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www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 5,000 turn up Al Shahaniyah for medical tests after to become online glitch

DOHA: The Medical Comm- ission premises in Abu Hamour municipality witnessed an unusual rush yes- terday morning caused by an error in online booking system. Residents hail Cabinet decision A senior official of the Medical Commission told this daily that DOHA: The State Cabinet Rayyan, Al Shamal, Al Dayeen, Al about 5,000 people turned up for cleared the decks yesterday to Wakrah, Umm Salal, and Al Khor. the mandatory medical tests yes- carve out a new municipality, The last reorganiation of terday due to “overbooking”. that of Al Shahaniyah, which municipalities was done in the Companies seeking tests for newly is presently part of Al Rayyan country a decade ago, in 2004, recruited workers are required to Municipality and known in the when Al Dayeen was carved out take prior appointments online and entire region for camel races. of Umm Salal and Al Khor, and the system error apparently led to Al Rayyan is the largest of the some municipalities were merged giving appointments to too many seven municipalities in the coun- with the others. people at the same time. try in terms of area. A citizen living in Al The roads in front of the However, once set up, Al Shahaniyah, Manahi Saud Al Commission premises saw heavy Shahaniyah will be the eighth Shummari, said it was high time traffic jams yesterday morning. and the largest municipality, as it his town was declared a full- Police were seen diverting traffic would cover 34 percent of Qatar’s fledged municipality due to rap- The new passenger terminal at Hamad International Airport. (SHAIVAL DALAL) to other directions to control the total geographical area, pushing idly growing population and its rush. People gathered for the tests Al Rayyan a notch behind with a needs. “We have been waiting spilled over to surrounding areas. share of 33 percent. rather impatiently for this day.” Many people were turned away Although Al Shahaniyah was “The small municipal office HIA to open by mid-2014 by the Medical Commission staff part of Al Rayyan Municipality, here didn’t have an engineering while others had to wait for long a municipal office was established section. But now that we will have to complete the procedures. “I here in April 2005 to provide some a full-fledged municipality, we will DOHA: The passenger terminal 1, when it received its first Qatar the theme ‘Runway to the Future, reached the premises at 9am. After basic municipal services such as have those services as well,” said of Qatar’s multi-billion dollar new Airways Cargo shipment for Gateway to the World’ was also waiting in the queue for long, I was building and commercial licenses. Shahir Saud Al Shummari, an airport (Hamad International) is Qatar Petroleum from Europe. attended by members of the NDIA told by the staff that I should come Residents, though, had to engineer by training. on track for mid-year opening. And the passenger terminal was Steering Committee, includ- another day,” a newly recruited visit the far-off Al Rayyan “We wouldn’t have to run to Al However, no specific date was expected to open in the first quar- ing Akbar Al Baker, Nasser Al Indian professional told this daily. Municipality for other works. Rayyan Municipality any more announced for the inauguration ter of 2014. Ansari, Ali Abdullah Al Abdullah, Dr Ibrahim Al Shaar, Director The head of Al Shahaniyah for these services.” of the ambitious project. When prodded by reporters to Mohammed Abdul Kareem Al of the Medical Commission, said municipal office, Mohamed Bati At its weekly meeting yes- “The opening of Hamad provide a specific opening date Meer, Abdullah Khalifa M Al last evening that the problem was Al Sahouti, while welcoming the terday, the Cabinet approved International Airport (HIA) and also the cause of indefinite Assiri, Essa Arrar Al Romaihi, caused by an error in the online Cabinet’s decision to carve out a its draft resolution to declare in the middle of this year will delays, Al Noaimi said: “It is very Abdullah Jassim Al Meraikhi, and booking system, which was fixed full-fledged municipality for the Al Shahaniyah a full-fledged bring to fruition the vision of the difficult to give an exact date, Saad Farhan Al Otaibi. later. “The online registration is town, said the move would create municipality. Father Emir, to build a world- but the picture will be clearer Before the press event there controlled by the IT department many job opportunities. The Cabinet also approved a class airport, a vision that the by the middle of April. As far was an extensive tour of the new at the Supreme Council of Health. It is understood that Al draft decision it had made ear- Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin as the delays are concerned it is airport that highlighted the vast The rush was caused by an over- Shahaniyah Municipality, once lier to demarcate the geographical Hamad Al Thani was eager to because changes were requested number and scale of facilities that booking. It has been fixed and all carved out, would include Raudat borders of the proposed munici- complete through his support during construction to expand will be put into service. These those who could not complete the Rashid, Al Karana, Al Khurais, pality (Al Shahaniyah). and guidance,” said Abdul Aziz the project and also because the include the public mosque, the tests yesterday have been given a Jameeliya, and Umm Baab, among Al Sahouti said that once the Mohammad Al Noaimi, Chairman main contractor violated the Emiri Terminal, East and West new appointment,” said Al Shaar. other towns and villages. new municipality is set up, there of the Steering Committee of agreement.” runways, cargo terminal, aircraft The Medical Commission that The seven municipalities cur- would less burden on Al Rayyan New Doha International Airport Al Noaimi was speaking at a maintenance hangars and bag- works in two shifts receives up rently are Doha, which is the Municipality, as currently there is (NDIA). press meeting called to share gage handling system. to 3,000 visitors daily. smallest in terms of area but too much of work pressure on it. The cargo terminal at HIA some of the new details of the THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA largest in terms of population, Al THE PENINSULA started operations on December HIA. The meeting, held under Continued on page 5 Picture on page 6

Egypt vote counting begins Egyptian judge’s Iran invites GCC experts remark on Qatar sparks fury to visit Bushehr plant TEHRAN: Iran’s nuclear chief earthquake, as well as a possi- DOHA: The GCC states have said yesterday that experts ble military dimension to Iran’s denounced a call by a prominent from Arab neighbours across nuclear drive. “We... again express Egyptian judge made to the the Gulf, concerned about the our readiness, for consultation Egyptian army to send troops safety of Iran’s sole nuclear between our country’s experts to Qatar to arrest Egyptian power plant, are welcome to and the experts from Gulf coun- (Muslim Brotherhood?) activ- visit the facility, IRNA news tries, so that they can hold sci- ists there. agency reported. entific and technical talks on The Secretary-General of the “We are ready for the visit of the Bushehr power plant’s safety GCC, Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al nuclear experts of Gulf countries issues,” Salehi said. Zayani, described the statement to Bushehr nuclear power plant,” He also suggested establishing a of the head of Egyptian Judges’ Ali Akbar Salehi was quoted as regional nuclear cooperation body Club, Ahmed El Zind, as provoca- saying when asked how Tehran so that “all these doubts will be tive, reprehensible and rhetorical. would tackle their worries. addressed scientifically”. Bushehr, “It (the statement) is against Gulf Arab countries have often which produces 1,000 megawatts, Qatar’s principled stand on Egypt. Election officials counting ballots after voting on the second day of a referendum on the new constitution, raised concern over Bushehr’s came into service in 2011 after Qatar has always maintained that at a polling station in Helopoils neighbourhood in Cairo, yesterday. Counting started immediately after the reliability and the risk of radio- several delays blamed on techni- it is with Egypt and its people,” Al polling stations were closed at 9pm, but official results were not expected until Saturday. See also page 10 active leaks in case of a major cal problems. AFP Zayani said. El Zind is considered close to the present Egyptian rule. Meanwhile, media reports cit- ing El Zind’s call have led to sharp reaction on the social media from people not only in Qatar but also from other GCC states. “Our (the Qatar pledges $60m aid to Syrian refugees, displaced GCC countries’) relations with Egypt and its people are warm DOHA: Qatar yesterday pledged $60m the Syrian refugees and those displaced UN through Qatar Red Crescent. workers to reach,” he told the conference. and historical,” said Al Zayani for the aid of Syrian refugees, and bitterly within the country due to the situation Other donors pledged more than Qatar, the Minister reiterated, was with THE PENINSULA criticised the international community for there. “They are exposed to bitter cold in $2.4bn. Kuwait led the pledges, promising the people of Syria and determined to fulfil its silence over the Syrian regime’s refusal the region,” Al Attiyah said of the refugees $500m. US Secretary of State John Kerry its “international obligations and humanitar- to allow safe passage of humanitarian aid and those displaced, in his keynote address announced a supplementary aid package ian duty” towards them (the Syrian people). 75 killed in Iraq for the needy within the country. to the Second International Conference of of $380m, bringing the total US contribu- Qatar began providing humanitarian aid BAGHDAD: A wave of attacks The Syrian regime’s attitude towards the Donors to support the humanitarian tion to $1.7bn. Saudi Arabia said it will give since the beginning of the Syrian crisis and in Iraq, including car bombs in relief disbursal is not only a crime against cause in Syria. $60m in supplementary aid. And the UAE total aid provided so far is $1bn, he said. Baghdad, killed 75 people yes- the Syrian people but also a crime against Due to the speed of aid disbursal, the promised a similar amount. “We will continue to provide the aid.” terday as militants took more the international community, Qatar said. Foreign Minister said the Emir H H Al Attiyah cited UN reports which sug- Qatar will spare no effort in helping the territory from security forces in Taking part in the Donors’ Meeting for Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani had gest that more than half the population of Syrian people achieve their legitimate aspi- crisis-hit Anbar province. Syria in Kuwait, Qatar’s Foreign Minister instructed that $23m of the aid amount Syria, at home or abroad, are in need of rations for freedom and a decent life. AFP H E Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah be presented in coordination with the UN humanitarian assistance. “Some 2.5 million THE PENINSULA/AFP See also page 7 announced Qatar’s $60m aid package for High Commissioner for Refugees and the Syrians are living in areas difficult for aid See also page 10 THURSDAY 16 JANUARY 2014 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME HMC Paediatrics Residency Programme accredited

DOHA: Hamad Medical they finish their training. It is one Corporation (HMC) has received of HMC’s graduate medical educa- accreditation for its Paediatrics tion programmes seeking individual, Residency Programme by advanced speciality accreditation fol- Accreditation Council for Graduate lowing institutional accreditation of Medical Education International HMC by the council in 2012. (ACGME-I). The council is the international The accreditation ensures new arm of ACGME, which is responsi- specialising doctors are trained and ble for accrediting majority of gradu- equipped with skills and knowledge ate medical training programmes for to provide excellent care by the time physicians in the US.

FROM LEFT: Dr Hilal Al Rifai, Director of NICU and Medical Director of Women’s Hospital, HMC, Dr Marcellina Mian, Professor of Paediatrics and Associate Dean for Medical Education, WCMC-Q, Dr Mohamed Said El Tawil, Associate Designated Institutional Official, Graduate Medical Education, HMC, Dr Abdulla Al Kaabi, Dr Mohammad Janahi, Dr Ibrahim Janahi, Dr Denis Geary, SickKids Medical Director, and Dr Ismail Helmi, Assistant Director of Medical Education, HMC.

Leaders and staff from ago in putting together a cur- Director of the programme. He standards, is regularly assessed HMC’s Paediatrics and Medical riculum for medical educa- said the next step is the process using valid instruments, and Education departments and tion that was consistent with of aligning paediatrics fellow- they are trained as professional, representatives from partners what ACGME-I will require ships to ACGME-I standards humanitarian physicians in a Sidra Medical and Research even before we considered its which started last year. positive learning environment. Centre, Weill Cornell Medical accreditation. Each member of Dr Al Anoud Al Ansari, “Working towards accreditation College-Qatar and the HMC/ our team contributed to this Chairman of Paediatrics is part of our efforts to provide SickKids team gathered at success because of their enthu- ACGME-I Committee, said the the best paediatricians and the Hajar Auditorium to celebrate siastic involvement and passion accreditation aims at ensur- best care possible for children,” the accreditation. for having a sound, accreditable ing the training and gradua- said Dr Mohammad Janahi, “The Paediatrics Department programme we are all proud tion of competent physicians Chairman of HMC’s Paediatrics team led the way many years of,” said Dr Ibrahim Janahi, who have met international Department. THE PENINSULA

Five designs selected for Katara Hills project DOHA: Villas as part of the Katara Hills phases. It will include 383 residential units tourist attraction in the country. project will be built based on designs by on the hills at two sites at Katara. Of these, Sheikh Nasser bin Albdulrahman Al students from universities around the 133 will be villas with four to nine bedrooms Thani, CEO of Aspire Katara Investments, world. and 250 two, three and four-bedroom apart- said the competition was based on the idea Katara yesterday announced the best five ments. The front side of the Katara Hills of connecting designers from various parts designs by architecture students, chosen will be allocated for the most luxurious of the world, giving chance to students of through a competition organised by Katara villas. different universities to hone skills, and and Aspire Katara Investments. Katara General Manager Dr Khalid bin linking the Qatari culture to international Winning the first three positions were Ibrahim Al Sulaiti said the contest aimed society. designs by students of Chongqing University at encouraging students to take part in He said the designs were assessed based in China, followed by University of Milan developing and innovating designs reflecting on criteria such as the design should be (Italy) and Aalto University (Finland). international culture in line with Katara’s developed according to the tradition and The entries were selected from 24 from mission to bring together people from dif- culture of the designer’s country and should the above countries and Qatar, Germany ferent parts of the world. respond to development plans. The design and Jordan. Dr Al Sulaiti said the entries reflected should suit the surroundings and take into Katara Hills in the Cultural Village is cultural variety which would enrich the account social aspects of local architecture. an ambitious project to be implemented in experience Katara provides as a leading THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 16 JANUARY 2014 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 THURSDAY 16 JANUARY 2014 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME QF’s Migrant Workers National Geographic photo expo opens at Katara Welfare Initiative highlighted at seminar

DOHA: Qatar Foundation’s Welfare Manager said at the event. Migrant Workers Welfare Workers’ welfare standards are Initiative in Doha was promoted included in all new QF tenders. at a recent seminar for the Newman said the initiative is Institution of Civil Engineers. on-going and will be reviewed fre- The event was hosted by GHD, quently to ensure its effectiveness. one of the world’s leading engineer- Around 50 people from client, ing, architecture and environmental consultant and contractor compa- consulting companies. nies attended the seminar. The initiative sets minimum, Cameron Gillanders, GHD’s mandatory requirements for Qatar Manager, said, “We are proud recruitment, employment, accom- to host this seminar as part of our modation, transport, working con- long-standing partnership with ditions and general treatment of the Institution of Civil Engineers workers engaged in QF’s capital in Qatar. and facilities management projects. “Welfare of migrant workers is an It is an important step forward important health and safety issue for migrant workers’ rights. for the construction industry and “Adherence to new require- it is pleasing to see major organi- The Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage, H E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, (foreground) with Ahmed Yousef Al Khulaifi (fourth left), ments is key to QF’s selection and sations like QF has set new bench- Chairman of the Board of Directors of Qatar Photographic Society, and other officials visiting the Photo Exhibition Hall during the opening of retention of contractors and sub- marks for Qatar.” the ‘Simply Beautiful’ National Geographic Photo Exhibition at Katara yesterday. KAMMUTTY V P contractors,” Chris Newman, QF’s THE PENINSULA GOIC to hold training workshop DOHA: Aiming at supporting policymakers to develop correct policies Qatari wins Hirst challenge for boosting sustainable economic growth and development in Qatar, Gulf Organisation for Industrial Consulting (GOIC) will hold a training work- shop from February 17-19. The workshop on ‘Developing strategies and strategic planning’ targets VCU-Q student complements British artist’s ‘Relics’ expo in Qatar professionals in charge of developing, following up and evaluating strategies in ministries. It is also designed for people responsible for the development DOHA: A Qatari student at the series of creatures preserved of industrial, environmental and economic indicators and industrial and the Virginia Commonwealth in formaldehyde, Natural History environmental databases. University in Qatar (VCU-Q) (1991), and the diamond skull, Researchers and planners from the ministries and representatives from has won the Damien Hirst Art For the Love of God (2007). industry chambers, private institutions and companies are also in the tar- Challenge organised by Qatar Submissions came in from geted pool. Another The aim of the workshop is to provide participants with Museums Authority (QMA) categories that included paint- correct methods for developing pragmatic strategies based on measurable to complement ‘Relics’, Hirst’s ing, photography, graphic tools. It calls for doing away with theories and complicated terminologies as first solo expo in the Middle design, sculptures, illustrations much as possible. THE PENINSULA East. or mixed media and judged Hana Al Saadi bested 61 by a panel made up of Hirst, entries with her installation Jason Beard, Creative Director ‘Snail Print Factory’ to win the of Hirst’s publishing company, contest whose prize includes an Other Criteria, Caitlon Doherty, all-expense paid trip to London Exhibitions and Speaker to meet Hirst and have a guided Curator at VCU-Q and Hala tour of Gloucester Studios. Mohammed Al Khalifa, Head of ‘Snail Print Factory’ is an Artists in Residence Programme installation art that explores at Public Art Department in three important stages of the Qatar Museums Authority. natural lifecycle: Eating, Mating Under the patronage of and reproduction. H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Within the micro-ecosystem, Hana Al Saadi’s ‘Snail Print Factory’ is an installation art that explores Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the snails go about their busi- three important stages of the natural lifecycle: Eating, mating and ‘Relics’ is on view until January ness and leave slime trails on reproduction. 22, at Al Riwaq Doha exhibition paper that tell stories of the space. individual journeys, encounters more real. a photo of an artwork inspired Around 50,000 visitors and and new beginnings inside the “It looks simple too and is by Hirst’s exploration of Life and 5,000 students have so far tank. universal and communicates Death. viewed it. About the work, Hirst said, across international boundaries, Since the late 1980s, Hirst has Curated by internationally “I love art like Hana’s that asks which all great art should.” shocked and delighted the art renowned writer and cura- questions and makes you think To win a chance to meet the world with works exploring the tor Fransesco Bonami, ‘Relics’ and is difficult to define, and I world’s most successful con- complex relationship between presents the largest collection love art that involves a living temporary artist, participants art, life and death. of Hirst’s works ever assembled. element, it makes the art feel were asked to create and submit Among his iconic pieces are THE PENINSULA Scoreplus Test Fest from Jan 23 DOHA: The Scoreplus Qatar is once Alarmed by the college board report again geared to underscore its state- that fewer than half the students who of-art presence in the field of educa- took the exam are ready for college, tion through its “National Test Fest”. the Country Head, Pradeep Singhal, The first event of its kind will allow said, “While it is undeniable that bet- students from grades 3 to 11 to chal- ter scores are crucial for a student to lenge themselves on their core skills sustain in the escalating competition in maths and English. Post-assessment for college admissions, there is no deny- score report will help them recognise ing the fact that knowledge and skills their potential for their upcoming aca- acquired in the high school are critical demic level. for academic challenges of the college”. Scoreplus has earned its name by being focused on providing the best train- ing experience possible, be it test preparation or aca- demic tutoring through its new StudyPlus venture. Focusing on enhancing student motivation, the National Test Fest will be the first step towards fostering academic agility, and encouraging enthusi- asm as it creates equal opportunity for students to test and access skills, including SAT and other core tests. The festival is open from January 23 to 25. The three-day event will be held at Doha College Campus in Al Waab. According to Singhal, 500 students are expected to participate in the event. In addition to other benefits of the festival, the main attractions of the event are 50 per- cent course fee scholar- ships given to top three positions of each grade and the Certificate of Excellence from Princeton Review US. THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 16 JANUARY 2014 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 Single air traffic management system in GCC ‘inevitable’ Eurocontrol-like system will help mitigate risks due to airspace congestion

BY MOHAMMAD SHOEB Headquartered in Haren, aircraft to fly. For instance, 50 (HIA) will handle an average Brussels, it has 40 members which percent of airspace in the UAE of 1,000 aircraft carrying over DOHA: With the rapidly grow- coordinate and plan air traf- is controlled by its Defence 135,000 passengers daily from ing aviation industry in the fic control for Europe. Working Department. across the world. The number of GCC, a single air traffic man- groups have made efforts to On Qatar’s airspace reserved aircraft movements through the agement system in the region address the growing problem of for defence purposes, Al Baker UAE’s airspace last year was more akin to Europe’s ‘Eurocontrol’ air traffic congestion due to lim- said: “This is very difficult to than 741,000 and is estimated to will soon become inevitable to ited airspace in the region but not quantify because we are talking reach about 900,000 by 2015, and mitigate risks due to increas- much progress has been achieved. about airways, not airspace in 1.13m by 2020, according to official ing congestion in the airspace, To a question about airspace general.” statistics. Akber Al Baker, CEO, Qatar congestion, Al Baker said: “We However, Abdul Aziz Analysts say airspace conges- Airways, said yesterday. want to mitigate this risk. Qatar Mohammad Al Noaimi, Chairman tion is one of the biggest chal- “I agree that there will be con- and several countries are involved of Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, lenges facing the aviation industry gestion in the way the airspace is in this problem to free up new air said: “There is no limitation to the in the region. The Minister of State for Defence Affairs H E Maj. Gen. Hamad bin Ali (currently) managed. There will routes to facilitate the growth of use of airspace in Qatar. It is con- But freeing up more mili- Al Attiyah presents certificate to one of the graduates at the ceremony. be a time, in our joint opinion, the three leading airlines, includ- trolled, and everybody can use it. tary airspace for civil use is not that there will have to be a single ing Qatar Airways, which are But civil aircraft cannot just fly a problem as it requires will air traffic management system growing very rapidly,” in the airspace themselves. There power. NATS, global leader in similar to Eurocontrol to moni- Experts consider airspace are specific routes for them.” air traffic services and solu- tor and operate a very congested “invisible infrastructure” impor- The civil aviation industry in tions, recently completed work Ninth batch of 83 airspace,” he added. tant for the growth of the aviation the region is growing fast, putting on the Qatar Airspace Design Founded in 1960, Eurocontrol industry. Usually it is controlled pressure on the limited airspace and Implementation Project for is the European organisation by defence departments of states, corridors. Once fully operational, HIA. graduates from for the safety of air navigation. leaving limited corridors for civil Hamad International Airport THE PENINSULA military college Hamad International Airport to have greater capacity DOHA: The Minister of State is required of them. Continued from page 1 for Defence Affairs H E Maj. He said the graduates will “I am proud to confirm today Gen. Hamad bin Ali Al Attiyah begin the first step of giving and (yesterday) that this project is distributed certificates to hoped they would a model in the nearly complete. HIA stands as a the ninth batch of graduates field of national development. ground-breaking accomplishment from Ahmed Bin Mohammed To a question about military fusing refined architectural style Military College. agreements Qatar has signed achieved through state-of-the-art The batch included 83 stu- with countries to upgrade train- airport and facility construction dents from the armed forces, ing and development, he said, technology,” added Al Noaimi. the Interior Ministry, Lekhwiya, “Qatar enjoys good relations “The result is more than an the Emiri Guard, State Security with many countries,” adding airport; it is an international authorities from the UAE and these ties will serve Qatar in transport hub satisfying all other friendly countries. the development of the armed the requirements of the fast- The ceremony at the college forces in the areas of training growing aviation sector in the headquarters featured a speech and purchase of modern equip- region. This is needed in light of by one of the graduates on the ment besides gaining from expe- the growing traffic through and theme ‘Homat Ad Diyar’ (The riences of these countries. The Chairman of the NDIA Steering Committee, Abdul Aziz Al Noaimi (centre) with members Akbar Al Baker (left) into the region, driven by world- protectors of houses). “Several countries send stu- and Nasser Al Ansari at a press conference at Hamad International Airport yesterday. (Below) The Emiri Terminal scale events planned in the next The Minister conveyed to the dents to Qatar for study and at the airport. SHAIVAL DALAL decade.” graduates congratulations to training at the college,” he said, He also said that HIA will be the Emir H H Sheikh Tamim stressing that in the coming larger and have greater capacity bin Hamad Al Thani and their years, many countries will par- on its opening day than initially families, wishing them success. ticipate in the college. envisioned. Due to increased tran- In a statement, Maj. Gen. “Qatar, like other Gulf states sit growth in Qatar and the region Al Attiyah hoped that the new and countries of the world, is in the past few years, these modi- batch will be a model for work keen to build institutions for civil fications were necessary to deliver and serve their country in the and military training and reha- an airport with a capacity of 30 military field according to what bilitate national cadres.” QNA million on opening day. According to reports, the plan- ning for the $15.5bn project took place in 2003 and construction on the first two phases began in Indian Vice-President meets envoy 2006, which were originally sched- NEW DELHI: The Vice President of India, Mohammad Hamid uled to be completed by 2009 but Ansari, met Qatar’s Ambassador, Ahmed Ibrahim Al Abdullah, in got delayed by several years. The the Indian capital yesterday. third and final phase is scheduled They reviewed relations between both countries and ways of enhanc- for completion by the end of 2015. ing them in all fields. QNA THE PENINSULA

QU high school activity to focus on health sciences DOHA: A high school activity to be held next week by Qatar University is set to provide an in- depth learning experience in the health sciences field and awareness of future study and career opportunities for students. The event organized by QU’s Department of Health Sciences (DHS) at College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) will engage 15 students from five Independent high schools between January 20 and January 23. The Science Education and Human Health Activity (SEHHA) is the department’s inaugural high-school initiative as part of its mission to expand awareness of the importance of health sciences to the welfare of the Qatari community, and to show- case the myriad of careers that can emerge from pursuing study in related fields. The department hopes to run the activity annually and expand it to more schools and students. In the four-day activity, students from Amina Bint The Science Education and Human Health Activity will Wahab, Al Shayma’a, Um Ayman, Al Bayan and Al engage 15 students from five Independent high schools. A tree planted at the Students dormitory. Resala high schools will participate in organized activities and hands-on lab experiences in DHS’ pub- a career path following their graduation from our lic health, biomedical sciences and human nutrition programmes”, DHS head Dr Asma Al Thani said. QF begins ‘Plant a Tree for Life’ campaign programs under supervision of faculty and experts. She added: “SEHHA serves the purpose of stirring The aim is to involve the students in scientific students’ enthusiasm toward programs at QU for a DOHA: Qatar Foundation yes- planted in the space separating of Environment Centre and inquiry, innovative technology and critical thinking future career in health and healthcare. We nurture terday launched an environ- the new female housing area and President of the Flower Each to expand their vision to realize the importance of our youth through their academic lives to become ment-friendly campaign ‘Plant Al Jazeera Children’s Channel Spring programme attended. science in human health and provide them with the highly skilled professionals with distinguished inner a Tree for Life’ in the Education with the collaboration of teach- Bakhamis said, “The Plant a opportunity of a real-life campus experience through worth and self-confidence. Our priority is to pro- City. ers, heads of schools and deans of Tree for Life Campaign intro- visits to facilities including the new research build- duce a capable and competent generation of health- The initiative was launched by universities. duces children to the importance ing, lecture halls, library, and Food Court. care practitioners. We are dedicated to increasing the Health, Safety, Security and Engineer Jassim Telefat, of natural resources in their The students will be introduced to the national the number of Qatari health professionals, and to Environment (HSSE) Directorate Group Executive Director of QF environment, including water, health sciences professions through field trips to expanding awareness of the general public to the at Qatar Foundation reflecting Capital Projects and Facilities air, trees and so on. We want various medical and research institutions in Qatar, importance of health occupations nationwide. This their commitment in developing Management, Mohammed to encourage participation from such as the Supreme Council of Health, Al Amal generation carries the future responsibility to guard the community and caring for the Ahmad Bakhamis, Director of children in order to develop their Hospital at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) the community’s health in the event of disasters, environment. HSSE, and Dr Saif Ali Al Hajari, appreciation of the environment.” and the Anti-Doping Laboratory. threats and wars.” Twenty-eight trees were Founder and Chairman of Friends THE PENINSULA “These visits will help the students to envision THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 16 JANUARY 2014 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Cabinet approves Minister opens renovated Sarajevo Library draft law to achieve SARAJEVO: The Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs H E Dr Ghaith bin Mubarak Al Kuwari yester- water security day inaugurated the renovated building of Sarajevo’s historic library that was destroyed DOHA: The Cabinet yesterday and Minister of State for Cabinet during the Bosnian war. approved a draft law on water Affairs on the outcome of a meet- The 7,000sqm site dates back that aims at achieving water ing of the committee in charge of to 1537 and its revival, which security and protect the coun- studying the reorganisation of was carried out over 10 years, try’s precious resources from dispatching government employ- followed a generous gesture by pollution and depletion. ees on scholarships for further the Father Emir H H Sheikh The Prime Minister and studies and training. Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. Interior Minister H E Sheikh In a report, the panel set up The opening was attended Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa by the Cabinet to prepare regula- by Bosnia’s presidential council Al Thani chaired the weekly tions, said the draft law should member Baqer Ezzat Begovic, Cabinet session at the Emiri consider including rules. Grand Mufti Husein Kavazovic, Diwan. The Cabinet then discussed the Qatari Ambassador Rashed The draft law considers all a memorandum by the Foreign bin Mubarak Al Kuwari, senior water resources as national Minister on Qatar’s report on the officials and religious, scientific wealth, a state-owned public Comprehensive Periodic Review and political dignitaries. property, to be used under specific mechanism. Speaking during the event, plans and controls to preserve The report included a study on the minister highlighted Qatar’s them for sustainable development. developments in the promotion keenness under the leader- It has provisions for rationali- and protection of human rights, ship of the Emir H H Tamim sation of usage, desalinated and legislative and institutional meas- bin Hamad Al Thani to qualify sewage water, water for indus- ures and global cooperation. It Muslims to contribute to the trial use, handling of emergencies, also explained measures, strate- advancement of Islamic civilisa- administrative action, judicial gies and policies adopted by Qatar. tion and the progress of human The Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs H E Dr Ghaith bin Mubarak Al Kuwari tours the library after proceedings and penalties related The Cabinet also reviewed a society. inauguration of the building. to water consumption. memorandum by the Minister QNA Following the meeting, the of Finance on the outcome Deputy Prime Minister and of the 97th meeting of the Minister of State for Cabinet GCC Financial and Economic Affairs H E Ahmed bin Abdullah Cooperation Committee in Al Mahmoud said the session also Riyadh in October 2013; and the took measures to issue a draft annual report of Hamad Medical decision amending some provi- Corporation on its achievements Shuttle bus for West Bay begins sions of Decision No. 8 of 2010 to during 2012-2013. establish Qatar Committee for It approved Qatar’s accession Alliance of Civilisations. to Annex VI of the International Ministry aims at resolving parking problems, easing traffic congestion The panel will be formed under Convention for the Prevention of the chairmanship of the Foreign Pollution from Ships (MARPOL Minister and Qatar’s repre- 73/78). The Cabinet took meas- sentative to the UN Alliance of ures to endorse a memorandum Civilizations as deputy chair- of understanding between Central man with members from the Bank of Qatar and Central Emiri Diwan, the ministries Reserve Bank of El Salvador. of Foreign Affairs; Youth and The Finance Minister also Sports; Labour and Social Affairs; briefed the meeting on prepa- and Culture, Arts and Heritage, rations for the general budget Supreme Education Council, for 2014-2015 and guidelines the Chairman’s Office at Qatar to achieve objectives of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science National Vision 2030. and Community Development, He also informed the Cabinet Doha Centre for Media Freedom about reasons for delay in the dis- and Doha International Centre bursement of foodstuff, especially for Interfaith Dialogue. rice, recently and measures taken The Cabinet reviewed a letter to ensure smooth supply. from the Deputy Prime Minister QNA

