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Tuesday 25 December 2012 12 Safar 1434 - Volume 17 Number 5559 Price: QR2

Shell, Venture Pakistan team Gulf sign pins hope supply deal on bowlers

Business | 17 Sport | 27

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 Lekhwiya to play GCC leaders hail bloc’s progress Bayern Munich in Doha friendly DOHA: Qatar Stars League Kuwait to host (QSL) champions Lekhwiya will host German giants Bayern Syria donors Munich in a friendly game here on January 5, a news report said yesterday. meet in January Bayern Munich, who lost the Champions League final to MANAMA: Kuwait yesterday Chelsea in May this year, will urged the international com- head to Doha for a short winter munity to “act immediately” camp after New Year’s eve. to stop bloodshed in Syria and A Bayern Munich post yes- the continued suffering of its terday said “Philipp Lahm and people, and asked Iran to fol- the team players were officially low the requirements of the released for the holiday season on International Atomic Energy December 19 and have 14 days to Agency (IAEA). relax and spend time with their The Emir of Kuwait, H H families”. Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Bayern players report back on Al Sabah, cited a recent reported January 2 for the flight to the glitch at Bushehr nuclear reactor annual winter training camp to plant as a source of anxiety over be held in Doha for the third year the security of the region. in a row. During the stay in Doha, Addressing the two-day GCC coach Jupp Heynckes and his play- summit that began in Manama ers will aim to lay the foundations yesterday, he said cooperation of a successful second half of the among the member states was campaign and the pursuit of three urgently needed to protect the trophies. region and help achieve the aspi- On January 8, Bayern Munich rations of its people. The Heir Apparent H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with the leaders of other GCC states at the GCC summit in Manama, Bahrain, yesterday. will play Schalke 04 in Doha. The Kuwaiti ruler announced In another football-related a donor conference for civilians development, a news report on caught up in the Syrian conflict The session was also attended The GCC had not yet met the In his address, Saudi Crown aggression on the Palestinians in Alkass said Lekhwiya’s friendly to be held at the end of January at by members of the official del- aspirations of the member states’ Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz, the Gaza Strip, noting that peace match against German side the request of the United Nations. egation accompanying the Heir people, he said, stressing the need delivered an appeal for unity. will not be achieved in the area Schalke 04 on January 6 had The Heir Apparent, H H Apparent. to redouble efforts to realise the “We aspire to a strong union until the legitimate rights of the been cancelled. However, the QSL Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Bahrain’s ruler, H M King objectives of the bloc, which was with integrated economies, a Palestinian people were achieved. champions will play Paris Saint- Thani, took part along with other Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, set up in 1981. joint foreign policy and a common The GCC Secretary-General, Germain, the French giants now GCC leaders in the opening ses- thanked his GCC compatriots King Hamad underlined the defence system,” he said. Dr Abdul Latif Rashid Al Zayani, owned by Qatar, on January 2 as sion of the 33rd GCC Supreme for supporting his country and importance of the decision taken Kuwait’s emir described as said the council had proved its scheduled, the report added. Council Summit at the Grand stressed that challenges before at the last GCC summit, in a successful step upgrading clout and cohesion, withstanding Convention Hall at Al Sakhir the bloc required joint efforts and Riyadh, to move from the phase the status of Palestine at the fast regional and Arab political Palace in Manama, Qatar News coordinated economic and defence of cooperation to that of union in UN to an observer state. He and economic changes. Qatar to build $280m Agency reported. policies. order to arrive at a unified entity. also referred to Israel’s latest AGENCIES medical city in Yemen DOHA: Qatar plans to build a huge medical city in Yemen at a cost of $280m. It will be called Hamad Medical City. India-Pakistan The plan for the proposed Local growers get own vegetable market medical city was disclosed during hockey match a meeting between the Yemeni DOHA: Local farmhouse own- Company and will begin operating produce there if they wish, a sen- as well as spinach and other leafy Public Health and Population a sellout ers, who mainly grow vegetables, on Thursday, December 27. ior environment ministry official greens. The farms are active only Minister, Ahmed Al Ansi, and are heaving a sigh of relief as The new vegetable market will said yesterday. between October and June. the Assistant Secretary General DOHA: A large number of the government has freed them be open three days a week — on “The market will be run by The new market will, however, for Policy Affairs at the Supreme hockey fans who had come to from the shackles of middlemen Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays Hassad Food Company,” said not be allowed to sell at the retail Council of Health, Faleh Mohamed watch the India-Pakistan match and allotted them a huge cov- — from 7am until 7pm. On the Yousuf Khalid Al Khulaifi, head and wholesale prices prevailing at Hussein, in Yemen yesterday. of the Asian Champions Trophy ered area where they can now opening day, the market will func- of the agricultural affairs depart- the Central Market, Al Khulaifi Hussein is on an official visit to at Al Rayyan Stadium returned sell their produce directly to tion from 10am onwards. ment of the environment ministry. said. He added that the new mar- Yemen along with a team working disappointed as tickets were consumers as well as retailers. Local vegetable growers have Addressing a news conference, keting strategy for local vegetables on the medical city project, which sold out two days before the The covered space, which has so far been forced to bring their he said plans were afoot to set up was aimed at breaking the hold of will come up in the Taiz governo- crunch match. been built by the Ministry of produce to the Central Market another market near the new one middlemen on vegetable sales. rate. During the meeting, Al Ansi The event management com- Environment, is located near in Doha and auction it to middle- in the near future where fresh The farm owners will, thus, be and Hussein reviewed the outcome pany QSports, managing the Umm Salal Sports Club on Al men — a practice that will cease chicken, fish and red meat will able to get fair prices for their pro- of a visit by a Qatari task force on show on behalf of Qatar Hockey Shamal expressway, and is close to the coming Thursday. be sold. duce, the official said. “They can the Hamad Medical City project to Federation, bowing to popular the 22 farmhouses in the country However, auctions at the The local farms grow many veg- bring their produce to the new Taiz governorate and its meetings demand, had sold additional 400 that grow vegetables. The market Central Market will continue and etables, including tomatoes, pota- market and sell directly,” he added. with the local authorities. tickets yesterday. will be managed by Hassad Food the local growers can sell their toes, cucumber, ‘koosa’, eggplant THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA The Al Rayyan Stadium hockey stadium, which was built during the 2006 Asian Games, has a capacity of 2,000 spectators. Ben Ali’s cars Arch rivals India and Pakistan, Malaysia, China, Japan and Oman Saudi writer arrested are contesting the six-nation tournament which ends on December 27. India has qualified for the final and another match for blasphemous tweet between the two teams is on the cards if Pakistan finish second in DOHA: A liberal Saudi Arabian Muhammed (PBUH). They the round-robin league matches. writer has been arrested for deceived us by saying that it was See also page 28 making comments on Twitter God’s law but in the end it was only that the interior ministry said ideas,” Al Sharq quoted Alhamad Qatar’s fiscal surplus were insulting to Islam. as saying on his Twitter account. Dr Turki Alhamad was arrested “The Prophet came with a surges to QR118bn on orders of Prince Mohamed bin humanitarian religion but some DOHA: Qatar’s fiscal sur- Nayef who received “complaints” changed it into anti-human reli- plus for the first two quarters from several Islamic scholars, Al gion…The Sun will rise,” he said. of 2012/13 financial year has Sharq reported yesterday. Al Hamad’s comments pro- surged to QR118bn. The sur- The daily said Alhamad will voked many, and some Islamic plus is QR64bn higher than the be investigated. His comments scholars complained to the surplus posted for the full fiscal provoked heated debate on social interior minister. The minister year of the financial year 2011/12 networking sites in Saudi Arabia. ordered his arrest after his minis- at QR54bn. The Qatar General Alhamad attacked radical try confirmed that he had indeed Secretariat for Development Islam in comments on his Twitter made those comments. Planning’s latest economic out- account, describing it as “a neo- An official of an international look noted that the government Nazism which is on the rise in the organization which is devoted to expenditure stood at QR70.3bn Arab world.” defending Prophet Muhammed in September 2012. Qatar’s He said: “Our Prophet (PBUH) (PBUH) has described Alhamad’s total revenue for the first half of came to correct the religion of comments as insulting to Islam 2012/13 amounted to QR188bn. Tunisians look at cars during an exhibition and sale of the property of ousted Tunisian President Zine El Ibrahim and we are living at a and praised the Saudi authorities Full report on page 17 time when we need someone to for taking him into custody. Abidine Ben Ali in Tunis yesterday. See also page 6 THE PENINSULA correct the religion of Prophet THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 25 DECEMBER 2012 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Record turnout for MIA exhibitions The Arabick Roots and1001 Inventions exhibitions attracted 85,000 visitors

DOHA: The Arabick Roots and young audiences respond to,” said 1001 Inventions exhibitions held Aisha Al Khater, Director of MIA. at the Museum of Islamic Art “It is true that we owe our rich (MIA) have attracted a record scientific heritage to cultures and 85,000 visitors. civilizations worldwide, but it is 1001 Inventions, which closed also our obligation towards our last month, saw 72,000 visitors youth to inform them about our while the ongoing Arabick Roots past achievements, as well as expo has already witnessed 13,000 inspire and enlighten their path visitors. to move forward,” she added. Celebrating the richness and 1001 Inventions was visited by diversity of Muslim civilisation’s the Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Golden Age, the Arabick Roots Khalifa Al Thani, who met with exhibition was opened by H E the young science explainers Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad working inside the specially-built bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairman marquee that housed the award- of the Board of Trustees of Qatar winning exhibition. Museums Authority (QMA). It Ahmed Salim, Producer and traces the untold story of how Director of 1001 Inventions, knowledge from Muslim civilisa- commented: “We’re amazed by Visitors at the Arabick Roots and 1001 Inventions exhibitions held at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA). tion inspired the scientific revolu- the success of 1001 Inventions tion in Europe. in Doha, and honoured that His Wael Sawan, Chairman and record-breaking run demon- with 90 percent saying the 1001 and the West. The vast majority The exhibition is of particular Highness the Emir endorsed the Managing Director of Qatar Shell strated the exhibition’s achieve- Inventions content was relevant of attendees spent more than 40 interest to educators and stu- good work that was achieved here. Company said: “We are proud of ments in changing local people’s to the school curriculum and 100 minutes exploring the different dents, as part of MIA’s aim to We’re particularly pleased to note the great achievement of 1001 perceptions about science, with percent of all respondents saying ‘zones’ within the exhibition, with equip and inspire them to be 21st that this has been the most popu- Inventions Exhibition and the new 90 percent of surveyed visitors they wanted to see 1001 Inventions the most popular sections being century knowledge transmitters lar science show to ever launch country record of 72,000 visitors. saying the 1001 Inventions show included in the curriculum. those dedicated to engineering, and producers. in Qatar, and the independent This achievement is the result of made them feel more positive The research also showed that medicine and astronomy. Almost “The record-breaking number research demonstrates that 1001 the solid partnership that we have about the future of science in the visitor numbers reflected three-quarters of those surveyed of children who visited this exhi- Inventions has engendered pride established with QMA and MIA Qatar. the diverse national mix within said they wanted to introduce bition has been a great source of and enthusiasm in this hidden and 1001 Inventions.” A separate survey of local Qatar. At least 15 percent of visi- 1001 Inventions to their friends, pride and also a lesson to us on history of scientific excellence in An independent research car- school-teachers who visited the tors were Qatari nationals, with family and co-workers. the substance and design that our Muslim civilisation.” ried out during the exhibition’s exhibition was even more positive a third being expats from Asia THE PENINSULA

Arab Postal Committee meeting begins DOHA: The annual Arab postal scheduled to be held in Cairo and Since the money has not been committee meeting commenced was changed to Doha, due to the utilized for a longer period of in Doha yesterday to discuss prevailing situation in Egypt. time, Arab postal committee has issues related to the postal Mohamed Sali bin Thahir taken steps to recall the budget, service of this region. Bintn, Saudi Arabian Minister allocated for translations. The two-day meeting being for Telecommunication and The meeting will also dis- held at the St. Reggi’s Hotel is a Abdul Rahman Ali, Chairman, cuss about issuing the next uni- follow up meeting to the recently Q Post were among the delega- fied postal stamp for the Arab held International Postal Union tions represented 12 countries countries. In January 2008 Arab meeting and will discuss about in the region. The budget allo- telecommunications ministers several events postponed due to cated for Arabic translations by decided to have a common postal Participants at the annual Arab Postal Committee meeting at St Reggi’s Hotel, yesterday. ABDUL BASIT the political developments and the Arab postal committee for stamp for all Arab countries and unrest in Arab countries. International Postal Council is to be issued every three years. but due to the Arab Spring it has published and the date of issue Arab Postal Stamp exhibition will The 25th Arab postal com- one among main issues to be dis- First stamp was issued in 2008 been delayed. A design submitted will be decided during the meet- be decided. mittee meeting too was earlier cussed at this meeting. next should have been in 2011, by Oman has been accepted to be ing. Also the venue for the third THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 25 DECEMBER 2012 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 Risking lives under dilapidated shelters Many illegal workers live in pathetic conditions

BY MOHMMAD SHOEB Some of them drive private the Old Airport Area. taxis, while others sell ‘paan’ Nazrul Islam (not his real DOHA: They not only work (green leaves chewed with a name), a Bangladeshi national, illegally but also risk their lives mixture of lime and tobacco in lives in a room that admeasures living in ramshackle buildings some South Asian countries) and 300 square feet—a spacious one that can cave in any time. They ‘gutka’ (chewing tobacco popu- but he shares it with six others. are from South Asian coun- lar mostly with the Nepalese, He and his companions drive tries, mainly Bangladesh and Indians and Bangladeshis), and private taxis. The building which Sri Lanka, and making a living, still others vend what they pass their room is part of is dilapidated working illegally. on as fresh fish in their locality, and can come crashing like a pack of cards any moment. The room is congested with three bunk-beds, a television set and a few other household items, leaving little space to walk around. A stench hangs in the air, so strong that it causes instant nausea. This is not the only danger- A dilapidated entrance of an accommodation in the Old Airport areawhich is occupied by low-income workers. ous building in the Old Airport KAMMUTTY V P Area which hardly has any ven- tilation and is inhabited by the Lanka. As an illegal taxi opera- is dwindling,” adds Guruwardane. increase considerably as more so-called self-employed mainly tor, Guruwardane and his room- Rising demand for and soar- foreign workers arrive. from Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, mates who are also in this illegal ing prices of rented homes, cou- “Until recently, if a house was among other countries. There occupation say that frequent pled with the galloping cost of vacated by a tenant, it used to are numerous such shaky struc- traffic jams and launch of private living, are compelling not only remain unoccupied for months, tures in the entire locality that taxi companies have affected low-income workers to stay in but now the demand seems to be are inhabited by low-income their earnings. pathetic conditions, but also on an upswing,” said a real estate workers. “I can hardly afford to spend forcing many middle-income broker asking not to be named. “We are living in this building more than QR400 a month for expatriates to live dangerously He added that although rents and paying very low rent so that accommodation. With the ris- and battle hardships. were not increasing at the we can save more to remit home. ing cost of living, saving money House rents are stable at the moment, vacant homes did not As this place is close to shopping is becoming increasingly difficult moment, but real estate sources remain unoccupied for more than and residential areas, there are now,” he says. “And due to long say they fear that with the 10 days. A surge in demand surely many other reasons for not leav- traffic snarls and more private launch of several infrastruc- signals that the day isn’t far when ing this house”, said Gunwardane, transport companies with a grow- ture projects the demand, par- rents may begin spiraling. A ramshackle building in the Old Airport area. a private taxi operator from Sri ing fleet of taxis, our daily income ticularly for bed space, might THE PENINSULA

Labour Ministry guidance team visits 25 private companies

DOHA: A guidance and educa- The visit programme was meet their responsibilities, and different companies and the team During the meeting with the time and effort, he added. tion team from the Ministry of launched in November with benefit from the services pro- will resume its visits to more pri- concerned workers, the team The team also answered ques- Labour visited 25 private com- the aim of raising awareness vided by the ministry. vate companies, said Saleh Ali Al introduced different types of tions from the employees, gave panies, mainly companies that among foreign workers about The ministry is keen to inno- Khaledi, head of the Guidance services promoted by the ministry suggestions to their problems. have thousands of workers. the labour law and makes them vate ways to communicate with team. and how they could benefit saving THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 25 DECEMBER 2012 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Experts and parents hail childcare training Qatar Nanny Training Academy set to open in April

DOHA: The initiative to launch house maid will be limited for support for the mother and fam- an institute to train women in cooking and cleaning,” she said. ily. Leaving children with a trained childcare would help grooming However, she insisted for the need nanny will give more confidence children says psychologist. for proper theoretical and practi- about the safety of children.” Qualified people from the pro- cal long term training. The Qatar Hamad Salah Al Haoul, a CMC posed Nanny Training Academy Nanny Training Academy is an member appreciating the initia- would be able to take care of initiative of H H Sheikha Moza tive said: “Families are spending Qatari children with a signifi- bint Nasser. The academy which is lots of money on untrained maids cant difference from the usual scheduled to open in April next year but having specialised and trained house maids, reported an Arabic will seek to contribute to human nannies will support grooming of daily yesterday. resources development in Qatar by the child. This could even reduce Dr Moza Al Malki, a Qatari providing educational and training the number of runaway work- psychologist said: “There is a sig- services in the field of childcare that ers, because the maids will be in nificant difference between a house are in keeping with the country’s charge of domestic work and the Officials from Microsoft Qatar and Qatar Petrochemical Company (Qapco) during the signing ceremony. maid and a nanny. A trained and Qatari and Islamic identity. nanny will take care of children.” qualified nanny will have a good Parents and CMC members have Amal Al Mannai, a member of knowledge about the cultural envi- welcomed the initiative taken to the founding committee for the ronment and psychology of chil- establish an institution to train academy, has not been able to Qapco to sponsor Microsoft dren and it will reduce violence nannies. Um Mariam a Qatari provide details about the method against them. She will know how mother said: “It’s good to have of recruitment, their sponsorship to deal with children. Job of the specialised nurses and it will be a and salary. THE PENINSULA Imagine Cup Qatar 2013

DOHA: Microsoft Qatar and in the world today. Through this three million dollar investment Economy Ministry Qatar Petrochemical Company sponsorship, Qapco will assist in over three years by Microsoft to (Qapco) yesterday signed an the development and encourage- help students turn their ideas into discusses new agreement making Qapco the ment of young individuals to crea- reality. Platinum sponsor of the forth- tively search for solutions to the Commenting onthe agreement, structure for bids coming Microsoft Imagine Cup toughest problems affecting the Naim Yazbeck,Microsoft Qatar and tenders law Qatar 2013. Qapco entered into world. Country Manager said: “We are this agreement to support youth Four teams will be selected to very pleased that Qapcois sup- DOHA: The Ministry of competing in the Qatar round compete in the local finals and porting this year’s competition Economy and Finance of the world’s premier student the winning team will represent in Qatar. Imagine Cup is a plat- held a seminar to discuss technology challenge. Qatar in the Imagine Cup world- form where students in Qatar can the new structure for the Over the past ten years, more wide finals which will be held in showcase their entrepreneurial executive list of the bids than 1.65 million students from St Petersburg, Russia in July 2013. approach and knowledge of new and tenders law and its more than 190 countries have World Finalists will also have the technology. Encouraging partici- regulating draft law in the participated in the Imagine Cup. chance to apply for Microsoft pation in research is a central presence of a number of The Imagine Cup competition Imagine Cup Grantsto take their aim of the human development officials. encourages young people – above projects to the next level and be pillar of the Qatar National Vision Director of the Strategic the age of 16 – to apply their one of a select group of teams to 2030 and Microsoft is pleased to Planning and Performance imagination, their passion and receive a comprehensive grant be contributing to the realisation Management Office Badr, creativity to technology innova- of cash, software and invaluable of that pillar.” and Acting Director of tions that can make a difference connections. This is part of a THE PENINSULA the Economic Policies Department at the Ministry, Ahmad Al Qayed said that the development Qatari mission celebrates National Day project comes as part of the Ministry’s keen- ness to achieve its goal in Acting Charge accordance to the National d’Affaires at Development Strategy. Al Qayed underlined Qatar Embassy in that the ministry has Liberia, Abdullah taken specific measures Mahdi Al Yami, aimed at raising the level held a reception of services it offers through to mark Qatar raising human resources National Day. efficiency and evaluation of The function all policies and procedures was attended in its various departments, by the Liberian under the Emiri Decree Foreign Minister No. (31) of 2009. QNA Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan and a number of heads of diplomatic and consular mis- sions accredited to Liberia.

GCC Environment Committee holds 14th convention

DOHA: The 14th meeting of the GCC committee for environment awareness yesterday discussed rec- ommendations of its last convention on the envi- ronmental awareness in the Gulf states. The meeting, organ- ised by the Ministry of Environment, discussed- views and remarks of the committee members on the 6th Youth Environmental Forum that was held earlier this summer in Bahrain, in addition to the necessary steps to achieve the committee’s five-year plan 2015-2020. Committee studies draft law on chemical weapons DOHA: The Legal and Legislative Affairs Committee of the Advisory Council held a meeting yesterday under its Rapporteur Nasser Rashid Seraye Al Kaabi. The Committee stud- ied a draft law on chemi- cal weapons and decided to invite representatives of the Cabinet General Secretariat to listen to the Secretariat’s opinion on the draft law. QNA TUESDAY 25 DECEMBER 2012 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 Qatar Airways hosts ladies gala event Three lucky winners receive Business Class return tickets DOHA: Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club recently hosted a night of entertainment in special recognition of the airline’s female Gold Card holders residing in Doha. Over 300 ladies, including family members of diplo- mats, top company executives and social group heads, attended the red carpet gala event at the Ritz-Carlton Doha. Traditional Chinese musicians and a live Latin band kept the crowd entertained throughout the evening. Three lucky ladies won a pair of Business Class return tickets to any of Qatar Airways’ 122 destinations world- wide. Privilege Club offers members a wide range of exclu- sive privileges and benefits designed for frequent flyers with Qatar Airways. Members earn Qmiles based on the class of service they travel in, as well as the regions they travel to with every Qatar Airways flight. Membership levels include Privilege Club (base level) Burgundy, Silver and Gold. Qmiles can be redeemed for Qatar Airways’ flights, upgrades from economy to business class, flights with partner airlines, excess baggage and for vouchers at Qatar Duty Free or Oryx Galleria, the airline’s retail shop in Doha, exclusively for Privilege Club members. THE PENINSULA Ladies Gold Card holders of the Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club during the gala event at the Ritz-Carlton Doha.

Celebration

Indian fans celebrating their team’s victory against Pakistan in the Asian Champions Trophy Hockey round robin league match at the Al Rayyan Stadium yesterday. India won the match 2-1 and qualified for the December 27 final with an unbeaten record. SALIM MATRAMKOT

DCMF to hold journalism training

DOHA: The Doha Centre for Media Freedom (DCMF) will hold a training course on journalism at the St Regis Doha Hotel today. Fifteen media personalities from various institutes in Qatar will join the course. QNA

School students performing for the special needs kids. Rota volunteers visit Children’s Rehabilitation Centre at HMC DOHA: Reach Out To Asia’s (Rota) Volunteer Programme celebrated Qatar National Day 2012 with kids with special needs at the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) Children’s Rehabilitation Centre. The team of Rota volunteers joined representatives of several community based organisations to spend National Day playing traditional games and enjoy- ing face painting and henna with 3-to-6 year-olds at the HMC Children’s Rehabilitation Centre, located at Rumailah Hospital. “Celebrating Qatar National Day at the Children’s Rehabilitation Centre provided a memorable experience for everyone involved, and reflects the commitment of Rota and our volunteers to give back wherever possible to all sections of the community,” says Rota Director Mohamed Abdulla Saleh. The Rota Volunteer Programme is now looking forward to introducing a regular pro- gramme of visits to the Children’s Rehabilitation Centre, with volunteers providing assistance to Centre staff on a regular basis. THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 25 DECEMBER 2012 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST Egypt’s judges probe vote fraud allegation Unofficial tally indicates 64pc approved the charter

CAIRO: Egyptian judges were very different from the unofficial through quickly. investigating opposition accusa- result, at 60-something percent,” By forcing the pace on the con- tions of voting fraud yesterday one said. stitution, Mursi risks squandering before declaring the result of a The opposition, a loose alli- the opportunity to build consen- referendum set to show that a ance of socialists, liberal-minded sus for the austerity measures contentious new constitution Muslims and Christians, say the desperately needed to kick-start has been approved. text is too Islamist, ignores the an ailing economy, economists say. President Mohammed Mursi rights of minorities and repre- Highlighting investor concerns, sees the basic law, drawn up sents a recipe for more trouble Standard and Poor’s cut Egypt’s mostly by his Islamist allies, as in the most populous Arab nation. long-term credit rating and said a vital step in Egypt’s transition They have noted that less than a another cut was possible if politi- to democracy almost two years third of those eligible turned out cal turbulence worsened. after the fall of military-backed to vote. Responding to what it said strongman Hosni Mubarak. If the “yes” vote is confirmed, a were market rumours, the central Unofficial tallies from the parliamentary election will follow bank said it was taking steps to Muslim Brotherhood - which in about two months, setting the safeguard bank deposits. catapulted Mursi into the presi- stage for Islamists to renew their Some Egyptians say they have dency this year - indicated that 64 battle with more secular-minded withdrawn their funds from percent had approved the char- opponents. banks out of concern that they ter, although an official result was Opposition politician Mohamed will be frozen by authorities. not expected until at least today. ElBaradei, a Nobel peace prize Policemen stand guard outside the constitutional court during a sit-in by supporters of Egyptian President An opposition tally had a simi- winner, urged Mursi to form an LEGISLATIVE POWERS Mohammed Mursi, in Cairo, yesterday. lar result. Mursi’s critics said the all-inclusive government together Under the new constitution, vote, conducted in two stages in a with the liberal camp in order legislative powers that have been described Mursi as an “illegiti- The head of the Muslim democratic means. process that ended on Saturday, to patch up divisions and steer temporarily held by Mursi move mate president”. Brotherhood’s Freedom and “We do not consider this con- had been marred by a litany of Egypt out of trouble in a demo- to the Islamist-dominated upper The low turnout has prompted Justice Party, Saad Al Katatni, stitution legitimate,” liberal poli- irregularities, and have demanded cratic way. house of parliament until a new some newspapers to question wrote on Facebook that the tician Amr Hamzawy said on a full inquiry. “I am ready to join hands with lower house is elected. how much support the charter group’s members were “extending Sunday, arguing that it violated “The committee is currently President Mursi on condition that The make-up of the Supreme really had, with opponents say- our hands to all political parties personal freedoms. compiling results from the first he forms a national (unity) gov- Constitutional Court, which ing Mursi lost the vote in much and all national forces”, adding: The run-up to the referendum and second phase and votes ernment and speaks as president Islamists say is filled with of the capital. “We will all start a new page”. was marred by protests triggered from Egyptians abroad, and is for all Egyptians,” he told the Mubarak-era appointees bent on “The referendum battle has But the opposition National by Mursi’s decision to award him- investigating complaints,” Judge daily Al Shorouk. throwing up legal challenges to ended, and the war over the con- Salvation Front say the new basic self broad powers on November Mahmoud Abu Shousha, a mem- ElBaradei, the former head of Mursi’s rule, will also change as stitution’s legitimacy has begun,” law only deepens a rift between 22. At least eight people were ber of the committee, said. the UN nuclear agency, said a its membership is cut to 11 from Al Shorouk wrote in a head- the liberals and Islamists who killed in clashes in Cairo and vio- Two sources in the committee new assembly should rewrite the 18. line, while a headline in the Al combined to overthrow Mubarak, lence also flared in the second city, said the results were likely to be draft - a call unlikely to be heeded Those expected to leave include Masry AlYoum newspaper read: and that they will keep challeng- Alexandria. announced today. “It will not be by Mursi, who is keen to push it Tahani Al Gebali, who has “Constitution of the minority”. ing it through protests and other REUTERS

Sudan jails 4 for life Netanyahu aims to deport thousands of Africans for killing Chinese JERUSALEM: Prime Minister Israel began constructing the fence number of illegal immigrants exploded defending themselves against Israeli KHARTOUM: Four Sudanese have been Benjamin Netanyahu said yesterday in late 2010 to stem the influx of thou- into violence in May when a protest in violations of international accords amid sentenced to life in prison for killing a he aims to repatriate tens of thou- sands of illegal migrants through the south Tel Aviv turned ugly, with dem- the silence of the international com- Chinese worker in oil-producing South sands of African illegal migrants and porous border, which has also been a onstrators smashing African-run shops munity,” he said. Kordofan, state-linked media reported yes- that the inflow into Israel from the major drug and human trafficking route and property, chanting “Blacks out!” Israel launched a November 14-21 terday. The Sudanese Media Centre (SMC), Sinai peninsula has been brought to into Israel. Meanwhle, Human Rights Watch air offensive with the declared aim of which is close to the security apparatus, did a halt. “Now we are moving on to the next (HRW) said yesterday that Palestinian ending persistent rocket barrages on not say when the incident occurred and did “Our aim is to repatriate tens of stage, the repatriation of the infiltrators militants violated the laws of war by its territory. not identify the victim. thousands of infiltrators now in Israel already here.” launching rockets at Israeli cities from Medical officials in the Gaza Strip But it reported that an anti-terrorism to their countries of origin,” he said, Interior Minister Eli Yishai had the Gaza Strip during last month’s said some 170 Palestinians, mostly civil- court in Khartoum North convicted the four adding Israel had been in contact with warned in August that Sudanese ille- fighting. The New York-based group ians, were killed in the hostilities. HRW of attacking a camp and killing the worker in several African governments. gals who did not leave the country by also said that militant organisations said two of the Palestinian dead were Baleela, an oilfield in the western part of South “After having been confronted by October 15 would be detained, held in in the territory, which is ruled by apparently hit by rockets that fell short Kordofan state. Insurgents are active in the the threat of hundreds of thousands camps and deported. the Islamist movement Hamas, put of their intended targets in Israel. state but primarily in the eastern half. (of illegal migrants), this month not a Israel already began expelling South Palestinian civilians in harm’s way by Six Israelis, including two soldiers, SMC said the thieves exchanged fire with single infiltrator has reached cities in Sudanese in June, after Yishai ruled firing the rockets from within densely were killed in rocket strikes, the Israeli camp security men, leading to the death of the Israel,” he said, quoted in a government they were no longer at risk in their populated areas. police and military said. Chinese man. One other accused was freed for statement. newly independent homeland. Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri “Palestinian armed groups made lack of evidence, SMC said. “We have reached this result over the An Israeli court the same month gave dismissed the charges: “This report is clear in their statements that harming China is a major investor in Sudan’s oil past several months, and next month the green light for plans to repatriate biased because it equates a nuclear- civilians was their aim. There is simply industry and is also a key military supplier to we will have completed the construc- around 2,000 illegal migrants from the armed country using all means of no legal justification for launching rock- the cash-strapped African nation. tion of the fence on the border with the Ivory Coast. aggression against civilians and a peo- ets at populated areas,” HRW said in a AFP Sinai,” facing Egypt, he said. Rising tensions over the growing ple subject to the occupation who are report. AFP Tunisia offers Ben Ali’s ill-gotten gains at public auction

