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Tuesday 7 January 2014 6 Rabial I 1435 - Volume 18 Number 5937 Price: QR2

Doha Insurance Hosts Qatar gets regulatory eye West Asia nod for float Football title

Business | 17 Sport | 28

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PM receives UAE Minister Egypt to recall Violating food ambassador to Qatar after vote CAIRO: The Egyptian authori- outlets to face ties will recall its ambassa- dor to Qatar after holding the vote on the draft constitution slated for mid- January, official news agency MENA reported tougher action yesterday. “The decision to recall the ambassador is a protest over the rejected Qatari interference in Draft law stipulates 60 days closure the Egyptian domestic affairs,” MENA quoted a governmental DOHA: A law is on the anvil forwarded the draft to its serv- source as saying. that seeks to stipulate stricter ices and facilities committee On Saturday, the Egyptian punishment for food outlets, for an extensive review and Foreign Ministry summoned the including stores and eateries, recommendations. Qatari ambassador to complain which are found breaching food Yesterday, the Advisory Council The Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani with the UAE about interference in its inter- safety rules. discussed the draft law and unani- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan. They nal affairs after Doha criticised The draft law that contains mously endorsed the amendments discussed fraternal relations and issues of mutual interest. The Prime Minister hosted a dinner banquet in Cairo’s crackdown on the Muslim amendments to some key provi- made to Law Number 8 of 1990, honour of the visiting minister. Brotherhood on Friday which sions of an existing food moni- and approved by the Cabinet. killed 17. toring legislation, recommends The draft law says that one Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy closing a violating outlet for 60 of the three Ministries which is said on Sunday that there will days instead of the current 30, as implementing the closure deci- be more escalated steps if Doha punishment. sion, must put up a notice at the won’t review its policies regard- The draft also suggests that the violating outlet citing the reason Age limit for paediatric ing Cairo, adding the Egyptian outlet caught breaching the law for which it as being closed. patience has an end. should be given only 10 days’ time, And the Ministry concerned instead of the present 15, to peti- must also post the name of the tion to the Minister against the outlets with details of the viola- Kuwait gets closure decision. tion on its website, suggests the care to be raised to 18 And the Minister, under the draft. new cabinet existing law, is required to get Contacted for comment, the DOHA: In a move to set new special attention, but currently The Al Sadd Emergency alone back to the petitioner within 30 owner of an eatery said sarcasti- standards in patient care, Qatar they are being suddenly shifted receives up to 1,700 children daily, KUWAIT CITY: The Kuwaiti days. This limit is recommended cally, asking not to be named, that is taking steps to increase the to the sections treating adults on an average. According to HMC prime minister yesterday to the curtailed to 10 days by the stricter regulations were aimed at age limit for children enti- once they cross this age limit,” statistics over 750 patients are reshuffled his five-month old draft law. only small businesses. tled for paediatric care from said Alhammadi who is also the admitted for various treatment cabinet replacing seven mem- If the Minister does not But businessman, Ahmed Al 14 years to 18, according to a Associate Programme Director of at the Hamad General Hospital’s bers, including the oil and respond to the petition within the Khalaf, said he welcomed the senior official of the Hamad Paediatrics at HMC. paediatric department, every day. finance ministers, and rais- above time-frame, the petition is draft law as smaller outlets were Medical Corporation (HMC). The age limit for paediatrics The Sidra Medical and ing the number of Islamists to to be considered rejected. the biggest violators of food safety Presently, the age limit for pae- ranges from birth up to 18 years in Research Centre catering to four. Details available suggest that and monitoring rules. diatric is from birth to 14 years different countries. In some coun- women and children is expected The move came two weeks three Ministries have the authority, “If you can recall, a fake meat and adolescents too receive medi- tries it is until completion of sec- to play a big role to meet an after all the ministers sub- under the present law, to enforce company was caught recently and cal care at regular healthcare ondary education and in the US, expected increase in the number mitted their resignations to the food safety and monitor- those promoting its products were facilities with adults. until 21 years, he noted. “Many of children coming under paedi- Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber ing regulations, and they are the only small grocery stores,” said Once the new age limit is imple- countries are now increasing the atric care. “When Sidra is opened Mubarak Al Sabah after sev- Ministry of Municipality and Urban Al Khalaf. mented children aged 13 years to age limit for paediatrics. Most next year, it will be more support- eral cabinet members, includ- Planning, Ministry of Environment “This shows that smaller out- 18 years will be treated as a special developed countries have set the ive in treating children and ado- ing the premier himself, were and the Ministry of Health or the lets generally don’t bother about category under paediatric care, said limit as 18 years,” said Alhammadi. lescents,” said Alhammadi. quizzed by MPs. Supreme Council of Health. quality, so they need stricter mon- Dr Ahmed Hassan Alhammadi, The decision once implemented “We are waiting for logistic Emir H H Sheikh Sabah Al The State Cabinet, on itoring vide stringent laws.” Consultant and Head of General could put more pressure on the Al decisions that should go with Ahmad Al Sabah yesterday September 18, 2013, approved the A stricter law does not only Paediatrics Division at HMC. Sadd Paediatric Emergency and the decision increasing the age accepted the resignation of seven draft law and referred it to the help protect the rights and safety “The age limit for paediatric its few branches across the coun- limit for paediatric treatment,” of the 15 ministers and decreed Advisory Council for its study and of consumers, but it also helps an treatment will soon be increased try. The official said the health he added. the appointment of new faces. recommendations. outlet as well, said Al Khalaf. in Qatar. Children above 14 authorities were looking into ways THE PENINSULA REUTERS The Advisory Council THE PENINSULA years need to be treated with to address the issue. See also page 2 See also page 6

Heavy rain lashes Saudi Syria to review visa exemption Vice-principal gets 10 rule for Arabs years for taking bribe DAMASCUS: The Syrian authorities have prepared a DOHA: Qatar’s highest court role of mediator between students draft law under which previ- has upheld the verdict of a and the vice-principal. ously exempt Arab nationals Court of Appeals that sen- The first convict charged will now need a visa to visit the tenced a vice-principal of a sec- QR10,000 per case and collected country, a pro-regime newspa- ondary school to 10 years in jail a total of QR250, 000 in bribe for per reported yesterday. and fined him QR350,000 after committing the crime. From the Parliament will discuss “a draft he was found to have accepted money he collected from students, law that regulate the entry and bribes to the tune of QR250,000 a portion of it he gave away to his residence of Arabs and foreign- from students to make changes accomplice (the second convict) ers”, Al Watan said. in their score cards and their as commission. If approved, the law would computer records. The main convict was in- require “any person entering The Court of Cassation also charge of two schools, Al Sharq or leaving Syria to hold a valid upheld the decision of the Court reported yesterday. The forgery passport” which “would need to of Appeals that sentenced an offi- was detected after the origi- be stamped with a visa from one cial of the school whose designa- nal score cards of the students of our diplomatic missions or con- tion was not disclosed to three whose grades had been changed sulates abroad”. years in jail and ordered that he were tallied with the manipulated Citizens of from countries be deported after serving the results. neighbouring Syria that have prison sentence for playing the THE PENINSULA “special, bilateral or interna- Vehicles are partially submerged in floodwater following heavy rains in Riyadh yesterday. tional agreements to which Syria is a party” are exempt, Al Watan said. Arabs and other foreigners vis- iting Syria will have to explain the reason for their visit and Blast of Arctic air freezes normal life in central US state their place of residence in the strife-torn country, in addi- CHICAGO/CLEVELAND: A overwhelmed and oil production parts of Montana, North and as Brownsville, Texas and central issued warnings for life-threatening tion to proving their solvency, it blast of Arctic air gripped the could come to a standstill as the South Dakota, Minnesota, Florida,” the National Weather wind chills in western and central said. vast middle of the United States severe cold, described by some Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan and Service said. North Dakota, with temperatures Those convicted of violating the yesterday, with the coldest meteorologists as the “polar vor- Nebraska, according to the In Cleveland, Ohio, where the as low as minus 51 C. Some 3,364 law would face six months to two temperatures in two decades tex” and dubbed by media as the National Weather Service. temperature was minus 14 C and flights were cancelled and 3,155 years in jail and a fine of 50,000 threatening lives, forcing busi- “polar pig,” brought temperatures “Cold temperatures and gusty was forecast to drop to minus 22 delayed, according to FlightAware. to 100,000 Syrian pounds ($350 nesses and schools to close and below minus 18 Celsius. winds associated with an arctic C overnight, homeless shelters com, which tracks airline activity. to $700). cancelling thousands of flights. Temperatures were 11-22 air mass will continue danger- were operating at full capacity. REUTERS AFP Shelters for the homeless were degree C below average in ously cold wind chills as far south The National Weather Service Full report on page 11 TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2014 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME HBKU hosts Qatar Number of kids with complex LeaderShape DOHA: Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation, is hosting the eighth edition of Qatar LeaderShape at Al Sultan medical conditions on the rise Beach Resort in Al Khor until Thursday. LeaderShape offers Qatar’s brightest future lead- ers the opportunity to develop necessary tools and 40 receiving treatment at special clinic at Hamad General Hospital skills to successfully serve as global leaders. During the intense programme, participants will DOHA: The number of years of age, so we provide their inpatient stays. said Dr Alhammadi. learn to overcome challenges and build on their children with complex all support for them and the “These children need The clinic is held on leadership skills in an environment set outside the chronic medical conditions family,” he added. admission to hospital more Tuesdays. traditional classroom model. Each day will focus on has increased in Qatar and Children with complex often, but the clinic has It has a HGH paediatri- a specific theme including, ‘Building Community,’ some 40 kids are receiving chronic conditions have a lot helped them reduce it,” said cian with recognised exper- ‘The Value of One, Power of All,’ and ‘Bringing Vision treatment at a special clinic in common in term of multi- Dr Alhammadi. tise in complex care who is to Reality.’ at Hamad General Hospital system involvement, multiple “When a child is referred to supported by colleagues from Sixty local and international students from (HGH). medications, multiple special- us we decide within 48 hours nursing, social work, occupa- HBKU’s partner universities have been selected to Some children were born ity input, frequent and pro- if we can provide treatment tional therapy, physiother- participate in the competitive programme. prematurely with several longed hospital admissions, or advise parents where to apy and speech and language They are from Virginia Commonwealth University, complications, some have such dependency on advanced take the child,” he added. therapy. Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, Texas A&M problems due to generic rea- technology, a need for opti- Dr Alhammadi stressed the Each clinic session is pre- University at Qatar, Carnegie Mellon University in sons and others fell sick after mal coordination of care and need for more centres to train ceded by a pre-meeting where Qatar, Georgetown School of Foreign Service in road accidents, said Dr Ahmed monitoring. and educate children with patients referred to and Qatar and Northwestern University in Qatar. Hassan Alhammadi (pic- The Department of General special needs. booked into the clinic meet All students who complete the programme tured), Consultant, Head of Paediatrics at HGH opened However, around six chil- the clinic team. will receive a certificate as a testament to their General Paediatrics Division Paediatric complex chronic dren with complex chronic Before and after each accomplishments. and Associate Programme care clinic last year to help improve the health status of medical conditions have been patient attends the clinic, Dr Khalid Al Khanji, Vice- President of Student Director of Paediatrics at children living with multiple children with complex chronic admitted to regular schools. nurses co-ordinate across Affairs at HBKU, said, “It is a privilege to be able Hamad Medical Corporation complex chronic conditions medical conditions by deliv- “These children go to clinical professional groups to bring the LeaderShape programme to Qatar on (HMC). and life-limiting diseases. ering better, more cohesive schools on wheelchair with to obtain inputs from the a yearly basis. It offers unique opportunities for our “Kids with complex chronic The clinic has helped care to them, reducing visits parent or guardian, they can’t relevant sub-specialists and students to develop as global leaders. The skills they medical conditions live on relieve the burden of care to the emergency department actually follow lessons but get allied health professionals. develop through it will be valuable for the rest of machines, some live until 20 coordination on families and and lowering and shortening active with the atmosphere,” THE PENINSULA their lives.” The LeaderShape Programme is sup- ported by its official sponsor, Maersk Oil Qatar which first joined as partner for it in January 2013. HBKU recently signed an additional two-year partnership agreement with the company to help develop Qatar’s future leaders. Katara releases book on Qatar’s architectural marvels Both organised the Maersk Oil & HBKU Leadership Challenge in November 2013, which saw DOHA: Katara yesterday first chapter talks about cas- influences in the surrounding to their roots. buildings in Qatar,” said Dr eight teams of students from HBKU’s partner uni- released a book that digs tles and forts dating back to areas It also details the vari- The book not only tells of Nadia Al Madakha, director versities and Qatar University compete in a two-day deep into the history of Early Islamic period, chapter ous designs that exist in these the ancient landmarks from of research and studies centre competition in the desert in Zekreet. All students some of the ancient archi- two on palaces during the buildings. a historical point of view but at Katara, worked on developing leadership qualities, team work tectural marvels in Qatar. late Islamic era while chapter Speaking at a press con- also unveils the beauty of She said such documenta- and business strategy skills. Entitled “Castles, forts and three is dedicated entirely for ference that marked the these Islamic structures in tion of historical buildings will Sheikh Jassim Al Thani, Head of Qatarisation at towers in Qatar,” the book the towers. launch of the book, Katara terms of architecture engi- encourage other researchers Maersk Oil Qatar, said, “We are delighted to be the written by Dr Haya Al Thani The book includes castles General Manager Dr Khalid neering and art. to further conduct research exclusive partner for the LeaderShape programme is Katara’s latest release fol- such as Zekreet, Maroub, bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti said Dr Al Thani said writing on this area, enrich historical again this year and to extend our support going lowing the launch of a book Umm Salal Mohammed, “Castles, forts and towers in the book needed much effort records and raise awareness forward. The partnership with HBKU is a key ele- on the founder of Qatar last Al Wajbah, Al Zubarah and Qatar” is one of the important because it required scientific among people on the history ment of our social investment programme focused National Day. Al Shaqab. Forts such as books that document the his- research and gathering data of Qatar. on supporting the development of skills and capacity “Castles, forts and towers Ruwaidah, Al Khuair, and Al tory, culture and heritage of through oral tradition pro- Dr Mohammad Hammam in young people in Qatar, and building the next gen- in Qatar” is a record of the Huwailah and famous towers Qatar. vided by Qatari elders. Fikri, a researcher, said any- eration of leaders.” LeaderShape, established in the historical structures in the like Al Khor and Barzan are Dr Al Sulaiti said the book “This would make an excel- one who reads this book will US in 1988, is an enriching educational experience country, their detailed infor- also contained in the book. also highlights the historical lent reference book which will discover the invaluable herit- which focuses on teaching participants how to lead mation and fascinating facts Considered a vital refer- value of the structures linking fill the gap in Arabic librar- age and civilization of Qatar with integrity. It has been held in Doha since 2007. that may interest readers. ence, the book traces the the new generations with the ies which has a dearth of such and live the history and glory THE PENINSULA It comprises three chap- development of these struc- history of their forefathers, kind of books dealing with of the country. ters and conclusion. The tures and talks about their thus reinforcing their affinity architecture and historical THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2014 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 Three Qatari volunteers to climb Aconcagua tomorrow Qatar Chamber’s ‘Challenge for Life’ to highlight suffering of Yemeni kids