Engineer Mohamed Ahmed Al Sayyed (sixth left), Director of Doha Municipality, with other officials during the launch of the West Bay Bus Service, at the parking of Khalifa Tennis and Squash Complex yesterday. KAMMUTTY V P

Another wave of cold DOHA: In a bid to alleviate Al Sayyed, Director of the Doha towers in West Bay. efficient and advantageous and traffic congestion and resolve Municipality. “We are pleased to collaborate will patronize it. The Ministry of parking problems in West Bay, The West Bay bus service also with the Ministry of Transport Transport is supporting this drive the Ministry of Municipality aims at boosting tourist num- for the launch of this new service with mind-set that public trans- spell likely from Sat and Urban Planning and the bers in the West Bay area by which showcases our commit- port boosts economy and what we Ministry of Transport yester- connecting tourist destinations, ment to support and service the plan for sustained mobility solu- DOHA: The Meteorology yesterday. A cold wave will be day launched a bus shuttle serv- businesses, office towers and resi- people of Qatar. The West Bay tions today will provide better Department has forecast yet spreading from Baltic sea to the ice for West Bay district. dencies with the West Bay hotels. Bus will offer a real transport quality of life and environmental another wave of cold spell from Gulf causing a dip in tempera- As the country’s central busi- Initially 14 buses are plying the choice; it will represent a major justice for our younger genera- Saturday evening. ture from Sunday when the winds ness district where most towers area in which 36 bus stops have link for many people, and will help tion,” said Al Khanji. Scatted rains are also expected would change direction from and hotels are located, the West been spread, where riders can drive economic growth in Qatar. Nicolas de Tapol, Managing in different parts of the country southwesterly to northwesterly, Bay area has been witnessing wait for bus which comes every We encourage everyone to try the Director of q.media Decaux, said on Saturday heralding the cold “with moderate to strong speed traffic jams and officials believe 15 minutes. West Bay Bus which as an addi- they will also provide 40 “Cox wave. reaching up to 25 knots”. the bus service would help reduce The bus service is free to the tional, complimentary and safe design” Bus Shelters for the serv- However, the temperature is The maximum tempera- congestion by allowing passengers general public hence no ticket or transport facility many will find ice in coming months. not likely to dip below the aver- ture expected on Friday will be to park-and-ride in various loca- payment is required to board the more convenient than driving and The West Bay Bus is equipped age levels experienced during the between 16-19 Degree C, and the tions around the area. bus which runs every day from friendlier to the environment,” with an internal TV system, air- previous cold waves this season. minimum 11-15 degrees, said the “The launch of the West Bay 6am until midnight. said Al Sayyed. conditioning and high quality The new cold spell has been department. Bus is great news for visitors and The buses run in two routes. Nasser Al Khanji of the leather seats which all combined attributed to a “low surface Mercury would dip further residents of the West Bay district The first route links West Bay Ministry of Transport said the promise an enjoyable ride for pressure moving from Northern from Saturday evening with the who will benefit from a free and with City Centre, the Corniche initiative shows the country’s passengers. Arabian Peninsula towards south- maximum expected between reliable service. and the General Post Office whilst strive in promoting the use of Pocket maps are available at east” likely from Friday. 14-19 degrees, and the minimum “The West Bay Bus is vital to the second route links West Bay public transportation and increas- hotels, residential buildings and “Low surface pressure will be of 11-15 degrees, from Sunday till meet the transport demands and with City Centre, Al Bidda Street ing ridership. office towers serviced by the accompanied with upper-level Tuesday. help alleviate congestion while and Khalifa Stadium. On both “We are positive that residents, buses. New routes and bus stops trough passing over Qatar from Abu Samra might experience also resolving the parking issue in routes, the bus stops at all major businessmen and women, visitors may be introduced in the future. Friday night till Sunday morning. the lowest temperature today — the area,” said Mohamed Ahmed hotels, offices and residential of West bay will find the service THE PENINSULA “This will enhance the chance 11 to 19 degrees while tempera- for scattered rains and thunder- ture in Doha is expected to be storms at places,” said a state- between 15 and 21 degrees. ment issued by the Department THE PENINSULA Rush at Medical Commission

Ooredoo sponsors top Qatari motorcycle racers DOHA: Ooredoo has announced a new partnership that will see it sponsor leading motorcycle racers Mashel Al Naimi and Fahid Al Sowaidi for the Qatar International Superbike Championship season. Organised by Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation, the cham- pionship comprises seven events, with the points earned in each race counting towards the final championship. This is the second year that Ooredoo has sponsored the team, and the company expects big things from the two emerging champions. With upcoming races in February, March, May and June, Ooredoo aims to use the excitement generated by the competition to encourage more people to get involved in sport. Mustafa Al Qatami, Director, Branding & Corporate Communications, Ooredoo, said: “Ooredoo supports sport at all levels, from the grass- roots through to champions at the pinnacle of their respective sports. We are delighted to be working with Mashel Al Naimi and Fahid Al Sowaidi again, since motorbike racing is a key sport that captures the imagination of young Qataris, and we believe we can use our sponsor- ship to encourage more people to get involved and get more from life.” With the sponsorship agreement, both racers’ bikes and uniforms Huge rush at the Medical Commission following an error in the online booking system yesterday. ABDUL BASIT will carry the Ooredoo logo. THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 16 JANUARY 2014 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07

Asylum seekers protest Berlin sees no Iraq attacks kill political motive in shooting 75; PM seeks envoys

BERLIN: The German gov- ernment yesterday said it had world support no reason to believe an attack by gunmen on two German diplomats in Saudi Arabia this week was politically Militants take more territory motivated. The two envoys escaped BAGHDAD: A wave of attacks have been much worse, with unharmed when their car came in Iraq, including car bombs in police saying they managed to under fire on Monday in Saudi Baghdad, killed 75 people yes- thwart four suicide bombers with Arabia’s Eastern Province, where terday as militants took more explosives-rigged vehicles. most of the country’s Shia minor- territory from security forces in A suicide bombing at a funeral ity lives. German foreign ministry crisis-hit Anbar province. in Buhruz, in religiously mixed spokesman Martin Schaefer said The twin setbacks for authori- Diyala province north of Baghdad, the area was known for “security ties, grappling with Iraq’s worst killed 16 people and wounded 20, risks”. period of unrest since the coun- officials said. “We have no evidence and no try emerged from a sectarian The funeral was for a member concrete indications that this war that killed tens of thousands, of the Sahwa, the Sunni tribal attack on the two German dip- come just months before a parlia- militia who sided with the US African asylum seekers participate in a protest in Tel Aviv yesterday. Several hundred women and children lomats had a terrorist motive, mentary election. military against their co-reli- marched to the offices of UN’s refugee agency, the UNHCR, and the US embassy, protesting against Israel’s a political motive,” he told UN chief Ban Ki-moon and gionists in Al Qaeda from 2006, refusal to grant them refugee status and the opening of ‘Holot’, the new detention facility in the country’s south. reporters. other diplomats have urged Iraq’s helping turn the tide against the “But this is a conclusion that I leaders to seek political reconcili- jihadists. They are often targeted must put under the caveat that ation to resolve nationwide vio- by Sunni militants who regard in the course of the investigation, lence and the standoff in Anbar. them as traitors. which we of course are pursuing But Prime Minister Nouri Al In and around the main north- Frustrated US lawmakers with great intensity, and which we Maliki has ruled out dialogue ern city of Mosul, 13 people were are insisting on from the Saudi with militants as his forces have killed, nine of them soldiers. side, new evidence could emerge launched wide-ranging security North of Baghdad, seven that requires us to change that operations. However, the opera- employees of a brick factory were question aid to South Sudan judgement.” tions, which authorities say have gunned down by insurgents in the The Saudi official news agency led to the death or capture of sev- town of Muqdadiyah, while in the WASHINGTON: US lawmak- Sudanese leaders’ unwillingness countries, South Sudan enjoys the SPA reported that authorities eral militants affiliated with the mainly Shia town of Dujail a car ers expressed deep frustration to build an inclusive state. strong interest of a broad range were seeking the gunmen with- Al Qaeda-linked Islamic State of bomb wounded four people. yesterday over the wave of vio- “It appears that the greatest of US lawmakers, who backed out saying whether the incident Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), have Although no group has claimed lence in South Sudan, question- threat to South Sudan post-inde- the push by largely Christian was linked to unrest in Eastern not stopped the bloodshed. responsibility for the bloodshed, ing whether it made sense for pendence is South Sudan itself,” and African southern Sudan to Province. Nine car bombs hit civilian tar- Sunni militants affiliated to Washington to continue send- the California Republican said at split from Muslim-and Arab- Schaefer declined to comment gets in majority-Shiite or confes- ISIL often carry out coordinated ing hundreds of millions of a hearing on the turmoil. dominated northern Sudan and directly on German media reports sionally mixed neighbourhoods of attacks on civilians and target dollars in aid to the fledgling The Senate Foreign Relations form the world’s youngest state that said the two envoys worked the capital, killing 37 people. Sahwa fighters. democracy. Committee held a similar hear- three years ago. for the country’s foreign intelli- One of them struck a packed Maliki appealed for interna- Four weeks of fighting, often ing last week, at which lawmakers But both Republicans, who gence service BND. market in the Shaab neighbour- tional action against Al Qaeda along ethnic lines, has been ring- from that chamber similarly said hold the majority of seats in the “A diplomat is easy to define: hood, while another detonated and its affiliates. “It may take ing alarm bells in Washington the country risks losing U.S. aid if House, and Democrats, who hold it is someone who is formally outside a restaurant on Sanaa time,” he said in his weekly tele- over the prospect that the con- its government and rebels do not a majority in the Senate, are now accredited in a host country,” he Street, killing five people and vised address, “but... to keep silent flict could spiral into full-blown end a wave of violence. questioning that support. said. “So when I say ‘diplomat’, I badly damaging the restaurant means there would be sub-states civil war, spawning atrocities or Washington has spent billions “We’re starting to hear it more mean that.” and adjacent buildings. creating problems for the security making South Sudan the world’s of dollars — congressional aides and more in our districts, that Reports yesterday quoted offi- The windows of nearby shops of the region and the world.” next failed state. estimated $600m per year — to we’ve put so much time, attention, cials as saying that they believed were shattered, the restaurant’s He called for “a strong position US Representative Ed Royce, help build the fledgling nation, money into this situation ... and the attack was likely a kidnap- ceiling partially caved in and against countries who give sup- chairman of the House Foreign including allowing weapons sales the outcomes seem to be terrible,” ping attempt to extort a ransom blood and mangled vehicle parts port” to militants and urged world Affairs Committee, called the to its government and providing said Representative Juan Vargas, rather than a politically moti- scattered across the street. powers to “drain the resources of latest fighting “infuriating,” security training for its armed a California Democrat. vated assault. The Baghdad carnage could terrorists.” AFP and blamed it largely on South forces. Unlike many African REUTERS AFP Bahrain’s heir, oppn leaders discuss national dialogue

DUBAI: Bahrain’s Crown national dialogue in a coming their lack of will to discuss mat- Prince Salman bin Hamad Al stage.” ters on the agenda” leading Khalifa met opposition leaders Bahrain’s government to “unfruitful sessions” of the yesterday in a bid to revive a announced Thursday that it had dialogue. national dialogue that was sus- suspended the dialogue that began On September 18, five groups, pended last week. last February but was boycotted including the main opposition The meeting focused on “ways months ago by the main Shiite Shia movement Al Wefaq, pulled to overcome the obstacles that opposition. out of the national reconcilia- have hindered the national dia- It gave no indication whether tion talks after prominent Shiite logue,” designed to bring the the process, aimed at ending the ex-MP Khalil Marzooq was country out of the current politi- political impasse in the Sunni- arrested on charges of inciting cal crisis, the official news agency ruled Gulf kingdom with a Shiite terrorism. BNA reported. majority, could resume. He was released after the trial Prince Salman urged repre- The decision came after eight opened but was banned from leav- sentatives of the political groups Sunni associations announced ing the country, which has been to “show seriousness, transpar- that they too would suspend their hit by a sporadic Shiite-led upris- ency and credibility” in order participation in the talks. ing since February 2011. “strengthen the rule of law and A joint statement said this was The government has blamed institutions,” in the tiny Gulf due to “the absence of a party that the suspension of the national kingdom, it said. was invited to take part in the dialogue on “the five (Shia) asso- BNA added without elaborat- dialogue and its withdrawal” from ciations” for repeatedly failing to ing that “it was agreed on the the talks. It was also because of join the talks. main issues to be discussed under “government stances that show AFP THURSDAY 16 JANUARY 2014 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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A welcome gesture Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

HE invitation extended by an Iranian official yesterday to Gulf states to visit its sole nuclear power plant is the latest in a string of measures Twhich Tehran is taking to burnish its image and allay concerns about its nuclear ambitions. Answering a Hollande’s private life is the question about the Gulf countries’ worries about Tehran’s nuclear programmes, Ali Akbar Salehi, the country’s nuclear chief, said that experts from Arab neighbours were welcome least of his problems to visit the facility. “We are ready for the visit of nuclear experts of Gulf countries to Bushehr nuclear power plant,” he said. BY SIMON JENKINS the legacy of his own French socialist meant nothing but a motorway, a hyper- The invitation assumes significance as it comes amidst movement. They must come together market and a shed estate. France knows efforts to resolve the row over Iran’s nuclear programme. F COURSE it matters. A pres- to liberate employment and accept such places must appeal culturally to Talks between the West and the Iranian government over ident is not just a professional a reduction in spending and business new people and new money. Paris has the implementation of an interim nuclear deal signed by the figure. He is a head of state, taxes. His apologists might argue that protected its charm to be Europe’s pre- two are making progress. Iran seems keenly interested in Obriefly the embodiment of his this is just a matter of laws and aus- mier visitor destination, while France’s people. If the Queen were sneaking off terity. But he is asking for a change in glorious valleys and sweeping uplands emerging from the international isolation it has pushed itself on a scooter each night to see a toyboy outlook and behaviour. People are less are becoming the resort of an entire into and as part of these efforts, it seems keen to assuage the in Pimlico, Britons might regard it as a likely to respond if they see the man continent. I have never seen how France concern of its neighbours over its nuclear intentions. “purely private affair”. But they would asking as a fool or an object of ridicule. could fail. The conciliatory approach of the Iranian government be aghast and agog. President Hollande’s I have always seen France as in some It fails at present only when you enter deserves praise and needs to be welcomed, but the region love life may be private. But is it really sense Britain’s twin. They are two coun- any commercial premises and hear the would expect more clarity on the nuclear head’s statement. of no interest or concern to the French tries with the same population, the same same wail. Service is dreadful because people? Pull the other one. GDP, the same life expectancy and the taxes are high and employing anyone is Though Ali Akbar Salehi is a senior official and has the Behaviour, style, personal relation- same murder rate. They share much prohibitively costly. Unemployment is power to speak on behalf of the government, the seriousness ships may seem tangential to govern- of their history. French workers pour now 11%, and the young and the rich are of the issue demands that the invitation has to come ment as a business, but they cannot be into London for jobs, while one in five leaving for England and elsewhere. In from a higher authority – divorced from government as an art. Britons spends at least a week a year in almost any small restaurant, only fam- The Gulf states preferably from the president Most of the “unanswered” questions France. Finance flourishes in London, ily members are employed. France has Hassan Rouhani himself. This swirling around but Europe’s second economy, tourism, sabotaged its industry with protection must accept Hollande’s press flourishes in France, whose coast and and its services with regulation. is because in Iran the religious conference strug- countryside are not just more extensive In their immaculate history of recent Iran’s invitation establishment has the last say gled to drag his than Britain’s but also better conserved. Anglo-French relations, That Sweet and it’s not clear if Salehi has the private life into France has seemed a strangely som- Enemy, Robert and Isabelle Tombs to inspect its go-ahead from supreme religious The president the public domain. nolent giant. After the war it relaxed chart the nervousness with which each nuclear power leader Ali Khamenei. Was there a secu- while Germany strove. Paris played country has viewed the other as the EU rity risk? Was the Athens to Bonn’s Rome. Its leaders were evolved. To Margaret Thatcher, an early The Iranian gesture also offers should be plant. president vulner- largely responsible for designing the enthusiast for the common market, a golden opportunity for the Gulf regretting not his able to attack or common market as a comfort blanket, the cohort of French énarques around states to voice its concerns about personal follies kidnap? Was a not a spur to efficiency. They guarded François Mitterrand and Jacques Delors the Bushehr nuclear power plant. The Gulf countries have bodyguard with its agriculture and industry from global offered a different economic model. As often raised concern over Bushehr’s reliability and the risk of but the failure him at all times? competition and isolated its social costs, she said: “It was clear from the start radioactive leaks in case of a major earthquake, as well as a The answers to particularly immigration from Africa, in they had competing visions of Europe.” of the French these questions sprawling suburbs and southern cities. Theirs was what Tombs called “the last possible military dimension to Iran’s nuclear drive. Iran has economic model. were trivial. France did well out of Europe. full-blooded, leftwing economic experi- said it aims to produce 20,000 megawatts of electricity from They were The result is often impressive. I drove ment anywhere in the world”. nuclear power, which would necessitate building 20 such proxies for a dif- last autumn from Toulouse across the Thatcher – and John Major and Tony reactors. ferent fascination, south-west to Montpellier, as I had pre- Blair after her – were convinced the The Gulf states need to send a team of experts to inspect one that is bound to envelop the pri- viously driven from Paris to Lyon and French model would not work. They the plant and ask all the questions they have been asking. vate lives of public figures. We all seek across to Bordeaux. Everywhere were were largely right. As its economy ailed, in the lives of celebrities some echo of signs of the huge investment France has France sought comfort in joining the The GCC can enlist the services of global agencies, including our joys and sorrows. Personal emotion made in its industrial and civic infra- euro, and thus denied itself the currency the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), for the and behaviour may have no imprint on structure: Airbus in Toulouse, IBM in flexibility that might have protected it inspection. If the Iranian offer is made in good faith, it must public action. But such is the secrecy of Montpellier, Dassault and EADS in from nemesis. In 2005 the people of take serious steps to address the concerns of its neighbours. power that we crave any glimpse of the Bordeaux and industrial estates around France could not face further European The nuclear programme of Iran is not an issue to be “man behind the mask”. In a democracy, Paris and Lyon. Seemingly immaculate union, and voted initially against the “the public interest” is to some degree factories surrounded carefully beauti- Lisbon treaty. At the time, the future resolved between the Iranian government and the West. The whatever interests the public. fied towns. president Nicolas Sarkozy wrote that Gulf countries, as neighbours of Iran, have serious concerns Hollande has swatted aside his ever The prosperity and pride of French “the limits of the model” had been about the issue and these concerns must be taken into deferential press corps with “no com- cities is in glaring contrast to Britain’s reached, and that France must reduce account at the time of negotiations. There is no alternative ment” on his private life. But he is ask- former industrial regions. London’s its “stifling” public spending, reduce to solving the problem through diplomacy and if Tehran ing his people to behave differently, to postwar contempt for provincial Britain public debt and “become less afraid of realizes this fact, its friendly gestures must not be ignored. agree a “responsibility pact” to set aside is ever more grotesque when seen from the outside world”, according to the decades of self-indulgence that is in part continental Europe, as if urban renewal Tombs. THE GUARDIAN The other side Quote of Cybercrime legislation the day T has been done before, and the to cyber activity and information tech- hacking or identity theft to cyber stalk- with the aid and help of modern technol- state seems to be in danger of doing nology. It also promotes electronic and ing, domain squatting and the transmis- ogy” and the use of electronic devices it again: crafting laws that appear computerised business through cre- sion of child pornography. to “attack national infrastructure” and Ito increase citizens’ freedoms and ating space in the system for facilities Yet a close reading of the draft otherwise cause “significant problems to The battle will strengthen law and order, but contain such as e-signatures, and tailors to reveals portions that are worded such the interests of the state.” As Pakistanis mischief-making provisions or caveats current needs legislation such as the that there is danger of them, if passed already know all too well, when used be long and will that achieve, quite often, the contrary. Power of Attorney Act, 1881. To be into law, being loosely or widely applied, in legislation such turns of phrase can continue. If we keep The new compendium of laws that sure, there is a need for this. Internet becoming a tool for censorship, or being become means of muzzling critical or the government is set to present penetration and technological prow- otherwise misused. Consider, for exam- dissenting views, and of removing from silent it means the before the cabinet, which if passed ess may be low when the country as a ple, cyber attacks that are described as the citizenry’s ambit material or ideas creation of evil by the parliament would become the whole is looked at, but usage is growing being “against Pakistan’s interests.” That without justification other than the much- Electronic Documents and Prevention exponentially amongst those sections is precisely the sort of mindset that led misused ‘national interest’. The draft statelets that would of Cybercrimes Act, 2014, must be of society that have access. Legislation to a blanket ban on YouTube instead will be reviewed by parliament when it viewed through this lens. has to keep pace. The draft law con- of the targeted removal of some objec- is presented and legislators must scan wreak havoc with This legislation consolidates and tains several provisions that are without tionable content available on the site. it thoroughly for areas of difficulty such security in the region updates the several different laws that doubt required in Pakistan, identifying Similarly, the draft contains references as the ones pointed out here. Nouri Al Maliki apply at the moment to crimes related as cognisable crimes activities from to “crimes against the state committed DAWN and the world. Iraqi Prime Minister THURSDAY 16 JANUARY 2014 QATAR PERSPECTIVE www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 9 Is Al Qaeda good or evil?

who had helped smuggle prison- ABDULAZIZ AL MAHMOUD ers from Abu Ghraib and Al Taji prisons in Baghdad. Al Shammari added that the did my best to follow up eve- Iran and the USA even started purpose of smuggling these prison- rything written about the sending advanced weapons to Al ers was to strengthen the Islamic Islamic State in Iraq and Maliki, as Washington announced State of Iraq and Syria, which ISyria (ISIS). I kept an eye that it was rushing Hell fire mis- is fighting in Syria and warning on its supporters and opponents siles and low-tech surveillance the United States that Al Qaeda and watched many videos and drones to Iraq to help govern- is the alternative to Bashar Al news broadcast by the organisa- ment forces monitor and destroy Assad. He clarified that security tion and its enemies. I also read revolutionaries. forces at the prison had retreated what Western media outlets wrote Accordingly, Iraqi Sunni before the break-in and released about it and read about its history Muslims are now considered ter- the prisoners. and origin. Now, let me share a rorists, and the world has for- The minister also said that the summary with you that may not gotten that Al Malki has failed operation was facilitated before be final. miserably in running a country the US Congress authorised a mil- The organisation started in that is rich in natural, agricul- itary strike against Syria, which Iraq in early 2004 and called tural and human resources and was never carried out. itself Jama’at Al Tawhidwal Jihad he has run it on a sectarian basis Now, we have the right to ask (The Monotheism and Jihad). In that the modern world has never what role Al Qaeda plays in the October 2004, it changed its name seen before. region, as its existence is not desir- to Tanzim Qaidat Al Jihad fi Bilad Due to this failure, Sunni able anymore and its presence has Al Rafidayn (The Organisation of Muslims in Iraq have been margin- become an excuse to strike Sunni Jihad’s Base in Mesopotamia), and alised, killed, excluded, displaced Muslims and to not strike their was more commonly known as Al and impoverished systematically, enemies. Qaeda in Iraq. in an attempt to make them live Al Qaeda carries a moral bur- Then, in January 2006, the like their Arab, Kurd and Baloch den towards Sunni Muslims, as it group merged with several smaller brothers in the “Islamic” Republic is required to dissolve and merge organisations and began calling of Iran. into other movements and bat- itself Mujahideen Shura Council But how big is Al Qaeda in Iraq? talions in Syria or the tribal for- (Jihadist Advisory Council). In Is it effective as some claim to the mations in Al Anbar province. October 2006, it called itself extent that Russia and America Al Qaeda’s insistence on sticking Dawlat Al ‘Iraq Al Islamiyya have to declare an emergency to to its stance makes it vulnerable (Islamic State of Iraq). support Al Malki in his battle to accusations of treason and In April 2013, the group against ISIS? Or is something else disloyalty. changed its name to Ad Dawla Al the reason? Scottish politician and President Isl miyya fi Al ‘Ir q wa Al Sh m A study centre at the US Sunni mourners and gunmen chant slogans against the Shia-led government during the funeral of a man killed of the European Parliament (The Islamic State of Iraq and Department of State estimated during clashes between Al Qaeda gunmen and Iraqi soldiers in west of Baghdad. Delegation for Relations with Iraq, Syria), abbreviated as ISIS or in 2007 that Al Qaeda militants Struan Stevenson, has announced ISIL. The difference in the last numbered about 1,000. Since the that the attack on Al Qaeda ter- letter of the abbreviations existed withdrawal of US forces in late the Bush administration’s statis- committed by Al Qaeda in Iraq is 15 percent figure into account, rorists in six Iraqi provinces is because some people call Syria the 2011, the group’s strength has tics, noting its false reporting of marginal in comparison with the the number of Iraqis killed by Al nothing more than a cover for the Levant and some others just call grown to at least 2,500 fighters. insurgency attacks for political bloody calamities in that country, Qaeda comes to about 1,800 out extermination of Sunni Muslims, it Sham or Syria. A US intelligence report in July purposes. and if we drop the estimated per- of 12,000. If we, however, decide who oppose the sectarian policies Recently, the United States of 2007 said that Al Qaeda accounted Some US-sponsored centres centage in this doomed state we to use the Congress’ statistics, we of Al Maliki. America, Iran and Russia have for 15 percent of attacks in Iraq. that monitor Al Qaeda have con- will notice the following: will see that the number of peo- Will Al Qaeda ever realise that been supporting Iraqi Prime However, the Congressional cluded that the group has taken In 2013, the US Department of ple killed by Al Qaeda is just 240. it poses a threat to Sunni Muslims Minister and the Secretary- Research Service noted in its credit for 43 out of 439 attacks Defence and the US Department Iraqi Justice Minister Hassan in Iraq? Or will it remain con- General of the Islamic Dawa September 2007 report that on Iraqi security forces and Shia of Health announced that 12,000 Al Shammari, who happens to vinced that it is the protector of Party, Nouri Al Maliki, in his war attacks by Al Qaeda amounted militias, and 17 out of 357 attacks persons were killed in 2013, be a Shia Muslim, announced on Islam and Muslims, regardless of against terrorism in Al Anbar to less than two percent of the on US troops. and about twice that number Monday that there were some how many souls and money are Governorate. violence in Iraq, and criticised By this count, violence were injured. If we take Bush’s eminent figures in the country wasted in the process?

