Head, National Sport Day Day has called for a review of the The seminar called for revis- Committee at the Ministry of Cul- ingredients of food items to fight ing the teaching methodology for ture and Sports, said Qatar is among obesity and related health conditions. physical education in schools. Cit- the countries with a high obesity rate The seminar attended by experts ing data, Ibrahim Al Aidan, Director and one quarter of children and 17 from the ministry, Qatar University, of the school, said the practice of percent of elders are diabetic or the Ministry of Culture and Sports sport and physical activities shows prone to it. and Aspire Foundation proposed to a downward trend among school- Fuad Al Madahka from Aspire reduce the quantity of unhealthy children as they grow up. Hospital said only 23 percent of the ingredients in food. Between 90 and 95 percent of Qatari population practice walk- Representatives from various primary school children partici- ing, which is a very low rate while schools also attended the event at pate in sport activities in the school, 40 percent of children suffer from Yarmouk Independent School. while the ratio drops to 70-80 per- obesity and 75 percent are obese or The seminar also recommended cent among middle school students overweight. 06 TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2016 GULF / MIDDLE EAST

40,000 people Drawing crowds starving to death in S Sudan

for experts to access, meaning it was not possible to gather the statistics A fourth of war-torn needed to declare famine. country’s population There has been no let up in the conflict and while some food has needs food aid due been delivered, civilians report dire to famine, says UN conditions. The army and rebels have repeatedly accused each other of breaking an internationally-bro- kered August ceasefire. AFP The IPC lists famine as a techni- cal measure, which classifies hunger on a scale of one to five. Level five is classified as “catastrophe”, and when JUBA: At least 40,000 people are stretched to 20 percent of the popu- being starved to death in South lation, becomes famine. Sudan war zones on the brink of A year ago famine was averted famine, the United Nations said yes- only after a huge intervention by aid terday, in a plea to rival forces to let agencies. aid in. Those worst affected are in the The figures released in a UN northern battleground state of Unity, report describe some of the worst once the country’s key oil producing conditions yet in more than two region, but now the scene of some of Sudan President Omar Hassan Al Bashir cheers the crowd before receiving the outcomes of the community dialogue in Khartoum yesterday. years of a civil war marked by atroc- the heaviest fighting, including the The internal dialogue was initiated in October 2015. ities and accusations of war crimes, mass abduction and rape of women including the blockading of food and children. supplies. The counties of Mayendit, Koch, Conditions are “escalating”, the Leer and Guit are hardest hit, with UN said, with already over 2.8 mil- people there surviving by scaveng- lion people needing aid, almost a ing swamps for water lilies and fish, quarter of the country. but those will dry up in the dry sea- Somalia bomber was to board Turkish Airlines “Nearly 25 percent of the coun- son in coming months. try’s population remain in urgent With fighting making those areas need of food assistance, and at least too dangerous to visit, IPC experts 40,000 people are on the brink of measured malnourishment from Reuters militant group Al Shabaab, which is immediately respond to a request the suicide bomber a laptop stuffed catastrophe,” the UN’s Food and those fleeing the hunger zone into aligned to Al Qaeda, was responsible for comment. with explosives, according to the gov- Agriculture Organization (FAO), the a UN peacekeeper base in Bentiu, for the blast. Somalia, mired in conflict since ernment spokesman. UN children’s agency Unicef and the where some 120,000 people are Mohamed Yassin, Daallo Air- civil war broke out in 1991, has few “Some of the people that we have World Food Programme (WFP) said sheltering. NAIROBI: A suspected suicide lines chief executive, said most of air links outside East Africa. In 2012, arrested are cooperating,” spokesman in a joint statement. It warned that people there were bomber who blew a hole in the fuse- the passengers who were on the Turkish Airlines became the first Abdisalam Aato said. He said secu- “Families have been doing eve- already “destitute” and “the situation lage of a Daallo Airlines plane last bombed flight were scheduled to fly major international commercial air- rity at the airport has been stepped up rything they can to survive, but they is likely to deteriorate.” week and forced it to make an emer- with Turkish Airlines, but were fer- line to fly out of Somalia in more than and that the government was seek- are now running out of options,” said Civil war erupted in Decem- gency landing in Mogadishu was ried to Djibouti by one of his planes two decades. ing new technologies to improve Unicef country chief Jonathan Veitch. ber 2013 when President Salva Kiir meant to be on a Turkish Airlines after the Turkish carrier cancelled its Mogadishu’s heavily guarded screenings. “Many of the areas where the accused his former deputy Riek flight, the Daallo chief executive said flight, citing bad weather. airport, which is often compared Al Shabaab, which wants to top- needs are greatest are out of reach Machar of planning a coup, setting yesterday. “That particular passenger (who to the Green Zone in Baghdad, has ple the government and impose a because of the security situation. It off a cycle of retaliatory killings The bomber was sucked out of the was behind the blast) boarded the air- several safety perimeter fences and harsh version of Islamic law, has tar- is crucial that we are given unre- that have split the poverty-stricken, plane through the one-metre wide craft on a Turkish Airlines boarding checkpoints. It houses a large UN geted the airport in the past. It has stricted access now.” landlocked country along ethnic hole when the blast ripped open the pass and was on the list for the Turk- compound along with several other also attacked the Turkish embassy The warning comes three lines. pressurised cabin in mid-air, offi- ish Airlines manifest,” Yassin said by Western embassies. in Mogadishu. months after the last UN-backed Last week South Sudan law- cials said. The pilot landed the plane telephone from Dubai. Somali officials said an investiga- Yassin said Daallo has been reas- specialised hunger assessment, the makers passed a controversial bill in the Somali capital, from where it Yassin said Daallo picked up the tion had been launched and arrests sured by Somali officials that security Integrated Food Security Phase Clas- restricting numbers of foreign aid had taken off. 70 stranded Turkish Airlines passen- made, including airport workers. was being improved, and will keep sification (IPC) report. workers, sparking fears it will hinder No group has so far taken gers to fly them to Djibouti, including CCTV footage released by the flying to Somalia. We have been there That October report warned of efforts to help millions in need, as responsibility for the attack but a US the suicide bomber. In total, the flight Somali National Intelligence Agency for 25 years,” he said. “Our efforts to a “concrete risk of famine” without well as breaking the August peace government source last week said had 74 passengers. (NISA) appears to show two airport keep Somalia linked to the rest of the aid, but areas remain too dangerous deal. the United States suspects Islamist Turkish Airlines did not workers inside the terminal handing world will continue.”

Bahrain charges Mourning a fighter Child starvation deaths loom 11 suspects with forming as drought hits Somalia AFP of a million people. Some 950,000 terrorist group people “struggle every day to meet their food needs,” the UN said, add- ing that 4.7 million people in total, or AFP MOGADISHU: Over 58,000 chil- nearly 40 percent of Somalia, are in dren will starve to death in Somalia need of aid. without urgent support, the United Floods and failed rains caused DUBAI: Bahrain’s prosecu- Nations warned yesterday, amid by the El Nino weather phenome- tion service said yesterday it has severe drought in the impover- non have sparked a dramatic rise in charged 11 suspects with form- ished and war-torn Horn of Africa the number of people going hungry ing a “terrorist” group, including country. in large parts of Africa. a number trained by Iran’s Revolu- “The level of malnutrition, espe- Northern Somali areas, including tionary Guards and the Hezbollah cially among children, is of serious self-declared independent Somal- branch in Iraq. concern, with nearly 305,000 chil- iland along the Gulf of Aden and The group, including four sus- dren under the age of five years semi-autonomous Puntland, are pects on the run, has been charged acutely malnourished,” said UN aid especially hard hit. with “establishing and joining a chief for Somalia Peter de Clercq. “The food security and malnutri- terrorist group; possessing explo- “We estimate that 58,300 children tion situation in Somalia is alarming, sives, weapons and firearms; and face death if they are not treated.” especially in parts of Puntland and receiving training for terrorist pur- The grim assessment, based on Somaliland, which have been hard poses”, Advocate General Ahmed Lebanese mourners attend the funeral of Mohammad Ibrahim, a member of Lebanon’s militant the latest data collected by the UN, hit by drought exacerbated by El Al Hamadi said. He said four sus- Shia movement Hezbollah, killed in combat alongside Syrian government forces in the Aleppo area, comes just over four years since Nino,” the UN said. pects “attended military training yesterday in a southern Beirut suburb. intense drought and war sparked a The UN is calling for $885m camps operated by Iran’s Rev- famine killing more than a quarter (¤792m) in aid. olutionary Guards and the Iraqi branch of (Shia movement) Hez- bollah”, although it was unclear if they were the fugitives. The charges were filed after a Rights group slams Egypt minister for anti-Brotherhood remark probe into a weapons cache found in a warehouse in the Shia village of Nuwaidrat, he said in a state- ment. “In excess of 1.5 tonnes of AFP satellite television channel Sada Al “The fact that Egyptian security Sisi, who as army chief ousted while many including the ousted pres- high-grade explosives, including Balad that he “would not be satisfied forces have already committed mass Islamist president Mohamed Mursi ident have been sentenced to death or C4-RDX, TNT and other powerful until 10,000 Brotherhood members killings of Brotherhood supporters, in July 2013, has overseen a police lengthy jail terms. chemical explosives were dis- were killed for every martyr” from the while judges have sentenced hun- crackdown that has killed hundreds The Brotherhood, Egypt’s biggest covered in the counter-terrorism CAIRO: Human Rights Watch yes- armed forces and the police. dreds of others to death in mass trials, of supporters of Mursi’s Muslim political opposition force for decades, operation in September last year,” terday accused Egypt’s justice “That a high government official means that Justice Minister Ahmed Al Brotherhood. has been blacklisted as a “terrorist he said. minister of calling for the “mass charged with overseeing the rule of Zind’s threat is very real,” she added. HRW says that on August 14, 2013 group” and its assets confiscated. The kingdom, home to the US killing” of members of the banned law would go on TV and appear to HRW urged President Abdel Fat- police killed at least 817 pro-Mursi Since Mursi’s ouster, hundreds of Fifth Fleet, has witnessed unrest Muslim Brotherhood movement, encourage the slaughter of political tah Al Sisi to condemn the remarks, demonstrators in central Cairo in policemen and soldiers have also been since 2011. Bahrain has repeatedly which is already facing a brutal police opponents shows how some mem- saying they “add to a national climate what “likely amounted to crimes killed in what jihadists say is retal- accused Shia-dominated Iran of crackdown. bers of the Egyptian government have already dominated by anti-Brother- against humanity”. iation. The authorities blame the meddling in its internal affairs, a Justice Minister Ahmed Al Zind abandoned any pretence of justice,” hood rhetoric from state officials and Since then thousands of Mursi Brotherhood for carrying out attacks charge denied by Tehran. said in a January 28 interview with HRW’s Sarah Leah Whitson said. prominent media figures.” supporters have also been jailed, on security forces. MIDDLE EAST TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2016 07 UN blasts Syria for crime of extermination

gathered by the team led by chairman Paulo Pinheiro. Detainees being “Over the past four and a half killed in large years, thousands of detainees have been killed while in the custody of numbers in jails, warring parties,” the Commission of says world body Inquiry on Syria said. The UN criticism of the Damas- probe report cus government comes at a time when its forces have been advancing with the aid of Russian air strikes. A Mos- cow-backed government assault near Reuters the city of Aleppo this month marks one of the biggest momentum shifts in the five year war and helped tor- pedo peace talks last week. GENEVA: Detainees held by the Syrian Pinheiro, noting that the victims government are being killed on a mas- were mostly civilian men, told a news sive scale amounting to a state policy briefing: “Never in these five years of “extermination” of the civilian these facilities that are described in Residents inspect the damage as blood stains are seen on the ground after air strikes by Syrian government forces in the rebel held Al Sakhour population, a crime against human- our report have been visited and we ity, United Nations investigators said have repeatedly asked the government neighbourhood of Aleppo in Syria yesterday. yesterday. to do so.” The UN commission of inquiry There was no immediate response called on the Security Council to by the government of President Bashar one time, and thousands more have criminally liable”, the investiga- resolutions against Damascus. has proclaimed a “caliphate” in impose “targeted sanctions” on high- Al Assad, which has rejected previ- “disappeared” after arrest by state tors said, calling again for Syria to Over the past four years, the swathes of Syria and Iraq, have com- ranking Syrian civilian and military ous reports. forces or gone missing after abduc- be referred to the prosecutor of the investigators have drawn up a confi- mitted mass executions of captured officials responsible for or complicit “Prison officials, their superiors tion by armed groups, the report said. International Criminal Court (ICC), a dential list of suspected war criminals government soldiers and subjected in deaths, torture and disappearances throughout the hierarchy, high-rank- Through mass arrests and killing decision that only the Security Coun- and units from all sides which is kept civilians to “illicit trials” by Shariah in custody, but stopped short of nam- ing officials in military hospitals and of civilians, including by starvation cil can take. in a UN safe in Geneva. Pinheiro said courts which ordered death sen- ing the suspects. the military police corps as well as and denial of medical treatment, state “It depends on the political will of “we have included new names” but tences, the report said. The independent experts said they government were aware that deaths forces have “engaged in the multiple states. Apparently for Syria now, there gave no details. “Due to their exclusive control of had also documented mass executions on a massive scale were occurring,” commissions of crimes, amounting to is none — there is total impunity, Del Ponte disclosed that the UN large territories and its centralised and torture of prisoners by two jihadi Pinheiro said. a systematic and widespread attack unfortunately,” said panel member investigators have provided judicial command and control structure the groups, the Nusra Front and Islamic “Thus we concluded there were against a civilian population”. Carla del Ponte. assistance to various authorities in so-called ISIS established detention State, also known as ISIS or ISIL. These ‘reasonable grounds’ — that is (the There were reasonable grounds to “We are still waiting for a green response to 15 requests for informa- facilities as far as we know are in constituted war crimes and in the case threshold) that we apply — to believe believe that “high-ranking officers”, light for international justice,” she tion on foreign fighters in Syria. Raqqa, Deir Al Zor and Aleppo. Seri- of Islamic State also crimes against that the conduct described amounts including the heads of branches and said. She declined to identify the coun- ous violations were documented in humanity, it said. to extermination as a crime against directorates commanding the deten- “The Security Council doesn’t tries involved, but later told Reuters: these facilities, including torture and The report, “Out of Sight, Out humanity.” tion facilities and military police, as do anything and can’t do anything “These are low-level and middle-level mass executions,” Pinheiro said. of Mind: Deaths in Detention”, cov- well as their civilian superiors, knew because of the veto”, she added, a ref- perpetrators because they are foreign “Accountability for these and ers March 10, 2011 to November 30, NAMES KEPT IN UN SAFE of the deaths and of bodies buried erence to Russia, Assad’s ally, which fighters, not high-ranking.” other crimes must form part of any 2015. It is based on interviews with 621 Tens of thousands of detainees anonymously in mass graves. has repeatedly used its power as a The Nusra Front, which is allied political solution,” the investigators survivors and witnesses and evidence are held by the government at any They are thus “individually permanent Council member to block to Al Qaeda, and Islamic State, which said. 27 migrants drown as Syrian forces advance towards Turkey border boat sinks Reuters Aleppo, Syria’s largest city before the war off Turkey with 2 million people, has been divided for years into rebel and government-held sections. The government wants to take full control, which BEIRUT/ONCUPINAR: The Syrian army would be its biggest prize yet in a war that has AFP advanced towards the Turkish border yester- already killed at least 250,000 people and day in a major offensive backed by Russia and driven 11 million from their homes. Iran that rebels say now threatens the future of Rebel-held areas in and around Aleppo are ISTANBUL: Twenty-seven people their nearly five-year-old insurrection against still home to 350,000 people, and aid workers including 11 children drowned yes- President Bashar Al Assad. have said they could soon fall to the government. terday after their boat sank in the Iranian backed-militias played a key role Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan was quoted at Aegean Sea while trying to cross on the ground as Russian jets intensified what the weekend as saying Turkey was under threat, from Turkey to Greece, the Turk- rebels call a scorched earth policy that has and Ankara has so far kept the border crossing ish coastguard said. allowed the military back into the strategic there closed to most refugees. The coastguard said it discov- northern area for the first time in more than After around a week of heavy Russian air ered the boat — carrying 40 people two years. strikes, Syrian government troops and their — half capsized after it set off from “Our whole existence is now threatened, not allies broke through rebel defences to reach Edremit in the western province just losing more ground,” said Abdul Rahim Al two Shia towns in northern Aleppo province of Balikesir in an apparent bid to Najdawi from Liwa Al Tawheed, an insurgent on Wednesday, choking opposition supply lines reach the Greek island of Lesbos. group. “They are advancing and we are pulling from Turkey. So far, four migrants have been back because in the face of such heavy aerial German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she rescued both by air and by sea in a bombing we must minimise our losses.” was “appalled” by the suffering of Aleppo, blam- search and rescue operation, the The Russian-backed Syrian government ing primarily Russian bombing and suggesting it coastguard said in a statement on advance over recent days amounts to one of the violated a UN Security Council resolution Mos- its website. biggest shifts in momentum of the war, helping cow signed in December. Nine people were still missing. to torpedo the first peace talks for two years, Kerem Kinik, Vice President of the Turkish The nationalities of the victims which collapsed last week before they had begun Red Crescent, told reporters at the Oncupinar were not immediately known. in earnest. border crossing that Syrians were fleeing Rus- Dogan news agency initially The Syrian military and its allies were sian strikes in panic. The closure of the road said at least 35 migrants had died almost five km from the rebel-held town of Tal to Aleppo risked a much larger scale repeat of in two separate accidents off west- Rafaat, which has brought them to around 25km crises in Ghouta, a besieged Damascus suburb, ern Turkey, but later reported that (16 miles) from the Turkish border, the rebels, or even Madaya, a blockaded town where res- there was a single incident, with 11 residents and a conflict monitor said. idents have starved. children dead. The assault around the city of Aleppo in “The route to Aleppo is completely closed Turkey, which is hosting at northern Syria has prompted tens of thousands and this is a road that was feeding all the main least 2.5 million refugees from Syr- to flee towards Turkey, already sheltering more arteries inside Syria. Unless this is reopened, you ia’s civil war, has become the main than 2.5 million Syrians. will see Aleppo falling day by day into a simi- launchpad for migrants fleeing In the last two days escalating Russian bom- lar situation as Madaya and Ghouta and you will conflict, persecution and poverty A Syrian holds a baby as she waits with others to return to Syria at the Turkish Oncupinar bardment of towns northwest of Aleppo, Anadan see a deepening humanitarian crisis,” he said. to Europe. border gate near Kilis yesterday. and Haritan, brought several thousand more, “They are hitting any vehicles that are on The deaths came as German according to a resident in the town of Azaz. the move, they are hitting aid trucks,” he added. Chancellor Angela Merkel held talks in Ankara on reducing the influx of migrants to Europe, as about 30,000 Syrians remained Erdogan threatened to flood Europe with migrants: Website stranded at the Turkish border after fleeing a regime offensive on the northern Syrian region of Aleppo. Reuters minutes of a tense meeting last sea gap between Turkey and islands it appears to have been on Novem- ¤6bn over two years. When Juncker Merkel said Turkey and Ger- November, the euro2day.gr finan- belonging to EU member Greece. ber 16 in Antalya, Turkey, where made clear only half that amount was many would seek the use of Nato cial news website revealed deep Tusk’s European Council and the three met after a G20 summit on offer, he said Turkey didn’t need resources to help police the Turk- mutual irritation and distrust in talks Juncker’s European Commission there. the EU’s money anyway. ish coast to try to stop the people BRUSSELS: Turkish President Recep between Erdogan and the EU’s two declined to confirm or deny the “We can open the doors to Greece The EU eventually agreed a ¤3bn smugglers. Tayyip Erdogan threatened in Novem- top officials, Jean-Claude Juncker and authenticity of the document, and and Bulgaria anytime and we can put fund to improve conditions for ref- Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet ber to flood Europe with migrants if Donald Tusk. Erdogan’s office in Ankara had no the refugees on buses ... So how will ugees in Turkey, revive Ankara’s Davutoglu, whose country has European Union leaders did not offer The EU officials were trying to immediate comment. you deal with refugees if you don’t get long-stalled accession talks and taken in 2.7 million people flee- him a better deal to help manage the enlist Ankara’s help in stemming an The account of the meeting, in a deal? Kill the refugees?” Erdogan accelerate visa-free travel for Turks ing the Syrian conflict, said Ankara Middle East refugee crisis, a Greek influx of Syrian refugees and migrants English, was produced in facsimile was quoted in the text as telling the in exchange for Ankara curbing the could not handle the burden news website said yesterday. into Europe. Over a million arrived on the website. It does not state when EU officials. numbers of migrants pouring into alone. Publishing what it said were last year, most crossing the narrow or where the meeting took place, but It also quoted him as demanding neighbouring Greece. 08 TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2016 ASIA Four pulled alive from Taiwan quake rubble

yesterday how they took more than 20 hours to free one survivor, 40-year- Prosecutors have old Lee Tsong-tian who was trapped launched an by his leg. He was eventually freed but had investigation into to have his leg amputated. The other the collapse of the survivor pulled from the rubble ear- lier yesterday was Tsao Wei-ling, 45, 16-storey Wei-kuan who is in stable condition. building — the only Her husband and two-year-old high-rise in the child were pulled dead from the rub- ble, officials at the site said. A search southern city of was continuing for five other mem- Tainan to crumble bers of her family trapped inside. City mayor William Lai said sur- completely when vivors and relatives had reported the 6.4 magnitude building violations. The island’s Pres- ident-elect Tsai Ing-wen, who will struck before dawn take office in May, said her govern- Saturday ment would prioritise building safety. “There are many old buildings across Taiwan... there should be an overall review of their resistance to AFP earthquakes and other disasters,” she said during a hospital visit to survivors. Local media reported the company that built the complex had TAINAN: A girl aged eight and three gone out of business. Max Lo, former others were rescued yesterday from president of the Taiwan Engineering the rubble of a Taiwan apartment and Science Association, said cans tower complex, more than two days and foam could acceptably be used after it was felled by an earthquake, within decorative parts of a building but over 100 others remain trapped to reduce its weight. in the ruins. “Using them in the main structure Questions about the disaster would be against the national building intensified after images from the site code,” he said. “The first floor of the showed metal cans and foam had building was a shopping mall. We also been used to fill parts of the com- need to find out if the walls designed plex’s concrete framework. to help support the building were The girl and a 28-year-old woman taken out to increase the shopping were the latest to be pulled from the space.” President Ma Ying-jeou said rubble, while a man and a woman there was still hope for survivors, even were rescued earlier in the day as beyond the 72-hour window which emergency workers scrabbled to find ends early today. A female survivor is carried away after being rescued from a collapsed building in Tainan City yesterday. More than 100 people rea still missing the missing. “We will carry on until the last Prosecutors have launched an second. The golden 72 hours of res- two days after a 6.4-magnitude earthquake killed at least 37 in southern Taiwan. investigation into the collapse of the cue is the standard but there are many 16-storey Wei-kuan building — the exceptions,” said Ma after visiting two “Many people are still trapped and bricks. Her baby fell nearby but she then there was no voice.” once they have ensured all residents only high-rise in the southern city of survivors in hospital with bone frac- our hearts are sinking,” said Ma. could not reach her. Cranes, drills, ladders, sniffer from the upper parts of the rubble Tainan to crumble completely when tures. One of them, Liu Yi-chen, had Liu, a nurse, said she was lying in “I was talking to my husband and dogs and life detection equipment are have been freed. the 6.4 magnitude struck before dawn lost her 10-day-old baby and hus- bed breastfeeding her baby in their told him we have to get out together. being used to locate those trapped, The quake struck on the week- Saturday. band. Her two other children remain ninth-floor apartment when she felt He replied ‘I love you, wife. You stay but emergency workers and soldiers end before Chinese New Year when The quake left 37 confirmed dead, missing. the bed shaking. Then the floor caved well’ and I said ‘What are you talking have also had to shore up the ruins to many relatives would have joined most of them from the apartment The other had lost her husband, in and she and her husband plunged about? We’ll stay well together’ and avoid further tragedies. Rescuers are families in the complex to enjoy the complex. There were also some dra- while her son and pregnant daugh- several storeys. then the talking stopped,” said Liu. set to start using diggers and extrac- holidays. Now they endure an ago- matic escapes. Rescuers told earlier ter-in-law are missing. Liu’s legs were pinned down by “The baby cried for an hour and tors to remove giant concrete slabs nising wait for news.

Indonesia’s volcano Lunar New Year turbulence as ‘fire monkey’ swings into action

AFP British imperial power. investors, as the months clash with But while the monkey may bring the presiding cosmic deity of the year, instability, it could also herald major known as the “Tai Sui”. “There will innovation, said Chow, as technology be a transfer of wealth (in February HONG KONG: As the Lunar New Year falls into the “fire” category. and August)... money will be lost,” of the Monkey swungs into action “There could be major break- Yeo said. yesterday, fortune tellers foresaw throughs in solar-powered energy, The Year of the Monkey may 12 months of political and financial fire-related technologies, or the look foreboding, but feng shui mas- turbulence at the hands of the mis- Internet,” she said. The lunar calen- ters say women may benefit, as they chievous, unpredictable creature. dar is based on the cycles of the moon fall within the fire category. This is Hong Kong’s respected feng shui and Chinese folklore ascribes 12 ani- particularly true for Taiwan’s pres- masters expect an incendiary mix as mals in rotation. The monkey is in the ident-elect Tsai Ing-wen, born in a the monkey combines with the fire ninth position. fire monkey year in 1956, according element, but also say the year ahead In its annual tongue-in-cheek to Chow. Tsai won a landslide vic- will be a boom time for clever inno- “feng shui index”, CLSA, one of Asia’s tory in January, unseating the ruling vation and women will be in the leading brokerages, predicted a “vol- Kuomintang to become the island’s ascendant. atile ride” for financial markets. first female president. She will take The monkey is seen as belong- “There are going to be a lot of ups the reins in May. ing to the hard metal element, while and downs. The monkey is a creature It could also spell trouble for fire represents the sun, says Hong who is tricky and cunning,” Cherry United States presidential hope- Kong-based celebrity feng shui mas- Ma of the firm’s feng shui team said. ful Donald Trump as he campaigns ter Alion Yeo. “When the two things “There will be fluctuations but it also for the Republican nomination. Hil- Mount Soputan spewing hot lava as the mountain erupts in Minahasa, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. combine, it creates an extremely high means opportunities for fast-mov- lary Clinton is campaigning for the Mount Soputan is one of the island’s most active volcanoes. temperature. We have to be prepared ers,” she said. The outgoing Year of Democrat nomination. “The divina- for a lot of disputes, sickness,” he said. the Sheep saw turbulence in global tion for the US is that the sun will be “One can even associate fire and markets and a rout in China stocks eaten by the moon... the sun repre- metal with missiles, bullets or rock- with fears of an economic slowdown sents men and the moon represents ets,” he said. on the mainland. the women,” said Yeo. “The sun eaten Feng shui — literally meaning Yeo predicts February and by the moon means the woman will Man murders 4 kids after spat with wife “wind-water” — is influential in August will be the roughest times for dominate and win.” many parts of Asia, where people adjust their lives and renovate offices AFP to negotiators and did not appear to be drunk or on drugs. and homes to maximise their luck Renowned to outsiders for its laid-back, welcom- and wealth according to its tenets. It ing vibe, Thailand is also a country awash with firearms is based on ancient philosophy and where disputes are all too frequently settled with a bul- the belief that all events are dictated BANGKOK: Police negotiators laid siege to a house in the let and a body. by the varying balances in the five country’s south yesterday after a man allegedly shot dead Barely a week goes by without a new headline-grab- elements that make up the universe: four of his children following a dispute with his estranged bing killing, usually stemming from a humiliation — or metal, wood, water, fire and earth. wife. The shocking spree is the latest murder rampage loss of “face” — over a personal or business dispute. Feng shui masters in Hong Kong in a country where lovers’ quarrels frequently escalate High-profile cases last year included a woman also combine astrology into their art. into fatal shootings, partly because of the easy availa- executed by an angry lover in a mall, and a bus driver Hong Kong-based soothsayer Thierry bility of guns. shooting a passenger in the chest because his victim had Chow warned of shocking events at Police said the man barricaded himself inside his repeatedly criticised his road skills. the hands of the “fire monkey”. “Fire house in southern Trang province after murdering two The Thai government does not provide a specific is dominant in the five elements. sons and two daughters early yesterday morning. breakdown for annual gun murders outside of the coun- When fire is atop monkeys they will “Police had to use a ladder into a bedroom to remove try’s deep south, where a local Muslim insurgency has be swinging around, they will be dif- the bodies of the children,” local police captain Wittawat killed more than 6,400 in the last decade. ficult to predict. A lot of things will be Paiboon said and added that the man, who had locked But the Gunpolicy.org website, an online database unexpected,” said Chow. himself in another room, had a long and troubled rela- of global gun statistics run by the University of Sydney’s The last fire monkey year hap- tionship with his estranged wife. “They were two boys School of Public Health, believes Thailand has one of the pened in 1956, when Britain and A Chinese public security stands guard under a tree covered in red and two girls. They had been deliberately killed,” he said, highest gun homicide rates in Asia. France invaded Egypt during the Suez adding that the victims ranged from six to 16 years old. It estimates 3.48 murders per 100,000 people in Thai- Canal crisis, a pivotal event that his- lanterns at Ditan Park to mark the first day of the Lunar New Year in Wittawat said the man was coherent when speaking land, on a par with the United States. torians believe marked the demise of Beijing, China, yesterday. ASIA / PHILIPPINES TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2016 09

Philippine FM Dragon dance in Manila resigns over health issues

can be used to project its military might. In January 2013, del Rosario Philippine President spearheaded the filing by the Phil- Benigno Aquino ippine government of a complaint challenging the validity of China’s III has accepted sprawling territorial claims under Foreign Secretary the 1982 United Nations Conven- tion on the Law of the Seas before Albert del Rosario’s an international arbitration tribunal. resignation, which China has refused to join the arbi- tration, which has been backed by will take effect on Western and Asian governments as March 7, presidential a rules-based approach to resolve spokesman Herminio the long-simmering conflict. Despite the rift, del Rosario has Coloma Jr said called on Beijing and Manila to con- tinue normal economic ties. Coloma did not describe the rea- son for the resignation of del Rosario, AP & Reuters who served previously as Philippine ambassador to Washington. Two senior Filipino diplomats, however, MANILA: The Philippines’ top said del Rosario has been suffering diplomat, who was behind a bold from a spinal problem and a recently government move to challenge the detected heart ailment that caused validity of China’s vast territorial doctors to implant a pacemaker. claims in the South China Sea at an “The president is kind enough Filipino-Chinese revellers perform a Dragon dance in celebration of the Chinese New Year at Manila’s Chinatown, Philippines, yesterday. international tribunal, has resigned to allow me to step down so I can due to health reasons, officials said fully address certain personal health Filipino-Chinese communities welcomed the Year of the Monkey, holding various activities and practices traditionally believed to bring yesterday. President Benigno Aquino issues,” Del Rosario told Reuters good fortune for revellers. III has accepted Foreign Secretary in a text message responding to a Albert del Rosario’s resignation, request for comment. There was no which will take effect announcement on on March 7, presi- who would replace dential spokesman del Rosario. Herminio Coloma Jr Del Rosario has said. recommended that Nepal’s Madheshi Morcha calls off protest The 76-year-old one of his under- Albert del Rosario secretaries, Laura (pictured) was on del Rosario, succeed IANS government offices have been called to them in the interim constitution Mahto; Sanghiya Samajwadi Forum- the board of one of him, the diplomats off for now. But the other agitation of 2007 which the new charter has Nepal, led by Upendra Yadav; and the Manila’s largest min- said. Laura del Rosa- programmes will continue,” said snatched away. Terai Madhes Loktantrik Party-Nepal ing firms, which has rio oversaw Manila’s a statement issued following the The key Nepal-India border point headed by Mahendra Yadav. a stake in oil explo- hosting of the Asia KATHMANDU: Bowing to strong meeting. at Raxaul-Birgunj had already been The Morcha, at its meeting, also ration in the South Pacific Economic public opinion, the Madhesi Morcha in The decision by the Madhesi opened on Friday after protests by noted that certain comments by Sad- China Sea, when Cooperation forum Nepal yesterday called off its almost Morcha also paved the way for Prime locals from both Nepal and India bhawana Party chairman Rajendra Aquino appointed him as foreign that drew world leaders in Novem- six-month-old anti-Constitution pro- Minister K.P. Oli’s visit to India later residing on both sides. Mahato, a key leader of the agitat- secretary in 2011. He also served as ber. The two are not related. test in the southern Terai region that this month. Oli was insistent upon The Madhesi Morcha, in the state- ing alliance, had dealt a blow to their ambassador to the United States in Known as a hands-on and led to a blockading of a major portion visiting India only after the border- ment, said it would mobilise its cadres agitation. the previous government. hard-working diplomat, del Rosa- of the 1,868km open border the land- blockade was lifted. in the Terai/Madhes, Tharuhat and “As the latest activities and The U.S.-educated del Rosario, 76, rio impressed many when he flew locked Himalayan nation has with its The Madhesi protestors had Kathmandu, among other places, by comments of Sadbhawana Party has been an outspoken critic among to Libya during civil strife to oversee southern neighbour India. been demanding, among others, a rectifying the weaknesses identified chairman Mahato have damaged the foreign ministers of the Association the repatriation of Filipino workers At a meeting in Kathmandu, the redrawing of the boundaries of the during the agitation period. the Madhesi agitation, the Madhesi of Southeast Asian Nations of China’s just days after he was appointed Morcha — spearheading the agi- provinces in Nepal as proposed in the The four-party regional alliance Morcha directs him to not be involved increasingly assertive stance in the foreign secretary in 2011. He later tation that had led to the cutting new Constitution — promulgated on said it would also seek alliance with in such activities in the coming days,” disputed waters. recounted how he prayed quietly off of essential supplies to Kath- September 20 last year; and repre- other political parties. read a statement. Four governments in the as his convoy that rescued Filipino mandu from India — announced sentation in Parliament on the basis The Madhesi Morcha — or the Mahato unilaterally announced 10-nation bloc — Brunei, Malay- workers passed near a Libyan area it was postponing its protest pro- of population. Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi lifting of the blockade at the Rax- sia, the Philippines and Vietnam where gunshots rang out. gramme in view of what it called Significantly, the Nepal Terai has Morcha (SLMM), to give it its formal aul-Birgunj border point on Friday — have been locked in a territorial Since then, he has travelled to “citizen’s suggestion”. almost 51 percent of the country’s name — has been spearheading the thus facilitating resumption of trade conflict with China in the South almost 50 countries “for the pur- “Considering the current cri- population and yet gets only one- agitation in the country’s Terai region. through that key point after almost China Sea. Taiwan is also involved pose of negotiating and asserting the sis facing the nation and the public third of seats in Parliament. It comprises four Madhes-based six months of blockade. in the disputes, which escalated rightful place of the Philippines in the necessity and aspirations, the ongoing The Madhesis also seek propor- parties — Terai Madhes Loktantrik The Morcha said it was extremely when China recently transformed international community,” according protest programmes of general strike, tional representation in government Party led by Mahanta Thakur; Sad- unhappy with Mahato’s unilateral seven disputed reefs into islands that to the Depart of Foreign Affairs. border blockade, and shutdown of jobs and restoration of rights granted bhawana Party, headed by Rajendra decision. Centre seeks more space to save endangered eagle Two die while running

AFP Philippine marathon

AFP MANILA: A Philippine breeding centre trying to save the country’s critically endangered monkey-eat- MANILA: Two men including a decorated military officer died while run- ing eagle has been so successful it is ning a charity marathon in the Philippines, organisers said yesterday. “We now scrambling for space, officials are devastated over the loss of our two brothers who ran for a Hero during said yesterday. the 8th Condura Skyway marathon last February 7, 2016,” the organisers Another eaglet was hatched last said on their Facebook page. It said a 38-year-old and a 40-year-old mili- week, the second in barely three tary officer died during Sunday’s race in Manila but gave no cause of death. months, helping the giant bird’s fight Army spokesman Colonel Benjamin Hao said Major Arnold Lubang collapsed against extinction. just 1km away from the finish line, adding that an autopsy indicted he died The chick, born from the natural of cardiac arrest. “We were shocked when he collapsed. He ran a lot. He mating of two birds at the Philippine was into all kinds of sports. When he was into something, he really went to Eagle Foundation, is the 27th born in excel,” Hao said. Lubang had previously won the army’s third highest hon- captivity said its curator Anna Mae our for bravery in combat, he added. The Condura marathon is a popular Sumaya. annual event which raises money for various causes. This year, it was rais- “The centre is at full capacity. We ing funds for children of slain soldiers. are full. If there are any new admis- A newly hatched, rare monkey-eating eagle at the Philippine Eagle Foundation’s conservation breeding sions, we will have to move the birds to smaller enclosures,” she said. programme in Davao in the southern Philippines. Philippine mayor shot in ambush The new chick, hatched on Febru- ary 4, is the 35th eagle at the centre, Mindanao covers just eight hectares monkeys and other small animals lists the monkey-eating eagle as “crit- MANILA: A Philippine town mayor was shot and wounded in an ambush joining 19 other captive-bred birds (20 acres), she said. that share its habitat in Mindanao. ically endangered” due to hunting and in the conflict-wracked south on Sunday, two days before the official cam- and 15 rescued from the wild, she “If we could have a lot of space, The bird is famed for its elongated the depletion of its habitat. paign for general elections in May kick off, police said. said. The seven other eagles born in we could pair off a lot more birds,” nape feathers that form into a shaggy Gunshots account for nine in A gunman riding a motorcycle opened fire on Mayor Jasper Que as he captivity have either been released she said, stressing that breeding pairs crest. Its two-metre wingspan makes every 10 Philippine eagle casualties, drove with his two bodyguards in the port city of Zamboanga at around 9 into the wild or died. needed more space. it one of the world’s largest eagles. according to the foundation, which am, city police spokeswoman Senior Inspector Helen Galvez said. Sumaya described the new chick The monkey-eating eagle, also The raptor is found nowhere has also warned it was running out Que, who is not seeking reelection, is mayor of Bongao, a remote seaside as “active and alert as it can already known as the Philippine eagle, except the Philippines, where it is of safe places to release the captive- town in Tawi-Tawi, an impoverished island chain on the country’s southern- lift its head, sit and follow objects is found only in the rapidly van- the country’s national bird. bred birds when they mature. most tip. A relative is running to succeed him, according to election records. even at a day old”. ishing tropical rain forests of the There are about 600 monkey- The monogamous eagles breed Que, who suffered three gunshot wounds to his arm, leg and buttocks, is But the breeding centre on Philippines. eating eagles in the wild. only once a year, with each pair pro- recovering in a Zamboanga hospital while his assailant escaped. the outskirts of Davao city on the The metre-long (3.3-foot) raptor The Swiss-based International ducing only one egg every mating It was not immediately clear if the attack was election-related, Galvez country’s southernmost island of gets its name from its diet of macaque Union for the Conservation of Nature season. said. The mayor is a member of President Benigno Aquino’s Liberal Party. 10 TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2016 VIEWS