DOHA: Three young Qatari volunteers of Qatar Charity (QC) are set to climb the sum- mit of Aconcagua, the highest peak in Argentina, tomorrow to The Minister of Economy and Trade H E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin raise awareness of the suffering Mohammed Al Thani welcomes Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny and his of the children of Yemen, par- delegation at the airport yesterday. ticularly those in need of open heart surgery. The ‘Challenge for Life’ event is part of the recently launched Irish prime minister QC ‘Compassion’ initiative for the benefit of children and orphans of the world, which is sponsored by Barwa Bank. arrives to boost ties Fahad Al Buainain, Ahmed Salim Ibrahim and Talal Abdul DOHA: Irish Prime Minister Interior Minister H E Sheikh Aziz Al Emadi are readying up The three Qatari volunteers with QC officials at a press conference yesterday. Enda Kenny arrived in Doha Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa to climb the summit at 6962 yesterday on a two-day official Al Thani. meters, which is the highest peak visit to the country. ALISON, the Irish-based in the Western and Southern attributes has also previously forms,” he added. to date and a further 1000 are He and his delegation were leader in global free online Hemispheres. climbed Kilimanjaro and Gran Later “Challenge for Life” planned. Over 2,000 Yemeni chil- welcomed at Doha International learning, is one of the many The team is carrying out inten- Paradiso. Ahmed Salim Ibrahim events will include climbing the dren suffer from heart disease Airport by the Minister of firms which have strong con- sive training for their imminent is a mountain climber and a free summits of Denali, Alaska and according to the latest official Economy and Trade H E nections with Qatar. ALISON mission, including cycling in Italy diver and has previously climbed Everest in Nepal. statistics. Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Founder and CEO Mike Feerick and climbing in the Alps. They Gran Paradiso. He has also played Al Buainain said that he had The ‘Compassion’ campaign Mohammed Al Thani, Qatar’s said, “Qatar and Ireland have have also made a field visit to for Qatar Athletics. experienced a variety of feel- focuses on the sponsorship and non-resident Ambassador to the potential to develop a very Yemen to witness the suffering Al Buainain and Emadi par- ings after the field trip, but felt care of orphans and children Ireland Khalid Rashid Salem strong, long-term fruitful part- of the children they hope to help. ticipated in the first phase of pride and enthusiasm about the across the world. The campaign Al Homoudi Al Mansouri, nership and friendship, with a The 22 day ‘Challenge for Life’ the ‘Challenge for Life’ cam- opportunity to participate in such was launched by QC under the and Ireland’s non-resident reputation of boldness and pro- journey will involve 15 to 17 day’s paign, by climbing the summit of a challenge that aims to draw the supervision of Sheikh Dr Aaydh Ambassador to Qatar Patrick fessionalism at the heart of their walking from 6 to 12 hours in Kilimanjaro, the highest peak of world’s attention to the plight of Al Qarni in the presence of QC’s Hennessy. business affairs.” order to climb the summit of Africa, in order to highlight the these children. CEO during a charity match Kenny is accompanied by ALISON has partnered with Aconcagua, which is located in food crisis in West Africa, as well During their visit to Yemen the between the Saudi League Stars Minister for Enterprise Richard Silatech, a Qatari-based social the Andes mountain range in the as making field trips to Niger to team was briefed on the QC open and stars of the Muslim World Bruton and 100 businessmen — initiative to enhance free learning province of Mendoza in western witness the condition of people heart program and the reason it at the stadium of King Abdul from varied fields such as agri- and employment opportunities to Argentina, near the Chilean bor- suffering the effects of hunger. was established. Aziz Sports City Sports in Mecca culture, energy, construction and the youth in the region. Ex-Irish der. It is the highest mountain “This event comes to draw The programme is part of a recently. e-learning — who will hold meet- president, Mary Robinson, who located outside the continent of attention to an important human- comprehensive strategy to fill ‘Compassion’ is a unique inter- ings to strengthen the growing is a Board Member of Silatech Asia, the second highest peak and itarian issue; the suffering of gaps in humanitarian work and national humanitarian initiative economic, political and cultural chaired by H H Sheikha Moza one of the Seven Summits. Yemeni children with heart prob- offer support previously neglected focusing on the welfare and reha- ties. The visit and trade mission bint Nasser, has been engaged in Al Emadi is a mountain lems,” said QC CEO Yousef bin groups. bilitation of orphaned children is expected to improve trade and education and social reform in climber, a free diver, pilot Ahmed Al Kuwari addressing a This project provides heart across the world through the business opportunities for Irish Qatar for many years. ALISON schooner, boxer and athlete, and press conference yesterday. surgery for children suffering development and management and Qatari companies. was also named one of the win- has already climbed the summit “It is an innovative event and from either holes in the heart of programs and channels that Kenny will meet the Emir ners of the 2013 WISE Award for of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and also sends a message to Qatari or other congenital deformities effectively contribute to solving H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad its global impact and innovation the summit of Gran Paradiso in youth that humanitarian action requiring surgery. their main problems and enabling Al Thani and Prime Minister and in education. THE PENINSULA Italy. is not limited to providing direct Four hundred and twenty pro- them to live a decent life. Fahad Al Buainain, with similar financial aid but can take other cedures have been performed THE PENINSULA Half of Mesaieed shares allocated to under-18 Qataris to be frozen DOHA: The state-backed and on social networking forums. IPO after five and 10 years as an Mesaieed Petrochemical About successful subscribers incentive, those shares will also Holding Company (MPHC) that who are underage (below 18 years be frozen if the holder is still launched a low-priced initial of age), the MPHC said 50 percent underage and will be released for public offering (IPO) for nation- of the shares allotted to them will trading only after he or she has als recently, has clarified that be frozen until the owner attains attained the legal age. only half the shares allotted to the legal age. “Once the minor is About the shares that are to be those below 18 years will be fro- of legal age, he or she would be given away free, at the rate of 750 zen until the time they attain entitled to deal with those blocked shares each, to the beneficiaries of majority. shares,” said the company. social security and the underpriv- The remaining 50 percent As for the remaining 50 per- ileged (including, underage peo- shares can be traded in by the cent shares (held by the minor), ple), as part of the Emiri grant, legal guardian of the minor imme- his or her legal guardian will be these shares will be blocked, the diately on listing. entitled to deal with them “on the company said. In a statement yesterday, the first day of listing” of the compa- The above rule will not apply to company said it was clarifying on ny’s shares on the Qatari bourse. the shares allotted to the under- certain key features of the IPO Regarding the bonus shares age people who are not the ben- since a lot of ambiguity was cir- that are to be given away to the eficiary of the Emiri grant, the culating in sections of the media successful subscribers to the company said. THE PENINSULA

Souq Waqif after rains HMC’s PET-CT Centre closed after fire DOHA: The Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Positron Emission Tomography– Computed Tomography (PET-CT) Centre has been temporarily closed following a small fire that broke out in an isolated room, said a statement yesterday. To ensure safety, the PET-CT Centre, located next to the National Centre for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR), will remain closed until it has been cleared by authorities and qual- ity assurance testing conducted by HMC. Patient appointments will be rescheduled after the centre is reopened, the statement by HMC said. Staff and patients in the PET-CT Centre were evacuated as a precautionary measure after the fire broke out. The blaze was contained quickly and effectively by a Civil Defence team. There was no damage to any The Fanar Building is reflected in rainwater accumulated in Souq Waqif equipment nor any injuries to yesterday. SALEH AL ESHAQ patients, staff or the public. THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2014 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Cold, windy day Advisory Council Committee meets today; mercury DOHA: The Finance and Economic Affairs Committee of the Advisory Council re-elected to fall further unanimously Mohammed Ajaj DOHA: It will be a cold and windy Al Kubaisi as its rapporteur for day today with the mercury fall- this session. ing to between 15 and 17 degrees Celsius during the day, a weather Armed Forces bureau forecast said yesterday. The night is likely to be colder with issue warning temperatures dipping to between 11 and 14 degrees C in places. DOHA: The General Command Al Wakrah, Mesaieed and Abu of Qatari Armed Forces yester- Samra, on the Saudi Arabia border, day said that Al Khor airport are likely to witness colder weather will be active for parachut- at night with the mercury dipping to ing from helicopters flying at 11 degrees C. Dr Eiman Al Ansari, Government and Consumer Affairs Manager, the Regulatory Authority, MICT, speaking during a press conference at the Supreme 7,000 feet, from noon to 6pm, on The day temperature in the above Council of Information and Communication Technology in Doha yesterday. Kammutty VP January 11. places is expected to be 16 degrees C. The Command warned those In Doha, the daytime temperature who frequent the area to take has been forecast by the weather precautions for their safety. bureau at 17 degrees C, while the night would be slightly colder with Consumer complaints surge: ICTQatar Bahrain speaker the mercury sliding three notches down to 14 degrees C. DOHA: The Ministry make informed decisions while the major users of telecommu- period’s notice in advance of meets envoy Cold northwesterly winds would of Information and buying telecommunication prod- nications services in Qatar, and increases in recurring charges. likely blow at speeds ranging from Communications Technology ucts and services. the draft Telecommunication Also the company must publish MANAMA: Bahrain par- 15 to 20 knots inland, and at times (ictQatar) received about 850 The policy states that the Consumer Protection Policy was any increase in price in one local liament Chairman Khalifa reach 25 to 30 knots. calls in 2013 from consum- service providers should not published for public consultation Arabic newspaper and one local bin Ahmed Al Dhahrani met However, by evening the wind ers relating to complaints and make any false or misleading in September 2013. English newspaper. the new Qatari ambassador, could lose much of its sting with enquiries about telecoms prod- claims or suggestions regarding “ictQatar already operates Service providers’ written Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed speeds coming down to eight to 12 ucts and services. All the com- the availability, price or qual- an independent complaints complaints code should be con- bin Saud Al Thani, and wished knots at times, according to the plaints were regarding quality ity of their telecommunications service, which consumers can cise, easy to understand, and him success. weather bureau. of services and no complaint services or equipment and the contact if they are dissatisfied only contain information about The sea could be rough due to was related to the pricing of information given to consumers with the way their telecommu- the procedure for handling Djibouti minister strong northwesterly winds blowing the products and services. should be accurate and updated. nications operator has treated complaints. at speeds varying from 18 to 30 knots. The number of complaints “This Consumer Protection their complaint,” added Dr Service provider’s complaints meets envoy Waves could be as high as between six jumped 93 percent to 440 dur- Policy will now form the basis for Eiman. “But the improvements handling procedures must be and 11 feet in the high seas. ing 2013 from 227 in 2012 while our consumer protection work in made through the draft policy sufficiently accessible to enable DJIBOUTI: Djibouti’s A forecaster told this newspaper enquiries increased 51 percent telecommunications markets in will make it more effective and customers with disabilities to Defence Minister Hassan on the phone that there were no to 418 in 2013 from 276 in 2012. Qatar,” said Dr Eiman Al Ansari, better able to ensure that opera- lodge and progress a complaint. Darar Houffaneh met the chances of scattered rains inland The ministry yesterday Consumer and Government tors are acting in the interests As per the policy a service Qatari Ambassador, Jassim today, but it could rain offshore. released Telecommunications Affairs Manager, Regulatory of consumers.” provider is required to ensure a bin Jabir Jassim Surour, and “I don’t think you can expect rains Consumer Protection Policy, Authority, ictQatar. The policy says that the service customer can access emergency reviewed means of developing inland for the next two days,” said which aims to protect the inter- The policy was developed fol- providers must give retail cus- call services at no cost. relations. the forecaster. “Offshore, there are ests of consumers and help them lowing public consultation with tomers at least one chargeable THE PENINSULA QNA chances of rain today.” On Friday and Saturday, there are strong chances of rains lashing the country again, he added. About the overall weather, he said that since January is the coldest MEEZA launches disaster recovery service with HP month of the year, one could expect lower mercury levels next week. As for Wednesday, mercury levels DOHA: MEEZA, the lead- Business Continuity Services with IT service continuation in Continuity services that provide MEEZA is now ready to provide could come down to 11 degrees C at ing IT services and solu- in collaboration with HP. the face of adverse and unpre- time and recovery point objec- technical and business continu- night. The average daytime tempera- tions provider in Qatar, It offers holistic Business dictable conditions. The service tives, leverage MEEZA’s state-of- ity management services which ture is expected to be 20 degrees C. has announced the launch Continuity Management will alleviate MEEZA clients’ the-art M-VAULT data centres will ensure that a client’s busi- THE PENINSULA of Disaster Recovery and Services to clients concerned pain of continuously monitoring, including the large scale facility ness continues and is able to sur- protecting and backing up their located outside of Doha. vive and recover from large scale vital and mission critical IT sys- These services offer full redun- interruptions brought about by tems and applications. dancy built on the network unexpected events such as Force MEEZA will leverage HP’s and interconnections among Majeure,” said Ghada Philip El expertise to help assess poten- MEEZA’s Tier-3 data cen- Rassi, CEO, MEEZA. tial vulnerabilities and build tres, including MV1 and MV3, MEEZA’s suite of Continuity the necessary organisational located in the Qatar Science and Solutions can be availed at any resilience framework to ensure Technology ParkP). point on the customer’s continu- uninterrupted operations of The Disaster Recovery facil- ity life cycle. MEEZA also offers its client’s IT environment and ity is also equipped to offer Work a complete range of Continuity processes. Area Recovery services. Consulting Services. The suite of MEEZA’s Business “With this leading step, THE PENINSULA Seminar to discuss social integration of disabled

Ali Gholoom, Head of PR and Communications Department, Best Buddies Qatar, and Laalei Abu Alfain, Managing Director, Best Buddies Qatar, addressing a press conference at the Best Buddies headquarters yesterday.

DOHA: A specialised semi- the seminar at a press conference Director of the Rehabilitation nar will be held in Doha next yesterday. and Employment Department, week to discuss social integra- The seminar on January 12-13 Shafallah Center for Children tion of people with intellectual at Grand Hyatt Hotel will look at with Special Needs, Aisha disabilities. how social integration can help Abdulrahman, expert in addi- The seminar by Best Buddies improve lives of intellectually tional educational support, Qatar, a non-profit organisation challenged people. Supreme Education Council, and dedicated to enhancing lives of It will be divided into eight sub- Dr Mohamad Abdullah Al Marri people with intellectual disabili- jects related to themes of social from the Interior Ministry, will ties, will highlight the current integration including religion take part. situation and prospects of social social life, culture and skills The event will focus on the role integration in Qatar with the sup- development. of psychologists and social work- port of government institutions. Experts and academics from ers, special education teachers, Laalei Abu Alfain, Managing organisations, including Asma the media and students doing Director, Best Buddies Qatar, and Abdullah Al Attyia, Head of the media-relate studies at universi- Ali Gholoom, Head of PR and Psychological Department of ties and researchers working with Communications Department, Education Faculty of Education, people with disabilities. Best Buddies Qatar, announced Qatar University, Nidal ElKazimi, THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2014 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 Local non-IATA operators face action They may be asked to join IATA within a timeframe or exit air ticketing business BY MOHAMMAD SHOEB non-IATA travel agencies and lack of an effective grievance DOHA: Local tour and travel redressal body, insurance system operators who are not members and absence of trained staff at of International Air Transport new entrants, were some of the Association (IATA), a trade issues discussed. “Incase of bad association of over 240 airlines debt, there should be some sys- which look after the interests tem in place ti ensure payment- of businesses and consumers, guarantee as the existing system may soon be taken to task for (post-dated cheques from clients) creating “unhealthy competi- is not effective,” said a participant. tion” by not following standard He suggested that there should practices, according to industry be an information sharing mech- leaders. anism about credit history of cli- Non-IATA operators may be ents and defaulters so that others asked to join IATA within a time- do not fall prey to such custom- frame or exit air ticketing busi- ers. “Over the last four-five years ness, with most leading tour and Officials at the event. QASSIM RAHMATULLAH rentals have increased manifold. travel operators putting pressure The increasing number of non- on authorities to ensure healthy Qatar Chamber (QC) yesterday needs to be set up to ensure a com- for non-IATA members to join to deposit with IATA can be used IATA agencies has worsened competition. held its first meeting with owners petitive business environment. IATA or quit air booking. for other useful purposes,” said the situation, as a result it has According to experts, there are of local travel agencies at its head- “We are establishing a formal “Very soon we are going to the CEO of a private jet service become very difficult to survive,” over 170 tour and travel agencies quarters to discuss their problems association of local travel agencies have an association which will provider. rued another agent. in Qatar of which nearly 65 are and obstacles. which will work in coordination help address most problems and Wael Matar, Country Manager Headquartered in Montreal, IATA members and comply with Over 50 representatives from with concerned organisations, obstacles faced by the industry,” of Gulf Air; Yousuf Al Darwish, IATA helps formulate policy and standards. As part of Qatar’s agencies and airlines, includ- including QC, Qatar Tourism said Ahmed Hussain, Chairman Chairman, Rayan Travels and standards, and is charged by gov- efforts to develop a vibrant tour- ing Qatar Airways and Gulf Air, Authority (QTA) and Qatar Civil of Doha-based Tourist Travel Tours; Ayman Morrar, General ernments with setting a coher- ism industry, authorities are try- attended the meeting chaired by Aviation Authority (QCAA),” said Bureau. Some non-IATA affili- Manager, Aamal Travel and Tour; ent fare structure that avoid ing to address challenges faced by Sheikh Hamad bin Ahmad Al Sheikh Hamad. QTA board mem- ated agencies protested the idea Amira Ayyad, Ticketing and cut-throat competition. Its mem- travel agencies such as payment Thani, Head of the committee. bers and representatives from of joining the regulatory body, Tourism Consultant, Al Deera bers are required to keep a secu- delays, Cheque bounces and other They discussed problems for other organisations will meet saying “it’s a sheer wastage of Travels, and others from the rity deposit of at least $100,000, legal difficulties. more than two hours, and it was today. Once formed, the associa- resources”. industry attended the meeting. depending on size and operation The Tourism Committee of agreed that a formal organisation tion is expected to set a timeframe “The funds that are required “Stealing” of businesses by of businesses. THE PENINSULA