GAMMARTH, TUNISIA: Agents of rich Gulf collectors, lovers of luxury and those sim- ply curious to see the ill-gotten gains of the Ben Ali clan were among those drawn to a sale of the deposed Tunisian despot’s assets that began on Sunday. “We’re here out of curiosity, to see the size of the scam this coun- try suffered from,” said Mehdi, 25, visiting the exhibition with his uncle, a car enthusiast. “It feels like voyeurism,” he added, saying that he felt “uneasy in front of all this luxury that is insulting to ordinary Tunisians struggling to get by.” A bright red Ferrari owned by Zine El Abidine Ben Ali’s spoilt nephew Imed, and a brand new Porsche destined for his young- est child, were among the items Decorative clocks, luxury cars and sandals are displayed during a public auction of former Tunisian autocrat Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and his family’s abandoned belongings, in Tunis, yesterday. on show in the pharaonic decor of the Cleopatra exhibition space The collection of 39 luxury cars, BMWs also feature. are displayed around the exhibi- Most of the works of art, orna- minimum monthly wage. amid tight security. only half of which were on display, “No comment!” was all that tion, a reminder of the strange ments, furniture, and some of the Of the 400 jewels and orna- The former belongings of was of particular interest to an one rich young couple had to say provenance of the opulent items carpets on offer will be sold to ments confiscated by the state, Ben Ali and 114 of his relatives agent acting on behalf of a Saudi to reporters as they eyed up the up for sale. Corruption and nepo- the highest bidder, with no item only around 20 are shown, among are going under the hammer prince. Maybach, a present from Libya’s tism were rife under the regime thought to be worth less than them a made-to-measure choker in the chic Tunisian resort of “We have made the (pur- Muammar Gaddafi, another north of Ben Ali, who fled to Saudi ¤5,000. that once adorned the neck of Ben Gammarth, in an auction due to chase) request three times since African dictator who amassed Arabia with his wife after the Animal statues of solid gold, Ali’s wife, sparkling with some last one month and from which February, but we had to wait wealth before being ousted in last first Arab Spring uprising swept crystal horses and an 80-centi- 1,000 diamonds. the cash-strapped government for this exhibition. Today we’re year’s Arab Spring uprisings. the country. metre-high (32-inch) silver olive A doctor who lives in France hopes to raise millions of euros. ready,” he said, speaking on condi- “Around 100 people attended Mehdi Ben Garbia, a Tunisian tree feature among the lots. discussed the jewellery with a Suits belonging to the toppled tion of anonymity. the opening, pretty busy for a MP, said he had come “to get There is a constant hum of diamond specialist, but his wife despot are expected to go for Highlights from the car col- Sunday. It’s a good crowd,” said an idea about the way in which excitement in the last viewing stepped away. ¤3,000s each, while coats acquired lection include a Lamborghini Affef Douss, in charge of organ- the taxpayers’ money was room, where clothing and acces- “My husband wants to buy, but by his wife Leila Trabelsi, who Gallardo LP 460, a Bentley ising the event for the finance squandered.” sories formerly owned by the I’m actually disgusted. These are was notorious for her expensive Continental sports car, an ministry. Like all members of the gov- disgraced first lady are on dis- fabulous jewels, but they tell a tastes, could rack up as much as armoured Cadillac and a Maybach Banners proclaiming ernment, parliamentarians are play - including luxury shoes and harrowing story.” ¤4,000. 62. Limited edition Mercedes and “Revolution, freedom and dignity” barred from buying. handbags worth many times the AFP TUESDAY 25 DECEMBER 2012 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 Brahimi meets Assad; opposition frustration grows Situation in Syria still a reason for worry, says peace envoy; activists claim poison gas attack in Homs

BEIRUT: Syria special envoy village loyal to Assad. Lakhdar Brahimi discussed Rebels have captured several Rebels surround solving the country’s conflict military sites around the country. with President Bashar Al Assad Damascus is now being dragged air bases across yesterday, but the opposition into the unrest, with fighting in expressed deepening frustra- its southern districts and the sub- Aleppo: Official tion with the mission following urbs on its eastern outskirts. what it called the latest massa- The army has hit back at rebel- ALEPPO COUNTRYSIDE: cre of civilians. held areas near Damascus with Syrian rebels are surrounding Underlining how rebels are daily air raids and artillery strikes bases and military airports loyal taking the battle close to Assad’s that have sent thousands fleeing to President Bashar Al Assad doorstep, the UN and Arab to the city centre and over the across the northern province of League envoy had to drive to border to Lebanon. Aleppo, a commander said, but Damascus from Lebanon on the Brahimi’s plan for an end to the are struggling to counter attacks eve of the meeting as fighting Syrian crisis centres on a tran- from jet fighters which can fly around the international airport sitional government, but has left even from besieged airfields. made it impossible to fly in. vague Assad’s role. The opposition Colonel Abdel Jabbar Oqaidi, Brahimi said his talks with rejects anything but Assad’s over- who heads the rebels’ military Assad had dealt with possible throw and says the government council in the province, also told solutions to a crisis that has killed crackdown has been too fierce to Reuters that his forces are fighting more than 44,000 people, accord- accept dialogue. without any help from the Western ing to activists. “I told him what With rebel gains growing, the and Arab governments which want I was seeing abroad and about the army has been increasingly rely- Assad removed from power. meetings I had with different offi- ing on its superior weaponry. It Oqaidi, who leads between cials in the region and abroad,” has used air strikes and even long 25,000-30,000 troops across Brahimi told reporters. “The situ- range, scud-type missiles, accord- Aleppo province, said the rebel ation in Syria still is a reason for ing to US and Nato reports. strategy had shifted from fight- worry. We hope that all the sides Western powers have warned ing Assad’s forces in the cities work toward the solution, as the Assad that using chemical weap- to surrounding his bases in the Syrian people want.” ons would be a “red line”, which countryside - aiming to encourage The meeting was Brahimi’s they implied would draw interna- defections and weaken the sites so third with Assad and violence tional involvement in the conflict. A Syrian refugee hangs a carpet outside her tent at the refugee camp of Bab El Salama, between the Syrian town they can be stormed. has greatly escalated since the Syria repeated on Sunday that it of Azaz and the Turkish town of Kilis, yesterday. This thrust has helped to series began. Syria’s opposition would never use chemical weap- loosen Assad’s grip in the north vented its anger at what it called ons, but activists released reports and east of the country. “We a silence over the unabated kill- later that day of what they said decided on this (strategy) lately,” ing of civilians by Assad’s forces. was a poison gas attack in the city Russia: ‘Political suicide’ if Oqaidi said in an interview at his On Sunday, dozens of people of Homs. command centre in the Aleppo were killed in the central town of The reports are difficult to con- countryside. “The situation for us Halfaya and many more wounded. firm, as the government restricts on the ground is really good.” Activists blamed an air strike that media access in Syria. The Syrian Assad uses chemical arms Oqaidi said his forces were now hit a bakery where a crowd was Observatory for Human Rights fighting less in heavily-populated queuing in Halfaya, which was gathered activist accounts of the MOSCOW: Russia said yes- recognising the Syrian oppo- The Russian leadership has urban areas. “At the beginning seized by rebels last week. incident, which said that six rebel terday that it would be “politi- sition as the legitimate voice recently been releasing comments ... we were forced to attack the “Silence over the massacres fighters were killed after inhaling cal suicide” for the government of the country’s citizens. that suggest an easing of support (Assad) forces in the districts to committed against the Syrian smoke on the front line of Homs’s of Syrian President Bashar Al Moscow’s position has frus- for Assad. Moscow’s chief Middle kick them out so that they do not people is blackmail and a means urban battleground. Assad to use chemical weapons trated Western attempts to end East envoy said earlier this month harm civilians,” said Oqaidi. to pressure the people, their rev- “White smoke without a smell against the armed opposition. the bloodshed by forcing Assad that Russia realised that Assad “After achieving fighting expe- olution, and their leaders,” said spread throughout the area after Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov from power. Washington has also may not be able to stand up against rience, we went back to the coun- Moaz Alkhatib, who heads the regime forces threw grenades that said in an interview released by slammed Moscow’s continued the rebel resistance much longer. tryside to liberate the big military opposition National Coalition. emitted white smoke when they the English-language state televi- military ties with Damascus. Moscow continues to press for bases. These bases are fortified “The Halfaya massacre is not hit a wall,” the Observatory said. sion channel RT that Assad had Lavrov said Moscow checks on a diplomatic solution to the con- with tanks, rockets, artillery, just a massacre but a message “Those who inhaled the gas said given Moscow repeated assur- every report about the movement flict despite few signs of any dia- mortars, in addition airplanes. from both those who are part of they felt dizzy and suffered head- ances he had no plans to order of Syrian chemical weapons with logue leading to progress on the The siege ... cuts off the supply the regime and those who support aches and some suffered seizures.” such an attack. Damascus in order to make sure ground. Deputy Foreign Minister lines to these bases and most it, and in short it is: Either you The Observatory, a British- “I do not believe Syria would there was no danger of their pos- Gennady Gatilov said Syrian importantly it helps elements to die or you accept the enslavement based group with a network of use chemical weapons,” Lavrov sible use. peace envoy Lakhdar Brahimi defect,” he said, making it easier that we will force upon you,” he activists across the country, called said in comments translated “Every time we hear rumours, could visit Moscow before the end to eventually storm the bases. wrote on his Facebook page. on the International Committee by the channel into English. “It or pieces of information come of the week following his talks in The rebel Free Syrian Army is However, Alkhatib did not of the Red Cross to send a medi- would be a political suicide for the to surface that the Syrians are Damascus with Assad. largely run by officers who had accuse anybody directly for cal team to the area to determine government if it does.” doing something with the chemi- He said the two sides would defected from Assad’s forces. remaining silent over what would what had happened. A previous Russia has remained Syria’s cal weapons, we double-check, we “exchange views about the evolving However, the opposition has be one of the deadliest air strikes report of poison gas was deter- main ally throughout 21 months triple-check, we go directly to the situation in Syria.” “We hope that struggled to peel off large num- of the civil war. Activists also said mined to be false by some military of bloodshed. It scuttled three government and all the time we (the talks) bring concrete results bers of defectors and only a hand- rebels in central Hama province experts, but none has commented rounds of UN Security Council get very firm assurances that this and help resolve the stalemate,” ful of high-ranking officials have shot down a government fighter on the reported Homs attack. sanctions against Assad and is not going to be used under any Interfax quoted Gatilov as saying. abandoned the government. jet yesterday, in clashes outside a REUTERS condemned Washington for circumstances,” Lavrov said. AFP REUTERS

Thousands of tourists stream into Bethlehem Kuwait court upholds life term

BETHLEHEM, PALESTI- on policemen for torture death NIAN TERRITORIES: Thousands of Palestinians and KUWAIT CITY: Kuwait’s appeals court yesterday upheld a life term tourists streamed into the West on two police officers convicted of torturing a citizen to death at a Bank city of Bethlehem yester- police station two years ago. The court also confirmed jailing three day to mark Christmas. officers for 16 years each, a fourth for 15 years and a fifth for two This year’s celebration car- years and ordered their dismissal from the police force. Two other ries special significance for many policemen were each fined 200 dinars ($720), while the remaining 11 Palestinians, coming after 12 defendants were acquitted, including two foreigners who worked at the months in which their status on police station. The verdicts can still be appealed before the Supreme the world stage has been signifi- Court. All 20 defendants were charged with torturing four detain- cantly upgraded. ees at the police station in January 2011. One of the victims, 35-year- Just last month, the United old Mohammad Ghazzai Al Mutairi, died of his injuries. The incident Nations granted them the status shocked the Kuwaiti public and led to the resignation of former inte- of non-member observer state, and rior minister Sheikh Jaber Khaled Al Sabah, a member of the ruling earlier this year they won their family. A parliamentary investigation panel at the time found that first UNESCO World Heritage Mutairi had apparently been subjected to severe torture for six days, Site designation — for Bethlehem’s including three days in a remote desert location. Church of the Nativity. The designation also included Two drone strikes kill five in Yemen part of a pilgrimage route in Bethlehem, along which the tra- SANA’A/ADEN: At least five people were killed in two drone ditional Christmas procession strikes in south Yemen yesterday in what security and local offi- headed by the Latin Patriarch cials said were attacks on suspected al Qaeda-linked insurgents. Fuad Twal marched yesterday. The strikes were the first in almost two months by pilotless aircraft Under nearly cloudless blue A view of Manger Square as people gather for Christmas celebrations in the West Bank city of Bethlehem yesterday. against suspected Al Qaeda men in Yemen. The officials said the skies and a surprisingly warm first drone strike hit a vehicle in a town in Al Bayda province, kill- December sun, thousands of tour- senior Roman Catholic bishop in forward with settlement activity, of foreign tourists. “The expec- ing at least two suspected Al Qaeda militants. In the second drone ists and Palestinians — Muslims the Middle East, will deliver the including around Bethlehem. The tations were between 10-15,000 strike, at least three people riding two motorcycles and carrying and Christians alike — lined the traditional mass to the faithful, Palestinians say the new settle- foreign tourists coming into pistols were killed by a missile in Hadramout province, a security route to welcome the procession. with officials including Palestinian ment activity is intended to pun- the city,” Samir Hazbun, chair- official said, adding that they were suspected members of Al Qaeda. Dozens of scout troupes of boys President Mahmoud Abbas, Prime ish them for the UN upgrade, man of Bethlehem’s Chamber of and girls from across the West Minister Salam Fayyad and which was fiercely opposed by Commerce, said. Kuwait urges Iran to address worries on N-plant Bank drumming and playing the Jordan’s Foreign Minister Nasser Israel and the United States. Many visitors won’t spend the bagpipes marched into Manger Judeh expected to be in attendance. But Xavier Abu Eid, an adviser night in Bethlehem, but Hazbun MANAMA: Kuwait urged neighbouring Iran yesterday to cooper- Square, where an enormous Twal was expected to call for to the Palestine Liberation said most of the city’s 3,700 hotel ate more with the UN nuclear watchdog to allay Gulf Arab concerns Christmas tree decorated with renewed efforts to end the Israeli- Organisation, said this year’s cel- rooms were booked up both inter- about the safety of an Iranian nuclear power plant that lies just hundreds of red baubles stood Palestinian conflict, and urge the ebration of Christmas would still national visitors and Palestinians across the waterway from the emirate. The Emir H H Sheikh Sabah behind a Nativity scene. faithful to pray for those affected be particularly meaningful for from inside Israel or elsewhere in Al Ahmed Al Sabah said a recent shutdown at the Bushehr plant As night fell, the tree was illu- by ongoing violence in the region, Palestinians. “At Christmas, we the West Bank. indicated Tehran had to work with the Vienna-based International minated, a giant star shining from particularly in Syria. celebrate the birth of the prince of Canadian tourist Joan Cross, 58, Atomic Energy (IAEA) to ensure the safety of the facility near the its top over Manger Square. Last week, in a pre-Christmas hope and the prince of peace, and was beaming as she photographed coastal town of Bushehr. He was speaking in Bahrain at the annual Earlier, Taghreed Rishmawi, 20, press conference, Twal praised the the Palestinian people have been the procession entering Manger summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a grouping of six a biology student from Bethlehem, UN decision to upgrade Palestinian hoping for 64 years to achieve a Square. “It’s just magical,” she said. Gulf Arab countries at odds with Tehran over a series of issues and said she felt Christmas was “par- status, calling it a “step towards just peace,” since the creation of “I’ve waited 20 years to come as a who see the Islamic Republic as a rival for regional influence. Sheikh ticularly special this year because peace and stability in the region”. the state of Israel, he said. Christian pilgrim. “My mum and Sabah also appealed to Iran to resolve separate long-standing dis- it comes after the UN gave us “Israel can now negotiate on equal “After the UN vote we feel I always wanted to come together, putes with GCC members. “We renew our calls to our brothers in the state status”. “That decision state-to-state terms for the good a step closer to this just peace but she passed away aged 97 last Iran to respond to our invitations to put an end to pending issues gave us hope, and we feel that the of all,” he told reporters. we’ve been searching for.” year, unfortunately, so this trip is between the GCC countries and Iran ... through direct negotiations world sees us as a state now.” In recent weeks, the Dotted among Palestinians in really for both of us.” or by resorting to international arbitration,” he said. At midnight, Twal, the most Palestinians have seen Israel move Manger Square were hundreds AFP AGENCIES TUESDAY 25 DECEMBER 2012 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

Editorial

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN: SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI Inaction on Guantanamo EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: KHALID AL SAYED E-MAIL: [email protected] ACTING MANAGING EDITOR: HUSSAIN AHMAD President Obama must muster the E-MAIL: [email protected] political will to close down the EDITORIAL: TEL: 44557741 / 44557743 FAX: 44557746 / 44557758 P. O. BOX: 3488, DOHA, QATAR. Guantanamo detention centre. E-MAIL: [email protected]

ADVERTISING: TEL: 44557837 / 780 FAX: 44557870 S US President Barack Obama is set to begin his second Review Board to review cases. But the administration had yet to hold term in office, there is a lack of will and enthusiasm to revisit a single proceeding. Such reviews are crucial and can ensure justice. 44557857 [email protected] CLASSIFIED: E-MAIL: Asome of the files he had kept on hold during his first term. His Reports say that of the 166 prisoners still at Guantanamo, between SUBSCRIPTION / HOME DELIVERY promise to close down Guantanamo Bay is one among them. Obama 40 and 60 will probably never be tried by a military commission and had vowed to shutter the infamous detention centre within a year of while some may never be judged as non-threatening, there are others TEL: 44557809 /839 FAX: 44557819 taking office during his first term. He made certain genuine efforts who deserve a complete and impartial review. And it’s unfortunate E-MAIL: [email protected] towards that end, but was bogged down by opposition from Congress that 86 remain in the prison despite having been cleared for transfer and some other quarters. But now it’s as if the president has almost to their home countries. SUBSCRIPTION RATES abandoned the idea. Sections of the media in the US and abroad The president must show seriousness about winding down ANNUAL QR 675 and rights groups have excoriated the president for his failure and Guantanamo and work towards it. It’s a matter of mustering political 6 MONTHS QR 340 lethargy, but unfortunately, he is yet to respond, pushing to the back- will. The opposition from the Congress will be stiff and his adminis- burner one of the most pressing issues. tration had been badly mauled in the past when it proposed staging The Obama administration was recently rebuked by the civilian trials for some detainees in New York or quick action to move International Committee of the Red Cross for not fulfilling its promise prisoners out of Guantanamo. But that’s no excuse for perpetuating to set up a new system of reviews for foreign detainees still held at the an inhuman system which Obama in the first place had vowed to facility. This makes Obama’s record even more reprehensible than get rid of. The president has proved to be a fighter when he needed George W Bush, who was much vilified for his actions on the deten- to be, and it’s deplorable that he lacks the will on this issue. Human PUBLICATION tion centre. The previous administration had begun holding annual rights groups all over the world and the media need to exert relentless reviews to determine if detainees still posed a threat. President pressure on the president to stop dragging his feet. It’s a question of Obama signed an executive order in 2011 establishing a new Periodic ensuring justice, which is guaranteed by law everywhere.

Our (India and Russia) trade turnover has overcome the The other side consequences of global crisis, and in 2012 we expect to reach record numbers, over $10bn. Our next Quote of goal is to reach $20bn Double blow to Sino-US ties already by 2015. the day Vladimir Putin HE Defense Authorisation Act for Fiscal Year 2013, which Russian President has two amendments relating to China, was passed by the TUS House of Representatives and the Senate at the end of last week. The amendments, though not legally binding, sent the wrong signal to the Asia Pacific region and could cast a shadow over Sino-US ties. In the amendment on the Diaoyu Islands, the United States once again repeated its official line that it does not take sides in the maritime territorial dispute involving China and Japan. However, at the same time, it explicitly recognizes Japan’s administration of the disputed isles. In an apparent move to bolster Japan’s unwarranted claims, the document goes even further to say that the US-Japan security treaty applies to the dispute, should the islands come under attack. This is a blatant violation of China’s sovereign rights. The US-Japan security pact, as a bilateral agreement, should not be cited as a legal basis for the US to meddle in the maritime dispute. Japan should also be soberly aware that the US’ involvement does not grant it the isles and waters it is not entitled to. The US’ meddling in the dispute over the Diaoyu Islands is det- rimental to regional peace and stability, as it will only embolden the increasingly rightist Japan. The second amendment is a blunt interference in China’s internal affairs as it suggests the US sell advanced fighter jets to Taiwan. This breaks the pledge by the US to phase out arms sales to the Chinese island. The US arms sales to Taiwan, an inalienable part of China, are the most sensitive issue standing in the way of bilateral ties. Any mishandling of the issue could derail what is widely seen as the most important bilateral relationship in the world. Although neither of the amendments would necessarily result in any policy change, as they only express “the sense of Congress”, Obama would be wise to reject them both, as they will do a disservice to the building of a constructive China-US relationship based on mutual respect and mutual benefit. The best choice at this moment is for the two countries to main- tain the current good climate for bilateral ties, rather than provoking each other over sensitive issues. CHINA DAILY

Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate The risks of an Afghan drawdown