KHALID AL JABER GCC and its balance sheet of losses

Crisis of Arab media would like to seek permission Prophet movement, which were from the leaders of the Gulf MOHAMED SALEH AL MUSAFAR fighting against the rulers in okes apart, there is no specific definition for the term “Arab ICooperation Council to present Damascus. This proves that the media”. Reality suggests that there is a media, with different a brief balance sheet of the politi- ISIS is part of the Syrian, Iraqi Jtrends and interests, particularly when it comes to issues cal practices and achievements in almost every capital, including conventional weapons that do not and Iranian regimes. Now, why do related to different states. News and issues are tackled to give the Arab world over the past two Gulf capitals, under the name of deter enemies or protect friends. not our leaders offer their backing space to the media on local, regional and international issues, years. “Friends of the Syrian People”, but Tens of billions of dollars were to the Syrian opposition and pro- particularly when it wants to avoid sensitive issues within each I would like to start with Egypt, none of these conferences man- spent in this regard and Gulf vide them what they need, simi- Arab country. a country close to the hearts aged to present anything fruitful countries were divided on the lar to what Iran is doing with the What unites “Arab media” -- if we use this term metaphori- of almost everyone. A popular to the Syrian people. The revolu- method of giving this support, and Syrian regime? In this regard, too, cally -- is that since its launch it was linked to the principle of uprising took place in this coun- tionaries of Syria got fed up with because of that the revolutionaries we have sustained huge losses. representing the state to society and the individual without any try and this uprising came to be promises of weapons, money and themselves are split along differ- mandate from the public. As a result, the individual melts into known as the “January 25 revo- soldiers, none of which were given ent loyalties and ties. Iraq society and society subjugates itself to the logic of the state. In this lution”. The revolution brought to them. We were hopeful when Prince Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri case, the state stands for the political leadership, which is limited down the autocracy of long- More than five million Syrians Bandar bin Sultan made promises Al Maliki has managed, under to a party, tribe, sect, group or the person of a leader as described standing Egyptian president Hosni are internally displaced or have and issued threats but until now planning from Tehran and the by British novelist George Orwell in his novel 1948. Mubarak in early 2011. migrated out of Syria to live in nothing has happened. Everyone supervision of Kasim Sulaymani, The media scene in the Arab When the revolution erupted, refugee camps without adequate pinned his hopes on the US and commander of the Quds Force at world in general is divided into Egyptians were full of hope that the West supporting the Syrian the Iran Revolutionary Guard; to many parts. Some of these parts The concept the future of their country would revolution and sending weapons. form a new Al Qaeda in Iraq and are subordinate directly or indi- be better. Some GCC states sup- The West, however, found divisions ISIS in Syria, and provide them rectly to the authorities in terms of the media ported the revolution while others and many Islamist groups on the with all kinds of weapons needed of ownership. Some others are opposed it. But both sides spent ground, which made it decide not for the current war in Syria and subordinate to internal censor- huge amounts of money backing to give any arms to the revolution, the Iraqi province of Al Anbar. ship and internal and external as the “fourth some parties against the others leaving them together with Syrian Al Maliki and Iran’s aims are to agendas in terms of their con- for the point of view they adopted I want to say to the citizens prone to the weapons of eradicate everybody opposing the tent, while some others are sub- estate” is towards the uprising. Gulf leaders: You mass destruction and barrels of Iranian hegemony over Iraq and ordinate to what major Western A revolution-coup-uprising also have sustained explosives used by the troops of also support the sectarian regimes media outlets present. All these meaningless took place in Egypt on July 3, 2013, Bashar Al Assad. in Iraq and Syria. Al Maliki dem- factors create a contradictory bringing down a government that huge losses as Several Gulf countries went onstrated his sectarian outlook and troubled situation that neg- was brought to office through hon- a result of your to Moscow to sign contracts for on affairs in his country when he atively affects the media’s per- in the absence est and fair elections witnessed by the purchase of Russian weapons. said that for him Karbala was the formance in every Arab state. both friend and foe. The elections policies across These contracts also include huge direction in which to pray (not The concept of the media as of separation brought to office an academically the Arab world. investments and intelligence coop- Makkah) and that the Iraqi army the “fourth estate” is meaning- qualified man and a political activ- eration on Islamists. The value of was the army of Imam Hussein less in this regard, not to men- of powers ist, namely Mohammed Mursi. You supported the all these contracts was estimated fighting against the army of Yazid tion any active role played by this Some of you backed this coup military in Egypt at $30bn. Despite this, Russia has and there was a sea between us sector in the absence of separa- between the and spent huge amounts of money not changed its position and con- and them (referring to the Sunnis tion of powers between the main to make this support felt. Another and turned it tinues to support Bashar Al Assad of Al Anbar province). pillars of the state, the weakness group of leaders did not support it. into a nightmare; and Iran. The people of Iraq, who oppose of effective political participation main pillars of Some estimates put the amount of Russia offers Al Assad the Al Maliki and his policies as well and the absence of civil society money poured into Egypt during procrastinated in logistics and arms he needs to as the Iranian domination of Iraq, groups. the state. this period at around $25bn. Even backing the Syrian counter the revolutionaries. Iran are being killed in large numbers. For this reason, the media has with this, the condition of the has thrown the bulk of its mili- In killing these people, Al Maliki failed to shape strong and effective public opinion, monitor the Egyptian people has not changed. regime; continue tary, financial, energy and human claims he is fighting ISIS. Even authorities and enable the individual to be an effective participant Only army leaders and the coup- to ignore what is resources behind Al Assad. with all this, our leaders do not aware of his rights and duties and what is happening around him, makers have benefited. The rem- In 2011, Gulf countries bought offer support to the afflicted peo- instead of resorting to conspiracy theories and blaming foreign- nants of the former Mubarak happening in Iraq; weapons worth $123bn, accord- ple of Iraq. ers for his faults. regime and an opportunist media and allowed Iran to ing to the Ahram digital edition To sum this up, I want to say Despite this situation, there are different Arab media experi- also benefited from this money. report prepared by Hala Ibrahim. to the Gulf leaders: You have ences, even if they are limited to one or two media institutions. The result was that we sustained besiege you all. The question is: what is the use of sustained huge losses as a result These institutions made a difference and set an example as they huge losses in Egypt. these weapons if they do not help of your policies across the Arab became influential internationally, despite their currently retreat- the Syrian people achieve victory? world. You supported the mili- ing role. Syria shelter, medicines and food, and The Islamic State of Iraq and tary in Egypt and turned it into There are media institutions established by political regimes to A fierce war is being waged in the most affect of these are chil- Syria (ISIS) was created originally a nightmare; procrastinated in create a balance between local and foreign media. There are media Syria against the people of the dren and the elderly. Irregular by the Syrian regime and gets sup- backing the Syrian regime; con- experiences imposed by circumstances, even as the rest of the country by the rulers of Damascus humanitarian aid reaches the port from Iran. The proof to this tinue to ignore what is happening Arab media remained in its traditional shape, almost unchanged. and Shia leaders in Iraq, Iran, and refugee camps from time to time. is that Bashar Al Assad has not in Iraq; and allowed Iran to besiege Everything was fine even after the Arab uprisings. Lebanon. They are working tooth The leaders of the GCC did fought against the movement so you all. Do you realise what all this There is a proverb: “If you believe in freedom of expression, and nail only to keep Bashar Al not spare any effort in providing far as its aim is to fight the Free means? you necessarily believe in the freedom of expression for views Assad in power, even if at the the Syrian revolutionaries with Syrian Army and kick it out of the you do not like.” expense of the Syrian people. weapons, according to statements liberated areas. The views expressed in the articles on this The problem is that major Arab media institutions do not The GCC states were not absent released by the leaders through ISIS eradicated the page do not reflect the viewpoint of the believe in this. from the Syrian uprising or revo- the media in their countries. Organization of Syrian Falcons newspaper. lution. Conferences were held in But the weapons given so far are and the Descendants of the THURSDAY 16 JANUARY 2014 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST Syria aid pledges less than half of target

KUWAIT CITY: Donors meet- fled the country. “I am especially communities, where some 245,000 and Germany $41m. Other coun- ing in Kuwait pledged more concerned about reports of star- people live,” Amos said. tries pledged smaller amounts. than $2.4bn in humanitarian vation” in Syria, he said. According to aid agencies, 10.5 On Tuesday, the European aid for victims of the Syrian EU Aid Commissioner million Syrians are food insecure, Union offered an extra ¤165m war yesterday, less than half Kristalina Georgieva said “we see more than a million children ($225m), according to Georgieva, the $6.5bn sought by the United the humanitarian situation going under five suffer from acute or raising its total contributions to Nations. from bad to worse; we have seen severe malnutrition, about half ¤2.0bn ($2.74bn. The meeting came just a week no improvement.” the population has no access to Charity organisations meeting before the so-called ‘Geneva And with fighting intense as adequate water sources or sani- in Kuwait on the eve of the con- II’ peace conference aimed at ever and the prospects of a nego- tation and 8.6 million have insuf- ference also pledged $400 million finding a political solution to tiated solution dim, rights and ficient access to healthcare. of aid. the 34-month conflict that has aid groups say urgent funds are Host country Kuwait led Lebanon is currently home claimed more than 130,000 lives needed. pledges, with the emir, Sheikh to the largest number of refu- and displaced millions of people. On Tuesday, Amnesty Sabah Al Ahmed Al Sabah, prom- gees with 905,000, followed by “More than $2.4bn has been International said “the continu- ising $500m at the opening of the Jordan with 575,000, Turkey with pledged at the conference,” UN ing violence in Syria has sparked one-day conference. 562,000, Iraq with 216,000 and secretary General Ban Ki-moon one of the biggest humanitarian US Secretary of State John Egypt with 145,000. said at the conclusion of the crises in recent history. Kerry announced a supplemen- Meanwhile, Syrian President meeting, attended by delegates “The world’s response to the tary aid package of $380m, bring- Bashar Al Assad warned during from nearly 70 nations and 24 Syria crisis so far has been woe- ing the total US contribution to a meeting in Damascus yesterday international organisations. fully inadequate,” Amnesty said. $1.7bn. Saudi Arabia said it will with Iran’s foreign minister that But the UN was appealing for UN Emergency Relief give $60m in supplementary aid, Saudi Arabia’s political and reli- $6.5bn in what it said was the Coordinator Valerie Amos said as did neighbouring energy-rich gious ideology is “a threat to the largest ever in its history for a Wednesday that around 245,000 Qatar. Both are strong backers world,” state television reported. single humanitarian emergency. Syria’s President Bashar Al Assad welcomes Iran’s Foreign Minister Syrians are living in towns and of the rebellion against President “President Assad warns during It is seeking $2.3bn to support Mohammad Javad Zarif before a meeting in Damascus yesterday. cities under siege and facing Bashar Al Assad. And the United his meeting with Iran’s Foreign 9.3 million people inside Syria and extreme hardships, including food Arab Emirates promised a similar Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif $4.2bn for refugees, expected to groups have expressed dismay at people, nearly 9.3 million individ- shortages. amount. of the threat posed by Wahhabi nearly double to 4.1 million in the worsening situation. uals, urgently need humanitar- “I am deeply troubled by the Britain pledged £100m ($164m), thinking to all the world, not just number by year’s end. Ban himself said “half of ian aid,” pointing out that more persistent reports of people run- Japan $120m, Norway $75m, Italy to the region,” the report said. Officials, human rights and aid the total population of Syrian than three million people have ning out of food in those besieged $51m, Denmark ¤26.8m ($36.5m) AFP

Benghazi attacks were Egypt closes two-day preventable: US Senate report vote on referendum WASHINGTON: The US gov- ernment could have prevented deadly attacks on its mission in ‘No’ campaign barely visible amid crackdown the Libyan city of Benghazi by fixing “known security short- CAIRO: Polls across Egypt when the results of the poll will new political order, which could falls,” a damning Senate report closed yesterday after a sec- be announced. see the return of military men to concluded yesterday. ond and final day of voting on The army-backed authori- power - resuming the six-decade Four American citizens, includ- a draft constitution that could ties said turnout was strong, but tradition in the country until the ing Ambassador Chris Stephens, pave the way for a presidential supporters of the jailed Mursi’s 2011 uprising against president died in the double attack tar- bid by army chief General Abdel Muslim Brotherhood said their Hosni Mubarak. Turnout was geting a US diplomatic facility Fattah Al Sisi. calls for a boycott of a “sham” about 30 percent in the 2012 ref- and the nearby CIA annex on Voting passed off more peace- vote had been observed. erendum on the Islamist-tinged September 11, 2012. fully than on Tuesday, when nine The Cairo Institute for Human constitution adopted during A Senate Intelligence people were killed, but officials Rights criticised Egyptian media Mursi’s year in office. Committee inquiry held hear- said police arrested at least 79 for “stoking hatred towards the “God willing a large percentage ings and interviewed dozens of people yesterday during pro- Brotherhood” and contributing to of the public will vote ‘yes’, and for witnesses, against a back-drop of tests by supporters of deposed a climate of intimidation. one main reason — we have been partisan point-scoring from both President Mohamed Mursi, At many polling stations across through great hardship and been sides of Washington’s political removed from power by Sisi in the Arab world’s most populous worn out,” said Hisham Mohamed divide. July. State media reported that country, the referendum could Moussa, waiting to vote in Cairo. Obama’s administration ini- polls had closed, counting had have been mistaken for a vote on While Western states have tially suggested the attacks were a begun, and unofficial results could Sisi himself. Women chanted his criticised the crackdown and spontaneous protest by Benghazi filter out within hours. name and ululated as they stood called for inclusive politics, they residents angered by a privately- The constitution was expected in line to vote, while a pro-army have put little pressure on Cairo. made American anti-Islamic film to be approved easily. There has song popularised after Mursi’s Egypt, which controls the Suez posted online. been little sign of opposition to overthrow blared from cars. Canal, has been a cornerstone Yesterday’s bipartisan report it following a fierce government of US policy in the Middle East emphasised the security short- crackdown on Mursi’s Muslim NARROW POLITICAL SPACE since the 1970s, when it became falls that allowed protesters Brotherhood, and human rights The referendum is a key step the first Arab state to make and armed militants to storm groups said campaigning for a in the political transition plan the peace with Israel. The US-based Stephen’s Benghazi compound “no” vote had been repressed. interim government has billed as Carter Centre, which has moni- and to torch the US residence. The draft constitution deletes a path to democracy as it con- tored most of the votes held over The report said the State Islamic language written into the tinues to take fierce measures the past three years of political Department had failed to heed basic law approved a year ago against the Brotherhood, Egypt’s upheaval, sent only a small obser- warnings to reinforce protection when Mursi was still in office. It best organised party until last vation mission after voicing con- at the sites despite the rapidly also strengthens the state bod- year. The government last month cern at “narrowed political space” deteriorating security environ- ies that defied him: the army, the declared the group to be a “ter- around the vote. ment in Libya. police, and the judiciary. rorist organisation”. Al Qaeda- Another US-funded group, And it blamed intelligence Sisi, who deposed Mursi after inspired militants have stepped Democracy International, had Egyptian soldiers carry an elderly man as he leaves after casting his ballot agencies for not notifying US mass protests against his rule, up attacks on security forces 83 observers deployed across the on the second day of vote on the new constitution at a polling station in military officials in the US Africa appeared to link a decision on since Mursi’s removal. A presi- country. DI Programme Manager Nasr city neighbourhood in Cairo, yesterday. command that a CIA annex even his presidential bid to the result. dential election could be held as Dan Murphy said observers were existed near the Benghazi diplo- Analysts say his candidacy early as April. reporting that “from a technical Endowment for International lending legitimacy to a “flawed matic mission. appears to be a foregone conclu- High turnout would be seen as standpoint the process is pro- Peace in Washington warned and undemocratic progress.” “The committee found the sion. Officials have not indicated a strong stamp of approval for the ceeding normally”. The Carnegie that international players risked REUTERS attacks were preventable, based on extensive intelligence report- ing on the terrorist activity in Libya — to include prior threats and attacks against Western tar- gets — and given the known secu- rity shortfalls at the US mission,” Tell the truth about plot, Erdogan asks his envoys the panel said in a statement. AFP ANKARA: Turkish Prime Minister Details of the corruption allegations Erdogan rejected such concerns. “I’m of reaching a compromise. The feud has Recep Tayyip Erdogan ordered his have not been made public, but are thought sorry but we won’t be taken in by evalua- shaken investor confidence and raised ambassadors yesterday to confront allies to relate to construction and real estate tion like ‘this is contrary to the European questions about the credibility of Turkey’s Yemen drone with the “truth” that a graft investiga- projects and Turkey’s gold trade with Iran. Union acquis’. We know how to read and institutions, helping drive the lira — already tion shaking Ankara was the result of a Erdogan’s supporters see US-based write. We can see what is going on,” he said. battered by waning investor appetite for strikes kills farmer foreign-backed plot to sabotage Turkey’s Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen — a former emerging markets — to historic lows. Finance international standing. ally whose network of followers is influen- ECONOMIC FALLOUT Minister Mehmet Simsek said the political ADEN: A Yemeni farmer was Erdogan, visiting Brussels next week, tial in the police and judiciary — as a prime Erdogan’s AK Party has proposed a draft turbulence was among factors which could killed in a US drone strike yes- also mockingly rejected European Union mover in a plot backed by foreign collabo- bill giving government more say over the prevent Turkey reaching its target of four terday in what w itnesses said was expressions of concern about his moves to rators. “They are trying to deal a heavy High Council of Judges and Prosecutors percent economic growth this year. an attack apparently intended tighten control over a judiciary he sees as blow to Turkey’s economy. They are mak- (HSYK), which makes top judicial appoint- “It makes investors tense both domes- for suspected Islamist militants central to the conspiracy. His finance min- ing efforts to push interest rates higher. ments, a move the opposition says would tically and abroad. This tension will be in southeastern Yemen. ister said political turbulence may hinder In order to make international inves- violate the constitution and sees as an reflected in consumption and investment Witnesses said the farmer was Turkey in reaching a 4 percent growth tors uneasy they use every means. “Most attempt to stifle the corruption investigation. decisions and hence in growth,” he told a killed by shrapnel from two rock- target this year. importantly they are working hard to harm President Abdullah Gul, who would have to news conference. ets fired by the drone early in the What erupted a month ago as a cor- Turkey’s image in the world,” Erdogan said. ratify the bill, called for compromise yester- Erdogan has overseen strong economic morning as he walked home in ruption inquiry involving the sons of three He has responded by purging the police day, saying Turkey’s rival political parties growth in Turkey since coming to power the village of Al Houta, near the ministers and businessmen close to the of hundreds of officers and seeking tighter should instead agree on changes to articles in 2002, transforming its reputation after city of Shibam. government has grown into one of the control over the appointment of judges in the constitution governing the judiciary. a series of unstable coalition governments A local government official con- biggest challenges of Erdogan’s 11-year and prosecutors, raising alarm in Brussels “There is agreement among the parties in the 1990s ran into repeated balance of firmed the report but declined to rule and damaged Turkey’s image abroad. in particular, which has been engaged in that there should be an HSYK which is payments problems and economic crises. give further details. Erdogan said politicians, domestic and for- years of protracted EU membership nego- independent and impartial and within the The AK Party’s reputation for economic The United States has stepped eign media and financiers were conspiring tiations with Ankara. EU enlargement framework of EU principles,” Gul said, add- management has been one of the corner- up drone strikes as part of a against Turkish interests. commissioner Stefan Fule told Turkey’s ing prospects for a deal should become clear stones of its three successive election wins campaign against Al Qaeda in “We expect you to exert more effort to new EU minister Mevlut Cavusoglu in their within a couple of days. over the past decade, a record Erdogan the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), defeat this treacherous operation targeting first meeting this week that any changes But the main opposition CHP said it wants to maintain in the run up to local regarded by Washington as the Turkey by telling our partners the truth,” to the judiciary must not call into ques- would only negotiate if Erdogan with- elections in March and a presidential race most active wing of the network. Erdogan told the conference of Turkish tion Turkey’s commitment to meeting EU drew the draft bill first, while a senior AK which he is expected to contest in August. AFP ambassadors in the capital Ankara. membership criteria. Party official said he was not optimistic REUTERS THURSDAY 16 JANUARY 2014 INTERNATIONAL www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 7 killed in Russia shootout ahead of Games Militants were hiding in a village in Dagestan region

MOSCOW: Three members of the which the daily Vedomosti said was to be beefed up nationwide after the Russian security forces and four gun- worked out during closed sessions held attacks. men were killed in a shootout yesterday between parliamentarians and represent- About 37,000 personnel are now in during a sweep for Islamist militants atives of the Federal Security Service and place to provide security in Sochi, located who have threatened to attack the the Interior Ministry. on the Black Sea and on the western Winter Olympics that begin in Sochi The group of militants had been edge of the Caucasus mountains. The next month. trapped in a house in the village of International Olympic Committee has After two suicide bombings in southern Karlanyurt in the Dagestan region of the expressed confidence the Games will be Russia last month, Moscow is on high North Caucasus, the NAC said in a state- safe. security alert. President Vladimir Putin ment. Five officers were also wounded But, underlining the danger of attacks, has staked much personal and political in what a spokesman called a special security forces said on Saturday they prestige on the success of the Games, and operation. had arrested five members of a banned put security forces on combat footing in Police defused two explosive devices militant group in southern Russia and Sochi. at the house where the militants bat- defused a homemade bomb packed with Russia’s National Anti-Terrorism tled security forces. Television showed shrapnel. Committee (NAC) said the dead mili- images of gray plumes of smoke rising The main spokesman for Russia’s tants included a man accused of carry- later from a house in the impoverished Investigative Committee, whose respon- ing out a car bomb attack in the city of North Caucasus region. sibilities include looking into bombings Pyatigorsk late last year that killed three The Dagestan capital, Makhachkala, is and other attacks, appealed to civilians people. about 620km east of Sochi. The mostly on Tuesday to be more vigilant and help The shootout occurred on the same day Muslim region is plagued by bombings avert the threat of “terrorist” attacks. that Russia’s Duma, or lower house of and shootings target state and police The insurgency is driven by a mix parliament, introduced legislation aimed officials as part of the militants’ fight to of religious fundamentalism and anger at broadening the powers of security create an Islamist state there. At least among local residents over corruption services and boosting their oversight of 34 people were killed last month in the and strong-arm efforts by appointed, pro- the Internet, Russian news agencies said. suicide bombings in the southern city of Moscow regional leaders to clamp down Russian Cossacks, traditional paramilitary volunteers, patrol in front of Sochi’s airport in Voting has yet to be held on the bill, Volgograd. Putin ordered safety measures on militants. REUTERS Adler yesterday.

US school shooting African Union NSA spying on offline seeks more computers: Report WASHINGTON: The US National manufacturer or an unwitting user. troops as vote Security Agency has developed a The report said the NSA and its secret technology to spy on com- Pentagon partner, United States approaches puters via radio signals, gathering Cyber Command, have used these information even when the devices techniques against the Chinese BANGUI: The African Union are offline, a report said yester- Army, which has been accused of called yesterday for more troops day. The New York Times reported cyberattacks on US firms. to help stabilise the conflict- that the NSA has implanted soft- It has also been used against torn Central African Republic, ware on 100,000 computers around Russian military networks, Mexican which remains tense as its tran- the world to be able to conduct police and drug cartels, trade institu- sitional parliament prepares to surveillance, and which gives the tions inside the European Union, and elect a new interim president. spy agency “a digital highway” for sometime partners against terrorism With three days to go until launching cyberattacks. like Saudi Arabia, India and Pakistan, the key vote, an official from the The Times, citing unnamed according to officials and documents continental bloc told leaders from sources, said the agency has cited by the US newspaper. Africa’s Great Lakes region that used the program code-named In a statement to AFP, the NSA the AU-backed MISCA force — Quantum since at least 2008, rely- did not directly comment on the which currently has 4,400 sol- ing on a covert channel of radio report but said the agency “deploys diers and struggled to contain the waves that can be transmitted various foreign intelligence tech- country’s descent into a sectarian from tiny circuit boards and cards niques to help defend the nation.” bloodbath — needed more troops. inserted surreptitiously into the “As we have previously stated, “The AU calls on your authority computers. the implication that NSA’s collec- to provide the means for MISCA It said the radio technology has tion is arbitrary and unconstrained — whose numbers were projected helped solve a key problem for US is false. NSA’s activities are focused at 6,000 — to comfortably pursue intelligence agencies, by getting and specifically deployed against — its mandate,” AU special repre- into computers of adversaries that and only against — valid foreign sentative for the Great Lakes are hardened against attacks. But intelligence targets in response Boubacar Diarra told a summit it noted that the radio frequency to intelligence requirements,” the in Angola. Students are reunited with families at a staging ground set up at the Roswell Mall following an early hardware must in most cases statement said. “The commission of the AU... morning shooting by a student at Berrendo Middle School in Roswell, New Mexico, yesterday. Three be physically inserted by a spy, a AFP would like to call on your confer- persons including two students were injured. ence to allow MISCA to deploy to its fullest capacity and contrib- ute together with (French force) Sangaris... to definitively stabilise the situation.” Hollande controversy derails The call came as the tran- sitional parliament continued meetings to choose a new interim president for the country, where actor’s path to academy jury a terrifying spiral of atrocities erupted after a rebel coalition PARIS: France’s culture competent to be a member of called Seleka installed its leader, minister yesterday blocked the jury... but it was not help- Michel Djotodia, as the majority- actress Julie Gayet from ful to add another controversial Christian country’s first Muslim becoming a jury member of a issue.” president in March. prestigious French academy Gayet had been due to be The parliament adopted rules in Rome following revelations part of the jury alongside other for the vote barring anyone from she was having an affair with personalities such as French running who has been in a rebel President Francois Hollande prima ballerina Marie-Agnes group or militia in the past 20 (pictured). Gillot and Italian composer years. Investigative weekly Le Lucia Ronchetti. “That’s a lot of people in the Canard Enchaine revealed She will now be replaced Central African Republic,” said that the 41-year-old had been by screenwriter Emmanuele one lawmaker. The poor, land- nominated before Christmas Bernheim, Filippetti said. locked country of 4.6 million peo- as a member of the 2014 jury De Chassey, meanwhile, ple has a long history of coups and for a French academy at the told iTele television that he rebellions. sumptuous Villa Medici, which picked Gayet for “profes- The 135 lawmakers also came every year selects a group of sional reasons”, ruling out any under international pressure to French-speaking artists for a favouritism. abstain from running themselves 12- to 18-month residency. into hospital for stress — would “She is a recognised cinema in the vote, which is scheduled Jury members are tasked not be appointed as planned. producer, a recognised actress, for Saturday. “The international with auditioning candidates “Her name was put forward which has already enabled her community calls on the National for the prestigious fellowship by Eric de Chassey, director to take part in juries, includ- Transitional Council not to act among writers, filmmakers, of the Academy of France in ing important juries such as... as judge and jury in an essential photographers, stage design- Rome-Villa Medici, but the in Cannes”, he said. election for the strategic con- ers, art historians and others. minister decided not to appoint “She also has a lot of interest tinuation of the transition,” said But yesterday, the culture her,” the office of Culture in contemporary art, in litera- Noel Essongo, representative for a ministry said the actress — Minister Aurelie Filippetti said. ture, in music, which everyone committee on the crisis that rep- whose affair with Hollande was “I do not want to give rise in the art world knows.” resents France, the UN and the revealed last week by glossy to any controversy,” Filippetti Hollande, 59, has refused Economic Community of Central magazine Closer, prompting later told journalists. to comment on his affair African States (ECCAS). AFP his devastated partner to check “She was completely with Gayet. AFP

Global media body begins Britain mission

LONDON: A global media The World Association It said its previous press by the British authorities’ organisation began its first of Newspapers and News freedom missions had been treatment of the profession press freedom mission to Publishers (WAN-IFRA), undertaken in countries such of journalism and its attempts Britain yesterday over con- based in Paris, said it would be as South Africa, Libya, Yemen, to control the public debate,” cerns about the government’s holding meetings with Culture Azerbaijan and Myanmar, but WAN-IFRA chief executive plans to regulate newspa- Secretary Maria Miller as part never before in Britain. Vincent Peyrègne said in a pers and its response to the of a visit to Britain to discuss “The WAN-IFRA mem- statement. Edward Snowden revelations. “worrying developments”. bership is deeply concerned REUTERS THURSDAY 16 JANUARY 2014 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA / PHILIPPINES Thai PM stands firm on February election Oppn leader Suthep’s support declining: Deputy PM

BANGKOK: Thailand’s gov- supporters of Yingluck and her central Bangkok have given the ernment stuck to a plan for a brother, Thaksin Shinawatra, a impression Yingluck is worn out February election yesterday former premier ousted by the mil- and eager to quit. despite mounting pressure from itary in 2006 who is seen as the But she seemed relaxed and protesters who have brought power behind her government. cheerful at the meeting, which parts of Bangkok to a near- Yingluck invited protest lead- was held inside an air force base standstill, and said it believed ers and political parties to discuss near Don Muang International support for the leader of the a proposal to delay the general Airport. agitation was waning. election, which she has called for Senior officials stressed a care- Some hardline protesters have February 2, but her opponents taker government had no powers threatened to blockade the stock snubbed her invitation. to postpone or cancel the election exchange and an air traffic con- After the meeting, the govern- and stressed even an imperfect trol facility if Prime Minister ment said the poll would go ahead poll was better than none. Yingluck Shinawatra does not as scheduled, and it derided the “The ballot box doesn’t solve step down by a deadline media leader of the protest movement, everything, and she knows that. said had been set for 8pm. Suthep Thaugsuban. But at least that’s the right step,” The unrest, which flared in “We believe the election will Suranand Vejjajiva, secretary- Thousands of Thai protesters march through central Bangkok, blocking streets on the third day of the ‘Bangkok early November and escalated bring the situation back to nor- general to the prime minister, shutdown’, yesterday. this week when demonstrators mal,” Deputy Prime Minister said. occupied main intersections of Pongthep Thepkanchana told The protesters say they will the capital, is the latest chapter reporters. “We can see that the occupy the city’s main arter- hardliners in the protest move- AeroThai said it had back-up intersections and are also trying in an eight-year conflict. support of Mr Suthep is declin- ies until an unelected “people’s ment, the stock exchange and operations to ensure no disrup- to stop ministries from func- The country’s political fault line ing. When he is doing something council” replaces Yingluck’s the central Bangkok offices of tion to air travel if its control tioning, forcing many to remain pits the Bangkok-based middle against the law, most people do administration. AeroThai, which is in charge of centre was shut down. closed, with civil servants working class and royalist establishment not support that.” There was no sign of trou- air traffic control communication Suthep’s supporters have block- from back-up facilities or from against the mostly poorer, rural Speakers at protest sites across ble at the two targets named by for planes using Thai air space. aded at least seven big Bangkok home. REUTERS