Biggest mall for Bani Hajer DOHA: The biggest mall in A towers area will also come Qatar will come up in Bani up as part of the ongoing project Hajer area, says a member of that will cater to the residents of the Central Municipal Council Bani Hajer, Gharrafat Al Rayyan (CMC). and Rawdat Khail, among other CMC member Mohammad bin areas. Saleh Al Khayarin said that the Also part of the project is to biggest mall in the country called build a highway to connect the Qatar Mall will be built in Bani north of Bani Hajer to Gharrafat Hajer as part of a development Al Rayyan and other areas includ- plan. ing Al Refa and Al Shahaniyya The project includes a shopping streets where the ongoing devel- centre that houses several shops opment is going taking place. and commercial centres. THE PENINSULA The Palestinian students with HMC physicians and officials. Eight Palestinian technicians complete training at HMC DOHA: Eight Palestinian audi- These graduates will be an ology and speech technicians, essential complement to the coch- including two women, have com- Graduates receive lear implant surgeries being car- pleted their one-year training training as part of ried out, and I believe that their at Hamad Medical Corporation presence will lead to high success (HMC). Qatar Red Crescent’s rates,” he added. The graduates received the Dr Khalid A Hadi, Head of training as part of Qatar Red efforts to build Audiology and Balance Unit, Crescent’s (QRC) efforts to build medical capacity in HMC, said the graduates will now medical capacity in hospitals and be able to ensure correct diagno- health centres in the Gaza Strip. hospitals and health sis, treatment and rehabilitation The QRC celebrated gradua- for children and elderly people tion of the Palestinian students centres in Gaza Strip. in Gaza in conjunction with the at a ceremony held at its head- cochlear implants program that is quarters in Doha. Ghannam said in his speech. being run by Qatar Red Crescent. The technicians received a year- Saleh bin Ali Al Mohannadi, Due to the blockade imposed round training at HMC within its QRC’s secretary general con- on the Gaza Strip, the presence clinical audiologist diploma pro- gratulated the graduates on their of qualified staff working with gram implemented in collabora- achievement which he said will those with hearing disabilities tion with the International Centre be of direct benefit to the people was previously almost non-exist- for Cooperative Health Education, of Gaza. ent. Nearly 4473 people in the University of Toronto, Canada. “Today we are more than Gaza Strip suffer difficulties with “Since its inception, QRC has pleased to celebrate the fruit of speech and hearing. been working to provide various this cooperation between QRC The number of cochlear kinds of support to the Palestinian and HMC,” Al Mohannadi said. implant surgeries in this area is people, making them on top of its “We heard about the need for expected to rise over the coming priorities and interests. this specialization in Palestine years, leaving a dire need for qual- “This comes in line with Qatar some time ago, after we had ified specialists and technicians constant policy of supporting received many complaints that particularly technicians trained the Palestinian people to allevi- there are no technical special- in the field of clinical audiology, ate their suffering,” Palestinian ists in this type of important the QRC said yesterday. ambassador to Qatar Munir subspeciality. THE PENINSULA

New Ooredoo App update allows customers to block spam SMS DOHA: Qatar’s leading com- App iOS (1.2.1) or Android (1.3.0), recognise, and not to send SMS munications company Ooredoo find the block SMS icon and enter short-codes to organisations that has updated its mobile app to the sender ID they don’t want to they do not know. Customers can give customers more choice and receive messages from. report a spam number by calling control over their accounts such The new Block SMS feature 111. The update of the Ooredoo as a new blocking feature. will currently only stop messages app also includes an option for The updated feature will ena- from Ooredoo registered num- automatic log-in, giving user’s ble customers to block market- bers within Qatar. The company more convenience. ing messages and spam SMS from is also working on a new anti- There is also an easy subscrip- Ooredoo registered numbers by spam update that aims to block tion option, providing customers creating a ‘block list’. messages from overseas and other with immediate access to serv- With the new feature, custom- operators. ices like the International Key ers can add and remove names As well as providing the block- and Ooredoo Passport wherever from the block list whenever they ing feature, Ooredoo advises cus- and whenever they need it and want. tomers not to answer calls or removing the need to use SMS They simply have to download respond to SMS from interna- codes to sign-up. the latest version of the Ooredoo tional numbers that they do not THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2014 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST Saudi court Brotherhood complains to ICC jails five for up to 30 years on Lawyers submit detailed evidence of crimes committed by Egypt’s military Qaeda charges LONDON: Lawyers for the RIYADH: A Saudi court has Muslim Brotherhood have sub- jailed five people for up to 30 mitted a complaint to the ICC years on charges including plot- asking it to investigate the mili- ting to blow up an oil refinery tary’s alleged crimes against on behalf of Al Qaeda, state humanity in Egypt, they said in media reported yesterday. London yesterday. The official SPA news agency Lawyers acting for the gave no details of when the Brotherhood’s Freedom and alleged plot against the refinery Justice Party said they hoped in the Red Sea port of Yanbu to meet with the International took place. Criminal Court prosecutor in the But the trial is believed to be coming months to discuss opening the latest in a series of pros- a preliminary investigation. ecutions begun in July 2011 for The lawyers told a press con- alleged offences committed dur- ference they had submitted a ing the peak of Al Qaeda violence declaration on behalf of ousted in the kingdom between 2003 and Islamist president Mohamed 2006. Mursi accepting the ICC’s juris- The court found that some of diction in Egypt even though it the defendants had “plotted to is not a signatory, and he is no blow up the Yanbu oil refinery longer in power. and participated in preparing car They have also submitted a bombs to that end,” SPA reported. complaint detailing alleged evi- From left: Egyptian Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) member Abdul Mawgoud Dardery, South African lawyer appointed by the FJP John Duggard, Maha “Some have joined Al Qaeda dence of crimes since Mursi and Azzam, Rodney Dixon and human rights lawyer Tayab Ali at a press conference in London yesterday. and are linked to its most dan- his Brotherhood were ousted by gerous leaderships,” it added. the military on July 3 last year. They have submitted a declaration, Other defendants were “The message must be sent out in Mursi’s name, accepting ICC convicted of lesser arms pos- clearly to the Egyptian military jurisdiction over Egypt in respect Sisi edging closer to presidential bid session charges and received regime that it runs the risk of of crimes against humanity com- shorter jail terms, one of just prosecution. This is what the dec- mitted since the coup. CAIRO: In Egypt, it no longer that could happen as soon as The question of Sisi’s inten- five months. laration accepting the jurisdiction The court in The Hague says appears to be a question of if, April. Sisi’s candidacy would tions has become more pressing The court did not pass sen- aims to achieve,” said lawyer John that non-signatory states can but when army chief Abdel further deepen divisions between since the army-backed authori- tence in Sunday’s hearing against Dugard. More than 1,000 people accept its jurisdiction with Fattah Al Sisi will declare his the many Egyptians who believe ties signalled that the presiden- two other defendants who were have been killed in street clashes respect to crimes committed in its candidacy for president. For a firm hand is needed to steer tial election will come ahead of not brought to the hearing, SPA and thousands imprisoned in a territory or by one of its nation- the second time in three days, the country through crisis and parliamentary polls - reversing reported, without elaborating if police crackdown on the Muslim als, and request an investigation local media reported yesterday Islamists bearing the brunt of a the original timetable. they were tried in absentia. Brotherhood since Mursi was by the ICC prosecutor. that Sisi had finally made up state crackdown on dissent. In public statements, the army Al Qaeda’s now slain historic ousted. The prosecutor can also bring his mind. Speaking on condition of ano- has said nothing on Sisi’s inten- leader Osama bin Laden was The military-installed govern- forward cases based on an assess- With no other obvious candi- nymity, an official in the secu- tions — the major outstanding Saudi-born and 15 of the 19 per- ment last month declared the ment of the evidence. dates for the post, the general rity services said Sisi was “most question of the political transi- petrators of the September 11, movement a terrorist organisa- “We hope and have good rea- who deposed Islamist President likely going to announce that he tion set in train after the mili- 2001 attacks in the United States tion. The London legal team is son to believe the court will take Mohamed Mursi in July has will run for the presidency”, add- tary deposed Mursi following were Saudis. led by Tayab Ali of human rights this declaration seriously,” said kept Egyptians guessing about ing: “The army in a recent meet- mass protests against his rule Saudi authorities launched a law firm ITN Solicitors. He said Dugard, a former United Nations his intentions as the clock ticks ing expressed its support for him on June 30. massive crackdown on the jihad- their funding came from alleged human rights special rapporteur. down to the presidential vote to run.” REUTERS ist network over the past decade Egyptian victims of the military. “The only question is who may that prompted many of its mili- Egypt is not party to the ICC make a declaration accepting the tants to shift base to neighbour- and Mursi is not in office so it is jurisdiction of the ICC. from future misdoings.” against an identifiable group and people were killed when security ing Yemen. The merged franchise unclear how far the complaint can “The main purpose of this exer- The second part, the com- enforced disappearance of per- forces stormed Cairo’s Rabaa Al they formed, Al Qaeda in the go. However, the legal team takes cise is to ensure that those who plaint, submitted to the ICC on sons. It also includes claims of Adawiya Square to disperse a sit- Arabian Peninsula, is regarded by the view that Mursi’s administra- have committed international December 20, includes alleged evi- bulldozers running demonstra- in by Mursi’s backers. It was the Washington as one of the jihadist tion remains the lawful, democrat- crimes will not go unpunished. dence of murder, unlawful impris- tors over and targeted shootings. deadliest mass killing in Egypt’s network’s most dangerous. ically-elected government of Egypt. “Hopefully this will deter them onment, torture, persecution On August 14, at least 627 modern history. AFP AFP

Fatah members can return to Kuwait PM reshuffles cabinet KUWAIT CITY: The Kuwaiti The new cabinet line-up health. The reshuffled cabinet Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber includes a new oil minister, Ali Al has one woman, instead of two Gaza: Hamas Mubarak Al Sabah yesterday Omair, a lawmaker who is a sen- in the previous government. The reshuffled his five-month old ior member of the Islamist Salaf number of Shia ministers was also GAZA CITY: Hamas Prime cabinet replacing seven mem- Alliance. He replaced Mustafa Al cut from two to one. Minister Ismail Haniyah bers, including the oil and Shamali, who served in the post The reshuffle came after the reached out to West Bank rivals finance ministers, and raising for just five months after serving constitutional court last month Fatah yesterday, saying its the number of Islamists to four. several years as finance minister. rejected two petitions to nullify members would be allowed back The move came two weeks Commerce and industry minis- July parliamentary polls and dis- into Gaza, in efforts to promote after all the ministers submitted ter Anas Al Saleh was moved to solve the five-month old assembly. Palestinian reconciliation. their resignations to the prime the finance portfolio after finance The ruling, which cannot be “The (Hamas) government minister after several cabinet minister Sheikh Salem Abdulaziz challenged, means that the cur- will allow all Fatah members members, including the premier Al Sabah, former chief of the cen- rent parliament may become the who are from Gaza and who left himself, were quizzed by MPs. tral bank, asked to be relieved first since 2003 to complete a full the Strip (in 2007) to return, The Emir H H Sheikh Sabah after just five months in office. four-year term. without any preconditions,” Al Ahmad Al Sabah, who is the The number of Islamist min- Since early 2006, the oil-rich apart from those accused of head of the oil-rich Gulf state, isters went up from two to four Gulf state has been in almost killing Hamas members during yesterday accepted the resigna- in the current cabinet. Besides continuous political crisis, with a intense factional fighting that Turkish Parliament Speaker Cemil Cicek (right) is greeted by his Kuwaiti tion of seven of the 15 ministers the oil portfolio, Islamists head dozen cabinets quitting and par- year, Haniyah said. counterpart, Marzouq Al Ghanem during his visit to the National Assembly and decreed the appointment of the ministries of Islamic affairs liament dissolved six times. Speaking to reporters after in Kuwait city, yesterday. new faces. and justice, communications and AFP a visit to the Hamas interior ministry in Gaza City, he added the authorities would “release a small number of Fatah members who are imprisoned (in Gaza) for security reasons.” Fatah MPs, who are based in Tunisia votes for gender equality in new charter the West Bank, would also be allowed to visit Gaza, Haniyah added. TUNIS: Tunisia’s national wanting to roll back those rights. between Ennahda and the secu- gender equality, arguing that it anyone subject to the jurisdiction Hamas in recent months has assembly voted yesterday to Ennahda, the ruling Islamist lar opposition aimed at thrash- limits the protection of rights to of Tunisian authorities, including reached out to Fatah, which enshrine gender equality “with- party, sparked a storm of con- ing out a series of compromises citizens and not foreigners, and both citizens and foreigners”. dominates the West Bank-based out discrimination” in its draft troversy in 2012 when it tried to and ending the political crisis does not specify the prohibited “Article 20 should specify that Palestinian Authority, as Israel constitution, a key step towards introduce the concept of gender triggered by the assassination grounds of discrimination. discrimination, direct and indi- and Egypt have tightened a block- safeguarding the most liberal “complementarity” rather than of an opposition politician by They urged the assembly, in rect, is prohibited on the grounds ade on the Islamist movement’s laws in the Arab world on wom- equality into the post-uprising suspected Islamist militants last a joint statement last week, of race, colour, sex, language, reli- Gaza enclave. en’s rights. constitution. year. to “enshrine the principles of gion, political or other opinion, Haniyah spoke via telephone “All male and female citizens The new formula was agreed Rights groups had expressed equality and non-discrimination national or social origin, property, to Fatah leader and Palestinian have the same rights and duties. during recent negotiations reservations about the article on before the law and extend it to birth or other status,” said the president Mahmoud Abbas in They are equal before the law NGOs, which included Amnesty October, stressing the need for without discrimination,” states International and Human Rights reconciliation and “a return to article 20 of the text, which was Watch. national unity.” approved by 159 lawmakers out of Jobless youths attack Tunisia police post Article 45, which would guar- Longtime tensions between the 169 who voted. antee the protection of women’s Hamas and Fatah boiled over in Tunisia has set itself a tight GAFSA: Unemployed young Tunisians in the town of witnessed strikes and violent rights by the state and the “equal- a week of fighting in 2007 that left timetable for adopting the long- Tunisian youths ransacked an El Guettar against the results of protests in recent months, with ity of opportunity for men and the Islamist movement — which delayed new charter of January empty police post in the impov- a recruitment process by a public demonstrators torching the women,” has yet to be examined. is sworn to Israel’s destruction 14, the third anniversary of the erished central region of Gafsa company. They took advantage of local headquarters of the rul- But women’s rights activists in — in charge of the impoverished overthrow of dictator Zine El overnight and torched its con- the absence of security forces at ing Islamist party Ennahda last Tunisia welcomed the provisional coastal strip. Abidine Ben Ali in the popular tents, witnesses said yesterday. the police post to attack it and November after trying to break approval of article 20. The fighting came a year and revolt that sparked the Arab Tunisia remains prey to some- burn the equipment they found into the governor’s office. “We wanted to add details that half after Hamas won a landslide Spring. times violent social unrest, espe- in the street. The unrest on that occasion would ban discrimination based victory in Palestinian general Since the 1950s, when it gained cially in the neglected centre of The protesters, who had failed too was motivated by poverty and on sex or skin colour,” Ahlem elections, leading to a Western independence from France, the country, three years after an to secure jobs at the company, lack of development, which were Belhaj, former president of the boycott of the Islamist-run Tunisia has had the Arab world’s impoverished street vendor set had already blocked access to the driving factors behind the popu- Tunisian Association of Women government. most progressive laws on wom- himself on fire in a desperate act town on Saturday before being lar uprising that toppled veteran Democrats, said. “But it is very Since the takeover both move- en’s rights, although men remain of protest that sparked the first dispersed by police. The interior autocrat Zine El Abidine Ben Ali good news that (gender) equal- ments have launched tit-for-tat privileged notably in the question Arab Spring uprising. ministry has given no details of in January 2011 and sparked rev- ity has been adopted. It was our crackdowns on their rivals in the of inheritance. The latest incident took place the incident in El Guettar. olutions across the region. demand and it’s a victory,” she areas under their control. Some have accused the outgo- during a protest by a group of But the Gafsa region has AFP added. AFP ing Islamist-led government of AFP TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2014 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 Iran not on Syria peace meet list: UN US officials say Iran can play helpful role on Syria; opposition re-elects Jarba as leader