BY MAX BOOT difficult to generate useful intel- quick-reaction forces standing than missions eliminate. Aerial All in all, limiting the US will remain especially dependent ligence. How would the CIA or the by to rescue them in the event attacks on wedding parties and presence to 6,000 or so troops in on US help for air support and HE Obama administra- Defense Intelligence Agency run of trouble. US generals would the like were especially common Bagram and Kabul would be a aerial medevac. But it is doubtful tion appears determined to agents or even operate drones? not feel comfortable entrusting in Afghanistan before the troop major counterterrorism setback. that U.S. commanders would call Tvacate Afghanistan as fast Even assuming that the intelli- the lives of these elite opera- surge started in 2009. Without It would also have a deleterious in airstrikes without having US as possible. If the latest leaks are gence could be garnered, it would tors to local Afghan army forces, forward air controllers to call impact on the combat effective- advisers embedded with Afghan to be believed, officials are willing be exceedingly hard to act on the especially in light of the well- in air strikes, the possibility of ness of the Afghan army and units — and under the rumored to leave as few as 6,000 US troops information. advertised problem of Taliban errors goes up. police. plan, no such advisers will be behind after 2014, concentrated A SEAL or Delta Force team infiltrators, so they would prob- Another problem with air The Afghan National Security available. Afghan security forces at the Bagram air base and a few typically reaches its target by hel- ably not order the mission in the power is that it precludes the pos- Forces, now 352,000 strong, have will be on their own to face an other installations around Kabul. icopter. But Kandahar is a two- first place. sibility of interrogating suspects made considerable strides, but entrenched insurgency, which has The mind boggles at what this hour helicopter flight from Kabul That would leave only one way and examining their computers they remain heavily reliant on been degraded by the surge but would mean in military terms. and a fully loaded Blackhawk to attack a terrorist kingpin in and paperwork — one of the best US help for air support, logistics, remains a major threat in south- Consider one simple fact: would need to refuel to make the Kandahar: from the air, with sources of intelligence about ter- intelligence, route clearance and ern and eastern Afghanistan, Kandahar, the city where the round trip. Assuming there is no either an armed Predator or a rorist machinations. The Joint other key “enablers.” The Defence thanks in no small measure to Taliban movement started, is US base in Kandahar, this would manned aircraft such as an F-16. Special Operations Command, Department’s new Report on its havens in Pakistan. 310 miles southwest of Kabul. require aerial refueling, which Yet the ability to keep either kind composed of the top-tier special Progress Toward Security and It is hard to imagine how any- Imagine that intelligence analysts is difficult and costly and would of aerial platform over Kandahar operators, has become such an Stability in Afghanistan noted one in the Obama administra- have identified a “high-value tar- not necessarily be available 24-7. would be severely limited by the effective man-hunting machine that only one of 23 Afghan tion could conclude that a force get” — say, a terrorist facilitator Given the long flight time, there need to fly 600 miles round-trip precisely because it has become army brigades is able to oper- of just 6,000 personnel would be with links to both Al Qaida and is a good chance that by the time from Bagram simply to arrive on so proficient at “sensitive site ate without coalition help. The sufficient after 2014 when, even the Taliban — in Kandahar. How the commandos arrived, the tar- station. So there would probably exploitation” and interrogation report also “anticipates that the with 68,000 troops today, the would the US military capture or get would have moved on. be a considerable time lag simply of detainees, sometimes leading [Afghan army] will continue to United States cannot prevent kill him without a secure base in It is doubtful that such a force to drop a bomb, which again raises to fresh missions being launched require assistance with logistics the Taliban and Haqqanis from Kandahar? would be dispatched in the first the risk of missing the target. the night before a detainee’s con- and acquisition processes beyond operating openly an hour’s drive This scenario is, on some level, place, however, because com- Relying on air power car- federates are even aware that he December 2014.” from Kabul. Such a precipitous fanciful, because the lack of a US manders would be reluctant to ries other risks, such as the has been taken into custody. That Afghanistan is not expected drawdown vastly increases the presence on the ground around send special operators into high- potential for collateral damage, will become impossible under the to have a functioning air force risk of a Taliban takeover. Kandahar would make it very risk situations without having which can create more enemies planned drawdown. before 2017, so Afghan forces WP-BLOOMBERG TUESDAY 25 DECEMBER 2012 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 Ethnicity heats up Kenya presidential race BY JAMES MACHARIA an outright majority from the Rights groups have also filed 14.3 million registered voters. An a suit at the Kenyan High Court lliances forged by immediate victory for either con- challenging Ruto and Kenyatta’s Kenya’s main presi- tender is not assured, which could suitability for elective office, given dential contenders for then mean a nail-biting run-off their ICC cases at the Hague. Aelections in March are in April. lining up a repeat of a largely Odinga leads the race accord- “GAME OF NUMBERS” ethnic-based contest for political ing to most opinion polls, but Odinga faces challenges too power which exploded into blood- Kenyatta is running close sec- after falling out with several shed in the 2007 vote. ond. The closeness of the political of his former allies who helped Prime Minister Raila Odinga contest is exacerbating the ethnic him in the last vote, including and Uhuru Kenyatta, son of tensions, and vice-versa. deputy prime minister Musalia Kenya’s founder president, lead Kenyan polls since independ- Mudavadi. This has weakened the two main opposing camps for ence from Britain in 1963 have his third attempt to win the the March 4 presidential and par- often been marred by tribal vio- presidency. liamentary elections. lence, typically stemming from Analysts say much of the cam- The head-on rivalry between long-standing disputes over land. paigning by Odinga and Kenyatta Kenyatta, from the predominant But the bloody feuding after the will focus on swing tribes, includ- Kikuyu tribe, and Odinga, a Luo, 2007 vote was by far the worst in ing Mudavadi’s Luhya ethnic com- raises the spectre of the tribal Kenya’s history. munity, Kenya’s second-largest, to clashes that followed the 2007 Luos say Odinga was robbed try to tilt the vote. election and killed more than of victory by the incumbent, “This game is a game of num- 1,200 people, uprooting thousands President Mwai Kibaki, a Kikuyu, bers. It does not require magic, more from their homes. in a bitter and close vote. Many this is the strategy,” says Ruto. “I don’t want to be a pessimist... Kikuyus argue Odinga’s Luo tribe Odinga and Kenyatta’s rivalry but, historically, every time the got off easier than they did in the mirrors an old feud that goes Luo and the Kikuyu have been ICC probe of the 2007 events, and back to when Odinga’s father on different sides there has been so are determined to have the was vice president to Kenyatta’s violence,” said Mzalendo Kibunjia, election go their way this time. father. They fell out, and Odinga’s who heads a national agency There are those who believe the father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, formed to reconcile tribes after ICC’s pursuit of alleged ringlead- (From left) Kenya’s Defence Minister Mohamed Yusuf, Water Minister Charity Ngilu, former tourism minister became an opposition critic of the violence. ers of the 2007 killings could act Jomo Kenyatta. Najib Balala, Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and former cabinet minister William Ruto attend an alliance “What do you expect? Our poli- as a deterrent. Odinga and Kenyatta have campaign rally in Nairobi on Sunday. tics are about ethnicity. In Africa, “I doubt there will be violence vowed to focus on issues, such as democracy is about ethnic arith- of the scale we witnessed last improving the economy, rather metic not ideology.” time. Kenyans are extremely Muthaura, and radio presenter elite has long been considered In the past three decades, than ethnic differences or the Another factor that could lead wary of the ICC and its activities Joshua Arap Sang. above the law, many believe Kenya has had its lowest growth ICC issue, to avoid whipping up to post-election instability for in the country,” said Ken Wafula, Kenyatta’s arch-rival Odinga Kenyatta would see becoming periods in, or just after, election emotions during the campaigns. East Africa’s economic power- a rights campaigner who works has formed a competing alliance, president of the nation as a way years, the World Bank says. But Kenya is already hurting house is Kenyatta’s date a month in Rift Valley, epicentre of the the Coalition for Reform and of spurning the ICC. The government has forecast from violence this year in the after the March vote with the clashes. Democracy (Cord) backed by Vice They point to the example of growth of around five percent coastal east where hundreds have International Criminal Court “Fear of running foul of the ICC President Kalonzo Musyoka, to try Sudanese President Omar Hassan this year, up from 4.3 percent been killed in tribal clashes over (ICC). The former finance min- will serve as a restraint.” to break the traditional Kikuyu Al Bashir, who has defied a 2009 last year, but any flare-up could land and water. ister faces a trial in the Hague dominance over the presidency. ICC indictment for alleged war affect tourism and investment Such battles over resources over his alleged role in the elec- ICC FACTOR Two of Kenya’s three presi- crimes committed by his forces in and regional trade and transport. have occurred for years, but tion violence five years ago. The charges from the war dents since independence have the western Darfur region. “The Jubilee alliance where human rights groups blame the Should Kenyatta win the presi- crimes court against Kenyatta, been Kikuyu, the exception being A failure by an elected president two ICC indictees have teamed latest fighting on politicians seek- dency and then travel to the court a deputy prime minister and former president Daniel Arap of Kenya to cooperate with the up is entirely problematic,” ing to drive away parts of the local hearings, a power vacuum could scion of independence hero Jomo Moi, a Kalenjin like Ruto. ICC would concern foreign inves- Satchu said. population they believe will vote result soon after his inauguration. Kenyatta, is undoubtedly a hin- Although Kenyatta and Ruto tors and Western governments, “Kenya is more deeply embed- for their rivals in the elections. The ICC accuses him of direct- drance to his presidential bid. have insisted they will cooperate which have urged Kenyan leaders ded and interconnected with the This is reinforcing the fears of a ing youth from his Kikuyu ethnic He has teamed up in the Jubilee with the ICC, most Kenyans do to be tough against impunity. global economy than most African repeat of the ethnic mayhem that community to fight Odinga’s Luo alliance with former cabinet not believe the two will appear at Kenya, East Africa’s largest countries and in some respects followed the disputed 2007 vote. kinsmen during the 2007/2008 minister William Ruto, who was the Hague should they win the economy, and its assets are at that alliance is the equivalent of “This kind of violence can bloodletting. He denies any indicted with him by the ICC for election, according to a survey by risk of a discount similar to the giving the two finger salute to the engulf the entire nation. It takes wrongdoing. inciting youth to fight in 2007. pollster Ipsos Synovate released ‘Khartoum’ one being given by international community. There incitement by leaders preaching To win in the March 4 first The other men charged are the in early December. investors to Sudan, said inde- will be consequences and particu- hate,” Kibunjia said. round, a candidate needs to gain head of the civil service, Francis In a country where the political pendent analyst Aly Khan Satchu. larly economic ones (sanctions).” REUTERS Sworn enemies could decide 20 years on, families want fate of Indian government truth of ‘Libyan Lockerbie’ he families of the 157 BY SATARUPA win votes in the run-up to 2014 a confidence vote and then siding passengers and crew BHATTACHARJYA AND have the potential to bring down against it at the last minute. who died aboard a SANJEEV CHOUDHARY Singh’s coalition, although ana- The government’s worry is TLibyan Airlines flight, lysts agree that right now neither partly based on the historic antip- which reportedly crashed with onia Gandhi, the usu- party wants early elections. athy both leaders share for the a fighter jet over Tripoli airport ally reserved and poised Congress party, which has ruled 20 years ago, never believed it leader of India’s ruling WITH FRIENDS LIKE for most of India’s 65 years of was an accident. SCongress party, leapt THESE... independence from Britain. “Every single one of us was from her front-bench seat in par- The battle between the two par- Yadav was a political prisoner convinced from the beginning liament last week to grab back a ties over the bill showed for the during the Emergency declared by that this was not an accident. document that a lawmaker had first time just how reliant Singh former Congress Prime Minister If we had been under any other snatched from a government min- is on the SP and BSP to govern a Indira Gandhi in the mid-70s. leader, perhaps we would have ister’s hands. country of 1.2 billion people after Mayawati grew up scorning what believed it,” said Sharif Noha, 39, She caught the lawmaker by the a major ally walked out of his coa- she viewed as the Congress par- who lost his father. arm, some media reports said, but lition in September, wiping out its ty’s patronising attitude towards His doubts stem from the fact failed to retrieve the document parliamentary majority. Dalits. that Libya was ruled at the time before it was torn up. A minor Presiding over a slowing econ- Yadav and Mayawati have by mercurial dictator Muammar scuffle ensued between members omy, high inflation and a govern- scripted their political success in Gaddafi, who eventually admit- of Congress and the offending law- ment accused of corruption, Singh Uttar Pradesh by marginalising ted his country was behind the Women look at pictures of the 157 victims of flight LN1103 which crashed maker’s Samajwadi Party (SP). is under pressure to show results the Congress party and dividing 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight in 1992, during a memorial service in Tripoli, Libya. The extraordinary drama before the general election, so the state’s “vote bank” between 103 which killed 243 passengers lasted less than a minute. he cannot afford a repeat of the themselves. Their parties have and 16 crew. clearly linked to Lockerbie.” my altitude and climbing to But it illustrated the vulnerabil- largely unproductive winter par- taken turns over the past 20 years The world has paid much One theory is that the Boeing the altitude of the Boeing 727, ity of a government that, reduced liamentary session. to rule the state. attention to the Lockerbie bomb- 727 was packed with explosives. causing the collision and the to a minority in parliament, The SP’s and BSP’s control The Congress government, ing, which also killed 11 people on Another is that it was shot death of 157 passengers. But in depends for its survival on unreli- over nearly one-tenth of the 787 however, is no passive hostage in the ground in the Scottish town, down by a warplane as it pre- fact I was flying according to able allies like the SP. Not only will seats in the two houses of par- this political drama. It exploits the but few know that another trag- pared to land because the explo- procedure.” they hamper economic reforms, liament combined, and the ease rivalry between the BSP and SP, edy shook Libya almost exactly sives failed to detonate over the Tiyyari insisted he only saw they could bring the government with which they change positions often playing one against the other four years later. Mediterranean as planned. the “detached tail” of the Boeing down and trigger a general elec- on policy, give them the clout to on policies where their interests Many in Libya believe The 2011 revolution that a split second before a shudder tion before it is due in 2014. create political instability and are diametrically opposed. Flight LN1103 was downed on toppled the Gaddafi regime hit his aircraft from below, send- “It is in their hands to force an economic uncertainty. Congress has also been accused December 22, 1992 on the orders has opened an unprecedented ing it into a nose spin, which he election,” said M J Akbar, editor- The SP is led by Mulayam Singh of using the Central Bureau of the Gaddafi regime in a bid to opportunity for the families of and his colleague barely survived in-chief of the Sunday Guardian. Yadav, 72, a former wrestler who of Investigation (CBI), India’s win international sympathy in the passengers to meet, compare by ejecting. The SP, a powerful regional harbours prime ministerial ambi- equivalent of the FBI, as a politi- the face of Western sanctions notes, collect evidence and per- He says he spent 42 months party from India’s most populous tions. He opposes many of the gov- cal weapon to harass its oppo- and to deflect attention from the haps finally achieve closure. behind bars for a “collision that state, Uttar Pradesh, often votes ernment’s economic reforms but nents. Both Yadav and Mayawati Lockerbie anniversary. The new authorities tell them never happened.” with the Congress party but it supports Singh’s coalition to block have CBI corruption cases hang- For 20 years they grieved in there is a real commitment to Tiyyari is convinced that a was enraged by the government’s the rise of the Hindu nationalist ing over them, raising suspicions silence and alone. establishing the truth, to pun- professional analysis of the flight support for a bill promoting Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the that these are being used to bring But the suspicion that the ish anybody who was involved records would show conclusively affirmative action for low castes. main opposition in parliament. them to heel. “accident” was manufactured and to provide compensation for that the evidence was tampered The measure had been sought by The BSP is led by Mayawati, Last month, before the win- persisted, feeding on details such the families. with and reveal discrepancies in the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), 56, a former chief minister of ter session of parliament, Singh as the similar dates and flight “We now have a chance to the reported altitudes of the two another government ally but a Uttar Pradesh who goes by only hosted both leaders at separate numbers, and the knowledge know the full truth of who aircraft. rival of the SP in Uttar Pradesh. one name and is as famous for meals in an effort to get them to that the crew of the MiG alleg- was behind this crime,” said He is keen to squash rumours After the SP disrupted parlia- building sandstone statues of her- back his economic reform agenda. edly involved in the crash both Mohammed Megaryef, the that he shot down the Boeing, ment for days over the measure, self and for her love of designer In the weeks and months ahead, survived. president of the Libyan national stressing that the MiG model which it fears would disadvantage shoes as she is for championing Singh will likely have to engage in “It was reported as a mid-air assembly, during a remembrance which he was flying with a its Muslim supporters, the SP the cause of Dalits, who are on more “dinner diplomacy” to try collision but it was all orches- ceremony held on Saturday. colleague in training was not lawmaker resorted to desperate the lowest rung of India’s caste to keep them on side until 2014. trated. The MiG never crashed One of the few people to equipped with a missile carrier tactics, grabbing the bill from the hierarchy. She has also opposed “The SP and BSP are sitting into it,” said Felicity Prazak, have at least a partial picture or gunsight. minister as he tried to bring it many of the economic reforms. on a wall. The whole strategy is who remains determined of what happened that fateful “There are a lot of rumours to a vote. It worked. Parliament Prime Minister Singh has rea- to keep them on the wall,” said a to get to the bottom of how day is surviving MiG pilot Abdel but I have a lot of answers,” he adjourned until February without son to be wary of both leaders. government official familiar with her British husband died 20 Majid Tiyyari. He insisted in an said. “The key to finding out passing it. Yadav has proven repeatedly to the efforts to manage the complex years ago. interview that he took the fall what happened to the Boeing The government is effectively be an unpredictable partner, while three-way relationship. “This is Libya’s unknown for a crime he did not commit. is determining what caused the tethered to two parties that are Mayawati helped topple a BJP- “Don’t push them enough so atrocity,” she said. The former air force major separation of the tail unit.” sworn enemies and whose efforts led federal government in 1999 they have to come off the wall.” Noha stressed: “It was said: “I was accused of violating AFP to outmanoeuvre each other and after first promising support in REUTERS TUESDAY 25 DECEMBER 2012 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL Monti calls for debate on Italy’s future Rivals open fire in election battle

ROME: Outgoing Prime from calm debate and into the Minister Mario Monti posted his murky and sometimes treacher- reform agenda online yesterday, ous territory of Italian party poli- urging Italians to join a debate on tics, where Monti is a novice. their country’s future as poten- At a news conference, he tially bitter election campaign attacked left-wing trade unions gets under way two months for resisting reform but reserved before Italy goes to polls. special criticism for his scan- Following weeks of hesitation, dal-plagued predecessor Silvio Monti declared his availability on Berlusconi, whom he picked on Sunday to lead a reform-minded repeatedly for his “bewildering” centrist alliance to seek a second changes of position. term to complete the economic Speaking to one of his own reform programme begun when television channels, the 76 year- he took office just over a year ago. old media billionaire responded The former European by saying it would be “immoral” Commissioner, appointed at the for Monti to fight the election head of a technocrat government after governing as an unelected to save Italy from financial crisis, premier with the support of the has now thrown off his mantle of main parties. neutrality and entered a race that One of Berlusconi’s chief lieu- will be dominated by his tough tenants, Fabrizio Cicchitto, par- reform agenda. liamentary floor leader of his A car driving through frost mist passes police vehicles, with the air temperature at about minus 44 degrees Celsius (minus 47.2 degrees Fahrenheit), in Even if he confirms his entry People of Freedom (PDL) party, the eastern Siberian city of Yakutsk in the Sakha (Yakutia) Republic, yesterday. Russia is enduring an abnormally cold winter, the most severe in more into the campaign, Monti appears indicated that Monti’s interna- than 70 years, according to local media. unlikely at this stage to return to tional standing and the respect office but his involvement could he enjoys among Italy’s European strengthen a centrist alliance and partners would count for little. help shape the agenda of the next “He’s taken aim at the PDL, government. which obviously has no choice but Russia freezes while south Europe sweats The centre-left Democratic to respond in kind,” he said. Party (PD), which has pledged to Monti, a Life Senator who does PARIS: From deadly cold in from the cold in Poland this forecaster Patrick Galois said. air in over Russia from the far maintain Monti’s broad reform not need to stand for election to Russia, floods in Britain and month, and officials say the icy In Catania on Italy’s Sicily north, and bringing hotter air up course while giving more help parliament, has not said exactly balmy conditions that have front is probably “the most severe coast, beach temperatures on from the south over France and to workers and pensioners and what forces he could support but residents in southwest France of the last 70 years,” according to Christmas day are forecast to its neighbours. emphasising growth more, is the centrist parties he has been rummaging for their bathing Regis Crepet, a forecaster with climb as high as 22 degrees C in “The question: Is the waviness favoured to win but may have to linked with greeted his announce- suits, the weather has gone hay- Meteo-Consult. some places, while in Austria, the and the unusual configuration of strike a coalition deal with the ment with great enthusiasm. wire across Europe in the days While the former Eastern small village of Brand at an alti- the jet stream the result of cli- centre. “We’re not forcing Monti but leading up to Christmas. bloc shivers and Britain fights tude of more than 1,000 metres mate change? We don’t know. In an open letter to Italians obviously if it happens, the value The mercury in Moscow has severe flooding after heavy rains, (3,200 feet), noted a December 24 The models are probably not posted online and accompanied by it adds to our project will be enor- fallen to minus 25 degrees Celsius holiday-makers and residents in record of 17.7 degrees C. quite good enough to tell us,” said a 25-page policy programme, Monti mous,” Pierferdinando Casini, head (minus 13 degrees Fahrenheit) -- the south of France and in Italy Tim Palmer, professor of cli- Palmer, though there was “some said he hoped that the agenda of the centrist UDC party, which is unseasonably cold in a country have dug out their shorts and mate physics at Oxford University, evidence” this may be the case. would lead to an “open reflection” close to the Catholic church, told where such chills don’t normally swimwear to welcome an unex- said the weather extremes are “It is quite possible that car- that would help shape the debate the daily La Repubblica. arrive until January or February. pected blast of beach weather. explained by the northern hemi- bon dioxide (being pumped ahead of the election on February A small number of centrists The cold has claimed 90 lives Temperatures on Sunday sphere “jet stream”, a ribbon of into the atmosphere by human 24-25. from both the two main parties, in Russia since mid-December climbed to 24.3 degrees C in air that speeds around the planet activity) is having the effect of He urged a mix of budget rigour including former Foreign Minister and 83 in Ukraine, with eastern Biarritz on the Atlantic coast, high up in the atmosphere. making this jet stream waviness and structural reform as well as Franco Frattini announced they Eurasia in the grips of an unu- nearly 12 degrees hotter than the The stream is akin to a length more intense,” said the weather measures to crack down on cor- were leaving their parties and sually icy month that has seen seasonal average, and nudging the of rope “that you wiggle a bit”, expert, but cautioned against ruption and get more women and would support Monti, whose temperatures drop to as low as 1983 record of 24.4 degrees C. said Palmer — its undulations dif- apportioning premature blame young people to work. reform agenda is strongly backed minus 50 degrees C in eastern “These are remarkable tem- fering from year to year. for what may simply be localised However the tone of the cam- by Italy’s business establishment. Siberia. peratures that we do not see This winter the jet stream is weather glitches. paign has inevitably moved away REUTERS Another 57 people have died every year,” French weather particularly wavy, pulling cold AFP

Pirates attack Russia seeks to drop charges ship off Nigeria, in Magnitsky death case kidnap 4 sailors MOSCOW: Russian prosecu- and was accused of causing his LAGOS: Pirates attacked an tors said yesterday that the man death by negligence, were dropped Italian ship off Nigeria and kid- on trial for causing the death in April after the expiry of the napped four sailors, including of a whistle-blowing attorney statute of limitations. three Italians, in the latest such should be freed without charge, Magnitsky’s employer incident off the country’s oil- in a surprising development Hermitage Capital and rights producing southern coast, offi- in a case that has triggered a activists charge that his death was cials said yesterday. major row between Moscow and a premeditated murder carried While a spokeswoman for Washington. out by interior ministry officials. Italy’s foreign ministry confirmed Dmitry Kratov is the only offi- Lawyer Nikolai Gorokhov, who three of those abducted were cial remaining as a defendant in represents Magnitsky’s family, Italians, the nationality of the the death of Sergei Magnitsky, a said Kratov’s trial could have pro- fourth victim was not yet clear lawyer who died of untreated ill- vided more information about how following the Sunday night attack. nesses in 2009 while in pre-trial Magnitsky died. But Gorokhov “Pirates armed with guns detention at a Moscow jail. accused the presiding judge of attacked, boarded an offshore Magnitsky had claimed to have sabotaging the hearing by refus- supply vessel ... and kidnapped uncovered a $235m state embez- ing to call important witnesses or four crew members,” the zlement scheme before being to let Magnitsky’s mother Natalia International Maritime Bureau arrested by the very officials he ask difficult questions. said. There were “no injuries to implicated in the crime. His case “Nobody really investigated how crew members and (the) ves- caused international outrage and he died,” Gorokhov told AFP. “This President of the Catalan Parliament Nuria de Gispert (left) ties the medal of the Catalan Presidency around the sel continued passage to a safe led to the passage of a US law that was a manipulated, fabricated neck of Catalonia’s President Artur Mas during the swearing-in ceremony in Barcelona yesterday. port,” it said. blacklists Russian officials alleg- case,” he said. The judge even sent The attack occurred some 40 edly involved in the death. court summons to nonexistent nautical miles off of Nigeria’s Moscow retaliated by intro- addresses to prevent key witnesses Bayelsa state, the IMB said. ducing legislation banning the from appearing in court, he said. Catalan leader takes power Nigerian navy spokesman Kabir adoption of Russian children by Hermitage Capital said that Aliyu named the ship as the MV American citizens, in the big- the trial had been controlled from BARCELONA: The leader of broker a deal with a left-wing pro- Catalonia,” he added. Rajoy said he Asso Ventuno and said five ves- gest diplomatic scandal in years above in order to “cover up the Spain’s Catalonia region, Artur independence force, Republican was concerned by the Mas govern- sels had been deployed in the between the two sides. reprisal against Magnitsky,” call- Mas, embarked on a new four- Left of Catalonia, to gain enough ment’s plans, saying it had commit- area to patrol. In yesterday’s development, ing prosecutor Bokov President year term yesterday, vowing to votes for his swearing-in. ted itself “to do things that from The Italian foreign ministry prosecutor Dmitry Bokov said Vladimir Putin’s puppet”. pursue a promised referendum The agreement pledges the two the economic point of view don’t confirmed an attack on an Italian that Kratov, deputy head of the Investigators had said in July on nationhood with an “iron will”. parties to work for a referendum make the least bit of sense”. “It is ship. It said Italian officials were prison where Magnitsky was held, that Kratov failed to adequately In his inauguration speech on nationhood in 2014 despite all bad for Catalonia and bad for monitoring the situation closely should be acquitted of a charge perform his duties as deputy head to Catalan political parties fierce resistance from Madrid, the whole of Spain,” he said. and were in contact with local of negligence, because he acted of the Butyrka prison, where and Spanish Budget Minister which says such a move would Catalonia now accounts for authorities. according to the rules and did not Magnitsky was held in squalid Cristobal Montoro, he sought flout the constitution. more than one-fifth of Spain’s Such kidnappings occur regu- receive any complaints from the conditions for months despite “explicit recognition of the right of “How to face up to this unique economic output and a quarter larly off Nigeria’s oil-producing lawyer. “There is no cause-effect acute pancreatitis. Catalonia, like any other people of moment?” Mas asked. “I face up of its exports, and boasts one of Niger Delta region, with hostages relationship between Kratov’s Magnitsky was later moved to a the world, to self-determination”. to it with total commitment to the world’s finest football teams, typically released after payment actions and Magnitsky’s death,” different prison with better medi- Mas had called regional elec- overcome the difficulties we find, Barcelona FC. But many Catalans of a ransom. A 2009 amnesty news agencies quoted Bokov as cal facilities, but he died shortly tions November 25, promising to I face up to it with an iron will to resent the fact that some their deal led to a sharp drop in unrest saying in court. after his arrival. Putin on Thursday organise a referendum on sup- overcome the obstacles,” he said. taxes are redistributed to other in the region, but criminality Kratov and prison doc- dismissed the suggestion that port for creating a new state of Spanish Prime Minister regions of Spain. remains widespread. tor Larisa Litvinova had been Magnitsky may have been killed. 7.5 million people lying northeast Mariano Rajoy made his oppo- Catalonia, which has a debt Noel Choong, head of the IMB’s the only two people charged in “I do not know the details, but I of Spain. But Mas, leader of the sition clear. “We are all subject of more than ¤40bn, had to go piracy reporting centre in Kuala August 2011 in connection with do know that Magnitsky died not conservative Convergence and to the rule of law,” he said when cap in hand to Madrid this year Lumpur, said that attacks off Magnitsky’s death, despite alle- because of torture—nobody tor- Union alliance, emerged with his asked about the Catalan referen- for more than five billion euros Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea gations that more senior officials tured him—but of a heart attack,” lead over other parties sharply dum in an interview published by to help make its debt payments, have risen to 51 this year with the were involved. Putin told a traditional end-of-year reduced and no absolute majority. conservative daily El Mundo. further stoking resentment. latest incident. Charges against Litvinova, the press conference. As a result, he was forced to “The law will also be obeyed in AFP AFP doctor who treated Magnitsky AFP TUESDAY 25 DECEMBER 2012 INTERNATIONAL www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 US gun sales sky-rocket Owners fear new regulations as debate over gun control rages

WASHINGTON: US firearm Hyatt said, describing the rush largest supplier of firearm sup- the last three decades includ- sales have sky-rocketed since as largely “politically motivated.” plies, posted on a guns forum. ing 62 mass shooting incidents the Newtown school massacre, “We have been in business for Brownell said the company had since 1982. The vast majority of as debate over gun control rages 50 years, and we have seen (fear- seen the average demand for over weapons used have been semi- and enthusiasts fear certain based buying) before,” Hyatt said. three-and-a-half years’ worth of automatic handguns and rifles assault weapons and high-capac- “But this is more intense because PMAGs (polymer magazines) fly obtained legally by the killers. ity magazines could be banned. the president got in the media off the shelves in just 72 hours. The December 14 bloodshed, President Barack Obama basi- and basically said, ‘if you want a “We’re working like crazy to the latest in a string of mass cally has put gun enthusiasts on gun, you better get it now.’” get these orders to you as quickly shootings in the United States, warning, Larry Hyatt, owner of That means bigger business for as possible,” Brownell added. has reopened a national debate on a gun shop in Charlotte, North an already huge industry: the gun Newspapers in rural areas the country’s gun laws, which are Carolina, said, referring to efforts and ammunition manufacturing around the country also reported far more lax than in most other to outlaw certain weapons in the industry in the United States a roaring pre-Christmas trade in developed nations. wake of the Newtown shooting. groups about 300 companies with guns and magazines, especially Obama said he would support a A semi-automatic Bushmaster combined yearly sales estimated at gun shows, long considered a new bill to ban assault rifles and AR-15 assault rifle was used in at around $7bn. loophole by gun control activists put Vice President Joe Biden in the Sandy Hook Elementary Florida, the most heavily armed as they often don’t require buyers charge of a panel looking at a wide School massacre in which a dis- state, rocketed this week to a new to undergo any background checks. range of other measures, from turbed local young man shot record of active carry permits— There were an estimated 310 school security to mental health. dead 20 young children, six over one million—a state govern- million non-military firearms in Democratic Senator Dianne adults and his mother before ment spokesman said. Florida has the United States in 2009, roughly Feinstein has pledged to table a taking his own life. 19 million people. one per citizen, and people in bill on January 3 that would ban at “Right after it, anti-guns “To shed some more light on the America are 20 times more likely least 100 military-style semi-auto- (activists) started talking. The magazine situation at present, it to be killed by a gun than someone matic assault weapons, and would president said he wanted quick really has been unprecedented in in another developed country. curb the transfer, importation and The final print edition of Newsweek, seen in Washington, DC. action, and so that is going to the last five days,” Pete Brownell, The United States has suffered the possession of such arms. fuel the buying frenzy, and it is,” whose company is the world’s an explosion of gun violence over AFP Hashtag symbolises end Floods in Britain of an era for Newsweek 2012 ‘extraordinary Two firefighters WASHINGTON: Almost 80 Newsweek to California billionaire year’ for Britain: PM years after first going to print, Sidney Harman for one dollar in shot dead in New the final Newsweek magazine 2010, ahead of a deal with Internet LONDON: Britain’s Prime hit newsstands yesterday fea- conglomerate IAC to merge the York state: Police Minister David Cameron said turing an ironic hashtag as a magazine with the news and opin- 2012 has been an “extraordinary symbol of its Twitter-era tran- ion website The Daily Beast. NEW YORK: Two firefighters year” for Britain in which the sition to an all-digital format. Memorable Newsweek cov- were shot dead and two others country “showed the world what The second-largest news ers in recent years have included were wounded in New York state we’re made of” with the London weekly magazine in the United a December 2003 edition with a yesterday when a gunman opened Games and Queen Elizabeth II’s States has been grappling with bedraggled, long-bearded Saddam fire as the emergency personnel diamond jubilee. a steep drop in print advertising Hussein pictured below the headline: responded to a Christmas Eve In his Christmas message, revenue, steadily declining circu- “We got him.” In 2011, a computer- blaze, police said. Cameron said the festivities were a lation and the migration of read- generated image of the late Princess The incident — which comes as good time to look back on the past ers to free news online. During a Diana alongside Kate Middleton, debate rages in the United States 12 months. “Christmas gives us the fierce decades-long rivalry with the photogenic young lady who about gun control following the opportunity to pause and reflect on fellow American coffee-table sta- was about to marry her son Prince Newtown school massacre — hap- the important things around us—a ple Time magazine, Newsweek William, caused quite a stir. pened shortly before 6am (1100 time when we can look back on the pushed the envelope with bold and The “#MuslimRage” cover in GMT) in Webster, a suburb of year that has passed and prepare often controversial covers. September, which sought to spark Rochester. for the year ahead,” he said. Its first issue, on February 17, a conversation about anti-Ameri- “The responding firefight- “2012 has been an extraordi- 1933, featured seven photos from can violence sweeping the Muslim ers, when they pulled up at the nary year for our country. We that week’s news printed on the world, saw thousands take to scene, were fired upon by one or cheered our queen to the rafters front, including Adolf Hitler Twitter to mock the premise with more shooters,” Webster police with the jubilee, showed the world snapped in Berlin as he declared: both real and imagined gripes. chief Gerald Pickering told a what we’re made of by staging the “the German nation must be built Brown, also editor-in-chief press conference. “Four of the most spectacular Olympic and up from the ground anew.” of The Daily Beast, said the all- firefighters were shot. Two are Paralympic Games ever and—let’s For its final cover, dated digital version would be targeted deceased, two were transported not forget—punched way above December 31, editor Tina Brown at today’s “highly mobile, opin- to area hospitals... it’s still an our weight in the medals table.” used an aerial archive shot of ion-leading audience”. She cited active crime scene.” Cameron struck a overtly the magazine’s New York head- research showing that 39 percent Pickering later said it appeared religious tone in the message. quarters as the backdrop for her of Americans get their news online there was only one shooter, and The riverside garden of the Mytton and Mermaid hotel sits submerged “However you celebrate this time message, #LASTPRINTISSUE — and said Newsweek had reached “a that the suspect was found dead in the waters of the swollen River Severn at Atcham near Shrewsbury of year, it is my hope and prayer the word print emblazoned in red tipping point at which we can most at the scene, killed by an apparent yesterday. Heavy flooding across parts of Britain caused widespread that you have a happy and peaceful ink. “Bitter sweet! Wish us luck!” efficiently and effectively reach our gunshot wound. The two wounded road and rail disruption, wreaking havoc on Christmas travel plans while Christmas,” the message concluded. Brown tweeted. readers in all-digital format”. firefighters were listed in guarded rescuers worked to evacuate people from the hardest-hit communities. AFP The Washington Post sold AFP condition at a local hospital, according to the Democrat and Chronicle newspaper. Monroe county sheriff Patrick O’Flynn said there was no longer any “active shooting” at the scene, Thatcher in hospital for fifth day where a security cordon was put up and residents were evacuated. LONDON: Britain’s former prime minister as “minimally invasive surgery”. “She is (at the Firefighters were still battling to Margaret Thatcher was in hospital for a fifth hospital) at the moment and she’s fine,” he said. contain the blaze. day yesterday as she recovers from bladder He added that Thatcher’s daughter Carol was The incident in Webster comes surgery, a spokeswoman said. at her side and that he had “no idea at all” when 10 days after the shooting ram- There was no change in Thatcher’s condition the former premier would leave hospital. page at an elementary school from Sunday when the 87-year-old was said to be On Friday, the office of current Conservative in Newtown, Connecticut. The “in good spirits”, the spokeswoman added. Prime Minister David Cameron wrote on Twitter shooting has revived debate in the The former premier was admitted to hospital that the “PM wishes Lady Thatcher a speedy United States on the country’s gun on Thursday for a minor operation to remove a recovery”. laws, which are far more lax than growth in her bladder after suffering pain earlier Thatcher — the 20th century’s longest con- in most other developed nations. in the week, and is expected to remain in hospital tinuous occupant of 10 Downing Street — suffers President Barack Obama said over Christmas. The former Conservative Party from dementia and has appeared increasingly he would support a new bill to ban leader was Britain’s prime minister from 1979 rarely in public in recent years. assault rifles, and has put Vice to 1990 and remains the only woman premier in Her daughter once revealed that the former President Joe Biden in charge of British history. premier had to be repeatedly reminded that her a panel looking at a wide range Public relations executive Tim Bell, who husband Denis had died in 2003. She was told by of other measures, from school advised the “Iron Lady” for her three general doctors to quit public speaking in 2002 after a security to mental health. election victories, said on Sunday that Thatcher series of minor strokes. AFP was doing “fine” after an operation he described AFP