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

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EDITORIAL Suppressing freedom Can Obama let go

ublic opinion in Arab and Muslim countries tends to cast all Israelis in an aggressor’s role, at least as silent supporters of of his legacy wish? their government’s brazen violations and assaults on innocent Palestinians if not active participants. But that’s an erroneous the pace of US. troop withdrawals the troop drawdown to prevent an in a conversation I had last week idea. There is a small number of Israelis who are vehemently from Iraq in order to finish in time Afghan military collapse. with Saad Mohseni, the operator Pcritical of their government’s policies towards Palestinians. They include for his 2012 campaign, and until In Iraq, Obama has allowed the of the country’s most popular pri- leftists, non-governmental organisations and even individuals who have a few months ago, he appeared US. troop level to creep back up to vate television channel, Tolo TV. implacably committed to complet- 3,700 since 2013, counting special Tolo suffered a devastating been a thorn in the side of the government, whose actions the government ing an Afghanistan withdrawal forces deployed in Syria. But as the blow last month when a Taliban has been trying to stifle and suppress with the support of right-wing parties. before leaving office. New York Times recently reported, suicide bomber slammed into a The government of Benjamin Netanyahu has now gone one step ahead with One of the most important Pentagon officials believe many company bus in Kabul, killing seven the plan for a legislation that seeks to silence and punish non-governmental questions of Obama’s remaining hundreds more will need to be and injuring 25. But this assault organisations and others who sympathise with the cause of Palestinians. months consequently is whether dispatched in the coming months on one of the country’s greatest A bill targeting Israeli human rights groups critical of Israel’s policies is - and to what extent - he can let if Iraqi and Kurdish forces are to achievements since 2001 - free go of his wished-for legacy. Can he have a chance to retake Mosul, the media - was just part of a grim set to win initial approval in parliament with the support of the country’s accept that it is a vital US. interest largest terrorist-controlled city. landscape sketched by Mohseni: a right-wing. Called ‘transparency bill, the new law would require NGOs not just to preserve a US. military That includes trainers, but also government paralyzed by infight- to give full details of their overseas donations, including sources, if more presence in Afghanistan and the commandos and other front-line ing, a stalled economy, and a poorly than half their funding comes from foreign governments or bodies such as By Jackson Diehl Middle East, but to step it up to personnel - in other words, com- led and demoralised army that is the European Union. The bill was proposed last November by right-wing The Washington Post confront growing threats from bat forces. There, too, Obama has barely preventing a Taliban takeo- minister of justice Ayelet Shaked. the Islamic State, Taliban and al- not yet made a decision. ver of several major provinces. The bill is another example of Israel’s Qaeda? Can he acknowledge that Last, but perhaps not least, “We are in a pretty bad situa- the “tide of war” is not receding, Obama faces a choice in Libya, tion,” Mohseni said. “It is one that shift to the right, which has been a subject he tide of but - like it or not - swelling? where his national security team could be easily salvaged, but that Human rights of intense debate in the country. Israel is war is reced- Three big decisions are on believes action is urgently needed would require quick action - and groups and going through a process of radicalisation ing,” Barack his plate. In October, the presi- to head off an Islamic State entity it’s your president’s last year.” western unheard of in its history, aided by religious Obama tire- dent scrapped his plan to reduce taking root there. “It’s fair to say Mohseni’s recommendations parties and right-wing groups who are lessly insisted the 9,800-strong US. force in we’re looking to take decisive mil- echo the generals: Deploy US. air- governments thriving on land seized from Palestinians. “Tfour years ago as he campaigned Afghanistan to an embassy-based itary action,” Joint Chiefs of Staff power against the Taliban and call for reelection. Even then, the slo- contingent of maybe 1,000 by next Chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford off the troop drawdown. But he’d must force Israel This domination of the right over the gan seemed untethered from January, and last month he gave said last month, reflecting the also like to see Obama appoint a to abandon a political system is seen as eroding the reality. Not only was fighting in US. commanders permission to Pentagon’s view. But not Obama’s: special envoy to help break the bill that seeks to principles of the founding fathers of Afghanistan intensifying, with no attack Islamic State targets as “That’s not in his horizon at the political deadlock in Kabul, which the Zionist country, causing concern at end in sight, but Syria, Iraq and well as al-Qaida. However, he moment,” Secretary of State John is impeding steps to renew provin- target NGOs in the home and abroad. The transparency bill Libya were all sliding toward civil has not yet altered his target of F. Kerry said at a conference on cial governments and the Afghan country. will expedite the country’s plunge into war. That Obama stayed with reducing US. forces to 5,500 by Libya last week. army. “The United States has huge absolute intolerance and religious bigotry. the phrase reflected not just his the end of the year. Nor has he How will Obama manage leverage,” he said. “You can still electoral strategy but an endur- responded to proposals to pro- these three decisions? Seven turn the situation around.” The The new law will also undermine Israeli ing feature of his foreign policy. vide regular combat air support years of evidence suggests he question is whether a president democracy and freedom of expression, the Having arrived in office with a to Afghan forces against the Tali- will water down his command- who dreamed of ending the wars cornerstones of its constitutional edifice the country prides itself on. handful of ideologically driven ban to stop what have been steady ers’ proposals and approve only can be persuaded to do it. The United States and EU have expressed their concerns publicly and goals, the president has stub- and cumulatively alarming gains incremental steps. The problem privately about the legislation, but that is not enough. Crackdown on Israeli bornly stuck to them regardless of by the insurgents. - especially for Obama’s succes- NGOs will only help cut off a vital vein of support to Palestinians. More than contradictory facts on the ground. As both the incoming and sor - is that decisive action cannot Jackson Diehl is deputy edito- “Ending the wars” in Iraq and outgoing US. commanders have easily be postponed for another rial page editor of The Washington 30,000 NGOs are registered in Israel and about half of them are active. Afghanistan was foremost among publicly hinted, Obama will soon year. That’s particularly true in Post. He is an editorial writer spe- According to reports, around 70 of those groups deal with the Israeli- those objectives. Obama forced be asked, at a minimum, to stop Afghanistan, as was underlined cialising in foreign affairs. Palestinian conflict and receive funds either from the EU as a whole, or individual member governments, including Denmark, Sweden and Belgium, as well as non-member Norway. Global human rights groups and western governments must come down more forcefully on Tel Aviv to force it to abandon the law. The legislation comes at a time when Europe is increasingly rallying behind the The horrifying toll of domestic violence Palestinian cause. The crackdown on NGOs will only help increase support for Palestinians. The Washington Post spotlighted the dangers of family abuse after Alsobrooks formed a special unit of prosecu- she somehow survived being set on fire by her tors and reached out to the community with husband. training on how to spot and deal with abuse nce again, residents and officials in the “Enough is enough,” said Prince George’s in families. Police, judges and the government Quote of the day Washington suburbs are reeling from a County State’s Attorney Angela Alsobrooks as have joined in that effort; a Family Justice Center Ocase of unspeakable domestic violence. she talked to us about her frustration - and her consolidating public and private services was Before NeShante Alesha Davis and Chloe determination to combat domestic violence. established. So a question that arises in the wake Nichole Davis-Green, the mother and daugh- So far this year, four of the 11 homicides of this terrible double homicide is what more can We are now, over the last few ter gunned down last week in a reported in her county involved abuse; last year, 13 of be done. Alsobrooks has some ideas - such as days, not only appalled but dispute over child support, there was 11-year- 77 homicides were rooted in family violence. more education of young women so that they old William McQuain, beaten to death with a Particularly horrifying have been the number can recognise signs of abuse that appear before also shocked by the human baseball bat by his mother’s boyfriend, who of cases involving children. The 2-year-old the first shove or slap - but she stresses that the suffering of tens of thousands also killed the boy’s mother, Jane McQuain; strapped into her car seat who was fatally problem cannot be solved at the police station or 3-year-old Laila Miller, shot and stabbed to shot Tuesday, allegedly by a father who didn’t courthouse. She thinks that the deaths of Davis of people through bombing death by her father; 35-year-old Tonya Wilk- want to pay $600 a month in child support, and her daughter have touched a chord that will attacks, and also bombing erson-Sullivan, mother of four, killed in a was the second homicide this year involving prompt more public involvement. murder-suicide; 47-year-old Ana Ayala, fatally a child. A 6-month-old girl died after suffer- Sometimes in the wake of a family killing, attacks originating from the stabbed by her estranged husband inside a ing blunt-force injuries allegedly caused by officials offer reassurance once the suspect Russian side. vehicle; 2-year-old Jamir Shipe, fatally bat- her mother’s boyfriend. is identified. The public has nothing to worry tered by his mother’s boyfriend after he jumped With stranger-perpetrated crime drop- about, they say: The violence wasn’t random, Angela Merkel on a sofa; 36-year-old Shauntelle Marie Lewis, ping, officials are searching for new strategies and there isn’t a killer on the loose. We under- mother of two, beaten to death by a man she to combat domestic violence. Montgomery stand the impulse, but none of us should take German Chancellor dated; and 15-month-old Prince McLeod Rams, County State’s Attorney John McCarthy has comfort from such news. With the lives of allegedly killed by his father for insurance pro- put new resources into tackling unaddressed women and babies at stake, everyone has a ceeds. Before them, it was Yvette Cade, who issues of mental illness. In Prince George’s, responsibility to get involved.

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strange whirring noise is, it is his father turning in his grave. Well done, mur- derer.” Another simply said: “Blood on your hands- sleep well murderer.”Does the shadow foreign secretary’s assertion that the extremism of Daesh is the same as the Fascism that the Labour Party has fought throughout its history, make him a ‘traitor’ to his father’s memory though? “It is why this entire house stood up against Hitler and Mussolini”, Hilary Benn told British MP’s. “We must now confront this evil. It is now time for us to do our bit in Syria and that is why I ask my colleagues to vote in favour of this (vote for military intervention) motion tonight.” By Lauren Booth I have always felt it a parental duty not only to teach children their ABC’s, but to make them politically aware of the world around them. This is a more vicious backlash has taken place difficult choice for Muslim parents. Talk- against Labour’s shadow Foreign ing to our offspring about say, Palestine affairs Minister Hilary Benn, after or Prevent (UK Government anti-ter- his poetic argument for Britain ror strategy) is increasingly a rarity in Ato go to war in Syria assisted the Brit- Muslim households. The risks can be too ish Government’s winning of the vote in great. If a non-Muslim teenager expresses favour of intervening militarily, held in a valid and coherent political opinion Parliament last month. Some anti-war to a student or a teacher, they may find campaigners and disappointed Labour themselves elected to the School Council. members are accusing the MP for Leeds Muslims teenagers doing the same risk Central of betraying the legacy and mem- an interview with the anti-terror squad Tony Benn and his son Hillary in happy times. ory of his majestically anti-war father, and a hidden stain on their educational the veteran politician Tony Benn. record. This was once the stuff of Middle Tony was a friend of my family for Eastern dictatorships. It is now similarly is certainly a confusion in Europe right Japanese whaling! gain. Tony Benn famously said of a right decades and a personal hero of mine too. present in the UK treatment of Muslims now about whether raising religious chil- The satirist and writer, Rory Bremnar, wing member of the opposing party: “I When I was younger, I had the pleasure of and free speech. dren will push them towards ‘extremist’ famous for his cutting impersonations knew Enoch Powell...and he always meant watching him at the podium or on stage A friend once left her two year old thought or guard them from the same. of political figures including Tony Blair, what he said and said what he meant. He with a cup of tea by his side and his pipe lit son with me saying as she headed to her Long before the Benn furore I asked has daughters now approaching their established a relationship of trust with the All war sipping and puffing away. As time passed gym class. Ken Livingstone, former Mayor of Lon- teens. He once told me how his child- public. I didn’t agree with him and said represents and the smoking laws changed, he would “And don’t frighten him about the don and Labour MP if talking politics at hood shaped his political views. “My that candidly to him, but for that reason a failure of take the audience on a historic journey Middle East, he’s just a baby.” She was home was the ‘right’ thing to do with chil- parents were actually very right wing. I respected him”. to the roots of capitalism or the evils of joking, yet we have entered a time when dren? “They will only do the opposite of My childhood was sort of, Edinburgh, Hilary Benn made the ‘pragmatic’ diplomacy”, the arms trade with the pipe unlit - yet it we use multiple excuses to discourage what you want, Lauren,” sighed the pol- middle class, boarding school. When I argument for more war, against an evil Tony Benn gripped in his hand. The kind of mild, our youth from thinking about anything itician once known as ‘Red Ken’. I was came out in 1979 I’d had basically eight ‘like fascism’ (Daesh), to win a possible determined protest he always preferred. more taxing than what pizza to have or stunned to learn that far from ranting years in conservative ‘Madrassas’ which peace- the ‘Hiroshima argument’.In the would say, We, his fans, young and old would listen, which mall has the best milkshakes. Our at home after a long day arguing with is what they (British boarding schools) meantime, Syrians die in ever greater and “A faith tears in our eyes, thinking “Yes - the world lives, we say, are so busy, what with the the press and fellow politicians, Ken pre- were.” His views eventually moved ‘rad- numbers. Bombs from a dozen regions is something can be a better place. Let’s only fight for commute to and from work, shopping fers to give his children the ‘information ically to the left’ of his parents where fall upon their homes, villages and yes - peace!” “All war represents a failure of and trying to stay or get fit. The ‘dinner- they need’ to make up their own minds. they’ve stayed ever since. occasionally - even a strategically useful you die for, diplomacy”, Tony Benn would say, and time chat’ where the whole family once “Both of my parents were working class Meanwhile, in recent days, Hilary target. I wish those who want to pursue a doctrine is “A faith is something you die for, a doc- gathered to discuss issues and, yes argue, Tories. No one on either side of my fam- Benn has rounded on his critics in the peace, as the way to achieve peace, were something trine is something you kill for. There is community politics is increasingly a thing ily had ever voted Labour until I did so. general public who feel they ‘know’ his as eloquent as Hilary Benn. And I suspect all the difference in the world”. of the past. The only paper in the house was the Daily father’s feelings - even in the grave- sim- I won’t be able to stop myself telling my you kill for. Recently, my fellow ‘Bennites’ are Even if we take the time to share snip- Express.” So, clearly parents and papers ply because they admired his views.“You children that’s how I feel. There is all denying our own pacifist leanings in order pets of current affairs with our offspring, don’t always have the influence they think have no idea what my parents would have to verbally attack Tony’s politically inde- how do we know if talking to our children they do, in which case I should be con- thought of me” says Benn. His father, was the difference pendent son. One Tweet sent out after the about our own passionately held values cerned that my daughters will become certainly a man of honesty and balance. Lauren Booth is a journalist, broadcaster in the world”. Commons vote on military action in Syria may not simply send them fleeing to the Zionist stockbrokers, whose hobbies are A rare politician with the ability to love and media consultant: www.laurenbooth. read: “If @hilarybenn wonders what the other end of the political spectrum? There fox hunting, fast food, public nudity and humanity even if it cost personal glory or org , Twitter:@LaurenBoothUK Syrian conflict — now a threat to global security

does the US Administration not see that Russia and Iran in Syria in the same light. the region. Luckily there is a large coun- Abdullah described the matter as nearly what Russia is doing has caused the fail- The situation requires a quick and firm try (Turkey) in the region that shares the at the point of ‘bursting’, when explain- ure of the Geneva talks, due to its ongoing stand from the US to stop the game of Rus- same concerns and worries. The Rus- ing the situation of his country in dealing fierce bombing of Syria? sia in Geneva, and in the areas of Anttakia, sian, Syrian and Iranian victory would with the floods of refugees. The Jordanian It is very difficult to digest the idea that Aleppo, Daraa and other places where mean their presence permanently along government said that, due to the destruc- John Kerry is so simple that he believes their bombs are causing huge destruc- Saudi’s southern border. It would also tion of the war in Syria, the chances of that he could convince the Syrian oppo- tion and misery for civilians. I don’t know enable Kurds to make their influence felt returning a million refugees to their sition to accept a partnership with the what they have to do to stop Russian Pres- in any country. hometowns is almost zero. They expect Bashar Al Assad regime to fight against ident, Vladimir Putin from becoming a Why can the US Administration not see that some will remain in Jordon, whose ‘terrorism’. However he seems to have ‘tiger’. However, now whatever they do is these things? Is this a withdrawal policy economy is permanently weak, and that suggested something along these lines likely to be an improvement on the cur- that makes Obama to be proud when he the remaining refugees will probably when meeting with Riyadh Hijab, General rent situation. The presidential election will write his diary-explaining that how go back after 17 years. Daraa and coun- Coordinator of Syrian Supreme Commis- result in America will be a crucial influ- he rescued his country from the sectar- tryside of Damascus were destroyed sion for Negotiations a week ago. ence in what actions get taken, and on ian wars of the Middle East? We should completely. This means that the refu- What happened to the Americans? the other hand the outcome may also be not waste too much time analysing this gees belonging to these areas cannot be Why do they not listen to Saudi Arabia’s influenced by this serious crisis threat- matter. It should not be any longer be returned even if the war ends tomor- By Jamal Khashoggi Foreign Minister, Adel Al Jubeir who said ening global peace. about US involvement in the protection row, regardless of who ‘wins’. “We will provide military support to the For Saudi Arabia, the latest develop- of our national security. We should include these painful details opposition if the talks fail”. At the same ment is like British and France in 1939 In Yemen, we took the initiative and in our discussions with the US Administra- time Russia and Iran insist on impos- who observed what Hitler did in Poland. were brave, and so Washington cooper- tion, to convince it to be part of a Saudi-led he victory of Saudi Arabia and its ing force against all opposition fronts They did not see any other option except ated with us,whether wholeheartedly or war and to keep pace with political and allies(in Yemen) will take the pol- except Islamic State (IS). Turkish Prime to declare war on Germany. They could reluctantly. However, we should not take military activities in the region. The US is iticians to the negotiation table, Minister, Ahmet Davutoglugave a similar have just secured their borders and let its cooperation for granted. It is better to important and it is capable of confront- including Houthis if they agree statement regarding support for the Syr- Hitler storm the European countries end this war as soon as possible. There ing Russia, and we need to put pressure Tto power sharing. It is hoped that this will ian opposition during his visit to Riyadh. around them, but this would have been is enmity inside the sympathy, waiting on them. We should raise the issue of the be the means to build a better Yemen,and Davutoglu was accompanied by the Turk- like those who lock their homes, wait- for a loophole to turn the matter against threat to global peace. The issues of Syr- to eradicate dictatorship, domination by ish Military Chief General Hulusi Akarin ing for a monster to knock. The decision us. Yemen and Syria are battlegrounds ian refugees and status of Muslims in the one political faction and sectarianism. his previous visit to Saudi Arabia. There- was tough and dangerous. Britain and for us and for them also. American community should be part of However, a victory of Russia and Iran fore, Turkish media raised the question France both paid heavy prices in terms We should not be apprehensive. There the agenda for the forthcoming US presi- Syria is not in Syria would bring back the 30-year of whether Ankara is now starting to join of threats to national security and sta- is enough evidence to say that what is dential election. We should convince them old, suppressive, sectarian regime that the Islamic alliance that was announced bility. However, after fierce fighting, with going on in Syria threatens global peace. that the Syrian issue is not only a concern an issue for gave birth to this very revolution. It means by Riyadh last month. patience and determination they obtained The impact of the Syrian war is wide, so for Syria but it has impacted greatly on Saudi Arabia that the situations of insurgency, division This does seem to be the case. Every- victory,through the help of their ally the that even we are affected. The extremist Jordon and Lebanon. The impact of the only. Both and confrontation with several groups one knows that both countries reject the US who finally joined the war. Austrian freedom party had an unprece- refugees from the war has also reached directly or indirectly will continue. This victory of Russia and Iran in Syria. They As Riyadh did not wait for Washing- dented victory in the council of the liberal Eastern Europe and changed the polit- our national situation will definitely threaten global (Saudi and Turkey) will come closer in a ton to move to curb the insurgency of capital. The world should take note of ical mood. Pakistan is also affected by and global security, because the conflict is no more Sunni alliance that has emerged within Houthis and oust Saleh,probably it will this example. In addition, the right wing the war in Syria and it might divide the just regional. It has become international the sectarian situation created by Iran, take same stance in this case, but not in extremists won the elections in Poland community in two along sectarian lines. security is due to the interference of Russia. whose conflict will extend beyond Syria. the same war or intervention,- instead and Hungary, as they became apparent Syria is not an issue for Saudi Arabia only. connected This situation is no less dangerous It is time to convince Americans that now in Syria. It is better to not lend an role models in order to grab power. The Both our national and global security is than the Cuban missile crisis or the 1958 the Saudis and Turkish are serious and not ear to what is being advised as neces- future has been imagined fearfully by connected with global peace, which we with global Middle East crisis. It threatens to inflame bluffing with idle threats. Turkish inter- sary actions for the sake of global peace. Americans and Europe,and even in Jor- all have to work hard for. peace, which the region for another decade or more. vention in North Syria or the supplying This is the responsibility of US and the don where the matter of refugees is no However, the location of this region is of surface to air missile by Saudi Arabia great nations. The responsibility of Saudi more just a humanitarian issue but now Jamal Khashoggi is a Saudi Arabian jour- we all have to strategically very important for the inter- to Syrian rebels would be considered by Arabia before its people is to secure the a political matter. nalist, columnist, author and the General work hard for. national economy, whether there is an Americans a threat to global peace. But nation. The victory of Russia and Iran The King of Jordan and his gov- Manager and Editor-in-Chief of Al Arab oil surplus in the market or not. So why they should also see the intervention of in Syria will have a negative impact on ernment are worried about this. King News Channel.

All thoughts and views expressed in these columns are those of the writers, not of the newspaper. All correspondence regarding Views and Opinion pages should be mailed to the Editor-in-Chief. 12 TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2016 ASIA / AFRICA US missile shield bares divisions in handling N Korea

“This nuclear testing coupled with the testing of ballistic missile technol- China sees THAAD ogy... was always likely to strengthen as a threat to the the argument that South Korea needs to bolster its missile defences,” said effectiveness of Ben Goodlad, principal weapons ana- its own nuclear lyst at IHS Aerospace, Defence and Security. deterrent, arguing But beyond the strategic logic lies that it could be used a diplomatic imperative, which sug- to monitor Chinese gests an eventual THAAD deployment may be less motivated by what North missile launches as far Korea is doing and more by what inland as Xian in the China is not doing. China is North Korea’s main diplo- northwest matic protector, and both Washington and Seoul have been pressing Beijing to take a tougher line with Pyongyang over its nuclear weapons programme. AFP But China, wary of the conse- quences of a collapsing North Korea on its border, has resisted punitive sanctions before, and looks set to do SEOUL: Official moves towards the so again as the UN Security Council deployment of a US missile defence debates its response to Pyongyang’s system in South Korea in the wake of latest provocations. Pyongyang’s latest rocket launch will According to Joel Wit, a senior fel- increase pressure on Beijing to bring its low at the US-Korea Institute at Johns errant neighbour to heel, analysts say. Hopkins University and the founder But they also highlight the inher- of its North Korea website, 38North, ent dangers of disunity in dealing with frustration with China’s stance has North Korea’s growing military threat, driven forward the possibility of and could presage an arms build-up if deploying THAAD in South Korea. China feels threatened by the roll-out. “This is a way of sending a signal Hours after North Korea’s long- to China that what North Korea does The Pentagon building in Washington, DC. The United States military hopes to send a sophisticated missile defence system to South Korea “as range rocket launch on Sunday, South has real consequences, including con- quickly as possible”, the Pentagon said yesterday. Korean and US military officials sequences for Beijing’s own security announced they would begin formal interests,” Wit said. discussions on placing the Terminal China’s response to that signal concerned be prudent,” Hua said. using primarily Patriot-type intercep- “It’s a message to China that if you must be a broader picture discussion High Altitude Area Defence System was swift and unequivocally nega- China sees THAAD as a threat to the tors. At the same time, South Korean won’t deal with North Korea, we will with China about how to handle North (THAAD) on the North’s doorstep. tive. While it only managed a rather effectiveness of its own nuclear deter- President Park Geun-Hye has made go our way,” said Paul Carrol, program Korea,” he added. The stated rationale was a clear muted expression of “regret” over the rent, arguing that it could be used to strenuous diplomatic efforts to court director for the nuclear disarmament There is already a THAAD battery necessity to upgrade the defence North’s rocket launch, it was quick to monitor Chinese missile launches as China, building a personal rapport and global security organisation stationed in Guam and the other key posture of the South Korea-US mil- voice its “deep concern” at the pros- far inland as Xian in the northwest. with President Xi Jinping in the hope Ploughshares Fund. US ally in the region, Japan, is also itary alliance “against North Korea’s pect of South Korea introducing the China is South Korea’s most of developing a genuine strategic “And clearly there’s a danger considering taking on the system. advancing threats,” said Yoo Jeh- US missile system. important trade partner and — in def- partnership. there, because unless China and the “The pressure for the US to Seung, Seoul’s deputy defence Chinese Foreign Ministry spokes- erence to Beijing’s sensitivities on the Ties have significantly improved US can get on the same page with a reaffirm and extend its deterrent minister for policy. woman Hua Chunying said such a issue — South Korea had, until now, as a result but, on the key issue of common approach to North Korea, protection to its allies is only going Yoo’s reasoning is hard to fault move would escalate tensions on declined to formally discuss bring- dealing with North Korea, Park’s dip- there won’t be any progress and the to grow, and there’s a real potential in the wake of the North’s fourth the Korean peninsula, undermine ing in THAAD. lomatic initiative has not achieved the situation will only get worse,” Car- for regional tension and instability nuclear explosion on January 6 and regional peace and stability, and set Instead it had concentrated on desired results. The net result, after roll said. there,” said Wit. Sunday’s rocket launch, which was back efforts to address the North developing an indigenous missile the North’s latest nuclear test and “THAAD is partly about the US “Instead of curbing North Korea’s widely regarded as a covert ballistic Korean nuclear situation. defence system for intercepting short rocket launch, is the opening of for- reassuring South Korea that it has nuclear ambitions, we get an arms missile test. “We demand the countries to medium range ballistic missiles, mal talks on THAAD deployment. its back, but at the same time there build-up instead,” he added. ICC apologises Freed Aussie hostage vows for Gbagbo witness blunder to carry on Burkina work

AFP AFP a Niger presidential plane and was taken to the presidential palace, where she was greeted by head of THE HAGUE: The International state Roch Marc Christian Kabore. Criminal Court yesterday apolo- OUAGADOUGOU: An elderly “I am very moved to be here with gised for an embarrassing blunder Australian humanitarian worker my Burkina family. I want to thank during the trial of former Ivorian kidnapped by Al Qaeda-linked the people of Burkina for their sup- leader Laurent Gbagbo which led jihadists in Burkina Faso said yester- port in my absence,” she said in a to the unmasking of several pro- day after her release that she hoped brief media statement in French. tected witnesses, and ordered a to be reunited with her husband and Elliott also thanked “the govern- formal inquiry. “continue” their medical work. ments of Niger, Burkina Faso and “What happened on Friday “I want to be with my husband Australia.” Foreign Minister Alpha afternoon... is of utmost and inex- shortly so that we can go to Djibo Barry confirmed Elliott’s intentions. cusable gravity for which the and continue there,” Jocelyn Elliott, “She has decided to stay in Burkina chamber, but I would say the whole 76, said at Burkina Faso’s presiden- Faso,” Barry said. Kabore com- ICC, apologises,” presiding judge tial palace. Elliott and her 81-year-old mended “action taken for 40 years Cuno Tarfusser said, offering a for- surgeon husband Ken have run the for the benefit of the people most mal apology. “It is of such gravity sole medical clinic in Djibo, a dusty deprived of health care in the dif- that the chamber has ordered an ... town near the border with Mali, since ficult parts of Burkina”. internal investigation in order to find 1972. A couple from Perth in western “Forty years is almost a whole out how this could have happened,” Australia, they have also carried out lifetime in the service of Burkina,” Tarfusser said. He was speaking humanitarian work in Mali and Niger. the president added. Elliott had Members of the Rakhine state parliament attend the first day of new parliament session in Sittwe, western as the second full week of Gbag- The pair were abducted close appeared on Niger television on Myanmar, yesterday. bo’s crimes against humanity trial to the Niger border on the night of Sunday alongside President Maha- began in the international tribunal January 15-16. Malian militant group madou Issoufou, who confirmed that based in The Hague. Ansar Dine said the couple had been his country had mediated but did not Name of Myanmar’s next president On Friday, the prosecutor taken by jihadists from the “Emir- give details of her release. mentioned the names of several ate of the Sahara” — suspected by He paid tribute to the Elliotts witnesses whose identities have experts to be a branch of Al Qaeda for their work. “I think those who been ordered to be kept secret, in the Islamic Maghreb. abducted them should know the con- to be revealed on March 17 thinking the microphones were off. Elliott was freed after mediation tribution this couple have made to But the incident was relayed live to from Niger, which is now trying to the poorest people in our regions. I the public gallery, and recordings secure her husband’s release. She hope they will be back together soon AP before the 664-member parlia- suspended. The clause can be legally have since spread widely on social arrived in Ouagadougou, Burkina and that Jocelyn’s husband will soon ment, all members will take a vote. scrapped only through a 75 percent media, including YouTube. Faso’s capital, on Monday aboard go free,” Issoufou said. The person with the largest number plus one vote in Parliament. The judge added he did not of votes will become president, and The military holds 25 percent of know whether Friday’s incident NAYPYITAW: The names of Myan- the other two will be vice presidents. seats in parliament — all unelected — happened because of “recklessness, mar’s next president and two vice It isn’t clear when the vote will take which means the NLD cannot scrap superficiality (or) stupidity,” adding presidents will be revealed on March place, but the current president’s term the clause on its own. However, the he did not want to “speculate about 17, an official said yesterday, setting ends March 31 and the successor must clause can be suspended by a sim- something else.” “We are awaiting a clear timeline for the transition take office April 1. ple majority, but because all this is a detailed report,” Tarfusser added. of power from a military-control- Given that Suu Kyi’s National uncharted territory nobody is sure Protecting witnesses is one led government to democracy icon League for Democracy party has if that would be allowed. of the key promises of the ICC as Aung San Suu Kyi’s party. a majority in both houses of par- In separate but identical broad- it seeks to bring to justice those Parliament chairman Mann Win liament, it is certain to get the casts late Sunday, Sky Net and responsible for the world’s worst Khaing Than announced that the president’s post and one of the vice Myanmar National Television, both crimes. The tribunal, set up in 2002, upper house, the lower House and presidential positions. pro-government, said “positive goes to enormous lengths to shield the military will have to select one The NLD won a landslide victory results could come out on the nego- the identities of sensitive witnesses candidate each for the three posts in the November 8 general elections. tiation for the suspension of the from the public, pixellating their before March 17, and submit them to But Suu Kyi has been stymied by the constitution Article 59 (f).” faces and disguising their voices. parliament on that day. Constitution’s Article 59 (f), which “I think everything will be fine,” In some cases, witnesses who fear While Suu Kyi herself is barred says anyone with a foreign spouse Kyaw Htwe, a senior member of the reprisals are moved to a new coun- from becoming president, there are or children cannot hold the execu- NLD, told The Associated Press. try and given a new identity. growing signs that her talks with the tive office. Suu Kyi’s late husband was “The negotiations will be pos- The trial of Gbagbo, 70, and Freed hostage Jocelyn Elliott (left), who was kidnapped with her military to remove a constitutional British as are her two sons. itive for our leader Aung San Suu his firebrand youth militia leader hurdle blocking her path can be com- Still, she has been negotiating Kyi to become president,” said Charles Ble Goude, 44, opened on husband in Burkina Faso by Al Qaeda, speaks at a news conference pleted by March 17. with commander-in-chief Gen Min Kyaw Htwe, who is also a member January 28, and is set to last three with Burkina Faso President Roch Marc Christian Kabore (centre right), Once the three names are put Aung Hlaing on having the clause of parliament. to four years. at the presidential palace in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, yesterday. PAKISTAN TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2016 13 Pakistan to ink 15-year deal for Qatari LNG

spot imports in April last year and has import capacity for around 4.4 The ruling party, million tonnes of LNG per year. The which campaigned country has also tendered for a sec- on promises of ond FSRU planned to be operational by mid 2017. solving the energy The nation of 190 million peo- crisis, wants to ple can only supply about two-thirds of its gas needs. The ruling party, ease shortages by which campaigned on promises of Pakistan International Airline (PIA) employees protest during a strike in Islamabad yesterday. The strike continued despite Prime Minister expanding LNG solving the energy crisis, wants to ease shortages by expanding LNG Nawaz Sharif’s warning that the demonstration was illegal and those taking part could face up to a year in prison under a law that restricts shipments before a shipments before a 2018 general union activity in state-administered sectors. RIGHT: A PIA plane taxis on the runway in Islamabad airport. 2018 general election election. Last month Pakistan State Oil backed out of a nearly $1bn deal to buy LNG from Royal Dutch Shell after receiving a lower price from Surge in airfares drives rail ticket sales up Reuters & Internews Qatar, sources said. Meanwhile, World Bank Pres- ident Dr Jim Yong Kim, who Internews airlines’ had also hiked their fares. “But the train revealed that a one-way ticket from Islamabad undertakes a two-day visit to Paki- wasn’t cheaper by much,” he complained, saying to Karachi, departing the next day, would cost ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is set to sign stan from today, will stress upon he ended up paying Rs5, 700 per seat. Rs19,000, while a flight departing on Feb 9 would a 15-year import deal for 3.5 million continuation of reforms, introduced Another Karachi-bound passenger, Zafar Meh- cost Rs17,500 per person. tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) by the Nawaz Sharif government. ISLAMABAD: Rizwan Ahmed wanted to take his mood, said it was very difficult to get tickets on The AirBlue website valued its Islamabad- per year from Qatar, a government “The visit is part of the continu- family to Karachi to meet his UAE-based sister-in- other private airlines, not only because they were Karachi tickets at Rs15,194 and Rs13,000 for official said yesterday. ous policy dialogue with the present law, who is visiting Pakistan. “We usually take the more expensive but also because there was a long flights departing on February 8 and February 9, Previously the two governments government,” a senior official said. train there, but my children have always wanted waiting list. “Though the train takes longer than respectively. The strike prompted a sharp rise in had discussed a 15-year deal for 1.5 Meanwhile, the director general of to go by air,” he said with a grimace. flying, it would be much better than a bus ride to train ticket sales, and in just the past week, the million tonnes per year with scope the World Trade Organization (WTO) But the PIA strike has dashed both his and his Karachi,” he said. Rawalpindi division earned Rs6.4 million every for the volume to increase over time. is also visiting Pakistan in May. children’s hopes. “Most of my relatives live in Kara- Meraj Khalid, a travel agent, said that before day, as compared to their routine daily revenue of The official said details of the Dr Kim will hold intensive chi. It wasn’t going to be easy to buy air tickets for the strike, a one-way PIA ticket from Islamabad Rs5.3 million. terms would be announced later interaction with Finance Minister all six members of my family, but I estimated it to Karachi cost anywhere between Rs7,200 and In fact, the railway management had to arrange this week, adding that Pakistan Senator Ishaq Dar, who is the main would cost me around Rs100, 000. Now that air- Rs8,200, while Shaheen Air and AirBlue tickets more coaches for Karachi-bound passengers who had secured the LNG at a compet- brain behind the massive economic fares have gone further up, I don’t think I could buy were available for Rs7,000 to Rs8,000. were left high and dry by various airlines. itive price. reforms in several spheres. the tickets even with double that money.” “However, after the suspension of PIA’s flight Normally, the Green Line train from Islamabad “Due to the drop in oil prices, This will be the first visit of a Ahmed has since had to shelve his plans to visit operations, fares almost doubled overnight. On the to Karachi has 150 to 200 passengers onboard, but we were able to secure a very viable World Bank President to Pakistan Karachi. “We will try to convince my sister-in-law instructions of the airlines, we started charging that number has since risen to over 300, with an deal. It has been a very favourable in last 10 years, second in last 18 to come up Islamabad, and may be we can take her Rs19,000 for a single seat and Rs23,000 in case of additional two or three coaches being attached to deal to Pakistan,” the official said, years. This is also the first visit of to Swat to enjoy the snowfall,” he said. three or more than three seats,” he said. the train to cater to rising demand. adding that the deal’s first volumes Dr Kim, who has been in office for He is not alone; travel plans of scores of peo- Khalid explained that a single seat was easier Pakistan Express, Tezgam as well as the Quetta could be delivered as early as March four years now. ple from across the country have been in flux ever to arrange, but if five or eight members of a fam- and Mehar expresses also saw passenger numbers or April. The visit is an endorsement of since protesting PIA employees abandoned flight ily wanted seats on the same flight, it would cost increasing manifold. “This is usually lean season Pakistan, along with Egypt and the reforms initiated by the cur- operations on February 2. them extra to get adjacent seats. for rail travellers, but the situation which developed Jordan, were newcomers to the LNG rent government in various sectors But PIA’s loss turned out to be Pakistan Rail- International fares were also jacked up. “Before after the PIA employees went on strike forced pas- import market in 2015, helping drive and acknowledgement of macro- ways’ gain. “My family would much rather travel February 2, a return ticket to Jeddah cost around sengers to shift to this mode of travel,” said Pakistan up demand and absorb growing economic stability in the fields of long distances by train rather than going by bus,” Rs55,000, but the next day, fares increased to Railways Divisional Superintendent Abdul Malik world supplies from a wave of new growth, foreign-exchange reserves, said Ahmed Saleem, whose Karachi-bound flight around Rs88,000 and currently, tickets are being said. Bus fares, however, have remained largely projects. inflation, tax revenues, investment, ended up being cancelled. sold for Rs70,000. Even the Saudi Arabian Airlines unchanged. AzfarMehmood of the Daewoo Bus Pakistan’s first floating import fiscal deficit etc., achieved in the last He said that after waiting for two days, he and has been charging Rs70,000 for a return ticket,” he Service said that a single ticket from Islamabad to terminal (FSRU) received its initial two years. his family brought train tickets to Karachi, as other said. A visit to the Shaheen Air website on Monday Karachi still cost Rs4, 300.