BEIRUT/BRUSSELS: UN Bashar Al Assad — by 13 votes. Al Sabbagh or the current post-holder, Another official made clear that the com- Levant had changed sides to join other Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon yes- Jarba, who is seen as close to key rebel Badr Jamous would be named to the lat- ment on bombardment referred to Syria’s Sunni Islamist factions which have taken terday started sending out invitations backer Saudi Arabia, was first elected to ter post. biggest city, Aleppo. advantage of a local backlash against the to a Syria peace conference this month, head the Coalition in July, and will now Born in 1969 in the northeastern city However, one US official said ISIL and the foreign Al Qaeda jihadists but Iran was not on the list, a spokes- lead the group for another six months. of Qamishli, on the border with Turkey, Washington still believed it was “less prominent among its commanders. man said. His re-election comes at a sensitive time, Jarba is a Sunni Muslim who has tried likely than likely” that Iran would play The battles in Raqqa, a provincial US Secretary of State John Kerry and less than three weeks away from slated to convince Arab and Western nations any role at the January 22 peace con- capital on the Euphrates river in Syria’s Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov peace talks in Switzerland that would to arm the rebels. In his six months as ference on Lake Geneva in Switzerland, largely desert east, left bodies clad in will meet on January 13 in a bid to decide bring rebels and regime representatives Coalition leader, he has appeared more even on the sidelines. the black favoured by Al Qaeda fighters Iran’s role in ending the nearly three- to the table. subdued than previous opposition chiefs Another official said Iran and the lying in the streets. They followed similar year-old war, said UN deputy spokesman The Coalition is set to discuss whether who had higher profiles as veteran United States had not discussed the mat- violence elsewhere in recent days that Farhan Haq. to take part in the peace talks, though a dissidents. ter directly. All the officials declined to have seen the ISIL lose manpower and Russia backs the participation of Iran, key bloc — the Syrian National Council Meanwhile, US officials said in be named. abandon some of its positions. a major backer of President Bashar Al — has already announced it will boycott Brussels yesterday Iran could improve US Secretary of State John Kerry on “The ISIL has split roughly into two Assad, at talks scheduled to start in the so-called Geneva 2 process. its chances of playing a role on the side- Sunday reiterated US opposition to Iran groups - locals who are beginning to Switzerland on January 22. That has raised fears the Coalition lines of Syria peace talks this month being a formal member of the so-called defect and foreign fighters who seem The role of Iran is one of many obsta- may end up rejecting the talks altogether. by working with Damascus to stop the “Geneva 2” talks because it does not sup- intent on going on fighting,” Abedelrazzaq cles that have bedeviled efforts by Ban and According to council member and vet- bombardment of civilians and improve port the 2012 international agreement on Shlas, an opposition activist in the prov- UN-Arab League peace envoy Lakhdar eran dissident Samir Nashar, “Ahmad humanitarian access. Syria, dubbed “Geneva 1”. Rival Islamist ince, said. Brahimi to organize the conference. Jarba does not want to go to Geneva.” “There are ... steps that Iran could rebel groups fought in the Syrian city of The fighting comes as groups in Iraq Syria’s main opposition National The Coalition initially announced the take to show the inernational commu- Raqqa on Monday, residents said, as local identifying themselves as ISIL have Coalition re-elected Ahmad Jarba as its names of three members chosen to share nity that they are serious about playing fighters tried to drive out a foreign-led seized Sunni Muslim towns hundreds leader during a general assembly meeting the vice presidency, but later said ther a positive role,” one of the officials said. Al Qaeda affiliate which has also seized of miles away on the Euphrates in Iraq, in Istanbul, the coalition said in a state- would be a fresh vote Monday for both “Those include calling for an end to the towns across the border in Iraq. challenging a Shi’ite-led government in ment. Jarba won 65 votes, beating his that post and to elect a secretary general. bombardment by the Syrian regime of Activists opposed to President Bashar Baghdad which they see as allied, like only rival Riad Hijab — the best-known It was expected that either power- their own people. It includes calling for Al Assad said dozens of Syrian mem- Assad, to Shia Iran. defector from the regime of President ful, Qatar-linked businessman Mustafa and encouraging humanitarian access.” bers of the Islamic State of Iraq and the AGENCIES

Sudan, South Saudi Arabia introduces mull joint oil unemployment insurance protection force KHARTOUM: Sudan and RIYADH: Saudi Arabia will of income, particularly when that from investments, or have been South Sudan agreed yester- introduce compulsory unem- is connected to the level of previ- paying into the scheme for less day during a visit to Juba by ployment insurance this year ous earnings, it should make peo- than a year are not eligible for President Omar Hassan Al for all citizens with jobs, the ple more comfortable with taking compensation. Bashir to consider setting up a world’s top oil exporter said positions in the private sector,” Riyadh has raised spending joint force to protect vital oil- yesterday. said Paul Gamble, director, sover- on social benefits in the past fields, his foreign minister said. Saudi Arabia, that has no eign group, Fitch Earnings. three years in response to the “Sudan and South Sudan are in income tax, is trying to push Under the new regulations, 2011 “Arab Spring” uprisings. consultations about the deploy- more citizens into work to tackle announced by the Labour While Saudi Arabia escaped ment of a mixed force to pro- long-term unemployment that Ministry after they were approved mass protests, its leaders were tect the oilfields in the South,” officials see as unsustainable in at a cabinet meeting yesterday, all uncomfortably aware that unem- Ali Ahmed Karti said, adding light of high population growth Saudi workers in both the private ployment spurred demonstrations that Juba had come up with the and uncertainty over future oil and public sectors will be charged elsewhere. proposal. revenue. one percent of their monthly sal- Unlike those benefits, however, Bashir visited Juba as South The introduction of unemploy- ary as a subscription. the new social insurance will be Sudan’s government and rebels ment insurance is designed to Their employer will pay the partly paid for by mandatory were starting formal peace talks make it more attractive for young same amount into the scheme, contributions from workers and in Addis Ababa aimed at ending Saudis to seek jobs in private com- which will be operated by a new employers. Although Saudis do more than three weeks of unrest. panies, where the starting salary state insurance body to be set up not pay tax, they already make South Sudan won independ- and other benefits are less gener- within six months. mandatory contributions to a ence from Khartoum in 2011 after ous than in government jobs. Those who lose their jobs will social insurance fund to pay for decades of war, but the north While the official unemploy- be entitled to up to 12 months of their state pensions. remains a key player — serving ment rate is around 12 percent, compensation, set at 60 percent The IMF and independent as the export route for the South’s economists say only 30-40 percent of the average salary they earned economists have long warned oil. of working age adults participate in the previous three years for Riyadh it must rein in lavish gov- On Sunday, the South’s army in the labour force. Most Saudis the first three months and then ernment spending despite years spokesman Philip Aguer said who do not have jobs are finan- 50 percent for the following nine of high budget surpluses and government forces were on the cially supported by a relative. months. foreign currency reserves big- offensive in the oil-producing Most of those who work are Benefits are capped at SR9,000 ger than annual gross domestic Unity and Upper Nile states in employed by the state, but the ($2,400) for the first three months product. the north of the country. government cannot support such and SR7,000 for the rest of the Last month it announced Despite its oil wealth, account- a large wage bill in the long term, year. There is a minimum pay- spending plans for 2014 that ing for about 80 percent of 2012 and the International Monetary ment of SR2,000. are 4.3 percent higher than it gross domestic product, South Fund has warned that the pri- Workers who resign from budgeted for 2013, although the Omar Hassan Al Bashir and his South Sudan counterpart Sudan is one of the continent’s vate sector must meet future job their jobs, have an alternative increase is smaller than in previ- Sudan President least developed countries. Salva Kiir before their joint press conference in Juba yesterday. demand. “If there is a guarantee source of employment or income ous years. REUTERS AFP

Benghazi explosion

Men search for the remains of the dead security officer after an explosive device was detonated at a security guard post at a court in Benghazi yesterday. Israel okays new settlement plans, says rights group

JERUSALEM: A plan for 272 new homes in West Bank settlements was approved on the eve of US Secretary of State John Kerry’s departure yesterday, Israel’s Peace Now movement said. Israel had been expected to announce new settle- ment plans alongside the release of Palestinian prison- ers last week — as it did during previous releases — in a bid to ease the concerns of hardliners as it engages in US-brokered peace talks. Peace Now said the construction of 250 homes at Ofra and 22 at Karnei Shomron was approved by the Israeli military administration charged with the settlements. “Building could begin rapidly,” the anti-settlement group said in a statement. “A government seeking a two-state solution will not worsen the conflict by building in the settlements, espe- cially those with no chance of remaining under Israeli sovereignty” in the event of a peace deal with the Palestinians, it said. Ofra and Karnei Shomron are “both isolated settlements in the heart of the West Bank,” Peace Now said. AFP TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2014 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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ITH the chill descending brutally on the United States and Canada, and parts of Britain walloped by floods, the glare has once again fallen on Wclimate change. Advocates fighting forces that lead to harming the environment are out to point the finger at the Is the African Union proving irresponsible exploitation of natural resources, rising carbon footprint and a selfish use of bountiful nature by countries trying to outsmart rivals in a bid to get stronger economically and strategically. to be ineffective? Climate talks draw the attention of the world to the countervailing influence of indiscriminate use of natural BY MARTIN PLAUT Haiti, to try to staunch the fighting in has been provided about its pro- resources. Unscientific mining and quarrying, digging for oil South Sudan. The US deployed marines- grammes, which were criticised by an and gas in uncharted regions, indiscriminate logging and forest from their base in Djibouti to Uganda independent review. clearing, burning of fossil fuels, and use of non-biodegradable he retired French general and Juba, the South Sudanese capital, In reality the Standby Brigades have material is leading to irreparable loss to nature. Vincent Desportes told the to assist in the evacuation of Americans. not got off the ground. Differences A research based on data from 48 countries had said that the BBC World Service last week The much-vaunted African Standby between African states run far too that France should back politi- Force, with its regional Standby deep for them to be used in the conti- past decade was the warmest on record and the past 50 years T cal change in Mali and remain in the Brigades at the beck and call of the nent’s many crises. Many of the troops have been getting hotter. Close to the end of last year, a number country as long as necessary. AU has failed to materialise. The are insufficiently trained, armed or of floods hit Asian nations like India and Philippines, which In the Central African Republic idea of a military force answerable to disciplined to be deployed effectively. proved to be the worst sufferer. Tacloban in the island country (CAR), the current deployment of African leaders has its origins in the In November 2013 an official state- became a marquee of devastation and misery and the region is 1,600 French troops is insufficient: at Rwandan genocide of 1994. Horrified ment from the South African govern- yet to fully recover from the havoc wreaked by the storm. least 5,000 are needed, Desportes said. as they looked on helplessly, this ment took the route of least resistance: No one batted an eyelid. Yet a decade bred a determination to intervene in it announced that the force would be The winter weather in the US has surprised even long-time ago, such statements would have been future conflicts. renamed. residents of the eastern and Midwest states. Cars buried under denounced as outrageous imperialist The problem was discussed in Harare, The “African Capacity for Immediate the snow, people falling on sidewalks rendered slippery because ambition to re-colonise Africa. So what Zimbabwe, in 1997 by African chiefs of Response to Crises” would be what was of ice rain, an Alzheimer’s patient has changed? defence staff, but the initiative had to termed a “transitional arrangement” freezing to death on getting lost are From Mali to Somalia, the conti- wait until July 2002 before it receive until the African Standby Force was nent has been a formal go-ahead. African leaders up and running. The Nigerian Guardian some examples of the misery snow Discourses at convulsed by an planned to have five regional forces by was more forthright. It reported that and rain have wreaked on the country arc of conflict. 2010 to bring security to their troubled the Standby Brigades had made little climate change around New Year. The US saw the Consider the continent. progress since they were dreamed up conferences are cancellation of more than 3,000 flights most recent wars, The Standby Brigades would answer more than a decade ago. yesterday due to adverse weather. in CAR and South to the AU’s peace and security council, So why the failure? It is not as if not leading to Schools have been closed in many The root of the Sudan. Medecins the continental equivalent of the UN Africa is incapable of running military Sans Frontieres, security council. The aim was to pro- operations, given sufficient outside much-wanted states. The death toll reached 16. problem lies with the normally duce a rapidly deployable force and that financial and logistical support. The changes on the The cold is being blamed on a a failure of African unflappable aid by 2012 two units, each 2,500 strong, 25,000 strong AU Mission to Somalia, vortex descending from the Arctic. agency, described could be operational within just 14 days. or Amisom, has driven al-Shabaab, the ground. Large swathes of south-western leadership. When the violence in This was highly ambitious but badly al-Qaida affiliate, out of the capital. United Kingdom have been inundated Nigeria’s Olusegun CAR as out of needed. When, in 2002, the AU replaced Amisom holds substantial areas of after heavy rainfall. Wales has been control. Half the the OAU, its badly discredited prede- Somalia, but it is, in reality, run by Obasanjo and citizens of Bangui cessor, it was specifically mandated to its troop contributors. So Uganda and the worst affected. Climate change Thabo Mbeki of have fled the town prevent a repetition of the Rwandan Burundi call the shots in the capital, talks, which are held periodically, draw global headlines until South Africa held and, across the genocide. The AU’s constitution allows while Ethiopia runs its operations in the they wrap up. The host city becomes famous overnight and country, about it to intervene in a member state to west, and Kenya holds a strip of land acquires an aura of environmental activism. Among the pledges office they worked 785,000 people halt what is described as “grave circum- in the far south. Although it nominally and vows undertaken at such negotiations, the real purpose is hand in glove on a are displaced. stances, namely war crimes, genocide works in the AU, the organisation has The situation in and crimes against humanity.” little control over what it can and can- somewhere lost. Recession in many industrialised countries range of issues. South Sudan is The Standby Brigades gave teeth to not do. has forced governments to reassess the cost of cutting carbon little better: the this intention and won considerable The root of the problem lies with emissions. Experts point out that a concerted effort is needed UN says more western support. The US poured money a failure of African leadership. When to set a firm agenda for fighting the scourge of climate change. than 194,000 peo- into the initiative, providing $500m Nigeria’s Olusegun Obasanjo and Thabo International conferences on carbon emissions and greenhouse ple have fled their to train up to 50,000 African troops. Mbeki of South Africa held office they gases continue to parade inanities that hardly work to meet the homes and that 107,000 seek shelter British involvement was also substan- worked hand in glove on a range of around UN bases. tial, with more than GBP110m a year issues. For a time it seemed that the goals set by international green groups. Nations, especially the In all this bloodshed the African being invested via the African Conflict concept of an African renaissance might developed ones, have a collective responsibility to give back to Union (AU) is nowhere to be seen. It Prevention Pool for nearly a decade. become a reality. But the moment faded. the earth more than they have extracted from it. At the same was French troops that were airlifted Today the figure stands at GBP51.5m. Today Nigeria is resentful that South time, developing nations need to make their own contribution into CAR to save the day — just as they The pool is a joint initiative, run by the Africa is the continent’s representative to making the world a healthier and safer place to liver in. In did in Mali, Niger and Ivory Coast. UN Foreign Office, the Ministry of Defence among the Brics group of emerging both cases, what cannot be forgotten by countries is the spirit of peacekeepers are being rushed from and the Department for International economies. Darfur, Liberia, Ivory Coast, and even Development. Little hard information THE GUARDIAN sacrifice and a never-say-die attitude • The other side Quote of Slide into anarchy the day