Queen praises Olympians in 3D message

LONDON: Queen Elizabeth II will pay athletes,” Queen Elizabeth will say. “In pur- glasses to watch back part of her recording. tribute to the London 2012 athletes in suing their own sporting goals, they gave the A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said her annual Christmas message to the rest of us the opportunity to share some- the sovereign thought it was “absolutely Commonwealth, saying they had inspired thing of the excitement and drama.” lovely”. “We wanted to do something a bit the world and drawn people in to the The Queen formally opened the Games in different and special in this jubilee year, so excitement and drama. dramatic fashion herself, after taking part doing it for the first time in 3D seemed a The 86-year-old monarch will praise in a James Bond scene, which ended with good thing, technology-wise, to do,” she said. the achievement and courage on show at the pair seemingly parachuting down to the “The Queen absolutely agreed straight the Olympic and Paralympic Games in her Olympic Stadium from a helicopter. away there was no need for convincing at annual Christmas address, which will be It was one of the standout moments from all, she was absolutely ready to embrace broadcast in 3D for the first time when it her diamond jubilee year. something new in this year.” The speech is airs at 1500 GMT today. Exactly 80 years after her grandfather one of the rare occasions when the Queen “The Queen’s broadcast this year focuses king George V first started broadcasting a is able to voice her own views, since as a on service, achievement and the spirit of speech on December 25, Queen Elizabeth constitutional monarch she has to remain togetherness,” a Buckingham Palace spokes- will embrace 3D technology to mark her 60 strictly neutral in political affairs. woman said. The message was recorded in years as the sovereign. She writes the speech herself and often the central London palace’s White Drawing She has made a broadcast every year since draws on her own experiences, while at the Room on December 7. coming to the throne except 1969, because a same time reflecting current issues. “As London hosted a splendid summer of repeat of the landmark behind-the-scenes Members of the royal family are at her sport, all those who saw the achievement documentary “Royal Family” was already private Sandringham estate in eastern and courage at the Olympic and Paralympic scheduled for the holiday period. England, where they traditionally spend Games were further inspired by the skill, In footage released ahead of this year’s their winter break. dedication, training and teamwork of our broadcast, the monarch is shown wearing 3D AFP TUESDAY 25 DECEMBER 2012 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA / PHILIPPINES No break for soldiers Holiday rush in Manila in typhoon-hit areas Filipinos urged to help victims who are in need

MANILA: Soldiers in typhoon- difficult situation, was recently immediate assistance, and so they ravaged areas of New Bataan in held at the makeshift battalion decided to give whatever they Compostela Valley had a simple headquarters of the 66th Infantry could share. “My wife and I were boodle fight as their way of cel- Battalion under the command of overwhelmed by the action of our ebrating Christmas while ren- Lt Col Antonino Florendo. constituents to pour in their sup- dering duty in the ongoing relief Rallying his men — 40 percent port for the people affected by the and rehabilitation operations. of whom hail from the Visayas — typhoon,” Tan said. “Despite of what happened, who checked-in in their muddy Hadja Nurunisah Tan, the first Christmas will always be around uniforms from their retrieval lady of Sulu, immediately facili- for the soldiers to celebrate in duties to join the Christmas party, tated the transport of the relief group or individually, especially Florendo proceeded to extoll goods, which consisted of boxes of those who are in dire need of our them to rise above the challenges noodles, sardines, medicine, plas- help,” Maj Gen Ariel Bernardo, by doing their duty to the people tic mats, clothing, sacks of rice 10th Infantry Division com- sincerely and faithfully. and other basic necessities. mander, said. Vice President Jejomar Binay The relief goods were trans- As his Christmas gift, Bernardo urged Filipinos yesterday to pray ported by the Naval Forces allowed the troops to take the for the recovery of the typhoon Western Mindanao and coursed yearly Christmas and New Year victims. In his Christmas mes- through the Department of furloughs on a rotation basis. sage, Binay asked the people to Social Welfare and Development Soldiers have the option to spend use the spirit of giving brought (DSWD) for distribution in Davao the holidays with their respective by Christmas in helping out those Oriental and Compostela Valley. Filipinos on a holiday rush in one of the biggest bargain centres in Manila yesterday. Filipinos celebrate the families either on Christmas or who are in need. The DSWD has provided longest Christmas in the world which starts as early as September every year. New Year’s Day. While it used to be a peren- Family Access Cards (FACs) Soldiers granted Christmas nial recipient of relief due to strife to typhoon victims in Davao to passes are required to report spawned by the Abu Sayyaf mili- ensure fair distribution of relief back to duty to relieve their col- tants, Sulu showed it could extend goods. Bangladesh war leagues who would be taking the help to the needy when it trans- Aside from allowing for a more Hong Kong activist may New Year’s break. ported relief goods for “Pablo” effective distribution, the access The boodle fight, a military tra- victims. cards will also help the DSWD crime suspects dition that aims to further foster Sulu governor Sakur Tan said determine the kind of assistance unity and solidarity especially his constituents realized that to be provided to each family. face jail over protest demand retrial among the troops who are in a there are other people who need THE PHILIPPINE STAR DHAKA: Bangladeshi Islamist HONG KONG: A Hong maintained a semi-autonomous leaders demanded a retrial yes- Kong pro-democracy activ- status since its 1997 handover terday for war crimes, including Winter games ist appeared in court yester- by Britain to China, safeguard- genocide, saying a leaked tran- day and could face jail after ing freedoms not seen on the script of phone calls showed the he allegedly threw a T-shirt at mainland. trial judge had come under pres- Chinese President Hu Jintao’s Ng, 35, was arrested on sure to deliver a quick verdict. motorcade earlier this year. Saturday for allegedly throwing Lawyers representing Motiur Avery Ng from the radical a T-shirt bearing the picture of Rahman Nizami, who is head of League of Social Democrats party late mainland Chinese dissident the opposition Jamaat-e-Islami was charged with causing public Li Wangyang at Hu’s motorcade party, Ghulam Azam and Delawar nuisance and was bailed pending from a footbridge near the city’s Hossain Sayedee had filed peti- a hearing in February next year airport on June 29. tions before a court in Dhaka, after pleading not guilty. Hu was in Hong Kong to mark defence lawyer Tanvir Ahmed Ng, who is vice-chairman of the city’s 15th handover anniver- said. the party, faces up to two years in sary from Britain to China and “The court started hearing two jail if found guilty of the offence, to swear in the city’s new leader petitions today,” he said. according to the South China Leung Chun-ying, at a time when Eleven suspects who are either Morning Post newspaper. anti-Beijing sentiment surged to members of Jamaat and or the “This is an abuse of the judi- a new high. main opposition Bangladesh ciary system,” Ng said after the Police used pepper spray to dis- Nationalist Party (BNP) are hearing at a magistrate’s court, perse hundreds of anti-Hu pro- accused of committing crimes labelling the case a “political testers during his three-day visit, such as murder, rape and religious persecution”. while 400,000 people took to the persecution during the 1971 lib- He said his case showed that streets to demonstrate against eration war against Pakistan. Hong Kong’s fundamental liber- Beijing’s meddling in local affairs Both Jamaat and BNP have ties, guaranteed under the ‘one in a separate rally on July 1. called the trial process, which country, two systems’ governing A Hong Kong Chinese-language began in December 2010, “politi- model, were threatened. newspaper journalist was briefly cally motivated”. “This is an erosion of our detained by police after he asked The push for a retrial comes freedoms and right to protest,” Hu a question about the 1989 after a pro-opposition daily pub- Ng said. Tiananmen Square crackdown lished excerpts from a series Contestants race camels during a winter event in Hulun Buir, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, The former British colony has during the visit. AFP of phone calls that the presid- yesterday. The event consists of horse and camel racing, wrestling and archery. ing judge held via Skype with a Brussels-based legal expert, prompting the judge to resign on December 11. The excerpts showed that Police rescue 89 children Pyongyang slams Christmas lights as provocation Nizamul Huq was not only under pressure from the government to SEOUL: North Korea yes- official Korean Central News stopped the Christmas border deliver a quick verdict but that he from traffickers in China terday slammed a display of Agency said. illuminations. also took advice from the expert Christmas lights staged by a It warned that staging “psy- They were resumed in 2010 on how to word the charges BEIJING: Chinese police anti-trafficking purposes,” it South Korean church group chological warfare” along the after North Korea shelled a against the defendants. have rescued 89 children and quoted Chen as saying. near the tense border as an border would be a “rash act” frontline South Korean island, In his demand for a retrial, arrested 355 suspects after Trafficking of children is a seri- “unacceptable provocation”. that could ignite war on the but were suspended last year another defence lawyer Moudud busting a series of child traf- ous problem in China, blamed in The giant display — featuring peninsula. in a conciliatory gesture follow- Ahmed said Huq’s comments had ficking rings, officials said part on the strict “one-child” thousands of glittering bulbs on Before the South’s “Sunshine ing the death of North Korean “contaminated the whole proc- yesterday. policy which has put a premium a tree-shaped steel tower — was Policy” of engagement with leader Kim Jong-Il. ess”. The court has since banned Officers from nine regions, on baby boys. put up on Saturday on a mili- North Korea was launched in This year’s illuminations have publication of the phone tran- including Fujian, Yunnan, Wang Xizhang, a high-level tary-controlled hill at Gimpo 1998, the seasonal lighting dis- provoked fear among some local scripts, parts of which are now Sichuan, Anhui and Guangdong, law enforcement official in Fujian west of Seoul. plays were common. residents who staged a protest available on YouTube. A prosecu- took part in a joint drive begin- province, said potentially large The lights, which can be seen Pyongyang repeatedly con- amid concerns about potential tor has also sued the editor of the ning December 18 against the profits have fuelled the trade. several kilometres away in the demned them as “psychologi- retaliation from the North. newspaper, accusing him of sedi- networks, said Chen Shiqu, direc- A healthy male infant bought impoverished North which suf- cal warfare” by its capitalist Cross-border tensions have tion and cyber crimes. tor of the anti-trafficking office in for 30,000 yuan ($4,810) in poor fers chronic power shortages, neighbour aimed at spreading been high since the nuclear- Muslim-majority Bangladesh, the public security ministry. provinces such as Yunnan can be will remain switched on until Christianity in the isolated com- armed North this month staged which was formerly called East The children are being cared sold for 70,000 to 90,000 yuan in early January. munist state. a long-range rocket launch Pakistan, won its independence for in local nursing homes and the comparatively wealthy prov- The display is “an undisguised In 2004, the two Koreas agreed widely condemned as a disguised from then-West Pakistan after a police are searching for their inces of Fujian and Guangdong, challenge to us and an unaccept- to halt official-level cross-bor- ballistic missile test by the inter- nine-month long struggle in 1971. parents, the official Xinhua news Wang was quoted as saying. able provocation”, the North’s der propaganda and the South national community. AFP AFP agency reported. Since April 2009, when a minis- “We will collect the chil- try crackdown began, police have dren’s DNA and use it to find broken up 11,000 child trafficking their parents within a national rings and rescued 54,000 children, Cold spell grips Seoul DNA database established for according to Chen. AFP

Philippines okays bill to fight HIV

MANILA: The House of predominantly male-to-male sex, Representatives has passed on and secondarily via needle sharing second reading a bill mandating among illicit drug users, accord- forceful new strategies to sup- ing to the Department of Health press the human immunodefi- (DOH). ciency virus (HIV) epidemic. “We have very high hopes that Bill 6751 directs the multi-sec- that bill, once finally enacted with toral Philippine National AIDS the help of the Senate, will take Council (PNAC) to draw up a our fight against HIV/AIDS to fresh six-year program with defi- the next level with highly con- nite targets to reverse the aver- centrated actions,” Rep. Arnel Ty age 62-percent annual increase of the party-list group Liquefied in new HIV cases in the country Petroleum Gas Marketers since 2010. Association, one of bill’s authors, An icebreaker breaking ice on the frozen Han River flowing through the centre of Seoul in South Korea, amid a cold spell that hit the nation, yesterday. HIV is being spread primarily said yesterday. A morning low in Seoul recorded minus 13.6 degrees Celsius. through high-risk sexual contact, THE PHILIPPINE STAR TUESDAY 25 DECEMBER 2012 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 Pakistan, Afghanistan trying to turn Taliban into political force

KABUL: Pakistan is genuine to transform the Taliban from Mutual suspicions between Failure to do so could embolden were an “enormously helpful” step indirect contacts. “We are very about backing a nascent Afghan a military entity into a political Afghanistan and its nuclear- Taliban hardliners determined to in building a wider environment optimistic. We believe that they peace process and shares the entity to enable them to take armed neighbour, Pakistan, have re-impose their austere version of for peace. are genuine in this discussion Kabul government’s goal of part in the Afghan political proc- hampered efforts to tackle mili- Islam. “I think we are also seeing The Taliban spokesman was not with us,” said the Afghan official. transforming the Taliban insur- ess and peacefully seek power tancy in one of the world’s most a situation where the extremist immediately available to comment Another track for talks, gency into a political movement, like any other political entity in explosive regions. threat is developing in a direction on the discussions in France. The between the Taliban and the a senior Afghan government Afghanistan,” the official said, Pakistan has long been seen as that is getting out of everybody’s talks included former members United States held in Qatar, official said. referring to Pakistan. determined to block the influence control,” said the senior Afghan of the Northern Alliance fac- was suspended by the militants. Pakistan is seen as critical to “This is the vision that they of old rival India in Afghanistan government official. Pakistan is tion, which fought the Taliban They said inconsistencies in the US and Afghan efforts to promote share.” and has been believed to be qui- battling its own, home-grown for years, and Afghan peace US negotiating position were peace in Afghanistan, a task that The official’s remarks sig- etly supporting the Taliban in the Taliban. negotiators. discouraging. is gaining urgency as Nato troops nalled unprecedented optimism hope they would exclude from “That is only bad news for eve- The Taliban say they were The Afghan official cautioned prepare to withdraw by the end from Afghanistan that Pakistan power rival, pro-India Afghan ryone who has any interest in sta- represented by prominent fig- that in order to sustain Kabul’s of 2014 and hand over security - long accused of backing Afghan factions. bility for their own country.” ures in the movement such as confidence, Pakistan would need responsibilities to government insurgents - was now willing to Afghanistan and Pakistan The official, who is closely Shahabuddin Delawar, from its to take further concrete steps forces. put its weight behind reconcili- appear to now agree that it is involved in reconciliation efforts, political office, which is based in after releasing some mid-level “They have told us that they ation efforts, which are still in in their interests to work more said recent face-to-face talks Qatar. Afghan Taliban members from share the vision contained in early stages and vulnerable to closely together, with the Nato between senior Taliban members Until now, the Taliban and detention, who may be useful in our roadmap which is basically factionalism. deadline looming. and Afghan officials in France Afghan officials only made promoting peace. REUTERS Afghan policewoman kills US contractor BRIEFLY First insider attack by a woman

KABUL: An Afghan woman compound in a bustling area of wearing a police uniform shot Kabul. She then drew a pistol and dead yesterday a civilian con- shot him once, a senior police offi- UN body re-elects tractor working for Western cial said. forces in the police chief’s com- The police complex is close to top meteorologist pound in Kabul, Nato said. the Interior Ministry where in The incident is likely to raise February, two American officers as vice president troubling questions about the were shot dead at close range at ISLAMABAD: The World direction of an unpopular war. a time anger gripped the country Meteorological Organisation It appeared to be the first over the burning of copies of the of the United Nations has time that a woman member of Muslim holy book at a Nato base. unanimously re-elected Dr Afghanistan’s security forces car- “She is now under interrogation. Qamar-uz-Zaman Chaudhry ried out such an attack. She is crying and saying ‘what vice-president of WMO for There were conflicting reports have I done’,” said the official, of Asian Region for four years. about the victim. the police officer who worked in Dr Qamar, adviser to the A spokesman for the Nato-led a section of the Interior Ministry ministry of defence on climate International Security Assistance responsible for gender awareness affairs, was elected to the post Force (ISAF) said a US police issues. during the 15th regional con- adviser was killed by an Afghan The insider incidents, also ference held in Qatar last week. policewoman. Then ISAF said in a known as green-on-blue attacks, A well-reputed figure in the statement only that it was a “con- have undermined trust between field of meteorology and cli- tracted civilian employee” who was coalition and Afghan forces who mate sciences, Dr Qamar has killed. are under mounting pressure to been a member of the WMO’s Mohammad Zahir, head of contain the Taliban insurgency executive council from 2003 to the police criminal investigation before most Nato combat troops 2007 and WMO’s vice-presi- department, described the inci- withdraw by the end of 2014. dent for Asia region from 2009 dent as an “insider attack” in Security responsibilities in a to 2012. which Afghan forces turn their country plagued by conflict for Interestingly, in spite of Dr weapons on Western troops they decades will be handed to Afghan Afghan policemen stand guard at the entrance to police headquarters in Kabul where a female Afghan police Qamar’s candidature having are supposed to be working with. security forces. officer shot dead a foreign civilian adviser. been approved by the minis- He initially said the victim was a Many Afghans fear a civil war ter of foreign affairs, formal US soldier. like one dominated by warlords Insider attacks now account for by a hearty pat on the back or an Jawzjan province in the north, a nomination for his election After more than 10 years of war, after the withdrawal of Soviet one in every five combat deaths American soldier asking after police commander shot and killed from the Foreign Office did not militants are capable of striking occupying forces in 1989 could suffered by Nato-led forces in your wife’s health. five comrades overnight, the reach the WMO in time. Japan, Western targets in the heart of the erupt again, or the Taliban will Afghanistan, and 16 percent of all Nato attributes only about Interior Ministry said. China and South Korea jointly capital, and foreign forces worry make another push to seize power US combat casualties, according a quarter of the attacks to the Last year, he defected from the submitted his nomination and that Afghan police and military if they reject a nascent peace proc- to 2012 data. Taliban, saying the rest are caused Taliban, said the ministry. all other countries elected him forces they are supposed to work ess. At least 52 members of the Hoping to stop the increase by personal grievances and mis- Taliban spokesman Zabihullah unanimously. with can suddenly turn on them. Nato-led International Security in the attacks, Afghan Defence understandings. Last year, there Mujahid said in a statement that The policewoman approached Assistance Force have been killed Ministry officials have given their were 35 deaths in such attacks. the commander had rejoined the her victim as he was walking in this year by Afghans wearing troops tips in foreign culture. Afghan forces are vulnerable to Taliban. That could not be con- 7 dead in Pakistan the heavily guarded police chief’s police or army uniforms. They are told not to be offended “insider attacks” of their own. In firmed. REUTERS coal mine accident PESHAWAR: Seven miners were killed when the roof of a Extreme weather coal mine collapsed in a tribal region of northwest Pakistan, New ombudsman seeks officials said yesterday. The accident happened on Sunday night in the Dowli area of Orakzai, one of the ideas to improve office seven semi-autonomous tribal regions which are home to ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s which deals with posting and Taliban and Al Qaeda-linked Federal Ombudsman Salman transfer of senior bureaucrats militants. Faruqui has said the govern- is among the departments that The top local administration ment has started a process to are out of the jurisdiction of the official, Khushal Khan said the improve the performance of federal ombudsman. bodies of the seven had been the institution by expanding its “The committee is of the recovered and taken to their jurisdiction and giving power view that more than half of the home town of Shangla. to it so that it could redress departments which are out of the Two other local officials con- public complaints within the jurisdiction of the ombudsman’s firmed the incident. shortest possible time. office should be brought into its Most coal mines in Pakistan He said efforts were under way purview,” Faruqui said. are notorious for poor safety to bring into the ambit of the He said he was forming a team standards and facilities. ombudsman federal ministries of experts and professionals to Similar deadly accidents have and government departments deal with over 75,000 complaints occurred in the past. which at present did not fall in which had piled up over the past its jurisdiction. In this connec- two years because of the absence tion, he added, proposals were of an ombudsman. Third pvt passenger being sought from different sec- Faruqui has recently taken tions of society to make amend- over as the acting Wafaqi train next month ments to the relevant laws. Mohtasib. The ombudsman set- LAHORE: The third pas- Faruqui said 350 people from up includes the Federal Tax senger train under public- different walks of life had been Mohtasib, Federal Insurance private partnership will start Pakistani women walk on a foggy street in Lahore yesterday. The ongoing spell of dense fog and freezing asked to submit their suggestions Mohtasib, Banking Mohtasib, running between the capitals weather conditions continues to disturb the scheduled arrival and departure of flights and trains in Pakistan’s by January 31. Federal Ombudsman Against of Pakistan’s two provinces Punjab province. Besides, a committee com- Harassment of Women at the of Punjab and Sindh from the prising the federal and provin- Workplace, provincial ombuds- first week of January. cial ombudsmen and headed by men and the AJK Mohtasib. The Night Coach Express Federal Tax Ombudsman Dr Major proposals for enhancing would cover the distance Shoaib Suddle had sent some effectiveness of the ombudsmen’s between Lahore and Karachi Khaplu Palace a genuine heritage of Baltistan proposals to the heads of major offices include appointment of in 18 hours, an official said civil society organisations, media grievance commissioners in yesterday. ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Baltistan. It embodies Tibetan, The USAID under the title of representatives, government all public-dealing departments Comprising one AC sleeper, Khaplu Palace won ‘Virgin Balti and Kashmiri styles. “small grants and ambassador’s functionaries and experts in for redressing complaints and two lower AC, seven economy Holidays Responsible Tourism In 2005, Aga Khan Cul tural fund programme (SGAFP)” has various fields for their input, he strengthening the ombudsman’s class coaches, a dining car and Award’ in poverty reduction on Service Pakistan (AKCSP), affil- extended help in the TMBalti folk added. role as a commissioner under the a luggage van, the express train November 7. iated with Aga Khan Trust for exhibition area in Khaplu Palace. The institution of ombuds- freedom of information laws. would be leaving Lahore at 6pm The Khaplu Palace and its Culture (AKTC), part of the Aga Occupying two-thirds of the man set up in 1983 to redress It has been proposed that com- to reach Karachi at 12noon the ancillary buildings recently ren- Khan Development Network had palace itself the exhibition of grievances caused by maladmin- plaints not immediately redressed next day. ovated and named as Khaplu already conserved and renovated artefacts and items procured, istration in federal government be referred to the ombudsman The Night Coach Palace and Residence (KPR) wel- Baltit and Altit forts in Hunza installed and illuminated through agencies receives about 3,000 for a verdict within 60 days, sub- Express would have stop- come guests to an upscale authen- and Shigar Fort in Baltistan, the SGAFP are the centrepiece of complaints every month. ject to a review within 30 days. pages at Faisalabad, tic heritage experience. the restoration work on Yabgo attraction of Yabgo Khar. Keeping “Deficiencies and lacunae exist Government departments and Multan, Bahawalpur, Rohri, Khaplu Palace, built in the Palace was completed in 2011 by in view the standards of conser- in the ombudsman system and employees shall have the right Nawabshah, Hyderabad and 1840s by the Yabgos, is the pre- Aga Khan Development Network vation, efforts have been made to amendments are needed for of appeal to the president if they Karachi Cantt. eminent example of the built in collaboration of Norwegian ensure authenticity. making it efficient,” he said. failed to get relief in the review INTERNEWS/AFP heritage that has survived in Embassy Islamabad and AKTC. INTERNEWS The establishment division process. INTERNEWS TUESDAY 25 DECEMBER 2012 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA PM promises to curb crimes against women Young rape victim’s condition deteriorates

NEW DELHI: The condition Gate, causing huge traffic jams, this terrible crime but also all of the young woman brutally while Delhi Metro shut nine key aspects concerning the safety of raped worsened yesterday, as stations to prevent demonstra- women and children and punish- Prime Minister Manmohan tors easy access to the capital’s ment to those who commit these Singh urged the nation to pray heart. Shortly before meeting monstrous crimes.” for her and vowed to check Russian President Vladimir Home Minister Sushilkumar “monstrous” crimes against Putin, Manmohan Singh said Shinde said the rapists won’t be women. in a televised address that he spared. “I will take action and I A day after violence in the city shared the “justified anger and will not spare anyone,” he told centre left scores of civilians and anguish” over the December 16 television channels. policemen injured, calm returned gang-rape but said violence was Shinde and Delhi Chief to the capital even as hundreds not called for. Minister Sheila Dikshit later continued to protest demanding “I assure you we will make met Delhi High Court Chief strict action against the rapists. all possible efforts to ensure Justice Darmar Murugesan to A Delhi Police constable badly security and safety of women seek fast trial in the case. beaten in the violence remained in this country,” he said, adding At the Safdarjung Hospital, in critical condition. that he was a “father of three the 23-year-old rape victim’s Security forces yesterday daughters”. condition deteriorated due to sealed off all roads leading to “We will examine without internal bleeding. “Her condition Rashtrapati Bhavan and India delay not only the responses to is bad and serious compared to yesterday,” said P K Verma, the ICU in-charge. BJP leaders meet president “She continues to be criti- cal but her kidneys are making urine and lungs are fine. She is over Delhi gang rape conscious and communicating,” he said. The woman’s plight has NEW DELHI: A delegation of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) attracted nationwide sympathy Demonstrators hold placards as they shout anti-government slogans during a protest calling for better safety for leaders met President President Pranab Mukherjee late last and ignited mass anger, with women following the rape of a student in New Delhi yesterday. evening over the Delhi gang rape and massive protests against thousands taking to the streets the incident. in Delhi and other cities and Singh Katara (PCR) were told to Ramdev. With India Gate sealed convinced by the prime minis- Talking to mediapersons after the meeting, BJP leader L.K. towns. explain the police lapses. Three off, hundreds -- the number ter’s assurance that the govern- Advani said: “The terrible incident of rape that happened... there Under intense criticism, policemen had been suspended swelling in the afternoon and ment would provide security and are lot of reactions all over. The way this the anger is being reflected, authorities Monday suspended earlier. again slipping towards evening safety to women. the government is not doing what it should do,” Advani said. two assistant commissioners in The six accused, who have -- massed near Jantar Mantar “It is just lip service and it “Whatever suggestions were given to them were rejected. So we Delhi Police for not stopping been arrested, were apparently monument, about a kilometre won’t work any more. We want have come to the president, who is the highest official in parliament the bus with tinted windows in drunk and on a joy ride. They from parliament. action,” said Abhijit Sinha, a and in the country,” Advani said. which the rape took place for had earlier robbed a man of Shouting “We Want Justice”, Delhi University student. Party leader Sushma Swaraj added that the opposition’s sug- some 40 minutes. Rs.7,000. But when he contacted the young and the middle-aged, “We will continue with our gestions of calling a special session of parliament and an all-party Delhi’s Lt Governor Tejendra police, they apparently failed to watched by policemen and para- protests till concrete steps are meeting were rejected. Khanna identified them as act. military personnel, waved plac- taken,” said Kavitha Krishnan “Prime Minister (Manmohan Singh) rejected the suggestion for an Mohan Singh Dabas of Delhi Delhi Police filed five cases ards and the Indian flags. Most of the All India Progressive all-party meeting and Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde told me traffic police and Yad Ram of for violence during the protest people were huddled in small Women’s Association, one of he did not feel there was a need for an all-party meeting,” she said. Police Control Room (PCR). over the gang-rape and have groups. Many were school stu- several groups and NGOs tak- IANS Deputy commissioners Prem booked former Army chief Gen. dents. Protesters who spoke to ing part in the show of strength. Nath (Traffic) and Satyavir V K Singh and yoga guru Baba IANS said that they were not IANS