Indonesian maid plans HK Cambodian oppn seeking compromise with PM return to aid torture probe PHNOM PENH: Cambodia’s “I have seen a letter that Sam in 2015 or 2016, give it the chair- much has been agreed on, about opposition has been in talks with Rainsy and Kem Sokha had writ- manship of some parliamentary 80 percent,” said social analyst JAKARTA: An Indonesian claiming she had suffered months Prime Minister Hun Sen to find ten to Prime Minister Hun Sen, commissions, allow it to run a tel- Kem Ley. maid allegedly tortured in Hong of abuse in Hong Kong. a deal to end the political crisis outlining four points,” said Heang evision station and agree to look Sam Rainsy led tens of thou- Kong hopes to return to the The case has renewed concern caused by last year’s disputed Rithy, president of the Cambodian at electoral reforms. sands of CNRP supporters and city to help in the investigation about the treatment of domes- general election and a compro- National Research Organization. The CNRP had also asked to allied striking garment workers against her employer, an official tic helpers in the former British mise may be near, two analysts Hun Sen, who has been in power have the deputy presidency of the on rallies and marches against said yesterday, as more details colony following recent criticism briefed on the matter said. for 28 years, was returned to power National Assembly, dropping its Hun Sen until a crackdown by of her alleged mistreatment by rights groups. Opposition leader Sam Rainsy in an election last July that the demand for the presidency, Kem security forces in early January, emerged. Her condition is now improv- and his deputy, Kem Sokha, had opposition called fraudulent. Ley said, adding that in return when five strikers were shot dead Erwiana Sulistyaningsih, 22, ing and medics hope her injuries written to Hun Sen via a media- Heang Rithy and Kem Ley said the opposition party would end and the protests were halted. was admitted to hospital in a crit- will be healed in two weeks, Dita tor seeking a “compromise for Sam Rainsy’s Cambodia National its boycott of parliament. He denied secret talks had ical condition in Sragen, on the Indah Sari, spokeswoman for the national reconciliation,” inde- Rescue Party (CNRP) wanted the “There have been secret talks taken place and said his party had main Indonesian island of Java, Indonesian minister of manpower pendent analysts Kem Ley and ruling Cambodian People’s Party through a third party and the not discussed any power-sharing last week after returning home, and transmigration, said. AFP Heang Rithy said yesterday. (CPP) to agree to a fresh election third party has informed us that in parliament. REUTERS

China to make Japan okays Fukushima operator’s revival Corruption worsening high-speed TOKYO: Japan’s trade minis- earthquake and tsunami in 2011, Motegi and Hirose said there hybrid trains try yesterday approved a revival triggering triple meltdowns at the may be a time lag between the plan for the utility responsible site, had to be torn up because plan’s assumption and any restarts. in Malaysia: Survey BEIJING: China CNR for the Fukushima nuclear dis- it could not restart Kashiwazaki. The recovery of Fukushima pre- Corporation Limited (CNR), aster, Tokyo Electric Power Co, “As for the restart of fecture, dealing with compensation KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian whose 57-year-old ruling coali- announced that it will roll its second attempt at restoring Kashiwazaki Kariwa ... this is for those who lost homes and busi- corporate executives said brib- tion was re-elected last May with a prototype of hybrid high- its battered finances. simply an assumption built into nesses and decommissioning the ery and corruption were wors- a reduced parliamentary margin speed train off the produc- The plan hinges on Tokyo the financial plan,” industry min- damaged plant are national priori- ening in the graft-plagued due in part to voter weariness tion line in September 2015. Electric (Tepco) restarting its ister Toshimitsu Motegi said as he ties, Motegi told Hirose. country, according to a survey, with corruption, has repeatedly Changchun Railway Vehicle Kashiwazaki Kariwa nuclear gave formal approval of the plan “Tepco will throw all available despite government pledges to vowed to crack down on graft Co, Ltd (CRC) of CNR will plant to cut fossil fuel costs, a con- to Tepco President Naomi Hirose. resources at taking responsibil- tackle graft. since he took office in 2009. integrate two or three power tentious undertaking staunchly The previous revival plan ity for Fukushima. We will com- Eighty percent of respondents But critics say little has sources — electricity, battery opposed by the local governor. revolved around a Kashiwazaki pensate every last person and the said they felt bribery and corrup- changed, and successful prosecu- pack or diesel engine — into An earlier plan by Tepco outlin- restart in early 2013. The new company has many things to do tion had increased between 2010 tions of high-profile figures are the trains, according to CNR. ing a revival after its Fukushima plan envisages a restart of two in order for residents to return and 2012, according to the govern- rare. The design speed of the plant was hit by a massive reactors at the station in July. quickly,” Hirose said. REUTERS ment-backed survey conducted by On Monday, the government trains will be 160km per hour, professional services firm KPMG dropped corruption charges said CNR. and released on Monday. against the ruling coalition’s The perception that bribery and former transport minister Chan Vessels collide Reverse painting corruption were a “major prob- Kong Choy in relation to the lem for businesses in Malaysia” development of a free trade zone off Hiroshima was shared by 90 percent of those at the country’s biggest port, after polled, the survey said. another former transport minister TOKYO: Japan’s Defence “A whopping 71 percent of got off last year. Ministry has said that a respondents also believed that The project’s costs reportedly sports fishing boat cap- bribery and corruption is an inevi- ballooned to more than a billion sized after colliding with the table cost of doing business, whilst dollars in one of the country’s big- Maritime Self-Defence Force 64 percent believed that business gest financial scandals. transport vessel Osumi off can’t be done in Malaysia without Abu Kassim Mohamed, head of Hiroshima Prefecture, west- paying bribes,” it added. the Malaysian Anti-Corruption ern Japan yesterday morning. KPMG said it received responses Commission (MACC), wrote in Ministry officials said two of from 10 percent of companies on a foreword to the KPMG survey the four people rescued from the Malaysian stock exchange, that “admittedly, there is still the fishing boat are said to be which has about 900 listed firms. much to be done to increase con- suffering cardiorespiratory Corruption -- ranging from fidence” in the government’s anti- arrest, according to Japan’s small bribes solicited by police to graft fight. (NHK WORLD) website. refrain from issuing traffic tickets The MACC is frequently Ministry officials said the to multi-million dollar contracts attacked by the opposition for sports fishing boat was car- awarded without a transpar- dragging its feet on cases involv- rying a captain and three ent tender process -- is routine ing ruling-coalition figures while customers. in Southeast Asia’s third-largest aggressively pursuing cases linked economy. to government critics. ‘Migrant workers Artist Soe Naing from Myanmar ‘reverse paints’ or dissolves the paint in a blacked out box from within in his Prime Minister Najib Razak, AFP work at a media preview of Art Stage Singapore art exhibition and trade show in Singapore yesterday. treated fairly’ SINGAPORE: Singapore yesterday denied that a riot last month by some 400 South Philippines seeks more US navy ships to counter China threat Asian migrant workers in the city-state was triggered by discontent over their wages MANILA: The Philippines “Within the last year, we real- domain awareness” and protection in an increasingly tense standoff control of the outcrop after and living conditions. wants to acquire two more navy ised that there is a real threat a key concern of his leadership. with China involving disputed Manila backed down. However, In a letter reacting to a New ships from the United States to out there in terms of securing, The funds used to boost mari- reefs and islands in an area the government sought UN arbi- York Times editorial in late boost its maritime protection defending our territory,” Bautista time defence, he said, would come Manila calls the West Philippine tration to settle the dispute, a December, its ambassador to the amid threats from China, the told ANC television. from the $40m military assistance Sea. move rejected by China. United States Ashok Mirpuri country’s military chief said. He said that ideally the country pledged by Kerry in December. In 2012, the flagship BRP Manila has also increas- said “we will treat our migrant The new acquisitions would needed about six more frigates to The Philippines has already Gregorio del Pilar, the first ingly looked to the US for help, workers with respect, but will come under the fresh US mili- guard its long coastline effectively. acquired two refurbished acquired from the US, confronted and negotiations are ongo- take firm action against those tary assistance announced by US “In fact, we are bidding now for American frigates in the past two Chinese ships on Scarborough ing for an increased rotational who break the law.” Secretary John Kerry when he two frigates, hopefully we will be years, and they now lead patrols Shoal, a small outcrop just off the presence of American soldiers We strive to ensure that they visited the Philippines last month, able to acquire them in couple of in the South China Sea. coast of the country’s main island in the Philippines as part of are fairly treated and properly armed forces chief of staff Gen years,” Bautista said. The Philippines, a long-time of Luzon. Washington’s “pivot” to Asia. paid,” he said. AGENCIES Emmanuel Bautista said. He said he has made “maritime US military ally, has been locked The Chinese eventually gained AFP THURSDAY 16 JANUARY 2014 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 Road accident Fire breaks out in Musharraf’s hospital ISLAMABAD: A fire broke out early yesterday at the Pakistani hospital where former military ruler Pervez Musharraf was kills 21 people admitted for a heart condition, officials said. “There was a small fire incident at the hospital, but it was extin- guished immediately,” a source in Nawabshah at Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology in Rawalpindi said. Another source confirmed the Fatalities include 19 school kids fire incident was “of a minor nature”. Officials said the cause KARACHI: At least 21 peo- About 20 others, including was being investigated and may ple, including 19 children, were teachers and students, were have been started by an electrical killed in Pakistan yesterday injured and taken to People’s short circuit. when a school van smashed Medical College in Nawabshah Musharraf was taken to hospi- head-on into a heavy truck, offi- for treatment. Six of the injured tal last week after falling ill while cials said. persons were reported as critical travelling to a special court con- The van collided with the and were subsequently shifted to sidering treason charges against loaded dumper truck near the the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). him. He was diagnosed with town of Nawabshah, around Police reached the site of acci- coronary artery disease, with 270km north of Karachi in the dent and started investigation. his lawyers pleading for him to southern province of Sindh. The The driver of the truck was be allowed to receive treatment children, who were students of arrested after the accident. abroad. the Bright Future School from Senior police officer Asif Ali Musharraf’s lawyer Ahmad Pakistani soldiers keep watch outside the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology in Rawalpindi yesterday, where the nearby town of Daulatpur, Pechuho said that the school van Raza Kasuri said that the former a fire broke out at the hospital where former military ruler Pervez Musharraf was admitted for a heart condition. had come to Nawabshah for a had been so badly wrecked that president was not affected. school trip. Their van was on its rescue workers had to use tools “He is safe as the fire inci- Musharraf has yet to appear which brought the charges, and said he wants to stay and fight way back to Daulatpur when the to extract bodies. dent happened on another floor,” in person before the specially- the powerful armed forces. the charges. accident happened. The driver of the school van Kasuri said. convened three-judge tribunal, Musharraf’s camp says the Aside from the treason allega- Doctor Hashim Langa, chief was among the dead, he added. The court has ordered missing hearings due to security treason allegations, which relate tions, Musharraf also faces trial of the government-run Civil Pakistan has one of the world’s Musharraf to appear in person fears and the health scare. to his imposition of emergency over the assassination of former Hospital in Nawabshah, said the worst records for fatal traffic today, after considering a medi- Rumours have circulated for rule in November 2007, are politi- prime minister Benazir Bhutto, hospital had received 21 dead bod- accidents, blamed on poor roads, cal report on his heart com- months that a backroom deal cally motivated, and his lawyers the death of a rebel leader, a ies out of which 19 were children. badly maintained vehicles and plaint. The case has gripped the would be struck to whisk him have challenged the authority of deadly raid on a radical mosque “Their ages range from five or reckless driving. nuclear-armed nation for the past overseas to avoid a destabilising the tribunal. and the detention of judges. six to 16,” he said. AFP fortnight. clash between the government, But the former commando has AGENCIES Court to provide bullet-proof car to Chaudhry Bomb blast kills two Rebels killed in Balochistan raid ISLAMABAD: The KHUZDAR: At least four Another security official, who Baloch, Commander of Southern Islamabad High Court volunteers in Khyber militants were killed yester- declined to be named, told Dawn. Command Lieutenant General (IHC) has directed the gov- day during an operation con- com that the militants were Nasir Khan Janjua and other ernment to immediately KHYBER: A roadside remote- Khyber is part of Pakistan’s ducted by security personnel in involved in a series of kidnapping high ups held a series of meet- provide a bullet-proof car controlled bomb blast in Khyber semi-autonomous tribal belt on Balochistan’s troubled Khuzdar incidents. ings with the district administra- to the former chief jus- yesterday killed two volun- the Afghan border. district, police said. Khuzdar is considered to be one tion to discuss ways for improving tice of Pakistan, Iftikhar teers of the Amn Committee, The Taliban and other Al Ali Ahmed Kurd, a levies offi- of the most sensitive districts of the law and order situation in the Muhammad Chaudhry, Geo DawnNews reported. Qaeda-linked groups, who stage cial, told Dawn.com that Frontier Balochistan where militants have Khuzdar district. News reported. Unknown militants installed attacks in both countries, are Corps (FC) and levies personnel been targeting security forces and Pakistan was one of the clos- In his verdict, Justice a remote-controlled bomb at a known to have strongholds in conducted a joint operation in national installations for more est allies of the US. The US war Shaukat Siddiqui said the roadside in Khyber’s Zakakhel the zone. the Zaidi area of Khuzdar. He than a decade. on terrorism led initially to an former chief justice should be area near a barricaded post of After suffering for decades said four militants were killed Worsening law and order situa- improvement in the relationship, provided security equivalent Amn Committee. due to the fallout of the Soviet and six were arrested during the tion has forced hundreds of fami- but it was strained by a diver- to former prime ministers and The bomb went off with a loud invasion of Afghanistan, today operation. lies to migrate from Khuzdar to gence of interests and result- should be provided a bullet- explosion. Subsequently, two Amn they are again being targeted “Militants resisted the opera- different parts of Balochistan and ing mistrust during the war in proof vehicle yesterday. Committee volunteers were killed. for a different situation of tion, however, security person- Sindh. The minority Hindu com- Afghanistan and by issues related Following the explosion, secu- terrorism. nel successfully fought them,” munity appears to be the most to terrorism. Servant falls rity personnel cordoned off the Amn Committee is a mili- Kurd added. He said one hostage vulnerable. In the recent past, Since 1948, there has been an area and a probe into the incident tant group tied to the Pakistan was also recovered from the safe Hindu traders announced an ongoing, and at times fluctuat- from building went underway. People’s Party and based in haven of militants. indefinite strike against incidents ing, violent conflict in the south- Earlier last week, nine people, Karachi, Pakistan. Security forces moreover seized of kidnapping. western province of Balochistan KARACHI: A 10-year- including three children, were It is avowedly a support group a huge quantity of arms and However, they called off the between various Baloch separatist old was rushed to hospi- killed and several others wounded for the Pakistan Peoples Party, ammunition from the militants’ strike following assurance by the groups, who seek greater political tal with multiple injures when a blast rocked the house of the ruling party in Pakistan from possession. The detained mili- concerned quarters. autonomy, and the central gov- after he allegedly fell off an a tribal elder in the northwestern 2008 till the 2013 elections. tants were shifted to an undis- Earlier, Chief Minister ernment of Pakistan. apartment building late on Khyber tribal region. AGENCIES closed location for interrogation. Balochistan Dr Abdul Malik AGENCIES Tuesday night. The police have detained the young boy’s employer over sus- picion that the boy was pushed from the building. The boy was employed as a domestic serv- Military base set up in Swat Valley ant at a doctor’s residence in Clifton Block-5. ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s now chief of Tehreek-e-Taliban Sharif has in principle approved The boy’s family has accused Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Pakistan (TTP), took control of and announced a brigade level the doctor of torturing him yesterday announced the set- the area in 2007 and waged a cantonment for Swat and over petty issues and being a ting up of a permanent mili- brutal campaign of beheadings, (adjacent) Malakand areas,” slave driver. Meanwhile, doc- tary base in the troubled Swat violence and multiple attacks his office said in a statement, tors at the Jinnah Postgraduate Valley, where Taliban insur- on girls’ schools. adding that the approval came Medical Centre’s emergency gents shot schoolgirl Malala By July 2009 the army during a visit to Swat. department say the child does Yousafzai in the head. declared the region back under “The prime minister lauded not carry any signs of torture The scenic northwestern dis- their control, but more than the role played by the army in and is out of danger. trict slipped out of government 20,000 troops remained in Swat bringing peace and stability to AGENCIES control after Taliban fighters and adjacent districts. the area.” led by cleric Maulana Fazlullah, “Prime Minister Nawaz AFP Female police chief Poland to cut Afghan troop deployment by 50 percent

WARSAW: Poland’s defence security deal with Afghanistan minister said yesterday that that would see several thou- Warsaw, a major contribu- sand US troops remain to pro- tor of troops for the US-led vide training and assistance war in Afghanistan, would after the Nato combat mission roughly halve its contingent ends in December. to 500 soldiers by May. The Polish unit, deployed in Poland had previously Afghanistan since 2002, is cur- planned to maintain 1,000 rently responsible for security troops in Afghanistan until in the southeastern province the end of the year as part of of Ghazni. In November, the Nato’s International Security unit numbered around 1,100 Assistance Force. soldiers. “In agreement with our Forty-three Polish soldiers allies, we have decided to have died in Afghanistan since speed up our withdrawal,” 2002. Tomasz Siemoniak told Currently the armed forces reporters. is being re-organised accord- “All heavy equipment, such ing to Nato standards, and as as armoured vehicles and of 1 January 2010, the transi- helicopters, will also return tion to an entirely contract- to Poland by May.” based military has been The bulk of Nato’s remain- completed. Colonel Jamila Bayaz (left), the newly appointed head of police, inspects ing troops in Afghanistan are Polish military doctrine her base in Kabul, Afghanistan yesterday. She was appointed on Tuesday, due to pull out by the end of reflects the same defensive making her the first woman to hold such a senior post in the war-torn 2014. nature as that of its Nato country, where less than one percent of police officers are women. But the US is currently in partners. talks to secure a long-term AFP THURSDAY 16 JANUARY 2014 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA Apex court Bullish scare notice on harassment Court responds to law graduate’s plea

NEW DELHI: The Supreme the court said while noting that the Court yesterday issued notice on a intern had informed her parents and law graduate’s plea to put in place professors about the incident but did a permanent mechanism to attend not inform the court. to the complaints of harassment by “Being a law graduate”, why did both sitting and former judges at she wait for so long, Chief Justice all levels of judiciary, including the Sathasivam asked. “Our apprehen- apex court. sion is that there are so many retired The notice, which can be returned judges and someone levels charges by February 14, has been issued to the after 20 years when the retired judge central govewrnment, the Secretary is 85 years old.” General of the Supreme Court, At this, senior counsel Harish Justice (Retd) Swatanter Kumar, Salve said there is no permanent and Attorney General G E Vahanvati. mechanism to attend to complaints An apex court bench headed by of harassment against judges and the Chief Justice P Sathasivam, while existing grievance redressal commit- Villagers are pinned down by a bull as others climb a fence to protect themselves during a bull-taming festival on the outskirts of Madurai issuing the notice, made it clear that tee was “inappropriate” to entertain town, about 500km from Chennai, yesterday. The annual festival is part of south India’s harvest festival of Pongal. “at this moment we are not express- complaints against judges. ing any opinion on averments or alle- Salve said let there be a permanent gations by the law graduate”. set up to look into the complaints of In view of the importance of the misconduct with a time frame. issue to evolve a permanent mecha- The law intern from Kolkata- Indian envoy in US meets official over row nism to address the complaints of based National University of Juridical sexual harassment by the judges at Sciences has alleged sexual harass- all levels, the court said it appointed ment against former apex court judge WASHINGTON: In a bid challenging,” it said in a refer- committed to moving forward to commitment to continue joint eminent counsel Fali Nariman and Swatanter Kumar. Justice Kumar at to ease tensions after a bit- ence to the month long diplo- resume cooperation on the broad US-India work on issues such K K Venugopal as amicus curiae to present heads the National Green ter month long diplomatic matic row sparked by the arrest range of bilateral issues before as clean energy and climate assist the court. Tribunal. row over the arrest of an and strip search of Devyani us,” the State Department said. change, defence, economic and The court order came on a petition Besides seeking inquiry into her Indian diplomat, US Deputy Khobragade, 39, India’s then The two also discussed the trade engagement, counterter- of a former law intern who alleged complaint, the intern in her petition Secretary of State William deputy consul-general in New variety of issues raised by the rorism, and civil nuclear devel- harassment by the then Supreme also sought direction for setting up J Burns hosted Indian Yo rk . Ministry of External Affairs opment,” the State Department Court judge Swatanter Kumar. a permanent mechanism to inquire Ambassador S Jaishankar for She was asked to return via diplomatic note, includ- said. “To that end, they dis- At the outset of the hearing, Chief into the complaints of harassment a “productive lunch meeting.” home on January 10 after India ing alleged issues with the cussed initial preparations for Justice Sathasivam asked: “What is against all the judicial officers sitting At yesterday’s meeting at the declined to waive her diplomatic American Embassy School, a range of upcoming bilateral the date of the alleged incident?” or retired, whether holding office or State Department, Burns and immunity to enable her prosecu- it said. Burns conveyed that the meetings and exchanges,” it When told that it relates to May 28, not. Jaishankar “affirmed the impor- tion on charges of visa fraud and US takes “their concerns very said. Meanwhile, Khobragade’s 2011, he asked why did she take so She said such a permanent mech- tance of the US-India strategic underpaying her housekeeper seriously and will continue to lawyer Daniel Arshack filed long to report it. anism is contemplated in Vishaka partnership,” the State depart- even as she was indicted by a address them via appropriate a petition in the Manhattan The then law intern had written to direction issued by the apex court to ment said in a statement grand jury in New York. diplomatic channels.” federal court yesterday asking Chief Justice Sathasivam complain- take cognisance of harassment at the “They agreed that the Burns and Jaishankar Burns and Jaishankar the trial judge to throw out the ing about the alleged harassment, work place. IANS past several weeks have been “affirmed that we are both “affirmed our shared charges against her. IANS British PM says no evidence of SAS role in 1984 temple raid

LONDON: Prime Minister David approved sending an officer from the elite the responsibility for this was carried killed in the June 1984 raid to flush out show New Delhi had requested British Cameron yesterday said there was Special Air Service (SAS) to advise the out solely by the Indian army,” Cameron militants who had occupied the Golden advice and that an SAS officer travelled no evidence so far that British spe- Indians on the raid. told parliament. Temple in Amritsar, northwest India -- to India, where he helped draw up a cial forces played a role in India’s 1984 “I don’t want to prejudge the outcome, “I think it is important to put that, but considered Sikhdom’s holiest shrine. plan which was approved by Gandhi in Amritsar Golden Temple assault. but I would note that so far it has not it is important to get to the bottom of Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi February 1984. Retired lieutenant-gen- Cameron ordered an inquiry after found any evidence to contradict the this.” He said the assault left “deep scars” was assassinated by two Sikh bodyguards eral K S Brar, who led the assault, said previously secret documents showed insistence by senior Indian army com- and “incredibly strong feelings that exist four months later in revenge. on Tuesday that it was the first he had that former premier Margaret Thatcher manders responsible at the time that to this day”. At least 500 people were Newly declassified government letters heard of any British involvement. AFP

S Korean president Jaya, Rekha shake hands at function

MUMBAI: It was a rare moment for Bollywood buffs and industry insiders — veteran actors Rekha and Jaya Bachchan were caught greeting each other warmly at an awards function where megas- tar Amitabh Bachchan was honoured with a lifetime achievement award. At the Life OK Screen Awards held here on Tuesday, Rekha was seated and enjoying the show when the Bachchan trio of Amitabh, Jaya and Abhishek came in midway through the event. While Abhishek was busy giving out media bytes to the electronic media on the red carpet, Jaya walked in whereas Amitabh was talk- ing to a guest. Jaya came forward and saw Rekha but instead of walking away or avoiding her the duo exchanged a warm smile, said a source. Rekha got up and greeted Jaya who also clasped the former’s hand warmly. Both the screen icons looked resplendent in gorgeous pink saris and sparkling jewels at the event held at the MMRDA grounds here. At one time “Big B” and Rekha shared a roaring chemistry on and off the screen. Their last Bollywood project together was Yash Chopra’s 1981 entertainer Silsila that also starred Jaya. But since then, the duo who acted in films like Namak Haraam, Do Anjaane, Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Mr Natwarlal, Suhaag and Khoon Pasina, have not worked together. At the 20th edition of the Screen Awards, Amitabh was recognised for his over four decades of contribution to the world of Hindi cinema. South Korean President Park Geun-hye (left) being welcomed Filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra and actor-politician Shatrughan by a Ministry of External Affairs officer after arriving at Air Force Sinha handed over the special award to the 71-year-old. Station Palam in New Delhi yesterday. Geun-hye is on a four- IANS day state visit to India. Rahul got his facts wrong, says Arun Jaitley

NEW DELHI: BJP leader got his facts all wrong. The Bharatiya Janata Party from the BJP becoming person- Arun Jaitley yesterday hit In an article, Jaitley accused leader said political parties ality centric. These leaders were out at Rahul Gandhi over his the Congress and many of its should have a structure, an ide- and will always remain subject remarks about the opposi- former prime ministers of prac- ology and inner party democ- to the party structure. Rahul tion party and prime min- tising “personality-oriented” racy and cannot be run on the Gandhi has got the principle isterial candidate Narendra politics. whims of an individual. against personality centred- Modi pursuing “personality- Jaitley said Gandhi was right “Having popular leaders party right, (but) he has got oriented” power and said the that political parties cannot be like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and his facts all wrong,” Jaitley said. Congress vice president had personality-centric. Narendra Modi is very different IANS