US praises anti-terror Two suicide bombers kill 9 in Afghanistan operation AFP threw himself against a bus carry- with Pakistan. The attack killed six foreign targets in Afghanistan this and the United States have pinned ing Afghan troops in the northern civilians and wounded 10. winter, when fighting usually abates, their hopes on a peace settlement. Internews province of Balkh, killing three sol- “We don’t know what the target of underscoring a worsening security On Saturday representatives from diers and wounding eight, the defence the attacker was but all the casualties situation. Afghanistan, Pakistan, China and KHOST, AFGHANISTAN: Nine peo- ministry said. are civilians,” Yahyakhail district gov- Afghan troops and police have the US announced that direct talks ple were killed and eighteen injured A spokesman for the provincial ernor Musa Jan Kharoti said. suffered record casualties since Nato between Kabul and the Taliban were ISLAMABAD: Last year, Paki- in two separate suicide attacks in governor, Munir Ahmad Farhad, said The account was confirmed by the ended its combat mission in Decem- expected to take place by the end of stan took some concrete steps in Afghanistan yesterday, authori- the bomber ran towards the bus as provincial deputy governor Attaul- ber 2014, leaving them to battle the the month, indicating the insurgent the war against terrorism but its ties said, days after a fresh round of it slowed down for a speed bump in lah Fazly. resurgent Taliban largely on their group were willing to return to nego- actions also pushed a large number international talks aimed at reviving Dehdadi, a district near the provin- There was no immediate claim own. tiations six months after an earlier of extremists into Afghanistan, dialogue with the Islamist group. cial capital Mazar-i-Sharif. of responsibility for the attack in At least twenty Afghan policemen round of dialogue fell apart. says the outgoing US commander The militant group is stepping up In the afternoon another suicide Paktika. The Taliban, whose hard- were killed on February 1 when a sui- Pakistan backed the Islamist for Afghanistan. “Pakistan has attacks nationwide in the 15th year of attacker blew himself up among a line regime was toppled by a US-led cide bomber struck outside their base group during their 1996-2001 rule done a lot of stuff in the last year. its insurgency against the Western- crowd of people queueing outside coalition in 2001, claimed responsi- in the capital Kabul. and is accused of continuing to shel- It’s very courageous of Gen Raheel backed government in Kabul. a bakery in Yahyakhail, a remote bility for the attack on the army bus. With neither side in the conflict ter its leaders in exile. Its role is seen Sharif, the Chief of Pakistani Army, The carnage began yesterday district in the volatile southeastern The group have stepped up their seemingly able to accomplish a deci- as key in persuading the Taliban to to have Pakistani military opera- morning when a suicide bomber province of Paktika on the border campaign against government and sive victory, Kabul, regional powers return to talks. tions,” Gen John Campbell told the House Armed Services Committee. “But the result of that has driven a lot of that into Afghanistan and the Afghan forces have had to deal with Praying for the deceased Punjab schools given till that as well,” he added. A transcript, released here, shows a candid dis- cussion between the general and Feb 13 to improve security the lawmakers on Pakistan’s role in the Afghan war and how he thinks Pakistan can help restore peace Internews private schools, for security arrange- in its neighbourhood. During the ments. He said Punjab police has debate, a lawmaker, Congressman issued notices to 1,312 private edu- Dough Lamborn, asked the general cational institutions across the if he was satisfied with the current RAWALPINDI: The Punjab province province. rules of engagement and hot pur- government has given private and “In Rawalpindi, the local police suit into Pakistan. public sector schools until February forced schools in narrow streets to “Would you like more flexibility 13 to improve on their security defi- install barriers in front of the school when it comes to pursuing peo- ciencies, and have threatened strict gates, but this wasn’t possible for the ple who have committed terrorist action if they fail to do so. school management as local resi- or other violent acts and are melt- However, private schools threat- dents resented the closure of streets ing back into Pakistan, to be able to ened to close down schools across and roads by the schools,” he said. strike them even if they’re right at the province if local police did not He said school administrations the border,” the congressman asked. stop harassing them in the name of had been asked to submit a fee of “Sir, as a matter of course oper- security. The threat was made by the Rs7, 000 per pistol or rifle licence ational security reasons we don’t All Pakistan Private Schools Man- with the District Coordination Office. talk about rules of engagement in agement Association, in a meeting “We are ready to submit the fee, but an open forum,” the general replied. held in Rawalpindi. APPSMA presi- the government should understand “We have commitment, we’re going dent AdeebJadawani and Rawalpindi the problems of the private schools to work on the security, help build chapter president Abrar Ahmed as well,” he said. School admin- their security,” he said, explaining Khan demanded that private schools’ istrations were also forced to sign that a better option than sending problems be addressed otherwise, statements saying that, upon the troops to Pakistan on hot pursuits People and relatives pray after the burial of an Afghan presidential palace guard who was killed by schools would be closed. completion of security measures, the would be to train Afghan security unknown gunmen, in Bahsood district of Nangarhar province, yesterday. Khan said that the police was management would be responsible forces to fight terrorists. causing unnecessary problems for in case of any untoward situation. 14 TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2016 INDIA

Leopard in school

A man identified by the media as a wildlife conservationist is attacked by a leopard at a private school on the outskirts of Bengaluru on Sunday. RIGHT: A man with a tranquiliser gun prepares to shoot as the panicked animal injured six persons before being tranquilised. Assembly can’t Probe into suspected death by meteorite

Reuters man “sustained serious injuries and investigations found no evidence of meteorite strike was in 1825, accord- died while on the way to the hospital”. explosive material at the site. ing to a list kept by International Jayalalithaa, a former film star, “When no evidence of explosive Comet Quarterly, a scientific journal. be summoned left tight-lipped local officials strug- material was found, we moved to the Simon Goodwin, an astrophys- CHENNAI: Indian scientists are gling to explain the mystery blast at theory that it might be a meteorite,” ics expert from Britain’s University of investigating whether a man was the engineering college that left a said a district official who asked not Sheffield, said meteorite deaths were killed by a meteorite, which if con- small crater and broke windows. be named. “It is not confirmed yet as rare because the rocks usually burn firmed would be the first recorded The bus driver was standing on samples need to be analysed.” up when passing through the Earth’s on whims: SC death from falling fragments of space a patch of grass near the college caf- A team from the Indian Institute atmosphere or land in the ocean or rock in almost 200 years. eteria when he was killed, while of Astrophysics was expected to visit hit remote areas. Jayalalithaa Jayaram, the chief two gardeners and a student were today to collect samples. “When you look at the fraction If the chief minister fails to do minister of Tamil Nadu, has said a bus injured, officials said. A dark blue G Baskar, the principal of the col- of the Earth’s surface that is heavily so, the governor has three options driver at a college in her state was stone resembling a diamond was lege in Vellore district, was working in populated, it’s not very much,” he said. Supreme Court — dismiss the government under killed by the meteorite and awarded found at the scene. his cabin when he heard an explosion. In 2013, a meteorite exploded over questions power Article 164 (1) of the constitution, Rs100,000 ($1,470) in compensation Government officials at first “It was a sound like nothing I’ve central Russia, raining fireballs over send a report to the president invok- to his family. suspected the blast was caused ever heard before,” he said. “There a vast area and causing a shock wave of Governor in ing Article 356 or call a session of “A meteorite fell within the col- by explosives accidentally left was no smell at all, no fire, nothing.” that smashed windows, damaged Arunachal the assembly. lege premises,” Jayalalithaa said. The after building work. However, The last reported death from a buildings and injured 1,200 people. As Justice Khehar observed that Pradesh case the governor could not summon the assembly on his whims and fancies, Justice Dipak Misra observed that the Five arrested for “occasion has not arisen here (in the Chinese New Year IANS case of Arunachal Pradesh)”. In another poser, the bench running gambling asked Dwivedi: “Who has the pri- macy in such a situation?” As the racket across NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court senior counsel said that “primacy is yesterday said Arunachal Pradesh with the elected government”, the north India Governor Jyoti Prasad Rajkhowa court asked if there was any discre- can’t summon on his “whims and tion with the governor. fancies” the assembly session to Dwivedi reiterated that if the IANS test the majority of Chief Minister chief minister failed to convene an Naban Tuki’s government (since dis- assembly session, the governor in missed). exercise of his discretionary power NEW DELHI: Five people of a “You (governor) can’t ask (the was entitled to call the assembly gambling racket, allegedly spread house to assemble) on your whims session. across north India, have been and fancies,” an apex court consti- In a related development, arrested here, police said yester- tution bench comprising Justices Speaker Nabam Rabia has moved day. Kulwinder Singh, 50, Inderpal, Jagdish Singh Khehar, Dipak Misra, the apex court to seek status quo in 43, Pradeep Chopra, 39, and San- Madan B Lokur, Pinaki Chandra the matter. deep Shegal, 41, were arrested on Ghosh and N V Ramana observed. Senior counsel Fali S Nariman Saturday from a west Delhi house The court’s observation came in told the court that Deputy Speaker that was being used by the accused the course of the submissions made T Norbu Thongdok had written to as their work station for operating by senior counsel Rakesh Dwivedi, Governor Rajkhowa that he was the racket, police said. appearing for 14 MLAs disquali- the speaker and sought records Rajeev Anand, 39, was later fied by Speaker Nabam Rabia, who pertaining to the speaker’s office picked up from Punjab on the defended the governor’s action to as custodian of the assembly. information supplied by those summon an assembly session on Nariman said the governor had arrested previously. December 16 at a community hall sought legal opinion on Thongdok’s Police said Singh and Anand in Itanagar. plea. were the heads of the gambling Dwivedi contended that if the Making it clear that it would not racket which was being operated governor is satisfied that the chief pass orders on a daily basis on the across north India including in minister has lost the majority sup- affairs of Arunachal Pradesh, the Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Har- A Chinese woman watches as performers carrying lion masks arrive to take part in the celebrations port in the assembly he could ask the court said it will decide when Rab- yana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, to mark the Chinese New Year in Kolkata yesterday. latter to convene the assembly ses- ia’s plea filed last evening is put up Delhi and some parts of Rajasthan sion to prove his majority. before the bench. and Madhya Pradesh. “Three laptops with gambling software, 11 mobile phones with SIM cards and other incriminating material along with cash amount Nida Fazli, 78, straddled Urdu poetry and Hindi film lyrics of Rs9m (stake money) were recov- ered from the west Delhi house from where the miscreants were operating the racket,” Deputy IANS the times to come. “Nida Fazli Sahab Mangeshkar, who sang many of his Ahista”), “Tu is tarha se meri zind- Commissioner of Police (Special is no longer with us but his verses will songs, termed Fazli’s passing away agime shamil hai” (“Aat To Aise Na Cell) Sanjeev Yadav said. live on and so will his contribution to as “a great loss to the film industry”. The”), “Hoshwalon ko khabar kya” The officer said that Anand is writing and cinema,” Modi tweeted. Fazli was awarded the Sahitya (“Sarfarosh”), “Aa bhi jaa,” (“Sur”). He involved in organised gambling for MUMBAI: Renowned Urdu poet and “My thoughts are with the admir- Akademi Award and the Padma Shri. also penned for films like “Razia Sul- over 20 years and was previously Bollywood lyricist Muqtida Hasan ers of Nida Fazli Sahab. His demise Born in a Kashmiri family in Delhi tan”, “Nakhuda”, “Harjaee”, “Yatra”, involved in 12 cases of gambling Nida Fazli (pictured), died here is indeed very saddening,” he added. in October 1938, his parents migrated “Is Raat Ki Subah Nahin”, “Tamanna” and cheating in Punjab. yesterday after suffering a bout of Congress president Sonia Gandhi to Pakistan after Partition, but he and many others. The officer said customers breathlessness followed by a mas- and vice-president Rahul Gandhi also chose to stay back. Fazli published collections of placed stake on particular num- sive heart attack, a family source said. expressed condolences over Fazli’s He came to Mumbai in 1964 hop- poetry which include “Lafzon Ke bers with the agents who charged Political leaders and film celebrities demise and said he would be remem- ing to make a career in Bollywood and Phool”, “Mor Naach”, “Aankh Aur 10 percent from them and sent condoled his death. bered forever for his writing which also wrote for certain top Hindi mag- Khwab Ke Darmiyan”, “Safar Mein these numbers to bigger agents He was 78 and is survived by his enthralled an entire generation. azines of that era and later started Dhoop To Hogi”, “Khoya Hua Sa popularly called Khaiwal. wife and daughter. Maharashtra Chief Minister Dev- penning lyrics for Hindi film songs. Kuchh” and “Duniya Ek Khilona Hai”. “These Khaiwals further sent Prime Minister Narendra Modi endra Fadnavis said Urdu literature His soulful ghazals include the Fazli and the late legendary these numbers through email to said Fazli’s verses and his contribution has lost a popular figure in Faz- evergreen “Kabhi kisi ko mukam- ghazal maestro Jagjit Singh teamed up main gambling operators known to cinema and writing will endure in li’s death, while Bharat Ratna Lata mal jahan nahin milta” (“Ahista, for a musical album “Insight” in 1994. as Company.” INDIA TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2016 15 Two attempts to attack Mumbai failed in 2008 HEADY SAGA OF DAVID HEADLEY

Former Lashkar-e- David Headley grew up in a Taiba militant David strict Pakistani boarding school before becoming a barman at his Coleman Headley family tavern in Philadelphia in the names officers US and making contacts with Paki- stani spy agencies who made him of Pakistani play a key role in the 2008 Mum- Army and ISI bai terror attack.

In 1998, he was jailed for two years for smuggling heroin into the US from Pakistan. After the IANS jail term, he went to Pakistan to conduct undercover surveil- October 3, 2009: Nearly a year lance operations for the US Drug after the Mumbai carnage, Headley, Enforcement Administration. on his way to Pakistan, is arrested MUMBAI: Lashkar-e-Taiba terror- at O’Hare International Airport in ist-turned-approver David Coleman November 26-28, 2008: Ten Chicago. Headley yesterday revealed a goldmine Pakistani terrorists sail into India of information for Indian authorities and kill 166 people over three days December 2011: India’s on the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, at multiple locations. Headley con- National Investigating Agency while speaking on video link from a fessed to scouting each of these files charges against Headley, his US jail to Special TADA Court Judge G targets earlier. Pakistani-Canadian accomplice A Sanap here. Tahawwur Rana, Lashkar founder Among the stunning disclosures February 2006: Headley Hafiz Saeed and seven others for was an unknown fact that two unsuc- changes his name from the Mus- conspiring to attack India. cessful attempts were made in Mumbai lim Daood Gilani to give himself in September and October 2008 which Mumbai’s Taj Mahal Hotel, one of the sites attacked by militants, in flames on November 27, 2008. an American identity, apparently January 24, 2013: He gets 35 failed, before the final strike at mul- to enter India and other countries years in prison in a court in Chi- tiple locations in south Mumbai on easily. cago for the Mumbai attack and a November 26-29, 2008. Saeed and said he was “inspired” by To a query by Nikam on “sophisti- after the terror attack was success- foiled attempt to strike at the office He spilled the names of officials Saeed’s fiery speeches to join the group cated weapons training”, Headley said fully executed. 2006-08: He visits India five of Jyllands-Posten, a Danish news- connected to the Pakistan Army and and was trained in 2002. if an AK-47 was sophisticated, then he Sajid Mir, his LeT handler who had times from September 2006 to paper that published caricature of spoke of their role, its dreaded Inter- Both Saeed and Lakhvi used to was trained to operate it. advised him to change his name even July 2008 to video various poten- Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). Services Intelligence (ISI), the LeT address these terror training camps, About the motive behind joining in the passport, had told him to make tial targets for the terrorists. and others involved in the conspir- while others like Abu Furkad, Sanaul- the LeT, Headley said he wanted to general video shoots of various loca- December 10, 2015: The special acy, planning and execution of the lah, Abu Hanzala, Abu Saif, Abu assist the Kashmiris fighting against tions in Mumbai. March 2009: Even after the anti-terror court in Mumbai par- 26/11 attacks that killed 166 people Fahadullah and Abu Usman were his the Indian Army in the border state. To a question by Nikam, Headley Mumbai carnage that drew inter- dons Headley after he agrees to be and injured hundreds. trainers, he said. But, when he desired to join the named one person — Raymond Sand- national headlines, Headley an approver in cases related to the “Headley has made several sensi- In those two years, he was given Kashmiris, Saeed dissuaded him and ers, a visa consultant, who helped him returns to India for his sixth trip 2008 attack. tive revelations. We are satisfied with leadership training, how to han- said he had another “important assign- get an Indian visa in Chicago. to plot another attack, with pos- February 8, 2016: Headley the evidence,” said a pleased Special dle AK-47 assault rifles, bombs and ment” for him in mind. However, Headley said most of the sible targets being the National testifies before a special court in Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam. explosives. On the two unsuccessful attempts information on his visa application Defence College in Delhi and Mumbai from a US prison through Headley also named LeT founder to wreak havoc in Mumbai that year, was false — except his date of birth Chabad houses in several cities. video link. Hafiz Saeed and his close associate Headley said 10 terrorists were to and place, mother’s name and nation- Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi — both sus- strike in the first attempt in Septem- ality and the passport number — as he pected since the investigations were ber 2008, but the terrorists’ boat hit did not want to blow his cover or get launched by Indian agencies after the rocks in the Arabian Sea, resulting in detected by Indian agencies. attacks. loss of weapons and ammunition, but Earlier, Headley, 56, said he was Naming two people directly linked those on board survived as they wore born on June 30, 1960, in the US and with the Pakistan Army and the ISI life jackets. shifted to Pakistan later where he — Major Iqbal and Major Ali — Head- The second attempt came in Octo- changed his name to Daood Sayeed ley said how he was arrested by the ber, with the same people involved Gilani, which was appreciated by Hafiz Pakistan Army around 2002 when he as in the first, but that also failed for Saeed and others in LeT. was going to meet a drug smuggler to unknown reasons, before the third Flanked by three people at an make arrangements to send arms and and successful attack was executed undisclosed location in the US — his ammunition consignments to Kash- on November 26 that year, he said. attorney John, US attorney Sarah and miri groups fighting the Indian Army. Headley provided details of his a person identified only as Bob — The two army majors also super- passport with an American name Headley was administered the oath at vised his two-year-long training by and spoke of his seven to eight trips 7.30am and Special Public Prosecutor the LeT at a camp in Muzaffarabad, to Mumbai and one to New Delhi Nikam started firing questions at him. which is in Pakistan-occupied Kash- between 2006 and 2008 before the “The evidence coming out today mir (PoK), he added. 26/11 attacks. could be very significant,” said emi- Admitting he was a LeT function- File picture of LeT terrorist The trips included seven via Paki- nent lawyer Mahesh Jethmalani, who Anjali Waghmare (front, second left), the state appointed lawyer for ary, Headley identified a picture of Mohammad Ajmal Kasab, a key stan and one via the United Arab is helping out Headley’s attorneys in his main contact in the terror group perpetrator of the carnage in Emirates (UAE). He made yet another connection with the procedural issues Mohammad Ajmal Kasab arrives outside Arthur Road jail in Mumbai — Sajid Mir — and LeT founder Hafiz Mumbai, in police custody. trip to Mumbai on March 7, 2009, pertaining to Indian laws. on April 15, 2009.

CPI-M denies link with Delhi municipal workers divided over suspending strike

Kerala bar IANS will resume work from tomorrow our issues are settled. This includes the salaries till January. “The head- A division bench of Chief Jus- (today),” said Rajesh Mishra, pres- clearing of salaries and arrears, as quarters have already released the tice G Rohini and Justice Jayant Nath owners ident of the United Front of MCD well as confirming ad hoc employees funds for clearing the salary dues of asked the civic workers to call off Employees which represents munici- in service,” Morcha president Sanjay all employees till December. By Feb- their strike as they had been paid NEW DELHI: Don’t expect clearing pal engineers, nurses, gardeners and Gehlot said. ruary 15, all employees will get their their January salary. The joint front of IANS up of the litter on the streets of the sanitation workers etc. “The corporations are misrep- salaries till January,” Mann told IANS. sanitation workers assured the bench national capital any time soon! Soon However, the Swatantra Mazdoor resenting facts before the court that “If some people have not got sal- that they would end the strike imme- after striking civic workers assured Vikas Sanyukt Morcha, a union exclu- they have cleared all arrears of sal- aries, it may be due to delay at the diately and resume work. the Delhi High Court yesterday to sively of sanitation workers, refused aries till January. On Wednesday, we zonal level, and not due to lack of “All the safai karamchaaris THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The suspend their ongoing agitation, to suspend the strike till the next court will go to the court with updated bank funds,” he added. are now calling off the strike and Communist Party of India-Marx- differences arose among them on hearing, alleging that the municipal passbooks,” Gehlot added. Earlier, the striking employees resuming work immediately. We ist has no link with the liquor resumption of work. corporations of Delhi were “misrep- Nevertheless, Y S Mann, spokes- of the three civic bodies in Delhi had will monitor this petition (for further bar owners of Kerala and never “We have suspended our strike till resenting” facts before the court. man for the north and east Delhi agreed to call off their strike and hearing on arrears issue),” the bench promised to get their businesses the next hearing on Wednesday after “We have not ended our strike municipal corporations, said funds resume work following the interven- said, taking into note the submissions reopened if it came to power, a top the court’s assurance. Our workers and will not return to work till all have already been released for paying tion of the Delhi High Court. of the safai karamcharis union. party leader said yesterday. Responding to fresh “reve- lations” in the bar bribery scam that came in the form of an audio CD telecast by TV channels here Mass dip Rights body blames Odisha yesterday, State CPI-M secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said: “We are not fools to collude with the govt for student’s suicide bar owners to pull down the Ker- ala government.” The new audio CD shows IANS she had actually cleared the exam, whistleblower bar owner Biju the NHRC said. Ramesh saying at a meeting of The commission took cognisance the bar owners’ association that of the matter following a complaint they have got assurances from BHUBANESWAR: The NHRC yes- that Rasmita Sahu, daughter of Bim- Balakrishnan that the closed bars terday issued notice to the Odisha sen Sahu of Bhaliabadi village near will be reopened. government, holding it responsi- Khurda town, could not bear the The CD also has Ramesh say- ble for negligence in publishing an trauma of failing her Class 10 board ing that both Balakrishnan and erroneous exam result that led to examination conducted by the Board CPI-M politburo member Pinarayi the suicide of a Class 10 girl student. of Secondary Education, Odisha, and Vijayan want the Chandy govern- The National Human Rights committed suicide on May 1, 2014. ment to be pulled down over the Commission asked the Odisha However, in the revised result, bar bribery scam. government why it should not rec- released on May 2, 2014, she was Balakrishnan said it is an ommend payment of Rs300,000 as shown as passed. edited CD and that a senior police monetary relief to the kin of the girl NHRC member Justice D Murug- official is behind putting it in the student, who committed suicide after esan, in the notice issued to the chief public domain. Hindu devotees gather to take a holy dip at Sangam — the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna getting an erroneous result. It gave secretary, set aside the contention “The government should put and the mythical Saraswati — to mark “Mauni Amavasya” during the annual Magh Mela festival in six weeks to the state government to of the state government that the out the unedited version of this Allahabad yesterday. respond. In the board exam results, student committed suicide as she CD,” he said. the girl was shown as failed while apprehended a poor performance. 16 TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2016 EUROPE Refugee crisis may worsen if UK leaves EU

there specifically because they want to come to the UK, who would then Leaving the bloc come to the UK ... there would be could harm an nothing to stop thousands of people agreement with crossing the Channel overnight,” the spokesman added. France, which allows Britain’s border with France is on British border guards the French side of the Channel that separates the countries and at the to make immigration northern port town of Calais, thou- checks there, a sands of migrants are living in the so-called “Jungle” camp in the hope spokesman of Prime of crossing to England. Minister David The arrangement has been criti- cised by some French officials, with Cameron said Calais mayor Natacha Bouchart call- ing for the border controls in her town to be returned to Britain. Cameron has thrown his weight Reuters behind a plan by European Council President Donald Tusk to keep Brit- ain in the 28-member bloc, saying if agreed by other EU leaders, he would LONDON: Thousands of refugees have got the best deal for Britain and Police separate far right demonstrators holding Greek flags, who gathered against the construction of a new transit camp for refugees and could flock to Britain from France if would campaign to stay in. migrants , from pro-migrant demonstrators near the port of Piraeus in Athens area, yesterday. voters decide to leave the European Many in his own ruling Conserv- Union, a spokesman for David Cam- ative Party have accused Cameron eron said yesterday, underlining the of refusing to seriously entertain a prime minister’s stance that an exit departure from the European Union, Dutch step up border controls as migrant flows continue would hurt security. and those campaigning to leave said In what critics said was the start the latest warning had been choreo- of a “campaign of fear” to try to keep graphed to instil fear in voters. Reuters “Those measures helped, but we By slowing traffic as it crossed the claim asylum on the grounds of war voters in the European Union, the “The prime minister is now were still seeing a rising number of border, border police would be better or the risk of oppression or torture. spokesman said leaving the bloc resorting to scaremongering,” said smugglers being arrested, and you are able to pick out vehicles that needed The aim was not to reimpose bor- could harm an agreement with Arron Banks, the co-founder of seeing more people coming from safe closer attention, Dijkhoff said. Last der controls as Europe seeks a solution France which allows British border Leave.EU. “The agreement we have AMSTERDAM: The Netherlands has countries, who aren’t eligible for asy- year, Dutch border police arrested to the crisis, Dijkhoff said. “We want guards to make immigration checks to process migrants in Calais is with stepped up the monitoring of traffic lum,” state secretary Klaas Dijkhoff 330 people on suspicion of people to reach a deal with Greece and Tur- there. France, not the EU. There is no rea- crossing its frontiers, a government told reporters. smuggling, 200 of them during mobile key to close the borders, but until that “We have that relationship with son for this to change on leaving the minister said yesterday , as countries The Netherlands received border checks. happens we will have to take our own the French partly because we are EU,” he said in a statement. across Europe move to tighten border 200,000 immigrants last year, which The measures would mean that measures.” both partners in the EU. Should we Asked whether Cameron had controls in response to an unprece- fuelled a backlash against immigra- arrivals from safe countries and those The vast stream of migrants flee- leave the EU there is no guarantee launched ‘project fear’, his spokes- dented migration crisis. tion in a country that was once known who had made asylum applications in ing war and poverty in the Middle East that we would see those controls man said the leader was raising a The move follows a decision last for the generosity of its open-borders several countries could be told there has forced countries across the Euro- continuing,” the spokesman said. genuine concern, especially since September to deploy mobile border policy. In the 1960s, a period of high was no point in going further, he said. pean Union to impose extraordinary “If those controls didn’t con- voters have repeatedly said they guard units along roads and railways growth, the country opened its bor- Safe countries are designated protective measures, placing the bloc’s tinue then as we know there are wanted him to tackle rising migra- lines to intercept migrants and sepa- ders to migrant workers from Turkey under European rules, meaning passport-free Schengen zone under thousands of people there, who are tion in the EU renegotiation. rate them from asylum seekers. and Morocco. migrants from those countries cannot pressure. Two German carnival parades cancelled over high winds Russia nabs ‘IS group’ in Urals AFP characters typically depict scenes touching on current affairs and poli- MOSCOW: Russia has detained tics, often with brazen messages. seven alleged members of the One float in Duesseldorf, which Islamic State group who wanted to BERLIN: Winter storms forced Ger- was set to stay grounded because stage terror attacks in Moscow and man carnival organisers to cancel of the weather, commented on the Saint Petersburg, authorities said parades in two western cities yes- Cologne attacks against hundreds yesterday. The group was held on terday and to scale back festivities in of women that shocked the nation, Sunday in the Urals city of Yekat- Cologne, the traditional home of the blamed mainly on North African men. erinburg and included Russians and annual fancy dress celebrations. It showed two men labelled Central Asian nationals, while its Costumed revellers in Cologne “attackers” strapped to a firework leader came from Turkey, the FSB braved intermittent rains for the rocket, with a message predicting a security service said in a statement. event, held under tight security to pre- better New Year’s Eve 2016. The suspects had planned to vent attacks or a repeat of the mass Rose Monday marks the tra- stage attacks in the Russian cap- assaults on women that marred the ditional highlight of carnival ital, Saint Petersburg and the city’s New Year celebrations. celebrations in the Rhineland which Sverdlovsk region, which includes However, forecasts of high winds began last Thursday and end on the Yekaterinburg, the FSB said. with gusts of about 85 to 100 kilome- eve of Ash Wednesday, the start of During a search of the sus- tre per hour led the Rhine river city Lent in the Catholic tradition. pects’ homes, the authorities found to ban large floats, signs and flags as Police in Cologne have been a makeshift laboratory to make well as the use of horses. struggling to restore public confidence explosive devices, grenades, weap- The so-called Rose Monday after hundreds of women said they ons and extremist literature, among parades were called off altogether in were groped and robbed in a mob of other things, the FSB said. the cities of Duesseldorf and Mainz mostly North African and Arab men After the attacks the suspects because of the harsh weather. in chaotic New Year festivities. had planned to travel to Syria to The light-hearted celebrations Security fears have been height- fight alongside IS jihadists, the usually draw tens of thousands of rev- ened by concern that jihadists may statement said, adding that the ellers dressed in costumes that range take advantage of the massive influx security service had opened a from cowboys, pirates and super- of refugees into Europe to slip in criminal probe. On September 30, heroes to Star Wars characters and undetected, with Germany partic- Moscow launched a bombing cam- horror movie monsters. ularly vulnerable after taking in 1.1 paign in Syria, saying it needed to A carnival float depicting US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump (left) and the Statue of The crowds cheer parades with million asylum seekers last year target IS fighters before they cross Liberty stands in front of the city hall in Duesseldorf, western Germany, yesterday. floats on which large papier-mache alone. into Russia.

Over 180 swine flu deaths in Ukraine Storm in South England

AFP and animals, accounted for 184 of were swine flu related. the fatalities. Health ministry officials ques- The so-called swine flu is trans- tioned by reporters could not provide mitted between people through immediate information about swine KIEV: More than 180 people have inhalation, but not from eating flu cases in previous years. died of swine flu in Ukraine since related products, according to the At least 50 people have also died late September, the health ministry health experts. from the virus in neighbouring Rus- said yesterday, adding that three of The figures issued yesterday only sia, according to calculations based the victims were children. cover the government-run parts on data from regional health author- The war-scarred former Soviet of Ukraine, with no official data ities received on January 26. country has been swept by a general available for southeastern regions A major H1N1 outbreak sparked flu epidemic that overall has claimed controlled by pro-Russian rebels a World Health Organisation pan- 220 lives since September 28, when since April 2014. demic alert in June 2009, after the the first illness was recorded, the The ministry said the largest virus emerged from Mexico and the ministry said. number of lethal cases were recorded United States. It said the H1N1 virus, a respi- in the central Black Sea region of The epidemic killed around Waves crash over Newhaven harbour on the south coast of England yesterday, as the latest storm ratory disease that is contracted Odessa, where 38 people have died. It 18,500 people in 214 countries. The continues across the south of England. through contact between humans did not say how many of those deaths alert was lifted in August 2010. EUROPE TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2016 17 Poland’s right-wing govt shakes up public media

AFP and harsh criticisms both at home paying a hefty price for the changes. says Godzic. Similarly, TVP portrays involves a recent report titled and across Europe. According to the Wirtualne Media “the government as being competent, “Where is the KOD?”, referring to a After coming to The EU even launched an unprec- (WM) ratings tracker website, it lost while the opposition is shown as being pro-democracy group that organ- power in October, edented probe to see if the Polish 10 percent of its audience, or 410,000 divided and frivolous,” he adds. ised protests against the judicial and WARSAW: Within a few short weeks government violated the bloc’s viewers, in January compared to the The general message is that media changes by the Pis government. Poland’s public media have become the Law and Justice democracy rules and merited puni- previous year. Poland “is headed in the right direc- Showing an empty street, a TVP more combative, more eurosceptic Party led by Jaroslaw tive measures. Wieslaw Godzic, a sociolo- tion and there’s no reason for worry”. journalist tells the camera that this is and more favourably disposed to the The installation of PiS allies in gist focused on the media, says “The principle of dialogue” in the the “first weekend without big street authorities, amid a purge by the new Kaczynski passed TVP’s management triggered the that the change in tone at TVP is public media between opposing polit- protests since KOD was created” and right-wing government that has trig- a law allowing the highly controversial sacking of jour- unmistakable. ical forces has been set aside, he notes. asks whether “protestors have lost gered broad outcry, experts say. nalists more closely associated with Opposition politicians critical of Similar, though less noticeable their fire or changed strategy”. After scoring a landslide victory in treasury minister to the defeated Civic Platform (PO) lib- the PiS government still get air time, changes, have appeared at Polish The next part of the report, which October elections, the governing Law name a director to erals, including Tomasz Lis—an but critics say some reports raise seri- public radio. did include statements by opposition and Justice (PiS) party led by Jaroslaw oversee public radio unabashed Kaczynski opponent— ous doubts about TVP’s impartiality. There, themes cherished by politicians, appeared to take a biased Kaczynski made no secret of its desire and moderates like Piotr Krasko and Godzic gave the example of a the PiS like patriotism and historic stance against the KOD. to “reform” public broadcasters alleg- and TV Karolina Lewicka. national police chief hired by the heroism appear to be popping up In reality, the group had not pro- ing—not without justification—that “Over the last few weeks we’ve PiS, favourably portrayed in full in programming with increasing tested on consecutive weekends, they were full of people loyal to the witnessed a very critical tone towards regalia showing off the extrava- frequency. nor had it planned a demonstra- outgoing centrist government. the European Union, especially in gant office his predecessor equipped Meanwhile, the influx of new, tion for the weekend shown in the The PiS wasted no time in passing over public broadcaster TVP. the context of the migrant crisis,” a using public funds, while an inter- often inexperienced, journalists to TVP report. a law allowing the treasury minister The legislation giving the gov- Western diplomat in Warsaw said on view with the former chief fired by TVP has brought with it a series of Turning a deaf ear to an uproar to name a director to oversee public ernment control over Poland’s condition of anonymity. PiS was unflattering and virtually gaffes that have been lampooned by of ridicule and criticism, TVP left the radio and TV, leading to loyalists like public broadcasters and top court TVP’s prime time evening news unintelligible. leading leftist daily, Gazeta Wyborcza. report up on its website for several Jacek Kurski, a former PiS MEP, taking prompted a series of demonstrations show Wiadomosci appears to be “It all smacks of manipulation,” A well-known case in point days before it finally disappeared.