Balloons for Christmas Baba Ramdev, V K Singh Traffic snarls continue, repairs booked for fuelling fury to flyover add NEW DELHI: Yoga guru Baba for rioting, breaking parameters Ramdev and former army chief of law and order and damaging to woes Gen V K Singh were booked public property. No one has been for inciting protesters even arrested in these cases,” added NEW DELHI: The ripple as police registered five cases the officer. effect of closure of key roads over violent protests over the Protesters led by Baba Ramdev and nine metro stations con- weekend against the gang-rape and Singh clashed with police at tinued to cause traffic snarls of a woman here, police said Jantar Mantar Sunday afternoon across Delhi till late last yesterday. when they were prevented from evening as fog and repair work Both Ramdev and Singh were marching towards India Gate, on Kalindi Kunj flyover added named in one of the cases regis- the epicentre of protests against to woes of the commuters. tered at Parliament Street police the gang-rape in a moving bus Though the traffic police station here on December 23 for December 16. opened the roads near India provoking mob, rioting and caus- “After a brief speech at Jantar Gate at 9.30pm the traffic con- ing damage to public property. Mantar, Ramdev along with tinued to be heavy on many “Of the five cases, one was Singh and others started march- roads, specially in south Delhi. registered at Parliament Street ing towards India Gate but they Many commuters were also police station on December 22 were stopped by police. As soon stuck in the heavy traffic jam at while two cases were regis- as Ramdev and Singh got down Mathura Raod heading towards tered at the same police sta- from the dais, police cordoned off Ashram, which also affected tion on December 23. However, the area and the protesters sat on vehicular flow at Aurobindo the fourth and the fifth cases the spot,” said the officer. Marg, M B Road and BRT cor- were registered on December 23 They started marching towards ridor in south Delhi. at Connaught Place and Tilak India Gate and tried to break the According to traffic police, the Marg police station,” said a police barricades following which the reason for the snarls here was A vendor waits for costumers at a balloon stall during a Christmas fair in Dimapur, Nagaland, on Christmas Eve officer. police resorted to use of force, he construction work at Kalindi yesterday. Despite Christians forming a little over 2 percent of the billion plus population in India, Christmas “All the cases were registered said. IANS Kunj flyover heading towards is celebrated with much fanfare and zeal throughout the country. Noida. In the heart of the capital, the 2.5km stretch between India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan was barricaded for traffic in the Karnataka deputy CM’s home Shimla court acquits Virbhadra morning. The India Gate lawns were also sealed off to prevent a repeat of raided; gold and cash seized Sunday’s clashes between secu- and wife in corruption case rity forces and demonstrators. BANGALORE: Karnataka’s complaint by a Shimoga advo- The closure of nine major ruling BJP yesterday faced cate B. Vinod that Eshwarappa Metro stations caused immense severe embarrassment as police had amassed properties through SHIMLA: Less than 24 Dogra told reporters that not The case was weakened after confusion and thousands of raided the residences of Deputy corrupt means. hours before his swearing in even a single witness out of 39 two prosecution witnesses central government employees Chief Minister K S Eshwarappa Police on December 15 regis- Himachal Pradesh chief minis- examined supported the pros- turned hostile last month. had to walk long distances as here and in his home town tered an FIR (First Information ter for the sixth time, Congress ecution evidence. Witnesses P C Jain, a former Metro stations close to their Shimoga in search of evidence Report, marking the formal leader Virbhadra Singh got The prosecution had filed the vice president of Gujarat Ambuja offices near Sunday’s protest in a corruption case and seized launch of the police probe) against a major reprieve as a Shimla charge sheet against the couple Cement, and Brigadier (retd.) site remained shut for a second around two kilos of gold, 37 kg Eshwarappa, his son K.E. Kantesh court acquitted him and his in October 2010. Kapil Mohan, managing direc- straight day. silver and about Rs1.1m in cash. and daughter-in-law Shalini. wife Pratibha Singh in a three- Virbhadra Singh and Pratibha tor of Mohan Meakin, informed The metro stations which Eshwarappa is also president of The BJP chief, who is tour- and-a-half-year-old corruption Singh were booked by the state the court that their statements were shut were Patel Chowk, the state Bharatiya Janata Party. ing the north Karnataka town of case. police Aug 3, 2009, under the recorded by the prosecution Central Secretariat, Udyog As deputy chief minister, he han- Koppal, about 400 km from here, Special Judge B.L. Soni, while Prevention of Corruption Act for were false. Bhavan, Race Course Road, dles the revenue and panchayati told reporters there that he wel- pronouncing the 21-page order, alleged misuse of official position They said they never offered Khan Market, Rajiv Chowk, raj portfolios. comed the raids as “the truth in a jam-packed court said that and criminal misconduct when or gave bribes to Virbhadra Barakhamba Road, Mandi A police spokesperson told would come out”. “the prosecution has failed to he was the chief minister in 1989. Singh and his wife. House and Pragati Maidan. reporters here that includ- Fearing arrest following the prove its case beyond reason- According to police, the cou- Charges of conspiracy and The closure of roads led to ing Eshwarappa’s residences in FIR, Eshwarappa and his family able doubt”. ple was booked on the basis of corruption were framed by the diversion of traffic, causing Bangalore and Shimoga, raids members have sought anticipa- “There is no evidence of exer- an audio cassette released by court June 25, following which massive snarls on major roads were conducted at eight premises. tory bail from a Shimoga court. cising personal influence by Virbhadra Singh’s once political Virbhadra Singh had resigned as leading to the city centre and The six other places are in Hearing of the plea would resume Pratibha Singh on Virbhadra adversary Vijai Singh Mankotia union minister. beyond. Irate commuters had Shimoga, about 280 km north of Dec 27. Singh for getting cleared mat- in 2007. The court had framed charges complained of the absence of Bangalore. Eshwarappa has rejected ters related to Mohan Meakin The cassette allegedly con- under Section 120-B of the any public transport in the area. “Documents of assets were Congress demands for resigna- Ltd. (brewery in Solan town) tained Virbhadra Singh’s tel- Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Many people complained being examined,” the spokesper- tion as deputy chief minister to and Gujarat Ambuja Ltd.” ephonic conversation with Indian Sections 7, 11 and 13 (1) (d) of they were not aware of metro son said as police have to sub- ensure a “fair” probe. Soni said there was also no Administrative Service officer the Prevention of Corruption stations’ closure. Buses were mit their findings to Lokayukta Around 20 of the party’s 118 evidence of any misconduct on Mohinder Lal, who is now dead. Act against accused Virbhadra packed to the brim, and (ombudsman) court in Shimoga members, including several min- the part of Virbhadra Singh, who It also contained voices of his Singh and under Section 120-B auto-rickshaws reportedly by February 4 next. isters in the 225-member assem- was present in the court when wife and some industrialists, who of the IPC and Section 9 of the demanded exorbitant fares, The Lokayukta court has bly, are fighting corruption cases the judgement was delivered. have been identified by police, Prevention of Corruption Act adding to the woes. ordered the police probe on a in Bangalore courts. IANS Defence counsel Shrawan proposing to invest in the state. against Pratibha Singh. IANS IANS TUESDAY 25 DECEMBER 2012 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15

Militants involved India, Russia cement weapons deals in Srinagar hotel Singh and Putin discuss civil nuclear cooperation, closer cultural and tourism exchanges attack killed SRINAGAR: Two Lashkar- NEW DELHI: Reinvigorating the techno-commercial offer for e-Taiba (LeT) militants were their multi-faceted ties, India the construction of Units 3 & 4”, killed in a gunfight with secu- and Russia yesterday signed 10 said the joint statement. rity forces yesterday in south agreements in diverse areas, They also underscored their Kashmir’s Kulgam district, including multi-billion dollar commitment to implementing police said. weapons deals, and resolved to the roadmap for cooperation in The two militants were also fast-track negotiations to con- the nuclear energy sector that involved in a gunfight with secu- clude pact on units III and IV of was signed during Putin’s visit in rity forces on October 16 at a the Kudankulam Nuclear Power 2010 as the then prime minister hotel in Srinagar, in which two Plant. of Russia. hotel employees were killed. In the context of the 2014 with- Against the backdrop of dif- “The slain militants have been drawal of international combat ferences over the application of identified as LeT’s district com- troops from Afghanistan, India and civil nuclear liability law to units mander Mudasir Sheikh alias Russia also agreed to cooperate III and IV of KNPP, Manmohan Mavia and Tamin, a Pakistani closely to combat extremism and Singh said at a joint press appear- national. Both were from the drug-trafficking in that country. ance with Putin that: “Negotiations LeT,” police said. In a boost to India’s quest for for the construction of Units 3 and “A head constable of the special ridding the region of the curse of 4 at Kudankulam have made good operations group (SOG) of the cross-border terrorism, Russia progress.” state police was killed in today’s joined hands with India to thwart Russia has contended that the (Monday) gunfight in Dodhipora safe sanctuaries of terror and civil nuclear liability law should not village of south Kashmir Kulgam,” strongly condemned the states apply to these units as the agree- police said. that aid or sponsor them - a veiled ment on them predates the 2010 The SOG and troops of 9 allusion to Pakistan. civil liability law, and could be seen Rashtriya Rifles had launched Prime Minister Manmohan as “grandfathered” by the original a joint operation in the village Singh and Russian President 1988 agreement. following information about the Vladimir Putin, who wrapped India has indicated that it is presence of militants in the Valley. up his day-long visit, held wide- ready for price escalation, but has IANS ranging discussions, including civil made it clear that will not com- nuclear cooperation, the intensi- promise its civil nuclear liability fication of economic ties, defence regime. The price negotiations for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Russian President Vladimir Putin interact as they address the media after a cooperation and closer cultural and units III and IV are to be decided meeting in New Delhi yesterday. BELOW: President of the Congress party, Sonia Gandhi, with Putin. Delhi shivers as tourism exchanges. by a techno-commercial panel. The leaders of the two emerging The defence ties, the bedrock mercury dips economies also decided to step up of the India-Russia relations, are The two sides “strongly con- collaboration in a host of multilat- poised for a boost with the sign- demned those who provide safe NEW DELHI: Delhi shiv- eral fora, including the UN, BRICS ing of a military-technical contract havens and sanctuaries for ter- ered Monday as the maximum and the East Asia summit and for delivery of 42 technological rorism and reiterated that States temperature fell three notches agreed to join hands for speedier kits for SU-30MKI aircraft to the that aid, abet or shelter terrorists below average to 19.1 degrees global economic recovery. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited are as guilty of acts of terrorism Celsius. After the talks, the two sides (HAL) to assemble them here. as their actual perpetrators,” said Fog is back in the national capi- signed a slew of agreements in The deal is estimated to be around the statement. tal with visibility dropping to 100 diverse areas, including foreign $2.2bn. With economic ties not keeping metres around 8.30am, an official office consultations; cultural Another pact for the delivery pace with strategic ties, the two from the India Meteorological exchanges; science, technology and of 71 Mi-17V-5 helicopters was sides signed a pact to promote Department said. innovation; telecommunications; signed. direct investment which envis- A statement from Delhi financing of projects and promot- Out of this, 59 of the machines ages investments up to $2bn in Airport Authority Ltd said 18 ing investments. would be given to the Indian Air important bilateral projects or flights to Delhi were diverted. Issues relating to the Russian Force while the remaining 12 companies, privatisation and other The minimum temperature telecom giant Sistema’s $3.1bn would be used by paramilitary opportunities. early yesterday morning was 7.7 investment also figured in the dis- forces for anti-Maoist operations. They reiterated their resolve to degrees Celsius, average for this cussions, with India assuring that On the strategic plane, India’s scale up bilateral trade to $20bn time of year. an amicable solution will be found concerns over terrorism in the by 2015. In a boost to India’s quest Similar weather conditions are soon. region found full support from for joining multilateral nuclear expected today, with maximum In an important step forward, Russia and led to a joint resolve to regimes like the Nuclear Suppliers and minimum temperature to be the two sides “agreed to conclude combat extremist ideologies and Group, Russia agreed to act as a around 19 and 7 degrees Celsius expeditiously the negotiations on drug trafficking in Afghanistan. facilitator. IANS respectively. IANS TUESDAY 25 DECEMBER 2012 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME Follow Santa News in Numbers WINDOW ON ECONOMIC Claus, thanks ACTIVITY GDP- 3 Fajr (Dawn) 4:55 Shorook (Sunrise) 6:17 to NORAD Zuhr (Noon) 11:34 WASHINGTON: Santa Claus is Asr (Afternoon) 2:31 coming to town — and the organ- ization responsible for monitor- Maghrib (Sunset) 4:52 ing North American airspace is Isha (Night) 6:22 helping your kids track him as he completes his whirlwind journey around the globe. The Santa tracker set up by WEATHER the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD), a US-Canada joint operation, said Today Wednesday Thursday Weather Conditions: that at 1515 GMT, Santa and his GDP by Economic Activity Partly sunny Mostly sunny Partly sunny overworked reindeer had just Misty or foggy passed over the Philippines’ capi- ( Mining and Quarrying ) at places at tal Manila. first to hazy The website, www.noradsanta. High: 26° High: 25° High: 26° org, is available in eight languages Low: 20° Low: 17° Low: 20° with scattered clouds. and allows children to find Santa’s location and upcoming stops on GVA at Current Prices (QRm) his trip. It also tracks the number of presents left for children. So GVA at Constant 2004 far? More than 1.2 billion. Prices (QRm) DOHA - SUN & SEA After leaving the North Pole, SUN TIDE SEA Santa will criss-cross the world Current Prices Y-O-Y Change until 0900 GMT today, when all WIND SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW the gifts will have been placed 06:17 16:51 04:00 & 13:30 10:45 & 20:35 03-12 KT under Christmas trees. NORAD Real Growth Rate normally has the very serious task THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW of protecting the United States and Canada, detecting any attacks HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER from the air or the launching of nuclear weapons. But each year, MUSCAT 27/19 Mostly sunny 29/21 Mostly sunny  Current Prices Y-O-Y Change Real Growth Rate it uses its powerful technology to MAKKAH 27/18 Chance of storms 29/19 Mostly sunny provide Christmas cheer.  KUWAIT 22/19 Chance of rain 19/13 Mostly sunny NORAD pulls out all the stops BAHRAIN 25/20 Partly sunny 24/17 Mostly sunny to locate Saint Nick, stopping at no  SANAA 24/08 Mostly sunny 24/07 Chance of rain fewer than four high-tech systems:  RIYADH 26/13 Cloudy 19/09 Mostly sunny radar, satellites, “Santa Cams” and, DUBAI 27/20 Partly sunny 28/20 Mostly sunny yes, fighter jets. After all, Santa  BAGHDAD 16/12 Rain 18/07 Chance of rain travels “faster than starlight”. “We’re the only organisation  THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW that has the technology, the quali-  fications, and the people to do it. And, we love it! NORAD is hon- HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER  ored to be Santa’s official tracker!”  ATHENS 16/13 Clear 19/14 Partly sunny NORAD says on its website. To avoid disappointing the little WASHINGTON 08/03 Mostly sunny 08/07 Showers  SYDNEY 22/18 Thunderstorms 21/16 Chance of rain ones, the director of operations at the time, Colonel Harry Shoup,        LONDON 11/06 Chance of rain 12/06 Mostly sunny  ordered his staff to check the PARIS 12/07 Rain 10/08 Chance of rain radar to see where Santa might  ISTANBUL 11/08 Clear 13/09 Clear be and update the children on  MANILA 31/23 Chance of storms 29/24 Rain his location. And it warns chil- DHAKA 24/14 Clear 24/13 Clear dren that Santa’s route “can be DELHI 20/08 Clear 20/07 Clear affected by weather”. AFP Source : http://www.qsa.gov.qa/ ISLAMABAD 21/07 Clear 20/09 Mostly sunny Apps to help achieve New Year’s resolutions Budokon mixes yoga

TORONTO: Whether it is over the course of eight weeks. Diet is another component of DietBet is an app for peo- improving health or managing “You’re slowly building this good health and a focus of many ple with a competitive streak. with martial arts finances better, about 87 per- routine into your daily life with apps. Fooducate is an iPhone and Available for iPhone and on the cent of Americans will make a lot of success and after eight Android app that helps shoppers Web, it allows its users to join NEW YORK: Budokon, a work- explosive, dance-like movement. resolutions for 2013 and there weeks you’re literally running make healthier purchases at the in a four-week weight loss chal- out programme developed in The end is a guided meditation. are plenty of apps to help them 5K, which is pretty big if (ini- supermarket by allowing them to lenge to lose 4 percent of weight. 21st century America, blends “There is no breath count; we achieve their goals. tially) you’re not running at all,” scan the barcodes of products and Everyone bets money, which goes the ancient mind-body practices don’t stop,” said Shayne, who Nearly half of New Year’s reso- said David-Michel Davies, the get insight into how healthy the into a fund, and submits proof of of yoga and martial arts into a describes the movements as lutions are about setting health- executive director of T he Webby product is. weight lost. People who meet the program that aims to reward fol- snakelike. Observers will note related goals, which is the most Awards, an annual ceremony hon- Their database, which contains challenge split the money. lowers with conditioning, mind- echoes of Tai Chi. “Modern yoga popular category, according to a oring Internet companies. The over 200,000 products, displays a “It comes back again to how ful meditation and progressively can be very angular. Our primary recent survey by online broker app guides runners through each grade for the product and infor- people get motivated,” Davies said. coloured karate-type belts. series is a circular, continuous TD Ameritrade. run, alternating periods of run- mation on its contents. It can “Gamification is something that “Budokon is a yoga, martial transition practice,” he explained. Rather than jumping into a ning and walking for 35 minutes. show whether there are hidden technology has really enabled and arts and meditation trifecta,” Adam Sedlack, senior vice presi- rigorous fitness routine, a new Davies also recommends Nike+ additives or the probability of for some people it really works.” said Mimi Rieger, who teaches dent of UFC (Ultimate Fighting app called 5K Runner suggests Running and RunKeeper, two containing genetically modified To stay on top of finances, the not-so-ancient practice in Championship) Gym, a national it might be better to ease into popular and free fitness apps, ingredients. “There are a lot of Davies recommends Mint, which gyms, studios and workshops in chain of family fitness centres things slowly and focus on build- which use GPS to track distance healthy people out there who provides a visual view of all finan- the Washington, DC area. specialising in mixed martial arts ing sustainable habits. The iPhone traveled, speed and calories unknowingly buy products that cial accounts and is available for An instructor in the 3,000-year- training, believes the novice should app helps couch potatoes ramp up burned. Both apps are available have an inordinate amount of salt iOS, Android and on the Web. old practice of yoga since 2003, begin with a specific practice before their running distance to 5 km for iOS and Android devices. in them,” Davies said. REUTERS Rieger, founder of Pure Fitness tackling hybrids like Budokon. DC, is one of approximately 400 “It’s more efficient to take a teachers worldwide who are karate class, then a yoga class, and trained in Budokon, which did then a tai chi class than it is to 3D artwork not exist before 2002. Although combine them,” Sedlack said, “so mainly done in the United the individual can focus on indi- States, Rieger said she will teach vidual skill sets. The beautiful thing Budokon in Turkey, Denmark and about mixed martial arts is that Sweden next year and workshops you’re learning a skill while you’re are also scheduled in London, working out and burning calories.” Germany, Korea and Japan. He notes that martial arts is She says the hybrid offers the as much about the confidence student an intense, full-body of walking down the street with workout as it blends the integ- your head up high as it is about rity of the martial arts movement learning to kick and hit. Richard with the fluidity of yoga. Cotton, of the American College “It’s like a beautiful symphony of Sports Medicine, said Budokon of the two,” said Rieger, who is can offer a challenging change for among the first women to get people with more advanced levels a brown belt in the Budokon of fitness. sequence of six belts: white, red, “If you’re a yoga or tai chi pur- blue, purple, brown and black. ist, it (Budokon) is not that, but Budokon, which is Japanese for it is variety, and variety is rarely “the way of the warrior spirit,” a problem,” he said. He points out began in 2000 as the brainchild that one needn’t do Budokon, or of Cameron Shayne, a martial yoga or Pilates to have a so-called arts expert and yoga enthusi- mind-body experience. ast originally from Charlotte, “Running strength training, North Carolina, looking to solve a and certainly golf, can be a mind- dilemma faced in his own practice. body experience if you’re staying “Through martial arts I experi- in touch with your body,” he said. enced meditation; both yoga and “You can have a mind-body walk.” martial arts share self-reflection, A few years ago Shayne began but both suffered from the same offering a separate Budokon yoga disease of being stripped down practice because some people found to a westernized workout,” said the martial arts aspect of his prac- Shayne, founder of Budokon tice intimidating or confrontational. University in Miami, Florida. “It became a necessity to give that A typical Budokon session audience what it was asking for,” begins with 20 minutes of yoga he explained. People either love Visitors striking a pose at a piece of 3D artwork featuring a shark as they pose for a photograph during a Japanese trick art exhibition at a shopping sun salutations to, as Shayne says, Budokon, he added, or they hate it mall in Jakarta, Indonesia. “lighten and open the body,” fol- and that’s fine with him. lowed by a martial arts segment of REUTERS Tuesday 25 December 2012 12 Safar 1434 Volume 17 Number 5559 Price: QR2

QIB, NCR in strategic partnership

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QNB seeks approval Qatar’s fiscal to acquire entire shares of NSGB

DOHA: Qatar National Bank (QNB) announced that it has surplus surges submitted a request to the Central Bank of Egypt to get the approval over the acquisi- tion over the National Societe to QR118bn Generale Bank - Egypt’s (NSGB) entire shares. The NSGB said in a statement that QNB request, submitted on Govt expenditure at QR70.3bn: GSDP 19-12-2012, will lead to effective control of the NSGB according to DOHA: Qatar’s fiscal sur- the single biggest contributor the Qatar Central Bank law and plus for the first two quarters to import growth in the first the banking and monetary system of 2012/13 financial year has half, soaring by 36 percent and in Egypt. surged to QR118bn. The sur- accounting for 16.5 percent points QNB Group, the largest plus is QR64bn higher than the of the total import increase. financial institution in the surplus posted for the full fis- The first-half trade surplus State of Qatar and the Mena cal year of the financial year once again supported a hefty cur- region, announced earlier that 2011/12 at QR54bn. rent account surplus. Deficits on it had entered into a defini- The Qatar General Secretariat the income and services accounts tive agreement with Societe for Development Planning’s and large outward remittances Officials of Qatar Shell and Venture Gulf Engineering at the signing ceremony. Generale for the acquisition of (GSDP) latest economic out- amounted to 19.7 percent of the its entire stake of 77.17 percent look noted that the government nominal GDP, leaving an overall in NSGB. expenditure stood at QR70.3bn current account surplus of 20.4 Shell, Venture Gulf sign supply deal This transaction is a signifi- in September 2012. Of the total percent. As of 30 September 2012, cant milestone in QNB Group’s expenditure, current expenditure Qatar’s gross foreign reserves strategy of international expan- accounted for about 75 percent of stood at QR135.9bn. DOHA: Qatar Shell and are extremely proud to include been providing Qatar Shell with sion and it represents the largest the total. On the money supply and credit, Venture Gulf Engineering QVC as a local manufacturer to bulk commodity chemicals for its acquisition in the bank’s 48-year After two quarters (April-June the document said Qatar’s board (VGE) signed an agreement to our supply chain. This will ensure operations in Qatar from differ- history. and July-September) in 2012/13 money supply (M2) through to include Qatar Vinyl Company sustainable and efficient opera- ent countries in the region, and The acquisition is consist- financial year, total realised fiscal September 2012 grew by 18.5 per- Ltd (QVC) as an approved local tions. Qatar Shell is committed to now we are encouraging and sup- ent with QNB Group’s strategy spending was about 39 percent of cent relative to the same month manufacturer of Hydrochloric support local manufacturers and porting local suppliers to join our to expand its existing presence the budget amount. in 2011. In 2012, commercial bank Acid (HCL). Small and Medium Enterprises supply chain.” in high growth emerging mar- Qatar’s total revenue for the credit to the private sector has The contract will enable QVC as part of our corporate social Hamad Rashed Al Nuaimi, kets with large under banked first half of 2012/13 amounted to climbed at a steady double-digit to provide HCL to the world- responsibility (CSR) program Chief Executive Officer of Qatar populations. QR188bn. The composition of rev- pace. Credit to industry and serv- scale Pearl Gas to Liquids (GTL) and in line with our support to Vinyl Company (QVC) said the NSGB is the second largest enue shows strong advances in the ices, has grown rapidly in the sec- plant, the largest energy project the Qatar National Vision 2030. QVC has been working hard to private (non-state owned) bank contributions made by investment ond part of the year. ever built in Qatar and one of the We have confidence in the qual- modify its original product in operating in the high growth income and by other sources, Bank credit to the public sec- highest consumers of HCL in the ity and the capability of local sup- order to turn it into a highly con- Egyptian market through a including corporate taxes. tor has shown vigorous growth in country. pliers in the market which will centrated HCL capable of meet- network of160 branches across The planning and development 2012, picking up on the momen- Qatar Shell as well as QVC add value to our operations in ing the standards required by the the country and more than 4,150 body noted that Qatar posted a tum that started in the second fully support the creation of local country; and we are looking for- Pearl GTL plant and other local employees, with total assets as robust trade surplus in the first part of 2011. Credit to govern- content opportunities in Qatar by ward to opening new local oppor- companies. at September 30, 2012 reaching half of 2012, of about QR140bn ment institutions, which are supporting local manufacturers tunities in Qatar.” Pearl GTL has one of the larg- EGP63.3bn ($10.4bn). or equivalent to 40.1 percent of fully state-owned enterprises, and small and medium enter- Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al est effluent water treatment The offer for 100 percent GDP. A surge in import demand is on the rise, accounting for 70 prises (SMEs). Nasser, Vice Chairman & Chief facilities in the world where of the share capital of NSGB narrowed it from the first half of percent of total credit to the This will directly contribute Operating Officer of Venture Gulf process water is treated and amounts to $2,558m. The price 2011. Merchandise exports grew by public sector by October. More towards the social and economic Engineering Company (VGE) re-used in the plant, thereby to be offered to all sharehold- 2.1 percent year-on-year, but were than half of total public sector development pillars of Qatar said: “We are very pleased to achieving self-sufficiency of this ers will be converted into EGP outpaced by merchandise imports, credit is linked to service-related National Vision 2030. be jointly working with Shell to scares natural resource. HCL is at the time of the filing of which soared by 37.1 percent. projects. Construction-related The signing ceremony was contribute to the development a key chemical product used in the MTO with the Egyptian According GSDP document, loans account for about 19 percent hosted by Wael Sawan, Managing of the local economy and society. several steps of the water treat- Financial Services Authority Capital goods-machinery and of the total. Director and Chairman of Qatar We, VGE, in association with our ment process. (EFSA). transport equipment were THE PENINSULA Shell Company. Waelsaid: “We JV partner AquaChemie, have THE PENINSULA QNA

Tata loses steam Oil price extends retreat as ‘fiscal cliff’ looms nearer

NEW YORK: Oil fell for a Speaker John Boehner, the key help delay the spending cuts and third day yesterday, threaten- negotiators, are out of town for tax hikes further into 2013 as well ing to erase this year’s meagre Christmas. Congress returns as work to address in a long-term gains as a stalemate over the from recess later this week, giv- way a budget that has generated U S “fiscal cliff” budget crisis ing lawmakers only a few days to deficits exceeding $1 trillion in threatened to erode oil demand act before the January 1 deadline. each of the last four years. in the world’s top consumer. Even as the cliff looms, Brent Oil losses were restrained by With no apparent talks on crude has yet to test the $106- tensions in the Middle East. Monday to avert the year-end $107 region that has provided Dozens of people were killed budget deadline that will trig- key technical support since in an air strike while queuing for ger harsh spending cuts and tax September, with many traders bread in Syria’s central Hama hikes, oil tracked equity mar- doubting that lawmakers will risk province on Sunday, activists said, kets slightly lower, with activity the fragile US economy tipping with some residents giving an ini- in a deep seasonal lull. Markets gain into recession. tial count of 90 dead. shut early on Monday and will be “Although the magnitude of Oil markets have also been on closed today for Christmas Day. Friday’s sharp selloff suggests that edge through most of the year as By 1517 GMT, Brent crude had the market is pricing in a lack of tensions between Iran and the fallen 64 cents to $108.33 a bar- fiscal cliff agreement by year’s end, West escalated over Tehran’s dis- rel, taking its gains since the start we still feel that some type of last- puted nuclear programme. of the year to less than $1. US oil minute resolution will be forthcom- Western sanctions on Iran’s slipped 24 cents to $88.42, down ing,” Jim Ritterbusch, president shipping and energy sectors caused four percent on the year. US equity of Chicago-based Ritterbusch & serious problems for its oil indus- Tata Motors’ Head of Advanced and Product Engineering Tim Leverton in his office at the company’s plant markets dipped marginally, while Associates, wrote in a note. try earlier this year but Iran has in Pimpri, 160km southeast of Mumbai, yesterday. Tata, a global name since it bought Jaguar Land Rover in the dollar was little changed. Some investors are now looking mostly overcome those challenges, 2008, is losing traction at home as under-whelming product tweaks, heavy discounts and slumping capacity Oil slumped on Friday after at a stop-gap that puts everything Oil Minister Rostam Qasemi was utilisation mark a painful 18 months for its passenger division. talks dissolved. President Barack off for a while as the most prom- quoted as saying on Sunday. Obama and Republican House ising alternative. Such a fix may REUTERS TUESDAY 25 DECEMBER 2012 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS Real estate sector pushes QE index down Regional markets mixed in holiday lull