NLESS there is a dramatic al-Maliki, prime minister since 2006, militants’ strength that immediately after their share of oil revenues in violation of improvement in the situation, wants a third term, but there is nothing the government forces left, the jihadis the constitution. Many provinces also of which there is little to his credit, for he has failed to give moved in, attacked police stations and envy the autonomy enjoyed by oil-rich Upossibility, Iraq may go Syria’s his country what is every government’s were in control of the area, prompting Kurdistan and seek similar status. A We need the UK in way — or worse. Unlike Iraq, no Syrian first duty — peace. Friday gave another the government to act again. solution needs a political approach, but territory is secession-prone. There is indication of Iraq’s precarious situation Mr Maliki has yet to prove he can rise to the European Union a small Kurdish minority, but it is not when some 100 people were killed On the rise in the heart of the Middle the occasion. The result is Iraq’s fright- concentrated in a border region as it is in clashes between security forces East is the Islamic State of Iraq and the ening slide into anarchy. Unfortunately, as a fully fledged in northern Iraq on the Turkish border. and Al Qaeda-linked militants in the Levant. It is now operating in both coun- there are no personalities or organisa- That’s why, despite 33 months of Ramadi and Fallujah areas. Violence tries, and along with Jabhat al-Nusra is tions that could prevail upon all parties member. But is it fighting, which has resulted in 130,000 began on Monday after Mr Maliki the strongest military force in Syria. In in Iraq and Syria to abjure violence and prepared to make fatalities, Syria still exists. In Iraq, post- ordered the security forces to break Iraq, the Maliki government’s central- go for a political solution, for both the America democracy has failed to up camps set up by Sunni protesters, ised policies have provoked a reaction Arab League and the Organisation of the EU stronger and work, despite two general elections saying they had turned into Al Qaeda’s even from Shia-majority provinces. The Islamic Cooperation are little better than not weaker? and a third around the corner. Nouri headquarters. It is an indication of the provinces complain they are not given debating forums. DAWN Martin Schulz European Parliament head TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2014 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 US will help Iraq but won’t send troops Although US relations with Iran have improved since the successful early negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme last year, the US remains suspicious of Iran’s foreign policy goals in Syria and elsewhere.

BY LOVEDAY MORRIS and since the Vietnam War. Meanwhile, in ANNE GEARAN Ramadi, air strikes killed 60 ISIS mili- tants late Saturday, Iraq’s army chief, Lt ecretary of State John Kerry Gen Ali Ghaidan Majid, told the National said on Sunday that the US is Iraqi News Agency. ready to help Iraq in any way According to officials who spoke to the possible as that country began Reuters news agency, fighting on Sunday a major offensive to wrest con- killed at least 22 soldiers and 12 civilians Strol of two cities from Al Qaeda-linked in Ramadi and left an unknown number militants. But he made it clear that no of militants dead. Video footage released American troops would be sent in. by the Iraqi Defence Ministry showed Kerry described the militants from the late-night strikes on what it said were Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or ISIS, ISIS vehicles and hideouts. as “the most dangerous players” in the “This is a fight that belongs to the region. But as Iraqi forces launched air Iraqis,” Kerry said toward the end of a strikes and clashed with the militants visit to Jerusalem. “We are not, obviously, in western Anbar province on Sunday, contemplating returning. We are not con- Iraqi soldiers monitor a checkpoint east of Baghdad yesterday, the 93rd anniversary of the Iraqi Army. Kerry said it was Iraq’s battle to fight. templating putting boots on the ground. ISIS, formerly known as Al Qaeda in This is their fight, but we’re going to help offering aerial cover and logistics on the have joined forces to confront ISIS fight- opened the door to Iranian participation Iraq but renamed to reflect the group’s them in their fight.” ground, the Associated Press reported. ers, who include numerous non-Syrians in the talks. growing ambitions, has been extending its Kerry didn’t give details of what assist- The fall of Fallujah to the Al Qaeda- and have antagonised residents with their Softening the US hard line against any influence across Syria, Iraq and Lebanon. ance the US might provide but said it linked group prompted renewed criti- brutality. role for Iran if it refuses to endorse the It is suffering a backlash in Syria, where would do “everything that is possible.” cism from US lawmakers of the Obama On Sunday, Syrian rebels were locked ground rules for the Jan 22 conference, it lost ground to rival rebel fighters on After Maliki appealed in November for administration, which had planned to in a third day of clashes with ISIS mili- Kerry suggested that Iran might be able Sunday. more US support in fighting extremists, leave several thousand American troops tants, during which the Al Qaeda-linked to participate from the sidelines. Iran But the Sunni militants’ gains in Iraq Washington sent 75 Hellfire missiles and in Iraq after the 2011 pullout for train- fighters have been expelled from a slew backs Syrian President Bashar Assad present a critical test for the Shia-led promised to dispatch drones. ing and counterterrorism operations. But of towns and villages in the opposition- and has provided him with weapons and government of Prime Minister Nouri Al A local journalist in Fallujah said the deal fell apart when Iraq’s parliament held north. ISIS pulled out of positions other military help. Maliki. They also leave the Obama admin- Sunday that the Iraqi army was shell- refused to guarantee the remaining US in the Syrian town of Adana, one of its “Could they contribute from the side- istration worried about the renewed force ing militant positions but that civilian military personnel immunity from pros- strongholds, activists said. Meanwhile, lines? Are there ways for them conceiva- of a militant movement once declared all areas in the city also had been hit. “It is ecution in Iraqi courts. near the Turkish border, fighting spread bly to weigh in?” Kerry asked rhetorically but vanquished in Iraq. back to the same as it was in 2004,” said “The thousands of brave Americans to the north-central province of Raqqah, about the Iranians, who oppose the con- A string of bombings in the Iraqi the journalist, referring to the major US who fought, shed their blood and lost an ISIS stronghold. “ISIS appears to have ference’s goal of establishing a transi- capital killed at least 20 people Sunday; assaults. “Before 2004, there was only one their friends to bring peace to Fallujah sustained serious territorial losses,” said tional government in Syria. although no one asserted responsibility, cemetery in Fallujah. Afterwards, there and Iraq are now left to wonder whether Charles Lister, a visiting fellow at the Kerry suggested that Iran’s diplomatic the attacks appeared linked to the fight- were four cemeteries,” said the journalist, these sacrifices were in vain,” Republican Brookings Doha Center in Qatar. “But office in Geneva might be able to serve as ing in Anbar. In that strategic province, who spoke on the condition of anonymity Senators. John McCain, Ariz, and much of this, for now, is likely a result an unofficial participant. meanwhile, the militants linked to Al for security reasons. “Now the people fear Lindsey Graham, SC, said in a statement of pragmatic withdrawals rather than The UN envoy organising the con- Qaeda fought to retain their grip on the there will be eight cemeteries.” Saturday. outright military defeat.” ference, Lakhdar Brahimi, wants Iran cities of Ramadi and Fallujah, which they Although Fallujah remained under the ISIS’s tightened grip on Anbar gives However, Lister warned, whatever included in the talks, and UN officials seized last week. militants’ control Sunday, their grip on it a swath of land straddling the Syrian takes place in the coming weeks, ISIS will have suggested that Iran could play an The Iraqi army had encircled Fallujah Ramadi appeared to be weakening. border. “This is a fight that is bigger than probably remain in Syria in some form. unofficial role. on Sunday, poised for an assault. An Iraqi military commander said it just Iraq,” Kerry said on Sunday. “The rise “Should it be entirely isolated by all Although US relations with Iran have Thousands of residents fled, fearing an would take two to three days to expel of these terrorists in the region, and par- other key fighting groups in Syria, its improved since the successful early onslaught similar to the US military’s militants from the two cities. Lt Gen ticularly in Syria and through the fighting actions will likely become even more negotiations over the country’s nuclear 2004 battle for the city, then held by Rasheed Fleih, who leads the Anbar in Syria, is part of what is unleashing this harsh than before,” he said. programme last year, the US remains Sunni insurgents. It was the most deadly Military Command, told state television instability in the rest of the region.” The latest fighting occurred just weeks suspicious of Iran’s foreign policy goals confrontation of the Iraq war for US that pro-government Sunni tribes are But in Syria, the group is under pres- before scheduled Syrian peace negotia- in Syria and elsewhere. forces and some of their bloodiest fighting leading the operations while the army is sure. In recent days, other rebel groups tions. On Sunday, Kerry for the first time WP-BLOOMBERG What if Australia fails to invest in aid? The left is silent on Cutting aid spending fist of state power obviously has real BY JOHN HARRIS his will be the year of the intrusive, oppressive state. Obviously, life consequences for this will not much distinguish it from 2013, 2012 or 2011. But still: fundamental issues of government and its reach into our neighbours. Tlives are now bubbling away as never before, and may well reach boiling point over the next 12 months. BY TANYA PLIBERSEK The fallout from Edward Snowden’s revelations goes on: in the US, the latest stories concern a National Security Agency programme he Vanuatu Women’s Centre operates aimed at breaking all forms of digital encryption, while the debate out of a simple, single story building about legislating to curtail surveillance powers rages. in Port Vila. But the centre’s simple Meanwhile, the modern Conservative party evidently wants to accel- Tfacade belies the truly phenomenal erate Britain’s progress towards being a country of spot checks and work that goes on inside, and indeed right roving billboards instructing illicit migrants to hand themselves in, across Vanuatu. and the rest of us to grass them up. Large parts of the welfare state The centre is run by remarkable women, for increasingly look not like a safety net, but a mess of traps, intended to women and their children. It has 37 island- The logo of the Australian aid. enforce complete obedience under pain of destitution. Doctors, nurses based committees across the country, and and teachers work to central diktat as never before. And from the since 2007 has helped more than 10,000 sur- Abbott government is cutting $4.5bn from preventable diseases, fewer scholars coming to role of private firms in our penal and borders system to the ties that vivors of family violence with counselling, legal the Australian aid programme. Throughout Australia to gain skills to build their nations, bind the Internet’s corporate providers to government (something at assistance and accommodation. And it works the trip, the foreign minister was at pains to fewer schools built, less corruption prevention the heart of the storm over data collection, and now the government’s hard to improve educational and economic reassure everyone – from prime ministers to and institution building, less clean water: the seemingly pernicious “porn filter”), it is increasingly hard to tell where outcomes for women too. aid workers – that the cuts would not affect list goes on, and the effect on people’s lives is government ends and the private realm begins: what blurs the two is One woman told me how elementary busi- them. But with no details of exactly where the very real. But supporting our neighbours to effectively a shadow state, which gets bigger and bigger.) ness training had given her economic inde- $4.5bn of cuts will fall (including over $650m achieve greater prosperity has always been in The political right has big problems here: it uses the rhetoric of small pendence, allowing her to go from working this year), many are preparing themselves for our own interests too. government but enforces its opposite. But so too does the left. Far too as a cleaner to running her own bungalow. It the worst. If Australia fails to invest now, everyone many on my side of politics still have their heads in the sand, holding changed her relationship with her husband Tanya Plibersek visiting a project receiving pays later, especially those in the develop- on to a ragbag of notions that now bears no serious examination: that from one of dependence to one of partnership. Australian aid funding in the Solomon Islands. ing world. Our aid improves health, builds so-called civil liberties should always come a distant second to schools, In a world where women can too often feel Tanya Plibersek visiting a project receiving stronger societies, stronger economies and hospitals and such like; that the centralised, snooping, target-driven trapped in violent relationships for financial Australian aid funding in the Solomon Islands. more responsible governance. Reducing pov- state can be our friend, so long as it can be once again captured by reasons this is life changing, and nation build- These cuts will return Australia to the his- erty and supporting the economic success of Labour and put to the correct uses; and that from the NHS to the ing, work. toric lows of aid funding under the Howard our neighbours is in our national interest. BBC, so long as giant and unwieldy institutions can be kept away from This important service is supported by the government. Instead of moving progressively Chaotic states on our doorstep are not. the private market, all will be well. Australian government’s international aid towards Labour’s target of 0.5 percent of gross We cannot live in splendid isolation, even In orthodox politics there are occasional flashes of recognition of programme, and is only one of the outstanding national income (GNI) by 2017-18, Australia’s if we wanted to. As a relatively wealthy how much we need to tame, and then radically remodel, government. Australian aid funded projects up and running aid budget will fall to 0.32 percent of GNI by nation, and as a world power, we have wider Localism, when it actually amounts to something coherent, is part of in the Pacific. From domestic violence aware- 2016-17, the lowest levels since 2000-01. responsibilities. the noise. None of this is an argument for anarchism or the stupid form ness training for police in Solomon Islands, No-one yet knows exactly where these Australia is a rich and generous country of Tory politics which believes that so long as public spending can be and support for the sexual assault services run cuts will fall, but we’ve already seen the first that can afford to offer a helping hand to those pushed below a certain share of GDP, liberty will be assured. It is not by the inspirational Sister Doreen on the out- example. The Global Fund expected to receive who need it most – and it has clear social, intended to overlook what only the state can do: redistribute income; skirts of Honiara; to a brand new secondary a commitment of $375m over the next four economic, and security benefits for our region confront corporate power; forge the international agreements we need school in Nauru, Australia’s aid programme years and received $200m instead. That means and for the world. to fight everything from climate change to corporate tax avoidance. has been making a real difference to some of reduced effort on conditions like drug resist- A visit to a developing country in our But there is no argument for extending those truths into the kind of our closest neighbours. ant TB, HIV and malaria, leaving our region neighbourhood allows you to see the good boundless leviathan that Britain has ended up with. The truth is that Late last year, I travelled to the Pacific more vulnerable to outbreaks of these diseases. work Australian aid does, often supported the arrogant, centralised state is as much of a problem as the out-of- with the foreign minister to see some of this Cutting our aid spending obviously has real by Australian volunteers. This work needs to control market, and the dominion of one is symbiotically related to the outstanding work first hand. On the day we life consequences for our neighbours. It means continue and the Abbott government should tyranny of the other. From that, all else follows. The future politics of left, the treasurer released the mid-year less support for child and maternal health, reverse its devastating cuts. the left will either be pluralist, localist and libertarian, or will shrivel. economic and fiscal outlook confirming the fewer children immunised against simple THE GUARDIAN THE GUARDIAN TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2014 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL Merkel hurts President’s gesture pelvis in ski accident Chancellor to cut back on schedule