THURSDAY 16 JANUARY 2014 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME West African  lion facing News in Numbers    CHART: 1 10 Fajr (Dawn) 5:01 extinction Shorook (Sunrise) 6:21 DAKAR: West Africa’s lions, Zuhr (Noon) 11:44 which once prowled across the Asr (Afternoon) 2:45 region in their tens of thou- sands, are close to extinction as Maghrib (Sunset) 5:07 farmland eats up their ancient Isha (Night) 6:37 habitats and human hunters kill the animals they feed on, a study has shown. Just around 400 of the animals WEATHER were thought to have survived across 17 countries, according to the paper published in scientific Today Friday Weather Saturday Conditions: journal PLOS ONE. Average retention levels Partly cloudy Partly cloudy Clear “These lions are standing on Fine to partly a cliff looking at the chasm of extinction,” Luke Hunter, one of cloudy. Pic by: VP Kammutty the paper’s authors and president High: 21° High: 19° High: 18° Low: 15° Low: 15° Low: 14° of wild cat conservation group Panthera, said on Tuesday. On average, MENA reinsurers retain about two-thirds of their non-life “It would be very easy for small, premium income (including medical & health), significantly below the isolated populations to be wiped out over the next five-10 years.” global average of almost 90pc. Some 68pc (up from 52pc) of interviewees DOHA - SUN & SEA Fewer than 250 of the sur- expect aggregate retention rates to increase by up to 10 percentage points vivors were mature cats, capa- SUN TIDE SEA ble of breeding, the study said. over the next 12 months. They cite mounting pressure from reinsurers and SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND But even that ability to produce regulators (most notably the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency) who expect cubs was limited by the fact they 06:21 17:07 05:30 & 16:3 12:45 & 22:30 05-15/20 KT were spread across wide areas in domestic insurers to have more ‘skin in the game’. Some survey participants groups that often did not have also point out that more insurers are trying harder to make money on THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW enough lionesses to sustain a population. risk retention, in light of a protracted low-yield investment environment. HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER The study said there had been no comprehensive study of the MUSCAT 23/16 Partly cloudy 24/17 Partly cloudy size of past populations, though KUWAIT 18/12 Mostly cloudy 14/10 Cloudy Hunter said there would at one Outlook on retention levels BAHRAIN 19/15 Clear 20/14 Chance of rain stage have been “many tens of SANAA 25/05 Clear 24/06 Partly cloudy thousands” of lions. RIYADH 23/15 Partly cloudy 19/09 Partly cloudy The study, led by Panthera, DUBAI 24/16 Clear 24/17 Partly cloudy said they were now only present BAGHDAD 17/09 Partly cloudy 16/07 Partly cloudy in 1.1 percent of their original habitat and recommended they THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW should be classified as “critically Increase by up to endangered”. 10 percentage HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER Conservation efforts in a region points to 68pc known for its poverty and political ATHENS 10/10 Chance of rain 16/11 Partly cloudy instability, have been weak com- WASHINGTON 06/00 Chance of snow 07/-2 Chance of rain pared to other parts of Africa, and Stable SYDNEY 29/18 Clear 32/20 Clear the population density is about 15 LONDON 11/08 Chance of rain 12/08 Mostly cloudy times lower compared with lions 32pc PARIS 10/06 Rain 11/06 Partly cloudy in east Africa, the study said. ISTANBUL 12/10 Chance of rain 11/09 Partly cloudy Parks in the region typically MANILA 29/22 Partly cloudy 30/22 Mostly cloudy had four staff or fewer per 100 DHAKA 26/15 Partly cloudy 26/15 Clear square kilometres, it added. DELHI 19/12 Mostly cloudy 18/09 Chance of rain REUTERS ISLAMABAD 18/03 Partly cloudy 18/05 Clear Source : http://www.qfc.com.qa Archaeologists find ‘Jellyfish aircraft’ takes flight new pharaoh in Egypt PARIS: Inspired by nature and covered by transparent Mylar film by the aviation pioneers of the — bought at ordinary modelling CAIRO: Archaeologists in roof. Its stone walls were deco- early 20th century, scientists in stores. Egypt believe they have discov- rated with painted images. the United States said yesterday Ristroph said he and Childress ered the remains of a previously The team also recovered the they had built the world’s first had been intrigued by film footage unknown pharaoh who reigned skeleton of the pharaoh, which jellyfish aircraft. of aviation pioneers who had tried more than 3,600 years ago. suggested he stood 185 centime- The tiny, ultra-light lab to mimick insects to build orni- The skeleton of King Senebkay tres tall. machine, weighing just 2.1 thopters, but lacked the knowl- were uncovered at South Abydos The photos showed the phar- grammes, is the first man-made edge or materials at the time. in Sohag province, about 500km aoh’s skeleton laid out on a white flying object to hover and move “We were inspired in part by south of Cairo, by a University of sheet. “He was originally mummi- with a motion like that of jellyfish videos from the 1900s, in the Pennsylvania expedition work- fied but his body was pulled apart in water, the inventors believe. early experimental days of flying. ing with the government, the by ancient tomb robbers,” said the “We were interested first of all They were very creative in those Egyptian antiquities ministry caption. in making a robotic insect that days, they had lots of very good said. “No funerary furniture was would be an alternative to the hel- ideas, but also some bad ones,” Never before heard of in ancient found in the tomb, confirming it icopter,” said Leif Ristroph, who he said. Egyptian history, King Senebkay’s had been robbed in the ancient works alongside Stephen Childress In its present state, the jellyfish name was found inscribed in hier- pharaonic ages,” the statement at New York University’s Applied aircraft is a “proof-of-concept” oglyphics written inside a royal said, quoting Ali Al Asfar, an Math Lab. device aimed at testing that the cartouche — an oval with a hori- antiquities ministry official. “Our interest ended up being idea works. New York University zontal line at one end signalling a Asfar said the discovery sug- a little bit weird — it was the has already filed a patent, said royal name, the ministry said in gested that the rule of the Hyksos jellyfish.” Ristroph. a statement. did not extend to all of Egypt and The jellyfish has long been The next step will be to add a The discovery provides new that a native dynasty managed to admired by engineers for a sim- battery — the prototype is pow- evidence that at least part of preserve its independence in the ple yet efficient motion, sculpted ered by a fine electrical wire — and Egypt may have escaped the rule south. by millions of years of evolution, remote control. of the Hyksos, invaders from what In the statement written in that requires just a simple muscle The invention is reported in is now Syria who dominated the Arabic, Joseph Wegner, head of the and no brain power, just a primi- the Journal of the Royal Society Nile Delta between the 18th and expedition, added: “The modesty of tive nervous system. Interface, published by the Royal 15th centuries BC, antiquities the size of the tomb points to the It has a bell-like translucent Society, Britain’s de-facto academy A ‘Jellyfish aircraft’ constructed of lightweight carbon fibre and mylar plastic officials said. decline of economic conditions in skirt that first billows out and of sciences. Photographs released with the this period”. then closes tightly, squirting water at the Applied Math Lab, which is part of New York University’s Mathematics A lot of work is needed on statement showed what appeared The statement dates King out from the small opening to pro- Department. manoeuverability and energy to be a heavily damaged sarcopha- Senebkay’s rule to 1650 BC. vide itself with movement. efficiency, but ultimately, perhaps gus in a burial chamber with no AGENCIES In this case, the aircraft uses out air through the bottom of the said in a phone interview. not too many years down the four petal-shaped wings, each cone. The craft can change direction road, flapping unmanned aircraft eight centimetres long, that when The result is an “ornithopter,” by making one of the four wings could be a common sight, Ristroph folded together form a downward- or flying machine that hovers work harder than the others. hoped. facing “cone.” with great stability, without the The materials to make the “I can imagine a cluster of a A tiny motor, attached to a need for constant, energy-draining machine are all over-the-counter hundred of these being thrown out Liechtenstein shuts maternity ward crankshaft, causes the wings to correction. components — light carbon-fibre and fanning out across in a city to GENEVA: Liechtenstein will amid uncertainty over the future push outwards and then down- “If it’s knocked over, it sta- ribs to hold the motor and provide monitor air pollution.” close its only maternity ward, of the establishment, the authori- wards, 20 times a second, forcing bilises by itself,” Ristroph the frames of the wings, which are AFP where some 200 babies are born ties in the tiny landlocked country each year, after all the gynaecol- between Switzerland and Austria ogists working there quit at the explained, saying the ward would same time, the government said close for good during the spring. yesterday. The citizens of Liechtenstein in “The government regrets the 2011 rejected by popular vote to Speech requires both sides of brain: Study closure of the maternity ward,” dish out the cash needed to build a Health Minister Mauro Pedrazzini new hospital building and replace PARIS: Humans need both Researchers at New York repeat nonsense words such as hemispheres of the brain are said in a statement. the ageing infrastructure. sides of their brain for speech, University seized a unique oppor- “pob” and “kig” in order to isolate harnessed in making words, said The doctors had decided to leave Since then, the authorities in according to a study that could tunity to get a clearer view. brain areas activated for speech — the study published in the British the country of fewer than 37,000 rewrite therapy for people ver- They worked with 16 volunteers the pronunciation of words. scientific journal Nature. people, have been struggling to bally impaired by a stroke. who had electrodes implanted to Because these words had no The specific areas are the bilat- push through a modernisation A mainstream theory in neu- map their brain activity — a tech- meaning, a different part of the eral inferior frontal and the infe- plan for the maternity ward. rology is that speech and language nique called electrocorticogram brain was used to generate them rior parietal, superior temperal, Each year, some 200 babies are are “lateralised” skills — thus that is used as a precursor for than the area used for language premotor and somatosensory born at the ward, and some 200 controlled by only one side of the surgery for extreme epilepsy. — which entails understand- cortices. babies are born to Liechtenstein brain, in this case the left. It is considered even more ing words and using them in “Our findings upend what has citizens abroad. Once the ward But the concept’s weak point is accurate than 3D scanning in sentences. been universally accepted,” associ- closes, all young Liechtensteiners that it has been mainly based on determining when and where The scans revealed that ate professor Bijan Pesaran said will be born abroad. indirect, rather than direct, obser- neurons are fired. speech is in fact “bilateralised” in a press release. AFP vation of how the brain operates. The volunteers were asked to — meaning that areas in both AFP Thursday 16 January 2014 15 Rabial I 1435 Volume 18 Number 5946 Price: QR2

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Spanish builders cut debt Islamic Holding Group posts Real estate QR9.37m profit DOHA: Islamic Holding Group recorded a net profit of prices at QR9.37m for the full-year 2013. The figure is against QR6.04m posted during the same period in 2012. The Group’s Earnings Per Share rose to 22.5 per- new record cent during the period com- pared with 15.1 percent for the previous year. The Board of QCB index touches 189.8pc in Dec Directors recommended to the general assembly to distribute BY SATISH KANADY an annual average rate of 10 per- 17 percent cash dividend. cent in 013-14. This will inevita- THE PENINSULA DOHA: Qatar Central Bank’s bly result in upward pressure on (QCB) annual update of 2013 rents, which account for nearly a Brent edges down real estate price index indi- third of the consumer price index cates the country’s real estate (CPI). Rents have recovered from on hopes of rise market prices are heading to their trough in June 2012, and the record high points. The update rate of rental increases has been in Iran exports shows that the index has increasing in recent months while touched a high 189.8 percent in non-rent inflation has fallen. QNB LONDON: Brent crude slipped December 2013, up by 21 per- forecasts inflation to increase in to $106 a barrel yesterday after cent year-on-year. 2013 to 3.6 percent and to 3.8 hitting a two-month low as the After reporting a drop for two percent in 2014, mostly driven by prospect of a possible rise in successive months, the index rose higher housing costs. Iranian oil exports weighed. to a new high of 178.6 points in Deloitte noted in its latest Cranes tower over apartment blocks under construction outside Madrid yesterday. Spanish builders have Investors looked ahead to September 2013. The September report on ‘Qatar’s construction cut debt by selling assets and reducing staff, leading to sharp stock gains in the past year and catching the weekly oil inventories data from levels rose to 184.7 points in October market’ that affordable accom- eye of billionaires George Soros and Bill Gates. the United States to assess and 184.4 percent in November, modation is currently perform- shorter term supply. indicating Qatar’s real estate mar- ing well in the market. Golden “If the four million fall in API ket is either on the recovery mode Tulip, Hiltorn Worldwide and crude inventories is vastly differ- or heading to a record price. the Starwood Group are actively ent from the EIA then we may The index, that tracks the price considering investments in this QE the best performing Arab bourse see prices move,” said Christopher movement of the country’s real sub-sector in Qatar. Bellew, an analyst at brokerage estate market, reached a peak Demand for hotel accommoda- Jefferies Bache in London. in 2013 April and May months tion is also anticipated to increase “WTI has become disconnected with 183.9 points and 190.4 points as more visitors are expected to in post-financial crisis era and represents very much the respectively before dropping to visit Qatar in the run-up to the domestic prices in the US and 178.8 points in June. The index FIFA World Cup, when the peak DOHA:Qatari bourse posted percent and QE Al Rayyan versus QR 70.6bn during the Brent represents global demand further slipped to 174.2 points in the number of visitors will be strongest recovery after the Islamic Index which also includes 2012. and geo-political factors like in July and rose marginally in experienced. Lehman collapse and the con- dividends increased by 267.97 The number of transactions potentially more Iranian exports.” August reaching 176.9 percent. With millions of visitors and sequent global financial crisis. percent. executed during the year reached February Brent crude was According to experts who track football fans anticipated in 2022, At the close of 2013, Qatar During the year 2013, Qatari crossed 961 million transactions down 21 cents to $106.18 a bar- the country’s real estate market, Qatar has planned for the devel- Exchange (QE) posted strong- bourse’s main benchmark QE compared to 881 million dur- rel by 1330 GMT, after hitting its the deals in the country last year opment of several hotels in the est recovery since March 2009 Index rose by 24.17 percent, while ing the year 2012, recording lowest level since November 12 at were worth QR45.5bn. next few years. The expected among Arab stock markets. the QE Al Rayyan Islamic Index an increase of 9 percent. The $105.80 a barrel. In the run up to the FIFA World influx of visitors also creates the During the period, the QE rose by 22 percent. Trading activ- number of shares traded has US crude for February delivery Cup in 2022, Qatar plans to invest opportunity for the development recorded a rise in the bench- ities on the QE witnessed a rise dropped by 20 percent by the end rose 54 cents to $93.13 after set- over $140bn over the next five of commercial units, such as vari- mark index of 139.39 percent, in market capitalization, traded of 2013 compared to the figures tling up 0.86 percent in the previ- years in transport infrastructure ous shopping malls around Qatar. followed by the Dubai Financial value and number of transactions of 2012. ous session, buoyed by data from to transform Qatar. Currently The ratings agency Standard & Market with an increase of 117.59 executed compared to a slight Qatar Exchange has ranked the American Petroleum Institute supply of housing is scarce and Poor’s recently noted that Qatar’s percent. Saudi stock exchange decline in the number of shares fifth among the best perform- (API) on Tuesday. with an increase in population real estate market is expected to (Tadawul) rose 93.35 percent, traded. ing Arab Stock markets dur- “The blistering cold in the forecasted in Doha over the com- recover from its sharp decline the Egyptian Exchange recorded The market capitalization ing the year 2013, recording northern US last week could ing years, construction of afford- since 2009. According to S&P, the 85.96 percent increase, the Abu of shares traded in the mar- an increase of 24.17 percent, result in larger-than-expected able residences will increase. commercial sector remained more Dhabi Securities Market rose ket reached at the end of the while the Dubai Financial draws on heating oil/distillates, QNB’s ‘Macro economic out- vulnerable than the housing seg- 75.25 percent and Kuwait Stock year 2013 QR555.6bn against Market was ranked first with whereas a build in crude and look for 2013-14’ noted large public ment. Concentration in the real Exchange increased by 18 12 per- QR459.8bn in year 2012 , record- an increase of 107.69 percent. gasoline seems likely,” Michael sector infrastructure projects will estate and constructions sector is cent. QE revealed yesterday. ing an increase of 21 percent. The The Abu Dhabi Securities came Poulsen, oil manager at Global require a significant expansion high at 20 percent of total loans For the same period, QE Total total value of shares traded dur- Second with an increase of Risk Management, wrote in a in the labour force. As a result, at year-end 2012. Return index, which includes ing 2013 recorded an increase 63.08 percent. daily note. population is expected to grow by THE PENINSULA dividends, increased by 206.94 of 6 percent to reach QR 74.8bn THE PENINSULA REUTERS

China foreign exchange reserves surge Europe to tighten financial market regulations

STRASBOURG, France: The financial crash. International aid group Oxfam Europe Union is to tighten They aim to curb speculative welcomed the deal but warned of regulation of financial markets trading in commodities and to the dangers of exemptions, espe- under a deal to prevent any rep- regulate high-frequency trading cially for Britain which is home to etition of the rampant specula- so as better to protect investors one of the world’s largest financial tion which helped bring down and make the markets less crisis markets in London. banks and crash the global prone. “Today’s decision marks a good economy. They will apply to investment start in tackling ‘gambling’ on After two years of tough firms, market operators and food prices which are a matter of talks, the European Parliament services providing post-trade life and death to millions,” Oxfam and negotiators for the 28 transparency information in the said. member states agreed a deal European Union, a parliament But “the deal is far from per- in principle that sets new rules statement said. fect,” Oxfam said.” Unjustified to regulate the market, known They will notably force market exemptions were granted to as MiFID II. players to buy and sell financial powerful lobbies and limits will “These new rules will improve instruments on regulated markets be set nationally, rather than at the way capital markets function comparable to stock exchanges to the European level. to the benefit of the real econ- ensure that all trading is tracked “There is a real risk, particu- omy,” said the EU’s Financial by MiFID. larly in the UK, of ineffective sky Markets Commissioner Michel Another key provision covers high limits triggering a regula- Barnier. high-frequency trading based on tory race to the bottom between “They are a key step towards automatic algorithmic systems, European countries,” it said in a establishing a safer, more open forcing investment firms to stop statement. and more responsible financial trading if price volatility becomes In 2008 the global financial sys- system and restoring investor too high. tem nearly collapsed when specu- confidence in the wake of the To help limit speculation in lative bets, especially in sub-prime A n exterior view of the headquarters of the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) in central Beijing. China’s foreign financial crisis.” food and energy, authorities for US home loan debt, turned bad, exchange reserves jumped by more than $500bn last year, or about 15 percent, to the equivalent of $3.82 Barnier first pushed for the the first time will be able to limit bringing down Lehman Brothers trillion, the central bank said yesterday. The reserves grew by around $160bn in both the third and fourth new rules in 2011 at the height the size of a net position that a and then a chain of other banks quarters of 2013 after increasing by only $130bn in the whole of 2012. of the eurozone debt crisis which person can hold in commodity and investment houses. was sparked by the 2008 global derivatives. AFP THURSDAY 16 JANUARY 2014 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

Seventh IPTC Qatar Exchange to begin on Sunday DOHA: Qatar will host the index adds 7th International Petroleum Technology Conference (IPTC) from January 19 to 22 at the Qatar National Convention 0.22 percent Center under the patronage of the Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Since its inception in 2005, the Strong sellout in banks, industrials IPTC is being organised alterna- tively between the Middle East DOHA: Qatari bourse contin- Indices has decided to upgrade and the other Asian nations. ued to move higher on the 12th Qatar to emerging markets Qatar is the permanent host of consecutive session yesterday, from frontier market status, the event in the Middle East. The but with a slower momentum. with effect from September IPTC is expected to attract more The Qatar Exchange (QE) 2014. than 6,000 visitors. benchmark index edged 0.22 Yesterday, QE index rose The conference will be inaugu- percent, the lowest gain in the mainly on the support of foreign rated by the Prime Minister and week, to close at 11,075 points. institutional buyers resisting the Interior Minister H E Sheikh Banking shares shed 0.73 per- sellout pressures from local retail Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa cent, after bellwether QNB rec- investors. Al Thani. The Minister of Energy ommended a 70 percent dividend The bourse witnessed strong and Industry, H E Dr Mohammed yesterday. sellouts in Banks, Industrials and bin Saleh Al Sada, described the The entire seven sector indi- Consumer Goods sectors. IPTC as a leading global forum ces, except the banks and finan- QNB dropped 2.04 percent. Al to deal with the challenges fac- cial shares, edged up yesterday. Khalij Commercial Bank and The ing the petroleum industry, and a Traded volume was down to Investors lost 0.93 percent and promoter of research and innova- 11.4million from previous ses- 1.67 percent respectively, while tion that will shape the industry’s sion’s 11.5 million shares. many blue chips ended flat. future. Traded value slipped to Among the top gainers included “The State of Qatar is proud to QR588m from Tuesday’s International Islamic (2.33 per- host this important event, which QR642m, driving the market cent), Islamic Insurance (2.89 constitutes the ideal platform cap down to QR583.2bn from percent), Gulf International (1.13 Officials exchanging documents during the signing ceremony. to exchange experiences, review QR583.6bn. percent), Ooredoo (1.13 percent), scientific breakthroughs, and Analysts said Gulf markets, Barwa (1.45 percent) and Nakilat strengthen cooperation between including Qatar, had a stellar year (1.39 percent). Dolphin Energy signs deal with international oil and gas compa- in 2013 and valuations suggest Insurance, Industrials, Real nies, service providers, scientific the markets have enough head- Estate, Telecoms, Commercial and academic circles, and govern- room to go even higher in 2014, as Goods and Transportations indi- ment bodies,” said Dr Al Sada. Qatari stocks are still not expen- ces were up. Gasal for nitrogen supply Meanwhile, Total will demon- sive, if not cheap. Insurance sector rose 1.39 strate its long-term commitment Analysts noted Qatar’s stellar percent, while real estate and DOHA: Dolphin Energy works. The contract was signed by This long term supply agreement, to Qatar as a reliable and highly performance is not merely driven Telecoms sectors rose 1.12 per- Limited has signed a long-term Adel Ahmed Albuainain, General using Gasal’s extended pipeline innovative energy partner at the by the annual dividend expecta- cent and 1.09 percent respectively. agreement with Gasal QSC to Manager, Dolphin Energy, Qatar network, provides both parties 7th IPTC with more than 30 senior tions, but also propelled by higher Transportation sector advanced provide Dolphin Energy with and Manuel Binoist, Gasal CEO. with an opportunity to reinforce company representatives attend- expectations on the QE’s upgrade 0.76 percent and Consumer Goods the required quantities of nitro- Commenting on the signing their respective industrial foot- ing the conference and exhibition. to merging market status in the ended 0.08 percent up. gen (N2). agreement, Albuainain said: “This print and develop operational The Total delegation will be next four months. Banks kicked-off the reporting The agreement is for fifteen agreement will ensure the smooth synergies. ” led by Yves Louis Darricarrère, The upgrade is expected to season with QNB announcing 13.7 years, effective 24 months after flow of the Nitrogen gas required Dolphin Energy is owned President Upstream, Michel pour in huge foreign invest- percent growth for its 2013 full- signing the contract and is for for Dolphin Energy’s operations 51 percent by Mubadala Hourcard, President Development, ments into Qatari stocks. year and announcing an attrac- the delivery of Nitrogen up to a to further enhance the level of Development Company, on behalf Exploration & Production Division, Global Index Compiler MSCI tive dividend. cumulative instantaneous flow safety and security.” of the Government of Abu Dhabi, and Stéphane Michel, President is scheduled to upgrade Qatar A clutch of Qatari Banks rate of 10,000 Nm3/h. Binoist said, “Gasal is proud and 24.5percent each by Total of Middle East, Exploration and to ‘Emerging Market’ in May are expected to announce their Dolphin Energy and Gasal will to have been selected by Dolphin France and Occidental Petroleum Production Division. 2014 and International equity results in the next week. provide necessary infrastructure, Energy for the supply of its nitro- of the USA. THE PENINSULA index compiler S&P Dow Jones THE PENINSULA modifications and miscellaneous gen requirements in Ras Laffan. THE PENINSULA Mena to see firm IPO activity in 2014 DUBAI: Mena IPO activ- for the IPO market,” says Phil. of Qatar and UAE to emerging ity is expected to remain on In Q4 2013, seven IPOs in Mena markets may help to boost inter- firm footing in 2014 following a recorded a 133 percent increase in est in the region,” says Phil. strong uptick in listings in the terms of volume and 114 percent Financial services leads in IPO last quarter of 2013, to close in terms of value compared to Q4 activity the year with a total of seven 2012. The largest IPO was from Financial services was the lead- deals raising around $726.2m, UAE with DAMAC Real Estate ing sector in 2013 by deal volume according to EY Mena IPO Development Ltd listing on the with seven IPOs, followed by three Update: Q4 2013. Better market London stock exchange and rais- in the power and utilities sector fundamentals are expected to ing $348m in a global depository and two each in transport and support a solid start to 2014 for receipt (GDR) offering. Two the real estate sector new offerings. other IPOs from the UAE were The largest IPO during 2013 Phil Gandier, Mena Transaction also in the UK, with two in Oman was Asiacell Communications in Advisory Services Leader, EY, and one each in Saudi Arabia, Iraq with a capital raise of $1.3bn. says: “The Mena IPO market Morocco and Tunisia. Three IPOs from the UAE is rebounding and recovering. “Although IPOs have still not (Al Noor Hospital, DAMAC The improving macro-economic reached pre-financial crisis levels, Real Estate Development Ltd backdrop driving up stock mar- there has been a notable improve- and Action Hotel Plc) raised ket valuations and rising investor ment in performance. The stage $740.7m from foreign listings confidence in key markets saw the is set for this momentum to con- on the London stock exchange IPO year end on a high. Q4 has tinue across the region and we in 2013. seen an increase in both volume expect the strong performance “Some issuers have decided to and value compared to 2012, reg- in the US and Europe to reflect go outside of Mena and it will be istering the highest value of IPOs in Mena,” says Phil. interesting to see how this trend since 2008.” In 2013, 23 Mena IPOs raised of issuers going overseas will “Additionally, in our Capital $3bn, a 64 percent increase in develop in the coming year. Confidence Barometer report, terms of volume and 51 percent There is a strong pipeline of 73 percent of executives in Mena increase in terms of value com- good quality businesses prepar- see the local economy improv- pared to 2012. Tunisia led with ing to IPO over the next nine ing, with the highest percentage nine IPOs, followed by five in months. It usually takes com- of confidence being in indicators Saudi Arabia, four in Oman, three panies 12 to 18 months to get such as economic growth (70 per- in the UAE and one each in Iraq ready to float and there is plenty cent), employment growth (64 and Morocco. of preparatory work under way. percent) and credit availability “Family businesses are increas- If the macroeconomic condi- (59 percent). The confidence in ingly looking at IPOs as a means tions in the region continue to these indicators bodes well for the of monetising wealth, raising improve, the next 18 months to region as economic growth and capital and institutionalising the two years. credit availability are key drivers business and the MCSI upgrading THE PENINSULA

QNB takes part in Bedaya workshop

DOHA: Qatar National Bank basis but with different themes. to expand or start a business (QNB) has participated in a Each month, one of the country’s by granting them easy, conven- entrepreneurship network- institutions, companies, or organ- ient and fast access to finance ing workshop organised by izations participate in the work- their small to medium-sized the Bedaya Centre, in Katara. shop, where all entrepreneurs businesses. The one day workshop enabled will have the chance to introduce QNB’s Business banking “BB” organisations to participate and themselves and their business program offers a comprehensive discuss how to develop and help concept to all participants. package of business solutions that finance startup businesses. This At this month’s workshop meet the needs of all enterprises is an important component in Hamad Al Jamali QNB’s Acting and businessmen. stimulating and driving the AGM for SME stressed the Just like The Bedaya Centre participation of SME’s in the importance of the business bank- Initiative, it is there to help all Qatar economy. ing “BB” programme which has commercial and industrial com- The Bedaya Centre, a non- recently been launched for all panies at various stages of their governmental organisation with small and medium companies. development by providing finance, a mission to connect people in The programme is an innovative expertise and insights into both the 18-30 age group with enter- platform studded with detailed the opportunities and challenges prise and financing opportunities, business oriented solutions from faced in building and establishing organizes such career develop- QNB that will enable all cur- sustainable business. ment workshops on a monthly rent and future business owners THE PENINSULA

THURSDAY 16 JANUARY 2014 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

Bank of America earnings soar Brunei sees Growth slows significant takaful growth to four-year KUALA LUMPUR: Assets held by the Islamic insur- ance (takaful) sector in Brunei recently have grown signifi- low in Germany cantly while those of conven- tional types of insurance have been declining, a report from the country’s central bank Eurozone recession takes its toll showed. The monthly report from BERLIN: The German econ- The German economy is in good Brunei’s monetary authority, omy, Europe’s biggest, turned shape. All indicators suggest that known as AMBD, said that in in the slowest growth for four consumers and companies are the year ended September 30, years last year as the sluggish counting on a broad-based recov- takaful assets rose 21 percent to global economy and eurozone ery,” Gabriel said. 425m Brunei dollars ($336m). recession took their toll, data Analysts agreed. Conventional insurers saw a drop showed yesterday. “The eurozone crisis hurt export- of 1.3 percent in assets during the But strong domestic demand orientated industries, particularly same 12-month period. kept Germany’s economic engine at the start of last year,” said The fast-growing takaful sector ticking over and will place it in Ferdinand Fichtner of the DIW indicates Brunei is progressing a good position for recovery this economic think tank. “But since toward its goal of having Islamic year, analysts said. the spring, GDP has expanded at financial products account for Gross domestic product (GDP) a moderate pace,” he said. up to 60 percent of total bank- grew by just 0.4 percent in 2013, Commerzbank chief economist ing assets in five years, compared down from 0.7 percent a year ear- Joerg Kraemer said the German with 40 percent at present. lier and the slowest rate since 2009, economy “has sustained the solid A Bank of America branch in New York’s Times Square. The bank reported an eight-fold increase in quarterly At end-September, Brunei’s the federal statistics office Destatis gain seen in the third quarter.” earnings due to primarily improving credit quality and costly charges in the year-ago period. takaful market accounted for 33 calculated in preliminary data. It And rising leading indicators, percent of total insurance assets, is also slightly lower than analyst such as confidence surveys, “sug- up from 29 percent a year earlier, forecasts for full-year growth this gest that the expansion will prob- according to the AMBD report. year of around 0.5 percent. ably continue at a similar pace in Brunei, which has Southeast “It seems that the German the first quarter” of this year. Asia’s highest per-capita income economy was hit by the ongo- He was forecasting growth of China urges IMF to give more after Singapore, aims to com- ing recession in a number of 1.7 percent for the whole year pete in Islamic finance with European countries and the 2014, Kraemer said. regional powerhouses Malaysia sluggish global economy,” said UniCredit economist Andreas power to emerging markets and Indonesia. That is part of a Destatis chief Roderich Egeler. Rees said “the odds have risen strategy to wean itself off depend- “Strong domestic demand could that we are getting some kind of ence on oil reserves, which are only partially compensate for this. a big bang in form of a spectacu- BEIJING: China called on and revamp the IMF board to 2012 because of the US presiden- expected to run out in about two Nevertheless, after the period of larly high growth number for the the IMF yesterday to stick to reduce the dominance of Western tial election, the US Treasury has decades, and diversify Brunei’s weakness last winter, the eco- first quarter of 2014.” a commitment to give emerg- Europe. sought to tuck the provision into economy. nomic situation improved over Indeed, UniCredit is pencil- ing markets more power at the The changes would also give several bills since March. Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia the course of 2013,” Egeler said. ling in growth of 2.5 percent for world body after US lawmakers greater say to nations such as The administration’s requests, have the largest potential In the fourth quarter alone, the the whole of this year, way above set back historic reforms that Brazil and India to reflect their however, have been met with scep- for retail Islamic banking in German economy expanded by consensus, Rees said. Berenberg would give developing countries growing economic heft. ticism from some Republicans, Southeast Asia. The combined “around a quarter of a percent” after Bank economist Christian Schulz a greater say. But the changes have been held who see them as tantamount to population of the three Muslim- growth of 0.3 percent in the third said that Germany’s “weak 2013 The remarks by Chinese up by the lack of approval from approving fresh funding in a tight majority countries is nearly 280 quarter, said the statistics office GDP growth highlights the Foreign Ministry spokesman the United States. budget environment. million. chief economist Norbert Raeth. impact of the euro crisis even on Hong Lei were an indirect criti- “The IMF quotas reform is an Some lawmakers have also Although insurance assets have Destatis is scheduled to pub- the strongest eurozone economy.” cism of the United States, the important decision made by the raised concerns about how well seen rapid growth in Brunei in lish a more concrete estimate on The long recession in the biggest and most powerful IMF organisation,” Hong said at a daily the IMF is helping struggling the past decade, industry players February 14. countries that share the euro member, where lawmakers failed news briefing. economies in Europe and the say there is still poor awareness But GDP growth was zero in “prevented stronger growth and on Monday to agree on key fund- “The relevant organisation’s risks attached to IMF loans, sug- about insurance among its popu- the first quarter of last year, 0.7 a lack of confidence had caused ing measures, though Hong did members should earnestly imple- gesting Congress is in no hurry to lation. Brunei has four takaful percent in the second quarter and companies to shelve investment not mention the United States ment the decision, and honour approve any changes operators. 0.3 percent in the third quarter. plans for a long time,” he said. by name. and enhance the voice and repre- India’s Finance Ministry did Assets of Indonesian takaful Economy Minister Sigmar Nevertheless, “2013 was also The proposed $1 trillion spend- sentation of developing countries not immediately respond to firms grew 43 percent to 13.1 tril- Gabriel said that “even if annual the year recovery finally started. ing bill for the US federal govern- within the IMF.” requests for comment. But an lion rupiah ($1.1 billion) during average growth figure looks Consumption growth was resil- ment did not include funding for The reform of the voting shares, official at the ministry, who has 2012, from 9.15 trillion rupiah a fairly subdued, it has to be seen ient in 2013 and the beginning the International Monetary Fund. known as quotas, cannot proceed been dealing with multilateral year earlier, data from that coun- positively. global recovery should allow Congress must sign off on the without the United States, which institutions including the IMF, try’s regulator showed. Takaful “Germany was largely able to Germany to grow at trend rates IMF funding to complete 2010 holds the only controlling share of said India was “disappointed” at firms accounted for 2.3 percent of escape the recession that has hit in 2014,” Schulz concluded. reforms that would make China IMF votes. the Congress lack of action. Indonesia’s total industry assets. a number of euro-area countries. AFP the IMF’s third-largest member After putting off the request in REUTERS AFP