Bus film stunt shakes Londoners Ex-Putin ally faces jail after breaching court orders

Bloomberg Court. He claims Russia stripped him of investments after he fell out of favour with the Kremlin. Inter- national Industrial Bank filed the MOSCOW: Former Russian sen- lawsuit seeking to jail Pugachev as ator Sergei Pugachev is facing jail it attempts to recover funds it says he after a British judge found him guilty embezzled as the firm neared col- of breaching a dozen court orders lapse in 2010. including failing to hand over travel The judge found Pugachev guilty documents and passwords to e-mail of breaching 12 of 17 court orders, accounts. including giving false evidence and Pugachev is subject to a $2bn failing to account for two cars. He worldwide asset freeze following the was cleared of breaching five orders, collapse of International Industrial including removing the yacht ‘Vic- Bank, which he founded. He will be toria’ from the jurisdiction. sentenced tomorrow, , Judge Vivien History suggests Pugachev’s Rose said yesterday during a hear- committal could prompt a lengthy ing in London. extradition battle as authorities Pugachev didn’t attend the hear- seek to bring him to justice. Former ing and is currently in France. BTA Bank Chairman Mukhtar The former Putin ally and sena- Ablyazov sparked an almost tor for the Tuva region on the border seven-year extradition fight after with Mongolia fled to France in early prosecutors in Kazakhstan issued The explosion of a red double decker bus in central London alarmed witnesses unaware that it was actually a stunt for a Jackie Chan 2015, saying he had concerns over an international arrest warrant in action film. The shooting was held on Lambeth Bridge in London. his own safety, according to doc- 2009, claiming he embezzled more uments filed at the London High than $5bn from BTA. Spanish grave opened on Italy seeks answers as anger mounts over student’s death

AFP fractures all over his body. daily Il Manifesto, fuelling specu- should be taken very seriously.” order of Argentine judge Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni lation that links to local opposition Renzi faces a difficult balancing said that Egypt appeared to be col- figures may have resulted in him act in handling the fallout from Rege- laborating with a team of Italian being targeted. ni’s death. Too much overt criticism unearths painful past ROME: Italy yesterday warned Egypt detective and forensic investigators Italian officials’ anger over Rege- from Rome of the military-backed it would not allow the fate of Giulio dispatched to Cairo. But he warned: ni’s death was exacerbated by their regime in Cairo could jeopardise the Regeni to be brushed under the carpet “We will not settle for alleged truths.” being initially informed the student hopes of the murder inquiry ever get- Reuters Nationalist sides in the war. After it as anger mounted over the Cambridge Gentiloni, in an interview with had been killed in a road accident. ting to the truth. ended, tens of thousands of Franco’s University student’s torture and kill- daily La Repubblica, added: “We want Interior Minister Angelino Alfano Italy also has major business enemies were killed or imprisoned ing in Cairo. those really responsible identified and has been particularly outspoken, interests in Egypt and will need Cai- in a campaign to wipe out dissent. With the media publishing grue- punished on the basis of law.” describing seeing the results of the ro’s support if a planned Italian-led GUADALAJARA, SPAIN: A 90-year- Mendieta, who was 13 when her some details of Regeni’s treatment and La Repubblicareported that, as autopsy as a “punch in the stomach” peacekeeping force is sent into neigh- old Spanish woman wrapped in a fur father died, travelled to Buenos Aires pointing the finger at Egyptian security well as being systematically beaten, and Regeni’s killers as “inhuman and bouring Libya to help stabilise the coat and woollen scarf stood over in 2013 to give evidence about his services, Prime Minister Matteo Renzi Regeni had his finger and toe nails animalistic.” country, if and when a new national a deep open grave and murmured death. She was one of hundreds who was under pressure to authorise a state pulled out in a pattern of torture Alfano said he was in favour of unity government is established there. “my father” to the unearthed skele- have used international human rights funeral for the slain 28-year-old. which the daily said suggested that Regeni being given a state funeral “Egypt is our strategic partner and ton lying at the bottom. law to turn to an Argentine court to Regeni disappeared on January his “death squad” killers believed him later this week. has a fundamental role in the stabili- Ascension Mendieta’s trade seek justice for crimes carried out dur- 25 and was found dead on February to be a spy. “There is a protocol to be sation of the region,” Gentiloni said. unionist father Timoteo was shot in ing and after the civil war. 3. An Italian autopsy carried out fol- Regeni was in Egypt working on respected and the President of the “But here we are confronted with 1939 in the months after the Span- “It has always troubled me how lowing his corpse’s repatriation at the a doctoral thesis on Egyptian trade Council of Ministers (Renzi) decides, a different problem, the duty of Italy ish Civil War and buried in a mass he may have fallen into the grave - weekend concluded that he was killed unions. It has emerged since his death but I would say this is about the death to defend its citizens and to ensure grave in the corner of Guadalajara’s face up, face down,” she said. “Now by a violent blow to the base of his that he was also writing, under a of a young man who honoured all of that when they are victims of crime, town cemetery. we can give him a decent burial like skull having already suffered multiple pseudonym, for a communist Italian Italy and the idea of a state funeral the guilty are brought to justice.” His grave was the first to be dug everyone deserves. Not just dumped up on orders of an Argentine judge in in there like a dog.” a lawsuit seeking redress for crimes Spain, in common with many committed during the 1936-39 civil Latin American countries in their Row mounts as war and the four-decade dictator- move from dictatorship to democ- Windsurfing in sea ship of General Francisco Franco racy, passed the amnesty law in 1977 Spanish artistes that followed. to draw a curtain over the violence. Mendieta’s efforts to give her The United Nations and human father a proper burial could trigger rights organisations have urged held over ETA a string of similar exhumations. Spain to revoke the law. But Spain The case illustrates how Spain has stood by the legal embodiment word play is struggling to come to terms with of the so-called “Pact of Forget- a past which is fading from living ting”, which many see as a necessary MADRID: Two puppeteers detailed memory but leaves a mark on cur- price to have paid for the transition for allegedly “glorifying terror- rent affairs. An amnesty law drawn to succeed. ism” with a play on words on ETA up to smooth the path from dicta- A campaign of retribution would during a show asked to be freed torship pardoned political crimes only have left the country danger- yesterday as controversy over the committed in the past. But the lack ously polarised, that point of view case mounted. of accountability means hostilities holds. A Justice Ministry spokesman The artists were held after a were never laid to rest. said it was unlikely this case would show where they displayed a sign The antagonism between the two have any impact on the amnesty law. that read “Gora Alka-ETA”, which sides remained during the transition A Guadalajara town hall spokes- combines the “Gora ETA (Long Live to democracy in the 1970s, resulting in man said further exhumations could ETA)” chant of the banned Basque deep divisions between left and right only be carried out by court order. separatist group with the made-up in a two-party system that dominated The Spanish regional court that word alka, to create a slogan that Spanish politics for decades. approved the opening of the grave on sounds like “Long Live Al-Qaeda”. Spaniards turned in droves to the orders of the Argentine judge was Other scenes from the show new parties in a December national not able to comment on the matter. featured a judge being hanged. election, breaking the status quoand Argentine Judge Maria Servini is AVT, a Spanish support group for ushering in a new political era. looking to override the amnesty law terrorism victims, filed a complaint Historians estimate as many as to seek justice for Franco-era crimes against Madrid Mayor Manuela 500,000 combatants and civilians ranging from torture to extra-judicial Carmena, the two artists from the A man rides the waves as he windsurfs on the North Sea at the beach in Ostend, Belgium, yesterday. were killed on the Republican and killings in a lawsuit opened in 2010. “Puppets from Below” company. 18 TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2016 AMERICAS White House seeks $1.8bn to fight Zika

are infected the virus can cause microcephaly, a birth defect marked Most of the money by an abnormally small head. would be spent on Officials say the country needs to be ready to stop the spread of Zika testing, surveillance when winter ends in the United States and response in and mosquito populations become affected areas, and active. Obama urged Americans to on research remain calm. “The good news is this into a vaccine is not like Ebola, people don’t die of Zika. A lot of people get it and don’t even know that they have it,” Obama told CBS News in an interview that A health worker checks a water tank for mosquito larvae inside a home as as part of the efforts to prevent spread of Zika in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. aired yesterday. Reuters “But there shouldn’t be panic on this, this is not something where recommendations to their own autoimmune disorder called Guil- Such advisories also mean work- for pregnant women under current people are going to die from it. It is populations. lain-Barre syndrome that can cause ers probably would not be protected threat levels. The law governs only the something we have to take seriously,” Last week, Senate Democrats paralysis. from termination if they refuse to safety of employees, not any unborn WASHINGTON: Facing pressure from he said. urged Obama to take “an urgent and Adherence to the recommenda- go to an affected area, lawyers said. children they may be carrying. Republicans and some in his own Dem- The White House was criticised aggressive response” to Zika. tions of the US Department of State or While the federal Occupational Safety If employees contract Zika while ocratic Party to act strongly on Zika, during the 2014 midterm elections Top US health officials are set to the World Health Organisation would and Health Act gives workers the right traveling on the job, any immediate President Barack Obama will ask the for a slow reaction to domestic fears brief Congress on the virus and the shield companies to a large degree to refuse dangerous tasks, those tasks harm they suffer would be covered US Congress for more than $1.8 bn in about Ebola, a virus that killed more funding request this week. from claims they acted recklessly in must pose an immediate risk of death by worker’s compensation insur- emergency funding to fight the mos- than 11,300 people, mostly in three Obama is seeking $250m to help sending employees into Zika-affected or serious injury. ance, a form of no-fault insurance quito-borne virus. West African countries, in a two-year Puerto Rico provide health services to areas, lawyers who typically repre- Something like working with that applies to injuries suffered on Most of the money would be spent epidemic. pregnant women and affected children. sent employers say. The US Centers for a “defective tool that has electrical the job. Virtually all states require in the United States on testing, surveil- Zika was an issue in a debate Meanwhile, Employees of US com- Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sparks coming out of it” would meet employers to obtain worker’s com- lance and response in affected areas, on Saturday between Republican panies seeking to avoid exposure to the further recommends that travelers that standard, said Ben Huggett of Lit- pensation insurance and mandate and on research into a vaccine, with candidates for the November 8 US Zika likely have few legal avenues to wear insect repellent and sleep with tler, another employment law firm. that it be the sole remedy for work- some funds also going to help coun- presidential election, with two con- either refuse travel to affected areas or mosquito nets in places where they Traveling to a Zika-affected area, on place injuries. tries grappling with the virus, the tenders saying they would quarantine sue if they actually become sick from might be bitten, among other measures. the other hand, would probably not, Worker’s compensation cov- White House said yesterday. travelers if needed to stop the spread the virus. But it may be a different story “Your defence to any sort of claim he said. ers lost wages and medical care but The World Health Organisation of the virus. if such workers subsequently give birth is that you follow the public health Lies said upgraded warnings in awards are typically smaller than has declared an international health The WHO has not recommended to Zika-infected babies. guidance,” said Mark Lies, a lawyer the event Zika proves more lethal or private lawsuits, which can seek to emergency over Zika. While the dis- any travel or trade restrictions While the virus had typi- with the firm Seyfarth Shaw, which virulent could give workers more of recover damages for pain and suf- ease is normally mild, scientists related to Zika, although it notes that cally caused mild symptoms in specialises in advising companies on a right to refuse travel. But he said fering, as well as punitive damages suspect that when pregnant women some governments may make travel adults, it also has been linked to an employment issues. OSHA affords no special protection for negligence.

Flint woes Police question Divers find two bodies witness in Mardi Gras shooting and wreckage of plane

MISISSIPPI: Police are ques- AP Torrance. Richard Falstrom said tioning witnesses to a shooting his wife, a longtime pilot, told him that broke out after a Mardi that she was going on a plane ride Gras parade in Mississippi, leav- to enjoy the sunny weather. Hours ing two men dead and injuring LOS ANGELES: Two bodies and later came the news of the collision. four others. the wreckage of a small plane were Some debris from a plane car- Pass Christian Deputy Police found by divers searching in the rying two men, including a pilot’s Chief M.Y. Carbine told reporters water off Southern California for logbook, was quickly found. But yesterday that no suspects are in evidence following a midair colli- there was no sign of Falstrom or her custody. sion believed to have killed three plane. Richard Falstrom believes his Harrison County Coroner Gary people, authorities said. wife died doing something that gave Hargrove identified the victims as Divers made the discovery about her great joy. “She loved flying. It was 29-year-old Carlos Bates of Gulf- 100 feet below the surface, in an area a passion,” he said. port, and 43-year-old Isiah Major about 2 miles off Los Angeles Har- His wife was a member of The III of Bay St. Louis. bour, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Ninety-Nines, Inc., an international Police Chief Tim Hendricks Capt. Jack Ewell said in a statement. organisation of women pilots, and he told local news outlets that four Investigators from the coroner’s said she volunteered at the Western others were hospitalised. office will identify the victims and Museum of Flight at Torrance Air- Authorities said they did not divers will resume the search, he said. port, from which she and the other know their conditions. Hendricks A massive search was launched plane took off. says police received a call about on Friday after a plane piloted by a The plane carrying the men was a fight shortly after the last unit 72-year-old woman was seen on a Beech 35 Bonanza and the second in the St. Paul Carnival Associa- radar colliding with a craft carry- was a Citabria, said a spokesman for tion’s parade completed its route ing men ages 61 and 81 off San Pedro. the Federal Aviation Administration. on Sunday afternoon. Authorities have not released any Falstrom said his wife flew a Super A picture of Flint river in Flint, Michigan. Months ago authorities told citizens they could use tap water Pass Christian is located on the identities, but the woman’s husband Decathlon, an aerobatic plane by the if they boiled it first, but now say it must be filtered to remove lead. Gulf Coast about 45 miles east of identified her as Mary Falstrom of same maker of the Citabria. New Orleans. NYT launches Rio carnival climax gives Brazilians reason to smile edition in AFP the runway, including a giant rat rep- One samba school featured Greek Spanish resenting the 10.7 percent inflation gods, gyrating judo fighters, men on hurting ordinary Brazilians in a sickly bicycles suspended in the air, and in economy. Another float in the shape a nod to the Paralympics, a dancing NEW YORK: The New York Times RIO DE JANEIRO: Dancersstrutted of a golden football had Barcelona FC and singing wheelchair contingent. yesterday launched a Spanish- into the final round of the Rio Carni- and Brazil striker Neymar’s father Certainly if organising parties was language digital edition, aiming val’s samba championship yesterday, standing on top. an Olympic sport, Brazil’s Carnival to expand the global reach of the capping a wild party. The outpouring of colour, pound- would sweep the podium. US daily. The six last samba schools were ing drums, joyful song, and samba Samba schools spend as much as The Times is offering “a selec- preening their spectacular feather dancing helped the crowds put aside $3m on productions that take nearly tion of the best of New York Times headdresses and adjusting the shin- fears over the Zika virus, the economy the whole previous year to prepare, translated into Spanish” as well as ing G-strings and other tiny garments and attempts to impeach President then just over an hour to perform. original articles, said a welcome favored by lead dancers ahead of the Dilma Rousseff. And although nearly the entire cast of statement from deputy interna- all-night parades. “Despite the problems in our several thousand is unpaid, the chore- tional editor Lydia Polgreen. Another six rival ensembles had country, our people can’t lose their ography would make Broadway jealous. On the first day, the newspa- their turn through the night on Sun- love of partying. And whatever hap- This year, hard economic times per was running a story on the day at the climax of a Carnival season pens in our country, it’s still the have hurt the Carnival industry, dent- perilous journey of Central Amer- estimated to attract five million peo- country of samba,” said Luanny Vic- ing sponsorship and raising the prices ican migrants trying to reach the ple. A champion samba school will toria, 19, before heading off to dance. of imported fabrics used to make United States, as well as articles be announced today, closing an event “People have to put those prob- costumes. In 48 Brazilian cities, the on the Zika virus from Brazil and that calls itself “the greatest show. lems aside, at least for the three days Carnival was cancelled altogether. on politics in Peru and Venezuela. Some 70,000 fans cheered and of Carnival.” But Lucas Fernandes, a 17-year- “We have a fantastic team sang overnight Sunday to yesterday Rio will become South America’s old drummer, said he lived for this with journalists from various in the stands of Rio’s purpose-built first city to host the Summer Olympics chance to parade in the Sambadrome. parts of Latin America and in dancing stadium, the Sambadrome, this August and the Carnival looked “The Rio de Janeiro Carnival is Spain, and our mission is to offer as competing samba schools passed forward to the event at its opening something magical,” said Fernandes, Revellers of Estacio de Sa samba school perform during the carnival high-quality journalism every in a blur of feathers, glitter and flesh. ceremony with a huge model of the who practiced twice a week for 10 day,” Polgreen said. Extraordinary floats rolled down Olympic torch. months to be ready. parade at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. AMERICAS TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2016 1917

White House hopefuls in final pitch in New Hampshire

White House dreams for 2016. Democrats made their final It appeared to be pitches, too, as Clinton was left do-or-die for the scrambling to narrow the gap governors in the against her insurgent challenger, the political revolutionary Senator establishment lane— Bernie Sanders who may well gal- Christie, former lop to victory in the state. The RealClearPolitics poll aver- Florida governor age shows Sanders leading 53.3 Jeb Bush, and Ohio percent to 40.5 percent in New Hampshire. Governor John Kasich Clinton won Iowa by a hair, but New Hampshire is essen- tially Sanders territory, and the independent US senator from AFP neighboring Vermont is keen to show that his campaign, built on economic fairness for all, is no fluke and can give the former secretary MANCHESTER: US presidential of state a run for her money deep candidates, including billionaire into primary season. Donald Trump and Democrat Hil- “For all those of you who are lary Clinton, fanned out across still deciding, still shopping, I snowy New Hampshire seeking to hope I can close the deal between convert undecided voters with just now and the time the polls close,” hours to spare before today’s cru- Clinton told a crowd at a rally in cial primary. Manchester. The Granite State takes the It is a more volatile affair on Officials count and organise ballots for the November 9 New Hampshire first-in-the-nation presidential primary election in Nashua, New spotlight as Republican supporters the GOP side, with fully 30 percent Hampshire, yesterday. determine whether a more main- of voters still undecided ahead of stream candidate—Senator Marco the primary, according to a CNN Rubio or one of the three gover- poll released on Sunday. nors in the race—gains ground on Trump was seeking to reclaim frontrunner Trump and his nearest his edge and Rubio sought to regain Trump campaign shows mellower side rival, the arch-conservative Sena- composure after taking a drub- tor Ted Cruz. bing in Saturday night’s debate With everything to play for in when New Jersey Governor Chris Reuters style, has suddenly gone soft. At the temporarily banning Muslims from massive wealth and brash manner, he the nation’s first primary after last Christie eviscerated the first-term same event in Plymouth, he reaffirmed entering the United States. is a regular Joe. week’s Iowa caucuses, most of the senator for regurgitating scripted his support for reviving the water- The effort began in earnest in Trump even admitted that Satur- nine remaining Republicans in talking points. boarding of terrorism suspects and, Iowa, when Trump brought in an day’s debate was “a lot of pressure.” the race blanketed the state yes- It appeared to be do-or-die PLYMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE: if necessary, doing “much worse.” He evangelical leader as a character wit- “He’s much more of an ordinary terday, pressing the flesh at coffee for the governors in the establish- US Republican presidential candidate mocked “poor Jeb Bush” and talked ness, used his children as surrogates guy than (voters) would ever expect,” shops, middle schools, Elks lodges ment lane—Christie, former Florida Donald Trump came to the small town about the “stupid people” running the and stood on stage with his wife, Mel- Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., said at and town halls in a mad dash for governor Jeb Bush, and Ohio Gover- of Plymouth in the New Hampshire government. ania, who has been rarely seen on the a campaign stop in Tipton, New Hamp- support. nor John Kasich. Kasich’s stock has mountains and promised to lower But the past week has revealed a campaign trail. shire. “He’s a down-to-earth guy.” Snow had begun falling heavily steadily risen in New Hampshire, prescription drug prices, improve mellower Trump who seems less inter- He told reporters in Iowa he was New Hampshire voters have in the state by yesterday afternoon, and he has signalled that a poor education and help heroin addicts ested in slashing and burning his way to nervous about the result of the cau- rewarded candidates for emotional creating a last minute obstacle for showing here would likely mean get treatment. his party’s nomination for the November cuses, where he ended up second to directness before. In 1992, they gave voters and candidates alike. the end of his campaign. It was a day after he told a Repub- 8 election and more willing to view his Ted Cruz, the US senator from Texas, Democrat Bill Clinton’s flagging Trump is well ahead in polls, and Bush, who tangled with Trump lican debate audience that he did not competitors with equanimity. in the first of the state-by-state nom- campaign new life when he went on it is a fierce battle for second place. in Republican debate, hardened his want to leave poor people “dying in His campaign has been work- inating contests. television with his wife, Hillary, amid A victory or strong second—or attacks on the real estate magnate, the streets,” and won praise by some ing to moderate his image, showing Ahead of New Hampshire’s pivotal denied having an extramarital affair. even third-place—showing can pro- calling him unfit to be president. pundits for delivering a restrained per- another side of the boastful billion- primary today in which Trump leads Sixteen years later, they handed Hil- pel a candidate onward in the race “You aren’t just a loser, you’re a liar formance in which he largely avoided aire businessman whose candidacy in opinion polls, he has shared pain- lary Clinton a win after she broke down toward South Carolina and Nevada, and a whiner,” Bush, hitting out skewering his rivals. has alarmed the Republican establish- ful personal stories, stopped at diners at an event and cried. Republican John while a poor showing will likely hardest against The Donald, added It is not as if Trump, notorious for ment and been marked by calls for the to shake hands with patrons, and tried McCain won the state’s primary twice, mark an end to some candidates’ on Twitter Monday. his inflammatory, demolition-derby deportation of illegal immigrants and sending the message that despite his in 2000 and 2008. Woman who accused Bill Clinton of assault to campaign against Hillary

Reuters spokeswoman for a group being cre- the accusations remain part of the year under the name Women Against difference” in the current race. Broaddrick and Willey say that ated by Roger Stone. political discourse during the elec- Hillary. It was renamed in January. Among women, 56 percent said Clinton, who has said victims have the Stone, a Republican strategist, tion campaign. In a 1998 deposition, Clinton it did not matter, while another 21 “right to be believed,” is being hypocrit- said the group would become active “They’re going to be confronted “emphatically” denied Willey’s accu- percent said it would hurt Hillary ical by doubting her husband’s accusers. NEW YORK: One of the women who should Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton’s every day, on radio, on television, on sation he groped her, describing her Clinton’s chances of winning the elec- When asked about the accusations has accused former US President Bill wife, win the Democratic nomination billboards,” Stone said, referring to as having “been through a lot” in ref- tion. Several Republican candidates, at a campaign event in New Hampshire Clinton of physically exploiting her, says in the 2016 race for the White House. the Clintons. He said he had reached erence to her family’s financial woes particularly Trump, have reminded in December, Hillary Clinton replied she has agreed to work for an anti-Clin- Clinton is currently the front runner. a verbal agreement with Willey but and her husband’s suicide on the day voters of the allegations while cam- that people who say they were assaulted ton political group being formed by a “This gives me more of an oppor- cautioned that the group was still in Willey says her encounter with Clin- paigning. The Clintons and their staff should be “believed at first until they are former advisor to Republican presiden- tunity to get this message out to young the planning stages. ton happened. have dismissed this as dirty politics. disbelieved based on evidence.” tial candidate Donald Trump. voters who weren’t even born or don’t Spokesmen for Hillary and Bill It’s not clear whether Stone’s Hillary Clinton’s decision to Stone released a book last year Kathleen Willey, a former White even remember what happened and to Clinton did not respond to questions group will resonate with voters. A advocate for victims of physical called “The Clintons’ War on Women,” House volunteer who says Bill Clinton the women who have suffered,” Wil- about Willey. Reuters/Ipsos poll in January found exploitation has persuaded some of for which Willey wrote the foreword. groped her in an Oval Office hallway ley told reporters. Stone’s political action committee, that a majority of the public, including her husband’s other accusers, includ- After leaving Trump’s campaign, Stone in 1993 when she came to him tear- Willey said she will give inter- which can raise virtually unlimited 68 percent of Democrats and 50 per- ing Juanita Broaddrick and Paula created a pro-Trump political action fully seeking a paid job, said she had views and speeches and appear in funds to advocate for or against can- cent of Republicans, thought that Bill Jones McFadden, to wade into the committee the Committee to Restore agreed to become a paid national political advertisements to ensure didates, was originally created last Clinton’s past misconduct “made no political season. America’s Greatness.

Remains of Ohio Demolished for safety Concussion boosts risk woman found at several places of suicide 3 times: Study

OHIO: Human remains found at AFP The average time from con- several locations in northern Ohio cussion to subsequent suicide was over the weekend are believed to nearly six years. be those of one woman who was “Given the quick usual resolution of last seen in July, police said. OTTAWA: Adults who suffer a con- symptoms, physicians may underesti- A release from the Mans- cussion may see their risk of suicide mate the adverse effects of concussion field Police Department says the rise three times or more in the years and its relevance in a patient’s history,” Richland County coroner hadn’t after the injury, according to a study said study author Donald Redelmeier, yet confirmed the identity of the released yesterday. senior core scientist at the Institute for remains found at different sites in The medical records of more Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Ontario. the northern part of the county. than 235,000 patients who sustained “Greater attention to the long-term But police believe they are those concussions over a 20-year period implications of a concussion might save of Patsy Hudson, 62, of Mansfield. in Ontario, Canada were analysed in lives because deaths from suicide can Hudson was last seen in July the journal of the Canadian Medical be prevented.” and reported missing by her fam- Association (CMAJ). The average age of concussion ily in December, police said. Overall, those who had con- patients was 41, and they tended to Investigators developed several cussions experienced a three be male urban dwellers without any leads in the last few days that led times higher risk of the suicide in history of suicide attempt or past psy- to the recovery of the remains. Law the coming years than the general chiatric disorder. In addition to the enforcement officers searched three population. The likelihood of sui- boost in suicides among those who northern Richland County locations cide was even greater among those hurt themselves on the weekend, the looking for Hudson’s body. whose head injury was incurred on study found a “distinctly larger” long- The Mansfield News Journal the weekend, suggesting they had time risk of suicide “among patients reports that police have said that Father Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani witnessed last evening the arrival of Fath Al Kheir hurt themselves during a recrea- after an ankle sprain.” two people wanted for questioning 2 at Katara Cultural village beach. The event was also attended by H H Sheikh Jassem bin Hamad Al tional activity rather than at work. “Suicide is not confined to in Hudson’s disappearance were “Weekend concussions were professional athletes or military TheThani, iconic Representative 6th Street Bridge of the over Emir. the Pic: 101 Qassim/The freeway thatPeninsula connects downtown Los Angeles→ See with also its page eastern 26 arrested last week in Tennessee associated with a one-third further veterans,” said Michael Fralick, a by federal agents on outstanding disticts is seen after the start of demolition that shut the freeway down for 40 hours yesterday. increased risk of suicide compared to coauthor and medical trainee at the warrants. weekday concussions,” said the study. University of Toronto.

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER Minimum: 17o C Maximum: 26o C

FAJR 04.55 am ZUHR 11.48 am MAGHRIB 05.25 pm HIGH TIDE 05:45 - 17:15 Slight dust to blowing dust especially in open SHOROOK 06.13 am ASR 03.00 pm ISHA 06.55 pm LOW TIDE 12:30 - 23:15 areas and cold by night.

20 TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2016 MORNING BREAK

ONLINE CHART BUST Welcoming Lunar New Year www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

MOST READ 1 National Sport Day activities to suit all ages 2 US trekker dies in Nepal, police say

Over 180 swine flu deaths in Ukraine since 3 September: Ministry

TWEET OF THE DAY

Chinese tourists view the Sydney Opera House which is lit up red to welcome the Lunar New Year, yesterday. Dame Kelly Holmes visits to Sherborne School to influence future Migrant crisis in focus at Berlin fest athletes.

Pic: Baher Amin AFP the aftermath of the Arab Spring. It will be the first and government agents. French veteran Andre film made entirely in the Arab world to appear in Techine will present a new drama, "Being 17", while competition in Berlin in two decades. Oscar-winning Bosnian director Danis Tanovic will "The overarching theme this year is the right premiere "Death in Sarajevo" based on a play by BERLIN: Movies starring Colin Firth, Kirsten Dunst to happiness -- the right to a home, to love, to self- French philosopher Bernard-Henri Levy. and Emma Thompson will vie for gold at the 66th determination, to life and to survival," festival Also in the main line-up are two documen- Berlin film festival starting Thursday, with Meryl director Dieter Kosslick told reporters. taries, Alex Gibney's "Zero Days" about the threat Adele ‘global artist’ of 2015 Streep as jury president and a spotlight on Europe's US director Jeff Nichols, who built a reputa- posed by cybersecurity breaches, and "Fire at Sea" refugee crisis. tion with independent hits such as "Mud" and "Take by Italian director Gianfranco Rosi, winner of the The 11-day event, Europe's first major cinema Shelter", will present the sci-fi thriller "Midnight Venice film festival's 2013 Golden Lion. showcase of the year, will start with a gala screen- Special" with his frequent star Michael Shannon, Rosi spent months on the Mediterranean island AFP ing of "Hail, Caesar!" with US directors Joel and Dunst and Adam Driver of "Star Wars: The Force of Lampedusa to tell the story of a community on Ethan Coen and stars George Clooney, Channing Awakens". It tells the story of a man racing to pro- the front line of Europe's largest influx of migrants Tatum and Tilda Swinton expected on the red car- tect his gifted young son from a religious cult leader since World War II. pet in the wintry German capital. NEW YORK: Adele, who broke records with her song “Hello” and latest The competition will kick off the following day, album “25,” was officially the biggest artist of 2015. with 18 films from around the world gunning for Global music industry body IFPI said that the British ballad singer was the Golden Bear top prize, which Streep's seven- the top-selling musical act last year based on worldwide sales of recordings. member panel will award on February 20. Adele achieved the feat for the full year even though she did not release Last year, top honours went to Iranian dissident “25” until November 20 and declined to put the album on streaming sites, director Jafar Pahahi, whose innovative "Taxi" had a rare move at a time when such on-demand services are growing rapidly. to be filmed in secret in a Tehran cab. “25” — Adele’s third album which came more than four years after its Among the most-anticipated pictures this year predecessor — broke records for first-week sales in both the United States is "Genius", the feature debut by British theatre and Britain. The first track “Hello,” an introspective ballad in line with Adele’s director Michael Grandage starring Oscar winner previous work, was the first single to be downloaded more than one million Firth as literary editor Max Perkins, who published times in the United States in one week. some of the 20th century's greatest American writ- IFPI chief executive Frances Moore, in a statement issued from Europe ers. Jude Law plays writer Thomas Wolfe, Nicole on Monday, called “25” the “runaway global sensation of 2015” and said Kidman his lover and muse Aline Bernstein, with Adele’s achievement was “simply phenomenal.” Dominic West portraying Ernest Hemingway and IFPI, which stands for the International Federation of the Phonographic Guy Pearce as F. Scott Fitzgerald. Industry, presents its annual award based on an artist’s physical and dig- Also generating buzz ahead of the festival is a ital sales as well as streaming, although the group does not release figures. new adaptation of the international bestseller "Alone Tracking service Nielsen SoundScan reported Sunday that “25” had sold in Berlin", Hans Fallada's 1947 novel which is based eight million copies in the United States -- becoming only the sixth album to on a true story. The Nazi-era thriller sees Thompson reach that threshold since 2001, when iTunes and other digital music inno- and Irish actor Brendan Gleeson play a working-class vations shook up the industry. German couple who mount a daring resistance cam- Number two for 2015 was another British artist, singer-songwriter Ed paign after losing their only son in the war. An advertisement for the 2016 Berlinale is seen at the square Potsdamer Platz in Berlin, Sheeran, whose career has soared in the past couple of years on the popu- Another first feature, "Hedi" by Tunisian film- Germany, yesterday. The festival runs from February 11 until 21 in the German capital. larity of his ballad “Thinking Out Loud.” maker Mohamed Ben Attia, tells a love story set in Director hopes Oscar-nominated film will help end honour killings

Reuters died in honour killings in 2015, After marrying a man without across Pakistan was passed by one rid Pakistan of the “evil” of honour according to the Human Rights Com- the agreement of her family, Saba’s house of parliament last year, but killings by “bringing in appropriate mission of Pakistan. father and uncle beat her, shot her in did not clear the other chamber due legislation.” Many of these crimes, carried the face, put her in a bag and threw to delays, said Sughra Imam, who Obaid-Chinoy has already won an KARACHI/ISLAMABAD: An Oscar- out by relatives who say their mostly her in a river, leaving her for dead. introduced the bill when she was a Oscar in the same category for “Sav- winning filmmaker hopes her female victims have brought shame Saba survived, and set out to lawmaker. ing Face”, a film about acid attacks latest Academy Award-nomi- on the family, are never prosecuted, ensure that her attackers were Both she and Obaid-Chinoy hope in Pakistan. nated documentary will help bring observers say. brought to justice. the attention the film has received Sharif invited the director to tougher laws against honour kill- “People need to realise that it is a Her father and uncle were abroad and at home, including from screen the new film at his resi- ings in Pakistan, which account for very serious crime,” Sharmeen Obaid- arrested and went to jail, but Saba Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz dence to an audience of prominent the deaths of hundreds of women Chinoy said in an interview in the was pressured to “forgive” her attack- Sharif, might help push the amend- Pakistanis. and men each year. southern city of Karachi. ers. That option under Pakistani law ments through. Although it is not clear exactly The film, which follows the story “It’s not something that is part can effectively waive a complainant’s “The greatest win of ‘A Girl in the how Sharif proposes to change of a young woman who survived of our religion or culture. This is right to seek punishment against the River’ would be if the prime minister existing legislation, Obaid-Chinoy attempted murder by her father and something that should be treated as accused, even in the case of attempted does take the lead, brings the stake- said his reaction was a pleasant uncle after marrying a man with- pre-meditated murder and people murder. holders on board and they pass the surprise. out their approval, was nominated should go to jail for it.” Altering the law to remove the (act),” Obaid-Chinoy said. “This could be (Sharif’s) legacy ... for an Oscar in January, prompting Obaid-Chinoy’s film “A Girl in possibility of “forgiveness” could help After the film was nominated that no woman in this country should Pakistan Journalist and filmmaker Pakistan’s prime minister to pledge the River: The Price of Forgiveness”, reduce the number of honour kill- in the short documentary category, be killed in the name of honour, and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy during to take a firm stand against the “evil” scheduled to air on HBO in March, ings in Pakistan, advocates of such Sharif issued a statement congrat- if she is, people should go to jail for practice. tells the story of 19-year-old Saba a change say. ulating the filmmaker and pledging it,” she said. an interview in Karachi. More than 500 men and women from Pakistan’s Punjab province. An act that would amend the law his government’s commitment to “The world is watching.” www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

PAGE | 22 QE 9,698.37 + 77.80 PTS PAGE | 23 Zuckerberg plan DOW 15,848.27 -356.70 PTS Mideast carriers spurned as India FTSE100 5,689.36 -158.70 PTS post strongest backs net neutrality BRENT $33.50 -$0.56 annual traffic

TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2016 • 30 Rabia II 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

QIMC annual net profit Economy Minister meets SAGIA Deputy Governor rises 4.9% to QR168.8m

the meeting, the Board adopted the final consolidated financial Assets has risen statements for the year ending. to QR1.85bn with He also explained that the Board of Directors has agreed to an increase of 6.7 convene the Ordinary General percent compared to Assembly to be held on March 13 (Sunday) at 4pm in Radisson Blu the previous year Hotel to submit recommenda- tions for the distribution of (30 percent) cash dividend and the adoption of the agenda of the The Peninsula increased to QR1.85bn with an meeting. increase of 6.7 percent compared to The main agenda of the meet- the previous year and the total equity ing include hearing of the Board of of the company’s shareholders was Directors’ report on the company’s DOHA: Qatar Industrial Manufactur- QR1.49bn compared to QR1.51bn for activities, its financial position for ing Company (QIMC) has announced 2014. The earnings per share (EPS) the financial year ending Decem- Minister of Economy and Commerce H E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani with Deputy Governor the financials for 2015 and reported has reached QR3.55 compared to ber 31, 2015; its future development a net profit of QR168.8m ($46.35m) QR3.39 for the same period of 2014. plans; appointment of external of Saudi General Investment Authority (SAGIA) Prince Saud bin Khalid Al Faisal in Riyadh yesterday. for the full year ended December Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin auditors for the financial year 2016 During the meeting, they discussed aspects of joint cooperation in investment field as Qatar and Saudi 31. The Group’s net profit increased Mohammed bin Jabor Al Thani, and determination of their remu- Arabia enjoy strong relations in several fields including economy and investment. They also discussed by 4.9 percent in 2015 compared to Chairman of the Board of Directors, neration; and election of board of various opportunities in different investment areas such as domestic and foreign investments and QR160.9m ($44.19m) in 2014. presided over the first meeting of directors for the next three years means to promote them. The company’s assets has QIMC this year held on February 7. In (2016 – 2018).

Qatari banks show resilience in 2015 London hikes currency

By Sachin Kumar to QR11.3bn in 2015 from 10.5bn in Standard & Poor’s Ratings Serv- conditions for Qatari banks will reserves amid Brexit risk The Peninsula 2014. Al Khaliji Bank net profit grew ices, in its latest reports on Qatari toughen in 2016, denting their prof- from QR562.9m in 2014 to QR625.5m banks’, said that banks profitability itability. “In 2015, the Qatari public in 2015, showing a growth of around might come under pressure in 2016. sector withdrew some of its deposits AFP the Treasury’s foreign exchange 11 percent. Ahli Bank net profit grew “Although the drop in hydrocarbon from the domestic banking system. funds. The nation’s emergency DOHA: Banks in Qatar have bucked from around QR601m in 2014 to prices and the Qatari government’s We expect more of the same in 2016 “war chest” has been ramped the slowdown concerns by posting QR647.7m in 2015, reflecting a rise streamlining of its public investment and foresee a further squeeze on LONDON: London has ramped up to guard against a “disorderly growth in their net profits. Six out of of 7.7 percent. Doha Bank’s net profit programme are putting the brakes on banks’ liquidity,” said the report. up its foreign exchange reserves collapse” in the pound and equity eight major banks in Qatar have reg- grew 1.5 percent to QR1.37bn in 2015 economic growth, banks’ asset qual- “Further trimming of government in a move described by British markets if Britons vote in a key istered growth in net profit while just from QR1.35bn in 2014. ity held generally steady while credit spending will likely reduce private- media yesterday as a war chest referendum expected later this two banks saw their net profit declin- Masraf Al Rayan net profit growth remained resilient on the sector lending opportunities. At against market chaos should Brit- year to leave the European Union, ing in 2015. increased from QR2bn in 2014 to back of strong private sector activ- the same time, we think banks will ain leave the European Union. The Times said. QIB (Qatar Islamic Bank) QR2.07bn in 2015, showing a growth ity in 2015. Nevertheless, as liquidity manage their funding profiles more Currency reserves jumped The reserves are mostly held recorded highest growth in its net of 3.6 percent. It is likely to be a tight in the banking sector tightens further conservatively, which should trans- 34 percent to $98.2bn in January in dollars. However, both the BoE profit by registering around 22 per- rope walk for banks in Qatar going with the rise of local and global inter- late into lower growth. We also expect 2016, from $73.4bn for the same and the government declined to cent annual growth as its net profit forward. Analysts have forecast a est rates, we expect credit growth will credit losses will increase given the month a year earlier, according comment on why the currency grew to QR2.03bn in 2015 from 1.67bn tough year for banks in 2016 as gulf lose some steam,” said the report. economic slowdown and the pressure to recent data from the Bank of reserves have risen so rapidly in previous year. Qatar National economies reel under the pressure of Standard & Poor’s Ratings Serv- we expect in some sectors, such as England (BoE) — which manages over the past year. Bank (QNB) profit grew 7.6 percent fall in oil prices. ices anticipates that operating contracting,” added the report. Oil and gas capex drops 26%; BofA Merril Lynch projects another 10% cut in 2016

The Peninsula percent and 41 percent, respectively, at this point, a trend that is likely to Current production from mature for this year compared with 2015. reverse, in our view, unless spending fields is set to decline at higher rates Meanwhile, non-Opec non-shale resumes. In aggregate, our weighted as maintenance capex has been cut output should start to feel the pain in non-Opec production decline rate too. Net, BofA Merril Lynch now DOHA: Global oil and gas capital 2017, as the full investment cycle is analysis suggests an average jump of expect total non-Opec supply to expenditures (Capex) dropped by around three to five years. nearly 0.6ppt, from 4.2 percent in 2014 decrease to 56.4 mn b/d in 2017 before 26 percent in 2015, and is expected The research note said the list of to 4.8 percent in 2015, a level consist- rebounding to 57.5 mn b/d in 2020, another round of cuts this year to the the upcoming new projects has been ent with decline rates observed in near 2015 output levels. tune of 10 percent globally. already slimmed down, but cur- 2008 and 2009. Net, total non-Opec The non-Opec conventional pro- Capex is a function of prices, and rent production from mature fields supply is set to decrease to 56.4 mil- duction now looks set to drop across with prices recently below the $30/ is also set to decline at higher rates lion b/d in 2017 before rebounding to the board by 2020, regardless of spot bbl mark, the actual 2016 cut is likely as maintenance capex has been cut 57.5 million b/d in 2020, close to 2015 or forward prices. Shale may offer a to end up larger than these expecta- too. “Our analysis shows that decline production levels.” silver lining, as the investment cycle is tions. In that respect, some companies rates increased significantly last year The report noted the structural shorter than for conventional produc- have started to announce their 2016 compared with 2013-14 levels. For shift toward a lower price envi- tion. Given our expected upward price plans and it seems that US producers example, UK decline rates accelerated ronment will have profound and trajectory from here, the US rig count are keen to cut as much or even more from 9 percent in 2013 to 11 percent in long-lasting consequences for non- should increase again by 2H2016. As than last year, Bank of America Mer- 2015. The same story applies to other cartelised production. With prices such, we see US shale output falling ril Lynch global energy report noted. non-Opec countries such as Vietnam, recently trading below the $30/bbl by 470 thousand b/d in a $40/bbl WTI Continental Resources, Noble Australia, Norway, Mexico and India. mark, BofA Merril Lynch’s expected environment, while growth returns at Energy and Hess just announced In contrast, decline rates in countries 10 percent cut in 2016 global capex $50/bbl. Above $60/bbl, growth stands spending cuts of 63 percent, 49 like Russia are holding up much better is starting to look modest. above 400 thousand b/d. 22 TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2016 BUSINESS Microsoft and Ooredoo join for bundled promotions

with Ooredoo, as it aims at bringing capitalises on Ooredoo’s broad base cutting-edge technologies to Qatar. of business customers across multi- Microsoft products This partnership is yet another step ple industries, Yazbeck added. such as Office 365, forward, reflecting Microsoft’s com- “Under the new collaboration, our mitment to realising the goals of its stores will be offering Lumia devices, Surface Pro 4 and national plan, which comes in line Office 365 and Surface Pro 4,” said Lumia devices can be with Qatar’s National Vision 2030,” Ronan Royce, Senior Business and said Naim Yazbeck, General Manager, Sales Director, Ooredoo. bought from Ooredoo Microsoft Qatar , speaking at a press Microsoft also announced that all stores with Shahry conference on the sidelines of Micro- government entities can now order soft’s Innovation Summit, held at the Surface Pro 4 as part of their govern- plans St Regis Hotel. ment Enterprise Agreement. This is a “We are proud to support Qatar’s step to support the mobility initiatives unique national vision and contribute and increase productivity across Gov- to one of the most dynamic econo- ernment Entities. By Sachin Kumar mies in the world. We believe this new “Microsoft has seen endless sup- The Peninsula agreement makes sense from every port from its partners: Intel, Dell, FROM LEFT: Ooredoo’s Senior Business and Sales Director Ronan Royce, Microsoft Qatar GM Naim Yazbeck, angle: By working together to deliver Qatar Datamation Systems, Informa- and Microsoft Middle East and Africa Chief Marketing and Operations Officer Isabell scheuber during the unprecedented technology opportu- tion and Communication Technology, press conference in Doha yesterday. Pic: Abdul B/The Peninsula nities for entrepreneurs and SMEs, we Ebla, Everteam, Nintex, Diyar Middle DOHA: Microsoft and Ooredoo yes- are also supporting the growth of our East, Mannai Trading, and Plantronics. Type Cover and Pen. “Ooredoo is striv- for participants,” said Yousuf Abdulla Data Plans, and Office 365. terday announced collaboration to future clients and partners,” he added. We are pleased with these productive ing to be an ICT innovation engine for Al Kubaisi, Chief Operating Officer, The Microsoft Innovation Summit offer their products bundled together Ooredoo’s new initiative will see partnerships and together, we look Qatar, engaging with an ecosystem of Ooredoo. Ooredoo has launched a welcomed more than 600 industry for customers. Under the agreement, the introduction of the latest technolo- forward to enable our customers to innovative partners like Microsoft in new set of Microsoft business devices professionals and technology enthu- Microsoft products such as Office 365, gies for businesses in Qatar, including realise their goals and aspirations,” order to deliver the most reliable and in Qatar, which includes Lumia smart- siasts. The event saw discussions on Surface Pro 4 and Lumia devices can a broad portfolio of hardware and soft- said Yazbeck. dynamic solutions for businesses and phones, Surface Pro 4, and a full range subjects like Windows 10, Micro- be purchased from Ooredoo stores, ware services, as well as a wide range Additionally, Microsoft Qatar also consumers. We’re very proud to launch of accessories, including the Lumia soft Surface Pro 4 for commercial bundled with Ooredoo’s Shahry plans. of advanced Cloud services. announced a new Surface 3 Bundle flagship devices and services with 950 Display Dock, foldable Microsoft customers, Surface Hub, apps, Win- “Microsoft realises the impor- The exclusive launch of Win- Promotion for Education. The Surface Microsoft, and believe this event will keyboard and Arc mouse, all bundled dows enabled devices, and Internet tance of collaborating and partnering dows 10 through Ooredoo in Qatar 3 is bundled with Windows 10, Black provide essential insight and updates with Ooredoo’s Shahry Smart, Mobile of Things.