BERLIN: German Chancellor dates would be found for the talks. Angela Merkel was injured in Merkel planned to speak a fall while cross-country ski- Monday by phone with Polish ing in Switzerland, forcing her Prime Minister Donald Tusk to stay off her feet and cancel and Luxembourg Prime Minister meetings, her spokesman said Xavier Bettel “to personally once yesterday, just as her new gov- again convey to them by phone ernment got down to business. the reasons for the cancellation,” Taking reporters by surprise, he said. Steffen Seibert said that Merkel, Merkel will not be returning to 59, had fractured her pelvis, Switzerland to attend the World requiring her to postpone two Economic Forum in the plush ski meetings with European leaders resort of Davos later this month, this week and also to cut back her but that was not due to her acci- schedule for the next three weeks. dent. The decision to forgo this However, she would continue year’s annual meeting had been to work, mainly from home, after taken beforehand, Seibert said. doctors advised that she remain The chancellor, who often goes lying down as much as possible, cross-country skiing during her he said. winter vacation, suffered the acci- Russian President Vladimir Putin (centre) during his meeting with the family of Sergeant Bair Banzaraktsaev, who died during rescue efforts in the News of Merkel’s fall comes dent over the Christmas period summer of 2013 in the country’s Far East, on board the Presidential aircraft on its way to Khabarovsk, Far East, Russia. as her compatriot, Formula One while in the southeastern Swiss legend Michael Schumacher, region of Engadin, which boasts remained in a coma in a stable but top ski resorts such as St Moritz. critical condition after a serious After she fell, the injury was downhill skiing accident in the initially thought to be just pain- Dutch inflatable French Alps on December 29. ful bruising. But after her return Czech parties ink coalition deal The chancellor injury “makes to Berlin, doctors on Friday diag- duck artist it necessary for her to lie down a nosed a fracture in the pelvic area, PRAGUE: Three Czech par- Republic’s 200-seat parliament. Josef Mlejnek, a political ana- lot for three weeks and/or use a Seibert said. “She is now follow- ties yesterday signed a coalition October’s election followed lyst at Charles University in protests at walking aid,” Seibert said. ing the doctors’ advice in order to deal that should pave the way months of political turmoil after Prague, called the coalition deal “a “She, therefore during this enable optimal healing,” he said. for a new cabinet months after the previous centre-right admin- formal step” and said he expected Taiwan ‘copycat’ time, will concentrate on a few Seibert did not give details a bribery and spy scandal top- istration fell last June. “some fight” over the cabinet. appointments at the chancel- about the incident, saying only pled the prime minister. The prime minister at the time, “I’d expect the president to try TAIPEI: The Dutch artist lery and in Berlin and otherwise that Merkel had fallen while Bohuslav Sobotka, the most Petr Necas, was toppled by a brib- and affect the composition of the whose giant inflatable duck is on do her work at home,” he said, cross-country skiing during her likely next prime minister, ery and spy scandal involving his cabinet... to push through a cabi- display in Taiwan is threatening stressing that this did not mean holiday, which ended December announced the completion of a then lover and now wife. net in which he will have an ally,” to close the exhibition early in she would be out of touch. 30, and adding that he could not coalition deal 72 days after a snap All eyes are now on President he said. protest at an apparent copycat “It goes without saying that say whether others were involved. election sparked by the scandal. Milos Zeman, an outspoken left- Sobotka, a 42-year-old lawyer attempt, officials said yesterday. as chancellor, she is at work and However he said it was assumed The deal includes “both the winger who took office last March turned politician perceived as Florentijn Hofman is report- both capable of acting as well as Merkel was moving at a “low part containing the programme as the first directly elected presi- short on charisma, insisted that edly upset with a souvenir stall- communicating fully,” Seibert speed”. The injury was kept quiet and the supplement distributing dent of the EU member of 10.5 “there’s no reason for the presi- holder in the northern port city said. for over a week until Seibert’s government jobs,” Sobotka told million people. dent to put off” his appointment. of Keelung. Merkel will maintain a cou- announcement at a regular gov- reporters, pledging “a change for Zeman is due to name the “I hope Chairman Sobotka will The stallholder, disappointed ple of appointments this week, ernment news conference. the better, support for economic prime minister and then approve persuade the president with his at lower than expected visitor including leading tomorrow’s Merkel was sworn in for a third growth and employment.” cabinet ministers at his proposal. charm,” added Andrej Babis, the numbers to Hofman’s exhibition, cabinet meeting, the first of 2014 term at the helm of Europe’s top Sobotka’s left-wing Social But he has repeatedly sug- billionaire head of ANO and the displayed his own version of the for her new “grand coalition” economy on December 17 follow- Democrats (CSSD) won the elec- gested he might decline to do so second wealthiest Czech, who runs replica yellow bath toy in a bid to government, expected to discuss, ing her conservatives’ resounding tion but were forced to join forces in some cases if he deems the can- a chemical and farming group. attract more trade. among other things, how to han- victory in September elections. with the populist ANO party, didates’ skills inadequate to their Under the deal, Babis should The trader built his own six- dle immigration from poor EU But she was forced to seek a which sprang out of nowhere to new jobs. become the next finance minister. foot-tall inflatable duck — appar- members Romania and Bulgaria. “grand coalition” with the Social finish a close second in the snap He already stunned local politi- But he may face trouble over ently seen by Hofman as a copycat But she has had to cancel a Democrats after her previous jun- vote. cians by naming a non-partisan allegations he collaborated with creation — and is reportedly plan- planned trip to Warsaw tomorow ior partners, the Free Democrats, The smaller centrist Christian cabinet of cronies shortly after the communist-era secret police ning another three times the size, as well as receiving Luxembourg’s historically failed to win parlia- Democrats complete the coali- the Necas government was top- as current laws bar collaborators after stallholders who rented new prime minister on Thursday, mentary seats. tion, which will command a stable pled. This cabinet is still ruling from holding ministerial posts. booths at the exhibition com- Seibert said, adding that new AFP majority of 111 votes in the Czech the country. AFP plained business was poor. “Mr Hofman has said that if that cannot be stopped, he may suspend the show earlier” than Latvia nominates first woman PM the one-month contract, exhibi- tion organiser and Keelung city council Speaker Huang Jing-tai RIGA: Latvia is poised to get its first woman Latvia gained independence from the Soviet told reporters. prime minister after the country’s president Union in 1991. “As the organisers, we respect yesterday tasked Laimdota Straujuma with Latvia, a largely rural Baltic state with a popu- Mr Hofman’s ideas and respect forming a new government. lation of two million, became an EU member his copyright. Our lawyer has sent Straujuma, 62, is to replace Valdis Dombrovskis, state in 2004. This year it became the 18th EU a letter to the trader and the port who stepped down after a deadly supermarket country to adopt the euro as its currency. authorities,” he said. The copycat roof collapse in a suburb of the capital Riga in Straumjuma, who was previously an economist row is the latest mishap for the November. and civil servant, has up to now served as a non- genuine 18-metre-tall inflatable Latvia’s agriculture minister since 2011, partisan politician. duck. It exploded and deflated Straujuma impressed with her negotiating skills On Sunday, though, she was made a member of into a floating yellow disc on to press for a better EU deal for her country’s the liberal-conservative Unity party in order to Tuesday last week, 11 days after farmers. become their official nominee. At her Riga news going on display in Keelung and Dombrovskis remains as caretaker premier conference she was flanked by representatives of hours before crowds gathered to pending the formation of the new government, four political parties which supported her candi- count down the new year. which is expected to take two to three weeks. dacy as prime minister in principle. The duck was repaired and The new administration will rule until scheduled Straujuma said her priorities heading the put back on show Friday, but the elections in October. new government would be using EU funds effec- response was lukewarm. Persistent “I am confident that this centre-right coalition tively, and improving education. “It is necessary rain and low temperatures have can work effectively,” Straujuma told reporters to maintain stability for the next nine months,” also kept fans away and drawn in Riga. she said. Local media have commented on her fewer visitors than expected. Dombrovskis, a 42-year-old trained physicist physical resemblance to Germany’s Chancellor Since 2007 the original duck respected for his squeaky clean politics, resigned Angela Merkel. designed by Hofman has travelled to on November 27 over the catastrophic collapse But Straujuma laughed that off Monday say- 13 cities in nine countries, including of a supermarket roof in Riga which killed 54 ing: “I’m deeply flattered to be compared to Mrs Brazil, Australia and Hong Kong, on people. Merkel.” its journey around the world. He was the longest serving premier since AFP AFP

France moves to ban controversial comic

PARIS: France moved yesterday to try Amid the outcry, government spokes- the Nazis’ Hitler salute, but the comedian’s and ban performances by controversial woman Najat Vallaud-Belkacem said there supporters say it is a generic “up yours” comic Dieudonne just days before the would clearly be a threat to public order show of defiance towards the establishment. start of a nationwide tour of a one-man around the first leg of the planned tour, due Dieudonne fans have spread photographs show containing anti-semitic material. to start on Thursday in the western city of of themselves performing the quenelle ges- Interior Minister Manuel Valls said Nantes. ture online. he had advised local police officials that Officials in a number of other cities are Some of these appear to be pranks, such Dieudonne’s shows could be banned if they looking at ways of preventing Dieudonne as when a smiling Valls posed for a picture are deemed to present a threat to public from performing in their theatres. with a group of teenage boys who all adopted order. “With the tour about to begin, I But such steps are complicated legally the pose without the minister noticing. believe I had no choice but to take action,” in light of France’s powerful constitutional But many of them have had sinister over- Valls told reporters. provisions on the freedom of speech. tones with the pictures being taken outside The comedian has prompted outrage with Long a controversial figure, Dieudonne’s synagogues, a holocaust museum and the his anti-Jewish comments — one of his latest prominence has increased recently as a school in Toulouse where Islamist gunman being a joke about gas chambers — and anti- result of the growing popularity of his trade- Mohammed Merah killed a rabbi and three racism protests have been planned around mark arm gesture, dubbed the “quenelle”. Jewish children in 2012. his upcoming shows. Many see the gesture as a reference to AFP TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2014 INTERNATIONAL www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 Big chill makes Americans quiver More than 100 CHICAGO/CLEVELAND: A blast of Arctic air gripped the vast middle of the United States yesterday, with the flood warnings coldest temperatures in two decades threatening lives, forcing businesses and schools to close and cancelling thou- sands of flights. Shelters for the homeless issued in UK were overwhelmed and oil pro- duction could come to a stand- still as the severe cold, described 750,000 people go without power by some meteorologists as the “polar vortex”, brought temper- CARDIFF: Coastal regions have the morning.” In a post-Christmas atures below minus 18 Celsius. again been battered by vast waves update to parliament on the combined Temperatures were 11 to and strong winds, with renewed impact of more than a fortnight of 22 Celsius below average in rain bringing over 100 flood warn- storms, Paterson said seven people parts of Montana, North and ings, as the environment secretary, had died in England as a result of the South Dakota, Minnesota, Owen Paterson, said some coun- weather, with 1,700 properties flooded Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan and cils and power firms should learn in England and 140 in Wales. In all, Nebraska, according to the lessons from their response to the 750,000 people were without power National Weather Service. recent weeks of winter storms. at some point, with 90pc reconnected The Arctic air was moving While Paterson insisted that within hours. While he praised the toward the east coast where government expenditure on flood overall response to the floods and temperatures were expected management was higher than ever, power cuts, Paterson said some organ- to fall throughout yesterday his Labour counterpart, Maria isations had done better than others. to minus 18 Celsius today. The Eagle, said it had fallen and accused He said: “We will undertake a coldest temperatures in years Paterson of indulging in “buck full assessment over the coming were expected in southern passing”. weeks, but initial reports have iden- states. By late yesterday there were still tified a number of positive aspects, “Cold temperatures and gusty 101 Environment Agency flood warn- as well as areas where lessons need winds associated with an arc- ings in place, mainly in the south- to be learned. While the majority of tic air mass will continue dan- Alison Mueller skies to work through several inches of snow along Woodward Avenue as the area deals with east and south-west of England and local councils and utility companies gerously cold wind chills as far record breaking freezing weather yesterday in Detroit, Michigan. the Midlands, and 219 less serious responded effectively, the response south as Brownsville, Texas and flood alerts. While the winds and of a few left room for improvement. central Florida,” the National Coalition for the Homeless. into or out of Chicago’s O’Hare opted for the comforts of home rain are forecast to ease as the “All received early warning from Weather Service said. Frostbite can set in within min- International Airport were can- over icy roads and frozen park- week progresses, people in Dorset, the Met Office and the Environment The cold threatened to dis- utes at temperatures as low as celled. The afternoon tempera- ing lots. Oxfordshire, south Wiltshire, Agency that severe weather was on rupt oil production, particularly Cleveland was experiencing, ture in Chicago was minus 14 Retail consulting firm Hampshire and along the Thames the way. There are lessons to be in North Dakota, which could according to experts. Fahrenheit (minus 25 C). The Customer Growth Partners were warned to remain prepared learned about how customers are push fuel prices higher, analysts The National Weather Service last time Chicago was so cold estimated that nationwide, store for more flooding in the coming days, supported and informed during said. It also stalled shipments of issued warnings for life-threat- was February 1996, according to traffic fell 4 percent to 5 per- with rain falling on already saturated power cuts. We welcome the addi- grain and livestock and posed a ening wind chills in western Accuweather.com. cent from January 2 through 5, ground. tional compensation some operators threat to the dormant winter and central North Dakota, with After five days of scrambling the final four days of the holiday There was already flooding in parts have announced and acknowledge the wheat crop. temperatures as low as minus 51 to catch up from storm delays, shopping season. The cold did of the Somerset Levels and rivers response of some companies could In Cleveland, Ohio, where C. The frigid temperatures in JetBlue said it would halt oper- spark demand for cold-weather remained high, the agency said. It have been better.” THE GUARDIAN the temperature was minus 14 the United States mirrored or ations at three airports in the gear, said Customer Growth also warned of big waves and high Celsius and was forecast to drop outdid those in such parts of the New York area and Boston Partners president Craig tides on Dorset’s south-west coast at to minus 22 Celsius overnight, world as Almaty, Kazakhstan, Logan International Airport Johnson. Chesil beach and Chiswell, and urged homeless shelters were oper- where it was minus minus 20 from 5pm ET (2200 GMT) “Outerwear sales went people to stay away from coastal ating at full capacity. Shelter Celsisu; Mongolia, where tem- yesterday until 10am ET (1500 through the roof,” Johnson roads and paths. operators had begun to open peratures reached minus 23 C GMT) today to give crew mem- said. He said home improve- Coastlines in the south and Wales overflow facilities to accom- and Irkutsk, in Siberia, where bers time to rest. ment chains including Home were particularly badly affected by modate more than 2,000 people it was minus 33 C. The intense cold, which fol- Depot Inc and Lowe’s Cos Inc the latest band of storms, with waves who had come seeking warmth. Some 3,364 flights were can- lowed a storm last week that were able to sell snow blowers above 8 metres recorded at Land’s “There are also going to be celled and 3,155 delayed, accord- dumped up to two feet (60 and other snow removal equip- End in Cornwall, while students in people that won’t go into the ing to FlightAware.com, which cm) of snow on parts of New ment at full price, rather than Aberystwyth on the mid-Wales coast shelters,” said Brian Davis, an tracks airline activity. England, took a toll on traf- at a discount at the end of the were evacuated from seafront accom- organiser with Northeast Ohio More than half of the flights fic at US retailers, as shoppers season. REUTERS modation and advised to stay away until further notice. High waves all but destroyed a historic seafront wind shelter. Leigh-Anne Bullough, a geogra- phy student moved from her house, described the conditions as “pretty Jihad Jane gets ten years behind bars scary”. The storms had seemingly eroded the ground under the wind PHILADELPHIA: A US judge yes- completed the mission.” Assistant US Attorney Jennifer Arbittier shelter, she said: “Now the whole terday sentenced an American woman Tucker also cited the significant coopera- Williams had sought “decades behind bars” floor of the shelter has collapsed and A traffic sign in a flooded street of who called herself Jihad Jane to 10 years tion LaRose has given the Federal Bureau of for LaRose, arguing that despite her exten- it’s starting to fall in. If it gets any Strangford, Northern Ireland, yesterday. in prison — at least a decade less than Investigation in other terrorism cases since sive cooperation, she still was a danger to worse I don’t think it’ll be there in prosecutors had sought for her role in a her 2009 arrest, as well as the sexual and society. Prosecutors also had pointed out failed plot to kill a Swedish artist who other abuse she suffered as a child. That that LaRose — a blond, green-eyed, white had depicted the Prophet Mohammad abuse was chronicled in a 2011 Reuters American — did not fit the stereotype of an (PBUH) . investigative series. Islamic militant. Colleen R LaRose, 50, who converted to LaRose, who used the name Jihad Jane as “This is a sentencing that people are Islam online and has maintained her faith, she became involved in the Muslim online watching,” Williams said yesterday. “Ms was given credit for the four years she has community, travelled to Europe in 2009 LaRose had such a big impact in the public already served. LaRose, who pleaded guilty intending to participate in a militant plot and press because she really did change the to following orders in 2009 from alleged to shoot artist Lars Vilks in the chest six face of what the world thought of as a vio- Al Qaeda operatives, could have received a times. But LaRose became impatient with lent jihadist. It was scary for people to hear life sentence. the men who lured her to Europe and she that Ms LaRose could have been radicalised “It’s a just and reasonable sentence,” her gave up after six weeks and returned to simply online in the US.” attorney, Mark Wilson, told reporters after Philadelphia, where she was arrested. Wilson told the court that the plot to kill the hearing. “She’s pleased. Ten years is At yesterday’s hearing, LaRose apologised Vilks was “more aspirational than opera- about what we were hoping for all along.” sor blindly following the instructions of her tional” and that LaRose had never even US District Judge Petrese Tucker called handlers. fired a gun. LaRose’s crimes “gravely serious,” add- “I was in a trance and I couldn’t see any- He had described LaRose as a lonely and ing: “The court has no doubt that, given thing else,” she said. “I don’t want to be in vulnerable woman easily manipulated by the opportunity, Ms LaRose would have jihad no more.” others online. REUTERS