DOHA: Qatar Exchange (QE) expanded his powers and pushed index dropped 32.57 points or through the drafting of the con- 0.39 percent to 8,390.32 points stitution, but the index is now yesterday. QE sector indices back at pre-crisis levels. traded in the negative zone. “The market rebounded from Only insurance and telecommu- the aggressive sell-off and swal- nication sectors turned green, lowed the bearish news. The index adding less than one percent. faces resistance at 5,500 in the Real estate sector performed short term and at 7,000 points in worst, paring 0.72 percent. the medium term,” Radwan said. Banking financial services, trans- The market was open and portation and consumer goods & showed little reaction when service sectors followed it with Standard & Poors’ cut Officials of Qatar Islamic Bank and NCR Corporation during the signing ceremony. close to 0.6 percent each. Egypt’s long-term credit rating to The volume of shares traded ‘B-‘ on Monday and said another fell to 3,347,326 from 3,477,133 on cut was possible if deepening QIB in strategic partnership with NCR Corp Sunday, and the value of shares political turbulence undermined decreased to QR118m from efforts to prop up the economy QR123.6m. Among the top losers and public finances. DOHA: Qatar Islamic Bank Experience Banking”. improve the availability of its best technology to our custom- were Medicare, Masraf Al Rayan Orascom Construction (QIB) and NCR Corporation QIB will be investing in solu- ATM channel. ers is what we want and always and Qatar National Bank. QNB’s Industries and Telecom Egypt have signed a strategic agree- tions and consumer experience “We are very conscious of the strive to do,” Channels, QIB. “We share dropped 0.99 percent to each gained 0.7 percent. ment for the next three years, changes that will appear for the importance of delivering a supe- believe in what self-service can do QR130.00. In Saudi Arabia, the index in which QIB will purchase first time in the banking industry rior experience to our customers, and how it allows our customers Meanwhile, Egypt’s bourse declined 0.1 percent to finish at technology solutions from NCR in Qatar and Gulf region. and believe that better interac- to feel more empowered.” Anand resumed rising yesterday after 6,881 points, down for a second designed to take their consumer QIB is currently focus- tion and more empowerment to said an early-session dip brought back session since Saturday’s six-week experience to the next level. ing on retail banking and has our customers will help us develop “We are committed to helping buying interest among foreign high. NCR will be the principal tech- embarked on a technology a stronger relationship, and banks like QIB, interact, transact investors, while trading in the Volatility was low as unde- nology provider to QIB for its modernization journey with a therefore improve our custom- and connect with their customers Gulf was lacklustre and volumes cided investors awaited cues from self-service needs with the pro- major focus on the most used ers’ loyalty. The NCR team has in a new way and across channels. thin because of the year-end lull. fourth-quarter earnings and the vision of NCR ATMs and Branch channel the ATMs. The Bank shown a deep understanding of As a global leader in self-service, Cairo’s index gained 0.2 percent 2013 state budget, from which Transformation solutions, as well has already implemented the what drives customer loyalty, and and a total solution provider, to 5,373 points, and has risen in investors are hoping for a boost as related software and services. NCR APTRA eMarketing empowerment. The Consumer NCR is committed in deploy- nine of the last 12 sessions. in government spending. The agreement puts QIB platform, delivering synchro- Experience Roadmap that they ing the latest technologies that The market fell on Sunday “The market action is subdued on the roadmap designed by nized, targeted ATM market- developed will help us achieve benefit our customers and their after voters approved a contro- today mainly due to uncertainty QIB along with NCR’s Branch ing campaigns, and has signed just that,” said D. Anand, general own customers too,” said George versial new constitution for the - people are waiting for the fiscal Transformation and soft- an agreement for NCR ATM manager, Retail, QIB. Flouros, vice president for NCR country. But plenty of investors budget which is expected in a few ware consultants to achieve Incident Management and “Extending our exclusive part- in the Middle East/Africa region. remain bullish about the medium days,” said Mohammad Omran, what NCR calls “Consumer Cash Forecasting solutions to nership with NCR to bring the REUTERS term, even though the constitu- a Riyadh-based independent tion may cause further political financial analyst and a member turmoil, and although the polit- of the think tank Saudi Economic ical instability has led Cairo to Association. delay its request for a $4.8bn loan “If petrochemical companies’ The First Investor from the International Monetary earnings surprise on the upside, Fund. it will boost the market and the gets Dealmaker Russia completes oil link carving “Technically, the market index could break the 7,000 level.” surprised by its resilience and Large-caps declined on Monday of the Year award immunity to disappointment on with the petrochemicals index out a bigger share of Asian market milestones that were supposed to slipping 0.3 percent and banking DOHA: The First Investor be a catalyst — like the IMF loan,” shares down 0.2 percent. (TFI), the investment banking MOSCOW: Russia has com- to the construction of the pipeline. European allies. said Mohamed Radwan, director In the UAE, Dubai’s index division of Barwa Bank Group, pleted its largest infrastruc- Transneft denied the It built the Ust-Luga oil ter- of international sales at Pharos advanced 0.09 percent. Retail was given “Dealmaker of the ture project since the Soviet allegations. minal this year on the Baltic and Securities. investors dominated with Year Award” at the Finance Union by expanding its eastern Analysts say that Europe’s fear has drastically reduced flows The market plunged more than institutionals away, wait- Monthly “Deal Maker” Awards oil pipeline to the Pacific Ocean of less Russian oil is justified, via Druzhba, forcing some East seven percent in late November ing for next year to start. 2012. as it seeks to carve out a bigger although exporting companies European refineries to seek other after President Mohamed Mursi THE PENINSULA/REUTERS The annual awards aim to iden- share of the Asian market. will decide themselves on eastern options. tify and recognise excellence in It took 6 years and more than or western routes on the basis of But with the ESPO pipeline in deal-making and celebrate the $25bn for oil pipeline monop- profitability. place analysts have questioned QATARI MARKET achievements of individuals and oly Transneft to build the East “Of course, there is a risk of Russian ability to stick to its com- Bond Coupon Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P firms whose skill and determina- Siberia — Pacific Ocean (ESPO) oil flows cuts to Europe. And mitment of keeping steady sup- Qatar Govt 5.15% 4/9/2014 USD 105.50 0.82% Aa2 AA tion have stood out over the past link to the port of Kozmino, which ESPO blend sells with a premium plies to both east and west. year. had formally relied on a rail link. to Dubai, it speaks in favour of In 2013, Russia will deliver some Qatar Govt 3.125% 1/20/2017 USD 105.63 1.69% Aa2 AA TFI was chosen for its co- By completing the 4,200km the Eastern route,” Alexander 18 million tonnes (360,000 bpd) via Qatar Govt 6.55% 4/9/2019 USD 125.88 2.13% Aa2 AA fund Manager role, along line, Russia has created a power- Kornilov, a senior analyst with the ESPO-2 pipeline to Kozmino Qatar Govt 5.25% 1/20/2020 USD 119.63 2.23% Aa2 AA with Hines International ful leverage for oil flows switches Alfa bank, said, citing the Asian and ship up to 4 million tonnes Qatar Govt 4.5% 1/20/2022 USD 115.13 2.61% Aa2 AA Real Estate Holdings (Hines), from East to West and visa versa, market benchmark grade. there by rail. Long-term, it looks Qatar Govt 9.75% 6/15/2030 USD 182.00 3.46% Aa2 AA of the TFI Hines Brazil sending a warning signal to the A first-quarter loading sched- to increase that to 1 million bpd. Qatar Govt 6.4% 1/20/2040 USD 140.00 3.97% Aa2 AA Income Real Estate Fund. European Union, which is heavily ule has showed that Russia would “It would be quite a challenge Qatar Govt 5.75% 1/20/2042 USD 130.63 3.97% Aa2 AA The Fund acquired the iconic dependant on energy supplies from cut Europe-bound oil supplies for Russia to fill the pipeline. And World Trade Centre (WTC) its former Cold War adversary. with the biggest fall, of 20 per- some of the East Siberian fields Qatari Diar 3.5% 7/21/2015 USD 105.13 1.46% Aa2 AA Complex in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Transneft has said Japan cent, expected in its Baltic port have not been performing as Qatari Diar 5% 7/21/2020 USD 117.13 2.50% Aa2 AA in early 2012 as its first seed bought almost a third of ESPO of Ust-Luga. expected,” Julius Walker, energy Comqat 5% 11/18/2014 USD 106.00 1.76% A1 A- investment. exports this year followed by Russia launched the first stage markets strategist with UBS in Comqat 3.375% 4/11/2017 USD 104.50 2.27% A1 A- David J Clarke, Chief Executive China with 24 percent and the of the ESPO link to Skovorodino New York, said. QIB 3.856% 10/7/2015 USD 104.63 2.13% NR NR Officer of TFI said, “TFI played a United States with 22 percent. at the Chinese border in 2009, and The Vankor oilfield, controlled QNB 3.125% 11/16/2015 USD 103.25 1.96% Aa3 A+ key role in this high profile trans- President Vladimir Putin has in January 2011 started pipeline by Russia’s top crude producer QNB 3.375% 2/22/2017 USD 104.88 2.14% Aa3 A+ action which offers unique oppor- urged oil and gas companies to deliveries at 300,000 barrels per Rosneft, has been the main con- tunities for investors to benefit increase their share in lucra- day to China. tributor of oil to the pipeline. Doha Bank 3.5% 3/14/2017 USD 104.00 2.49% A2 A- from the high growth economy tive Asian energy markets. He Russia is the world’s largest oil Vankor’s production is expected Qtel 3.375% 10/14/2016 USD 105.13 1.97% A2 A in Brazil. was expected to formally open producer, at around 10.5 million to increase to 500,000 barrels per Qtel 7.875% 6/10/2019 USD 130.88 2.64% A2 A “It is wonderful to receive the pipeline in the early hours of barrels of oil per day, trumping day next year. Russia has also Qtel 4.75% 2/16/2021 USD 113.13 2.92% A2 A industry recognition for our team Tuesday. Saudi Arabia while the kingdom offered tax relief for some East Qtel 5% 10/19/2025 USD 113.75 3.65% A2 A and partner’s hard work and dedi- “This gives us an opportunity holds back some output to prop up Siberian fields, including scrap- Rasgas 5.5% 9/30/2014 USD 108.00 0.90% Aa3 A cation. This fund offers an inno- to efficiently work on the fastest- crude prices. But most of Russia’s ping exports duty - the largest Rasgas 5.832% 9/30/2016 USD 110.13 2.96% Aa3 A vative product previously not growing market in the world, on 50,000-km oil pipeline network is single tax item for oil companies. Rasgas 5.298% 9/30/2020 USD 112.88 3.39% Aa3 A available to the investors in the the Asia Pacific market,” Putin concentrated in West Siberia and According to VTB Capital GCC and elsewhere, and to win said last week. runs toward Europe. projections, East Siberia fields SOVEREIGNS ‘Dealmaker of the Year’ is testa- The project has been in the Moscow has been steadily will produce 45 million tonnes Bond PDA* Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P ment to the sound investment Russian limelight since its start, diversifying its oil exports by (900,000 barrels per day) by Abu Dhabi Govt 5.5% 4/8/2014 USD 106.50 0.39% Aa2 AA opportunities we are delivering and opposition activist Alexei shifting away from the Druzhba 2020, up from 15 million tonnes Abu Dhabi Govt 6.75% 4/8/2019 USD 128.75 1.87% Aa2 AA consistently for our clients.” Navalny has accused Transneft of pipeline, built in the 1960s to sup- this year. THE PENINSULA a $4bn embezzlement connected ply the Soviet Union’s Eastern REUTERS Dubai Govt 6.7% 10/5/2015 USD 110.88 2.60% NR NR Dubai Govt 4.9% 5/2/2017 USD 107.50 3.04% NR NR Dubai Govt 7.75% 10/5/2020 USD 126.50 3.78% NR NR Dubai Govt 6.45% 5/2/2022 USD 116.63 4.27% NR NR Yen slips as incoming premier steps Qatar Govt 4% 1/20/2015 USD 105.50 1.29% Aa2 AA up pressure on Bank of Japan Bahrain Govt 6.273% 11/22/2018 USD 114.38 3.55% NR BBB Bahrain Govt 5.5% 3/31/2020 USD 108.25 4.17% NR BBB • Bullion - Mumbai SINGAPORE: The yen dipped against the dollar and euro in Asian trade yesterday as incoming Japanese premier Shinzo Abe stepped Egypt Govt 5.75% 4/29/2020 USD 99.75 5.79% B2 B Gold (10 gm) Standard Rs. 30595 up pressure on the Bank of Japan to set a two percent inflation Morocco Govt 4.5% 10/5/2020 EUR 102.50 4.11% NR BBB- Silver (1 kg) Rs. 59595 target. *Periodic Distribution Amount • Indian Rupees QR1 = 14.99 The euro bought 111.23 yen in afternoon Christmas Eve trade from IMPORTANT NOTE: • Sensex 110.05 yen in New York late on Friday, after Abe on Sunday threatened Published by HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, P O Box 57, Doha, Qatar which BSE 19255.09 is licensed and regulated by Qatar Central Bank and Jersey Financial Services to revise a law guaranteeing the BoJ’s independence if it did not back Commission. Information quoted is from publicly available sources or proprietary NSE 5855.75 his proposed inflation goal. data and subject to change. HSBC accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising • LIC (International) launches New Gold Investment Plan ‘GOLD PLUS’ – The dollar fetched 84.38 yen from 84.25 yen, while the single cur- out of the use of all or part of this material. This information is general and does not take into account individual circumstances, objectives or needs. The price of bonds which provides an opportunity to invest in GOLD ETF & GOLD SPOT, PAN rency bought $1.3183 from $1.3181. can and does fluctuate. The secondary market for bonds may not provide significant Card/Demat Account not required. “The yen is finding sellers, even in thin holiday trade,” said Jason liquidity or may trade based on prevailing market conditions. Past performance is not • Short-term investment plan from LIC International upto 6.4 percent return Hughes, head of premium client management for IG Markets Singapore. a reliable indicator of future performance. You should consider these matters and p.a. (in dollar) “The changes in political circles in Japan mean we will see a more consult your financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions. aggressive stance in weakening” the yen, he said. • Housing loan from HDFC LTD Abe is expected to take office on Wednesday, following a landslide • Mutual Fund: Buy & Sell: SBI MF, HDFC MF, UTI MF, Birla Sun Life MF, victory for his Liberal Democratic Party in national elections last week. Tata MF, Reliance MF etc. The hawkish leader has called for a two percent target in a bid to Contact: Investec, Tel: 44325060/44365060 email: [email protected] drag Japan out of years of deflation. AFP TUESDAY 25 DECEMBER 2012 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19

Rosneft gears Thai economy to grow up for $55bn TNK-BP takeover Firm raises $16.8bn in bank loans

MOSCOW: Rosneft, seek- tenders,” Rosneft’s chief executive ing to finance Russia’s larg- Igor Sechin said in a statement. est-ever takeover deal, has Assuming the full volumes are raised $16.8bn in bank loans delivered, Rosneft would supply and agreed on long-term trade the oil traders with around 270,000 finance deals with the world’s barrels per day of oil — or over a largest oil traders, Glencore tenth of its current output. The and Vitol. pricing terms were not disclosed, The state-controlled company nor was the level of prepayment. said yesterday the loans raised If the oil price averages $100 from Western banks would be per barrel, the contracts would sufficient to cover its acquisi- on paper be worth around $50bn. tion of the 50 percent of Anglo- Glencore’s chief executive Ivan Russian oil firm TNK-BP which Glasenberg said yesterday the it is buying from BP for $27bn in announced agreement “further cash and stock. cements our relationship with one of The company also said it has the world’s leading oil and gas com- agreed terms with Glencore and panies”, while Vitol’s president and Vitol to supply them with up to chief executive, Ian Taylor, hailed his 67 million tonnes of crude oil over deal as a “long term, strategic part- five years under a trade finance nership” with Rosneft. A Thai woman walks past festive decorations at a shopping district in Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. Economic experts forecast Thailand’s econ- deal, equivalent to around 270,000 Rosneft will buy out BP’s half omy to grow by 4 to 5 percent in 2013 on fiscal stimulus and supported by the rise of domestic consumption and investment in the wake of mas- barrels a day of oil. stake in TNK-BP for $17.1bn in sive flood crisis. Rosneft is due to buy the rest cash and 12.8 percent of its own of TNK-BP from the AAR con- shares, bringing down the cur- sortium of Russian-born business tain on a profitable but fractious tycoons for $28bn, completing the alliance between BP and the oli- takeover of Russia’s third-biggest garchs struck back in 2003. Freezing Kyrgyzstan to sell gas firm to Gazprom oil producer to make Rosneft the In the second leg of the takeover, world’s largest listed oil company, Rosneft has agreed to pay $28bn with daily output equivalent to 4.6 in cash to the AAR consortium, BISHKEK: Kyrgyzstan will in the impoverished nation of 5.5 buy the entire 100-percent stake We only want our citizens to have million barrels per day. representing billionaires Mikhail sell its state gas company million which has seen two presi- (in Kyrgyzgas)’,” he said. gas, electricity and heating in It was not clear whether the Fridman, German Khan, Viktor to Russia’s Gazprom early dents deposed in violent revolts Atambayev said the state and its their homes.” oil supply deals would help pay Vekselberg and Len Blavatnik. next year, to ease a crippling since 2005. social fund, which is in charge of Local media had quoted Kyrgyz for the purchase of AAR’s stake Subject to regulatory approvals, energy crisis, its president said “If in the first quarter of next pensions and other welfare, jointly government and state officials as in TNK-BP but sources close to the takeover is expected to close yesterday. year Gazprom becomes the held 87 percent in Kyrgyzgas. “So saying that Kyrgyzstan was pre- Rosneft and potential lenders told in the first half of 2013. Gas supplies to Kyrgyzstan’s owner of Kyrgyzgas, we will have I told them (Gazprom) that they pared to sell its gas company to Reuters recently that Rosneft Commenting on the bank north via its leading supplier no stoppages of gas supplies,” would have to buy out the remain- Gazprom for a nominal price of had been talks about using future financing it had raised for the Kazakhstan have sputtered due President Almazbek Atambayev der from minority stake holders.” In just $1 in order to get a strong oil exports as collateral to help purchase of BP’s 50 percent in to mounting unpaid bills. Tens of told his annual news conference, September, Moscow agreed to write investor for the decrepit sector. pay for the TNK-BP deal. TNK-BP, Rosneft said it had thousands of residents of the cap- referring to the Kyrgyz state- off nearly $500m in Kyrgyz debts in “I don’t know where they took The details of the agreements obtained a 5-year loan of $4.1bn ital Bishkek have suffered night run gas company. “As a citizen return for a package of military and this figure of $1,” Atambayev said. with Glencore and Vitol were not and a 2-year loan of $12.7bn from temperatures at minus 20 Celsius. and president, I do not cling to energy deals with Bishkek. “In fact, Gazprom will have to pay disclosed but industry sources a group of international banks. Russia, which like the United Kyrgyzgas. I only need affordable, In October, Atambayev took more ... because Kyrgyzgas owes said the deals will give Rosneft The banks include Bank of States runs a military air base in uninterrupted and inexpensive part in a ground-breaking cer- around $40m to Kazakhstan alone.” around $10bn in advance pay- America Merrill Lynch, Barclays Kyrgyzstan, is keen to strengthen gas supplies to our towns.” emony in northern Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan supplies 50,000 ments from the traders, who will Bank, BNP Paribas, BTMU, its economic foothold in the Kyrgyzstan also wants the where Russian state-controlled cubic metres of natural gas per in turn borrow the money from Citibank, Credit Agricole, ING mountainous country neighbour- Russian gas giant to invest no power producer RusHydro will hour to Kyrgyzstan at $224 per their banks, in return for securing Bank, Intesa Sanpaolo Banking ing China. less than $500 million in mod- build four power stations by 2016 . 1,000 cubic metres. Next-door long-term access to oil from the Group, J P Morgan, Mizuho Simmering popular discon- ernising its gas transportation In a clear reference to his Uzbekistan supplies 8,700 cubic world’s largest-producing nation. Corporate Bank, Natixis, Nordea tent and opposition criticism of network and prospect for natural nationalist opponents at home metres per hour to southern “The price formula is in line Bank, SMBC, Societe Generale the fledgling cabinet of Prime gas, Atambayev said. who fear Russia’s growing role, Kyrgyzstan, charging $290 per with the prices Rosneft receives and Unicredit Bank. Minister Zhantoro Satybaldiyev “Gazprom accepted all these Atambayev said: “We should not 1,000 cubic metres. for crude at medium-term REUTERS pose a threat to the fragile peace conditions and said: ‘We want to behave like a dog in the manger. REUTERS

London Stock Exchange cuts LCH.Clearnet offer by a quarter Lukoil says ‘no’ to Iraq’s West LONDON: The London Stock clearing houses from the impact IntercontinentalExchange said 100 of the world’s largest trad- positions can be better monitored. Exchange cut its offer for of a major customer defaulting. it had agreed to buy NYSE ing banks and two exchanges, If LCH has to raise 300 mil- Qurna-1 a majority stake in transat- “Today’s announcement is Euronext for $8.2bn. the London Metal Exchange and lion euros to meet the new capital lantic clearing house LCH. a success for LSE sharehold- The new 15 euros offer per NYSE Euronext. rules, then the LSE’s contribution MOSCOW: Russia’s second- Clearnet by a quarter to ¤366m ers,” Peter Lenardos, analyst at share values the LCH at ¤610m. Clearing houses sit between would be ¤180m in line with its largest crude producer Lukoil ($482m) to reflect new capital RBC Capital Markets said in a The LSE is buying a 60 percent trading firms and ensure trades expected 60 percent shareholding. said yesterday it had decided requirements. note. “We believe that share- stake in the clearing house. of securities such as stocks and LCH is still in talks with regu- not to join the development of The companies said yesterday holder approvals will be sought The deal is made up of ¤14 a bonds are completed, holding cash lators about how much capital it Iraq’s West Qurna-1 oilfield, cit- they agreed a new price of ¤15 a in January and we still expect the share in cash payable on com- to refund firms left out of pocket will need to raise. ing high risks, paving the way share after estimating that new transaction to complete in the pletion of the acquisition and ¤1 by a counterparty default. Lenardos said he expected the for Chinese companies to enter European rules on clearing houses first quarter of 2013.” payable on September 30 2017, Demand for clearing transac- LCH would only have to raise the project. could require LCH to raise ¤300m Shares in LSE were trading replacing a special dividend pre- tions is set to jump in the next few ¤220ms and LSE’s ¤122m saving Lukoil oversees the larg- in additional capital next year. 0.09 percent lower at £10.92 by viously announced. years as regulators, chastened by on the deal would cover most of est share of oil reserves in Iraq Analysts said the lower offer 1039 GMT. The stock price hit a The offer has been extended the 2007-09 financial crisis, force that. “We believe the remaining among foreign companies and meant that the LSE would claw four-year high of 11.23 pounds last until the end of January and is banks to channel trades through value can be obtained through is already involved in the West back most of the cost of the new week on consolidation hopes after subject to shareholder approval. clearing houses and regulated accelerated cost savings,” he said. Qurna-2 project, while company’s rules, which are meant to protect commodities and energy exchange LCH.Clearnet is owned by nearly exchanges to ensure their risk REUTERS from energy-China are vying for Iraqi oil. “We have analysed all the risks and decided that, as we have Steel factory fire been implementing such a global project as West Qurna-2 without Iran warns of cancelling a partner, we would have taken great risks by entering another big project such as West Qurna-1,” $5bn China gas deal Andrei Kuzyayev, head of Lukoil Overseas, told Russian state TV channel Rossiya-24. TEHRAN: Iran has warned project to fill its first-ever lique- West Qurna-1 became avail- China it could cancel a much- fied natural gas plant. able for Lukoil and other majors delayed $5bn offshore gas explo- Mehr named China National last month when ExxonMobil has ration contract in the Gulf, a Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), informed the Iraqi government news agency said yesterday. the Asian giant’s largest oil and gas it wants to pull out of the $50bn “There is a possibility of can- producer and supplier, as the com- project in southern Iraq. celling the contract” signed in pany contracted for the project. Iraqi and Chinese sources said 2009 to develop the South Pars Iran suspended a $16bn con- CNPC unit Petrochina is nego- gas field — which holds around tract with China last year for the tiating for Exxon’s 60 percent in eight percent of the world’s gas North Pars gas field, saying the West Qurna-1 project and that reserves — Mehr news quoted decision to let the Chinese develop there are rival bidders. Royal oil ministry spokesman Alireza North Pars rested on their effec- Dutch Shell is a minority partner. Nikzad as saying. tiveness in developing South Pars. For China, a major buyer of China has for years aimed to Nikzad said that should the South Iraqi crude, access to reserves strengthen its economic relation- Pars contract be cancelled, the is a strategic imperative, and ship with sanctions-hit Iran, by development of the offshore gas field Beijing is prepared to accept filling the investment void left by would be handed over to Iranian tougher terms and lower prof- departing Western companies. contractors. “The Chinese side has its than Western oil majors and But Iran has accused China of stated it is not inclined to be part even Russian firms which have to failing to fulfil its commitment of the project’s development,” citing answer to shareholders. and delaying its contractual the “high risk” involved in offshore Baghdad expects Exxon to obligations. exploration, Nikzad added. complete the sale of its shares South Pars, a huge offshore He said that a deal for another in West Qurna-1 by the end of natural gas field shared between gas field would instead be dis- December and the US company People pass by the entrance of Aperam stainless steel factory, controlled by the Mittal family, yesterday in Iran and Qatar, holds around 14 cussed “in the near future,” with- has told Iraq it is already in talks Gueugnon, central France, where a fire broke out overnight, burning 4000 square metres with no casualties. trillion cubic metres of gas, and out giving any details. with other oil majors. Iran plans to use the “phase 11” AFP REUTERS TUESDAY 25 DECEMBER 2012 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS VIEWS

Why Boehner should have Euro survives 2012, taken 2011 ‘cliff’ deal

BY EZRA KLEIN

HE JUICIEST passage in the Wall Street Journal’s further tests in store behind-the-scenes report on the “fiscal cliff” negotia- tions comes when House Speaker John Boehner, asks HE battered euro, written off Reflecting the change, Standard and eurozone lifeline for its banks, allowed the President Obama whether he can have the deal he as a dud many times during a Poor’s raised Greece’s sovereign debt rat- Spanish government to hold the line. rejected in 2011. “You missed your opportunity on that,” crisis-wracked year, appears to ing by a massive six notches because of By year-end, few were talking of Madrid Tthe president replied. have survived 2012, but 2013 what it termed the “strong determination as the next debt crisis casualty, with its Ouch. could prove just as difficult if the of ... (eurozone) member states to preserve banks also being stabilised at a much lower- But the most important insight into the White House’s strategic Teconomy continues to struggle. Greek membership.” than-expected cost of some 40 billion euros. thinking comes when Boehner says to the president, “I put $800bn It finished the year strongly after the 17 Greek Finance Minister Yannis Some analysts said it was important not (in tax revenue) on the table. What do I get for that?” Obama’s eurozone nations earlier this month nailed Stournaras said the decision “was a very to get too carried away, however. response is cold and telling. “You get nothing,” the president said. down a deal to supply long-delayed bailout important one that created a climate of The outlook for the next two years “looks “I get that for free.” funds to Greece to keep the country afloat, optimism. But we know that the road is less unsettled and will be concerned above That, right there, is the central fact of negotiations for the and the bloc intact. still long and hard, the hour is not one for all with implementing the new supervisory Democrats and the central problem for the Republicans. At the Athens in turn delivered on its part of the easing up.” regime and winding up mechanism for the end of this year, more than $5 trillion in scheduled tax increases bargain — more stinging austerity, economic Analysts also highlighted agreement banks,” CM-CIC Securities analysts said begin. But the White House doesn’t believe that’s real revenue. reforms and a tight budget — all with the on the eurozone’s Single Supervisory in a note. Democrats in Congress won’t permit that kind of a tax increase aim of cutting its massive debt burden to Mechanism (SSM) to regulate its banks, a For Barclays, talks on closer integration on ordinary Americans. The White House won’t permit that kind a more sustainable 124 percent of GDP by first step in ring-fencing lenders who get in the eurozone could prove heated and even of a tax increase on ordinary Americans. 2020. into trouble and threaten financial disaster. chaotic, with the emergence of deep dif- But they’re certain they can hold on to almost $800bn of it. The Then progress towards tighter economic Perhaps the key breakthrough, giving ferences running the risk of stoking fresh Senate already passed a bill letting the Bush tax cuts lapse for and fiscal coordination in the eurozone, purpose and backing to the other reforms, tensions on the markets. income over $250,000. That bill is very, very popular. The White and a key first step towards a shared bank was A commitment by European Central Above all, the uncertainties for the com- House expects that if we go over the cliff, the House will have to supervision regime, rounded out the gains, Bank head Mario Draghi over the summer ing year are political, with elections due in pass that bill, too, and the president would have little choice but leaving the Europe in much better shape months to do anything necessary to save Italy and then Germany, while the situa- to sign it. That bill raises taxes by a bit more than $700bn, which than seemed likely at the beginning of the the euro. tion in “Greece is still on a knife-edge,” said is less than the $1.6 trillion the White House wants. But that year. In September, Draghi said the ECB would Emmanouilidis at the EPC. $700bn, to the White House, is the baseline: If they get nothing “Many observers felt it was all over for buy up the sovereign debt of any eurozone The economic outlook is also clouded, else, they will certainly get that. Greece (and its) ... remaining in the euro- member state without limit, if that is what with the eurozone in recession and expected And that’s why Boehner’s offer of $800bn doesn’t impress. The zone. As year-end approaches, we know it took to keep the financial markets in to slow further while unemployment runs White House already has $700bn in the bank, as it sees things. that these Casandras were wrong,” EU check. at a record 11.7 percent, rising to unprec- The reason to negotiate with Boehner is that an agreement with Economics Commissioner Olli Rehn said. This pledge of ‘Outright Monetary edented levels around 25 percent in Spain him could, in theory, push that number well above $1 trillion while For many months, all analysts could talk Transactions’ meant markets’ could no and Greece. Against that background, stabilising the debt and avoiding the economic pain of falling off about was Greece’s likely exit from the euro- longer enjoy a one-way bet against a mem- German Chancellor Merkel’s guarded words the fiscal cliff. But there’s no reason to cut a deal with Boehner zone and what it would mean for the bloc’s ber state as the ECB could step in on its side. on the outlook seem appropriate. in which the White House gives up spending cuts in order to get future. The immediate result was a sharp easing “We have already achieved a lot but I think a tax increase it can have anyway. Now, “the likelihood of a member state in borrowing costs, especially for Spain and we still have a very difficult time ahead,” The talk in Washington now is about a “small deal.” That leaving the eurozone is gone,” said Janis Italy which had been tipped to follow Greece, Merkel said after the last EU leaders sum- would be likely to include the Senate tax bill, some policy Emmanouilidis of the European Policy Ireland and Portugal in needing a bailout. mit of the year earlier this month. to turn off at least the defence side of the sequester, and a Centre (EPC) think-tank. That change, backed up a 100 billion euros AFP handful of other policies to blunt or delay various parts of the fiscal cliff. That’s not a very good deal for the short-term health of the economy. Depending on how much of the fiscal cliff gets delayed, we could tip into recession anyway. But it could lead, in the end, to much more revenue than a “big deal” now. Here’s how it would go. Some time in the next month or so, the small deal would pass and the White House would pocket that $700bn-plus in tax revenue. It really would get that free, just as the president told Boehner. But pressure would quickly mount to strike a larger deal, because there would be another fiscal cliff coming and because the debt ceiling would need to be raised. (The White House swears it won’t negotiate over the debt ceiling, but it’s not exactly clear what that will mean in practice.) The White House would insist that the next deal includes a 1-to-1 ratio of tax increases — all of which could come through Republican-friendly tax reform — to spending cuts. So a subsequent deal that included $600bn or $700bn in spending cuts would also include $600bn or $700bn in tax increases, leading to total new revenue in the range of $1.2 trillion to $1.4 trillion. There is precedent for this. After the 2010 midterm elections, Republicans forced the passage of the Budget Control Act, which included more than $1 trillion in spending cuts and no offsetting tax increases. They’ve subsequently refused to count those cuts toward any future deals. If the president, after winning the 2012 election, pocketed $700 billion in tax increases and insisted that revenue was unrelated to the next negotiation, he’d simply be following Boehner’s lead. All of which is to say that if Boehner had taken the White House’s deal in 2011, he could’ve stopped the tax increase at $800 billion. If he took its most recent deal, he could stop it at $1.2 trillion. But if he insists on adding another round to the negotiations — one likely to come after the White House pockets $700bn in tax increases — then any deal in which he gets the entitlement cuts he wants is going to mean a deal in which he accepts even more tax increases than the White House is currently demanding. Today, Boehner wishes he’d taken the deal the president offered him in 2011. A year from now, he might wish he’d taken the deal the president offered him in 2012. WP-BLOOMBERG Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate Gold loans hide shadow-banking risk in India BY KARTIKAY five years to $670bn, according “This challenge is at the root of National Institute of Public Finance and discourage inflation, non- Gold holdings by individuals MEHROTRA AND ANTO to a November report by the India’s struggle to administer and Policy in New Delhi who was bank companies, which need only and corporations total about $950 ANTONY Financial Stability Board. That policy that will trigger the kind appointed by the government last a license to lend money, aren’t billion, a number that includes makes India the world’s second- of growth the world is expecting year to lead a panel to study the subject to central bank limits on savings outside of the bank- HEN Rashmi fastest-growing market, after out of India.” black-market economy. “India’s how much they can charge. ing system as well as gold held Deshmukh Indonesia, for lending outside The largely unregulated shadows are dark and deep. There’s The Reserve Bank has been in bank deposits, according to needed money the banking system, or shadow shadow-banking system also just no way to know how much our tightening regulation of non-bank Bhargav Vaidya, director of B N for her hand- banking. It also poses risks for creates risks for Indians putting informal lending is worth.” lending to “reduce the risk in the Vaidya & Associates, a Mumbai- knit clothing a country where 65 percent of money into alternative invest- If the government knew system,” Deputy Governor Anand based gold-traders advisory firm. Wbusiness in Mumbai, she couldn’t the population and 92 percent of ments. More than 6,000 people where all loans went, it could Sinha said in an interview while The metal is popular as a hedge wait for bank approval. Instead, small businesses don’t have access in the southern state of Tamil more effectively target meas- visiting Kolkata on December against inflation and because it she put up her wedding jewellery to banks, World Bank and govern- Nadu filed complaints in the past ures to direct the economy, 6. “Shadow banking is seen as a can be converted readily to cash as collateral at a loan-for-gold ment data show. five months after investing in emu said Shinjini Kumar, a director dirty word,” he said. “What we or used as collateral for loans. company to get cash on the spot. With non-bank companies farms that failed to pay promised at PricewaterhouseCoopers in are trying is to keep an eye on The central bank also reduced Muthoot Fincorp Ltd, which accounting for almost 40 per- returns. Sahara group, which Mumbai. that segment and whenever nec- the limit on loans for gold to advertises three-minute gold cent of India’s financial system, owns New York’s Plaza Hotel, “When liquidity goes and essary take necessary action.” 60 percent of the value of the loans and has 3,125 branches policy makers are struggling to was ordered by India’s Supreme gets trapped and doesn’t create The central bank on December metal and increased the regu- across India, charged 24 percent tame inflation and reverse slow- Court in August to refund 22 economic activity, that’s where 12 published draft guidelines latory power of the Securities annual interest. While a bank ing growth, said Ashima Goyal, million investors $3bn obtained there’s great concern for stunting aimed at tightening the rules for and Exchange Board of India to gets half that rate, it would have a Mumbai-based economics pro- through improper bond sales in economic growth,” Kumar said. non-banking firms. The propos- require greater disclosure by non- loaned her less and required fessor and member of the central the country’s largest case involv- Expansion of India’s $1.85 tril- als call for Reserve Bank approval bank financial companies. paperwork, she said. bank’s technical advisory com- ing a non-bank financial firm. lion economy slowed to 5.3 per- of ownership transfers, increased “The current policies are not “It’s faster, it’s easier, it isn’t mittee. While the Reserve Bank The official figure for India’s cent in September, from 11.2 scrutiny of directors and greater enough,” Brinda Jagirdar, Mumbai- cheaper, but I get more for my of India raised interest rates shadow-banking industry counts percent in March 2010, when disclosure in financial statements. based chief economist for the State gold from Muthoot than the 13 times from mid-March 2010 only what non-bank financial it was the highest in at least a In November, the government Bank of India, the nation’s largest bank,” said Deshmukh, 37, who through April of this year, infla- companies register with the cen- decade, according to the govern- banned banks from granting lender by assets, said in an inter- borrowed Rs250,000 ($4,576) in tion has remained above 8 percent tral bank. The true size is much ment statistics office. November’s loans for the purpose of buying view before the Dec. 12 guidelines October because she had more for 21 of 26 months, according to larger, including private lending wholesale price index was 7.24 gold. The move was designed to were announced. “Consider shadow orders than yarn ahead of this data compiled by Bloomberg. and money channelled into more percent, the highest inflation rate prevent cash from exiting the banking as the weakest point year’s holiday season. Having so much money outside than 10,000 collective investment among so-called BRIC nations — banking system and no longer of the Indian financial system, Assets at non-bank lenders government control “stands in funds known as chits. Brazil, Russia, India and China. contributing to financial activity, then strengthen it with tighter such as Muthoot have increased the way of smooth transmission “It’s impossible to calculate,” said While raising interest rates such as lending, that fosters eco- regulation.” 20 percent annually for the past of monetary policy,” Goyal said. Kavita Rao, an economist at the should increase the cost of money nomic growth. WP-BLOOMBERG TUESDAY 25 DECEMBER 2012 MARKET www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