Swedish telecom chief to steer OCB Oilfield acquires 100% of Kuiper International

web body ICANN The Peninsula global companies in sectors such as Kuiper International, which was segment, with minimal overlap to oil and gas services, power, water and established in 2010 and is head- OCB’s existing client database. In a to independence desalination and the wholesale travel quartered in Singapore, is a provider nutshell, this acquisition accelerates market. Besides scale, the combined of personnel and technical support results that would have taken OCB DOHA: Gulf Capital, one of the lead- OCB and Kuiper businesses will lead services to offshore oil and gas con- many years to achieve organically.” ing alternative investment firms in to significant diversification in cus- struction and maintenance sectors, George Gourlay, Chief Execu- SAN FRANCISCO: Sweden’s the Middle East, announced yester- tomer base, service capabilities and including the provision of short-term tive Officer of OCB said: “The Kuiper Goran Marby was yesterday day that its portfolio company OCB geographical coverage. and long-term blue-collar and white- acquisition is key to both our growth named head of the body that man- Oilfield Services, has acquired 100 Dr Karim El Solh, Chief Execu- collar employees, payroll services and and diversification strategies. It is in ages Internet addresses, pledging percent of Kuiper International Pte tive Officer of Gulf Capital which is logistics coordination. In 2012, Kuiper line with our plans of complementing to uphold checks and balances as LTD, a dominant player in the off- marking its 10th Anniversary this Australia was established as a subsid- our growth by carrying out strate- it steps out from under US govern- shore construction and maintenance year, said: “This deal represents iary, focusing on Australia. gic acquisitions in different sectors ment oversight. services sector, with a particular another milestone for Gulf Capital and Richard Dallas (pictured), Man- of our industry. The Kuiper business Marby, director-general of the stronghold in the Asia Pacific (APAC) OCB. This latest bolt-on acquisition aging Director, Private Equity at model of providing complete crews to Swedish Post and Telecom Author- region and Australia. cements our track record in partner- Gulf Capital, commented: “Over the the construction sector of the oil and ity, will take charge in May of the The Kuiper deal represents the ing with great management teams last year, the investment team has gas industry moulds well with that of Internet Corporation for Assigned fourth bolt-on acquisition in Asia and building global platforms. OCB, in the Middle East, South East Asia worked hard, in partnership with OCB’s ‘Total Management Basis’ which Names and Numbers (ICANN) as Pacific for a Gulf Capital portfolio by acquiring 100 percent of Kuiper, is and the Indian Sub-Continent. OCB’s OCB’s management, to identify the is provided to drilling contractors in the nonprofit transitions to become company and almost doubles the size expanding rapidly across Asia Pacific specialised crew, spanning a data- right opportunities to de-risk OCB’s oil and gas.” an independent non-governmen- of OCB and extends both its geograph- and Australia and firmly positioning base of over 7,000 candidates, work revenue base in terms of clients, Tarek Mounib, Executive Director, tal body. ical coverage as well as its service itself as a global leader in its sector.” for global drilling contractors oper- services and geographies. With this Private Equity at Gulf Capital, con- Marby described ICANN as offerings to its client base. The OCB OCB delivers end-to-end crew ating vessels in shallow and deep single transaction, OCB not only cluded: “Kuiper, combined with OCB, evolving and vowed to keep it investment demonstrates Gulf Cap- management solutions to the oil and waters. This latest acquisition gives gains entry into new geographies, strengthens the collective group’s on course under what is known ital’s ability to work with successful gas industry, enabling vessel owners the company a stronger foothold in but also extends its services to new offering and allows it to realise sig- as “multistakeholder” govern- regional businesses and to grow them and operators to focus on their core the fast-growing APAC region and sub-sectors such as production and nificant economies of scale. We are ance, bringing in business and internationally, either organically operation. The company’s projects Australia, complementing its exist- construction. Kuiper also enjoys very excited to assist OCB in its glo- academia as well as govern- or via acquisitions. Gulf Capital has cover expansive and diverse geog- ing offering and cementing its solid strong relationships with blue-chip bal growth phase and look forward to ment users of the Internet. “The developed a track record of building raphies, with a strong concentration leadership position. clients in the offshore construction expanding into further geographies.” stakeholder model has proven its strength,” said Marby, who will succeed Fadi Chehade as president and chief executive at ICANN. “It is Pfizer unveils important for me to continue that Zuckerberg plan spurned as India backs net neutrality evolution. That is the way of going forward right now.” management While the transition will not change how the Internet works, Bloomberg line-up for it will help reassure users, busi- nesses and governments about its integrity, according to sup- combined entity porters who see it as a symbolic NEW DELHI: India’s telecom regulator ruled move towards asserting the web’s against cellular operators offering plans that charge independence. different rates for access to the Web depending on DUBLIN: Pfizer Inc, which agreed The multistakeholder model the content — a setback to Facebook Inc’s push for to buy Allergan Plc for $160bn last is intended to allow virtually all its limited Internet plan in the South Asian nation. year, unveiled its management line users, in the public and private Telecom operators cannot offer discriminatory up for the combined company, sector, to participate in Internet tariffs for data services based on content, and are once the deal closes in the second governance — as opposed to a not allowed to enter into agreements with Internet half of 2016. “multilateral” system controlled companies to subsidise access to some websites, Pfizer agreed in November to by governments. the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India said in buy Botox-maker Allergan in a A transition plan being a statement. Companies violating the rules will be deal meant to slash Pfizer’s tax rate prepared since early 2014 is under- fined, it said. “This is the most extensive and strin- as the tax-inversion deal would going final touches before being gent regulation on differential pricing anywhere shift its headquarters to Dublin. delivered to the US government, in the world,” Pranesh Prakash, policy director at Pfizer said yesterday it will and is on track for completion this the Centre for Internet and Society, said via phone. create a new operating unit to year, ICANN says. “The beauty of “Those who suggested regulation in place of com- house its consumer healthcare the stakeholder model is that it is plete ban have clearly lost.” and Allergan’s opthalmology and like the Internet,” Marby said. “The With this decision, India joins countries such Facebook Co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg speaking during an event at the Facebook Botox units after the deal closes. Internet is very distributed, so there as the US, Brazil and the Netherlands in passing headquarters in Menlo Park, California. Bill Meury, executive vice- are many checks and balances in laws that restrict telecom operators from discrim- president and president branded the system to make sure it works. inating Internet traffic based on content. It is a big pharma at Allergan, will become It is an unusual model but it is a blow to Facebook’s Internet sampler plan known care, and employment listings from their phones country offer the package for free at slow speeds, group president of the new unit, working model and it is proven.” as Free Basics, which is currently offered in about without a data plan. The proposal was criticised betting that it will help attract new customers who’ll global speciality and consumer Marby’s experience working three dozen countries including Kenya and Zam- by activists who said it threatened net neutrality, later upgrade to pricier data plans. In India, Face- brands. Pfizer said it will con- with telecoms and technology bia, none of which come close to the scale or reach the principle that all Internet websites should be book had tied up with Reliance Communications tinue to manage the combined stretches back more than 20 years, that could’ve been achieved in India. equally accessible, and could change pricing in Ltd., though the service was suspended in Decem- company’s commercial operations but he considers himself more With 130 million Facebook users, 375 million India for access to different websites. ber as the government solicited comments from through two units: an innovative business manager than geek. people online, and an additional 800 million-plus The regulator, which had sought stakeholders’ proponents and opponents. products business and an estab- “All my career I have been who aren’t, India is the biggest growth market for views, said it was guided by the principles of net Since the government’s telecommunications lished products business. working with networks and the the social network, which remains blocked in neutrality and seeks to ensure data tariffs remain regulator announced the suspension, Facebook The innovative products busi- Internet and information secu- China. Facebook said in a statement that it’s “dis- content agnostic. Operators will have six months bought daily full-page ads in major newspapers and ness will be include the global rity,” Marby told AFP. “When this appointed with the outcome.” The company will to wind down existing differential pricing services, plastered billboards with pictures of happy farm- innovative pharmaceutical and opportunity came around to con- continue its efforts “to eliminate barriers and give according to the regulator. “Anything on the Inter- ers and schoolchildren it says would benefit from the global speciality and consumer tinue to contribute to something the unconnected an easier path to the Internet and net can’t be priced based on content, applications, Free Basics. Zuckerberg has frequently made the brands unit. that is so important, that was an the opportunities it brings,” it said. source and destination,” R.S. Sharma, the regula- case himself via phone or newspaper op-eds, ask- Pfizer said last year that Ian opportunity I could not pass.” The regulator’s decision comes after months of tor’s chairman, told reporters in New Delhi. Some ing that Indians petition the government to approve Read, Pfizer CEO will become the Sweden’s PTS is a government public lobbying by Facebook Chief Executive Officer Internet companies’ plans to offer free WiFi at pub- his service. combined company’s chief exec- agency that oversees commu- Mark Zuckerberg for India to approve Free Basics, lic venues, like Google Inc.’s project with Indian Entrepreneurs, business people and activists utive, while Allergan CEO Brent nications industries including which allows customers to access the social net- Railways, are not affected by this ruling, he said. took to Twitter to share their views after the deci- Saunders will become the chief telephone Internet, and radio. work and other services such as education, health For Free Basics, one or two carriers in a given sion came out yesterday. operating officer. BUSINESS TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2016 23

Jazeera Air to Minister visits industrial zones in Saudi tap European and Asia Qatari delegation attended a series of meetings and seminars carriers

The Peninsula DUBAI: Kuwaiti discount carrier Jazeera Airways said it will seek an alliance with a major operator based DOHA: A Qatari delegation, led by H E Sheikh Ahmed bin in Europe or Asia after Jassim Al Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce, vis- plans to secure a stake in ited Saudi Arabia to have a first-hand experience about the state-owned Kuwait Air- functioning of various industrial zones. ways were frustrated. The Qatari delegation, along with Saudi Industrial Jazeera is likely to take Property Authority (MODON) Director General Saleh Al at least six months to seal Rashid visited various industrial zones. Al Rashid explained a deal, with flights starting the private sector investments in different logistic serv- in summer 2018, Chair- ices, single window licence facilities in the Sudair City for man Marwan Boodai said. Industry and Business. “We are looking at the BAs, The Saudi officials also explained about the activities of Lufthansas and Singapores Sudair City and the facilities available for the entrepreneurs of the world, established in the city. As part of the familiarisation trip, the Qatari airlines that have value,” delegation attended a series of meetings and seminars. Boodai said. Sudair City for Industry and Businesses is located 120 A partnership with a km north of Riyadh on an area of 264 million square meters major carrier would be and spread over 32 km long on Riyadh-Qassim highway. It a “game-changer” for is the largest industrial city developed by MODON, through Jazeera, allowing a com- which the North-South Railway line is passing and which pany that operates only H E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce, and other officials at the meeting. will have a dry port to serve the city. regional routes and attracts 1.2 million passengers a year to tap a long-haul mar- ket from Kuwait of 6 million people annually, he said. VW trucks open to IPO, Kuwait could also provide Mideast carriers post strongest a European or Asian airline with a well-located base through which to feed inter- deals in expansion plan continental traffic, he said. annual traffic growth of 10.5% Jazeera Air, which had net income of KD15.4m ($51m) last year, is at the By Mohammad Shoeb Bloomberg markets. Truck models are dra- “initial stage” of reaching The Peninsula matically different in individual out to “reputable and well- regions, so expansion in the U.S. positioned” airlines after its would probably involve an acquisi- board approved the joint- FRANKFURT: Volkswagen AG’s tion. Renschler declined to comment venture plan, Boodai said, DOHA: Middle Eastern airlines wit- heavy-truck division is explor- on specific plans or targets. “We’re adding that taking a stake nessed the strongest annual traffic ing options for growth that could keeping all options open on our way in unprofitable Kuwait Air- growth of 10.5 percent in 2015 com- include acquisitions and an initial to becoming a global champion,” ways has ceased to be an pared to the previous year, much public offering as it seeks to reap Renschler said. option because of the flag higher than the global average. the benefits of more independence Unlike most of its passenger-car carrier’s delayed privati- As a result, the share of inter- within its rapidly reorganising par- siblings, Volkswagen’s trucks unit isn’t sation process. “Jazeera national traffic carried by Middle ent company. dealing directly with fallout from the Airways is more a hybrid,” East carriers reached 14.2 percent, Trucks chief Andreas Rensch- diesel-emissions scandal. Still, the Boodai said, referring to surpassing their North American lersaid in an interview that the US, crisis besetting the parent company the business-class offer- counterparts (13.4 percent). the only major market where the triggered a management revamp ing available on most of its The capacity growth of 13.2 per- unit has no significant presence, and accelerated a push kick-started routes, adding that the car- cent of these airlines, which include and China are among key regions a year ago to give the automaker’s 12 rier wouldn’t be operating three major Gulf-carriers, exceeded for possible expansion. The strat- brands more leeway to make their its own flights at the long- the demand gains, pushing down load egy would challenge global industry own choices, handing Renschler, haul end of the market. factor 1.7 percentage points to 76.4 Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director-General and CEO. leaders Daimler AG and Volvo AB as who previously held the same post percent. well as smaller rivals in emerging at Daimler, more room to maneuver. The global passenger traffic Annual capacity rose 5.6 percent in consumer spending in the Euro- results for 2015 showing demand last year, with the result that load fac- zone as well as a moderate increase (revenue passenger kilometres or tor climbed 0.6 percentage points to in flight frequencies. Traffic growth RPKs) rose by 6.5 percent for the full a record annual high of 80.3 percent. slowed toward the end of the year year compared to 2014, according to All regions experienced positive traf- owing to strikes at Lufthansa and the Ooredoo eyes over $1.5bn via bonds, loans the latest data released by the Inter- fic growth in 2015. Carriers in the shutdown of Russia’s Transaero. national Air Transport Association Asia-Pacific region accounted for North American airlines saw (IATA), an aviation industry body that one-third of the total annual increase demand rise 3.2 percent in 2015, represents some 260 airlines com- in traffic. broadly unchanged from the growth Reuters also aims to make a benchmark- may have a material impact will be prising 83 percent of global air traffic. Capacity rose 5.9 percent and achieved in 2014. Capacity rose 3.1 sized bond issue in 2016. Ooredoo is communicated in a timely manner,” This was the strongest result load factor rose 0.5 percentage points percent, edging up load factor 0.1 open to issuing bonds in conventional said Andreas Goldau, head of inves- since the post-Global Financial Cri- to 79.7 percent. All regions recorded percentage points to 81.8 percent. and/or Islamic formats, in dollars or tor relations at the company. sis rebound in 2010 and well above year-on-year increases in demand. Latin American airlines’ traffic DUBAI: Ooredoo is in talks with a combination of currencies, the Ooredoo, like many corporations the 10-year average annual growth Asia Pacific carriers recorded a rose 9.3 percent in 2015. Capac- banks to raise more than $1.5bn sources said. and financial institutions in the Gulf, rate of 5.5 percent. While economic demand increase of 8.2 percent com- ity rose 9.2 percent and load factor through bonds and loans this year, Benchmark is usually taken is looking to tap the international fundamentals were weaker in 2015 pared to 2014, which was the largest inched up 0.1 percentage points to sources said yesterday. as upwards of $500m. An RCF is a debt markets instead of seeking loans compared to 2014, passenger demand increase among the three largest 80.1 percent. While key regional Ooredoo, which operates in about line of credit where the customer from local banks, as low oil prices was boosted by lower airfares. After regions. Demand was stimulated by economies, particularly Brazil, have a dozen territories across the Middle pays a commitment fee and is then have shrunk regional governments’ adjusting for distortions caused by a 7.3 percent increase in the number been struggling, overall traffic has East, Africa and Asia, is seeking loan allowed to use the funds when they energy revenues, hitting banking sec- the rise of the US dollar, global air- of direct airport connections in the been robust. funds to refinance an existing $1bn are needed during the lifespan of the tor liquidity. fares last year were approximately 5 region, resulting in time-savings for African airlines had the slowest revolving credit facility (RCF) matur- facility. Ooredoo has sought commit- percent lower than in 2014. travelers. Capacity rose 6.4 percent, annual demand growth, up 3 per- ing in March 2017. Ooredoo has asked banks to ments from local and international “Last year’s very strong perform- pushing up load factor 1.3 percent- cent, although this was a significant It is exploring options including respond no later than February 14, banks for credit facilities with tenors ance, against a weaker economic age points to 78.2 percent. improvement over the 0.9 percent raising funds through a conventional the sources said. of three, five and six years, and aims backdrop, confirms the strong European carriers’ international annual growth achieved in 2014. With RCF or Islamic loan, in US dollars Asked to comment by Reuters, to sign the facility by April 30, the demand for aviation connectiv- traffic climbed 5 percent in 2015. capacity up just half as much as traf- or in a combination of currencies, Ooredoo said it doesn’t comment on sources said. The company is, how- ity. But even as the appetite for air Capacity rose 3.8 percent and load fic, load factor climbed 1 percentage sources with knowledge of the deal market rumours. ever, open to raising funds as late as travel increased, consumers bene- factor increased marginally by 1 per- point to 68.5 percent. International said on condition of anonymity as the “We are permanently reviewing March 2017. fitted from lower fares compared to centage point to 82.6 percent, highest traffic rose strongly in the second half deal is private. finance options to accommodate On bonds, Ooredoo has sought 2014,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s Direc- among the regions. The healthy result of 2015, in conjunction with a jump in The Gulf’s third largest telecom- our financial needs with our bank- proposals in five-, 10- and 15-year tor-General and CEO. in part was attributable to a pick-up trade activity to and from the region. munications firm by market value ing partners. Any transactions that tenors, the sources added.

US inflation survey tumbles Credit Suisse CEO asks board to cut his bonus

Reuters One-year median expecta- Bloomberg Credit Suisse shares are trad- tions have fallen three months ing at a 25-year low and plunged on running and hit 2.42 percent in Thursday, when the bank reported January, from 2.54 percent in a fourth-quarter loss of 5.8bn Swiss NEW YORK: An increasingly December. LONDON: Credit Suisse Group AG francs ($5.8bn). Thiam said that day important gauge of US inflation The three-year ahead predic- Chief Executive Officer Tidjane that the lender would cut variable tumbled last month to its lowest tion was 2.45 percent last month, Thiam (pictured) asked the board pay by 11 percent, with bonus cuts of level since the Federal Reserve well down from 2.78 percent the to cut his bonus after Switzerland’s more than 30 percent at divisions that Bank of New York began the sur- previous month. second-largest bank reported its big- “underperformed” in 2015. vey in mid-2013, in what could be Respondents on the younger gest quarterly loss in seven years. Remuneration is a “battle taken as another warning bell for and older ends of the range, and Thiam told SonntagsZeitung in an ground,” Thiam said at a conference the US central bank. those with lower education and interview published on Sunday that last month, adding that investment The New York Fed’s survey of income, drove the decline, said he “asked the board to substantially bankers are unwilling to accept cuts consumers found expectations for the New York Fed, whose sur- cut my bonus. Within the leadership to their compensation. Credit Suisse’s inflation one and three years in vey has been increasingly cited team I am taking the biggest cut. I bonus pool dropped to 3.27bn francs the future fell as Americans were by economists and central bank- can’t demand sacrifices from others for 2014 from 3.61bn francs a year more cognizant of lower petrol ers themselves as a read on when and not make any myself.” earlier. Thiam asked the board to cut prices and costs of medical care inflation will return to a 2-per- A spokesman at the Zurich-based his bonus by 25 percent to 50 per- and college. cent target. lender confirmed the remarks, with- cent, the Financial Times reported, out elaborating on how much of a without saying where it obtained the reduction Thiam asked for. information. 24 TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2016 BUSINESS

Oil plunge threatens schools and other services in US producer states

Reuters City, said the belt-tightening was evi- back during the energy industry crash residents’ income for the first time in Finance Division, said services such Dakota, the epicentre of the shale oil dent. “I have seen elective programs of the 1980s,” said Matt Holder, chief 35 years. He also proposed using part as health care and corrections could boom and the second largest US pro- like music and art cut back. I’ve seen operating officer for the Oklahoma of the money earned by the state’s also face cuts. ducer behind Texas, faces a budget a shortage of new teacher hires, so stu- Department of Education. $47bn “rainy day” fund to cover state “Of course, people are complaining shortfall of more than $1bn and is now NEW YORK: From Alaska to Okla- dent to teacher ratio has risen. There “Some of our smaller school dis- expenses rather than pay out as an loudly about reductions in ferry service debating whether to dip into its reserve homa, crowded classes, suspended art has been an increased call out for tricts are having talks about whether annual dividend to residents as usual. and snow blowing, but I am not sure fund first or slash spending, including programs and longer school commutes additional supplies at school.” they are going to make it through the Despite Walker’s proposals, Stand- they realize that other services will be a proposed $72m cut in the state’s edu- give students and parents a taste of Oklahoma, where oil-related reve- next crunch,” he said. ard and Poor’s this month lowered its reduced,” he said. cation budget. the downside of cheap gas as oil-pro- nue has accounted for 10 percent of the Other services will feel the squeeze rating on Alaska’s debt to AA+ from While Alaska’s financial buffer “If you look at a lot of the states ducing states scramble to plug budget budget at the peak of the shale boom in too with Medicaid providers facing a 3 AAA. eases the immediate pressure, the that aren’t dependent on oil produc- holes blown by tumbling crude prices. 2014, in December slashed its oil pro- percent cut in payments and a hiring With cuts to the $1.4bn educa- diversified economies of other leading tion, their revenue forecasts are for Spending on education, health care duction tax revenue forecast for this freeze in force at the state’s depart- tion budget on the agenda, schools oil producers - Texas and California - growth,” said Gabriel Petek, an ana- and other services is either being cut year to $2m from $102m planned for ment of human services, says David - particularly those in remote areas - make them less vulnerable to the oil lyst at S&P. “But if you look at these or faces cutbacks in about half a dozen in June. Blatt, director of the Oklahoma Policy could eventually be forced to shutter, slump. California, the nation’s third other states, it’s almost like a parallel states that have relied on oil taxes for The state has already cut spend- Institute, an independent think tank. said Mike Hanley, commissioner for largest producer, is also less exposed universe,” he said. “If anything, there a sizeable part of their revenues and ing on education, which accounts for Alaska, where until recently oil tax the Alaska state Department of Edu- because it has never taxed oil produc- are cutbacks.” most did not prepare for oil diving as a third of its $7bn budget, by $25m in revenue funded up to 90 percent of the cation. “Oil revenues have treated us tion. The outlook is bleaker for states Petek said that as oil industry deep as $30 a barrel. the 2015-2016 fiscal year and another state budget is set for a 68 percent gap very well,” Hanley said. “But Alaska is such as Oklahoma, North Dakota, or jobs losses mount possibly setting Heather Popowsky, who has $20m cut looms. between spending and revenues this a one-legged revenue stool and we’ve Wyoming, that have less of a finan- oil-dependent states for more credit fourth, seventh and eighth graders in “We’re starting to have conversa- year, according to Moody’s. Its Gover- become too dependent on oil.” David cial cushion and depend more on the downgrades and greater financial Edmond Public Schools in Oklahoma tions now that this is as bad as it was nor Bill Walker has suggested taxing Teal, director of Alaska’s Legislative oil industry for jobs and income. North stress. Business as 30th anniversary of ANA normal with Iran: Vitol

produce up to 500,000 barrels a day in additional oil by the middle of the Several European year and another 200,000 barrels a oil companies have day by year-end. Iran pumped an average of 3.6m chartered tankers barrels a day in 2011. Production fell this month to load in 2012 to a 25-year low of 2.7m bar- rels a day. Iranian crude, The country pumped 2.8m bar- but none has yet rels a day on average last year. Under international sanctions, Iran was acknowledged it’s allowed some sales to buyers includ- buying. Vitol expects ing China, India, Japan, South Korea, that Iran will produce and Turkey. Taylor said the nation’s return to up to 500,000 international markets hasn’t been barrels a day particularly complicated, though he acknowledged “some inevita- Some 388 employees of Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA) Group companies and its partner companies stand in formation that reads ble teething problems as we get “30th thanks” in front of a Boeing 787 aircraft in front of a hangar at Narita International Airport in Chiba prefecture, yesterday. ANA will Iran back going again with things celebrate its 30th anniversary since its first regular international flights this upcoming March 3. Bloomberg like banks and insurance” for the tankers. “We, like everybody else, did some preparatory work,” he said. LONDON: The world’s largest inde- “It was clear that it was coming. We pendent oil trader said it’s “business obviously talked to them about what Airbus drops P&W engines for A321neo’s first test flight as normal” with Iran as Vitol Group would happen once it did come. So BV confirmed it has already bought people were relatively ready.” cargoes from the country after the Iran said on Saturday it planned end of economic sanctions. to export as much as 300,000 bar- Bloomberg Schaffrath said many tests are inde- requires special measures to reach sent the first 737 Max to a paint shop “We’ve bought some, yes we rels a day of crude to Europe. Total pendent of engine type and that it the right temperature on startup. on November 30, meeting to the day have,” Vitol Chief Executive Officer has agreed to buy about 160,000 “doesn’t matter” which turbines are Airbus didn’t offer a specific reason a time line set four years ago. Airbus Ian Taylor said in a television barrels a day starting on Feb. 16, actually used on initial flights. for the change, while Pratt spokes- appeared to be sticking to its own interview. “We’ve bought a bit of eve- the oil ministry’s Shana news web- PARIS: Airbus Group SE has decided The A320neo series is critical woman Sara Banda said it didn’t want schedule until the delays emerged rything really. Bit of products, bit of site reported on Saturday, citing Oil not to use Pratt & Whitney engines to Airbus’s future, with the more to speak for clients. in December. condensate. It’s very much business Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh. that have suffered engineering efficient upgrade of the company Qatar Airways Ltd, earmarked Airbus shares fell as much as 6.2 as normal.” The arrangement shows Iran’s glitches for the first test flight of best-selling model winning close to as the first A320neo customer, percent to ¤50.72 yesterday before The comments ahead of the determination to fulfill promises its A321neo, the largest and most 4,500 orders since it went on sale in refused delivery in December and trading 6.1 percent lower as of 4:37pm annual IP Week oil-industry gath- to re-establish its relationship with widely-ordered variant of the Euro- 2010. As of December, United Tech- said recently it would be “months” in Paris. Safran dropped as much as ering in London are the first European clients. Vitol executives pean company’s new single- aisle jet, nologies Corp.’s Pratt had won 28 before it takes a plane. Airbus hasn’t 7.7 percent to ¤50.11 after analysts confirmation by a trading company planned to meet with Iranian offi- and will instead employ rival turbines percent of engine contests and CFM, indicated when it plans to hand over at Jefferies and Deutsche Bank cut that it has resumed buying from Iran. cials in London during the IP Week from CFM International. a joint venture of General Electric Co the first Qatar aircraft, and neither their price targets, citing concerns Several European oil companies gathering, Taylor said. Airbus said it still aims to deliver and France’s Safran SA, 33 percent, has it said publicly when deliveries including currency hedging and new- have chartered tankers this month “They’re very sharp, very good. the first A321neos powered by with the rest undecided. to India’s IndiGo will proceed. engine pricing. United Technologies to load Iranian crude, but none has They haven’t changed a lot,” he said. Pratt by the end of 2016, with CFM- The switch involving the A321neo US competitor Boeing Co. began declined 1.2 percent to $86.81 in New yet acknowledged it’s buying. “So we’ll carry on the discussions equipped aircraft being handed over test plane comes amid technical dif- developing a rival aircraft more than York, while GE decreased 1.9 percent Vitol expects that Iran will that we dropped off a few years ago. in early 2017. Spokesman Stefan ficulties that mean the Pratt engine a year after Airbus got to work. Boeing to $27.99. Cargo ship docks at the Iraqi Port French ex-budget minister goes on trial for tax fraud

AFP Nearby, dozens demonstrated Jean Veil. Both Cahuzac and Menard against the impunity of the banking have paid back taxes and penalties, system, with one cigar-chomping pro- their lawyers argued. The court was tester in top hat and tails impersonating told she had returned more than ¤2m PARIS: France’s former budget min- a banker. although no figure was given for the ex- ister Jerome Cahuzac, who stashed Cahuzac and Menard face up to minister. If the question is referred to millions abroad while cracking down seven years in jail and ¤2m ($2.2m) the constitutional court, the trial could on tax cheats at home, went on trial yes- in fines if found guilty of tax fraud and be delayed by several months. If not, terday for tax fraud. money laundering. it is scheduled to end on February 18. The 63-year-old former rising The defence opened by challenging The scandal was the first of a series star in the French Socialist Party now the constitutionality of the case, argu- that have tarnished the presidency of dubbed the finance ministry’s “Pinoc- ing that Cahuzac has already settled Francois Hollande, who had promised chio”, fended off reporters as he arrived his debts and should not be tried twice a squeaky clean government after suc- at the Paris criminal court. over the same matter. ceeding Nicolas Sarkozy, the subject of His ex-wife and co-defendant “Even if the press calls someone several graft investigations, in 2012. To Patricia Menard, with whom he ran a a ‘pariah’ we can still follow the law, begin with, Cahuzac vehemently denied A cargo ship docked at the Iraqi port of Umm Qasr near the southern city of Basra, yesterday. lucrative hair transplant clinic, arrived and (the double jeopardy recourse) is a the allegations, notably before parlia- separately. question of law,” said Cahuzac’s lawyer ment and to Hollande. BUSINESS TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2016 25 India’s economy grows 7.3% in third quarter

year 2015-16. It sharply revised up the growth rate for the previous two The onus is on quarters, including raising the fig- the government ure for the July-September quarter to 7.7 percent, up from 7.4 percent to sustain this reported earlier. pace. The drivers However, several experts ques- tioned the data, saying it did not tally of growth from with the signals coming from many the data suggests sectors of the Indian economy. that government “I’m absolutely surprised by this,” said Kunal Kundu, India Economist spending and at Societe Generale in Bangalore, of consumption the upward quarterly data revision. “The growth they are talking about spending are really becomes all the more untenable on strong the face of what we are seeing in the coal sector, roads, freight, exports contracting for 13 months in a row,” A file picture of a crane unloading coal from a ship during the inauguration ceremony of Adani Cargo Port at Dahej in the western Indian state he said. AFP & Bloomberg As per official data on GDP of Gujarat. The country’s economy grew 7.3 percent in the October-December quarter from a year earlier. released by the Central Statis- tics Office (CSO), the growth was pulled down by lower production 2015, while Russia contracted 3.7 per- growth through compliance, lawmak- pace of promised economic reforms citing the importance of control- NEW DELHI: India’s economy in ‘agriculture, forestry and fishing’, cent and Brazil is forecast to shrink ers have said. Gross value added needed to create jobs for India’s tens ling inflation, which has ticked up in expanded 7.3 percent in the third ‘electricity, gas and water supply and 3.7 percent. India’s expansion slowed — a measure of economic strength of millions of young people. recent months. quarter of the financial year, official other utility services’ and ‘financial, to 7.3 percent in October- December closely watched by the central bank The rupee is Asia’s worst-per- The Reserve Bank of India said data showed yesterday, suggesting it real estate and professional services’. from 7.4 percent the previous quarter. — rose 7.1 percent October- Decem- forming currency so far this year the benchmark repo rate, the level at remains on track as the world’s fast- Inadequate rainfall this year “The onus is on the government ber, matching the median estimate, as global funds have pulled out of which it lends to commercial banks, est-growing major economy. meant agriculture and allied activ- to sustain this pace,” said Prasanna after a 7.4 percent expansion the Indian stocks.“At face value these are would remain at 6.75 percent. The year-on-year expansion in ities registered negative growth of Ananthasubramanian, chief econ- previous quarter. The farm sector extremely strong figures. The bigger Although it is a much smaller gross domestic product (GDP) for (-)1 percent in the quarter — com- omist at ICICI Securities Primary contracted 1 percent, while mining doubts arise when we try to align the economy, India’s current growth the three months to end-December pared to a 2 percent growth in the Dealership in Mumbai. “The drivers rose 6.5 percent, manufacturing 12.6 GDP data with what we know of the rate compares favourably with that represented a slowdown from the previous quarter. Besides, there was of growth from the data suggests that percent and electricity and gas out- economy’s health from other sources,” of China, which expanded 6.9 percent previous quarter but beat a 7.1 per- a 6 percent growth in electricity, gas, government spending and consump- put increased 6 percent. analysts at Capital Economics said in in 2015, its slowest pace in a quar- cent median estimate forecast by water supply and other utility serv- tion spending are really strong.” “GST will be a sentiment turner a note, following Monday’s data. ter of a century. The government says economists in a Bloomberg survey. ices — as against 7.5 percent growth However history shows that and crucial for growth in the medium “We should take the official GDP the new method of calculating GDP The robust data will provide a in the second quarter. higher fiscal spending in India was term,” said Shubhada Rao, an econ- data, and the rate of growth they are is closer to international standards. boost for Prime Minister Narendra Financial and professional accompanied by stronger growth omist with Yes Bank Ltd in Mumbai. suggesting, with a pinch of salt,” they The main change is that India Modi, coming as India’s right wing services income in the Septem- but also higher inflation. That would Modi has made boosting eco- said. Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party- now measures its economic growth leader nears two years in power ber-December quarter grew at 9.9 jeopardize 5 percent target for March nomic growth a priority since led government will present its next at market prices to incorporate “gross amid mounting calls to enact prom- percent — compared to 11.6 percent 2017, probably compelling him to sweeping to power in May 2014 and budget on February 29, with the pri- value addition” in goods and serv- ised reforms. in the previous quarter. keep rates unchanged this year after has been buoyed in recent months vate sector clamouring for tax reforms ices as well as indirect taxes. The India’s statistics ministry on The median of 21 estimates in a four cuts in 2015. by a growth rate that has exceeded to simplify the current regime, among base year to calculate India’s GDP Monday also forecast the economy news survey was for a growth of 7.4 The levy will replace more than that of powerhouse China. But inves- other demands. India’s central bank has also been advanced to 2011-12 would grow 7.6 percent over the full percent. China grew 6.9 percent in a dozen taxes and boost revenue and tors have raised concerns about the kept interest rates on hold last week, from 2004-05.