QATARI MARKET Bond Coupon Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P ExxonMobil shares safety guidelines at QP forum Qatar Govt 5.15% 4/9/2014 USD 101.18 (0.27 %) Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 3.125% 1/20/2017 USD 104.88 1.46 % Aa2 AA DOHA: ExxonMobil Qatar we hope to share ExxonMobil’s leaders throughout the organisa- lies in three uncompromising Qatar Govt 6.55% 4/9/2019 USD 119.38 2.57 % Aa2 AA emphasised the link of safety experience in developing a culture tion, as well as integrate safety pursuits: exceptional technology, Qatar Govt 5.25% 1/20/2020 USD 112.38 2.99 % Aa2 AA leadership and culture to sus- of safety excellence with Qatar leadership principles into train- rigorous standards and an unwa- Qatar Govt 4.5% 1/20/2022 USD 106.50 3.56 % Aa2 AA tainable performance dur- Petroleum and other operators in ing, work processes and career vering commitment to best-prac- Qatar Govt 9.75% 6/15/2030 USD 153.50 4.95 % Aa2 AA ing Qatar Petroleum’s second the country so they can benefit development. tice safety procedures. Its risk Qatar Govt 6.4% 1/20/2040 USD 115.88 5.27 % Aa2 AA Operational Safety Challenges from what we have learned over With the motto “Nobody Gets assessment system, Operations Qatar Govt 5.75% 1/20/2042 USD 106.75 5.29 % Aa2 AA Forum this week. the years.” Hurt”, ExxonMobil is among oil Integrity Management System “Effective safety leadership is Pryde described the lead- and gas industry leaders in its (OIMS), measures and miti- Qatari Diar 3.5% 7/21/2015 USD 103.88 0.89 % Aa2 AA critical to driving a strong safety ership programmes offered safety record. Pryde pointed out gates safety, security, health and Qatari Diar 5% 7/21/2020 USD 109.75 3.32 % Aa2 AA culture,” said Anthony Pryde, by ExxonMobil which train how ExxonMobil’s evolving safety environment risks to people, the Comqat 5% 11/18/2014 USD 103.63 0.59 % A1 A- Joint Interest Technical Manager employees at all levels. He also focus has resulted in a contin- environment and communities in Comqat 3.375% 4/11/2017 USD 103.63 2.21 % A1 A- for ExxonMobil Qatar. “Through emphasised the commitment ual decline in its incident rate. which ExxonMobil operates. QIB 3.856% 10/7/2015 USD 104.25 1.33 % NR NR our participation in this forum, ExxonMobil makes to grow safety ExxonMobil’s safety philosophy THE PENINSULA QNB 3.125% 11/16/2015 USD 103.63 1.12 % Aa3 A+ QNB 3.375% 2/22/2017 USD 103.75 2.12 % Aa3 A+ Doha Bank 3.5% 3/14/2017 USD 103.75 2.26 % A2 A- Qtel 3.375% 10/14/2016 USD 104.88 1.55 % A2 A Qtel 7.875% 6/10/2019 USD 123.38 3.14 % A2 A Spain sees Qtel 4.75% 2/16/2021 USD 105.50 3.86 % A2 A EU sees fuel costs falling, but Qtel 5% 10/19/2025 USD 100.25 4.97 % A2 A record tourist Rasgas 5.5% 9/30/2014 USD 103.19 0.87 % Aa3 A Rasgas 5.832% 9/30/2016 USD 106.88 3.16 % Aa3 A arrivals in 2013 not consumer energy bills Rasgas 5.298% 9/30/2020 USD 107.25 4.05 % Aa3 A MADRID: A record 60.4 mil- SOVEREIGNS lion tourists descended on BRUSSELS: Fuel costs will for 2008 to 2012 and found that “But energy companies, which Bond PDA* Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P Spain in 2013, industry associa- rise in Europe for the rest of the wholesale electricity prices fell 35 have invested heavily in fossil Abu Dhabi Govt 5.5% 4/8/2014 USD 101.13 0.23 % Aa2 AA tion Exceltur said yesterday, as decade and then start to fall as percent to 45 percent on EU mar- fuels and nuclear power, have kept Abu Dhabi Govt 6.75% 4/8/2019 USD 121.63 2.33 % Aa2 AA the crisis-hit country looked to renewable energy displaces coal, kets, while gas prices fluctuated household bills high.” the sector to lift it out of its eco- oil and gas, but consumers are but overall were stable. The Commission is pushing for Dubai Govt 6.7% 10/5/2015 USD 108.13 1.84 % NR NR nomic doldrums. unlikely to enjoy cheaper bills Over the same period, average subsidies on renewables to be cut Dubai Govt 4.9% 5/2/2017 USD 107.00 2.67 % NR NR Jose Luis Zoreda, vice president even then, a draft European household electricity prices rose to a strict minimum as improving Dubai Govt 7.75% 10/5/2020 USD 120.13 4.27 % NR NR of Exceltur said the strong per- Commission paper said. by four percent per year and nat- technology makes green energy Dubai Govt 6.45% 5/2/2022 USD 112.75 4.58 % NR NR formance of the sector was “due Households and small consum- ural gas prices by three percent progressively cheaper to produce. Qatar Govt 4% 1/20/2015 USD 103.25 0.72 % Aa2 AA exclusively to foreign demand”, ers have borne the brunt of above- per year. It also says over-reliance on Bahrain Govt 6.273% 11/22/2018 USD 113.88 3.16 % NR BBB while domestic demand tumbled inflation energy price rises, which For industrial users, which get imported fossil fuels, notably from Bahrain Govt 5.5% 3/31/2020 USD 105.00 4.56 % NR BBB as about one in four Spaniards has stoked fierce political debate. subsidised rates, power prices dominant gas supplier Russia, was out of job. “Spanish demand Across the European Union, poli- rose by about 3.5 percent a year results in high costs. It predicts Egypt Govt 5.75% 4/29/2020 USD 97.25 6.28 % Caa1 B- fell in 2013 to levels below that ticians have blamed green subsi- in the same period and gas prices that by the middle of the century Morocco Govt 4.5% 10/5/2020 EUR 102.75 4.03 % NR BBB- of 2004, even though in the last dies for rising energy bills. by less than one percent per year. the European Union’s bill for

*Periodic Distribution Amount quarter of the year, it showed The Commission paper, set to The fall in wholesale prices imported fossil fuels will reach IMPORTANT NOTE: signs of recovery,” he said. be published next week as part of was not passed on to consumers, around ¤600bn per year, from Published by HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, P O Box 57, Doha, Qatar which Instability in Egypt last year a 2030 environment and energy because the cost of fuel has become about ¤400bn now. is licensed and regulated by Qatar Central Bank and Jersey Financial Services sparked by Islamist president policy package, says that is not an ever-smaller part of energy The drive to shift to renewable Commission. Information quoted is from publicly available sources or proprietary Mohamed Morsi’s ouster mean- the full story. bills, while levies such as green energy has run into stiff resist- data and subject to change. HSBC accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising out of the use of all or part of this material. This information is general and does not while appeared to have contrib- Beyond 2020, fuel costs will subsidies and network fees to cover ance from utilities, which say the take into account individual circumstances, objectives or needs. The price of bonds uted to Spain’s popularity among stabilise and then fall as cheaper delivery have risen much more. grid cannot cope with too much can and does fluctuate. The secondary market for bonds may not provide significant foreigners, Zoreda said. Egypt solar and wind power replace fos- The Commission has a policy of intermittent solar and wind, and liquidity or may trade based on prevailing market conditions. Past performance is not “lost about 2.5 million tourists sil fuels, it says. not commenting on unpublished from industrial lobbies that have a reliable indicator of future performance. You should consider these matters and consult your financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions. since June, and curiously Spain The decline will be offset by the papers. Environmentalists said it complained about high costs. saw its tourist arrivals increase need to invest in new infrastruc- underlined the benefits of renew- To further address the issue, by 3 million,” he noted. ture and a rise in the EU carbon able power. “The document shows the Commission paper said the Britons, Germans and French price from around ¤5 per tonne that wholesale energy prices are EU executive would launch a made up the biggest groups of now to ¤100 ($140) in 2050, the falling largely thanks to renewa- retail market action plan before visitors in 2013. paper estimates. bles,” Tara Connolly, Greenpeace its summer break in August. AFP The Commission analysed data EU energy policy adviser, said. REUTERS THURSDAY 16 JANUARY 2014 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21 IPO outlook for emerging markets bright Huge issuance from China expected

LONDON: From Tunis to expect the calendar of issuance to Beijing, emerging market com- improve in 2014 relative to 2013. panies are gearing up to tap But it’s going to be very spotty and equity investors for capital, IPOs will be driven by countries’ potentially grabbing the interest dynamics.” of stock buyers who might oth- Return on equity — which erwise retreat on the ebb tide of measures how much net income a cheap US funding. shareholder receives as a percent- This year is shaping up to be a age of equity — has settled around strong one for new equity issuance 12.7 percent, having fallen sharply in the developing world, defying from 15 percent in late 2011. This a disappointing start in broader compares with ROE in developed emerging equities after three markets at 12.1 percent. years of underperformance. Emerging firms raised a total According to Thomson Reuters of $47.5bn of new equity capital data, emerging companies have in 2013, slightly up from 2012, raised $2.3bn of new equity so far according to Reuters data. But this year, more than five times the this is still a third of the boom amount seen in the same period years of 2007 and 2010 when they in 2013. raised around $150bn. So far issuance has been driven Consultancy PwC expects firms by Asian companies, especially from mainland China could see from China, where authorities are issuance of as much as 250bn yuan putting in regulatory reforms to ($41.38bn), the second biggest A vendor drinks tea at his stall in a wholesale vegetable market, in the southern Indian city of Kochi, yesterday. India’s headline inflation eased to a five- allay concerns about overpricing. year on record, as the securities month low of 6.16 percent in December. But the activity is likely to regulator (CSRC) is opening up broaden out to other areas this the IPO market after a year-long year, in part because a more sta- freeze. India headline inflation eases to 5-month low ble political climate in places such More than 50 companies have as Tunisia, three years after the announced plans to list on the popular uprising that unseated Shanghai and Shenzhen bourses NEW DELHI: India’s headline Reuters’ poll. Wholesale prices January 28. “The WPI data has party in recent state elections. its autocratic leader, should allow and hundreds more are queuing to inflation eased to a five-month had increased 7.52 percent on year surprised on the downside and Cooling prices will bring some companies to resume share offers follow suit. The CRSC may permit low in December on lower veg- in November — their fastest clip seen in conjunction with the relief to the party as it heads and meet investor demand for new as many as 500 firms to launch etable prices, providing some in 14 months. CPI (consumer price index) data into national elections due by equity. IPOs this year. relief to the ruling coalition The pace of gains in December should strengthen the case for May, seeking a third term. These local, country-specific, The regulator issued a new rule before a national election and was tempered by a softening in a rate pause in the Jan review,” Most opinion polls are predict- factors could help attract global to prevent excessive stock pricing increasing the odds that inter- vegetable prices that fell nearly 30 said A Prasanna, an economist at ing heavy losses for the party, in investors back to underperform- earlier this month. Already, three est rates will stay on hold this percent from November, bringing ICICI Securities primary dealer- part due to its failure to control ing emerging stocks which face small Chinese firms have decided month. down overall food inflation for the ship Ltd. inflation. a challenging year as the Federal to sell shares at valuations much The Congress party is strug- month to 13.68 percent from 19.93 Indian bonds as well as interest Persistently high inflation in Reserve looks to end its bond-buy- lower than those of its peers. gling to win back voters but is percent a month ago. rate-sensitive shares rallied after Asia’s third-largest economy is ing programme by the year’s end. In Hong Kong, firms are grappling with its worst economic Yesterday’s WPI data follows the WPI data. The benchmark pressuring household budgets “We will have a better tone in expected to raise $32.2bn, the slowdown in a decade amid surg- an easing in consumer inflation 10-year bond yield fell 5 basis and company profits, hitting con- emerging markets. We’re seeing highest since 2010 and dou- ing food prices that have largely that slowed to a three-month low points to 8.63 percent from levels sumer demand as well as corpo- signs of an export pick-up, earn- ble the 2013 figure. Big deals affected the country’s rural poor. of 9.87 percent last month after before the data. The benchmark rate investments. ings stabilisation and (higher) expected this year include a The wholesale price index vegetable prices dropped nearly 19 5-year swap rate and the 1-year After raising interest rates return on equity,” said Jorge $5bn listing from meat proces- (WPI), India’s main inflation percent from November. rate each fell 4 basis points, deal- twice since September, the RBI Mariscal, chief investment officer sor Shuanghui, and offerings indicator, climbed an annual 6.16 The latest inflation numbers ers said. left rates steady last month, ignor- of emerging markets at UBS from health and beauty retailer percent last month, its slowest are expected to give the Reserve Wholesale prices for vegetables ing high inflation readings as it Wealth Management. A S Watson and e-commerce pace since July 2013. The read- Bank of India (RBI) some leeway had surged 116 percent between feared aggressive rate hikes could “This is supportive for equity giant Alibaba. ing compared with a 7.00 percent to keep interest rates on hold at March and November, resulting in be damaging for a weak economy. issuance. Generally speaking I REUTERS rise predicted by economists in a its upcoming policy meeting on a drubbing for the ruling Congress REUTERS

Etisalat hires Standard Bank French companies, unions question Hollande’s new vision PARIS: French business raised at least ¤50bn of spending cuts of national output — some 12 he replied when asked if Hollande A spokeswoman for the German for Nigeria doubts yesterday over Socialist between 2015-2017 and cut cor- points more than in neighbour- — who in his 2012 campaign called finance ministry said the propos- President Francois Hollande’s porate charges by ¤30bn. ing Germany — is too high while the world of finance his “enemy” — als were “important” and Berlin plan for public spending cuts The European Commission said the national audit office has said had committed a U-turn. had “a great deal of respect for the tower sale and structural reform to revive the moves should make French that French debt at 93.4 percent Social democracy is the term efforts and reform measures that the euro zone’s second largest business more competitive. While of GDP is “in the danger zone”. used to describe the goal of creat- have been announced.” DUBAI: Etisalat, the Gulf’s economy. France’s main employers’ group But Hollande’s plans prompted ing welfare structures and social For over two-and-a-half hours top telecom operator, has hired His allies hailed a new “social broadly welcomed the plan, it rejected an onslaught of criticism from solidarity within a capitalist econ- on Tuesday, Hollande batted away Standard Bank as an adviser for democrat” vision for France but his call for companies to commit to France’s hard left and even from omy. In Europe, it is employed questions about a celebrity maga- the planned sale of transmitter unions said they were worried specific targets for new hires. the far-right National Front’s most notably in Germany in the zine’s revelations of a liaison with towers by its Nigerian affiliate, about job cuts to the army of state “What exactly is the magni- Marine Le Pen, who said he con- name of the main party of the left. a French film actress and the three banking sources aware of sector workers and far-left poli- tude of the structural reforms verted to “ultra-liberal” economics. But whereas Germany’s Social future of his relationship with offi- the matter said. ticians accused him of a sell-out he announced? We need to have “It’s called social democracy ... Democrats disavowed Marxism at cial partner Valerie Trierweiler. Etisalat Nigeria is considering as he moved towards the political a clarification,” said Medef presi- and social democracy is on the a 1959 conference in the Rhineland The setpiece event was intended a sale of its towers in a deal that centre. dent Pierre Gattaz, who has sug- left,” Finance Minister Pierre town of Bad Godesberg, France’s to expand on Hollande’s convic- could raise about $400m, Reuters Hollande, who has not denied gested the French private sector Moscovici, a centrist leader in Socialists have never had such tion that “supply-side socialism” is reported in October. magazine allegations last week of could create an extra one mil- Hollande’s Socialist Party, told LCI a moment and remain a broad needed to reform the euro zone’s Etisalat did not respond to an an affair with actress, deflected lion jobs if freed from excessive television. grouping in which centrists rub second largest economy while pre- email seeking comment, while questions on his personal life at charges. “What is being proposed is a shoulders with staunch left-wing- serving a generous welfare model Standard Bank declined to a marathon news conference on Critics say French public social compromise ... it is an acceler- ers such as Industry Minister cherished by most French. comment. Tuesday unveiling plans to find spending at around 57 percent ation, an amplification of our line,” Arnaud Montebourg. REUTERS Johannesburg-based Standard Bank, Africa’s largest lender, has been hired due to its local pres- ence and expertise in the African Peso dips to three-year low country, two of the sources said, speaking on condition of anonym- Mobily Q4 profit rises ity as the matter has not been made public. Building and maintaining mobile towers in Africa is typi- 8.6pc, beats forecasts cally more expensive than in other regions because of secu- DUBAI: Etihad Etisalat quarter. The firm’s full-year profit rity costs and electricity short- (Mobily), Saudi Arabia’s No.2 for 2013 was SR6.68bn, up from ages, that often require towers to telecom operator, beat analysts’ SR6.02bn a year earlier. Annual be powered by generators, while forecasts with an 8.6 percent revenue rose 7 percent to SR25.2bn. new roads may need to be built to rise in fourth-quarter net profit The company said more income reach rural areas. yesterday as revenue from cor- from data and business clients were This has increasingly prompted porate customers increased the reason for the quarterly and operators to seek to sell or lease along with data income. annual profit increases. Business towers to specialist firms such Mobily, an affiliate of the United sector revenue rose 23 percent. as Eaton Towers, Helios Towers Arab Emirates’ Etisalat, made a Saudi operators have focused on Africa, American Tower Corp and fourth-quarter net profit of 2.04 data and combined services to help IHS. billion riyals, up from SR1.88bn in offset waning demand for conven- In December, MTN Group, the prior-year period, according to tional call and text services, which Africa’s largest telecom, a bourse statement. are under pressure due to the pop- agreed to over 1,200 mobile Analysts polled by Reuters on ularity of substitute applications towers in Rwanda and Zambia average forecast Mobily, which such as Internet-based phone calls to IHS, as part of a strategy competes with the Gulf’s No.1 and instant messaging. to dispose of some of its infra- operator Saudi Telecom Co and It did not provide a comparative structure to focus on products Zain Saudi, would make a quar- percentage for the previous year, and services. terly profit of SR1.87bn. but said revenue from its mobile Standard Bank is in the process Mobily’s revenue for the three and fixed broadband networks of helping identify potential buy- months to December 31 was SR7.2bn, increased and forecast data would ers for the business, the sources A money changer counts US dollar bills at a currency exchange in Manila yesterday. Most emerging Asian up from SR6.76bn from the prior- account for more than 32 percent said. currencies fell yesterday with the Philippine peso at a more than three-year low. year period. It proposed a dividend of total revenue this year. REUTERS of SR1.25 per share for the fourth REUTERS THURSDAY 16 JANUARY 2014 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MARKET

QE Indices Summary QE Index 11,075.98 0.22 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Total Return Index 15,825.03 0.22 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 3,229.56 0.34 % RATE QE All Share Index 2,735.68 0.05 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 2,599.98 0.73 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 5255.471 35.687 0.68 5383.4 5215.5 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 6,066.41 0.08 % QR145.4601 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 Services Cac 40 Index/D 4294.15 19.95 0.47 4312.59 4213.57 QE All Share Industrials 3,707.57 0.42 % SILVER UK ...... QR 5.9469 QR 6.0294 QE All Share Insurance 2,475.13 1.39 % Dj Indu Average 16373.86 115.92 0.71 16588.3 13445.8 Euro ...... QR 4.9323 QR 5.0015 QE All Share Real Estate 2,042.27 1.12 % QR 2.3660 CA$ ...... QR 3.2917 QR 3.3558 QE All Share Telecoms 1,521.38 1.09 % Egypt Cma Gn Idx 1026.29 32.57 3.28 999.95 312.38 QE All Share Transportation 1,975.69 0.76 % Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.9899 QR 4.0468 Hang Seng Inde/D 22902 110.72 0.49 23469.33 22567.77 Yen ...... QR 0.0346 QR 0.0353 QE Market Summary Comparison Aus$ ...... QR 3.2158 QR 3.2807 Today Previous day Iseq Overall/D 4809.07 26.03 0.54 4792.61 4522.4 CRUDE OIL 15-01-2014 14-01-2014 Ind Re ...... QR 0.0587 QR 0.0598 Index 11,075.98 11,051.48 Karachi 100 In/D 26761.78 171.09 0.64 26632.9 25273.11 Pak Re ...... QR 0.0342 QR 0.0348 Change 24.50 31.62 BRENT Nikkei 225 Index 15808.73 386.33 2.5 16164.01 15383.69 Peso ...... QR 0.0800 QR 0.0816 % 0.22 0.29 $ 106.36 SL Re ...... QR 0.0276 QR 0.0282 YTD% 6.71 6.47 S&P 500 Index/D 1838.88 19.68 1.08 1849.44 1463.76 Taka ...... QR 0.0464 QR 0.0474 Volume 11,496,228 11,515,039 DUBAI Nep Re ...... QR 0.0366 QR 0.0377 Value (QAR) 969,164,593.26 642,346,176.73 Straits Times/D 3143.25 19.5 0.62 3187.8 3115.8 SA Rand ...... QR 0.3316 QR 0.3383 Trades 5,895 5,640 Straits Times/D 2971.47 22.7 0.77 3035.78 2657.77 $ 102.70 Up 22 | Down 11 | Unchanged 08

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 15-01-2014

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A List of Shares from the world

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

A C C-A/D 1029.65 7.9 12289 Cipla-A/D 418.05 6.75 240885 Hind Motors-B/D 7.84 -0.12 113082 Kg Denim-B/D 15.75 -0.7 18534 Orient Hotel-B/D 15.9 -0.25 25843 Land Secs Grou/D 995.5 6 410829 Aarti Drugs-B/D 220 -2.75 1872 City Union Bk-/D 49.95 -0.9 39365 Hind Org Chem-/D 11.01 -0.07 7240 Kilburnengg-T/D 18 0.4 2681 Orient.Carb.-B/D 112 -5.25 20732 Legal & Genera/D 231.7 2.3 1202038 Aban Offs-B/D 432.05 12.95 622519 Cmc Ltd-B/D 1513.05 -27.35 97683 Hind Unilever-/D 545.3 6.45 109862 Kinetic Eng-B/D 41.45 -1.4 9782 Orient.Carb.-B/D 112 -5.25 20732 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 86.504 1.19 49454669 Ador Welding-B/D 131.95 -3.4 5700 Colgate-A/D 1312 -6.05 11997 Hind.Petrol-A/D 223.45 4.2 60961 Kopran-B/D 25.95 -0.95 79076 Radico Khait-B/D 136.45 0.7 1239234 Marks & Sp./D 479.61 4.1 860803 Aegis Logis-B/D 165.1 -4.2 10521 Container Cor-/D 733 -7.25 4053 Hindalco-A/D 110.95 1.4 642665 Lakshmi Mach-B/D 2795.4 60.1 2985 Rallis India-B/D 179.75 0.55 53345 Next/D 6148.75 -55 46044 Ahmed.Forg-B/D 108 0 1207 Dcm Shram Ind-/D 34.55 0.25 1089 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 844.95 21.1 209565 Laxmi Prcisn-B/D 38 0.1 1480 Rallis India-B/D 179.75 0.55 53345 Pearson/D 1331 16 264519 Alembic-B/D 14.66 -0.02 36255 Dhampur Sugar-/D 33.45 -0.2 6609 I F C I-A/D 24.45 0.5 590444 Lloyd Metal-B/D 8.85 -0.46 34329 Reliance Indus/D 362.05 1 58115 Prudential/D 1374.3205 25 779453 Alok Indus-B/D 8.2 -0.17 275506 Dr. Reddy-A/D 2650.35 1.85 9525 Idbi-A/D 65.15 0.95 192340 Lloydsfin.-B/D 0.5 0.02 7722 Ruchi Soya-B/D 34.7 0.3 30796 Rank Group/D 138.4 -1.6 2316 Andhra Paper-B/D 266.2 -4.25 7319 E I H-B/D 58.05 -0.2 19020 Ifb Agro-B/D 193.65 17.15 17110 Lok.Hous&Con-T/D 15.1 0.2 6613 Thirumalai-B/D 108 2.15 8829 Rentokil Initi/D 121.6 0 469060 Apollo Tyre-A/D 114.35 -2.85 950916 E.I.D Parry-B/D 134 -0.6 4119 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 73 1 10155 Lupin-A/D 925.6 -9.25 44584 Timexgroup-B/D 11.06 -0.22 10445 Rolls Royce Pl/D 1249.2657 8 815072 Asahi I Glass-/D 47.4 0.25 2214 Electrosteel-B/D 14.47 0.02 56437 India Cement-B/D 55.9 0.65 79781 Lyka Labs-B/D 12.55 0.59 19265 Tinplate-T/D 48.65 -0.15 9352 Rsa Insrance G/D 99.938 0.25 3087954 Ashok Leyland-/D 17.25 -0.2 542015 Emco-B/D 26.7 -0.4 37214 India Glycol-B/D 99.75 1.6 18741 Mafatlal Ind-B/D 146.95 -3.85 1697 Ub Engineer-B/D 13.55 0.21 2893 Sainsbury(J)/D 357.7 -2.8 2109822 Bajaj Hold-A/D 934.9 27.2 258218 Escorts-B/D 121.65 -1 225799 Indian Hotel-A/D 59.3 1 69662 Mah.Seamless-B/D 187.3 3.7 4416 Unitech P -A/D 14.1 0.7 9136355 Schroders/D 2592 45 37339 Ballarpur In-B/D 13 0.09 286714 Essar Oil-A/D 53.55 0.15 195637 Indo-Bcount-B/D 39.1 -0.45 3553 Mangalam Cem-B/D 106.1 -0.5 3437 Severn Trent/D 1640 -13 129646 Bata India-A/D 997.5 -20.15 22411 Eveready Indu-/D 36.4 0.35 21948 Indusind-A/D 424.2 5.6 158731 Maral Overs-B/D 20.75 -0.3 2128 LONDON Smith&Nephew/D 870 3 945356 Beml Ltd-B/D 216.05 5.65 159307 F D C-B/D 134.8 2.8 78020 J.B.Chemical-B/D 131.5 -0.2 32864 Mastek-B/D 181.55 -1.75 51971 Smiths Group/D 1524 8 114120 Bharat Bijle-B/D 345.7 -6.2 1726 Federal Bank-A/D 81.9 1.8 163355 Jagson Phar-B/D 11.67 0.26 7503 Max India L-A/D 211.55 19.1 67294 3I Group/D 402.3794 3.4 328039 Standrd Chart /D 1324.585 9.5 1001284 Bhel-A/D 166.2 3.5 1469720 Ferro Alloys-B/D 6.22 -0.08 34680 Jbf Indu-B/D 77.75 0.95 16696 Mrpl-A/D 43.8 0.85 79601 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 2678 15 203893 Tate & Lyle/D 780.5 -4.5 109157 Bhuwalka Stl-T/D 10.51 -0.22 13101 Finolex-B/D 155.25 4.25 42427 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.55 -0.02 21706 Nahar Spg.-B/D 115.2 -0.95 10668 B Sky B/D 870 -1 1025605 Tesco/D 330 -1.2 4567397 Bom.Burmah-B/D 109.65 1.45 41057 Forbes-B/D 542 21 1539 Jct Ltd-B/D 2.08 -0.08 16692 Nation Alum -A/D 37.05 0.5 67288 Barclays/D 294.774 3 11206552 Unilever/D 2383.825 -29 705975 Bombay Dyeing-/D 67.75 0.55 413171 Gail-A/D 349.2 3.75 57508 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 2.55 0.05 5000 Navneet Edu-B/D 57.25 0.2 6769 Bg Group/D 1315.5 5 754045 United Util Gr/D 657.83 -7 518493 Camph.& All-B/D 160.05 4.05 17467 Gammon India-B/D 14.24 0.21 26387 Jik Indust-T/D 0.72 0 40646 Nepc India-B/D 3.68 -0.19 53223 Bp/D 492.3 1.25 4962274 Vodafone Group/D 236.95 1.05 19244063 Canfin Homes-B/D 170.15 0.4 1235 Gangotri Tex-T/D 1.42 -0.07 2500 Jktyre&Ind-B/D 168.8 2.85 72941 Neuland Lab-B/D 325.15 1.35 1294 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3084.15 30.5 843532 Whitbread/D 3945 30 94058 Castrol Ind-A/D 302.65 3.65 24955 Garden P -B/D 47.95 3.9 33359 Jmc Projects-B/D 82.9 -2.45 5588 Nrb Bearings-B/D 43.6 2.25 94839 Bt Group/D 385.9 1.1 3319841 Century Enka-B/D 154.5 -0.3 12056 Goodricke-B/D 138 0.65 1806 Kabra Extr-B/D 31.8 -1.35 25309 O N G C-A/D 290.5 0.4 130073 Centrica/D 317.7 -9.3 7909749 Century Text-A/D 315.05 10.3 212592 Goodyear I -B/D 382.25 8.45 4400 Kajaria Cer-B/D 300.2 -0.65 14750 Ocl India-B/D 190 2 11940 Gkn/D 395.678 4.4 1648330 Chambal Fert-B/D 38.95 0.15 57878 Hcl Infosys-B/D 28.7 -0.2 2564188 Kalpat Power-B/D 85.75 0.15 3331 Oil Country-B/D 35.5 -0.1 1175 Hsbc Holdings/D 675.288 2.5 6153755 Chola Invest-B/D 261.95 -2.15 2852 Him.Fut.Comm-B/D 9.35 -0.04 378501 Kalyani Stel-B/D 55.8 -1.05 49704 Onward Tech-T/D 51.5 0.15 1552 Imperial Tobac/D 2182.4503 -70 525411 Chowgule St-T/D 12.9 -0.41 2040 Himat Seide-B/D 61.8 -0.1 56115 Kanoria Chem-B/D 26.75 -0.2 15305 Orchid Chem-T/D 52.4 -0.8 58332 Kingfisher/D 392.3214 5.3 989145 THURSDAY 16 JANUARY 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23