Colombia carnival Brazil govt to evict illegal intruders

SAO PAULO: Brazilian tribal rights worldwide which authorities said they are tak- had campaigned for months in ing steps to remove illegal support of the Awa, welcomed invaders from the Amazon the Brazilian government’s heartland of the threatened long-awaited decision. Awa indigenous tribe. Last year, federal Judge Brazil’s National Indian Jirair Aram Meguerian had Foundation (FUNAI) said in a ordered all loggers and settlers statement seen yesterday that to be removed from Awa lands justice officials will this week in the eastern Amazon forests begin notifying intruders that by the end of March 2013. they have 40 days to leave Awa “Soldiers, field workers from lands voluntarily with all their FUNAI, environment ministry belongings. special agents and police offic- Past that deadline, justice ers are being dispatched to officials will send eviction notify and remove the illegal notices to all non-indigenous settlers, ranchers and loggers, people, it noted. many of whom are heavily “All non-indigenous people armed, from the Awa indige- live illegally in the area and nous territory,” Survival said in will have to leave and there a statement released yesterday. A float in a parade to celebrate the Blacks and Whites Carnival in will be no right to compensa- “The operation comes at Pasto, Colombia, yesterday. The Blacks and Whites Carnival is the tion,” said FUNAI, the govern- a crucial time as loggers are most important celebration in southern Colombia and was declared ment agency handling policies closing in on the tribe and Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Unesco. The carnival runs until toward indigenous peoples. more than 30 percent of London-based Survival the forest has already been January 7 every year. International, a champion of destroyed,” it said. AFP TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2014 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA / PHILIPPINES Bangla ruling party wins violence-marred polls International observers say elections flawed

DHAKA: Bangladesh’s ruling 127 seats where it ran unopposed, “This is a suicidal election as Awami League won a violence- giving it a more-than two-thirds it will not bring any peace in plagued parliamentary elec- majority. Hasina is expected to the country,” Abul Kashem, who tion whose outcome was never form a new government this works as a driver and is a sup- in doubt after a boycott by the month. porter of the BNP, said outside a main opposition party. “The immediate fallout of this Dhaka polling station. With fewer than half of the 300 dismal voter turnout will be the The country’s $22bn garment seats being contested, voters in Hasina government coming under industry, which accounts for 80 modest numbers cast ballots on greater pressure to hold talks percent of exports, has been dis- Sunday amid heavy security in with the opposition,” said Hossain rupted by transportation block- polling that lacked the festivity Zillur Rahman, an economist and ades ahead of the election. BNP typical of Bangladeshi elections adviser to a former “caretaker” officials said party supporters and was shunned by international government tasked with oversee- would maintain the blockade and observers as flawed. ing an election. called another in a series of general Low voter participation could “It is the ultimate sign of pro- strikes starting yesterday morning. pile new pressure on Prime test by Bangladeshi people and Eighteen people were killed Minister Sheikh Hasina to find a tells us that they are unhappy in separate incidents on election compromise with the opposition with the way elections have been day, according to media reports, Bangladesh Nationalist Party held in this country.” and voting was halted at about (BNP) for holding new elections. The impasse between the two 400 polling stations. More than Either Hasina or BNP chief main parties, which showed no 100 people were killed in the run- Begum Khaleda Zia has been sign of easing, undermined the up to the ballot, mostly in rural prime minister for all but two of poll’s legitimacy and is fuelling areas, and fears of violence kept the past 22 years. The two are bit- worries of economic stagnation many voters away. ter rivals. and further violence in the impov- Police said they had been forced People wait to board a train during a strike by the 18-party alliance led by Bangladesh Nationalist Party after the The Awami League won 105 of erished South Asian nation of 160 to fire on opposition activists in parliamentary election in Dhaka yesterday. the contested seats, on top of the million. six incidents. REUTERS South Korea calls for resumption of family reunions with North SEOUL: South Korean Song-Thaek, the once-powerful might happen to North Korea unification ministry said. There are normally no oppor- with just days to go, Pyongyang President Park Geun-Hye called uncle and political regent to and what action it might take,” Panmunjom, which straddles tunities for meetings or any other postponed the event, blaming for the resumption of reunions young leader Kim Jong-Un, had Park said. the closely guarded border, has kind of contact between ordinary “hostility” from South Korea. for families separated since the made it harder to predict the Park said the reunion pro- traditionally been used as a venue Korean families separated by the “I hope that elderly members of Korean War, saying the pro- course of cross-border relations. gramme would provide new for inter-Korean talks since an border. After a painstaking selec- separated families will be allowed gramme could help ease “grave” The security situation on the momentum to improving ties armistice was signed to end the tion process, 96 South Koreans to reunite around Lunar New Year strains with North Korea. peninsula was “more grave than following years of high tensions. three-year Korean War in 1953. had been set last year to travel to help heal the wounds in their Park also promised increased ever”, she said, calling for an end The South’s Red Cross later North Korea last September to the North’s Mount Kumgang hearts,” Park said. humanitarian aid to the impover- to “threats of war” and for the faxed a message to its Northern cancelled a scheduled reunion of resort for a face-to-face gathering She announced that the South ished North to improve relations two countries to “open up an era counterpart, calling for a meet- divided families, dealing an emo- with family members they had not would increase humanitarian aid at a time of growing uncertainty. of reunification.” ing at the border truce village of tional blow to elderly Koreans seen for 60 years. and expand exchanges with the She said last month’s shock Since Jang’s execution, “no one Panmunjom on Friday to discuss denied a longed-for meeting with It would have been the first such North this year, but did not give purge and execution of Jang in the world can predict what a next round of reunions, Seoul’s surviving relatives. mass reunion for three years. But a figure. AFP

Man survives Protest in Bangkok sea ordeal 14 killed in stampede TAIPEI: A Taiwanese man has miraculously survived a 60-hour ordeal drifting in rough seas off the island’s over Beijing food items east coast Tseng Lien-fa was catching baby eels on a BEIJING: Fourteen people, Chinese news outlets showed six beach in Hualien county early some of them children, were bodies laid out side-by-side inside Friday when he was swept killed and 10 injured in a stam- a building, with several children in away by an unexpectedly pede that broke out as food was colourful outfits among the dead. large wave. Media reports being distributed at a mosque Pictures posted online showed a said Tseng managed to grab in China’s Ningxia region, state large crowd, most of them men and a floating wooden coffin lid media reported yesterday. many wearing white Islamic caps, to which he clung until early The stampede occurred at standing outside the green mosque, Sunday. Strong waves even- lunchtime on Sunday while tra- apparently after the incident. tually swept him onto a beach ditional food items were being Clothes and shoes were scat- in the southeastern county of handed out to people attending an tered on the ground, along with Taitung, 75 kilometres away. event to commemorate a late reli- what appeared to be a collapsed gious leader, the official Xinhua section of scaffolding. Indonesia jails news agency said, citing the local An inquiry was under way into government. the cause of the stampede at the Muslim radical The injured were hospitalised, mosque in Xiji, around 280 kilo- with four in critical condition, the metres (174 miles) south of the JAKARTA: An Indonesian Thai protesters hold placards during a rally in a business district of Bangkok yesterday. The demonstrators, who brief report said. regional capital Yinchuan. court jailed an Islamic sought to curb the political dominance of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s billionaire family, said they would One photo posted online by AFP extremist for seven and a half “shut down” Bangkok from January 13. years over an “evil” plot to bomb the Myanmar embassy to avenge the killing of Rohingya Muslims. Achmad Taufiq is one of several men to Cambodian police arrest Philippines to finish bunkhouses by March have gone on trial amid anger in Muslim-majority Indonesia MANILA: The Philippines after experts from international The DPWH vowed to put on hold at persecution of the stateless five female land activists said yesterday that temporary agencies said the original design payments for contractors who will Rohingya in mainly Buddhist shelters being built for victims of the DPWH was “too cramped.” not adhere to its specifications for Myanmar. Police foiled the PHNOM PENH: Five Boeung Kak community, where of super Typhoon Haiyan may “Instead of 24 families per building the bunkhouses. Singson plan the night before it was Cambodian land activists were thousands of families have been be completed by March. bunkhouse, we are reducing it made the statement following alle- due to take place when they arrested yesterday in the lat- displaced to make way for a pri- The Department of Public to 12 so the shelters won’t be too gations that some contractors have arrested Taufiq in Jakarta. est move by the authorities to vate development at a lakeside Works and Highways (DPWH), packed,” said Singson. conspired with local politicians to suppress street protests against area in the capital Phnom Penh. which oversees the construction He said the construction of new jack up the price of constructing Classes reopen the government of strongman Hun Sen faces an increas- of temporary shelters, said it bunkhouses was suspended to ret- the shelters. premier Hun Sen, a rights ing challenge to his nearly needs one or two more months to rofit existing temporary shelters. The Philippine government said in typhoon zone group said. three-decade rule from strik- ensure that the bunkhouses meet To date, the DPWH has already it is now in the process of identify- The five women were detained ing garment workers as well as international standards. constructed 126 bunkhouses. ing areas where permanent shel- TACLOBAN: Schools reo- as they prepared to stage a opposition supporters demand- “We are making adjustments Singson said the initial tar- ters could be built. Singson said it pened yesterday in central rally in front of the French ing that he step down and call a to address issues of ventilation, get was to transfer 6,000 fami- would take more than two years Philippine towns for the Embassy to call for the release new election because of alleged space and security,” Public Works lies to temporary shelters by the to complete a permanent shelter first time since one of the of other human rights defend- vote fraud. and Highways Secretary Rogelio end of January. But because of program for typhoon victims. world’s strongest storms ers, the Cambodian League for Police have indefinitely banned L Singson told a press briefing in the changes, he said the govern- Typhoon Haiyan, killed more killed thousands two months the Promotion and Defence of further rallies after several dem- the presidential palace. ment would have to reduce the than 6,100 people and destroyed ago. Crowding into makeshift Human Rights said. onstrators were shot dead on The Philippine government number of families that would be 550,928 homes. classrooms built with tarpau- The activists are from the Friday. AFP decided to make the adjustments accommodated. THE PHILIPPINE STAR lins and plywood, children, many still traumatised, sat as teachers tried to engage them in friendly banter. Mothers refused to leave tents despite appeals from teachers to let the children resume their Abe wants to explain shrine visit to China, South Korea daily routine. “Only about 50 percent of our school’s TOKYO: Japanese Prime China and South Korea and visit to Yasukuni. There aren’t leader to pay homage at Yasukuni debate about constitutional nearly 1,000 pupils are back,” Minister Shinzo Abe said yes- prompted concern from the any direct approaches being while in office since 2006. reform within Japan and that lamented Principal Maria terday he wanted to meet United States, a key ally. made to set up such meetings Paying respects at Yasukuni is he was confident he could make Evelyn Encina in the seaside Chinese and South Korean lead- “Seeking dialogue with China at present, but the door for dia- part of Abe’s conservative agenda Beijing and Seoul understand. village of San Roque near ers to explain why he visited a and South Korea is extremely logue is open, as always,” Abe to restore Japan’s pride in its past “I am sure that I will be able the central city of Tacloban, controversial war shrine, seen important for the peace and added, using what has become a and recast its wartime history to obtain the understanding of where tsunami-like waves by critics as a symbol of Tokyo’s security of this region,” Abe told standard phrase regarding sum- with a less apologetic tone. He nearby nations about my admin- triggered by Super Typhoon wartime aggression. a news conference after paying mits with his northeast Asian also wants to ease the restraints istration’s pursuit of peace if I Haiyan wiped out entire Abe’s December 26 visit to a customary New Year’s visit to neighbours. of Japan’s post-World War Two explain it thoroughly,” he said. neighbourhoods. She said at Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine, where a shrine in the central Japanese China and South Korea have pacifist constitution on the mili- Chinese Foreign Ministry least nine students had been Japanese leaders convicted as war city of Ise. been especially touchy about visits tary, a move also likely to infuri- spokeswoman Hua Chunying among the dead. AGENCIES criminals are enshrined along “I would like to explain my to the shrine by serving Japanese ate China and South Korea. expressed scepticism. with other war dead, infuriated true intentions regarding my prime ministers and Abe is the first Abe said he hoped to deepen REUTERS TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2014 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 10 killed as Suicide bomber kills student in Pakistan PESHAWAR: A suicide bomber blew himself up outside a government school in north- west Pakistan yesterday, killing a teenage boy, officials said. blast rocks The incident happened in the Shia-dominated Ibrahimzai area of Hangu district and has not yet been claimed by any group. “A suicide bomber blew him- self up near the main gate of a elder’s home government boys school, killing a young student aged 14,” district police chief Iftikhar Ahmad said. Nine hurt in attack on Khyber leader He said the boy sustained seri- ous injuries and was rushed to PESHAWAR: At least 10 peo- “We are trying to ascertain the hospital where he died. A local ple were killed and another exact nature of the blast,” Khan intelligence official also confirmed nine wounded yesterday in an said. the incident. explosion at the home of a tribal Another local administration The Taliban have blown up leader in a restive area of north- official confirmed the incident and hundreds of schools, especially west Pakistan, officials said. casualties. for girls, as part of a campaign The blast came in a remote Last year saw a concerted mili- against secular education in village in Khyber tribal district, tary push in Tirah Valley, which northwest Pakistan in recent close to the Afghan border in is hemmed in by steep mountains years. But it is not clear whether Tirah Valley, which last year and riddled with caves, and has the latest incident is connected saw fierce fighting between the been a stronghold for Islamist to the militant group or sectar- Pakistani military and Taliban militants in Khyber. ian unrest. militants. The armed forces targeted Hangu borders Orakzai tribal “The initial information sug- Taliban and Lashkar-e-Islam region, one of Pakistan’s seven gests that the blast triggered by militia fighters who were begin- lawless tribal districts on the explosives killed at least 10 peo- ning to threaten the nearby city Afghan border considered to be ple including three children and of Peshawar. the hub of Taliban and Al Qaeda- Security personnel examine the site of a suicide bombing in the Ibrahimzai area of Hangu district yesterday. wounded nine others,” a senior Khyber straddles the Nato sup- linked militants. local administration official, Nasir ply line into Afghanistan, used by The district also has a history Khan said. US-led troops to evacuate mili- of sectarian violence and was Pakistan is rife with sectar- gatherings by Shias, who consti- fighting for years against home- He said the explosion occurred tary equipment as they withdraw declared a “sensitive region” dur- ian clashes, with Sunni mili- tute some 20 percent of the coun- grown insurgents in the area and in the reception area of the home by the end of this year. ing the month of Moharram, con- tant groups linked to Al Qaeda try’s population. near the borders. of a local tribal elder. AFP sidered especially holy by Shias. and the Taliban often attacking Pakistani troops have been AFP Kerry to visit Pakistan Treason court demands Musharraf’s medical report ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United States will ISLAMABAD: A special him at the tribunal in Islamabad. his continued absence from pro- whether he should be flown a potentially destabilising clash have the exceptionally-signif- court set up to try Pakistan’s Musharraf spent a fifth day ceedings. Musharraf’s camp says abroad for treatment. between the government and the icant Strategic Dialogue in former military ruler Pervez in the Armed Forces Institute of the treason allegations, which The ex-dictator’s sudden health all-powerful military. the last week of this month Musharraf for treason yester- Cardiology in Rawalpindi, which relate to his imposition of emer- scare was met with scepticism Aside from the treason allega- and for the purpose the US day demanded a medical report neighbours Islamabad, missing gency rule in November 2007, are from some observers and fever- tions, Musharraf also faces trial Secretary of State John after he missed another hearing the hearing as his lawyers had politically motivated and his law- ish media speculation that his over the assassination of former Kerry may visit Pakistan in following a heart complaint. said he would on Sunday. yers have challenged the authority departure from Pakistan on medi- prime minister Benazir Bhutto, the same week. The 70-year-old was rushed to The three-judge bench of the tribunal. cal grounds -- either Saudi Arabia the death of a rebel leader, a The two countries have a military hospital on Thursday adjourned the case to Tuesday Doctors treating Musharraf or the UAE -- could be imminent. deadly raid on a radical mosque decided to hold the Strategic after falling ill while being taken and asked for a report on his con- have sent medical reports to Some analysts believe such and the detention of judges. Dialogue this month instead to hear treason charges against dition to be submitted to explain experts in Britain to determine a move is necessary to head off AFP of March agreed upon ear- lier. The rendezvous for the dialogue is being worked out by the two capitals through mutual consultations. In case the US secretary of PML-N speeds up UK fears about post-Nato Afghanistan state doesn’t travel to Pakistan, Prime Minister’s Adviser on LONDON: Former British “We will end up in a very ground by the end of this year. Foreign Affairs and National privatisation of assets defence chiefs warned yes- uncomfortable position, where David Richards, who was chief Security Sartaj Aziz will be terday that parts of southern people will say: ‘We’ve lost nearly of the defence staff until last year, visiting Washington in the last ISLAMABAD: In a mad rush has accepted the Pakistan People’s Afghanistan could fall to the 500 guys, most of those were in doubted the Afghan army could week of January. to sell off sensitive and impor- Party (PPP) government’s wish- Taliban when British troops Helmand, and at the end of it cope once the drawdown was The Strategic Dialogue was tant national assets, the ruling list of state institutions it wants leave this year, despite Prime all, we have handed Helmand complete, saying the ability to stalled for the last three years Pakistan Muslim League-N of to sell off. Minister David Cameron back to a Taliban-sympathetic deal with insurgents would “rap- and it was agreed by the two Nawaz Sharif has left behind The Council of Common recently saying they had accom- governor.” idly fall away”. countries that the dialogue the privatisation zeal of even Interests (CCI) had approved plished their mission. Cameron faced criticism last “More importantly, the sig- would be resumed in March the Musharraf government. 65 organisations for privatisa- Former commander of the month for saying that North nal of a loss of confidence in this year but it has been Its haste is fuelled in part tion during the last PPP tenure elite Special Air Service Richard Atlantic Treaty Organization Afghanistan would have a devas- decided that the same would by a desire to please some US and the present government has Williams told the Times that (Nato)-led foreign troops had tating effect on the Afghan econ- take place much before the friends, according to well-placed selected 31 organisations out of there was already evidence of accomplished their mission of omy and, therefore in turn, lead agreed schedule. sources. Already, fears have been that list. growing collaboration between providing security in Afghanistan, to a breeding ground for militant expressed in certain quarters One notable exception is Taliban insurgents and Afghan in an echo of former United jihadists to return,” he told the Khan sorry for that the unusual haste will have Pakistan Steel Mills which has soldiers and politicians in the States president George W Times. an economic fallout: not only will been excluded from the plan. Helmand Province. Bush’s much-derided comments British special forces worked ignoring Sindh the shares of these organisations The incumbent government, “I will be very surprised if the on Iraq in 2003. Britain cur- with ground forces of the United be lost but the nation will also lose however, has only got permission future governor of Helmand... rently has around 5,200 troops Front (Northern Alliance) to ISLAMABAD: Pakistan its valuable assets. from the Privatisation Committee is not very closely connected to in Afghanistan, down from 9,000 remove the Taliban from power Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman According to official docu- of the Cabinet and not the CCI. those who we call the Taliban,” at the start of 2013, and plans and dispel Al Qaeda. Imran Khan yesterday ten- ments, the federal government INTERNEWS he told the paper. to have no combat troops on the AFP dered an apology for ignor- ing Sindh during his election campaign in the run up for Waiting for relief May 11 election. Addressing a large public Sharif aide to gathering Khan said, “I apolo- Jamaat chief refuses to gise for not visiting Sindh.” He ensured the people of Sindh monitor cut in that Kala Bagh or any other dam could not be built until a foreign missions contest Peshawar poll consensus was hammered out PESHAWAR: The chief another term. The Shura did not amongst the federating units. ISLAMABAD: Approving the of Pakistan’s largest reli- insist that he should review his He said that with his Sindh closure of some foreign mis- gious party Jamaat-i-Islami decision. visit he was now sure beyond sions and abolishing dozens of Munawwar Hassan has declined The favourite candidates after any doubt that the elections posts under the austerity plan, to contest the party election to Munawwar Hassan are the JI were rigged, adding that every Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz retain his position. The election deputy chief Sirajul Haq, general party had appointed their own Sharif has constituted a commit- process in the JI has formally secretary Liaqat Baloch, president “umpires” in the polls. tee to ensure full monitoring and started and would be completed Sindh province Dr Mairajul Huda Imran reiterated his stance implementation of the decisions by April this year. Siddiqui, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that Pakistan would not pros- without giving any favours. The meeting of the central head Prof Mohammad Ibraheem per unless the country came According to the summary of Shura of the party, which con- Khan and Hafiz Mohammad out of the US war. the Cabinet Division approved cluded in Lahore yesterday Idrees. by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, named the election committee The first three are, however, Cop killed in the prime minister has directed headed by Abdul Hafeez Niazi, a considered the frontrunners, the that the sub-committee headed by senior member of the party. sources said. If the Shura mem- hospital firing Tariq Fatemi, Special Assistant “Balloting was also held in the bers voted Munawwar Hassan to the Prime Minister on Foreign Shura for choosing three names to be a candidate for the office PESHAWAR: A police- Affairs, shall act as Monitoring to contest for the top office of the of JI chief despite his refusal, he man was killed when uni- and Implementation Committee JI,” sources privy to the meeting would definitely retain the job for dentified assailants opened and submit its report on the said. The three names, however, another term as per the party fire in Naseer Ullah Khan implementation status of the could not be made public as some traditions. Babar Memorial Hospital decision after two months to the members of the body remained The election process of the in Peshawar yesterday, Geo main committee. absent from the three-day meet- central Ameer, or head, normally News reported. He also granted his approval ing that started on January 3. takes four months to complete. It According to police, the inci- that the Ministry of Foreign They would be asked for their would start from the first week dent took place on Kohat Road Affairs and ministries concerned consent through postal ballot, of January and end by April?s in Naseer Ullah Khan Babar shall evaluate and submit the which would take another 10-15 first week with the oath-taking Memorial Hospital where performance report of incum- days before finalising the names, of the new Ameer in accord- unknown gunmen opened fire bent officers presently working the sources said. ance with the party constitution. and killed a cop. on various positions in Pakistani Munawwar Hassan, according Munawwar Hassan was elected The hospital sources have missions as per the terms of ref- to sources, asked the JI shura to as the central president of JI in confirmed the casualty. Children wait for relief from the Muslim Hands United For The Needy during erence of the committee. keep him out of the election proc- April 2009. AGENCIES aid distribution at a refugee camp on the outskirts of Kabul on Sunday. INTERNEWS ess as he didn’t want to serve for INTERNEWS TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2014 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA Japanese PM to Rajasthan CM cuts security, be chief guest declines luxurious house at Republic Day JAIPUR: Rajasthan Chief Civil Lines area here. NEW DELHI: Japanese Minister Vasundhara Raje “She has decided to stay in Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is seems to have taken a leaf out of her comparatively much smaller to be chief guest at this year’s her Delhi counterpart Arvind government residence at 13, Civil Republic Day parade, in an indi- Kejriwal’s book — cutting down Lines,” said a senior state govern- cation of the growing impor- on her security and turning ment official, who preferred not tance of Japan-India relations. down a luxurious residence. to be named. Natsuo Yamaguchi, chief of Raje, who had been at the During her tenure as chief Japan’s New Komeito Party, a receiving end of the opposition minister between 2003 and 2008, partner of the ruling coalition, parties for her upscale lifestyle Raje had been criticized for wide said it is for the first time that during her previous tenure, has scale renovation work carried out a Japanese prime minister is to now scaled down her security at the chief minister’s residence be chief guest at India’s Republic by half, promised to stop at red at 8, Civil Lines. Day parade. lights with common commuters The Congress leaders had “This speaks of the importance and said no to the luxurious chief accused her of wasting public India and Japan are giving to the ministerial bungalow, sources money on her luxurious life style. relationship.. It is a symbol of this close to her said. Raje, who comes from the relationship,” said Yamaguchi, who A few days back, she had asked royal family of Gwalior, has also met Vice President Hamid Ansari the state’s Director General of instructed the police not to make and External Affairs Minister Police (DGP) Omendra Bhardwaj special arrangements for the pas- Salman Khurshid earlier in the to scale down her security. sage of her cavalcade. day to discuss India-Japan ties. “In her directions, she asked “She has said that she would “Japan and India are working the police chief to depute the hun- stop at red lights, so that com- on ways to strengthen their part- dreds of policemen, who would be mon commuters don’t get has- nership,” he added. relieved of her security duty, in sled by the traffic restrictions The visit of Abe later this service of the common men,” a which were earlier norm of the month comes after the visit of senior police officer said. day whenever the chief minister’s Japan’s Emperor and Empress to Raje is of the view that she cavalcade passed through,” said a India in November-end last year. would be more accessible to the traffic department officer. Emperor Akihito and Empress common man if the security is Raje has also decided to take Michiko’s six-day visit to India, reduced, the officer added. commercial flights instead of the second time they were visit- Apart from the security, using state planes to reduce her ing India after 50 years, was their another gesture from Raje to be travel expenses. Vinod Kumar, a first visit to a South Asian country among the masses was her deci- resident of Sodala area in Jaipur, after taking over the crown. Japan’s Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera (left) with his Indian counterpart A K Antony before a ceremonial sion not to move into the sprawl- said Raje’s gesture should be wel- IANS reception in New Delhi yesterday. ing chief minister’s bungalow in comed. IANS