QE Indices Summary QE Index 8,390.32 32.57 WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Total Return Index 11,355.13 44.08 QE All Share Index 2,018.28 7.10 RATE INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial Services 1,964.33 11.65 GOLD Buying Selling QE All Share Industrials 2,624.95 0.17 All Ordinaries 4645.608 10.389 0.22 4669 4033.4 QR195.0520 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 QE All Share Transportation 1,349.48 7.93 Cac 40 Index/D 3652.17 -9.23 -0.25 3674.57 2922.26 QE All Share Real Estate 1,604.89 11.68 SILVER UK ...... QR 5.8521 QR 5.9344 QE All Share Insurance 1,912.13 12.73 DJ Indu Average 0 0 0 13661.87 12035.09 QR 3.5373 Euro ...... QR 4.7867 QR 4.8543 QE All Share Telecoms 1,058.94 0.23 CA$ ...... QR 3.6325 QR 3.7041 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 4,656.62 26.87 Egypt Cma Gn Idx 1026.29 32.57 3.28 999.95 312.38 Services Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.9628 QR 4.0193 Hang Seng Inde/D 22541.18 34.89 0.16 22683.72 18056.4 Yen ...... QR 0.0427 QR 0.0435 QE Market Summary Comparison Aus$ ...... QR 3.7515 QR 3.8257 Iseq Overall/D 3369.01 -19.38 -0.57 3407.74 2882.71 CRUDE OIL Today Previous day Ind Re ...... QR 0.0657 QR 0.0670 24-12-2012 23-12-2012 Karachi 100 In/D 16891.94 26.6 0.16 16967.82 10771.13 Index 8,390.32 8,422.89 BRENT Pak Re ...... QR 0.0370 QR 0.0378 Change 32.57 19.62 Nikkei 225 Index 9940.06 -99.27 -0.99 10255.15 8238.96 Peso ...... QR 0.0877 QR 0.0895 % 0.39 0.23 $ 108.80 SL Re ...... QR 0.0284 QR 0.0290 YTD% 4.43 4.06 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 1474.51 1248.64 DUBAI Taka ...... QR 0.0446 QR 0.0460 Volume 3,347,326 3,477,133 Straits Times/D 3168.57 5.01 0.16 3180.5 2657.77 Nep Re ...... QR 0.0411 QR 0.0419 Value (QAR) 1118,202,378.47 123,622,150.86 $ 104.62 Trades 2,145 2,370 SA Rand ...... QR 0.4198 QR 0.4302 Straits Times/D 2989.31 24.69 0.83 3035.78 2657.77 Up 12 | Down 23 | Unchanged 05

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 24-12-2012

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A List of Shares from the world

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

A B G Infra-B/D 113.55 -5.4 1349 Cipla-A/D 418.2 -0.7 146314 Hind Motors-B/D 9.81 0.12 126009 Kopran-B/D 21.55 -0.45 17365 Radico Khait-B/D 144.85 -0.6 10394 Kingfisher/D 283.6 0.9 684303 A C C-A/D 1410.8 14.6 14489 Cmc Ltd-B/D 1190.05 6 9610 Hind Org Chem-/D 18.85 -0.05 8614 Lakshmi Elec-B/D 206.4 0.3 546 Rallis India-B/D 149.65 0.75 14471 Land Secs Grou/D 820.175 3 179919 Aarti Drugs-T/D 206.8 5.45 5461 Colgate-A/D 1489.2 6.3 7559 Hind.Petrol-A/D 280.35 2.35 119849 Lakshmi Mach-B/D 2213.45 -4.15 859 Reliance Indus/D 438.5 0.65 76187 Legal & Genera/D 147.8 1 2231922 Aban Offs-B/D 377.2 -1.65 43397 Container Cor-/D 921.85 -10.5 1222 Hindalco-A/D 128.9 -0.25 537048 Laxmi Prcisn-B/D 37.85 -0.6 1320 Ruchi Soya-B/D 63.85 0.05 7472 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 48.25 -0.075 28454238 Ador Welding-B/D 132.95 -3.15 1576 Dai-Bichi Kar-/D 45.5 0.7 3971 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 826.4 -1.95 83250 Lgb Broth-B/D 247.2 -0.8 1274 S Bk Bikaner-B/D 432.85 -1.2 7928 Marks & Sp./D 391.7025 -0.5 710441 Aegis Logis-B/D 179.3 0.8 25979 Dcm Financia-B/D 1.55 -0.05 3251 I F C I-A/D 33.85 -0.1 1522681 Lloyd Metal-B/D 15.3 -0.7 1515 Salora Inter-B/D 18.75 -0.6 1150 Next/D 3737 17 25745 Ahmed.Forg-B/D 136.75 3.4 3530 Dcm Shram Ind-/D 45.3 -0.95 1392 Idbi-A/D 108.5 0.2 176744 Lloyd Steel-B/D 11.73 0.25 60567 Saur.Cem-B/D 27.95 -0.95 1815 Pearson/D 1211 16 257147 Alembic-B/D 16.45 0 8400 Dhampur Sugar-/D 53.75 0.45 8681 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 106.2 -1.45 2350 Lloydsfin.-B/D 0.68 -0.02 5316 Tanfac Indust-/D 16.4 0.4 1070 Prudential/D 872 0 581757 Alok Indus-B/D 11.25 0.32 1431812 Dr. Reddy-A/D 1819.6 -0.6 8463 India Cement-B/D 86.4 0.45 71996 Lok.Hous&Con-B/D 14.91 0.34 67091 Thirumalai-B/D 115.7 0.2 11088 Rank Group/D 145 1 7719 Andhra Paper-B/D 283.9 -4.95 8542 E I H-B/D 69.7 -0.05 10806 India Glycol-B/D 172.85 -1.55 9525 Lupin-A/D 606.2 6.9 21640 Timexgroup-B/D 17.85 -0.05 14883 Apollo Tyre-A/D 86.65 -0.35 188258 E.I.D Parry-B/D 209.9 -1.65 3163 Indian Hotel-A/D 63.65 0.3 74408 Lyka Labs-B/D 10.89 0.25 1155 Tinplate-B/D 52.5 -0.15 9316 Rentokil Initi/D 96 0.15 105735 Asahi I Glass-/D 54.8 0.3 2226 Electrosteel-B/D 25.65 0.4 369504 Indo-Tcount-T/D 13.5 -0.3 1800 Mafatlal Ind-T/D 130 -2.05 2206 Ub Engineer-B/D 38.1 0.4 4377 Rolls Royce Pl/D 886 4 482739 Ashok Leyland-/D 26.55 -0.5 302944 Emco-B/D 28.6 -0.1 31971 Indusind-A/D 425.45 -1.4 35394 Mangalam Cem-B/D 178.55 2.4 59782 Ucal Fuel-B/D 68.75 -0.3 5685 Rsa Insrance G/D 127.648 0.2 1685345 Bajaj Hold-A/D 972.2 -22.55 4357 Escorts Fin-B/D 4.25 -0.03 3362 J.B.Chemical-B/D 93.05 4.05 190033 Maral Overs-B/D 14.6 -0.25 6807 Ultramarine-B/D 51.6 0.9 10031 Sainsbury(J)/D 350.4 -1.1 897560 Ballarpur In-B/D 22.4 0.15 39332 Escorts-B/D 71.9 2.7 1022564 Jagson Phar-B/D 13.55 0.1 3803 Mastek-B/D 137.15 -0.45 2228 Unitech P -A/D 32.85 0.2 2232078 Schroders/D 1702.886 -3 21338 Banaras Bead-T/D 31.5 -0.7 1800 Essar Oil-A/D 68.85 -0.2 156869 Jamnaauto-B/D 106.05 -2.25 1439 Max India L-A/D 239.5 0.25 9226 Univcable-B/D 43.25 -0.7 1221 Severn Trent/D 1606.4466 -2 71093 Bannari Aman-B/D 925.1 -1.2 1276 Eveready Indu-/D 22.05 -0.2 32653 Jbf Indu-B/D 125.95 0.15 17704 Mrpl-A/D 61.15 0.1 29420 Uppergsugar-B/D 46.2 -3.6 1560 Smith&Nephew/D 686.5 3.5 128257 Bata India-A/D 861.5 -12.4 19346 F D C-B/D 97.8 9.5 2525445 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.62 0.01 60119 Nahar Spg.-B/D 67.2 0.05 10868 Smiths Group/D 1193 10 103902 Beml Ltd-B/D 279.9 0.35 14852 Federal Bank-A/D 520.55 3 26415 Jct Ltd-B/D 1.4 -0.04 79515 Nath Seeds-B/D 7.48 0.23 1612 LONDON Standrd Chart /D 1574.5 -5 599058 Bharat Bijle-B/D 539.7 -13.1 1073 Ferro Alloys-B/D 6.85 -0.08 25274 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 3.58 0.04 3594 Nation Alum -A/D 50.3 0.6 184213 Tate & Lyle/D 773 -2 66454 Bharatgears-B/D 48.8 -2.95 27979 Finolex-B/D 62.85 -0.5 32039 Jik Indust-B/D 2.83 -0.31 110130 Navneet Pub.-B/D 68.45 4.05 582966 3i Group/D 220.456 1 185086 Tesco/D 338.475 -1.5 5547153 Bhartiya Int-T/D 175 -1.7 840 Forbes-B/D 669.25 -8.65 1230 Jktyre&Ind-B/D 120.05 -1.1 39003 Nepc India-B/D 2.58 0.08 21449 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NFL Results Green Bay 55 Tennessee 7 Carolina 17 Oakland 6 All smiles for James in 2012 Miami 24 Buffalo 10 Cincinnati 13 Pittsburgh 10 New England 23 Jacksonville 16 Heat’s star ends long wait for championship title, wins gold in London Indianapolis 20 Kansas City 13 New Orleans 34 Dallas 31 NEW YORK: LeBron James Washington 27 Philadelphia 20 finally captured an elusive New York Knicks’ St Louis 28 Tampa Bay 13 National Basketball Association point guard Jeremy Minnesota 23 Houston 6 title to cap a year where he Lin runs with the ball San Diego 27 NY Jets 17 silenced his critics and shared during their NBA Denver 34 Cleveland 12 the spotlight with some unlikely game against the Chicago 28 Arizona 13 players. New Jersey Nets “Linsanity” became one of the Baltimore 33 NY Giants 14 at Madison Square new buzzwords in the NBA while Seattle 42 San Francisco 13 a collegiate player took a sledge- Garden in New York hammer to the record books and in this 2012 file the Los Angeles Lakers made a photo. RIGHT:Miami Seahawks blockbuster trade that rekin- Heat’s LeBron dled memories of the team’s James sits with the “Showtime” era. Larry O’Brien trophy thrash 49ers, James, long considered the (left) and the Bill NBA’s heir apparent to Hall of Russell NBA Finals take title Famer Michael Jordan, finally MVP trophy during delivered a performance worthy a press conference of that status with a champion- after his team won race to wire ship in his ninth season, followed the title by defeating by a gold medal with the United the Oklahoma City SEATTLE: The Seattle States at the London Olympics. Thunder in this 2012 Seahawks ensured the NFC A dominant force on the court, file photo. West title race will go down to James had already earned the the final week with a play-off- NBA’s scoring title, Most Valuable clinching 42-13 home rout of the Player honours and All-Star nods, San Francisco 49ers yesterday. but it took an elusive title, MVP Taiwanese-American Jeremy Lin, naming him as one of the world’s collected their fifth consecutive The massive trade immedi- The Seahawks dominated the honours for the regular season who went from an unknown to an 100 most influential people. He Olympic gold, solidifying the ately bolstered the Lakers cham- 49ers from the start in rainy and NBA Finals to prove his overnight sensation after being was the only basketball player country’s dominance in a sport pionship credentials, a welcome Seattle to remain unbeaten at detractors wrong. thrust into the New York Knicks’ on a list that included President that has become much more com- development for a franchise that home and move within half a The self proclaimed ‘King starting line-up in February. Barack Obama and billionaire petitive since active NBA players has suffered two straight early game of division leaders San James’ became a player many Lin burst onto the public con- investor Warren Buffet. first participated in the Olympics play-off exits since winning a 16th Francisco. NBA fans love to hate after going sciousness after a masterful series At the London Games, a star- in 1992. NBA title in 2010. The 49ers entered the game on national television in 2010 to of dynamic displays, scoring at studded American team led by The Lakers were the big- But despite the formidable with a chance to clinch the divi- announce his much-publicised least 20 points in nine of 10 games James were one of the hottest gest story during the NBA’s Lakers line-up, the team stum- sion but found themselves on the move to Miami, but there is no during a season-high seven-game favorites but were tested by an offseason after landing Dwight bled out of the gate and their head wrong end of a beating by surging denying his status as one of the win streak for the Knicks that inspired Spain team before pre- Howard in a 12-player trade coach was fired after a 1-4 start to Seattle (10-5), who have won four game’s greatest players. sparked the “Linsanity” craze vailing 107-100 in the gold-medal that rekindled memories of the the 2012-13 NBA as players were straight games including the last “It was the hardest thing I’ve around the globe. game to retain their Olympic title. team’s “Showtime” era from unable to grasp his new offensive three by a combined 120 points. ever done as a basketball player,” Crowds at New York’s Madison The victory capped a remark- 1979-1989 with Hall of Famers system. San Francisco (10-4-1) can still James said after winning the NBA Square Garden held an array of able run for James, who was Magic Johnson and Kareem Some of the year’s top stories claim the crown with a home win title in June, beating Oklahoma pun signs declaring “To Lin- named Sports Illustrated’s Abdul-Jabbar. even came from outside the pro- over Arizona while Seattle need to City in the finals. finity and Beyond,” “The Sky’s Sportsman of the Year, an award Howard, a three-time defensive fessional ranks as Jack Taylor, beat St Louis and hope for a 49ers “You just put a lot of hard work the LINit” and “LINCREDIBLE,” whose previous winners include player of the year, joined a Lakers a sophomore guard at Iowa’s loss to leapfrog their rivals. into it and you hope that one day while a mid-February game in boxer Muhammad Ali, golfer Jack team that was already bursting Grinnell College, shattered the “When we wake up tomor- it will pay off for you,” he said to Toronto had one spectator hold- Nicklaus and swimmer Michael with talent in the form of Kobe National Collegiate Athletic row we’re still a half-game up on reporters. ing a “By my VaLINtine” sign. Phelps. Bryant and Spain’s Pau Gasol and Association (NCAA) scoring the division,” shellshocked 49ers Basketball’s marquee Lin’s incredible run was undone It also put the finishing touches still revelling in the acquisition of record with a 138-point perform- coach Jim Harbaugh told report- names were forced to share by a late-season injury but that on an American sweep of bas- two-time league MVP Steve Nash ance in a Division III game. ers. “I know what to expect in the limelight with undrafted did not stop Time Magazine from ketball gold as the US women a month earlier. REUTERS terms of how our team will handle (the loss).” Marshawn Lynch triggered the rout with two touchdowns in the first quarter before Richard Sherman returned a blocked field goal attempt 90 yards to give Seattle a 21-0 lead at the start of the second. Rookie quarterback Russell Wilson had touchdown passes in all four quarters, finishing the game with four, to emphatically outplay San Francisco’s signal caller Colin Kaepernick. Wilson is one touchdown pass short of tying Peyton Manning’s NFL rookie record of 26. “My goal is just to continue to grow. I’m on that constant quest for knowledge and our team is too,” Wilson said. “We’ve had a great year so far, we have to keep moving forward we have a lot to look forward to.” Kaepernick often appeared LeBron James and Kobe Bryant (right) of the 2012 USA Basketball Men’s National Team attend a press conference at the Main Press Centre in London, in this 2012 file photo. RIGHT: US flustered because of the deafen- players pose on the podium after winning the London 2012 Olympic Games Men’s Basketball competition at the North Greenwich Arena in London in this file photo. ing crowd noise and struggled to break down a stout Seahawks defense which is dealing with injuries to their defensive backs but was still too strong for the 49ers. Anthony leads Knicks past Timberwolves “We have amazing depth,” Sherman said. “We have great NEW YORK: Carmelo New York coach Mike Woodson. players that are going to be start- Anthony took over in the “When he got that fifth foul ers in this league. They stepped last two minutes to carry the called, it’s like a light went off Minnesota up and were big for us tonight.” New York Knicks to a 94-91 and he made the plays big-time.” Timberwolves’ Seattle may have to rely on victory over the Minnesota JR Smith scored 19 off the head coach their depth more than ever as Timberwolves yesterday. bench for New York (20-7) while Rick Adelman Sherman is currently appealing Anthony, who was ejected dur- Tyson Chandler had 16 and nine a four-game suspension for vio- and guard Ricky ing Friday’s loss to the Chicago rebounds as the Knicks main- lating the league’s performance Rubio (9) argue Bulls, finished with 33 points, tained their 5 1/2 game lead in enhancing drug policy. scoring 19 in the fourth quarter, the Atlantic Division. with referee It was no only San Francisco’s as the Knicks came from behind Nikola Pekovic recorded 21 Marat Kogut pride that took a beating on to secure the home win. points and 17 rebounds to lead the (centre) after he Sunday. Tight end Vernon Davis “We didn’t want to look back at Timberwolves (13-12), who were called him for a (concussion) and receiver Mario this game later in the season and missing All Star Kevin Love due foul against the Manningham (knee) were both say this was a game we shouldn’t to an eye ailment. New York Knicks knocked out of the game. have lost,” Anthony told report- Minnesota went up by nine at in the fourth Seattle’s Lynch finished with ers. “We picked it up defensively half-time and led by 11 midway quarter of their 111 yards on the ground as the in the second half and we won the through the third before New NBA basketball Seahawks gave the 49ers a taste of game.” York made their move. game at their own medicine with a bruis- New York trailed for virtually Chandler scored 10 in the third Madison Square ing ground game. the entire game before Anthony quarter as the Knicks cut the Garden in New Wilson threw a six-yard scor- went on an 8-0 run in the final deficit to two heading into the York, yesterday. ing pass to Anthony McCoy in the two minutes to put the Knicks up fourth. second quarter, and touchdowns by four. New York are still without for- of four and six yards to Doug Anthony scored the Knicks’ ward Amar’e Stoudemire, who has Baldwin in the third and fourth last 12 points to seal the win. been out the entire season with to put Seattle out of sight. “That was kind of an MVP per- a knee injury but has recently Frenchman Tony Parker added and six rebounds in just over 20 the period, and stretched their The stunned 49ers could only formance at the end. He stepped started practicing with the team. 18 points and Tim Duncan con- minutes on the court. lead as large as 46 points in the manage two field goals in the first up and made the plays,” said Despite his absence, the Knicks tributed 15 points, five rebounds, Darren Collison had 15 points final minutes of the NBA match half and a touchdown reception are off to a strong start and have four assists and two blocks for the and Vince Carter 13 to lead the yesterday. Delanie Walker in the final min- a 5 1/2-game lead in the Atlantic Spurs, who hit 20-of-30 3-point Mavericks, who lost their third Meanwhile, Utah Jazz starting utes with the game out of reach. NBA Results Division. attempts, powered by Green’s game in a row, sliding to 12-16. point guard Mo Williams has been Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Brooklyn 95 Philadelphia 92 Meanwhile, Danny Green 7-of-8 showing from beyond the San Antonio improved to 21-8, sidelined indefinitely because of Bengals edged the Pittsburgh NY Knicks 94 Minnesota 91 scored a career-high 25 points arc. one game ahead of Memphis atop an injured right thumb, the NBA Steelers to reach the NFL play- Utah 97 Orlando 93 and sparked a San Antonio Nowitzki missed the first the Southwest division. club announced yesterday. offs, and the Indianapolis Colts San Antonio 129 Dallas 91 3-point barrage to lead the Spurs 27 games of the season for the Kawhi Leonard added 17 points Williams, whose thumb under- joined the postseason party by over Dallas 129-91 spoiling the Mavericks because of a knee and five steals for the Spurs, who went an MRI exam, suffered the capping their remarkable turna- LA Clippers 103 Phoenix 77 NBA return of German star Dirk injury but came off the bench yes- hit 7-of-9 3-pointers in the third injury in a loss and will be further round in pressure-packed action Sacramento 108 Portland 96 Nowitzki. terday to contribute eight points period, outscoring Dallas 36-14 in evaluated today. AGENCIES yesterday. AGENCIES TUESDAY 25 DECEMBER 2012 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25 Key sporting moments of 2012 LONDON: Here are the key moments from the world of sports in 2012. January 28 - Victoria Azarenka UUsain Bolt becomes the first Belarusian to oof Jamaica win a Grand Slam singles title in does his tennis by claiming the Australian famous Open. arrow January 29 - Novak Djokovic jubilation won his third Australian Open, stance as beating Rafa Nadal 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, heh won the 6-7, 7-5 in a five hour 53 minute goldg medal slugfest, the longest tennis Grand in the men’s Slam final played. 100m1 race February 5 - The New York ata Olympic Giants win the greatest prize in Stadium, Victoria North American sports for the Azarenka second time in four years with London,L in thist August of Belarus a nail-biting 21-17 Super Bowl poses with victory over the New England 2012 file her tro- Patriots in Indianapolis. photo. phy after March 17 - Wales beat France 16-9 in Cardiff to complete the defeat- Grand Slam and win rugby’s Six ing Maria Nations title for the third time in Sharapova eight seasons. Downs before a record crowd of band of drivers to win America’s Djokovic to win the French Open of Russia in April 8 - American golfer Bubba more than 165,000. most famous race at least three at Roland Garros for a record their wom- Watson beats South Africa’s May 19 - London soccer club times. seventh time. en’s singles Louis Oosthuizen on the second Chelsea beat German team June 9 - Russia’s Maria June 11 - The Los Angeles Kings final match extra hole to win the Masters at Bayern Munich on penalties to Sharapova wins the French Open win the Stanley Cup for the at the Augusta National. win the European Champions tennis championship to become first time in the team’s 45-year Australian May 5 - I’ll Have Another, rid- League for the first time. just the 10th woman to complete history by defeating the New Open in den by Mexican jockey Mario May 27 - Scotland’s Dario her collection of Grand Slam Jersey Devils 4-2 in the best-of- Melbourne Gutierrez, wins the 138th Franchitti wins the 96th trophies. seven National Hockey League in this Kentucky Derby at Churchill Indianapolis 500 and joins an elite June 11 - Rafa Nadal beats Novak championship. January June 17 - American golfer Webb 2012 file Simpson clinches his first major photo. title with a nerve-jangling one- shot victory at the US Open in San Francisco. June 21 - LeBron James captured his first NBA title by leading the Miami Heat to a 4-1 series win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. July 1 - Spain thrashes Italy 4-0 in the final of Euro 2012 in Ukraine, the biggest victory margin in any World Cup or European championship decider. July 7 - Serena Williams wins Wimbledon for the fifth time, her first Grand Slam success since she survived a life-threatening blood clot on her lungs. July 8 - Switzerland’s Roger Federer beats Andy Murray to win a record-equalling seventh Wimbledon title. July 22 - South African golfer Ernie Els wins the British Open at age 42 after Australia’s Adam Yamaha Scott bogeys the final four holes. July 22 - Bradley Wiggins rider Jorge US swimmer Michael Phelps (centre) poses with team-mates during a press conference of his sponsor, at becomes the first British cyclist Lorenzo the Olympic Park, two days ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games in this July 2012 file photo. to win the Tour de France. of Spain July 27 - The London Olympics waves to the begin with a spectacular opening crowd after where seven teenagers light the securing the New York cauldron. 2012 World Giants’ wide August 4 - American swimmer ChampionshipC receiver Devin Michael Phelps ends his incred- with his sec- Thomas (cen- ible Olympic career on the per- ond place in tre) holds fect note, winning his fourth gold the MotoGP the Vince medal in London and his 18th class at the Lombardi overall, twice as many as any Australian Trophy and other athlete in any sport. Grand Prix celebrates August 5 - Usain Bolt retains at Phillip his Olympic 100 metres title at with team- Island in this London. The Jamaican sprinter mates Osi OOctober 2012 also wins gold medals in the 200 Umenyiora file photo. (left) and and 4x100 relay to replicate his Mathias treble from the 2008 Beijing Kiwanuka after Games. August 13 - London bids fare- the Giants well to the Olympic Games with defeated the the traditional closing ceremony, New England bringing the curtain down on Patriots in more than two weeks of action the NFL where the United States topped to contest charges he used per- per- number one Novak Nova Djokovic in Super Bowl the medals table with 46 gold. formance enhancing drugs. the US Open final. XLVI game in August 13 - Northern Ireland’s September 9 - Tennis star September 29 - The New Indianapolis, Rory McIlroy wins the PGA Serena survives a torrid battle Zealand All Blacks sealed the Indiana, in this Championship at Kiawah Island with Victoria Azarenka to win southern hemisphere’s inaugural February 2012 by a record eight shots. the US Open at age 30, 13 years rugby championship with a 54-15 file photo. August 24 - The United States after she won the first of her four win over Argentina in La Plata. Anti-Doping Agency announced titles at Flushing Meadows. September 30 - Europe produced that American cyclist Lance September 10 - Andy Murray one of the greatest last-day come- Armstrong is banned for life and becomes the first British man backs seen on a golf course to stripped of his seven Tour de in 76 years to win a Grand Slam beat the United States to retain France title wins after refusing singles title by beating world the Ryder Cup. October 7 - West Indies won the German Twenty20 World Cup when they Formula One beat hosts Sri Lanka by 36 runs ddriver Sebastian in the final. Vettel (left) of October 20 - British racehorse RRed Bull Racing Frankel is retired after winning ccelebrates with the Champions Stakes at Ascot, his compa- finishing his flawless career with triot Michael 14 wins from 14 starts. SSchumacher of October 28 - Spain’s Jorge MMercedes AMG Lorenzo sealed his second aafter winning his MotoGP title by cruising to third consecu- second place in the Australian tive Formula Grand Prix. October 28 - The San Francisco One World Giants completed a 4-0 sweep of Championship the Detroit Tigers to win Major title after the League Baseball’s World Series Grand Prix of for the second time in three Brazil in Sao years. PPaulo, Brazil, in November 25 - Germany’s tthis November Sebastian Vettel, the Red Bull 22012 file photo. driver, finished sixth in the Chelsea’s goalkeeper Petr Cech (left) and Didier Drogba celebrate with season-ending Brazilian Grand the trophy after the team won the UEFA Champions League final against Prix to become the youngest tri- Bayern Munich in Munich, Germany, in this May 2012 file photo. Chelsea ple champion in Formula One won 4-3 on penalties. history. TUESDAY 25 DECEMBER 2012 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Ashley Williams (6) of Swansea kicks the ball into the back of Robin van Persie`s head in an act denounced by Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson during the Premier League match played between Swansea City and Manchester United played at Swansea’s Liberty Stadium, Swansea, South Wales, on Sunday. CENTRE: A close-up of Williams kicking the ball against Van Persie. RIGHT: Williams is pushed by Van Persie. Williams walks free after English FA take no action Van Persie could have been killed, says Alex Ferguson