Toyota halts Japan production for a week Gold extends gains after rising Egypt drawing up 5% last week budget at devalued Reuters exchange rate

LONDON: Gold hit its highest level since mid-October yester- Reuters assumptions,” the statement said, day, extending its biggest weekly adding that the central bank was rise since July 2013 as sliding stock independent. The central bank markets and global growth uncer- could not immediately be reached tainty prompted investors to seek CAIRO: Egypt is drafting its next for comment. safety in hard assets. budget on the basis of an exchange Egypt has been struggling to Spot gold reached a peak of rate of 8.25 Egyptian pounds to obtain enough foreign currency $1,182.60, its strongest since Octo- the dollar, weaker than the central since a popular uprising in 2011 ber 16, and was at $1,178.76 an bank’s official rate, two government ended Hosni Mubarak’s 30-year rule ounce at 1326 GMT, up 0.5 percent. sources said yesterday, indicating the and drove away tourists and foreign The metal climbed 5 percent monetary authority may be prepar- investors—both major sources of for- last week and has risen more than ing to devalue. eign currency. 10 percent since the start of 2016, The bank has defended the Its foreign currency reserves A boy gesturing next to Toyota vehicles at the company’s showroom in Tokyo. Toyota Motor yesterday reversing last year’s 10.4 percent pound against growing pressure to have tumbled to $16.48bn in Janu- halted all production at its factories in Japan due to a steel shortage following a blast last month at loss. The pan-European FTSEu- devalue, but with foreign exchange ary from $36bn before the uprising, a steel plant. Assembly lines will be suspended for the rest of the week at 29 plants. Operations are rofirst 300 was down 2.7 percent, reserves scarcely enough to finance and the country has been rationing expected to resume on February 15. hitting its lowest since October more than three months worth of dollars through regular auctions to 2014 on worries about economic imports, economists say it cannot banks. growth. hold out forever. Under former governor Hisham “There’s certainly continued To keep the pound at an arti- Ramez, Egypt’s central bank allowed elevated volatility coming from oil ficially high rate, the central bank the pound to weaken by more than prices, weaker equities,” said ETF has introduced strict currency con- 10 percent between January and Georgia to build $2.5bn Black Securities analyst Martin Arnold. trols, making it difficult for firms October last year through a series “We think there is more upside. The to obtain the dollars they need to of gradual moves. next big level is $1,200, but it may finance imports. The crisis has hit But with other emerging mar- take a while to test it.” trade and manufacturing, as facto- kets currencies falling dramatically Sea port on China’s Silk Road A US jobs report on Friday sug- ries struggle to bring in components, against the greenback during last gested the world’s biggest economy and could threaten growth. year’s rout, the Egyptian pound could be strong enough for the Fed- But the exchange rate being was still left looking relatively AFP dollar drive to revive its strategic Silk generate 0.5 percent of Georgia’s GDP eral Reserve to lift interest rates at assumed in early drafts of the 2016- overvalued. Road trade routes on land and sea, to by 2025, ADC said. some point, but financial markets 17 budget suggests the central bank New governor Tarek Amer took increase its footprint from central Asia The Georgian premier said the expect there will be fewer hikes could be planning to abandon the the helm in November and surprised TBILISI: Georgia yesterday announced to Europe. project will include a 600-hectare this year than the four they had rate of 7.7301 before the end of June. markets by strengthening the cur- plans to build a new deep-water Black Georgia aims to create a regional industrial park with minimal taxation, been pricing in a few weeks ago. Egypt’s fiscal year begins in July. rency by 20 piasters against the Sea port in a $2.5bn project that aims to transport hub on the Black Sea’s east calling this “a breath of fresh air for the Lower rates cut the opportu- “The government has begun dollar. boost trade between China and Europe coast, competing with Turkish ports for Georgian economy.” The port will be nity cost of holding gold, which preparing the state budget in accord- Some economists criticised the along the historic Silk Road route. cargo ships carrying Chinese goods for built at the village of Anaklia, which earns no yield but costs to store ance to an exchange rate of 8.25 move, which came in the midst of Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikash- Europe. The new port will serve large is strategically located on the short- and insure. “The rally is starting Egyptian pounds to the dollar ver- intense downward pressure on vili said the ex-Soviet country had ships that cannot dock at the ex-Soviet est transit route from China to Europe. to look overextended from a tech- sus 7.75 pounds in the 2015-2016 the currency. Others said the cen- awarded the contract to build the country’s existing ports and instead go “The project fits with the new concept nical point of view and gold will proposed budget,” one of the gov- tral bank was aiming to break the port to a joint venture called Anaklia to Turkey to reload cargo onto smaller of the ancient Silk Road proclaimed by crucially be lacking support from ernment sources said. cycle of downward bets against the Development Consortium, made up of vessels. the Chinese government: One Belt One Chinese physical buying in this The Finance Ministry said in a pound as a prelude to devaluation Georgia’s TBC Holding and US-based The Georgian government will Road,” the chairman of Georgia’s TBC Lunar New Year holiday week,” statement that it takes into account or flotation. Conti International. contribute $100m, while the rest will Holding, Mamuka Khazaradze, said. Mitsubishi analyst Jonathan But- a number of factors when deciding “The intention is there and prep- “The project will bring tremendous be financed by the ADC consortium. The ‘One Belt One Road’ route ler said in a research note. on which exchange rate to assume arations are there to weaken the opportunities for Georgia and the entire Construction work is due to start late accounts for 26 percent of Chinese for- US gold for April delivery was when drafting the budget and that currency whether in the decisions of region, making the new Silk Road con- this year and is set to take three years, eign trade and is a focal point for $40bn up 2.1 percent at $1,182.1 an ounce. the rate is often revised during the the last two months or the meeting of cept fully operational,” Kvirikashvili the ADC consortium said in a state- in Chinese infrastructure investments Hedge funds and money managers drafting process. the central bank with the exchange told journalists. Under President Xi Jin- ment. The port will be able to process through its Silk Road Development boosted their bullish bet in COMEX “The Egyptian central bank bureaus,” said Hany Genena, econ- ping, China has launched a multibillion 100m tons of cargo annually and could Fund. gold to a three-month high. is not involved in deciding these omist at Beltone Financial. 26 TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2016 BUSINESS

QE INDICES SUMMARY QATAR STOCK EXCHANGE QE Index 9,698.37 0.81 % QE Total Return Index 15,125.57 0.81 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 3,482.12 1.90 % QE All Share Index 2,587.91 0.96 % QE All Share Banks & Financial Services 2,658.62 0.63 % QE All Share Industrials 2,776.65 0.70 % QE All Share Transportation 2,310.64 2.25 % QE All Share Real Estate 2,134.35 2.28 % QE All Share Insurance 4,024.25 0.24 % QE All Share Telecoms 1,076.14 0.45 % QE All Share Consumer Goods & Services 5,473.22 0.69 %

QE MARKET SUMMARY COMPARISON 08-02-2016 Today 07-01-2016 Previous day Index 9,698.37 9,620.57 Change 77.80 63.05 % 0.81 0.65 YTD% 7.01 7.7 5 Volume 10,372,684 6,818,321 Value (QAR) 336,683,721.17 215,831,816.35 Trades 5,420 3,553 Up 28 | Down 07 | Unchanged 05

WORLD STOCK INDICES Index Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low All Ordinaries 5022.092 -3.533 -0.07 5379.6 4857.9 Cac 40 Index/D 4092.91 -107.76 -2.57 4586.11 4084.68 Dj Indu Average 16204.97 -211.61 -1.29 18351.4 15370.3 Hang Seng Inde/D 19288.17 105.08 0.55 21794.84 18534.3 Iseq Overall/D 5881.31 -194.4 -3.2 6791.68 6067.03 Karachi 100 In/D 32706.22 227.24 0.7 33304.4 29785 Nikkei 225 Index 17004.3 184.71 1.1 18951.12 16017.26 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 2134.72 1812.29

EXCHANGE RATE Currency Buying Selling US$ QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 UK QR 5.2095 QR 5.2833 INTERNATIONAL MARKETS - A LIST OF SHARES FROM THE WORLD Euro QR 4.0258 QR 4.0829 COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME CA$ QR 2.5860 QR 2.6369 NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED Swiss Fr QR 3.6408 QR 3.6925 Yen QR 0.0311 QR 0.0317 A C C-A/D 1280.3 9.65 26170 Escorts-A/D 130.7 -0.9 172933 Kalpat Power-B/D 175.95 -2.6 13002 Thirumalai-B/D 177.2 -6.1 2108 Aus$ QR 2.5505 QR 2.6018 Aarti Drugs-B/D 487.95 -12 4300 Essar Oil-T/D 263 2.4 147569 Kalyani Stel-T/D 148.8 -0.4 66180 Til Ltd.-T/D 400.1 -5 3426 Ind Re QR 0.0531 QR 0.0542 Aban Offs-A/D 173.2 -0.8 183746 Eveready Indu-/D 227.5 -8.6 16543 Kanoria Chem-B/D 63.1 -1.95 9427 Timexgroup-T/D 31.2 0.3 52370 Aegis Logis-B/D 93 -2.15 20125 F D C-B/D 181.1 -6.2 6814 Kg Denim-B/D 55.9 9.3 179953 Tinplate-B/D 67.1 -0.7 31294 Pak Re QR 0.0346 QR 0.0353 Alembic-B/D 37.6 0.1 118739 Federal Bank-A/D 46.1 0.3 249681 Kilburnengg-Xd/D 66.8 1.8 121700 Ucal Fuel-B/D 104.8 0.3 3154 Peso QR 0.0756 QR 0.0771 Alok Indus-A/D 5.08 0.09 869849 Ferro Alloys-B/D 5.7 0.09 26882 Kinetic Eng-B/D 99.6 -1.5 1937 Ultramarine-B/D 105.9 -1.2 4574 SL Re QR 0.0249 QR 0.0257 Apollo Tyre-A/D 137.25 -1.3 185537 Finolex-A/D 308 2.55 3512 Kopran-B/D 53.9 -0.65 90312 Unitech P -A/D 5.11 0.06 7191539 Taka QR 0.0458 QR 0.0469 Asahi I Glass-/D 147.5 -1.65 2965 Gail-A/D 343.5 2 156303 Lakshmi Elec-B/D 378.4 -7.6 1161 Univcable-T/D 75 3.55 1300 Ashok Leyland-/D 89.4 -1.2 989777 Gammon India-T/D 16.3 0.15 85778 Lakshmi Mach-A/D 3478.6 -15.85 100323 Uppergsugar-T/D 63.2 2.55 1721 Nep Re QR 0.0332 QR 0.0339 Ballarpur In-B/D 15.25 -0.45 258899 Gangotri Tex-T/D 1.5 -0.07 3185 Laxmi Prcisn-B/D 45.55 0.6 2301 LONDON SA Rand QR 0.2228 QR 0.2272 Banaras Bead-B/D 44.5 -2.3 1894 Garden P -B/D 24.9 0.65 3172 Lloyd Metal-B/D 10.4 1.1 49439 Bata India-A/D 487.7 6.45 29845 Godfrey Phil-B/D 1171.55 9 29525 Lok.Hous&Con-B/D 6.75 -0.04 18586 Beml Ltd-A/D 1040 9 18244 Goodricke-B/D 176.5 -4.9 11541 Lumax Ind-B/D 423.2 0.5 1733 3I Group/D 415.8 -6.2 820177 GOLD AND SILVER Bh Electronic-/D 1224.6 -9.1 15631 Goodyear I -B/D 489 -8.2 4224 Lupin-A/D 1818.9 17.45 158317 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 3066 -31 182355 GOLD QR138.6390 per gramme Bhansali Eng-T/D 19 -0.5 53432 Hcl Infosys-B/D 37.9 0.2 896199 Lyka Labs-T/D 84.7 -0.65 32808 Barclays/D 168.75 -4.4 23440588 Bharat Bijle-B/D 820 -16.5 10212 Him.Fut.Comm-T/D 18.55 -0.45 1600576 Mafatlal Ind-B/D 260 0.8 1644 Bg Group/D 1045 -15 2482007 SILVER QR1.7603 per gramme Bharatgears-B/D 68.05 -1.95 1882 Himat Seide-B/D 185.9 -4.05 63287 Mangalam Cem-B/D 173 -6.5 1299 Bp/D 339.25 -11.4 13388517 Bhartiya Int-B/D 499.75 -18.25 11979 Hind Motors-T/D 5.84 0.04 73982 Maral Overs-B/D 29.45 0.2 2095 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3699 -27.5 1001382 Bhel-A/D 132.55 -0.25 527364 Hind Org Chem-/D 14.05 -0.15 17437 Mastek-B/D 129.6 -1.2 11352 Bt Group/D 465.41 -10.5 10606904 Bom.Burmah-B/D 401.45 -5.25 15662 Hind Unilever-/D 829.95 -15 86974 Max India L-A/D 367 1.5 1241 Centrica/D 192.7 -3.6 4059546 Bombay Dyeing-/D 49.2 0.3 111546 Hind.Petrol-A/D 742.55 -5.65 249700 Mrpl-A/D 63.05 0.4 35692 Gkn/D 262.1016 -8 2843231 Camph.& All-B/D 472 0.8 1751 Hindalco-A/D 69.7 -1.65 906514 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 30.4 -1.6 1300 Hsbc Holdings/D 441.7 -16.15 16351018 European and US Canfin Homes-B/D 1022 -29 3800 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 1161.75 -21.95 43926 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 30.4 -1.6 1300 Kingfisher/D 317.6 -5.9 1603846 Caprihans-Xc/D 87 -0.65 5184 I F C I-A/D 23.65 0.35 864778 Nahar Spg.-B/D 103.5 0.9 10521 Land Secs Grou/D 1038 -28 1793148 Castrol India-/D 408.95 -3.3 19796 Idbi-A/D 56.9 -0.1 788142 Nation Alum -A/D 34 -0.1 94430 Legal & Genera/D 207.4 -4.5 13427331 stocks hammered Century Enka-B/D 171.5 -1.3 6384 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 367.95 7.25 1970 Navneet Edu-B/D 82.6 -0.55 9713 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 60.55 -1.25 52791363 Century Text-A/D 476.35 -11.3 120864 India Cement-A/D 82.65 -1.45 232444 Nepc India-T/D 2.07 0.01 10679 Marks & Sp./D 410.1 -5.2 1744251 Chambal Fert-B/D 56.5 -0.6 7772 India Glycol-B/D 82 -1.4 2467 Neuland Lab-B/D 689.5 -6.5 4149 Next/D 6505 -115 188203 AFP Chola Invest-A/D 697.8 13.05 5021 Indian Card-B/D 231 1.3 3134 Nrb Bearings-B/D 113.2 -4.4 3906 Pearson/D 768.5 -10 1623282 Chowgule St-T/D 18.45 0.45 3140 Indian Hotel-A/D 114.4 2.3 54581 O N G C-A/D 214.6 -5.35 223491 Prudential/D 1186.5 -41.5 3267330 Cimmco-B/D 83.45 -1.35 5879 Indo-Tcount-T/D 1096.9 -117.85 32111 Oil Country-B/D 27.65 0.6 5222 Rentokil Initi/D 154.1 -2.9 852276 LONDON: European and US stock markets slumped Cipla-A/D 567 -2.95 125105 Indusind-A/D 884.75 -27.45 48466 Onward Tech-B/D 72.4 0.5 6157 Rolls Royce Pl/D 515.5 -13.5 4233259 yesterday as investors cashed out of banking shares, City Union Bk-/D 84.05 2.75 16986 J.B.Chemical-B/D 257.4 0.5 14125 Orchid Pharm-B/D 44.65 0 101440 Rsa Insrance G/D 388.4 -6.1 1086509 with tech and oil stocks also taking a beating. After a Colgate-A/D 851.85 -0.45 11043 Jagatjit Ind-X/D 64 -0.1 2559 Orient Hotel-T/D 22.45 -0.1 20517 Sainsbury(J)/D 245.7 -5.2 1856365 quiet session across Asia owing to the Chinese New Year, Container Cor-/D 1147.8 22.7 10075 Jagson Phar-B/D 41.95 0.25 21317 Oudh Sugar-B/D 41.4 -0.95 10336 Schroders/D 2467 -77 152634 European markets plunged and were then followed by Dai-Tichi Kar-/D 325 -14.6 6099 Jamnaauto-B/D 140.9 -4.3 257728 Patspin India-/D 9.13 0.43 4730 Severn Trent/D 2110 -30 133215 Wall Street. Markets across the continent ended the day Dcm Financia-T/D 1.39 0.05 7000 Jbf Indu-B/D 201.9 -4.6 16979 Punjab Chem.-B/D 131.3 -0.5 2906 Smith&Nephew/D 1065 -28 1050461 down with losses of around 3 percent or more. Dhampur Sugar-/D 66.65 2.1 53500 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.37 0.02 119150 Radico Khait-B/D 108 -5.4 44464 Smiths Group/D 920.5 -17 464027 Milan fell 4.7 percent and Greek stocks dropped 7.9 Dr. Reddy-A/D 3070.65 -38.4 49312 Jct Ltd-B/D 7 0.14 248644 Rallis India-A/D 163.4 2.55 30043 Standrd Chart /D 437.65 -15.4 4921222 percent to a 25-year low. Meanwhile Frankfurt’s DAX E I H-B/D 110.5 0.15 4161 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 8.75 -0.1 36780 Rallis India-A/D 163.4 2.55 30043 Tate & Lyle/D 587 -0.5 481898 even went below 9,000 points for the first time since E.I.D Parry-A/D 170.35 -0.05 48813 Jik Indust-T/D 1.04 0 3746 Reliance Indus/D 394.3 30.7 555998 Tesco/D 171.65 -2.95 11139898 October 2014. In London, the FTSE 100 was down 2.7 Eicher Motor-A/D 18374.2 245.75 9529 Jktyre&Ind-A/D 89.4 1.65 208039 Ruchi Soya-B/D 24 -0.55 52789 Unilever/D 2954 -13.5 1930765 percent at 5,689.36 points. In Frankfurt, the DAX 30 Electrosteel-B/D 20.05 0.3 85541 Jmc Projects-T/D 205 -2.1 1732 S Bk Bikaner-B/D 514.4 -2.9 2494 United Util Gr/D 909 -14 471684 was down 3.3 percent at 8,979.36, in Paris, the CAC Emco-B/D 28.6 0.4 33769 Kajaria Cer-A/D 946 -1.4 1723 Salora Inter-B/D 48 -0.5 3260 Vodafone Group/D202.845 -4.15 26436426 40 was down 3.2 percent at 4,066.31. In New York, the Escorts Fin-B/D 4.1 -0.15 35366 Kakatiya Cem-B/D 128 0.4 1560 Saur.Cem-B/D 51.3 -1.9 28515 Whitbread/D 3740 -45 349253 Dow was down 2.3 percent at 15,839.27 in early trade; the S&P 500 fell 2.2 percent at 1,838.72 and the Nasdaq was down 2.7 percent at 4,247.00. In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 was up 1.1 percent at 17,004.30. Focus turned to the banking sector, but the rout deepened after oil prices also resumed their slide, while Qatar Exchange and most Gulf bourses rise tech stocks got taken down on Wall Street. Disappointing earnings by banks has turned investors cold, especially given the prospect of continued low or even negative Reuters session high of 5,972 points after oil prices Doha’s index rose 0.8 percent with to maintain stability in the currency over interest rates in many countries. pulled back. Barwa Real Estate surging 9.3 percent in the past several months, but foreign inves- Banking shares were among the worst performers, Dubai’s index climbed 1.9 percent on unusually heavy trade. Blue-chip banks tors are still jittery about the possibility of with Bank of America, Morgan Stanley and Goldman higher trading volumes than in the previ- also lifted the market, with Qatar Islamic a devaluation and the negative impact it Sachs losing more than five percent. In Europe, shares DUBAI: Several major stock markets in the ous session, trimming its losses for 2016 Bank advancing 1.6 percent. Qatar Gas would have on their investment returns in Deutsche Bank plunged 13.7 percent and Commerz- Middle East rose yesterday as local inves- to 1.8 percent. Emaar Malls closed flat at Transport, a natural gas carrier, added 1.7 and companies’ earnings. bank slumped 6.6 percent. Shares in BNP Paribas gave tors bought back shares, though blue-chip Dh2.49 after reaching a session high of percent. up 5.5 percent and HSBC shed 4.2 percent. banks weighed on Abu Dhabi. Dh2.58. Emaar Properties, the majority Kuwait Food Co (Americana) surged HIGHLIGHTS Meanwhile in Athens, the FTSEB index of financial Equity markets in the region, where shareholder in Emaar Malls, surged 3.1 10 percent after the food company said SAUDI ARABIA: The index edged up 0.2 stocks plunged by nearly 25 percent as investors worried government revenues largely depend percent on its third day of gains. Air Ara- its board had agreed to give a Gulf-based percent to 5,906 points. about another dispute between the Greek government on petrodollars, have been struggling to bia edged up 0.8 percent. investment firm 60 days to carry out due DUBAI: The index rose 1.9 percent to 3,095 and its EU-IMF creditors like one last year which wiped break free of the negative impact of weak Damac Properties and Shuaa Capi- diligence for the acquisition of a control- points. out the value of bank capital. oil prices. tal, shares favoured by local traders, each ling stake in the company. Kuwait’s main ABU DHABI: The index was flat at 4,103 As oil prices fell again, energy stocks took another “Investors’ propensity to react to jumped more than 3.5 percent. index edged up 0.1 percent. points. hit. Among petroleum-linked stocks, Anadarko Petro- changes in oil prices has increased,” said a Abu Dhabi’s index closed flat at 4,103 Egypt’s main benchmark added 0.8 QATAR: The index added 0.8 percent to leum dropped 2.8 percent and oil-services company Riyadh-based analyst, noting even a slight points, 33 points below its intra-day high. percent to 6,175 points, closing 86 points 9,698 points. Weatherford International fell 3.2 percent. Shares in change in rhetoric between Opec and non- The benchmark has fallen 4.7 percent this below its intra-day high, in the highest vol- KUWAIT: The index edged up 0.1 percent BP fell 1.9 percent in London. Opec producers can send crude prices up year. The banking sector was the main ume since January 24. to 5,209 points. Meanwhile, tech stocks took another thumping in or down and with it Gulf stock markets. drag, with Union National Bank and Abu Palm Hills fell 2.2 percent, erasing early EGYPT: The index rose 0.8 percent to 6,175 the wake of shares in career-focused social network Brent futures were trading slightly Dhabi Islamic Bank falling 3.7 and 1.4 per- gains. On Sunday, Egypt’s second-largest points. LinkedIn plunging more than 40 percent on Friday after firmer at a little over $34 a barrel for most cent respectively. UNB reported that its listed property developer reported a 128 OMAN: The index gained 1.9 percent to reporting a weak outlook. While LinkedIn shares were of the Gulf day. This helped Saudi Ara- net profit dropped to Dh1.86bn last year percent jump in fourth-quarter net profit 5,398 points. broadly stable, Amazon dropped 4.7 percent and Face- bia’s stock index close 0.2 percent higher from Dh2.02bn in 2014 because of higher and proposed its first cash dividend. BAHRAIN: The index edged down 0.1 per- book 5 percent. at 5,906 points, though it came well off a impairment charges. Egypt’s central bank has been striving cent to 1,176 points. BUSINESS VIEWS TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2016 27

Russia’s luxury Negative rates seen as option for flagship store turns Fed as BoJ and ECB pave way to Chinese spenders

By Olga Sichkar and European cities rather than in Jack Stubbs Moscow. Reuters Russia’s economic downturn has helped to change that. The rouble has dived against most ramed by Swarovski crys- leading currencies including the tal figurines and crocodile yuan since the economy slid into Fskin-clad smart phones, recession, hit by a collapse in glo- sales promotions at Moscow’s bal prices for Russia’s main export, exclusive TsUM department store oil, and Western sanctions over are being publicised in two lan- guages: Russian, of course, and now Chinese. Luxury retailers The bi-lingual signs, prom- have fared better ising to match the prices of all luxury goods with those on sale in than many mass- Milan, are part of a push by store market brands operator Mercury to encourage high-spending Chinese visitors to during Russia’s shop in TsUM’S neo-Gothic store, economic crisis rather than the boutiques of the Italian fashion capital. but they still need Luxury retailers have fared foreign shoppers better than many mass-market to compensate brands during Russia’s economic crisis but they still need foreign for falling shoppers to compensate for fall- spending by local ing spending by local consumers. Mercury, a holding group of consumers more than 100 premium stores and boutiques across Russia, plans to increase sales in euros by Moscow’s actions in Ukraine. As Detail of a European map, including Great Britain, is seen on the face of a Euro coin in London, Britain. 10-12 percent this year by target- a result, prices of accommoda- ing Chinese spenders in particular, tion, meals and entertainment in said General Director Alexander Moscow have become increas- Pavlov. ingly attractive to visitors armed By Alexandra Scaggs getting on board with the possibility too. reserves with the central bank. It would Shoppers from China with foreign currencies. Bloomberg The implied probability of US rates sinking also require a revamp of Treasury auction accounted for 7 percent of the Most of the luxury goods below zero by the end of 2017 has jumped rules, Cabana said. group’s sales in 2015 and while on sale in Moscow’s boutiques to roughly 13 percent, the highest since at There may also be political impli- the country’s economy is slowing are from the West, so the cost least July, data compiled by Bloomberg show. cations. Negative rates have had an sharply, at least it is still growing of importing them has jumped lobal central banks have opened The wagers are tied to the London interbank especially strong influence on exchange unlike Russia’s which is shrinking. in rouble terms. But stores such the door to negative US inter- offered rate, which partly reflects expecta- rates, according to Feroli, and a weaker Chinese visitors have become as TsUM have cut into their est rates, in Wall Street’s view. tions for Fed rates. dollar may pressure other regions’ exports. a more frequent sight in central profit margins, aiming to make After the Bank of Japan cut some Michael Feroli, J P Morgan’s chief US “The leadership role of the Federal Moscow, some carrying bright their offerings internationally rates below zero last month to economist in New York, wrote in a note Reserve in the global monetary system orange shopping bags from TsUM, competitive. Gspur growth and inflation, strategists are last week that the Fed may consider neg- may lead to some hesitancy to engage in and Pavlov has high hopes. “We A Givenchy Blue Antig- weighing the Federal Reserve’s options in ative rates because the five central banks what may be uncomfortably close to a think that the number of Chi- ona handbag currently sells for case of a crisis. If the world’s biggest econ- that have done so — in Denmark, the euro skirmish in the currency wars,” he wrote. nese customers in our shops will 139,500 roubles ($1,810) at TsUM, omy weakens enough that traditional policy region, Japan, Fed officials say the question of increase significantly and could compared with 1,650 euros measures don’t help, the Fed may consider Sweden and Switzerland — haven’t negative rates won’t arise unless the US reach 30 percent,” he said. ($1,845) at the Excelsior depart- pushing rates below zero, according to Bank faced hoarding of cash by individuals or looks like it’s in a recession, which they TsUM’s store in Moscow, a ment store in Milan. of America Corp and JPMorgan Chase & Co. financial- market disruption. Those were don’t anticipate. A report Friday show- stone’s throw from the Kremlin, Pavlov said Mercury’s group That step would broaden the Fed’s among the risks the New York Fed analysts ing stronger-than-expected wage growth has recruited 25 Chinese-speak- sales in euros, an indicator that toolkit beyond what was available dur- warned about. quieted some concern over a possible ing sales assistants and slashed the buyers may be from outside ing the financial crisis, “Back in 2012, it was relatively uncharted economic slowdown. Ten-year yields prices to compete with western Russia, increased by 2-3 percent when it slashed its over- territory, and there was still a lot of reluc- touched the lowest in a year Monday as European rivals, he added. year-on-year in 2015. Chinese vis- night benchmark near tance from major central banks to consider investors sought a haven from tumbling Founded as an upscale hab- itors spent between $800m and zero and bought bonds negative rates,” said Cabana, who was a stocks. “Until we see further evidence to erdashery store at the turn of $1bnin Moscow last year, Inter- to stimulate the econ- trader and analyst at the New York Fed from the contrary, my expectation is that the US the 20th century, TsUM became fax news agency cited city tourism omy. In 2012, New York 2007 to 2015. But now, “it’s somewhat natu- economy will work through the latest epi- a centre of opulent spending in officials as saying. Fed researchers said ral to ask about when the Fed would consider sode of market turbulence and soft patch Moscow during the last years of Pavlov said prices would be negative rates could negative rates, and what the implications to regain its footing for moderate growth,” the imperial Russia. reviewed if the rouble gained or Analysts said the prompt individuals to would be.” Cleveland Fed President Loretta Mester The Communists national- lost more than 10 percent against avoid depositing money Fed officials have said negative rates said in a speech last week. ised it after the 1917 Bolshevik the euro. The rouble traded at 86 money-fund industry in banks, potentially are possible, though not probable any time Traders aren’t ruling out a contraction, revolution, making TsUM (Cen- to the euro on Friday, down more would need to adapt weakening the finan- soon. Fed Chair Janet Yellen said in Septem- and have slashed bets on the pace of Fed tral Universal Department Store) than 10 percent year-on-year. to negative rates. cial system. ber that negative rates weren’t a main policy rate increases. Futures don’t fully reflect a showcase for the Soviet Union’s As well as foreign customers, “They’re still con- option, but that officials would evaluate the another quarter-point Fed increase until meagre offering of consumer Pavlov said he hopes eye-catching The Fed would also cerned, but not as much approach if needed. mid-2017. At the end of 2015, traders were goods. After the fall of commu- discounts will also attract well- have to ensure the as they once were,” said “It’s working more than I can say that betting on a rate increase by July. Traders nism, it returned to private hands, heeled Russians who have cut Mark Cabana, a New I expected in 2012,” Fed Vice Chairman see a 46 percent chance of a rate increase again serving wealthy consumers down on spending in Paris, Lon- policy didn’t put too York-based interest- Stanley Fischer said in response to a ques- by year-end, according to data compiled from home and aboard. don and New York after the West much stress on the rate strategist at Bank tion after a speech last week. As a “practical by Bloomberg. Those from China are partic- slapped the sanctions on Moscow. of America. “They’ve policy, you have got to do a heck of a lot of Yet if the economy does teeter into ularly welcome. They frequently “I can’t specify the number banks, which would seen how successful they work,” he added. recession, global central banks have given make lavish purchases abroad of these consumers, but since face a cost for holding were in other countries, Both analysts said the money-fund the Fed a blueprint for a new approach. to avoid high prices at home, the beginning of 2014 they have where there haven’t industry would need to adapt to negative “The absence of major snafus overseas may but for years did this in Western increased significantly,” he said. reserves with the been adverse impacts rates. The Fed would also have to ensure have made” negative rates “a more attrac- central bank on market functioning.” the policy didn’t put too much stress on the tive ‘in case of emergency break glass’ Traders may be banks, which would face a cost for holding option for the Fed,” Feroli wrote. China’s teapots eat into crude glut but build Asian fuel surplus

By Florence Tan and Chen Aizhu Aspects. “But even if margins start to get near 12-year lows. To capture healthy mar- Reuters squeezed a little, they will still import and gins and replenish inventories, teapots have seek tax breaks from local officials.” With over 1m b/d in cranked up output to near full-tilt, accord- After Beijing started granting quotas in quotas finally approved so ing to sources at three plants based in eastern ewly licensed Chinese oil importers July 2015, independents bought close to 8m Shandong province. are taking advantage of low crude tonnes of crude between September and far, teapots are set to step Until the middle of last year, many strug- Nprices and healthy domestic product December, a rough rate of 500,000 b/d over up purchases further this gled to operate even at 30-40 percent of margins, snapping up hundreds of thousands the four months, according to estimates by capacity due to poor margins and their ina- Armed with quotas of barrels a day of a global surplus but also Thomson Reuters Oil Research and Forecasts year, as most won permits bility to import crude. that could make up a adding to China’s swelling fuel exports. and an executive at one teapot refiner. only towards the end of Cargoes have been booked through April Armed with quotas that could make up With over 1m b/d in quotas finally 2015 or in early 2016 loadings, the sources said, with the high fifth of total Chinese a fifth of total Chinese crude imports this approved so far, teapots are set to step up pur- number of enquires likely extending far into crude imports this year, the independent refiners, nicknamed chases further this year, as most won permits the second quarter. “teapots”, are seeking barrels from Asia, the only towards the end of 2015 or in early 2016. Still, with fuel stocks rising and factory year, the independent Middle East, Europe and South America, and Sources at the independents said they are Russia up China’s supplier list to the No.2 activity contracting in the world’s second- refiners, nicknamed are prepared to pay top premiums to secure testing out a variety of grades for their plants, spot after Saudi Arabia, with Russian vol- largest economy, weak domestic demand deliveries out to April. Despite the troubles of which typically have small capacities and umes surpassing those of the Saudis for four - especially for diesel - may force compa- “teapots”, are seeking a private refiner that failed to secure financ- basic crude distillation equipment that most months in 2015. nies to export more and eventually cap crude barrels from Asia, the ing for two import cargoes in December, there easily handle light, sweet oils. The independents’ demand for ESPO throughput. State refiners have already been Middle East, Europe and has been little let up from the new pool of China’s total crude imports this month blend crude, the key Russian grade for Asia, exporting fuels at record amounts, but a lack buyers. Last year, the independents, along- may reach 7.68m bpd, near a record hit in has pushed up its premium for cargoes load- of export infrastructure is hampering teapots’ South America, and are side Beijing’s stockpiling programme, helped December and marking another challenge ing in March to the highest since May 2014. efforts despite winning government export prepared to pay top grow China’s crude imports by 8.8 percent, to the United States as the world’s top crude The teapots’ buying was supported permits. “On average the operating rates have or 543,000 barrels per day (bpd). buyer, according to Thomson Reuters Oil by Beijing’s recent move to freeze domes- gone up, but the question is where will their premiums to secure “As long as oil remains under $40, mar- Research and Forecasts. tic pump prices when benchmark crude exports go? They have the other problem of deliveries out to April gins will be supportive of crude buying,” The teapots’ preference for smaller-sized prices go under $40, effectively locking in finding markets,” IHS’ analyst Victor Shum said Michal Meidan of consultancy Energy cargoes due to port constraints helped push processing margins as Brent and US oil hold said. 28 TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2016 BUSINESS BACK TO BUSINESS

Global economy hit by credit, sight commodities and currencies Paris wheat falls Reuters as Egypt fails to

he global economy is being hit by a slowdown in growth, large swings in lure sellers exchange rates and tum- bling commodity prices. TThese three factors are often portrayed as separate “shocks” but Bloomberg after rejecting a cargo saying it should really be seen as manifesta- exceeded acceptable ergot levels. tions of the same maturing financial The Agriculture Ministry said last and economic cycle. month it would turn away grain The case for a single intercon- LONDON: Paris wheat fell containing any ergot, even as nected adjustment was made by to the lowest level in more the state-run buyer said it would Jaime Caruana, General Manager than 16 months after Egypt, accept levels of 0.05 percent, in of the Bank for International Set- the largest buyer, had to can- line with world standards. The tlements (BIS) on Friday (“Credit, cel two tenders for grain ministry has since reversed its commodities and currencies” BIS. imports last week follow- stance. The BIS, nicknamed the central ing confusion over the quality A vessel carrying 63,000 bankers’ central bank, has long wor- of shipments it would accept. tons of French wheat to Egypt ried about growing indebtedness in That’s fuelling concern more will be sent back home because the global economy and the links European supply will pile up. it exceeded the allowed 0.05 per- between credit conditions, borrow- Egypt’s General Authority cent level of ergot, Supply Minister ing and growth. for Supply Commodities termi- Khaled Hanafy said at a press con- But Caruana highlighted the rapid nated the tenders as insufficient ference in Cairo. increase in indebtedness by private sellers offered wheat following The nation is looking for alter- sector, non-financial borrowers in conflicting statements on the native sources of wheat beyond emerging markets. levels of ergot fungus that the tenders, he said, without provid- Private non-financial sector debt country would accept in imports. ing details. in emerging market economies has At the same time, exports from “Despite the reassur- increased from 75 percent to 125 per- emerging market corporate bor- Stronger balance sheets in turn Emerging market oil companies the European Union are lagging ing announcements about the cent of GDP since 2009. rowing. The US currency has been made it possible for emerging market “were particularly active in issuing 15 percent behind last season, quality requirements, the ten- Borrowing by non-financial com- appreciating gently since then, but corporations to contract more loans bonds through offshore subsidiaries,” European Commission data der launched on Friday, where panies in emerging markets now remained relatively weak. since it apparently gave them spare according to the BIS. showed. some exporters participated, was represents a higher proportion of But since the end of September capacity to borrow more, but again “In many instances, the dollar “Egypt is spooking the mar- finally cancelled,” Agritel said in GDP than in advanced economies. 2014, the US currency has surged the process is now going into reverse. borrowing by emerging market econ- ket as they clamp down on wheat a report. “GASC has judged the Corporations in emerging mar- higher, and cross-border dollar lend- Oil and gas companies were omy oil firms coincided with large specs,” Alex Bassett and Mike proposals as insufficient and the kets have been raising their leverage ing has stalled. among the biggest borrowers during dividend payments to their sover- O’Dea of brokerage INTL FCStone prices announced too high. The even as their profitability has been The stock of dollar-denominated the boom years, according to an anal- eign owners, directly contributing to Inc wrote in an e-mailed report. recent rejection of a French wheat falling in recent years. debt of non-bank borrowers outside ysis by the BIS. the budget”. “There is plenty of wheat around shipment due to ergot content has Much of the borrowing has been the United States stopped growing in The outstanding stock of oil and The huge shock to emerging mar- and because no one will pay up discouraged sellers.” conducted in US dollars and was the third quarter of 2015 for the first gas companies’ bonds increased from kets is being transmitted from one to for it, only a severe weather event Egypt’s inability to buy comes made possible by low interest rates time since the global financial crisis. $455bn in 2006 to $1.4 trillion in 2014, another, because emerging markets could trigger a sustainable rally.” as the EU is struggling to offload in the United States and the relative “Global liquidity conditions may a compound annual increase of 15 are often each other’s largest trad- Paris wheat for March deliv- its harvest, partly due to compe- weakness of the US currency. have peaked for the time being in percent. ing partners, as well as back into the ery fell as much as 1.6 percent tition with suppliers from Black The BIS found a “strong asso- emerging economies,” Caruana Syndicated loans to oil and gas advanced economies via trade and to ¤153.75 ($171) a metric ton Sea regions that are benefiting ciation between the strength of the warned. companies increased from $600bn financial channels. on the Euronext exchange, the from weaker local currencies. dollar and the dollar-denominated Some of the dollar borrowing has to $1.6 trillion over the same period, As the BIS concludes: “Rather than lowest for a most-active contract The European bloc issued borrowing by emerging market econ- been used to fund the acquisition of an annual increase of 13 percent. being regarded as separate exog- since September 26, 2014. It was licenses to export 15.63m tons of omy borrowers.” local currency assets, which creates Not all the money went to oil and enous shocks, the combination of down 1.3 percent at ¤154.25 by wheat from July 1 through Feb- “A 1 percent depreciation of the an additional source of currency mis- gas companies in emerging markets, disappointing growth, large adjust- 1:14pm local time. On the Chi- ruary 2, down from 18.39m tons US dollar is associated with a 0.6 match risk. but a “substantial portion” was lent to ments in exchange rates and falls in cago Board of Trade, futures for a year earlier, commission data percentage point increase in the The weakening dollar also flat- state-owned enterprises in develop- commodity prices is better seen as the same month slid 0.3 percent showed. quarterly growth rate of US dollar- tered corporate balance sheets in ing countries, according to the BIS. a set of outward manifestations of to $4.6525 a bushel. “The markets are struggling to denominated cross border lending emerging markets (and in many Borrowing by oil and gas companies the combination of maturing finan- Egypt is struggling to get hold any strength as the world is outside the United States.” advanced economies too) but that rose at an annual rate of 25 percent cial cycles, this time in a number of traders to participate in tenders flush with wheat,” FCStone said. Until 2011, the steady depre- former source of strength has now in Brazil, 31 percent in China and 17 emerging economies, and shifts in ciation of the US dollar supported gone into reverse. percent in other emerging markets. global financial conditions.”