Pacers cruise Argentinian driver Orlando Terranova in action during the ninth stage of the Dakar Rally 2014 between the localities past Kings; of Calama and Iquique, Chile, yesterday. Grizzlies beat Thunder

NEW ORLEANS: Paul George scored 31 points to lead the Indiana Pacers to a com- fortable victory over the in- form Sacramento Kings, who were seeking a fourth win in succession in the NBA match yesterday. The Pacers built on a dominat- ing 26-5 second-quarter run as they improved their NBA-leading record to 30-7 in their quest for home-court advantage in the playoffs. After improving their home record to 19-1 this season, it was confirmed that the Pacers staff will be the Eastern Conference coaches for the NBA All-Star Game in New Orleans. DeMarcus Cousins led the France’s Stephane Peterhansel Kings (13-23) in scoring with 31 points and 13 rebounds. It was his drives his Mini during the ninth 11th consecutive double-double. stage. The Pacers reached season highs in scoring with 116 points, 59 first-half points and 55 percent shooting from the field. The Memphis Grizzlies over- came 37 points from Kevin Durant and held on for a hard- fought victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Courtney Lee led Memphis Peterhansel wins 9th stage with a season-high 24 points. Power forward Zach Randolph scored 23 with 13 rebounds and French champion eyes hat-trick in Dakar Rally Dakar Rally Results the Grizzlies got a boost from IQUIQUE, Chile: Results from the Dakar Rally after Tuesday’s All-Star center Marc Gasol, who IQUIQUE, CHILE: French meanwhile, was third, over 11 compatriot Joan Barreda — who ninth stage, the 459 kilometres -- 422 of it timed -- from Calama started after missing 23 games rally great Stephane Peterhansel minutes slower. was runner-up for the second to Iquique in Chile: with a knee injury and finished boosted his hopes of a hat-trick Roma, winner of the motor- successive day — while Monday’s Cars with 12 points and four rebounds of Dakar Rally wins as he won cycling event in the 2004 edition stage winner, France’s five-time 1. Stephane Peterhansel (FRA/Mini) 4hr 17min 53sec, 2. Nasser Al-Attiyah (QAT/Mini) at 2min in 24 minutes. yesterday’s ninth stage of the and runner-up two years ago, overall winner Cyril Despres, was 17sec, 3. Nani Roma (ESP/Mini) 11:36, 4. Orlando Terranova (ARG/Mini) 14:14, 5. Giniel De Villiers Memphis The Grizzlies (18-19) race. will be keen to re-establish his third, over five minutes adrift. (RSA/Toyota) 22:57, 6. Adam Malysz (POL/Toyota) 41:33, 7. Krzysztof Holowczyc (POL/Mini) 42:17, went 10-13 during his absence. Peterhansel guided his Mini authority today. Coma leads Barreda by 40min 8. Federico Villagra (ARG/Mini) 43:04, 9. Vladimir Vasilyev (RUS/Mini) 44:59, 10. Marek Dabrowski The Thunder (28-10) lost for home fastest on the 459 kilome- However, Peterhansel insisted 19sec in the overall standings (POL/Toyota) 45:15. the fifth time in their last eight tre leg — 422km timed — from that there would be no let up from while another Spaniard, Jordi games as they continue to toil Calama to Iquique in Chile. him as he seeks victory. Viladoms, is third but lies over Overall without All Star guard Russell The 48-year-old —who if suc- “For sure, I am in a good posi- 90 minutes in arrears. 1. Nani Roma (ESP/Mini) 34hr 15min 37sec, 2. Stephane Peterhansel (FRA/Mini) at 12min 10sec, Westbrook. Al Jefferson scored a cessful this year would make tion because I have no pressure While Coma described the 3. Orlando Terranova (ARG/Mini) 54:33, 4. Nasser Al-Attiyah (QAT/Mini) 59:46, 5. Giniel De Villiers season-high 35 points and guard it six wins in the car category because I am not the leader,” he stage as being a complicated one (RSA/GER/Toyota) 59:46, 6. Krzysztof Holowczyc (POL/Mini) 3hr 00:03, 7. Marek Dabrowski (POL/ Kemba Walker added 25 as the to equal the amount he won in said.“Now I’m trying to drive as he was delighted with the final Toyota) 3hr 20:47, 8. Adam Malysz (POL/Toyota) 3hr 57:32, 9. Guilherme Spinelli (BRA/Mitsubishi) Charlotte Bobcats snapped a three- the motorbike section — shaved fast as possible. I’m taking real outcome. 4hr 45:04, 10. Martin Kaczmarski (POL/Mini) 4hr 54:33. game losing streak with a victory more than 11 minutes off overall pleasure in it now, because I have “It was very nice and very fast Motorcycles over the surging New York Knicks. leader Nani Roma’s advantage nothing to lose. at the beginning, but on the last Stage Jefferson scored 19 of his points with his win. “At the end I’m second and it’s part we found some dunes,” he 1. Marc Coma (ESP/Ktm) 4hr 49min 05sec, 2. Joan Barreda (ESP/Honda) at 1min 41sec, 3. Cyril in the first half, when the Bobcats He is now just over 12 minutes not my goal to finish second. So said. Despres (FRA/Yamaha) 5:28, 4. Juan Pedrero Garcia (ESP/Sherco) 8:43, 5. Stefan Svitko (SVK/Ktm) pulled out to a 55-46 halftime adrift of the lead with the race I will push and we will see what “I tried to catch Joan, because 9:42, 6. Jordi Viladoms (ESP/Ktm) 11:23, 7. Helder Rodrigues (POR/Honda) 11:44, 8. Ivan Jakes (SVK/ lead. Charlotte (16-23) went on finishing on Saturday. happens.” he started two minutes in front of Ktm) 13:40, 9. Laia Sanz (ESP/Honda) 14:34, 10. Jeremias Israel Esquerre (CHI/Speedbrain) 15:01. to lead by as many as 17 points in Peterhansel, who had a Earlier, Spanish rider Marc me. When I caught up with him I Overall the second half and never let the wretched start to the Rally but Coma moved a step closer to a tried to follow to ride together to 1. Marc Coma (ESP/Ktm) 36hr 55:24, 2. Joan Barreda (ESP/Honda) at 40min 19sec, 3. Jordi Viladoms Knicks get closer than four briefly has surged back into conten- fourth Dakar Rally motorcycling the end. It was a good day for me.” (ESP/Ktm) 1hr 38:45, 4. Jeremias Israel Esquerre (CHI/Speedbrain) 2hr 07:06, 5. Olivier Pain (FRA/ in the third quarter. tion, timed 4hr 17min 53sec, crown with a stage victory. Tenth stage is set to test all Yamaha) 2hr 16:10, 6. Helder Rodrigues (POR/Honda) 2hr 24:25, 7. Kuba Przygonski (POL/Ktm) 2hr The Knicks had a five-game while Monday’s stage winner, The 37-year-old brought his the competitors as it comprises 25:16, 8. Cyril Despres (FRA/Yamaha) 2hr 29:56, 9. Daniel Gouet (CHI/Honda) 2hr 57:42, 10. Stefan winning streak snapped as they Qatar’s Nasser Al Attiyah, was KTM bike home in 4hr 49min a 631km timed section. Svitko (SVK/Ktm) 3hr 29:02. showed the effects of fatigue second, 2min 17sec adrift. Roma, 05sec, over a minute ahead of AFP after a 98-96 overtime win over Phoenix on Monday. They fell to 15-23 with the loss. Carmelo Anthony led the Knicks with 20 points but was just 9-of-22 from the field. New York also got 17 points from for- ward Amar’e Stoudemire. Luol Deng scored 27 points and the Cleveland Cavaliers handed the Los Angeles Lakers a fifth con- secutive defeat. REUTERS NBA Results Charlotte 108 NY Knicks 98 Indiana 116 Sacramento 92 Memphis 90 Oklahoma City 87 Lions hire Caldwell as head coach DETROIT: The Detroit Lions’ Nashville Predators’ Colin Wilson (33) skates after the puck against the Calgary Flames during the third two-week search for a new head period at Bridgestone Arena. The Predators beat the Flames 4-2. coach ended yesterday with the hiring of Jim Caldwell, the National Football League team said. The 58-year-old Caldwell Jagr shines in Devils’ win will replace Jim Schwartz, who was fired. MONTREAL: New Jersey been able to do that here in goal at the 7:00 mark of the first Caldwell had a successful two- Devils veterans Jaromir New Jersey because we had period kept his shutout record at year run as the head coach of the Jagr and Martin Brodeur so many young guys. It’s been 124. At the end, both were called Indianapolis Colts from 2009-10, just keep summoning good fun to watch him play. It’s onto the ice for an ovation from the taking the team to Super Bowl hockey out of their 41-year- pretty impressive what he’s 21,273 Bell Centre fans as Brodeur XLIV in his first season. old bodies. accomplished.” was named first star and Jagr got The coach also won a Super The sure-fire Hall of Jagr tied the game at 17:23 second star. AGENCIES Bowl with the Colts in 2006 as an Famers stole the show at of the first period with his assistant under Tony Dungy. He the Bell Centre last night, first goal in 11 games and his was named Indianapolis’s head with Jagr moving past Mark 14th of the season. But more NHL Results coach following Dungy’s retire- Messier for seventh place on importantly, it was the 695th Toronto 4 Boston 3 ment after the 2008 season. the NHL’s career goal list and of a career that began in 1990 Tampa Bay 2 NY Rangers 1 Caldwell was fired by the Colts Brodeur stopping 29 shots in with the Pittsburgh Penguins . at the end of the 2011 season when the Devils’ 4-1 win over the The goal came days after San Jose 2 Washington 1 they won just two games and lost Montreal Canadiens . he passed former Penguins Philadelphia 4 Buffalo 3 14. He then took an assistant “We talk to each other a lot teammate Mario Lemieux for New Jersey 4 Montreal 1 coaching job with the Baltimore about certain things,” Brodeur seventh place in career points Florida 4 NY Islanders 2 Ravens. Caldwell compiled a said. “ I think we have a lot with 1,724. Colorado 3 Chicago 2 26-22 overall record during his in common about what our Brodeur, making his first St Louis 2 Phoenix 1 three-year stint in charge of the careers brought us. start in four games, extended Nashville 4 Calgary 2 Colts, highlighted by a 14-2 season “It’s nice to relate to a guy. his NHL record for wins to in 2009. AFP It’s been a while since I’ve 682, although Max Pacioretty’s Ottawa 3 Minnesota 0 THURSDAY 16 JANUARY 2014 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

‘Nothing illegal’ in Barcelona Confident Stenson opens contract, says Neymar

MADRID: Barcelona striker Neymar insisted yesterday season with high hopes there was “nothing illegal” in his contract with the club, as the Catalans face being sued for World number three seeks to displace Woods from the top spot alleged misappropriation in his 57m-euro ($78m) signing last year. ABU DHABI: World number months ago, so it’s a lot of things A Spanish prosecutor has three Henrik Stenson starts his to look after outside the course, demanded the courts formally 2014 season at the Abu Dhabi which is going to take a little bit investigate the allegations of mis- HSBC Golf Championship from of time and focus away from play- appropriation brought by a mem- today, hoping to continue his ing and practicing.” ber of the fan-owned club. blistering form from last year Stenson said he is aware he The plaintiff accuses the club’s and make a major push towards has a good chance of closing the president Sandro Rosell of mis- displacing Tiger Woods from the gap on world number one Tiger appropriation of 40m euros out top of the world rankings. Woods, mainly because he does of the total fee paid for Neymar. The 37-year-old Swede, twice not have too many points to lose “My father was the one who runner-up in the UAE capital and in the first half of the year. signed the contracts and he is holder of the course record at the Asked what he needs to do to obviously a person I trust totally. Abu Dhabi Golf Club - a 10-under overtake Woods, Stenson said: There is nothing illegal,” the par 62 - is the top-ranked player “Well, the simple answer would Brazilian player, 21, was quoted in the quality field assembled for just to be keep on playing the way as saying by Barcelona daily Sport. the $2.7m European Tour event. I have been playing and I should “In any case if anyone has any Stenson was the talk of the hopefully challenge for it. doubts they can ask my father, golfing world last year for his “But I can’t put my focus on because I concentrate on my role, double-double when he won the that. My focus has to be on my which is playing football.” FedEx Cup and the Race to Dubai game and doing the right things, Barcelona say they paid a total on either side of the Atlantic, and hopefully the result will con- of 57m euros to sign Neymar and also triumphed in the Tour tinue to keep coming our way. Da Silva Santos Junior from Championships on both Tours. And if they do, I hope I’ll be in Brazilian club Santos in June Speaking to the media on the with a chance to firstly get to last year, but they have declined eve of the tournament, Stenson world number two and then to to give full details, citing a need said: “I don’t know how I can bet- world number one. for confidentiality. ter the last season. Maybe, I don’t “I think it would be a lovely A judge last month ordered the need to. I am not greedy. I will be achievement and something to club to show him the contracts happy if I have a similar year. look back at the end of one’s and is due to decide whether to “No, I think for me, there are career. open a formal investigation into two big challenges. One is to try “Whether it happens or not, the allegations. and keep the expectations in that’s written in the future and The complaint accuses Rosell check. That kind of run that I I can only focus on what I can of misappropriation of funds had for the last six months there, control, and then we don’t know. World number five Phil Mickelson (second left) and number seven Rory McIlroy (second right) pose for a because members do not know the that’s not going to continue for- “I mean, even if I win three picture on the eve of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship in Abu Dhabi yesterday. “real destination” of 40m euros ever and ever. We know that tournaments in the next four supposedly paid to Neymar family much. weeks, Tiger or Adam might do business N&N, according to court “But the most important thing the same or even better. I can only improve on, quite a lot in some and keep on working. “I think the defending champion in the documents. AFP for me is to keep on focusing on do my bit and then we’ll see.” and a little bit less in others per- that’s key. The moment you sit tournament that also features my game which is having its chal- Despite his recent run of form, haps,” he added. down and you’re happy where world number five Phil Mickelson, lenges at this time. Stenson feels he has a lot to “As we all know, golf is a game you’re at, normally you start number seven Rory McIlroy and Midfielder “The demand on my time is five improve in his game. where you never get finished. You going backwards.” number 10 Sergio Garcia. times higher now than it was six “There are areas that I can can always keep on getting better Welshman Jamie Donaldson is AFP Matic returns to Chelsea

Qatari youngsters to tee off with LONDON: Chelsea re-signed Serbia midfielder Nemanja Matic on a five-and-a-half-year contract from Portuguese giants Benfica yesterday, the two clubs professionals at Challenge Match announced. In a statement to the Lisbon DOHA: A group of Qatar’s stock exchange, Benfica said that young aspiring golfers marked they will receive 25 million euros one week to go until the (£20.8m, $34m) for the sale of Commercial Bank Qatar Matic, who is now set for his sec- Masters yesterday, with an ond spell at Stamford Bridge. announcement that they are to After arriving from MSK take on a selection of the world’s Kosice in 2009, he made three leading golfers in a brand new substitute appearances in the nine-hole Challenge Match at 2009/10 season and left in January Doha Golf Club, ahead of The 2011 as part of the deal which European Tour tournament ‘Qatari juniors, Abdulla brought David Luiz from Benfica next week. Khamis, Faisal Mir, Sami to west London. “I am very happy The fun match, announced for this opportunity to be back at Al Qush, Abdulrahman during the tournament’s pre- this club,” the 25-year-old Matic Al Naimi, Saoud Al event press conference, will see told Chelsea’s website yesterday. six young Qataris playing in teams Muhanadi, celebrate “I feel very good because of that of two alongside three European one week to go until and just want to say I will give my Tour star golfers. Commercial Bank Qatar best to help the team and make The match will take place on Masters. The Qatari the Chelsea fans happy.” the Commercial Bank Qatar youngsters will take on a Chelsea manager Jose Masters official practice day, on selection of the world’s Mourinho, whose side are two January 20. leading golfers in a brand points behind Premier League Chris Myers, Tournament new nine-hole Challenge leaders Arsenal, added: “I am very Manager and Doha Golf Club Match at Doha Golf Club pleased that Nemanja is returning General Manager said: “The mini on January 20. to Chelsea. challenge match on Monday will PICTURE BY: QASSIM “He has grown as a player in give these local youngsters a rare RAHMATULLAH Portugal and has become a fan- opportunity to learn from and play tastic all-round midfielder,” the alongside some of the top stars of Portuguese boss added. “I am sure international golf. This is all about he will become a very important the Commercial Bank Qatar member of the squad and help us Masters trying to help develop to achieve our ambitions.” junior golf in Qatar, particularly The transfer window move amongst the local population. You was completed just a day after can’t buy this sort of experience, so Portugal’s A Bola sports daily I would like to thank Commercial quoted Matic saying: “Now is Bank for assisting us in making a good time to leave. I want to dreams come true for these young improve, I want to play in a bet- local golfers.” ter league and I want to go to Back for the 17th consecu- from January 22 to 25, for four joined by tens of thousands of will have a Wednesday start. virginmegastore.me and in-store Chelsea.” tive year and with a new look for days of top-class sporting action event spectators each year, the Day tickets and season tickets from Virgin Megastore shops in Matic made his name at Kosice 2014, the Commercial Bank Qatar at Doha Golf Club. Commercial Bank Qatar Masters for the 2014 Commercial Bank Villaggio Mall and Landmark before first being signed for Masters will bring together the Watched by an audience of is one of the Middle East’s most Qatar Masters are available to Mall, Doha, as well as Doha Golf Chelsea by then manager Carlo world’s leading golf professionals millions around the world and prestigious sporting events and purchase online now at www. Club. THE PENINSULA Ancelotti. AFP Alpine skiing: Shiffrin lands blow ahead of Olympics

FLACHAU, Austria: US teen- Two Swedes completed the thundering performance to finish going out... I had to fight,” she said performance: “I felt like I did my rankings now with 402 points age ski star Mikaela Shiffrin podium with Frida Hansdotter 0.90 sec ahead of Germany’s Maria after the race, still looking like she best skiing in the first run today. ahead of Hansdotter with 258 won the women’s night slalom second at 0.83sec, and Maria Hoefl-Riesch. could hardly believe her win. “It was really fun... every gate points. For the 28-year-old Swede, in Flachau, Austria, on Tuesday Pietilae-Holmner third at In the second run, she made “Nine tenths of a second is a lot was coming fast I really liked it.” last year’s world slalom bronze in dominant fashion, beating her 1.14sec. a few mistakes but nevertheless of time, it seems like, but it goes The youngster thus confirmed medallist, this was the second rivals by close to a second. Shiffrin, the reigning slalom proved unbeatable, even as the away really fast. her dominance in the slalom, with slalom podium in a month after The 18-year-old, who was win- world champion and winner of skiers faced poor visibility and “It’s a tough hill because it’s not less than a month to go before the Courchevel. ning in Flachau for a second suc- last year’s World Cup crystal rain on the course. steep and it’s not flat, sometimes Olympics in the Russian Black Sea All her eight career slalom cessive year, clocked a time of globe in the discipline, already led “There were a couple of you don’t know how to take it. resort of Sochi. podiums have seen her fill the 1min 45.83sec over two runs. after the first run, having put in a moments where I thought I was But she was satisfied with her She leads the World Cup runners-up spot. AFP THURSDAY 16 JANUARY 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25 PSG suffer Top fencers head to Doha shock exit in Al Kass Cup

Men’s Grand Prix, Women’s World Cup begin today; finals at Gate Mall DOHA: Paris Saint-Germain crashed out of the Al Kass DOHA: Ruben Limardo pocket a prize money of $10,000 International Cup in dramatic Gascon of Venezuela, men’s epee while runners-up will take home fashion last night, slumping to individual winner at the 2012 $5,000. The winners in team events a second defeat at the hands of London Olympic Games, leads will bag $5,000 while the second- Kashiwa Reysol following their a galaxy of stars who will be placed side will be richer by $4,000. loss to FC Barcelona in the participating at the 10th Grand The event is open for participants competition’s opening match on Prix, which begins here today. holding an international fencing Monday. The 10th Grand Prix for Men federation (FIE) licence. Last year’s runners-up and will be held along with the sixth The FIE individual World Cup 2012 champions, PSG were among World Cup for Women, both epee series consists of three Grands the pre-tournament favourites, categories. Prix and five World Cups per year. and their group stage elimination The qualifying rounds of the The entries for Grand Prix represents a considerable upset. men’s and women’s individual competitions are limited to a Needing just a draw to progress, maximum of eight fencers per Reysol looked to keep PSG out of Men’s Grand Prix and country. Only the host nation can the game with the same man-to- field 10 entries. man defending tactics that they Women’s World Cup Meanwhile, Qatar announced had used to shackle Barcelona for Today’s Schedule a 10-member team for the men’s so long on Tuesday. Men’s individual: 10am to 2.40pm: Fahad Al Mulla (third right), Assistant Secretary-General of Qatar Fencing Federation (QFF) speaking during competition and a 11-member In contrast, PSG Head Coach Preliminary rounds at Aspire Academy a press conference on the eve of the Men’s Grand Prix and Women’s World Cup in Doha yesterday. Also see squad for the women’s one. Francois Rodrigues had his play- Tomorrow are Khalid Mohammad Al Yazeedi (centre), Secretary-General of QFF and Abdul Salam Issa (third left), repre- The men’s team consists of Ali ers positioned much further up Al Boenain, Ahmad Al Dossari, the pitch than had been the case Men’s and women’s individual: 9am to 3.50 sentative of Gate Mall and other officials. The event begins from 10am today at Aspire Academy. The finals Mohammed Al Shammari, earlier in the week, knowing at Aspire Academy of the Men’s Grand Prix and the Women’s World Cup, besides the women’s team event will be held at Gate Hamad Al Shammari, Mohammed that only a win would be enough Men’s individual semi-final and final at Gate Mall tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday respectively. PICTURE BY: IBRAHIM KUTTY Al Dossari, Abdulrahman Al to secure progress. To his side’s Mall 6.00 to 7.00pm. Hashemi, Ebrahim Al Tairi, credit, in the opening stages it Saturday besides the women’s team event be in Doha for the event in both will help them in the qualification Abdulla Jemaan, Mohammad Ali appeared that PSG’s adventurous Women’s individual: 9am to 3.50 at Aspire will be held at Aspire Academy the men’s and women’s section. race for 2016 Rio Games,” added Mirzaei and Abdullah Sayyari. approach would pay dividends. Academy while the finals of the all the “All the top-ranked fencers the QFF official. The women’s team comprises of For much of the first half, free- Women’s individual semi-final and final at three will be held at Gate Mall have confirmed their participa- Heading to Doha to defend his Noora Al Dossari, Ayah Madadi, scoring French striker Odsonne Gate Mall 6.00 to 7.00pm. tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday, tion in the event,” said Khalid title is 36-year-old Gabor Boczko Abraar Al Attef, Sara Al Emadi, Edouard once again presented a Sunday informed officials of Qatar Mohammad Al Yazeedi, Secretary of Hungary, silver medal winner Thkrayat Al Abdulla, Wadha Al real attacking threat. Fencing Federation (QFF). General of QFF. at the 2004 Olympics Games. Ali, Wadha Al Abdulla, Aisha Al Going into the game having Women’s Team event: 9.00am to 3.30pm at Addressing a press conference “Players taking part in the In the women’s section, Xu Anqi Musalmani, Hanadi Al Yami, Fatima scored 18 in his last 11 competi- Aspire Academy here yesterday, officials of QFF Grand Prix and World Cup in of China won the title last year. Hammad and Ghada Haroun tive games, including a hat-trick Final at Gate Mall at 7.00pm. said some of the top fencers will Doha are eligible for points which The individual winners will Hassan. THE PENINSULA against FCB, Edouard provided a physical presence that the much shorter Japanese opposition defenders struggled to contain. In the 42nd minute the QBL: Al Rayyan down Al Arabi Japanese team went ahead with a counter-attack that seemed Preparations in full swing to have come straight from the training field. Making the most of a wasted PSG corner, Reysol’s 15-year-old Tiago Ota charged down the left for National Sport Day wing, tearing the Parisian defence apart with a lightning-fast run. DOHA: Qatar Olympic walk, as well as the biggest ever for our nation as each and every Striker Kyohei Otani converted Committee (QOC) is calling line up of free events, 2014 is set local community comes together Osa’s accurate cross with aplomb. upon every man, woman and to be the largest and most widely to enjoy a day of fun.” PSG emerged re-energised for child to come alive with sport celebrated day of sport ever wit- Central to the ongoing suc- the second half with two attack- this February 11, and be a part of nessed in the country. cess of National Sport Day 2014 ing substitutions which quickly the biggest National Sport Day Kickstarting the festivities will will be the involvement of elite brought reward. in history, with events planned be the opening of Qatar Olympic Qatari athletes as ambassadors. Pouring forward and starting across the country. Committee’s specially built sport Through a series of events in the to play some attractive pass- From cycling to swimming, zone which will welcome all from run up to the day, the nation’s fin- ing football, the Frenchmen football to basketball, tennis to the February 6. est sport stars will be throwing got their equaliser just three tae kwon do, countless free sport- The anticipation will then build their weight behind the campaign minutes after the break when ing sessions, accessible to all, will to a crescendo as the yearlong Be to highlight the benefits of fitness, the newly introduced Samuel be taking place throughout Qatar Fit programme reaches its excit- healthy living and togetherness, Essende found space inside the as the celebrations to highlight ing climax where the individual core values of the programme. Kashiwa box before firing past the importance of healthy living who lost the most amount of Along with the extensive Taigo Someya. reach a new peak. weight through healthy living is sporting events across the coun- The Parisians began to run out Building on the outstanding announced, before the new year’s try, National Sport Day will also of steam, and in the 77 minute a successes of previous years, Qatar programme is launched. focus on Qatari culture with a delightful move drew PSG keeper National Sport Day 2014 is set to Speaking one month out traditional Al Shawahef rowing Chesnaeu from his line before a bring the country even closer from the Qatar National Sport championship opening proceed- cross-field ball left Otani with an together through activity, leav- Day celebrations, Sheikh Saoud ings on the day. The event will act open goal to aim at. ing a lasting legacy for the local bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the as a reminder of Qatar’s sport- He made no mistake, finishing community. Secretary-General of QOC said: ing ancient sporting heritage his second of the game and con- Based on the sporting princi- “Qatar and sport share many of and the role it has played in the demning PSG to an early exit.. ples of inclusion and unity, par- the same values and ideals; team- country’s most recent sporting In another match, a majestic ticipation and fun, fitness and work, togetherness and develop- developments. display from AC Milan saw the health, National Sport Day has ment. Now we aim to use sport Official participating venues Italians trounce AJ Auxerre. cemented its status as one of as a means to move onwards and for the event include; Aspire, Hat-tricks from Patrick the highlights of Qatar’s com- upwards, ever closer to our goal Katara, The Pearl, Souq Waqif, Cutrone and Cosimo La Ferrara, munity, sporting and national of improving the entire country’s Al-Refaa Street and many more. Action from the Qatar Basketball League match between Al Arabi and along with a goal from captain calendars. quality of life through health and Further details are also avail- Al Rayyan at Al Gharafa Indoor Stadium in Doha yesterday. Al Rayyan Andrea Malberti, contributed to Featuring a traditional boat fitness. The February 11 event is able on www.sportday.qa. won 88-79. a 7-0 drubbing of AJ Auxerre. race and the legendary sport going to be the start of a new era THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA

Qatar Volleyball Association League: Win for Qatar Sports Club South Africa avenge defeat