LONDON: Swansea defender FA will not instigate disciplinary “I think more has been made you without even looking at the Ashley Williams will not face procedures against the 18-year- of it than what it actually was,” incident that he is not a nasty the Football Association charge old, who denied malicious intent. Rodgers said. footballer. after Manchester United boss After the match, Williams said: “When you slow it down and “He is a winner and fully com- Alex Ferguson slammed the “I tried to clear the ball it hit him look at it 20 times it does not look mitted, a leader and a captain. Wales star for kicking the ball on the head. I was trying to clear good for Ashley. When you sign a player you find Van Persie (20) reacts after clashing with Ashley Williams. BOTTOM: into Robin van Persie’s head. the ball. He was obviously a bit “But I know the player well and out about a player and I can guar- Van Persie (right) gestures after being booked by referee Michael Oliver. Williams earned a sting- angry about that. It was a much it is just that split-second when antee you he is not the type of ing rebuke from Ferguson after ado about nothing.” you can see he is trying to clear footballer who would do that on Sunday’s 1-1 draw at the Liberty Asked about Ferguson’s reac- the ball and unfortunately hits purpose.” Stadium following the second half tion, Williams told the Daily van Persie right on the back of QPR boss Harry Redknapp, clash with van Persie. Telegraph: “It’s his opinion, he’s his head. speaking ahead of his side’s The United forward was lying entitled to it. I understand why “Of course, it looks dangerous Boxing Day clash with West prone on the turf following a foul Van Persie was angry but I’ve but knowing Ashley he won’t have Bromwich Albion tomorrow , said when Williams kicked the ball kicked the ball away in frustra- meant it, knowing his character of the incident: “I don’t see how into the back of the Dutchman’s tion, I wasn’t trying to hit him in that won’t have been intentional.” he was going to be killed. head. the head. Wigan manager Roberto “He kicked the ball at him. I Ferguson called on the English “I tried to say sorry but he Martinez, who signed Williams have seen worse things on a foot- Football Association to ban the wasn’t having it. I haven’t spoken for Swansea in 2008, admitted ball pitch.” Swansea centre-back, who was to him since the game and I didn’t he could understand Ferguson’s However, Newcastle man- booked for the incident by referee shake hands afterwards, but only reaction but did not believe the ager Alan Pardew, whose side Michael Oliver. because I didn’t see him. As far player acted out of malicious face Manchester United at “He (van Persie) could have as I’m concerned, it’s no big deal. intent. Old Trafford on Boxing Day been killed. Williams should be “If I had tried to hit him on the “If you see one of your players tomorrow, said he understood banned for a long time, Ferguson head deliberately, I would have with a bang on the back of the Ferguson’s reaction but that the said. missed! It’s not like I’m going to head it is really dangerous and it Red Devils boss might not be so “It was absolutely deliberate. shoot and hit him square in the can have bad consequences. You angry with hindsight. The whistle has gone, the game head like that.” can understand that,” Martinez “If one of your players gets hurt has stopped and he has done that Meanwhile, Williams was said. or you think he was in danger, you right in front of the referee. It backed by Liverpool manager “I signed Ashley Williams for are going to protect him,” said was a disgraceful act.” Brendan Rodgers, who was his Swansea and I know his charac- Pardew, yesterday. But it is believed the English boss at Swansea. ter inside out. I can guarantee AFP/AGENCIES

Williams (left) is booked Lampard admits Wilshere urges by referee Oliver. The English FA announced uncertainty over Walcott to stay yesterday that Williams will not be punished Chelsea future at Arsenal following the incident. Ferguson said to the BBC that van Persie LONDON: Frank Lampard LONDON: Arsenal mid- was lucky to be alive. admits his Chelsea future fielder Jack Wilshere has urged “It was a disgraceful remains uncertain despite the England winger Theo Walcott to act from their player midfielder establishing himself follow his example by pledging today and he should be as the club’s leading top-flight his future to the Gunners. scorer in the 8-0 rout of Aston Wilshere, 20, was one of five banned by the English Villa. young British players to sign FA. Robin could have Lampard marked his 500th new deals with the Arsene had a broken neck,” Premier League start with his Wenger’s squad last week, said Ferguson. side’s fourth, his 130th Chelsea alongside Kieran Gibbs, Aaron goal in the Premier League, tak- Ramsey, Carl Jenkinson and Alex ing him past the previous mark Oxlade-Chamberlain. set by Bobby Tambling. But Walcott, whose contract However, the midfielder, 34, is expires at the end of the sea- out of contract at the end of this Olympique Marseille’s Andre Ayew (right) challenges Saint Etienne’s son, has reportedly been unable season and has so far not received Jeremy Clement during their French Ligue 1 match at the Velodrome to come to an agreement with the offer of a new deal from the Stadium in Marseille, late on Sunday. Arsenal over a new deal. Odemwingie Rodgers keen to club. Liverpool and Manchester City “I’m not concentrating that far are interested in the 23-year-old, furious over extend captain as I’m under contract and I love who is keen to secure higher playing here so I’m going to con- wages and more playing time in Nigeria snub Gerrard’s contract tinue game by game and just be Marseille win 1-0 to his preferred central striker role. pleased to be fit. I really enjoyed However, England midfielder this match and just want to keep Wilshere is hopefully that LONDON: Veteran striker LIVERPOOL: Liverpool man- enjoying my football. I believe I keep title hopes alive Walcott’s friendship with the Peter Odemwingie launched ager Brendan Rodgers has have a lot in me to go,” he said. club’s British players will per- a furious broadside at Nigeria expressed his desire to extend “The club’s position is its posi- suade him to stay. coach Stephen Keshi over his Steven Gerrard’s contract as tion, I don’t want to get too deep PARIS: Andre Ayew struck Ghana striker Ayew, who will play “Everybody at the club wants surprise omission from the soon as possible to ward off into that. I’m here to play football just before the break to give in the African Nations Cup with Theo to re-sign. I’m always wind- Africa Cup of Nations squad potential suitors for the inspi- and show people what I can do Olympique Marseille (OM) a 1-0 the Black Stars from January ing him up, saying ‘c’mon Theo, for the tournament which gets rational Reds captain. and I’ll continue to do that. home win against St Etienne 19 to February 10, headed home sign’,” Wilshere told the Daily under way in South Africa next The 32-year-old captain, who And he added: “The record late on Sunday and keep them from a Rod Fanni cross at the Mail. month. has 18 months left on his cur- means a lot. The starts are great, level on points with leaders Velodrome Stadium. “But that is something he has The 31-year-old West Brom rent deal, capped a dynamic per- I’ve been very fortunate to play Paris St Germain. Josuha Guilavogui was set up got to sort out. It is up to him and striker who has appeared at four formance with a clinical goal in for a great club and the managers As Ligue 1 goes into a three- by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang the club to reach an agreement Nations Cups - accused Keshi of Liverpool’s 4-0 home win over and team-mates I’ve had, I’m very week break, OM are third with but Steve Mandanda dived into and I hope they do. disrespect in not informing him Fulham at the weekend. proud of that. 38 points, behind pacesetters PSG the midfielder’s feet to deny St “Theo’s been great for us and personally of his decision not to Rodgers, who took over from “The goals record, I’m very and second-placed Olympique Etienne an early opportunity to he knows what he means to us include him. Kenny Dalglish, asserted that proud to beat such a great man as Lyon on goal difference. equalise two minutes into the sec- and the fans. Five of us British “Every manager has got his own Gerrard remained a pivotal part Bobby Tambling, who is an abso- St Etienne, who last beat OM ond half. boys have just signed so hopefully plans and tactics - if I don’t figure of his plans at Anfield. lute legend and a lovely bloke.” at the Velodrome in 1979, are 10th Fanni cleared Aubameyang’s he can be the sixth and cap it off,” in your plans, please be honest to “I don’t think there’s any ques- The Chelsea goals were with 27 points from 19 matches. strike off the goal line 15 minutes he added. tell me directly,” Odemwingie told tion (we want to extend his con- shared between seven players The game got off to a rather from time to keep his team ahead. “We’re all great friends, the BBC Sport. tract,” Rodgers told Liverpool’s with Fernando Torres, David dull start with neither team cre- Andre Ayew then came close British boys. We all go out “For 10 years I gave my all official website (www.liverpoolfc. Luiz, Branislav Ivanovic, Oscar, ating chances and Marseille look- to doubling the tally in the 85th together, have meals together to the country as a player on com). Ramires (2) and Eden Hazard ing cautious having lost their last minute after being set up by his and we all sit together when we’re the pitch, played for the nation “It’s vital. Steven has a real also on target while Lucas Piazon two home games. younger brother Jordan, only on the road,” the England and and fans, not individuals,” added hunger to succeed. He’s 32 years missed a penalty during the Marseille, however, went ahead for his low shot to be blocked by Arsenal midfielder added during Odemwingie, who last played for of age but he’s still got so much match at Stamford Bridge. AFP on the stroke of half-time when Stephane Ruffier. REUTERS the interview. AFP his country in February. AFP left,” he said. REUTERS TUESDAY 25 DECEMBER 2012 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27 Pakistan team pins hope on experienced bowlers India doesn’t have a fixed pace attack, says left-arm pacer Tanvir

BENGALURU: India lacks bite in the bowling depart- ment, a concern that could hurt the home team, Pakistan’s fast Paul Lawrie with the Qatar bowler Sohail Tanvir said ahead Masters trophy after winning the of today’s opening T20 clash event in January 2012. between the two sides. India are going with youngsters Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Parvinder Tickets and Awana and Shami Ahmed in the limited overs cricket series. hospitality The most experienced pacer in the squad – Ishant Sharma – hasn’t played an international packages now one-day match since June 2011. “India’s current fast bowl- on sale for ers are not much experienced. Although they have played in Qatar Masters the IPL, international cricket is different,” Tanvir said as the DOHA: Tickets for next teams trained at M Chinaswamy month’s Commercial Bank Stadium. Qatar Masters golf tournament “Right now, India doesn’t have are now on sale, the organisers a fixed pace attack. They’re still yesterday announced. trying to form a right attack by In this December 15, 2012, file photo, new batting consultant Inzamam-ul-Haq guides Pakistan team members (from left) Umar Akmal, Mohammed Played for the first time from picking and choosing from the Hafeez and Kamran Akmal in a training camp in Lahore. Hafeez is leading Pakistan’s T20 side in India where they play the hosts in the first match of Wednesday to Saturday, the pres- young pacers. They’re not sure the series in Bengaluru today. RIGHT: Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni plays football with team-mates during a training session in Bengaluru. tigious $2.5m prize fund event will who to play in the next match. It be held at Doha Golf Club from is an advantage for us that they January 23 to 26 and will sit at are lacking in the fast bowling himself to the world in IPL 2008 With experience behind him, talented and we’re hoping they the heart of the 2013 European department,” Tanvir added. while playing for the Rajasthan Tanvir has an added responsibil- will deliver.” Tanvir refused to THE ITINERARY Tour’s three-week Middle East Tanvir is expected to partner Royals; he emerged the tourna- ity of playing mentor to the young read too much into India’s recent T20 games swing. seasoned pacer Umar Gul along ment’s highest wicket-taker that pacers in the team, and as a sen- struggles against England and December 25: M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Famous international music with reliable off-spinner Saeed season. ior to guide the players who are denied the hosts will be lacking Bangalore. stars will also perform in the Ajmal. “Fortunately, I have always touring India for the first time. in confidence. He believes that December 28: Sardar Patel Stadium, Motera, evenings during the tournament Pakistan have two seasoned done well in India. I bowled well “India-Pakistan is always a form takes a backseat when India Ahmedabad. week creating a carnival atmos- limited-overs specialists who have the last time we toured here, in pressure contest and it’s more and Pakistan lock horns on the ODI series phere; full details of evening the wherewithal and the experi- 2007 and I had a lot of success than cricket. We have been talk- cricket field. entertainment will be announced December 30: 1st ODI at A Chidambaram ence to succeed in India. in the IPL as well. The wickets ing to the younger guys,” Tanvir “When India and Pakistan play ahead of the event. Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai. What also elevates Tanvir’s in India and Pakistan are almost said in a report posted on the each other, form doesn’t matter Day and season tickets for the January 3, 2013: 2nd ODI at Eden Gardens, confidence coming into this series similar to each other and having BCCI website. and passion takes over. That’s the 2013 Commercial Bank Qatar Kolkata. are his past performances on played a lot of cricket here will “They all know that perform- reason the contests between these Masters are available to purchase Indian soil. definitely help as well,” the pacer ing well against India makes two countries are invariably very January 6, 2013: 3rd ODI at Feroz Shah Kotla, online at www.virginmegastore. Left-arm Tanvir announced said. you an instant star. They’re all exciting,” he noted. AGENCIES Delhi. me, and in-store from Virgin Megastore shops in Villagio Mall and Landmark Mall, Doha, as well as Doha Golf Club. Regular entry tickets for adults Ws salute ‘special’ Tendulkar are priced as follows: Wednesday January 23 – QR50 KARACHI: Famed Pakistan “It will be tough to match them Thursday January 24– QR50 pace duo Wasim Akram and in the years to come,” Wasim told Friday January 25 – QR125 Waqar Younis - popularly known said. (includes evening music enter- as ‘Ws’ - yesterday paid rich “He was a special talent and a tainment and trick shot show) tribute to Indian batting maes- very special cricketer.” Saturday 26 January – QR125 tro Sachin Tendulkar, labelling Tendulkar made his Test (includes Championship trophy him “the greatest batsman of debut against India’s arch-rivals presentation, trick shot show, this era”. Pakistan in Karachi in 1989 and evening music entertainment) I learnt a lot Tendulkar, 39, announced his Wasim recalled mocking the Season Ticket – QR250 retirement from one-day inter- young batsman with his bowling (includes Wednesday 23 January nationals on Sunday after scoring partner. - Saturday 26 January event entry from Sachin, 18,426 runs in 463 matches with “Sachin was really 16 at the and all evening entertainment) 49 centuries -- all three world time when he came to Pakistan Children under 15 enter for records for most runs, matches in 1989 and Waqar and I thought, free while evening entertainment says Dhoni and hundreds. ‘What will this 16-year-old do is for over 18s only, officials said. BENGALURU: Terming “I don’t say that a batsman like against us?’” he said. For those looking for an extra- Sachin Tendulkar’s (pictured him will not come but he was the “I hit him on the mouth but special experience, popular cor- above, right) contribution to greatest batsman of this era and he showed a lot of gumption and porate hospitality packages are cricket as immense, Indian cap- to maintain the zeal and fitness courage to score a fifty in the available through the tourna- tain Mahendra Singh Dhoni for 23 years was a big achieve- fourth Test in Sialkot and after ment’s official website, www. (pictured above, left) yester- ment for him,” said Waqar, who that innings we realised that he A file photo of former Pakistan Test captains Wasim Akram (left) and qatar-masters.com. day said he had learnt a lot from retired in 2004. is a special talent.” Waqar Younis. Both players spoke highly of India’s Sachin Tendulkar In the stunning Hospitality the batting maestro. “I also feel proud that I played As the leading batsman for who retired from the limited overs cricket on Sunday. Pavilion overlooking the 18th “I learnt a lot from him when- against him and found him a great cricket-mad India, Tendulkar green, a private lounge for 30 ever I got a chance to bat in the player and a nice gentleman.” carried the weight of a nation’s “Sachin always played under a he showed proved that he handled people with multiple television ODI (One-Day International) Wasim said Tendulkar’s expectations on his shoulders, but lot of pressure from the millions those pressures and huge expecta- monitors and a verandah includes format. I think his contribution records spoke volumes about his Wasim said he handled the bur- of Indian fans. tions admirably well,” said Wasim. breakfast, lunch, high tea buffets is immense and it will be diffi- achievements. den well. “Aand the kind of consistency AFP and an open bar for QR300,000 cult to replace him,” Dhoni said for the four-day tournament. a day after Sachin announced his Elsewhere in the Hospitality retirement from ODIs in Mumbai Pavilion, a 10-person table in Sunday. the exclusive Winners Enclosure Admitting that the team would Captain Clarke confident of restaurant is priced from definitely miss the master blaster, QAR10,000-16,000 per day or Dhoni said it would be difficult to QAR51,000 for four days, includ- replace Sachin, who has been an ing meals and drinks. inspiration for thousands of boys For individuals, the Lake to take to the game and made playing in Boxing Day Test Pavilion overlooking the ninth youngsters learn a lot when they and 18th greens offers breakfast, joined the team. MELBOURNE: Australian captain Arthur. He then took a break before emerg- has charged Brisbane Heat coach Darren lunch and non-alcoholic drinks “We will also be very disap- Michael Clarke batted in the nets yester- ing again to bat for about 20 minutes against Lehmann with breaching its behaviour code for QAR500 per day. pointed not to see Sachin score day and voiced confidence he would play the bowlers including left-arm quick Mitchell after he questioned the bowling action of West Ryder Cup hero Paul Lawrie his 50th century and 100th half- Boxing Day Test, although selectors said he Johnson. Indian Marlon Samuels. will return to defend his century in the ODIs, as he had would only pad up if fully fit. However, chairman of selectors John Lehmann made the remarks after the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters retired with a world record of 49 The world’s leading Test batsman suffered Inverarity rated the skipper only a 50-50 Heat’s loss to the Melbourne Renegades in title in 2013. hundreds and 96 fifties,” Dhoni a hamstring twinge in the 137-run win over chance of being passed fit. Australia’s Twenty20 Big Bash League on The Scot lifted the iconic said ahead of the first India- Sri Lanka in Hobart last week and has been “He’s a very precious asset and I would go Saturday night. Mother of Pearl Trophy in Pakistan T20 tie today at the undergoing intensive physio ahead of the sec- low risk,” Inverarity told reporters late on “He couldn’t bowl in the IPL (Indian February 2012, adding to his vic- Chinnaswamy Stadium here. ond Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Sunday of Clarke, who has reclaimed the top Premier League) last year, yet he can bowl in tory in 1999 – the year he won Among the many things Dhoni “I love playing at the MCG in the biggest spot in the latest ICC Test batsman rankings. the BBL,” he said post-match. The Open Championship – and and other players learnt from Test of the year but I have never done it jus- “He’s always upbeat, he desperately wants “We have got to seriously look at what we’re became the event’s second two- Sachin were how to prepare tice,” Clarke said in a column for the Sydney to play. But we certainly don’t want to push doing. Are we here to play cricket properly or time winner. Australian star for each and every ODI, how to Daily Telegraph. him especially hard in a Test and for him to what? “If he is deemed legal, I’m totally under- Adam Scott won in 2002 and accept defeats and how to be “I’m still searching for my first hundred break down.” standing of that. But from my point of view, 2008, while multiple Major cham- humble in life. there and will be doing everything in my Clarke has had an extraordinary season, from 20 years’ cricket, I have got a problem pions Ernie Els and Retief Goosen “All these things helped me power to make sure it comes this week. scoring 1,489 runs at 106.35 and is just 55 runs with 120km/h off no steps.” are also among past winners at personally. It is good that Sachin “That has included working overtime with adrift of Ricky Ponting’s Australian record of Samuels has endured a turbulent career Doha Golf Club. is still playing in Tests as there our team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris to 1,544 in a calendar year ahead of the Boxing in which his bowling has often come under The Commercial Bank Qatar is plenty for youngsters to learn make sure my hamstring is right for Boxing Day clash. scrutiny and he was banned from bowling in Masters enjoys strong local sup- from him,” Dhoni said. Day. If he misses the game, his spot in the bat- the IPL this year when reported for a suspect port as one of the highlights of Asked if he had thought of per- “I only suffered a minor twinge while bat- ting lineup would go to Usman Khawaja, with action. Cricket Australia said that under its Qatar’s sporting calendar and also suading Sachin to continue in the ting in Hobart and remain confident that I Shane Watson assuming the captaincy. rules a player or official must not “denigrate attracts many visitors from the ODIs, Dhoni said he did not as will be fine to play,” he added. Australia lead Sri Lanka 1-0 and Clarke or criticise another player or denigrate or UAE, which will host European retiring from the shorter version In the nets, Clarke faced throw-downs from is keen to wrap up the three-Test series in criticise an official, umpire, referee or team Tour events in the weeks before of the game was the little master’s assistant coach Stuart Law yesterday under Melbourne. against which they have played or will play”. and after the Doha tournament. personal decision. IANS the watchful eye of coach and selector Mickey Meanwhile in Sydney, Cricket Australia AGENCIES THE PENINSULA Tuesday 25 December 2012 12 Safar 1434 Volume 17 Number 5559 Sport Price: QR2 URDU FILIPINO LANGUAGE DAILY NEWSPAPER WEEKLY NEWSPAPER PUBLISHED FROM QATAR! 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www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Unbeaten India qualify for final Asian Champions Trophy: Pakistan lose 2-1 to arch-rivals India; China stun Malaysia

DOHA: Defending champions Asian Champions India edged past arch-rivals Pakistan 2-1 to move into the Trophy results final of the Asian Champions India 2 Pakistan 1 Trophy hockey tournament at Al Rayyan Stadium. China 2 Malaysia 1 With yesterday’s win India col- Japan 7 Oman 1 lected their fourth successive win Today - Rest day to become the only unbeaten team Tomorrow’s matches in the six-nation tournament. Oman vs China, 3.00pm India thus qualified for the Pakistan vs Japan, 5.00pm December 27 final with one match India vs Malaysia, 7.00pm still in hand against Malaysia. In earlier matches, the Men in Venue: Al Rayyan Stadium Blue had defeated China (4-0), Japan (3-1) and Oman (11-0). Yesterday, the capacity crowd Asian Champions for the India-Pakistan clash went home satisfied having watched a Trophy standings thriller. Team P W L D G/F G/A GD Pts The teams played fast and India 4 4 0 0 20 2 17 12 counter-attacking hockey through the 70-minute dual. Pakistan 4 2 1 1 17 10 7 7 Pakistan fresh from their Malaysia 4 2 1 1 12 6 6 7 Champions Trophy bronze medal, which they won after a gap of China 4 2 2 0 8 12 -4 6 eight years, set up a lively pace Japan 4 1 3 0 11 12 -1 3 in the first quarter, but could not India’s Aiyappa Mukkatira (left) tries to dispossess Pakistan’s Shakeel Abassi during their Asian Champions Trophy hockey match at Al Rayyan Stadium sustain it for long. yesterday. India won 2-1. RIGHT: Fans enjoying the match between India and Pakistan. PICTURES BY: SALIM MATRAMKOT Oman 4 0 4 0 5 30 -25 0 In the next two quarters of the first half India had the through Waqas Muhammad in matches to keep their hopes alive upper hand, but, could not break the 57th. for the final. through the rival defence. After the end of the fourth Pakistan will hope to get past After a barren first half, India round matches, in the round- Japan and by a good margin in drew first blood in the 36th robin tournament, India have the second match of the day and minute through Rupinder Pal 12 points, while Pakistan and then hope India do them a favour Singh, who converted the penalty Malaysia both have seven points. by beating Malaysia. stroke much to the delight of the The top two teams from the The goal difference is likely to A section of Indian crowd, who were outnum- round-robin tournament will come into picture, if both Pakistan the Pakistan bered in sheer numbers by their qualify for the final. and Malaysia win their last round supporters at rival supporters. India opponents in the final will matches tomorrow. the Al Rayyan India were awarded the penalty be either Pakistan or Malaysia. Yesterday, Malaysia, the other Stadium stroke when Pakistan’s Waseem In the last and fifth round unbeaten team besides Pakistan yesterday. Ahmed’s hand came in the way matches of the eight-day tour- before the round four matches of Sunil’s goal bound ball. nament tomorrow, Malaysia will of the tournament, crashed to a Chingiensana Kangujam, who clash with India while Pakistan stunning 2-1 loss to China. had an outstanding match made will take on Japan in the second In another match, Japan picked it 2-0 in the 49th minute through match. up their first win of the tourna- his individual brilliance. Both, Malaysia and Pakistan ment trouncing minnows Oman Pakistan pulled one back need wins in their respective 7-1. THE PENINSULA Old foes Pakistan, India renew rivalry today

BENGALURU: Pakistan skip- best chance to get a proper taste per Mohammad Hafeez is con- of international cricket. Stat Box fident that he has a bowling “The selectors wanted to give Last five T20 results attack to negotiate one of the an opportunity to the youngsters Pakistan best limited overs batting line- who had been doing well in the vs Sri Lanka (lost by 16 runs) ups in the world. last couple of years at the domes- vs Australia (won by 37 runs) In what is the first visit to India tic level. I think it’s a great chance since November 2007, Pakistan for them to come to India and vs India (lost by 8 wickets) take on India for a limited overs experience international cricket. vs South Africa (won by 2 wickets) cricket series involving two T20 Playing here, the crowds are huge vs Bangladesh (won by 8 wickets) games and three ODIs. and the pressure is big. It’s going India The first match of the series to be a great learning curve for vs England (lost by six wickets) commences with a T20 game here them on how to handle the pres- in Bengaluru today. sure,” Hafeez said. vs England (won by five wickets) “India’s batting is known to be While expressing gratitude to vs South Africa (won by one run) the best in the world. But matches the Indian and Pakistani cricket vs Pakistan (won by eight wickets) are not won by batting alone. You heads for organising this series, vs Australia (lost by nine wickets) need good bowlers to win you Hefeez wished that the two coun- games,” Hafeez said yesterday. tries play each other on a regular Previous T20 results between the two teams “We have no doubt that the basis. Colombo, 2012: Result: India win skills of their batsmen are second “It’s not only the people of India Johannesburg, 2007: Result: India win to none in the world but we have and Pakistan that miss a bilateral Durban, 2007: Result: Tied such good bowlers that we’re con- series between the two nations but fident of doing well against them,” the whole cricketing world does. Hafeez added. India captain MS Dhoni (left) and Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi shake hands India and Pakistan should keep Squads Pakistan has always been a on the eve of the T20 match in Bengaluru. playing against each other on a India Twenty20 squad: Mahendra Dhoni (captain), Ravichandran Ashwin, bowlers’ country, churning out regular basis,” he added to report- Parvinder Awana, Piyush Chawla, Ashok Dinda, Gautam Gambhir, Ravindra some of the greatest fast bowlers ers yesterday, ahead of the first Jadeja, Virat Kohli, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina, to have played cricket. he’s been producing results for “The faster bowlers gener- T20 match today at Bengaluru. Ambati Rayudu, Ishant Sharma, Rohit Sharma, Yuvraj Singh. Of late, however, it’s a spinner Pakistan is unbelievable. He’s at ally get more success against the Indian skipper Dhoni said it India ODI squad: Mahendra Dhoni (captain), Ravichandran Ashwin, that has hogged all the limelight. his best against any opposition. Indian batsmen who play spin was difficult to predict the out- Ashok Dinda, Gautam Gambhir, Ravindra Jadeja, Virak Kohli, Bhuvneshwar Saeed Ajmal has been riding a While we want him to continue well and we have that on our come of the T20 series given the Kumar, Amit Mishra, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina, Virender Sehwag, dream form in the recent past, doing that, we don’t want to put minds. We have a very good pace nature of the game. Shami Ahmed, Ishant Sharma, Rohit Sharma, Yuvraj Singh. bamboozling some of world’s best extra pressure on him and want attack and we’re looking forward “Twenty20 teaches you not to Pakistan Twenty20 squad: Mohammad Hafeez (captain), Ahmed batsmen with his off-spin. the other bowlers to step up as to them playing a big role in the get stuck with the result,” said Shehzad, Asad Ali, Junaid Khan, Kamran Akmal, Mohammad Irfan, While Hafeez wants him to well,” the captain said. series.” Dhoni. Nasir Jamshed, Saeed Ajmal, Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Sohail Tanvir, continue to add to his wickets Having said that, the Pakistan Pakistan have brought a bunch “Every other day, you have a Umar Akmal, Umar Amin, Umar Gul, Zulfiqar Babar. tally, the Pakistan captain is also captain is not too concerned of young cricketers who are about game. Most of the time, in this Pakistan ODI squad: Misbah-ul-Haq (captain), Anwar Ali, Azhar Ali, wary of putting too much pres- about Ajmal’s workload because to experience the tension of play- format, games finish in the last Haris Sohail, Imran Farhat, Junaid Khan, Kamran Akmal, Mohammad sure on his star spinner. he knows the pace bowlers will ing India in India for the first over or even on the last ball. We Hafeez, Nasir Jamshed, Saeed Ajmal, Umar Akmal, Umar Gul, Wahab “Ajmal is one of the best spin- lead the way against the Indian time. need to keep moving on.” Riaz, Younus Khan, Zulfiqar Babar. ners in the world today. The way batsmen. Hafeez believes this is their AGENCIES