Capital It’s hard to see a dramatic price increase in oil. The cost of a barrel is likely to bounce around “a band” Ian Taylor, Comment of between $40 and $60 for the next decade. Group CEO, Vitol Group

TOP TWEETS BLOGS AND VIEWS Market Talk Bank credit risk Moody’s Ratings News @ MoneyBeat MoodysRatings NAME IN THE MARKET: GLOBAL IPO Africa’s mobile phone surges globally banking boom to sup- port economic growth The epic collapse in the and banks’ expansion price of oil, from more than $100 per barrel less than Bloomberg banks and sparking investor with- IIF @IIF drawals and fund closures across two years ago to below $30 the asset management industry. #BOJ complex tier- earlier this past week, has Restructuring charges, good- ing scheme to protect LONDON: Banks and insurers in will writedowns, lower trading bank profitability: crushed investors in the Europe and US led a surge in the revenues and impairments are Impose charge at mar- futures market cost of insuring corporate bonds suppressing bank earnings and gin not stock to the highest levels since 2013. undermining investor confidence, The Markit iTraxx Europe according to CreditSights ana- Jim Yong Kim @ Subordinated Financial index of lysts led by Puja Poojara. JimKim_WBG credit-default swaps on the jun- Deutsche Bank AG’s debt was Wealth Adviser ior debt of 30 firms soared for an among the worst performing yes- The greatest strength eighth day, rising 47 basis points terday. Credit-default swaps on of the #MiddleEast to 312 basis points, the highest its senior debt soared as much as & North #Africa is its since March 2013. 32 basis points to 222 basis points people – especially its The senior benchmark jumped and its subordinated swaps rose #youth. Aggressive recruitment 18 basis points to 137 basis points, 56 basis points to 441 basis points, tactics at UBS Group AG’s while a measure of US corporate both the highest since 2011. Deutsche Bank @ bond risk rose four basis points The German lender’s riskiest DeutscheBank US brokerage appear to be to 119 basis points, the highest debt securities, known as addi- paying off, with the unit since June 2012. tional Tier 1 notes, fell as low as #Airlines benefit- Signs of distress in financial 70 cents. Investors are also con- ing two-fold from #oil reporting billions of dollars markets are gathering force as cerned that central banks may price slump: costs in net new money from concern over the state of the glo- have to rethink policies as the falling, passenger num- bal economy deepens. A rout in US and UK economies succumb bers rising – up 6.5% in investors. commodity prices and a slowdown to signs of a worsening global 2015. in emerging markets is hurting slowdown. www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAGE | 32 PAGE | 35 Matsuyama wins Broncos stun dramatic four hole Panthers in play-off in Phoenix Super Bowl

TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2016 • 30 Rabia II 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

Lyon eye Dolphin Energy Doha Dash set to Cup coup at weary PSG mark Qatar’s National Sport Day AFP PARIS: Lyon travel to Paris Saint-Germain in the French Cup last-16 tomorrow for a game that RACES TO START AT 7AM AT Track and field legend LOSAIL CIRCUIT the champions, feeling stretched, tried to reschedule with their Kelly Holmes joins Champions League clash against event for second Chelsea looming a week later. medallists at the 2004 Athens Olym- Also on the agenda are the all the successive year, pic Games, said yesterday. Ligue 1 clashes Bordeaux vs Nantes impressed with “Overall I think it’s great that and Troyes vs Saint-Etienne, while Qatar and the Qatar Olympic Com- today fifth division Granville from potential of sports mittee is supporting this initiative. Normandy will hope to make the among children in Only a handful of nations around quarters when they host second the world have a dedicated sports tier Bourg-Peronnas. Qatar day, that is a national holiday which Coach Laurent Blanc appeared gives people the opportunity to go out tired when fielding questions after and give sports a try,” said the former PSG’s 15th straight Ligue 1 win on British athlete who won the premier Sunday, a bruising 2-1 victory at By Fawad Hussain medals in 800 and 1,500 metres. Marseille, and his comments will The Peninsula Supporting the vision behind have pleased all at Lyon. the National Sport Day, the Dolphin The win meant PSG’s unbeaten Energy Doha Dash has established run in Ligue 1 was extended to 34 itself as one of the most popular com- matches to keep Blanc’s side a DOHA: Over 4,000 participants are munity events in Qatar. huge 24 points clear at the top of expected to take part in this year’s Since its launch in 2013, the the table and the club are also in Dolphin Energy Doha Dash, a one- event has seen a steady year-on- Former British athlete Dame Kelly the League Cup final too. off event backed by British track and year increase in participation. The Holmes speaks to children during her David Luiz, Blaise Matuidi and field legend Dame Kelly Holmes. organisers are expecting a record visit to the Sherborne School in Doha Javier Pastore are all injury con- Today’s event, set to be held inside participation in today’s event. yesterday. Pics: B Amin/The Peninsula cerns, but Blanc has been heavily Losail International Circuit, is being The event features several races rotating his team in recent weeks hosted to mark Qatar’s National Sport which will be open to public from 7am anyway. Resurgent Lyon are on the Day. today. The 10km, 5km and 3km races Ladies Walk at 11:00 am. 400m hurdles, also a Dolphin Energy is crucial and that is why the race has up since changing coach and mov- “It is a privilege to be here for will start at 8am, 9.15am and 9.45am Prize giving ceremonies for the Doha Dash 2016 ambassador and Ali become so popular over the last four ing stadium and currently lie sixth a second year as a Dolphin Energy respectively, with a warm-up period 10km, 5km and 3km races will be Longmate, fitness expert and radio years,” she said. in Ligue 1 with their key striker Doha Dash ambassador to lend sup- of 10 minutes preceding each race. held following the races. Apart from personality, will also be present at the Kelly Holmes, who retired in Alexandre Lacazette finally start- port to this wonderful community The 1km Mini Doha Dash will Kelly Holmes, Mariam Farid, the event and are scheduled to participate 2005, said she will in action in April ing to find the back of the net too. event,” Kelly Holmes, the double gold start at 10:45am, followed by the 1km Qatari National title-holder for the in the different races. in London. At the weekend Lyon secured Kelly Holmes who still holds sev- “For me this year, I am attempt- back-to-back league wins, 3-0 at eral British records in 800, 1000 and ing my first ever London Marathon in high-flying Angers, for the first Students of Sherborne School in 1500 metres was impressed with the April. The Marathon for me is a per- time since November and gave Doha take a selfie with former potential of sports in Qatari people. sonal challenge as I just want to finish” new coach Bruno Genesio a first British athlete Dame Kelly Holmes. “I have visited Sherborne School she said before adding: “I have cho- league victory away from home. in Doha today (yesterday) and it was a sen five charities for the Marathon Cup romantics and those who great reminder of how much potential and aiming to raise over GBP 250,000 love a classic underdog will turn Qatar has in terms of achieving excel- via team Kelly’s heros page on Virgin their gaze on Norman seaside lence in sports,” she said. money giving. Hopefully anyone who outfit Granville. Their tiny 3,000 “There were some really talented sees me at the Dash and has a selfie capacity Luis Dior stadium was children there and it is important will make a small donation – and I given the green light to host the tie that they are provided with the ena- will happily retweet them.” only on Friday after the pitch was bling environment, such as, access Besides the races, the Dolphin lengthened by three metres and to facilities, excellent training, life- Energy Doha Dash 2016 will also a referee’s car park spot provided style and nutritional support, because feature a number of fun activities to nearer to their changing rooms. this is how talented children become keep spectators and young families champions. entertained throughout the event, “Events such as Doha Dash are including the GO Sport Fitness Cen- French Cup Schedule especially important because they tre equipped with state-of-the-art Sochaux vs Monaco, Saint-Malo vs mean different things to different fitness equipment. Gazalec, Granville vs Bourg-Peron- people. It could be the motivation to The race’s airline partner, Etihad nas (all 2000) participate for some, going for a per- Airways will be bringing their state- Tomorrow sonal best time or even finishing the of-the-art Formula 1 simulators for Bordeaux vs Nantes, Troyes vs 10km run for others. participants who will turn out for the Saint-Etienne, Sarre Union vs Lori- “Having something for everyone exciting event. ent (1800), PSG vs Lyon (2000) Qatar Tennis Federation all set to celebrate NSD

The Peninsula On the occasion on the events at Duhail School for girls and National Sport Day, the Khalifa the Global Academy. International Tennis and Squash These events, which include mini DOHA: Qatar Tennis Federation Complex will provide the opti- tennis tournaments, aim at encour- (QTF) will mark the National Sport mal atmosphere for interaction aging students to participate in the Day today by organising a number of between civilisations as it will sport activities. sport events at Katara, Barzan Youth offer a space for each embassy to The QTF President Nasser bin Centre (Umm Salal), Duhail School for organize its traditional sports. Ghanim Al Khelaifi said: “The girls, Global Academy and the Khalifa The list of events to be organised National Sport Day is a national ini- Tennis and Squash Complex. at the Khalifa International Tennis tiative that reflects the importance of The National Sport Day is an and Squash Complex also includes sport for our wise leadership repre- annual event celebrated across Qatar tournaments and sport competitions sented in HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim on the second Tuesday of February. for grassroots of the national tennis bin Hamad Al Thani as sport plays a It aims to bring the nation together teams. vital role in building a healthy society in a shared celebration of sport and At Katara, the QTF will build that able to bring about the desirable inspire people to lead active and some mini tennis courts under the development” A file picture of last year’s Sport Day celebrations organised by Qatar Tennis Federation. healthy lifestyles. supervision of its coaches who will “The QTF spares no effort in At the Khalifa International Ten- be available to teach Katara visitors, developing sport and supporting the nis and Squash Complex, the QTF will the basics of tennis. national vision which aims at build- to lead active and healthy lifestyles” supporting the goals of H H Emir healthy lifestyles.” “The National Sport organise an open sport day to feature In light of its efforts to widen the ing a healthy society by organising a added the QTF President. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Day activities will support our strat- the participation of the embassies of base of participation in the tennis- wide range of events at the National For his part, the QTF Assist- to increase the awareness about egy to promote tennis in the state of France, Philippines, Pakistan, India related events in the state of Qatar, Sport Day and throughout the year to ant Secretary General Tariq Zainal importance of sport and to encour- Qatar” added the QTF Assistant Sec- and Morocco. the QTF will organise some sports encourage the community members said: “The QTF spares no effort in age the community members to adopt tary General. 30 TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2016 SPORT

AIPS Congress gets under way in Doha

Qatar Sports Press Committee President H E Sheikh Faisal bin Ahmad bin Ali Al Thani (left) in conversation with Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy Secretary-General Hassan Abdullah Al Thawadi during the opening ceremony of the 79th AIPS Congress, in Doha yesterday. RIGHT: Al Thawadi speaks during the opening day’s proceedings at 79th AIPS Congress. Real Madrid down Al Ahli in Al Kass Cup

five minutes old he was called into Bilal Guennolin. action once again, when a tempting FOOTBALL: AL KASS CUP IN The switch did little to alter the Spanish club blast cross from the right was met with a FULL SWING balance of play however and, with three goals in just firm header by Joaquin Martinez, and both sides already assured of a place five minutes to clinch tipped over by the star shot-stopper. in the knockout stage, the pace However, Eissa stood no chance Al Ghamdi made a double substitution dropped somewhat in the second stunning 3-1 victory against the onslaught that began – an unusual move to make so early period. Al Ahli continued to have over the Saudi team shortly after, as Real went through in the game, but one that vividly illus- difficulty making headway against a the gears in a devastating five-minute trated the Saudis’ plight. disciplined Real defence, while Los spell that left Al Ahli floundering on Right back Abdulrahman Al Blancos were content to spray the the ropes. Arashi, who had been given a torrid ball around, retaining possession and First, Francisco Torres sprinted time by Torres, was replaced by Yasser patiently probing for openings. The Peninsula down the left wing and, although his Ibrahim, while striker Hani Al Siby- However, the Saudi back line initial cross was cut out, the ball was ani came on for midfielder Badar Al also showed commendable steel, dil- not cleared. The Madrid full back Johani as Al Ghamdi looked to bolster igently snuffing out a series of Madrid DOHA: A stunning three-goal spree in gladly accepted a second invitation, his side’s attacking options. chances. the space of five minutes was enough and picked out Pedro Delgado near Against PSG the Saudis had uti- And, with eight minutes remain- to give Real Madrid a deserved vic- the penalty spot, whose first-time, lised the long ball to great effect, ing, Al Ahli managed a consolation tory over Al Ahli in the first game of side-footed shot nestled in the bot- cutting out the crowded midfield to strike. Ibrahim Al Sahhari ran from Day 4 at Al Kass 2016 yesterday at tom right corner. set their rapid attackers free on goal. deep to spring the offside trap and Aspire Zone. Within a minute, Torres and This time round, however, on the latch on to a measured ball through However, the classy Spaniards Delgado repeated their double act, rare occasions when they were able the middle. With only keeper Fern- did not have things their all own way combining to lethal effect to increase to attempt this tactic, the Real back- andez to beat, the striker made no as their plucky opponents fought to Real’s lead. line was quick to repel any danger. mistake, reducing the deficit to two. the end. The left back once again escaped Indeed, the game was 38 minutes The goal was a deserved reward The Saudi side had completed down the flank and fired a tempt- old before Al Ahli mustered a shot on for the Saudis’ dogged persever- their heroic 3-0 win over reigning ing cross into the area, met by the target, with Al Sibyani firing a dan- ance, when lesser sides would have champions PSG just 22 hours earlier, Madrid number 19 with a sweet vol- gerous free kick in from distance that crumbled. so fatigue was certainly a factor going ley to make it 2-0. keeper Adrian Fernandez had to be at Indeed, with the exception of a into this game. With 15 minutes gone, things got his best to touch over. five-minute period early in the first In contrast, Real had taken advan- even worse for Al Ahli, after Real Hat-trick hero Adrian Roman half, The Royals had largely managed tage of a full two days’ rest since their were awarded a free kick in a central had been the star performer in Real’s to contain the constant threat of their four-goal romp against the same position just outside the area. Cap- 4-0 demolition of PSG, but against Al Spanish counterparts. opponents. tain Adrian de la Barquilla stepped up Ahli he had shown only flashes of his Real, meanwhile, move imperi- Saudi keeper Bakr Eissa had put and planted an exquisite curling effort undoubted talent, perhaps hindered ously on, and at this stage they look to in a Man-of-the-Match performance into the top right corner, leaving Eissa after taking a heavy knock on the half have the necessary quality through- Action from the Al Kass 2016 match between Real Madrid and Al Ahli to keep the Parisians at bay the previ- with no chance. With just 25 minutes hour. The attacking midfielder was out their line-up to defeat all-comers at Aspire Zone yesterday. ous evening, and with this game just on the clock, Al Ahli manager Hassan withdrawn at half time, replaced by and claim the Al Kass crown. Qatar Rugby Sevens: Camels trounce Hurricanes 50-0

The Peninsula

DOHA: The Qatar 2016 Rugby Sev- ens kicked off last weekend with a big bang in Doha. Spectators from all walks of life got the chance to celebrate the rugby championship at Aspire’s warm- up track and mix with players and officials. The event was heralded as a huge success with several officials, dignitaries and ministers in attend- ance including the Minister of Energy and Industry, H E Dr Mohammed bin Salah Al Sada who opened up pro- ceedings by passing the first ball of the championship. On the field, it was the Camels rugby team that made light duty of their opponents in the opening match as they sought to stamp their claim to the championship very early in the Action from the rugby matches on the opening day of Qatar 2016 Rugby Sevens at Aspire Zone in Doha recently. season. The first of the men’s division saw the Camels top side annihilate DRFC Hurricanes 50-0. The Hurricanes outfit looked slug- goal kicker Aaron McClelland later Camels 2 over powered CNAQ by 24-12. Captain Mujalli with all con- Dukhan Tigers and the Blue Falcons the level of the games and where we gish at best however this could be put said: “We are aiming to be crowned scoring three quick tries to lead 15 – 7. fidence said: “Camels 2, have no provided a great thriller that had all stand.” When asked about the schools down to their lack of warm up and champions but I suspect it will not be Camels 2 then found themselves intention of relinquishing their hard on the edge of their seats. In a see- boys matches, Al Kuwari said, “We are pre game preparation. At times they easy. The DRFC will be hard to beat on the receiving end when North off season efforts. Sure we have some sawing match that saw the lead set to engage with over as many teams played great supporting roles busting next time round and the Lions as Atlantic crossed over to narrow the work to do but we will be at the finals. change three times, Dukhan finally and players as possible and want to the Camels defense but they just could always will give us a tough challenge”. score 15 -12. CNAQ were defiant in I think we have what it take to be managed to out muscle the fast and encourage everyone to get involved in not get into second gear. The Camels, With the help of the Fijian connec- their attack however, the Camels sec- champions”. energetic French Boys from Lycee celebrating the biggest year in Qatar on the other hand were in cruise con- tion the Camels romped in a massive ond team lead by a fired up captain In final match of the evening Doha Bonaparte to seal their victory 15-12. rugby history. We especially want trol looking fresh, sharp and effective. six tries - three to Fijian back Orisi Talal Mujalli counteracted their play Lions kick started their campaign in After the match Qatar Rugby support our youth and we are final- They toyed with their opponents as if Sareki. The win keeps the Camels by producing a great defensive per- good and steady fashion by downing boss Yousef Al Kuwari said, “Tonight izing a program that would be injected they were playing touch rugby rather undefeated so far on Qatar soil. formance to deny the college boys a the Blue falcons 20–0. Club president was a fantastic night of rugby. This is into schools around the country very than contact. Camels pace man and In second seniors match the late revival. The Camels 2 winning Earlier, the under 14’s school boys only the start. I am very happy to see soon.” SPORT TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2016 31 Di Maria fires unbeaten PSG past Marseille

ourselves for the two games before ball near the halfway line, skipped Ligue 1 leaders Chelsea (in the Champions League). past Motta and fired low beyond Kevin It’s not going to be easy,” said Blanc. Trapp from outside the area, with the extend their unbeaten “The players, like you (journalists), German unable to keep it out despite run to 34 matches are thinking about the game against getting a strong hand to the ball. Chelsea but...it’s not the last game Lucas wasted a prime chance to before Chelsea, there’s one in three restore PSG’s lead when he scuffed days and another in six.” wide after a sublime Di Maria through AFP Marseille have now failed to win ball, while Maxwell was forced to any of their last 10 home games in the clear off the line after Batshuayi league, while their streak of 11 games hooked a corner goalwards. without defeat was also snapped after But PSG continued their dom- PARIS: Paris Saint-Germain defeated succumbing to a ninth successive inance of Marseille as Di Maria, set bitter rivals Marseille 2-1 on Sunday ‘Classique’ loss. up by Ibrahimovic, swept home his to extend their record unbeaten run Despite the defeat Michel’s side ninth goal of the season 19 minutes in Ligue 1 to 34 matches as the hosts are still just five points off third-place from time to keep the capital club’s remained unable to solve their home Nice, who they visit next Sunday, in winning run intact. woes. the race for the final Champions Steven Fletcher came on for Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored his League spot. his Marseille debut late on, while league-leading 21st goal of the sea- Billed as French football’s most Georges-Kevin Nkoudou watched a son to give PSG the lead inside two explosive fixture, Sunday’s encoun- shot flash wide as the hosts hit PSG on minutes at the Stade Velodrome, but ter on the south coast was no different the break but ultimately were left still Remy Cabella hauled Marseille level with five people arrested prior to kick- searching for a first home win since midway through the first half with a off following a run-in with police Paris-Saint-Germain’s Angel Di Maria (right) scores the second goal, during their French L1 match against September. wonderful solo effort. outside the ground. Olympique de Marseille (OM) at the Velodrome Stadium in Marseille on Sunday. Earlier, Saint-Etienne registered However, Angel Di Maria struck Blanc made six changes to the side a thumping 4-1 win at Bordeaux to the winning goal on 71 minutes to that beat Lorient on Wednesday to set move level on points with Nice, while hand PSG a 15th straight win in all a new record for the longest sequence central midfield. PSG were unbeaten Matuidi and the Brazilian picked wide of the far post. Barrada should Rennes salvaged a point late on in a competitions and keep Laurent of games without defeat in the French in their last 10 meetings with Mar- out Ibrahimovic at the back post as have levelled for the home side when 1-1 draw at Lille. Blanc’s side a huge 24 points clear at top flight, recalling the likes of Di seille, having won the last six in the Swede netted for the fifth game Thiago Motta failed to clear Brice Dja On Saturday, Monaco strength- the top of the table. Maria, Blaise Matuidi and David Luiz. Ligue 1, and the visitors again seized running. Djedje’s cross, but the Morocco mid- ened their hold on second place with “Marseille gave us a really phys- Marseille welcomed back both the upper hand before the hosts had France midfielder Matuidi again fielder lashed over as the ball dropped a 1-0 win over Cote d’Azur rivals Nice, ical battle which we expected. We Michy Batshuayi and Abdelaziz Bar- time to settle. dissected the Marseille defence a few invitingly for him. while Lyon continued their mini- showed our solidarity to see out the rada from suspension, while Lassana Maxwell was sent galloping down minutes later, although this time Di However, the hosts did equalise revival with a 3-0 victory away to victory, but we’ve now got to ready Diarra made his return from injury in the left wing after being released by Maria dragged his shot agonisingly on 25 minutes as Cabella gathered the Angers.

Higuain hits Greed behind China record splurge, says Cahill 24th goal as Napoli, Juve AFP after Jiangsu’s 28-million-euro pur- massive, soon they’ll break the S$70m a big city. Some of the other areas it’s chase of Ramires from Chelsea. mark easily,” he added. a bit tough and we’ll see how long pull away Former Everton star Cahill, who While money is evidently no they last.” SYDNEY: Greed is behind the prolif- now plays for Shanghai Shenhua, said object for cashed-up Chinese clubs, Cahill added that the ambition of eration of big-name players heading the ambition within Chinese football Cahill suggested it had become the Chinese Super League was doing to the cashed-up Chinese Super knew no bounds. too much of a priority for the stars little to help China’s home grown AFP League and it will not help the coun- “When I first went to China I poached from some of Europe’s best talent. try’s national team, China-based knew the vision, I knew what was clubs. “With this investment in the play- Australian star Tim Cahill (pictured) behind it and I knew what they “The choices that players are ers, there’s a Catch 22. Does it help MILAN: Gonzalo Higuain hit his said. wanted to do. To see where it’s come making are not about football like it the Chinese? To a certain extent, no,” 24th goal in as many Serie A games The Chinese record transfer fee to now and where we’re at, it’s pretty was in my day, they’re purely about he said. as triumphant Napoli and Juventus has been smashed four times in the crazy,” he told Australia’s Fox Sports personal gains and it depends what “The most difficult area for the moved closer towards a scudetto current transfer window, with Bra- on Sunday. you want as an individual,” he said. Chinese national team is attacking, duel after slip-ups by title rivals zilian midfielder Alex Teixeira the “They’ve got the power and when “Is it going to help players? No. Is they can’t score goals. Everything Inter Milan and Fiorentina. third big signing in just over a week they want something, they get it and it going to be big for the country? Yes. else, they’re technically gifted, Higuain and Napoli have been after Jiangsu Suning paid 50m euros when they don’t want something they “You’re turning down Liverpool, they’re great, I’ve spent a year with transformed since Maurizio Sarri ($56m) for him to Shakhtar Donetsk. get rid of it. It’s pretty much like a you’re leaving Chelsea,” he added, these kids. took over from Rafael Benitez last The move came just three days revolving door, you see a lot of players referring to Teixeira and Ramires. “But when you sign players like summer but it took a second-half after Guangzhou Evergrande snapped coming in and a lot of players going. “Players have got different ideas this (Teixeira, Martinez, Ramires) eve- penalty for the Argentinian to keep up Atletico Madrid’s Jackson Martinez “It’s crazy to see but this is only and you have to be able to live in rything is up to us. If we don’t deliver, Napoli top of the pile in a cagey 1-0 for 42 million euros, and nine days going to get worse. This is going to be China as well. I live in Shanghai, it’s it doesn’t happen.” win over 10-man Carpi. Napoli’s 17th win maintained their two-point cushion on cham- pions Juventus, who saw Juan Cuadrado break the deadlock on 73 minutes and Paulo Dybala score Ailing Liverpool face West at the death to wrap up a patchy 2-0 win away to league new boys Frosinone. After Fiorentina saw their title hopes dented in a 1-1 draw Ham test in FA Cup today at Bologna on Saturday, Inter had the chance to replace La Viola in third place and maintain their title charge with a win away to base- AFP FA Cup Fixtures ment side Verona. Today: (1945 GMT) But Roberto Mancini’s men maintained their poor form in West Ham United vs Liverpool LONDON: With a convalescing man- front of the opposition net before ager, mounting injuries and fans in Tomorrow: settling for a 3-3 draw. revolt against the club’s hierarchy, Peterborough United vs It left Fiorentina third at 10 Liverpool’s preparations for today’s West Bromwich Albion points behind Napoli and Inter in FA Cup replay at West Ham United fourth at 11 off the pace and prob- have been less than ideal. blood younger members of his squad. ably now requiring a miracle to A bout of appendicitis caused The depth of his resources will realistically challenge for a first manager Jurgen Klopp (pictured) to be tested to the limit this month, with title since their treble-winning miss Saturday’s 2-2 draw at home to Liverpool also due to face German season of 2010. Sunderland, which saw some 10,000 side Augsburg in the Europa League Neither are likely to wel- supporters walk out in protest at ris- last 32 and tackle Manchester City in come Roma’s return to the fray ing ticket prices. the League Cup final. with a generous 2-1 win at home Dejan Lovren and Joe Allen Liverpool, who won the last of to Sampdoria thanks to Diego joined the ranks of Liverpool walk- their seven FA Cups in 2006, are Perotti’s second-half winner, his ing wounded during the game, but already feeling the pace in the league, first since moving from Genoa the biggest frustration for goalscorer having fallen 12 points off the Cham- two weeks ago, and Wojciech Adam Lallana was the home side’s pions League berths following the Szczesny’s late heroics for the failure to hold onto a 2-0 lead. draw with Sunderland. West Ham hosts. “It’s disappointing in any game, are four points better off in sixth It left Roma fifth at 12 points regardless of who you’re playing, to place, but Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at adrift of Napoli but now just one be 2-0 up with 10 minutes to go (and Southampton left Slaven Bilic’s side behind Inter. not win),” the midfielder told the Liv- Tuesday we stay in (the FA Cup).” with just one win from their last five Napoli are bidding to win their erpool website. Klopp underwent an operation to games in all competitions. first title in 26 years and will travel “We’ve only got ourselves to have his appendix removed on Sat- West Ham fell behind to a Maya to Juventus next weekend looking blame. We probably dropped a bit urday and it is not clear whether he Yoshida goal in the ninth minute, but to hand the champions defeat for too deep as a team and didn’t con- will be able to travel to east London played against 10 men for over half a second time this season. tinue doing what we were doing in for the fourth-round replay. an hour following Southampton mid- The feat would see Napoli pull the second half to get the goals. Centre-back Lovren and mid- fielder Victor Wanyama’s dismissal five points clear and send a clear “We certainly didn’t want to be fielder Allen are both unlikely to for fouling Dimitri Payet. signal that the Azzurri, over two complacent or didn’t think we’d won feature, having been withdrawn “It was a great opportunity for us. decades on from Diego Maradona’s the game, but these things happen before half-time at Anfield on Sat- It’s a game we didn’t deserve to lose,” heyday at the club, have their eye and we need to take full responsi- urday, but striker Daniel Sturridge said Bilic. firmly on winning a first scudetto bility for that.” is in line to make a rare start after “Now we have to lift ourselves without the Argentina legend’s He added: “We’ve got another returning to the bench following a up, learn from our mistakes and beat help. game on Tuesday, which is the best hamstring problem. Liverpool.” Higuain and Sarri both played thing as a player, to get back on the In any case, Klopp is expected to Tomorrow’s replay sees West down the importance of the pitch as soon as possible and put shuffle his starting XI, having used Bromwich Albion visit third-tier fixture, the Argentine telling Medi- Roma’s forward Stephan El Shaarawy (left) fights for the ball with things right. his side’s FA Cup matches -- includ- Peterborough United, who snatched aset: “It’s not the most important “Our league form has not been ing the 0-0 draw with West Ham on a 2-2 draw in the teams’ first meeting Sampdoria’s forward Alejandro Rodriguez during the Italian Serie A game of the year, it’s a game like great so we need to make sure that January 30 -- as an opportunity to at The Hawthorns a week ago. match at the Olympic Stadium in Rome on Sunday. all the others.” 32 TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2016 SPORT Leicester are title favourites now, says Wenger

their last three league outingsa but FOOTBALL: ENGLISH Leicester have secured the points through first PREMIER LEAGUE half goals from Mesut Ozil and Alex beaten Liverpool Oxlade-Chamberlain. and Man City so that Wenger believes his side’s for two reasons. One we haven’t won performances have not been get- means suddenly they for a while, we had four games with- ting the rewards they deserve but become the favourite out a win,” said Wenger. admitted his relief at claiming all “When you play at the top, that’s three points. in the league, says a long period, confidence drops a lit- “I think we needed to win the Arsenal manager tle bit. Leicester running away and us game. I do not want to be too dramatic playing them next week, to make the with making statements. A football game interesting, it was very impor- game away from home in the Premier tant for us to win today. League for anybody is difficult to win. AFP “In one week, Leicester has beaten We had to win. We won. Liverpool and Man City. So that means “In our last three away games, suddenly they become the favourite we played Liverpool, equalised in the BOURNEMOUTH, United Kingdom: in the league. That makes our game last minute, we played at Stoke, 0-0, Arsene Wenger admits Leicester are on Sunday a very big one.” and we came here today, and won, now favourites to win the Premier He added: “We have been in a title so I believe that we have shown good League title but insists his Arsenal race and we are still in it. We cannot performances.” side’s challenge is back on course. control people’s opinions. Ozil again impressed, capping a The Gunners’ 2-0 win at Bourne- “We can just control our perform- fine all-round display with a goal. mouth was their first in five league ances and to show that we believe in “He has become a very important games and moved Wenger’s side up it, you know, and that we have the player, I think he has added fighting Manchester City’s Fernando Reges (right) heads at goal during the English Premier League match against to third place, five points adrift of level to do it. There’s still a very long attitude. It was a top performance Leicester before next weekend’s meet- way to go. again,” said Wenger of his influential Leicester City at the Etihad Stadium, in Manchester, England, on Saturday. ing between the two teams. “I agree with you that Leicester German star. The Arsenal manager believes it now are the favourites. We have a big Bournemouth manager Eddie punished with only a yellow card but red, a simple decision. I was surprised straight red. It didn’t look like it was was crucial his side ended their dis- game at home now against them, and Howe was convinced his side’s Howe said: “I felt it was a red card. when referee only produced a yellow. under control.” But Wenger took an mal recent run but is convinced they I believe we have enough quality and chances were dented by the failure of Had a very good view and thought it “I haven’t seen a replay but it was opposite view. will now meet Claudio Ranieri’s side nerves to deal with that.” referee Kevin Friend to dismiss Math- was two footed. That kind of tackle two-footed and Dan could’ve been “I didn’t see it like that, honestly I with renewed belief. Arsenal went into Sunday’s ieu Flamini for a foul on Dan Gosling. has been outlawed. seriously injured on another occa- felt even at the start it was free-kick “Yes, of course (we needed a win), game having failed to score in The Arsenal midfielder was “You can’t do it. It was a straight sion. That’s why I thought it was a for us,” said the Frenchman. Manchester City expect changes when manager Guardiola arrives

Agencies The Fenway Sports Group held emergency talks after Saturday’s protest and again Sunday, British LONDON: Manchester City defender newspapers reported. Fans have Pablo Zabaleta suspects there will meanwhile threatened more walk- be changes when new manager Pep outs in looming key games against Guardiola arrives during the close Chelsea and Manchester City. season but said the players are com- Saturday’s walkout was staged in Everton’s Bryan Oviedo vies for ball possession with Stoke City’s pletely focussed on challenging for the 77th minute of the 2-2 home draw Xherdan Shaqiri during their English Premier League match on titles in the current campaign. against Sunderland in protest at the City last week announced that £77 ($112) top price for a seat in the Saturday. Guardiola, currently at German new main stand at Anfield. champions Bayern Munich, will take Fans chanted “you greedy bas- over from Manuel Pellegrini as man- tards, enough is enough” as thousands Stoke ‘need’ to take more ager from July. stood up and walked up in a gesture “We need to deal with it. The club that shocked the FSG owners. decided to announce this now after The board talks are set to con- risks to end winless streak so many rumours, we really under- tinue this week, British media said. stand this. Now it’s just time to finish But a review is possible even though in the best way we can do this sea- the English club’s management insist AFP points off fourth-placed Tottenham son,” Zabaleta told British media. Manchester City’s defender Pablo Zabaleta controls the ball during that about two thirds of main stand Hotspur, to 11th in the table with just “We are all behind Manuel. He’s the English Premier League match against Leicester City at the Etihad ticket prices will remain stable or fall. 13 games left. been great for this football club. So Stadium in Manchester, northwest England, on Saturday. Liverpool have felt the brunt of LONDON: Stoke City players should “We were a little bit reluctant he’s continued in the way he has growing discontent among English start taking more risks to end their to put balls into good areas and get done for the last few years. Nothing that the club have not been able to Argentina international said. City, fans at the steady increase in ticket four-game winless streak in the Pre- people to make good balls out of, at changes for him. And then we’ll see produce their best football when it who have failed to win back-to-back prices while Premier League revenues mier League, manager Mark Hughes times, poor balls. Maybe we have got at the end of the season with the new mattered. league games since October, have have shot up, notably after making a said after Saturday’s 3-0 drubbing at to be a bit more risky in our play,” manager coming in. Saturday’s meeting with Leicester slipped to fourth in the table and will £5.14bn ($7.4bn) television rights deal the hands of Everton. Hughes told British media. “We suspect changes but it’s nor- was the seventh time the Blues played hope to get their title charge back on for 2016-2019, up 70% on the previ- Stoke have failed to score in any “We were too reliant on keep- mal. Now is not the right time to talk a side in the top six of the league this track when they host second-placed ous deal. of their matches during the losing ing possession, but sometimes you’ve about the future because there’s a lot season, and the seventh time they Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. Jay McKenna, spokesman for the streak and have conceded nine goals got to attack the game and you’ve of time for this. We just need to be 100 failed to win. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s owners Spirit of Shankly supporters group, in the process. got to put balls into good areas with per cent focused on the next games.” “Every single game in this league will consider a review of controversial said Saturday’s protest was “a good Hughes’ men have gone from quality which, in recent weeks, we Following Saturday’s 3-1 loss to is very hard. Every game is played ticket price hikes after being shocked indication that supporters are very fighting for the European spots in have been struggling to produce in fellow title contenders Leicester City, in the same way. Sometimes you by a walkout protest by 10,000 fans, angry at prices and this will just be the league in seventh place, just four wide areas.” Zabaleta played down suggestions can win, sometimes you lose,” the media said yesterday. the start of taking more action.” Matsuyama wins dramatic four hole play-off in Phoenix

AFP carded four-under 67 on Sunday to marathon playoff. Harris English shot US PGA Tour Phoenix finish regulation tied on 14-under a five-under 66 to finish alone in Open scores 270. third on 272 while third-round leader (x-won at fourth playoff hole. USA Matsuyama, who has six wins Danny Lee of New Zealand shot two- unless noted, par-71): LOS ANGELES: Japan’s Hideki Mat- on the Japan Golf Tour, said it didn’t over 73 to place fourth on 273. suyama outlasted Rickie Fowler by bother him that most in the massive Lee, who came into Sunday at 270 x-Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) 65-70-68-67, Rickie Fowler tapping in for par on the fourth hole gallery were cheering for Fowler. with a three-shot lead at 13-under 65-68-70-67 of a marathon sudden-death play- “They were for Rickie, weren’t par, dropped three strokes on his off to win the US PGA Tour’s Phoenix they? But that gave me the motiva- front nine. 272 Harris English 68-67-71-66 Open on Sunday. tion to go out and do it and win,” he World number four Fowler was 273 Danny Lee (NZL) 67-66-67-73 The 23-year-old Matsuyama said through an interpreter. coming off a missed cut last week- 274 Boo Weekley 71-68-65-70 grabbed his second US tour title and America’s Fowler had a two-shot end after winning the Abu Dhabi Gold 275 Will Wilcox 68-73-69-65, improved on his runner-up finish to lead on the tee at 17 in regulation, but, Championship. Shane Lowry (IRL) 65-70-72- Brooks Koepka at last year’s tourna- as he would later in the playoff, he This would have been Fowler’s 68, J.B. Holmes 73-67-68-67, ment in the Arizona desert. found the water. fourth PGA Tour win. John Huh 69-70-67-69, Bryce In his first appearance in Phoe- His bogey opened the door for “This one hurts,” Fowler said. “I Molder 67-73-64-71 nix two years ago he finished in tie Matsuyama to make birdie and pull felt like I had it.” 276 Jon Curran 69-69-70-68, Ryan for fourth. even at 13-under as they headed to 18. After both players recorded a Moore 68-71-69-68, Phil Mick- “What a great experience,” said Fowler’s tee shot on 18 then par on the first playoff hole, the par- elson 69-71-65-71 Matsuyama, who is ranked 19th in the skipped through the left side bun- four 18th, they went back to the tee 277 Bubba Watson 69-69-73-66, world. “Rickie opened the door for ker before caroming right and back box for their third straight attempt Zach Johnson 73-66-69-69, me, and I was able to walk through onto the green. at number 18. Webb Simpson 68-71-68-70 it.” Matsuyama put his approach on Both ended up about 15 feet from 278 Tyrone Van Aswegen (RSA) Matsuyama, whose only other US the green to about 20 feet from the the cup after their first two shots. 68-70-72-68, Adam Hadwin Tour title came at the 2014 Memo- cup. Fowler then landed his approach Fowler rolled in his putt and Mat- (CAN) 73-68-69-68, Brendan rial, had two putts for the win at the inside Matsuyama’s ball. suyama followed up with another Steele 72-67-70-69, K.J. Choi fourth playoff hole -- the par-four Matsuyama made his long birdie perfect strike. The players then (KOR) 72-70-69-67, Chad 17th -- after Fowler put his shot into putt and Fowler also found some moved to the par-four 10th hole, Campbell 68-68-72-70, Patrick the water. 72nd hole magic to set the stage for where Fowler drove his tee shot far Hideki Matsuyama poses with the trophy after the final round of the Waste Rodgers 71-69-69-69, James Both Matsuyama and Fowler what would turn out to be a one-hour right into the rough. Management Phoenix Open golf tournament at TPC Scottsdale on Sunday. Hahn 67-65-74-72 SPORT TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2016 33

Isinbayeva to miss indoor season with injury: Coach

AFP her leg while jogging. Trofimov said that the injury was a recurrence of an old injury, but he added that he remained optimistic MOSCOW: Russian pole vault star that Isinbayeva would be fit in time Yelena Isinbayeva will miss the for the summer athletics season. remainder of the indoor season after “Isinbayeva suffered a similar tearing a muscle in her left leg at the injury in 2013,” Trofimov said. “But weekend, her coach Yevgeny Trofi- after undergoing therapy in Munich, mov said yesterday. Germany, she managed to win the “Yelena (Isinbayeva) underwent world championships in Moscow.” medical testing after suffering the Two-time Olympic cham- injury,” the Allsport agency quoted pion Isinbayeva took a break after Trofimov as saying. “Her exact winning the 2013 IAAF world cham- diagnosis is a rupture of the soleus pionships, and in 2014 she gave birth muscle.” to her daughter Eva. “The medics have put her left Last year she announced she leg in a plaster cast. Now it’s obvi- would resume her career in a bid to ous that she will have to miss the compete at her fourth Olympics in remainder of the indoor season.” Rio in August. Following the injury, Isinbayeva But her Olympic dream could be on Saturday was forced to put on dashed as the International Associa- hold her intended return to com- tion of Athletics Federations (IAAF) petition after a break of more than has provisionally banned Russia two years. from competitions after a World The 33-year-old had been plan- Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) inde- ning to participate in the Volgograd pendent commission found evidence Governor’s Cup meet this weekend of “state-sponsored” doping in the but withdrew after she felt pain in country.