A Pakistan player celebrates after taking a wicket against South Africa in the triangular women’s cricket tournament One-Day International match at West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha, yesterday. South Africa won by three wickets with 51 balls remaining. Pakistan batting first were bowled out for 101 in 44.4 overs. In reply, South Africa lost seven wickets before reaching the target in 41.3 overs. The two Action from the match between Al Ahli and Qatar Sports Club of the Qatar Volleyball Association League at Al Arabi Indoor Stadium in Doha yesterday. teams will clash in the final at the same venue on Friday. Ireland is the Qatar SC won three sets to two (26-24, 25-19, 23-25, 26-28 and 14-16). PICTURE BY: SALIM MATRAMKOT third team taking part in the tri-series. PICTURE BY: ABDUL BASIT THURSDAY 16 JANUARY 2014 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Kagawa Fulham ease past vows to get tough for Norwich in FA Cup Man United

LONDON: Manchester Harriers edge Peterborough United 3-2 United’s Japanese midfielder Shinji Kagawa says that he needs to toughen up in order to LONDON: Fulham over- a 3-2 replay victory away to third again before Marc-Antoine make more of an impact in the whelmed fellow Premier League third tier Peterborough United. Fortune sealed Wigan’s victory. English Premier League. strugglers Norwich 3-0 at Tommy Rowe gave Premier League high-flyers The 24-year-old is still to con- Craven Cottage to move into the Peterborough an early lead but Manchester City, last season’s vince United manager David fourth round of the FA Cup on two goals in four minutes after losing finalists, face second-tier Moyes that he is worthy of a reg- Tuesday night. half-time from Michael Gash and Blackburn Rovers in a third ular starting berth, although he Former England striker Jack Byrne turned the tide in round replay on Wednesday. impressed in last weekend’s 2-0 Darren Bent scored Fulham’s Conference club Kidderminster’s Bournemouth will welcome defeat of Swansea City. opener before setting up Ashkan favour. English giants Liverpool to the Kagawa will face renewed com- Dejagah’s decisive second goal as Britt Assombalonga’s pen- south coast in the fourth round petition for his preferred central Norwich’s winless run stretched alty levelled the scores with 16 after a 4-1 win over fourth-tier playmaking role when Wayne to eight matches. minutes to go but two minutes Burton Albion. Rooney returns to fitness, but he Steve Sidwell scored Fulham’s later Joe Lolley scored Harriers’ Two goals from Brett Pitman says he has identified the areas third goal shortly before the winner. and strikes from Ryan Fraser of his game where improvements hour to leave the Cottagers with Kidderminster are the only non- and captain Tommy Elphick -- a are needed. a fourth round tie against third league side left in this season’s FA Liverpool fan -- set up a dream tie “I think I can still improve tier Sheffield United. Cup after Macclesfield suffered a for the Championship club. my strength,” he told the United But it was the clean sheet that 4-1 defeat by Championship side However, Bournemouth man- website. most delighted Fulham captain Sheffield Wednesday, who made ager Eddie Howe promised his “I’m not the tallest or biggest Brede Hangeland following last it 10 goals in two matches after side would remain focused on the player, so I have to move my body weekend’s 4-1 league defeat by their 6-0 thrashing of Yorkshire league, starting with Saturday’s more. Smaller players in the Sunderland. rivals Leeds United. match against Watford. Premier League are very good at “For sure it’s the clean sheet,” FA Cup holders Wigan “For me, the Watford game is using their bodies and that’s what Hangeland told BT Sport. needed extra-time to see off the biggest of our season because I will continue to do. “We’ve conceded far too many Milton Keynes Dons 3-1 in a it is the next one,” said Howe. “I realise the Premier League is goals and one of our main targets third round replay at Stadium “All eyes and attention now goes a very tough league and I know I was to keep that clean sheet today MK and avoid becoming only to that game. We have got to pre- have to be stronger.” so we’ve very pleased. the second holders of the tro- pare well and try to get back to Kagawa joined United from “We need to find the right bal- phy to go out in the third round winning ways at home. Borussia Dortmund in 2012 and ance between attack and defence. the following season. “The league is our priority this won the Premier League title in Lately we’ve been conceding too Luke Chadwick put the Dons season. We want to do well in the his debut season at Old Trafford. many goals so hopefully this is a ahead in the 10th minute and FA Cup and the Liverpool one is “He’s such an intelligent and step in the right direction.” it was a led they held until 11 a game ahead in the calendar that creative player that he makes Elsewhere, non-league minutes from time before Nick we can look forward to and enjoy, Fulham’s English midfielder Steve Sidwell celebrates scoring his team’s everybody around him play well,” Kidderminster Harriers won Powell, on loan from Manchester but up until that point we have to third goal during the English FA Cup third round replay football match said United assistant manager through to a fourth round tie with United equalised. do our work in the league. at Craven Cottage in London on Tuesday night. Steve Round. Premier League Sunderland after Extra-time saw Powell score AFP “You can always find him, he always retains the ball, can turn and go forward, is intelligent, and his creativity is terrific. “He’s a really good kid as well. PSG through to League Cup semi-finals He has a great sense of humour and a tremendous work ethic. PARIS: Paris Saint-Germain Matuidi said that the perform- Brazilian centre-back But the visitors still went into turning Lucas Digne’s follow-up There’s never a moment’s prob- reached the semi-finals of the ance indicated they could achieve Marquinhos lined-up at right- the interval a goal to the good onto the post, but Paris went lem with him because he’s such a French League Cup after an that. back, while Zoumana Camara, after Pastore neatly converted back in front with six minutes terrific professional.” AFP ultimately comfortable 3-1 “This evening there were a lot Pastore and Jeremy Menez a low ball across the area from remaining. victory away to Bordeaux on of players out there for us who all came into the team as PSG Lucas. Pastore robbed Landry Tuesday night. haven’t had a lot of playing time sought to beat Bordeaux for the Blanc, who won the League N’Guemo of possession in mid- Revised FA Cup Javier Pastore, Adrien Rabiot recently,” he said. third time this season. Cup with Bordeaux in 2009, sent field and advanced before setting fourth-round draw and Blaise Matuidi got the “They didn’t show it as they all The capital club emerged vic- on Cavani for Ibrahimovic at the up Rabiot to convert the clinch- LONDON: Updated draw for the fourth round goals for the reigning Ligue 1 played really well, which shows torious when the teams met in interval but the hosts were back ing goal. Soon after, Pastore and of the English FA Cup after Tuesday night champions, while a strike from that we can be contenders in all the season-opening Champions level just three minutes after the Cavani combined to set up substi- matches (ties to be played on January 25-26): Andre Biyogo Poko had brought the competitions. Trophy and then ran out com- restart. tute Matuidi, who coolly finished Sunderland vs Kidderminster Harriers Bordeaux level in the second half “Our strength, is that we never manding 2-0 winners in Bordeaux A Marco Verratti pass put past Carrasso, putting the final at the Stade Chaban-Delmas. doubt ourselves, we have huge in the league in September. Rabiot under pressure deep inside outcome beyond doubt. Bolton Wanderers vs Cardiff City It is the first time that PSG confidence in ourselves but it isn’t Here, Zlatan Ibrahimovic - just his own half and Poko pounced, The remaining three-quarter- Southampton vs Yeovil Town have reached the semi-finals of excessive, it is that which is good.” back from claiming the Puskas dispossessing his opponent and finals will be played, with Nantes Huddersfield Town vs Charlton Athletic or any knockout competition since The victory was achieved Award for the best goal of the then finishing past Salvatore hosting Nice, second-tier Troyes Oxford United the Qatari takeover of the club despite coach Laurent Blanc’s year at the FIFA gala in Zurich Sirigu to restore parity. facing Evian and Lyon playing Port Vale vs Brighton and Hove Albion in 2011 and the win keeps them decision to rest several regular - had a 40th-minute effort disal- Home ‘keeper Cedric Carrasso host to Marseille, who won the Nottingham Forest vs Preston North End on course for what would be an starters, including Thiago Motta, lowed for offside and then fired a then made a decisive double inter- League Cup three years running Southend United vs Hull City unprecedented domestic treble. Matuidi and Edinson Cavani. free-kick just wide. vention, saving from Menez and from 2010 to 2012. AFP Rochdale vs Sheffield Wednesday Arsenal vs Coventry City Atletico see Cortese on verge of Stevenage vs Everton Wigan Athletic vs Crystal Palace off Valencia, Chelsea vs Stoke City Blackburn Rovers or Manchester City vs Watford quitting Southampton Bournemouth vs Liverpool into Cup Birmingham City vs Swansea City LONDON: Nicola Cortese, 7/4 favourite -- in from 14/1 -- to Sheffield United vs Fulham quarters the man credited with driving be the next Premier League man- Southampton’s renaissance as ager to part ways with his club. English FA Cup Results a force in the English Premier “The odds suggest that Mauro 3rd round MADRID: Holders Atletico League, is close to leaving the Pochettino could be leaving his Birmingham 3 (Robinson 35, Burke 85, 87) Madrid moved into the quarter- club, according to media reports. role imminently,” William Hill Bristol Rovers 0 finals of the Copa del Rey with a The 45-year-old Italian banker, spokesman Rupert Adams said. Bournemouth 4 (Pitman 5, 88-pen, Elphick 2-0 win at home to Valencia on who became the Saints’ executive Cortese persuaded German- 45, Fraser 86) Burton Albion 1 (Phillips 35) Tuesday night to progress 3-1 chairman in 2009, has suffered born industrialist Markus Charlton 2 (Morrison 54, Kermorgant 82) on aggregate. an “irretrievable breakdown” in Liebherr to buy the club in 2009, Oxford United 2 (Mullins 13, Davies 24) Atletico’s prowess at set- relations with club owners the when Saints were in administra- 3rd replays pieces once again proved vital as Liebherr estate, the Southern tion and playing in the third tier. Fulham 3 (Bent 16, Dejagah 41, Sidwell 68) Uruguayan defender Diego Godin Daily Echo said yesterday. Liebherr died in August 2010, Norwich 0 nodded home the opener from Sky Sports reported that when ownership of the south- MK Dons 1 (Chadwick 10) Wigan 3 (Powell 79, Gabi’s corner six minutes after Cortese had already submitted coast club passed to his family 92, Fortune 105) -- aet, 1-1 after 90 minutes half-time. his resignation amid persistent estate. Peterborough 2 (Rowe 26, Assombalonga Valencia responded well to reports in the British and Italian Cortese ran the club’s day- 74-pen) Kidderminster 3 (Gash 48, Byrne going behind, but just as in the media saying AC Milan want to to-day affairs as Southampton 52, Lolley 76) first-leg they found it difficult lure him to the San Siro. climbed from League One to the to beat Thibaut Courtois as the “Sources close to the top of the Premier League in three years. Plymouth 2 (Gurrieri 2, Hourihane 36) Port Vale Belgian produced fine saves to club have today indicated that His most controversial act was 3 (Hugill 30, Williamson 63, Myrie-Williams 75) deny Helder Postiga and Michel. Cortese’s departure could come to sack manager Nigel Adkins in Preston 3 (Garner 68, 49, 88) Ipswich 2 And Atletico sealed victory within a matter of days rather January 2013 and replace him (Nouble 58, McGoldrick 76) when Raul Garcia headed home than at the end of the season,” with Pochettino. Sheffield Wednesday 4 (Maguire 3, another corner a minute from the Echo added. Fans were highly critical of Maghoma 78, Johnson 85, Llera 90+1) time to set up a meeting with Cortese’s future was the subject the change and the treatment Macclesfield 1 (Boden 65-pen) Athletic Bilbao or Real Betis in of speculation last summer before of Adkins but former defender Watford 2 (Faraoni 29, McGugan 64) Bristol City 0 the last eight. an interim agreement between Pochettino has won them round, Atletico boss Diego Simeone him and Liebherr estate over the ensuring Southampton retained Spanish Copa del made just two changes to the side direction of the club as well as his their top flight status last term that drew 0-0 with Barcelona in a contract. But, the Echo reported, with wins over Manchester City Rey Results top of the table clash on Saturday discussions since then to agree and Chelsea along the way. MADRID: Spanish Copa del Rey results on as new signing Jose Sosa made his a long-term strategy have not Cortese has also been a shrewd Tuesday night: debut. produced a solution, and Cortese operator in the transfer market, Round of 16, second leg However, it was the other is considering his position at St backing his managers to bring in Almeria 0 Racing Santander 2 (Mariano 62, new face in the starting line-up, Mary’s Stadium. now-established players such as Duran 79) Garcia, who came closest to open- His departure would be a major Rickie Lambert, Jay Rodriguez, Racing Santander win 3-1 on aggregate ing the scoring in the first-half blow to Southampton, not least Victor Wanyama, Dejan Lovren Atletico Madrid 2 (Godin 51, Raul Garcia 89) but he just failed to connect with because Argentine manager and Dani Osvaldo, who arrived Valencia 0 Juanfran’s low cross. Mauricio Pochettino, 41, sug- from AS Roma in August 2013 Atletico Madrid win 3-1 on aggregate The hosts did make the break- gested last May that he would for a club-record fee of £15m through just after the break as also quit if Cortese left. ($24.69m). French League Cup Result Bordeaux’s Malian midfielder Abdou Traore (right) vies with Paris’ PARIS: French League Cup quarter-final Valencia keeper Vicente Guaita Brazilian forward Lucas Moura during a French Ligue Cup football Bookmaker William Hill said When rumours of Milan’s got caught under Gabi’s delivery yesterday they had seen a surge interest first surfaced in 2010, result on Tuesday night: match at the Jacques Chaban-Delmas Stadium in Bordeaux on Tuesday Bordeaux 1 (Biyogo Poko 49) Paris Saint-Germain to allow Godin to head into an night. of bets on Pochettino to leave the Cortese told Southampton’s web- empty net. AFP Saints, and had installed him the site (www.saintsfc.co.uk). AFP 3 (Pastore 45+1, Rabiot 86, Matuidi 89) THURSDAY 16 JANUARY 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27

Court reinstates Zaka Ashraf as Pakistan want help from PCB chairman KARACHI: Islamabad’s High Court (IHC) reinstated Zaka Ashraf as chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) yesterday after he was removed pitch against Sri Lanka last year by a bench of the same court. A two-member divisional bench consisting of Justice Riaz Levelling the series largely depends on the pitch, says Misbah Ahmed Khan and Justice Noorul Haq Qureshi announced its judg- ment on an appeal filed by Ashraf SHARJAH: Pakistan are des- against his dismissal last July. perate for a helpful pitch to “Zaka Ashraf has been rein- get them a series-levelling win Pakistan’s confusion helped stated as board Chairman with against Sri Lanka in the third immediate effect by the court and and final Test starting here Sri Lanka: Mathews he can take charge from tomor- today. row,” Afzal Kundi, Ashraf’s legal Captain Misbah-ul Haq was SHARJAH: Sri counsel told reporters. frustrated over two previous Lankan captain The IHC bench removed Ashraf unresponsive pitches, the first Angelo Mathews last July on a constitutional in Abu Dhabi where Sri Lanka (pictured), yesterday petition declaring the elections batted resolutely to salvage a admitted Pakistan’s in which he was voted in for a draw, and then in Dubai where confusion over what four-year term as “malafide” and a first-day seaming pitch undid pitches to employ in “illegal.” Pakistan’s batting and later the series worked to After Ashraf’s dismissal, the blunted their bowling. his team’s advantage. government appointed Najam Sri Lanka, helped by their new- Sri Lanka goes into Sethi as acting chairman but the look pace attack and a fighting the third Test 1-0 up same bench later also stopped century from old campaigner after winning the sec- him from exercising his full pow- Mahela Jayawardne recorded ond Test by nine wick- ers and ordered him to hold fresh their biggest-ever win of nine ets on a seaming track elections. With no elections in wickets over Pakistan to take a in Dubai stadium. sight the government appointed 1-0 lead. The third and final a strong interim management The lack of spin on those Test starts in Sharjah committee with Sethi as its head pitches nullified Pakistan’s match- today and the pitch will once again be in the focus. to oversee cricket affairs. winning bowler Saeed Ajmal and Mathews said pitches were different. “With this judgment the he has taken only five wickets in “I’ve never seen a wicket as we had in Abu Dhabi before and interim management committee two Tests so far. there were lot of help for the seamers,” said Mathews of the drawn also ceases to exist,” Kundi said, The look of the Sharjah sta- first Test. Sri Lankan seamers took full advantage of the first day adding that the operational part dium pitch suggests it will only moisture to bowl Pakistan out or a paltry 165, a total which allowed of the judgment made it clear that turn on the last two days. Sri Lanka to dominate. Ashraf had been restored uncon- Sri Lanka posted a big 413-run “Our seamers bowled better than their seamers, so we got more ditionally to his old position. total when the two teams last wickets than them, having confusion it’s always good for us, it worked Ashraf told reporters in Lahore played at the venue in November but I think we have to start well once again and can’t be complacent that he was elated with the deci- 2011 in a match which Pakistan against Pakistan,” said Mathews, who predicted more spin on the sion and it was vindication he was only saved because of heavy rain Sharjah pitch. elected constitutionally and prop- on the final day on their way to a “It’s not going to be any way close to what we had in Abu Dhabi erly in the first place. REUTERS 1-0 series win. and Dubai, looks like its going to be spin and some reverse swing,” Misbah admitted Pakistan’s said Mathews, who hinted of the inclusion of two spinners in the side. chances of levelling the series Sri Lankan captain said he was sure of experienced batsman largely depend on the pitch. Mahela Jayawardene playing the final Test. AFP Pakistan cricketer Saeed Ajmal (left) and Abdur Rehman during a practice “In my opinion this looks a session at the Sharjah International Cricket Stadium in Sharjah yesterday. Pietersen gets good pitch and I think you get spin on the pitches here and the fast bowler Mohammad Talha Mathews said he hoped the pitch replace Pakistan (currently fifth) Sarfraz Ahmed, Junaid Khan, Twenty20 call team which plays better and show or left-armer Abdul Rehman, if will help the spinners. in the Test rankings if they win Saeed Ajmal, Bilawal Bhatti, patience will have more chance,” Pakistan decide to play with two “It’s not going to be any way 2-0 in the series. The teams will Abdul Rehman, Rahat Ali, LONDON: Kevin Pietersen he said. spinners. close to what we had in Abu Dhabi also try to give their coaches — Mohammad Talha. was yesterday handed a “I think pitches here are like Pakistan are also likely to and Dubai, looks like its going to Dav Whatmore of Pakistan and Sri Lanka: Angelo Mathews berth in England’s provi- that, but there are strange results tinker with their top-order bat- be spin and some reverse swing,” Graham Ford of Sri Lanka — a (capt), Dinesh Chandimal, sional 30-man squad for here,” said Misbah whose team ting with opener Ahmed Shehzad said Mathews who registered his winning farewell as both leave Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela the ICC World Twenty20, has lost four of their last 13 Tests and Mohammad Hafeez — who first overseas win as captain in their posts after the match. Jayawardene, Kaushal Silva, which begins in Bangladesh against Sri Lanka with only one both failed in Dubai — making Dubai. Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal in March. win and eight draws. way for Shan Masood or Azhar “After the Dubai win we are TEAMS (FROM): Perera, Prasanna Jayawardene, The 33-year-old batsman’s Pakistan will be forced to bring Ali. Sri Lanka have no such very confident going into the third Pakistan: Misbah-ul-Haq Suranga Lakmal, Shaminda international future has been in a bowler in place of paceman problems, hoping Jayawardene Test, but we have to start it all (capt), Mohammad Hafeez, Eranga, Nuwan Pradeep, the subject of speculation Bilawal Bhatti who injured his recovers from a finger injury over again.” Ahmed Shehzad, Khurram Sachithra Senanayake, Rangana since England’s humiliating hamstring during the second Test. which hampered his batting in Besides the series win target, Manzoor, Shan Masood, Azhar Herath, Dilruwan Perera, Vishwa 5-0 loss to Australia in the He will be replaced either by the second Test. Skipper Angelo the sixth-placed Sri Lanka will Ali, Asad Shafiq, Younis Khan, Fernando. AFP Ashes, with British media reports suggesting his place was at risk. However, while he has Bangladesh been called up for the World Twenty20, he is not guar- tour still on, New Zealand heap further anteed to play in the tour- nament as the squad will be cut in half following the says Sri Lanka forthcoming three-match Twenty20 series against COLOMBO: Sri Lanka is to go misery on West Indies Australia. England limited ahead with a tour to Bangladesh overs coach Ashley Giles later this month after carrying dismissed suggestions that out its own security assessment WELLINGTON: New Zealand Scoreboard Pietersen’s presence in the in the violence-plagued coun- inflicted a further defeat on squad could prove prob- try, cricket board officials said the West Indies in their second WEST INDIES lematic, describing him as a yesterday. Twenty20 international yester- L Simmons c Neesham b McClenaghan ...29 “million-pound” asset. “We are very positive about day to bring a dismal end to the J Charles c Guptill b Milne ...... 7 Asked if he had discussed playing in Bangladesh,” Sri visiting team’s tour. A Fletcher (run out-Munro/Milne/Ronchi) ..40 leaving Pietersen out of the Lanka Cricket (SLC) secretary The four-wicket win gave New squad with team director D Bravo b N McCullum ...... 12 Nishantha Ranatunga said. “We Zealand the Twenty20 series 2-0 Andy Flower, Giles replied: look forward to playing there.” to go with their 2-0 win in the C Walton c Ronchi b Milne ...... 0 “No. There was no discussion Confirmation that the tour is Tests. The one-day internationals D Ramdin (not out) ...... 55 about leaving Kevin out. going ahead comes after SLC vice were shared 2-2, the West Indies’ A Russell (not out) ...... 10 Pietersen has been rested president Mohan de Silva and only success on their six-week Extras (LB-2, W-4) ...... 6 for the Twenty20 series the board’s former chief execu- tour. After New Zealand won the Total (for 5 wkts in 20 overs) ...... 159 against Australia, but he took tive Ajith Jayasekera travelled to first Twenty20 by 81 runs, they Fall of wickets: 1-22, 2-37, 3-66, 4-67, to Twitter last week to declare Bangladesh earlier this week. were struggling at 79-5 in the sec- 5-137. his “strong desire” to remain Ranatunga said the pair were ond match before a 68-run part- an England player. Flower Bowling: McClenaghan 4-0-29-1; Milne 4-0- joined by Sri Lankan diplomats nership between Ross Taylor and was forced to deny media as they held discussions in Dhaka Luke Ronchi turned the innings 22-2; Neesham 4-0-39-0 (2w); Anderson 4-0- reports that he had given the about player safety for the tour. around. 50-0 (2w); N McCullum 4-0-17-1. England and Wales Cricket The first of two Test matches Taylor played the anchor role NEW ZEALAND Board (ECB) an ultimatum begins in the capital on January with 39 off 41 balls while Ronchi M Guptill c Ramdin b Holder ...... 1 about Pietersen’s place in the 27 and the two teams are also belted an unbeaten 51 off 28 deliv- R Ryder c Simmons b Holder ...... 23 squad, describing the rumours scheduled to play three one-day eries in an innings that included B McCullum lbw Narine ...... 17 as “totally inaccurate”. internationals and two Twenty20 four fours and two sixes. PROVISIONAL 30-MAN R Taylor c Walton b Narine ...... 39 matches. The pair were particularly SQUAD: C Munro c Miller b Russell...... 5 Bangladesh has been rocked harsh on West Indies skipper Moeen Ali, Jonathan by some of the deadliest political Dwayne Bravo in the 15th over C Anderson c Charles b Russell ...... 6 Bairstow, Gary Ballance, Ravi violence in its history in recent when they took 17 runs to reduce L Ronchi (not out) ...... 51 Bopara, Scott Borthwick, weeks, with the opposition try- the target from 54 off 36 balls to a J Neesham (not out) ...... 14 Tim Bresnan, Danny Briggs, ing to derail a January 5 general more manageable 37 off 30. Extras (LB-3, W-4) ...... 7 Stuart Broad (capt), Jos election which was marred by They then took 15 off the Total (for 6 wkts in 20 overs) ...... 163 Buttler (wkt), Michael boycotts. 17th over by Jason Holder and Fall of wickets: 1-8, 2-36, 3-49, 4-69, 5-79, Carberry, Jade Dernbach, The violence has also prompted although Taylor gave his wicket Steven Finn, Harry Gurney, 6-147. speculation that the 50 over Asia away with a mistimed slog-sweep Alex Hales, Chris Jordan, Bowling: Holder 3-0-34-2 (1w); Best 3-0- Cup and the Twenty20 World to Chadwick Walton at deep mid- Craig Kieswetter (wkt), Cup, which are both due to be wicket New Zealand were then in 37-0 (1w); Bravo 3-0-31-0 (2w); Narine 4-0- Michael Lumb, Eoin Morgan, hosted by Bangladesh in the com- a position to coast to victory. 18-2; Miller 3-0-24-0; Russell 3-0-16-2. Graham Onions, Steven ing weeks, could be shifted. Jesse Ryder was dropped twice Luke Ronchi (left) of New Zealand celebrates 50 runs with team-mate Ross Result: New Zealand won by four wickets. Parry, Samit Patel, Kevin Ranatunga rejected reports as he raced to a quick 23 in nine Taylor during the 2nd Twenty/20 international against the West Indies at Series: New Zealand 2-0. Pietersen, Boyd Rankin, Joe that Sri Lanka had been sounded balls, and Brendon McCullum the Westpac Stadium in Wellington yesterday. Root, Ben Stokes, James out by Asian cricket authorities received a life on his way to 17. Taylor, James Tredwell, about the possibility of hosting the But the biggest bungle was dropped a caught and bowled his run out throw at the stumps. when reduced to 67-4 in the 11th James Vince, Chris Woakes, Asia Cup which will also include missing two chances to remove opportunity and when Ronchi The West Indies, who won the over before Denesh Ramdin and Luke Wright. India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. man of the match Ronchi on the scampered through for a quick toss and elected to bat first, Andre Taylor breathed life into AFP AFP first ball he faced. Andre Russell single Tino Best was astray with appeared to have lost their way their innings. AFP Thursday 16 October 2011 15 Rabial I 1435 Volume 18 Number 5946 Sport Price: QR2

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www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Djokovic and Serena in a hurry Ferrer and Berdych reach third round in Melbourne; Dodig feared he would die in heat

MELBOURNE: Tournament somebody listens to the voice of as she dismissed Dolonc in just “I think there’s got to be some favourites Novak Djokovic and the players.” over an hour on the same court. common sense,” Australian Stosur Serena Williams raced into the Djokovic needed 107 minutes Though no one could ever doubt said. “Because you don’t want it to third round of the Australian to take the second step on the the mental strength of a player get dangerous and have somebody Open and out of the heat yes- path he hopes will take him to a who has won 17 grand slam titles, getting hurt because of it.” terday as controversy over play fourth successive title by thrash- Williams admitted to a sleepless Seventh seeded Czech Tomas continuing in scorching temper- ing Argentine Leonardo Mayer night worrying about the impact Berdych, dressed in what looked atures rumbled on for a second 6-0, 6-4, 6-4 on Rod Laver Arena. the heat might have on her bid for like a blue and white striped Novak Djokovic day. Williams also hot-footed it a sixth Melbourne title. Argentina soccer shirt was the of Serbia cel- Cloud cover and a gusty wind into the third round with a one- Williams has seen off at least a first man into the third round ebrates after helped keep temperatures just sided 6-1, 6-2 demolition of Vesna couple of generations of younger when he hammered Frenchman defeating below the peak of 42.2 degrees Dolonc before revealing her own women looking to knock her off Kenny De Schepper 6-4, 6-1 ,6-3. Celsius they reached on Tuesday, particular visualisation technique the top of the game and 16-year- France’s Richard Gasquet soon Leonardo Mayer when Canadian Frank Dancevic for keeping cool. old Swiss Belinda Bencic is tipped joined Berdych by beating Russian of Argentina passed out and accused organis- “I just pretend I’m in Hawaii to be in the vanguard of the next Nikolay Davydenko 7-6 (7-3), during their ers of forcing players to play in riding a wave, that’s all I can wave. 6-4, 6-4 in match that featured a second round “inhumane” conditions. do,” she said after setting up an The qualifier, coached by the candidate for point of the tourna- match of the Ivan Dodig became the 10th encounter with Slovakia’s Daniela mother of Martina Hingis, started ment. Davydenko looked to have Australian Open player to retire in the first three Hantuchova who survived a gru- poorly in her match against clinched it with a no-look under- Grand Slam ten- days of the tournament, though, elling battle against Karolina Chinese fourth seed Li Na but arm shot from behind the baseline nis tournament when he was unable to complete Pliskova, winning 12-10 in the after losing the first seven games, only for ninth seed Gasquet to hit in Melbourne, his match against Bosnian Damir deciding set. rallied to force the second set an outrageous winner over his Australia, Dzumhur on one of the exposed Djokovic retired from a match into a tiebreak before losing 6-0 shoulder running back into the yesterday. outer courts at Melbourne Park. against Andy Roddick in another 7-6 (5). Two former grand slam court away from the net. Third “Today, 30 minutes after the Melbourne heatwave five years champions who have dropped out seed David Ferrer continued his match I could not walk,” Croatian ago but proved against Mayer of the top 10, Ana Ivanovic and progress through a section of Dodig told reporters. that he is an altogether stronger Samantha Stosur, had straight- the draw further weakened by “There were 10 people around player than in 2009. forward two-set victories to set the 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 defeat me. I was thinking I could maybe World number one Williams up a third round meeting on of 14th seed Mikhail Youzhny even die here. was her usual mix of elegance in Friday, when temperatures could at the hands of Florian Mayer. “I think we deserve that her dress and brutality in her play hit 44 degrees Celsius. REUTERS