This February 2 file photo shows the aerial view of the Olympic Village in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. An economic downturn No quick fix to crisis, in Brazil has forced 2016 Games organisers to ditch plans for a 4,000 capacity floating stand at the Olympic rowing site on the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon. The mega sports extravaganza will be held in another 178 days. says IAAF chief Coe

AFP

TOKYO: Beleaguered world athlet- Rio 2016 cutbacks give ics boss Sebastian Coe (pictured) admitted yesterday that there would be no quick fix as he battles to restore public trust in the crisis- hit sport. But the 59-year-old Briton, on a visit to Japan in his capacity cause for concern as chairman of the British Olym- pic Association (BOA), promised to “deliver a clean platform for clean cancel the floating stand was taken that they would just have to put up million, 2.15 million euros) fine on athletes”. Several sports without consultation.” and make do. the constructor Ibeg. “I’m sure that the changes that I “We have a knowhow and a com- “It’s not the time to complain but Rio’s urbanisation authority have in train will be, in large part, in including rowing to petence which could have found a to get ourselves organised and we’re has insisted that both sites will be place by end of this year,” said Coe, face consequences solution,” added France’s rowing not worried,” added the Romanian ready for the Games and “are in an whose first five months in charge of champion at the 2000 Olympics in former water-polo player who com- advanced stage of completion”, with the sport’s governing IAAF have been Sydney. peted at the 1964 Tokyo Games. no extra costs expected due to the plagued by doping and corruption Olympic 1,500 metres gold medals Rolland joined the heads of the Marculescu expressed confidence change in contracts. scandals. at the 1980 and 1984 Games, was AFP 28 international federations at talks about conditions at Copacabana The equestrian federation is “As I’ve said before, the journey ultimately endorsed by Pound as with the International Olympic Com- beach, the iconic stage for long dis- working under a tight schedule, with back to trust is one of an uncer- the right man to repair the sport’s mittee last week to assess the state of tance swimming and triathlon, the first horses due to arrive in Rio tain length, but we have to make tarnished image. LAUSANNE: Rowing and other sports play half a year out from the Games. where the water he said “is tested on July 29, and the competition start- changes,” he added. “We have to move the debate expressed concern yesterday at the Carlos Nuzman, president of the each month and conforms to the ing on August 7. The IOC meanwhile “We have to push on with the back to one of trust and integrity,” consequences of budget cuts at the Rio Olympic Organising Committee, standards”. described the meeting with the fed- reforms that I have been given the said the former British member of Rio Olympics. was also in attendance. Aside from rowing and swim- erations as “positive”. go-ahead with from our previous parliament after signing an agree- An economic downturn in Brazil “Each federation laid out its prob- ming, equestrian’s governing body “The International Federations council meeting. I will report to our ment for British athletes to use has forced 2016 Games organisers to lems and its areas of concern,” said (FEI) voiced disquiet at last week’s particularly appreciated the update next council meeting in a few weeks training facilities in Yokohama ditch plans for a 4,000 capacity float- Cornel Marculescu, head of the Inter- summit meeting in Lausanne over from the Rio organisers on Games time but, yes, those reforms are very, and Kawasaki at the 2020 Tokyo ing stand at the Olympic rowing site national Swimming Federation. problems at their Deodoro venue. preparations and the openness with very important.” Olympics. on the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon. Like rowing, swimming, one of “We did not hide our unease when regard to individual situations,” an Since taking over from Senega- “One where the clean athletes As a result there will only be the Olympic’s flagship sports, has suf- construction work was halted and we IOC statement declared. lese Lamine Diack last August, Coe know that there is no ambiguity at space for 6,000 spectators as opposed fered the repercussions of Brazil’s belt raised this question during the IOC It added: “This forum comes out has faced criticism after Russia was all in the federation about delivering to the 14,000 originally planned at tightening. meeting,” FEI president Ingmar de of the Olympic Agenda 2020 recom- banned after being found guilty of a clean platform for clean athletes.” the site in the heart of the city with a “We too have been hit from the Vos said. mendation, which aims to involve the “state-sponsored” doping, while a Coe also rejected the idea that spectacular backdrop of mountains start by the consequences of these “But we have just received con- federations in all stages of Games slew of top IAAF officials -- includ- British athletes could be tempted to and Rio’s commanding Christ the budget reductions. firmation from the Rio mayor that a preparations and it built on the ongo- ing the disgraced Diack -- have been stay away from this year’s Rio Olym- Redeemer statue. “Instead of having three pools like contract has been signed with a new ing discussions between Rio 2016, the accused of accepting bribes from pics as global health chiefs struggle That’s a far cry from the 25,000 we had in London, we’ve only got two. constructor. Therefore we are opti- IOC and the IFs.” drug cheats. to bring the mosquito-carried Zika rowing afficionados who filled Eton “That means that in the same mistic but we are following the case De Vos is confident that despite Coe has denied a cover-up virus under control. Dorney at the London 2012 Games. pool we’ll have diving, synchronised day by day,” added the Belgian. Brazil’s political and economic crisis, despite the conclusion of Dick Pound, Alarm has spread over the virus “We perfectly understand the swimming and water-polo. Rio last week rescinded con- the Zika virus and the delays, every- chair of the World Anti-Doping since the World Health Organization complicated situation in Brazil and “It’s a problem not for the stag- tracts for construction of the thing should be in place for the August Agency’s independent commission, (WHO) recently declared Zika an the economic difficulties that the ing of the events themselves but equestrian and tennis facilities, say- 5 opening ceremony. that he “could not have been una- international emergency, prompt- country is experiencing,” Christophe for training which risks becoming ing the work under way was slow “The Olympic Games are such ware” of how widespread drug use ing concern it could have an impact Rolland, president of the International complicated.” and incomplete. an exceptional event that every- was in athletics, having served eight on the decision of athletes to com- Rowing Federation, said. But in line with the sporting fed- The mayor’s office said it was thing always finishes up by getting years as vice president under Diack. pete, particularly if the situation “But we regret that the decision to eration’s general attitude he insisted imposing a 10.16 million real ($2.4 sorted out.” Coe, who won back-to-back worsens.

Marin Cilic of Croatia Cilic, Dodig make winning starts serves to Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan during their first round match of the ABN AMRO World Tennis AFP ROTTERDAM WORLD in the draw, committed well over 50 TENNIS TOURNAMENT unforced errors in what was a frus- Tournament in Rotterdam, trating effort. Netherlands yesterday. It required 90 minutes for Dodig ROTTERDAM: Croatians Marin Cilic to take revenge for a 2013 loss in and Ivan Dodig both made winning Cilic spent just over 90 min- Monte Carlo to the Frenchman. starts to the Rotterdam ABN AMRO utes in firing 10 aces and breaking Paire, who has now lost his last World Tennis Tournament yesterday. once from seven chances against the four matches dating to mid-January, Second seed Cilic, a 2014 final- Uzbek coached by his mother. The saved a match point in the tenth game ist at the Ahoy stadium, left Denis seed never faced a break point. of the second set and made Dodig, Istomin without a win at the event “It was a tough, mental chal- ranked 87th, work for the victory. for a third straight year, posting a 7-6 lenge,” the 13th-ranked winner said. The Croatian advanced on his third (7/5), 6-4 victory. “The first set was very close and the chance from a concluding Paire error. The 2014 US Open winner hopes second was a mental battle. “I was Jiri Vesely won an all-Czech bat- to take his progress one step fur- lucky to pull it through.” tle in the first round as he defeated ther after his best here two years Dodig, the world number 87, was Lukas Rosol 6-4, 6-2. ago when he finished runner-up to coming off a first-round loss to a wild France’s Richard Gasquet takes Tomas Berdych, card at the Australian Open. the top seeding in the event which “To win here would be a huge But the Croatian whipped his lost Roger Federer at short notice last honour. but the tournament is tough,” game into shape during Rotterdam week to minor knee surgery. he said. weekend qualifying and put his form Gasquet comes to the Nether- “I can only go step by step, there to good use with a 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) defeat lands with a 13th career title to hand is no other way. But I will be pushing of seventh-seeded Benoit Paire. after winning in Montpellier at the myself hard to try and win it.” Paire, one of seven French players weekend. 34 TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2016 SPORT

SCOREBOARD Toe catch secures series win for New Zealand NEW ZEALAND AUSTRALIA M Guptill c Hastings b Zampa 59 U Khawaja c Ronchi b Bracewell 44 B McCullum c Hastings b Marsh 47 D Warner c Elliott b Henry 16 AFP But the momentum swung back in overs. New Zealand’s innings had suf- Anderson was dismissed New Zea- K Williamson b Boland 18 S Smith lbw Sodhi 21 New Zealand’s favour when a Henry fered an even worse meltdown when land were set to mount a late assault H Nicholls c Smith b Hazlewood 18 G Bailey b Henry 33 delivery edged off Marsh’s bat, on to they lost their last six wickets for 23 to at 223-5 with 10 overs remaining but his foot, and rebounded back to the be all out for 246. they imploded instead. G Elliott c Maxwell b Marsh 50 G Maxwell c McCullum b Sodhi 0 HAMILTON: A bizarre off-the-toe bowler. The umpire turned down an McCullum reeled off 47 in 27 deliv- Australia in reply raced to 75-1 C Anderson c Khawaja b Boland 27 M Marsh c&B Henry 41 catch by Matt Henry brought a fair- appeal from Henry. eries to give New Zealand a flying start. before losing Usman Khawaja (44), L Ronchi c Boland b Marsh 5 M Wade c Guptill b Milne 17 ytale end to Brendon McCullum’s ODI But when the replay on the big With McCullum at the crease the Steve Smith (21) and Glenn Maxwell (0) D Bracewell b Hastings 2 J Hastings c Elliott b Anderson 6

career when New Zealand beat Aus- screen confirmed what Henry sus- New Zealand run rate was near 8.5 but as Doug Bracewell and Ish Sodhi kept A Milne lbw Boland 5 A Zampa c McCullum by Anderson 2 tralia by 55 runs in Hamilton yesterday. pected the umpires called for an slowed after his dismissal. New Zealand in the game with three The victory in a game that was official review which showed the ball Martin Guptill, who had played a for 19 in an economical 44 deliveries. M Henry (not out) 0 J Hazlewood (not out) 5 in Australia’s favour until Henry’s had not touched the ground and a support role while his captain was at David Warner was dismissed early I Sodhi b Hastings 0 S Boland (run out-Nicholls) 2 dismissal of Mitchell Marsh, saw clearly angry Marsh was out. the crease, took 61 balls for his 59, his for 16 leaving Khawaja and Smith to Extras (LB-6, W-9) 15 Extras (LB-2, W-2) 4 McCullum end his limited overs career Australian captain Steve Smith 30th half century. As in the second build the innings and get valuable bat- Total (all out in 45.3 overs) 246 Total (all out in 43.4 overs) 191 with a 2-1 series win over the world ultimately backed the dismissal but match in Wellington, won by Australia ting time before the first Test starting Fall of wickets: 1-84, 2-123, 3-131, 4-171, Fall of wickets: 1-39, 2-75, 3-94, 4-94, champions and the Chappell-Hadlee there were questions over whether by four wickets, New Zealand found in Wellington on Friday. 5-223, 6-237, 7-237, 8-246, 9-246, 10-246. 5-153, 6-164, 7-179, 8-184, 9-184, 10-191. Trophy. the review would have been called had themselves losing momentum in the Australia were 94-4 when Marsh Australia, set a target of 247, had there not been a loud crowd reaction middle order. Kane Williamson and went to the middle. He put on 59 with Bowling: Hazlewood 10-0-45-2 (w1); Hast- Bowling: Henry 10-1-60-3, Milne 8.4-0-42-1, their tails up when they needed 83 off to the replay on screen. Henry Nicholls were quickly in and George Bailey for the fifth wicket and ings 7.3-0-42-2 (w1); Boland 9-0-59-2 (w1); Anderson 6-1-16-2 (w1), Bracewell 6-0-15-1 the last 16 overs with five wickets in With Marsh’s decision the Austral- out for 18 each before Elliott (50) and had reached 41 off 42 deliveries before Marsh 6-0-34-3 (w1); Zampa 10-0-45-1; Max- (w1), Sodhi 8-0-31-2, Elliott 5-0-25-0. hand and Marsh, their match-winner ian innings collapsed with their last Corey Anderson (27) tried to regain the his unusual dismissal and from there well 3-0-15-0 (w1). Result: New Zealand by 55 runs. in Sunday’s second tie, in full flight. five wickets falling for 27 runs in 10 initiative with a 52-run stand. When Australia folded.

McCullum

Australian captain Steven Smith (second from bids adieu left) and New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum shake hands after the third One-Day International cricket match between New Zealand and Australia at Seddon Park in Hamilton. Big-hitting McCullum with lasting joins 200 ODI sixes club legacy

AFP

HAMILTON: Brendon McCullum completed the sixes double yesterday as he signed off his one-day inter- His retirement will leave a hole at the been transferred to the side, whose attack- a guard of honour from the Australians. national career with a trademark blockbuster of an The former skipper’s top of New Zealand’s batting order in lim- ing style since he assumed the captaincy in His first four scoring shots were bound- innings in the third one-day international against Aus- ited-overs matches, while it could also late 2012 have been enticing crowds back aries and his third six, a casual flick off tralia in Hamilton. retirement leaves a change the way they approach games in to the game. That was evident at last year’s Scott Boland over mid-wicket was his One of the biggest hitters in the game, McCullum hole at the top of New future. World Cup, where McCullum’s bristling 200th in one-day internationals. smacked the ball over the boundary three times in his The right-hander’s rip, snort and bust aggression helped drive New Zealand to He is just the fourth player to hit 200 47 off 27 balls to take him to 200 sixes from 260 one- Zealand’s batting order approach with his superb eye and lightning their first final. He scored 328 runs in nine one-day sixes but the only one to have 100 day matches to go with his 100 Test sixes. bat speed that enabled him to hit through innings with four half centuries. But it was in Test cricket as well. His power-hitting approach gave New Zealand a rol- the line, particularly through, or over, the the speed at which he scored, at a strike He hit his sixth boundary off Mitch- licking start in the series decider with the home team cover field or down the ground electrified rate of 188.50, that got crowds gasping, ell Marsh in the 10th over when he guided 84-1 in the 10th over when McCullum was dismissed. Reuters crowds. none more so than his 25-ball 77 against the ball to the vacant third man boundary McCullum shares the world record for Test sixes with When the mood took him, he could be England in Wellington. but was dismissed on the next ball for 47 Australian Adam Gilchrist and is fourth on the ODI list so destructive that games were lost, or won, McCullum had asked New Zealand with New Zealand 84-1. The innings typ- which is headed by Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi with 351. before he was dismissed. to ‘dare to believe’ and that innings in ified his career. Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya hit 270 ODI sixes in his HAMILTON: Brendon McCullum’s one- One such game at Queenstown against the third game of the tournament got the His approach more often than not career and the West Indies’ Chris Gayle smashed 238. day international career ended on Monday Bangladesh in late 2007 was typical. Hav- country unequivocally behind the side, paid off and at times when reining in his The 34-year-old McCullum received a guard of hon- with a 55-run win over Australia at Seddon ing dismissed the visitors for 93, McCullum believing they could be witnessing a once- instincts could have been more beneficial, our from the Australian team when he walked to the Park, though the legacy of the aggressive then blasted 80 from 28 balls. in-a-lifetime event for the co-hosts. which told in his statistics. He ended his crease and was given a standing ovation from the capac- right-hander is likely to have a much longer New Zealand won the game in six overs Since being forced to make his retire- career after 260 matches with a strike rate ity 8,000 crowd when he left. effect on the sport in New Zealand. and television commentators joked he had ment announcement due to the timing of of 96.37, the sixth highest amongst bats- After this match he will play in two Tests against The New Zealand captain, who made finished the game so quickly because he the World Twenty20 squad selections, he men who have scored more than 2000 ODI Australia before retiring from international cricket. his debut against Australia at the Sydney had booked a tee time at a nearby golf has been greeted by enthusiastic crowds runs. However, his all-out attack meant Cricket Ground in January, 2002, is retiring course during the change of innings. throughout the Australian one-day series, he scored just 6083 runs at an average from all internationals after the second Test His biggest legacy, however, may be the lauding his contribution to the game. of 30.41, with five centuries and 32 half MOST SIXES IN ODIS against Steve Smith’s side in Christchurch. way in which his personal approach has On Monday McCullum was flanked by centuries. PLAYER MATCHES 6S

Shahid Afridi (Asia/ICC/Pak) 398 351 ST Jayasuriya (Asia/SL) 445 270 CH Gayle (ICC/WI) 269 238 India, Sri Lanka BB McCullum (NZ) 260 200 India bid to cement T20 top spot in juniors in SR Tendulkar (India) 463 195 MS Dhoni (Asia/India) 275 192 high-voltage showdown against injury-hit Lankans semi-final clash

IANS AFP look to the series as an oppor- been rested but India’s other big Herath are racing against time Finch dumped as T20 tunity to get back in the groove names are set to feature against to get fit for the World T20. ahead of the Asia Cup which is Sri Lanka, who are the reigning Having been recently out- MIRPUR: India will aim to being held in Bangladesh ahead World T20 champions and could played by New Zealand in the continue their winning run skipper: Report PUNE: India will look to cement of the World T20. leapfrog their hosts in the rank- recent Test, ODI and T20 series, and seal a place in the final their number one status when Ashwin, the world’s top ings if they pull off a victory. Sri Lanka will also be without when they take on Sri Lanka Reuters they begin a three-match spinner in Test cricket, was out- Kohli has been replaced by the services of veteran batsman in the first semi-final of the series against Sri Lanka today, shone Down Under by Ravindra Manish Pandey who struck a Tillakaratne Dilshan, who will Under-19 cricket World Cup their final work-out on home Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah but century in the last of the ODIs miss the first game with a hand at the Sher-e-Bangla National SYDNEY: Aaron Finch is to be dumped as Australia’s soil before hosting the World the conditions back home are in Australia but failed to make injury. Stadium today. captain in the shortest form of the game and replaced Twenty20. expected to suit him well. the cut for the World T20 squad Ford, who also coached the India have been unbeaten by test skipper Steve Smith just a month before the start Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s Dhoni is a big fan of the that was announced on Friday. islanders from 2012-14, has in the tournament so far and of the World Twenty20, The Age newspaper reported side vaulted seven places in the lanky off-spinnner and told The series could see the called for patience as Sri Lanka have outclassed all four oppo- yesterday. T20 rankings after their recent reporters last month that Ash- young Delhi all-rounder Pawan embark on a rebuilding phase. nents yet in all departments of Opener Finch, who has been struggling with a ham- 3-0 away series victory against win’s dip in form was due in part Negi handed a debut after he “I think Sri Lanka cricket the game. En route to the semi- string injury, was named captain in September 2014 but Australia and will look to build to the side’s increasing reliance was surprisingly picked in the finds itself in the very early finals they thrashed Namibia only skippered the side on six occasions as Australia on their momentum when they on him in all formats. 15-man World T20 squad. stages of a very important by 197 runs. concentrated on other forms of the game. face the Graham Ford-coached “He just makes my job While India carry a famil- rebuilding stage.”“A lot of hard Sri Lanka have also been Cricket Australia will not discuss details of the Sri Lanka. slightly easy, especially for a iar look, Sri Lanka have been work needs to be done,” the in prime form and made it to make-up of the squad for the tournament, which The series is Ford’s first consistent period of time when forced to field a depleted side South African said last week. the semis after defeating a takes place in India from March 8 to April 3, until it is assignment since returning for my fast bowlers have not done with a number of their top play- strong England team by six announced in New Zealand today. a second stint in charge of the well,” Dhoni said in Australia. ers staying at home. T20 FIXTURES wickets. Bundling out England Australia have never won the World Twenty20 title islanders last week. “It is good to have him and The likes of regular T20 Today: First T20 in Pune for just 184 in the quarter-final in five previous attempts, their best finish coming in After a relatively disappoint- I think he is a great asset to the skipper Lasith Malinga, Test February 12: Ranchi on Sunday, they reached vic- West Indies in 2010 when they lost to England in the ing tour of Australia, India’s spin side irrespective of the format.” captain Angelo Mathews and February 14: Visakhapatnam tory in only the 36th over. final. king Ravichandran Ashwin will Star batsman Virat Kohli has premier spinner Rangana SPORT TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2016 35 Manning fairytale as Broncos stun Panthers in Super Bowl

quarterback in Super Bowl history - Malik Jackson to recover for a dra- Second Super Bowl and NFL Most Valuable Player Newton matic touchdown for 10-0. Newton never materialised. Instead it was left showed glimpses of his dual threat title for the star to Denver’s suffocating defence to with a couple of long rushes to set quarterback who decide the contest, with Von Miller up a one-yard touchdown run from and DeMarcus Ware smothering the Jonathan Stewart to help make it 10-7 Kyle Okposo of the New York racked up seven sacks Panthers at every opportunity. after Graham Gano added the extra Islanders in action against in memorable show Panthers superstar Newton, who point. Edmonton Oilers. had been tipped to dominate in his Denver went 13-7 up with another first Super Bowl appearance, cut a McManus field goal before Carolina dejected figure afterwards. spurned the chance to draw closer Miller - named Super Bowl MVP when Gano missed a 44-yard effort. Okposo AFP - ultimately set up the crucial Den- It was left for Denver to get the ver touchdown, forcing Newton into first points on the board in the second hat-trick a fumble which the Broncos recov- half, with Manning twice connect- ered close to the Carolina goal line. ing with Emmanuel Sanders in a powers SANTA CLARA: Peyton Manning Manning was largely a peripheral 54-yard drive to Carolina’s 12-yard cemented his place in the pantheon figure throughout, struggling to make line. McManus added his third field Islanders of quarterback greats as the Den- any impression with his passing game goal to make it 16-7 and give Denver a ver Broncos produced a magnificent as defences dominated. nine-point lead. Carolina looked to be defensive display to stun the Carolina The veteran quarterback is widely building ominous momentum on the Agencies Panthers with an upset 24-10 victory expected to call time on his career at next drive, when Newton launched in Super Bowl 50 on Sunday. the end of the season, and can now do a long pass to find Corey Brown for Manning, 39, sealed the sec- so with a second Super Bowl ring to a 42-yard gain. But the drive ended NEW YORK: Kyle Okposo scored ond Super Bowl title of his 18-year set alongside the one he earned with when Newton’s attempt to find Teddy a hat-trick on Sunday afternoon National Football League career on the Indianapolis Colts in 2007. Ginn was intercepted by Broncos as the New York Islanders routed the back of a phenomenal display by “It’s very special, I’m very proud safety T J Ward. Denver were una- the Edmonton Oilers 8-1 at Bar- the Denver defence, who racked up a of these guys,” said Manning, who ble to make any impression on the clays Centre. record-equalling seven sacks at Levi’s said he was unwilling to make a deci- Carolina defence and seemed to be Five other players - Johnny Stadium. sion about his future plans in the heat content to punt again knowing that Boychuk, John Tavares, Nikolay “I’m just glad we didn’t have to of the moment. An absorbing first the Panthers were getting little joy Denver Broncos’ quarterback Peyton Manning Kulemin, Josh Bailey and Cal Clut- play against our defence,” said a half saw defences exert a vice-like from the Broncos defence. celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy terbuck - all scored a goal apiece delighted Manning, the NFL’s all-time grip, with Denver’s vaunted unit rat- The tactic proved vindicated on after beating the Carolina Panthers in Super for the Islanders. The eight goals passing yards record holder. tling the Carolina offense. the next Carolina drive, which stalled Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday. were the most for New York since Denver running back C J Ander- Denver took a 3-0 lead through when Miller sacked Newton for the it beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 9-3 son crashed over for the decisive a 34-yard Brandon McManus field second time in the match. on February 11, 2011. touchdown late in the fourth qquar- goalgg after Manning mounted one of But Denver’s own offense was Islanders goalie Thomas Gre- terter as thethe Broncos defencedefence harriedharried hishis ffewew long-distancelong-distance drivesdrives ofof thethe aalwayslways strugglingstruggling to capitacapitalizelize on whowho rreducededuced thethe deficitdeficit to 116-106-10 wiwithth iss made 30 saves. PanthersPanthers superstar quarterquarterbackback Cam gamegame earearlyly on. Denver soon hadhad theirtheir opponent’s proproblems,blems, andand theythey a Gano fieldfield goal.goal. Yet once again Den-Den- Canadiens 2, Hurricanes 1 Newton into a stringstring ofof mistakesmistakes on a CarolinaCarolina ununderder ppressureressure andand scoredscored squanderedsquandered a 1st andand 10 situation on ver’s defence came throuthroughgh when it Panthers (shootout) nightnight ofof highhigh drama.drama. thethe opening touctouchdownhdown whenwhen MillerMiller Carolina’sCarolina’s 37-yar37-yardd lineline whenwhen Manning mattered,mattered, anandd wwhenhen MiMillerller fforcedorced Sven Andrighetto scored the TheThe much-anticipatedmuch-anticippated ddueluel swarmedswarmed throughthrouggh to smothersmother Newton, twice ffumbledumbled on successive plpplaysayys to Newton into his late fumble, Denver vow to get shootout winner to give Montreal betweenbetween MannMaManningnninng - theththe ololdestddeesstt sstastartingtarrtinng strippingsstrir ppp inng thethe ballbaalll looseloosese andannd allowingalllowo ing handhah ndd thetheh ballball backbbaackck ttoo ththehe PPaPanthersantheherss werewerree hhome.oome.e a win over Carolina at the Bell back to Centre. Jeff Skinner scored in reg- Super Bowl ulation for the Hurricanes and Max Pacioretty replied for the Canadiens. Reuters Ben Scrivens, making his sec- ond start in as many days, stopped 34 shots for Montreal. Counterpart SANTA CLARA: Carolina were Cam Ward made 33 saves for the crushed by their 24-10 Super Bowl Hurricanes. defeat to the Denver Broncos but Capitals 3, Flyers 2 the Panthers vowed to learn from Matt Niskanen went coast-to- the loss and get back to the NFL’s coast for the go-ahead goal, Alex grandest stage. Ovechkin notched his 30th of the “You just have to come back season and Washington defeated and fight next year,” said defen- Philadelphia for its third straight sive end Keony Ealy. win. Dmitry Orlov also scored for “It’s a process. We will learn the Capitals and Braden Holtby from this and get back. We will stopped 33 shots. look to get at this again next year.” Nick Shultz and Michael Del Head coach Ron Rivera said: Zotto scored for the Flyers and “We’ve talked about getting to Steve Mason made 27 saves. the mountain peak and obviously we’re at the top of the mountain but we’re not at the peak. “I told our guys ... this is the Subban same team that a couple of years ago got beaten in New York,” he sidelined with said, referring to the 43-8 drub- bing Denver absorbed from the fractured Seahawks in the Super Bowl. “So we have an opportu- larynx Carolina Panthers’ running back Jonathan Stewart (top centre) goes over the top and into the end zone for a touchdown in the second nity to grow and learn from this quarter of the NFL’s Super Bowl 50 on Sunday. experience and give ourselves an Agencies opportunity to get back here.”

BOSTON: Boston Bruins goal- tender prospect Malcolm Subban has a fractured larynx, the club Paul sparks Clippers to sixth victory in seven games announced on Sunday. A puck struck Subban in the throat during warm-ups prior to AFP Saturday’s AHL game between NBA WRAP-UP At Boston, Avery Bradley scored 25 the Providence Bruins and Port- points and Isiah Thomas added 22 as the land Pirates. Boston Celtics beat Sacramento 128-119 He stayed overnight in a Maine Knicks 101-96. Barton added 11 rebounds for their ninth win in 10 games, stretch- hospital and was transported to a MIAMI: Chris Paul scored 22 points and for the Nuggets (21-31) while rookie guard ing their home-court win streak to seven Massachusetts hospital on Sunday passed out seven assists to spark the Los Emmanuel Mudiay added 15 points, nine games with a season-high point total. for further evaluation. Angeles Clippers to their sixth victory in of them in the fourth quarter. The Kings (21-30) suffered their fifth “He is in stable condition and seven games, a 100-93 triumph on Sun- Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Por- road loss in a row and seventh defeat will be sidelined indefinitely,” the day at Miami. zingis each netted 21 points but the Knicks in eight games amid reports that coach Bruins said in a statement. Jamal Crawford added 20 points while (23-31) suffered their season-high fifth con- George Karl’s job is in jeopardy. The Arizona Coyotes assigned J J Redick netted 14 points and DeAndre secutive loss and ninth defeat in the past 10 “I don’t think I’m in limbo,” Karl said. forward Steve Downie to the Jordan and Cole Aldrich each grabbed 11 games. Anthony missed a tying 3-point try “I don’t have any control over what other Springfield Falcons of the Amer- rebounds for the Clippers, who won for the in the final seconds and Barton sank four people are thinking or saying. That’s their ican Hockey League. 11th time in their past 13 road games. free throws in the final seven seconds to storm. Once something gets out, it magni- Downie, 28, has collected six The Heat (29-23) were denied a sev- seal Denver’s victory. fies and grows and becomes a storm. That’s points (three goals, three assists) enth win in eight games despite 17 points Anthony, who returned after missing not my storm.” in 26 games with the Coyotes this each from Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and three games with left knee tendinitis, is The Celtics (31-22) led by 21 points in season. Slovenia’s Goran Dragic plus 15 from Brit- shooting a career-low 42.4 percent from the third quarter before Sacramento rallied He has 1,057 penalty minutes ain’s Luol Deng. Paul missed his first nine the field this season. Orlando center Nikola within five in the last two minutes, only to in 434 career NHL games. shots from the floor, but sank back-to-back Vucevic of Montenegro scored the last of have Thomas score nine points to end the The Chicago Blackhawks 3-pointers late in the fourth quarter to pre- his 22 points on a game-winning fallaway threat. Boston’s Jared Sullinger matched reassigned defenceman Viktor vent a Heat rally. jumper as time expired to give the Magic a a season high with 21 points and reserve Svedberg to the Rockford IceHogs “Just kept shooting it. Sooner or later 96-94 victory over visiting Atlanta. centre Tyler Zeller netted a season-high of the American Hockey League. it has got to go in,” Paul said. “Just had to Evan Fournier scored 21 points and Vic- 17 points. Svedberg, 24, tallied three stay aggressive and I finally started mak- tor Oladipo had 19 to help the Magic (22-28) DeMarcus Cousins scored 31 points for Los Angeles Clippers’ guard Chris Paul (left) drives points (one goal, two assists) in ing shots.” snap Atlanta’s three-game win streak while the Kings while former Boston star Rajon to the basket during their NBA game against Miami 16 games with the Blackhawks At New York, Denver’s Danilo Gallinari Jeff Teague led the Hawks (30-23) with 24 Rondo, booed every time he touched the Heat at American Airlines Arena on Sunday. this season since making his NHL and Will Barton each scored 19 points to points and five assists while Kent Bazemore ball, added 14 points, five assists and six debut on October 9. power the Denver Nuggets over the host contributed 23 points and eight rebounds. steals. TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2016 36

Riders in action during the stage one of Men’s Tour of Qatar from Dukhan to Al Khor Corniche yesterday. Pics: Salim M/The Peninsula Cavendish storms to stage win in Al Khor

TOUR OF QATAR: DUKHAN RESULTS AND British rider grabs TO AL KHOR CORNICHE STANDINGS golden jersey with 1 Mark Cavendish (GBr), Dimension Data, victory in the opening 3:28:46 said Qatar experiences stronger cross- 2 Sacha Modolo (Ita), Lampre - Merida stage as Italy’s winds as compared to the UAE where 3 Andrea Guardini (Ita), Astana Pro Team Modolo finishes in the Briton feature in the Tour of Dubai 4 Sam Bennett (Irl) Bora-Argon 18 second spot last week. 5 Alexander Kristoff (Nor), Team Katusha “Crosswinds difference is there 6 Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor), Dimen- (between Doha and Dubai). It is a sion Data smaller group here because of the winds,” Cavendish said. “It’s about 7 Greg Van Avermaet (Bel), BMC Rac- By Rizwan Rehmat being on the right path. I said to my ing Team The Peninsula team-mates I want to win it. I am 30 8 Manuel Quinziato (Ita), BMC Racing years old. I don’t there’s nothing new Team that I can learn anymore. Half of the 9 Arnaud Gerard (Fra), Fortuneo - Vital things are in my head. I am happy Concept with where I am right now,” he said. General Classification after stage 1 DOHA: Sprint king Mark Cavendish For the first stage of the 2016 Tour 1 Mark Cavendish (GBr), Dimension Data, was the source of absolute delight in of Qatar, the riders are gathered on 3:28:31 the Dimension Data camp yesterday the eastern coast of Qatar, in the city 2 Sacha Modolo (Ita), Lampre - Merida, when the Briton stormed to stage one of Dukhan for the start of the race. 0:00:08 win at the Tour of Qatar. Under a bright sunshine and in 3 Andrea Guardini (Ita), Astana Pro Team, Cavendish, 30, produced a well- rather windy conditions, 140 com- 0:00:11 timed surge in the 176-km stage which petitors took off for a 180.5-km ride 4 Alexander Kristoff (Nor), Team Katu- ended at the sea-front in Al Khor all the way to Al Khor on the north- sha, 0:00:12 yesterday. western coast. 5 Viacheslav Kuznetsov (Rus), Team Katu- The moody British cyclist, who After an extremely fast start due sha, 0:00:13 won the title in 2013, clocked a time to the favourable winds, the first 6 Greg Van Avermaet (Bel), BMC Racing of 3 hours 28 minutes and 46 seconds real action started at the 38km mark Team, 0:00:14 for his 9th stage win in Qatar. when the pack broke up into two main Italian duo Sacha Modolo (LAM) groups. 7 Sam Bennett (Irl), Bora-Argon 18, 0:00:15 and Andrea Guardini (AST) finished Twelve kilometres later, again the in second and third spots respectively. front group of around 100 men parted 8 Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor), Dimen- Irish rider Sam Bennett (BOA) grabbed leaving only 21 riders at the front. sion Data the fourth spot in the bunch sprint Among the leading group were the 9 Manuel Quinziato (Ita) BMC, Racing while Alexander Kristoff of Norway likes of Kristoff, Cavendish, Boasson Team completed the day’s top five riders. Hagen, Guardini and Modolo. Their Points Classification British rider Mark Cavendish of team Dimension Data celebrates his first stage win from Dukhan to Al Khor “It is really nice to be back here. lead grew from 35’’ at the 57-km mark 1 Mark Cavendish (GBr), Dimension Data, I have come here with a new team,” to 50’’ at the 81-km mark. Corniche, at Tour of Qatar yesterday. 20 points Cavendish said after winning golden The first intermediate sprint (at 2 Sacha Modolo (Ita), Lampre - Merida 13 jersey. the 106.5-km mark) was claimed 3 Alexander Kristoff (Nor), Team Katu- “It feels very nice. Absolutely this by Kristoff ahead of Cavendish and off from far out and making the classification while Soren Andersen We had a lot of confidence for today sha 9 is a vital win. In all, it was a super Modolo while the first chasing group best of the tailwind on the Al Khor (TGA) captured the white pearl jer- after last night’s team meeting. The 4 Andrea Guardini (Ita), Astana Pro Team strong performance by all the guys remained 1’05’’ adrift. Corniche, Cavendish stayed clear sey for the best young rider. split went pretty soon in the begin- 9 and I am really happy to get the first The gap remained the same all of his rivals, victoriously crossing The popular British rider will ning and I was always looked after 5 Sam Bennett (Irl), Bora-Argon 18 7 win of the year. the way to the second bonus sprint, the finish line ahead of Modolo and now wear the gold jersey during from the start,” Cavendish said. 6 Greg Van Avermaet (Bel), BMC Rac- “I definitely would like to carry claimed by Cavendish in front of Guardini. For the powerful British today’s 135km second stage that “I launched from Kristoff with ing Team 5 this form forward. My team did a Viacheslav Kuznetsov and Greg Van rider, it was his third stage win in Al starts and finishes at the Qatar about 200m to go, the road turned great job. I stayed behind earlier on Avermaet, and beyond. With 20kms Khor (2012, 2013 and 2016). Thanks University. right so I hugged the right side and 7 Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor), Dimen- sion Data 5 but there was a good lead out at the to go, the front men could still enjoy to his success, the 2011 road World The finish line will be opposite I knew no one would come round right moments,” Cavendish said. a 1’10’’ lead. Eventually a group of 16 Champion captured the overall lead- one of the entrances at College of the me then. It was great that Edvald 8 Manuel Quinziato (Ita), BMC Racing “I don’t know what’s going to hap- men reached the final 3 kms with er’s golden jersey that he last wore North Atlantic. “We’ve probably got was there as for sure he will be in Team 3 pen in the GC (General Classification). a 1’30 advantage and could start when he won the event back in 2013. the best race director in the world contention after the time trial on 9 Viacheslav Kuznetsov (Rus), Team Katu- My form is good. I feel okay. We need considering stage victory. Taking Cavendish also leads the points for this race in Roger Hammond. Wednesday.” sha 2 time bonuses. Hopefully we can do a good time trial (tomorrow),” Cav- endish said. “It was long and a hard day. Unfortunately, Tyler punctured and he used too much energy to get back to me for the sprint but he was incredible in helping to keep the group away,” he said. Cavendish said he wasn’t read- ing too much into stage two route which would be used during the 2016 UCI World Road Championships. “The fact is that the world cham- pionships stage is not that important right now. Definitely good to see it but I will be back before the world cham- pionships. They have changed the circuit as we don’t get to see it com- pletely,” Cavendish said. Cavendish STAGES Stage 2 - Today: 135km Katara Cultural Village - Qatar University Stage 3 - Tomorrow: 11km Lusail - Lusail (ITT) Stage 4 - Thursday: 189km Al Zubarah Fort - Madinat Al Shamal Stage 5 - Friday: 114km Sealine Beach Soren Andersen (second left) of team TGA poses for a picture after winning the white pearl jersey. Mark Cavendish is also seen. RIGHT: Mark Cavendish celebrates on the podium Resort - Doha Corniche after winning the golden jersey.