Ganguly steps Set up green regulator, court tells govt down as Bengal rights chief Supreme Court wants regulator to monitor environmental clearances KOLKATA: Justice (retd) A K Ganguly, facing allegations NEW DELHI: The Supreme Holding that the court did not Impact Assessment (EIA) noti- implementation of the conditions power coupled with duty to appoint of sexually assaulting a law Court yesterday directed the find any force in the submission, fication would be done by the laid down in the environmental an appropriate authority in the form intern, yesterday stepped down central government to set up, by Justice Patnaik, pronouncing the regulator as it could carry out clearances,” it said. of a regulator at the state and at the from the post of chairman of March 31, the national environ- order, said: “We, therefore, direct independent, objective and trans- Rejecting the government’s central level for appraising projects, the West Bengal Human Rights ment regulator with its offices the Union of India to appoint a parent appraisal and also moni- contention that the apex court enforcing environmental conditions Commission. in all the states to oversee the regulator with offices in as many tor the implementations of the in its July 6, 2011, order had only for approvals and to impose penal- The former Supreme Court implementation of the various states as possible under sub-section conditions. The court pointed suggested setting up of a regu- ties on polluters....” judge drove to the Raj Bhavan projects having environmental (3) of Section 3 of the Environment out that the existing mechanism lator and there was no direction Accordingly the central gov- here and handed over his resig- implications. (Protection) Act, 1986 as directed under the EIA notification with to that effect, the order said it is ernment was directed to appoint nation letter to Governor M K Passing the order, the green in the order in the case of Lafarge regard to “processing, appraisals “therefore, not right in arguing a national regulator under the Narayanan during a 45-minute bench of Justice A K Patnaik, Umiam Mining Pvt Ltd....” and approval of the projects for that in the case of Lafarge Umiam provision concerned of the act, it meeting, sources in the know said Justice S S Nijjar and Justice The government was also asked environmental clearance is defi- Mining Pvt Ltd, this court has said. As a caution, the court said on condition of anonymity. Fakkir Mohamed Ibrahim to file an affidavit along with the cient in many respects”. merely suggested that a national the regulator would only oper- The resignation came hours Kalifulla rejected the central notification appointing the regu- “What is required is a regula- regulator should be appointed and ate within the area entrusted after the Supreme Court dis- government’s contention that lator in compliance of the court tor at the national level having its has not issued any mandamus to to it under the Environment missed a petition seeking to under Section 2 of the Forest direction by March 31. offices in all the states which can appoint a national regulator”. Protection Act and would scrupu- restrain the government from (Conservation) Act, 1980, the The court said that henceforth carry out an independent, objec- The court said the July 6 order lously refrain from exercising the proceeding against Ganguly. government alone is the regulator the task of processing, appraisals tive and transparent appraisal made it clear “that this court on an powers in the domain of the cen- Ganguly, however, claimed he had and no one else can be appointed and approval of the projects for and approval of the projects interpretation of Section 3(3) of the tral government under Section 2 “nothing to do” with the Public so as directed in the case of environmental clearance under for environmental clearances Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 of the Forest (Conservation) Act, Interest Litigation. Lafarge Umiam Mining Pvt Ltd. the Sep 14, 2006, Environment and which can also monitor the has taken a view that it confers a 1980. IANS The union cabinet had already cleared the home ministry’s pro- posal for a presidential reference to the Supreme Court for a probe into the allegations. The proposal INS Vikramaditya arrives was being sent to President Pranab Mukherjee, for him to forward to the chief justice of India seeking a probe into the issue. Indian-origin man escapes gallows in Singapore SINGAPORE: A second man on death row for drug traffick- ing in Singapore has escaped the gallows after the high court ruled that he had only been act- ing as a courier, a media report said yesterday. Instead, 30-year-old Subashkaran Pragasam has been sentenced to life imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane, reports Channel Newsasia television. Under amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Act last year, judges no longer have to impose the death penalty for certain The INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier arrives in the Indian Navy’s Area of Operation alongside ships types of homicide and drug traf- from western fleet in the Arabian Sea. The long-delayed INS Vikramaditya, acquired from Russia, costs ficking offences, it said. IANS $2.3bn and will be the largest and heaviest operated by the navy. Depressed over no roles, actor ends life

HYDERABAD: Apparently immediately took him to Jubilee Vishita grew suspicious when depressed over not getting Hills Apollo hospital here where he did not respond to her phone films, young Telugu actor the doctors declared him dead. calls after sending her an SMS Uday Kiran committed suicide An autopsy was conducted on reportedly expressing his love. by hanging himself here on the body at government-run She rushed to the flat where Sunday night, police said yes- Osmania General Hospital. The she found him hanging from terday. Kiran, 33, is survived body was later shifted to the the ceiling in the gym. With the by his wife Vishita. mortuary at Nizam’s Institute help of neighbours, she shifted Kiran, who acted in 19 films of Medical Sciences (NIMS). him to hospital. including three Tamil mov- A police officer quoted his Kiran was depressed over ies, ended his life in his flat at wife and other family members not getting any new film since Srinagar colony around mid- as saying that he was in deep February last year. night. He was alone in the flat. depression for the last few days. Family members told police Vishita, who had gone out for He refused to attend the that he was in touch with a a family party, rushed to the birthday party of a relative in Tamil filmmaker and was wait- flat after he did not respond the city on Sunday night and ing for his phone call on Sunday. to her mobile phone calls. She sent his wife for the same. IANS Uday Kiran TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2014 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15

Telangana protest Death toll in Goa AAP disagrees with building collapse climbs to 17

PANAJI: Rescuers pulled two Bhushan on Kashmir more bodies from the rubble of a collapsed apartment block, taking the death toll from the country’s latest building Row over call for referendum on army deployment accident to 17, an official said yesterday. NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi any referendum.” The Congress, considerations,” he said. Jammu The building, which was under Party (AAP) leader Prashant which props up the AAP govern- and Kashmir Chief Minister construction, crumbled mid- Bhushan’s reported call for a ment, earlier asked the new party Omar Abdullah added that gov- afternoon on Saturday while referendum on army deploy- to clear the air. ernments don’t “need to conduct more than 40 poorly paid daily- ment in Kashmir created a Harsh Vardhan, who heads a referendum (on) every tricky wage labourers were on site in the storm yesterday, with Delhi the BJP in the Delhi assem- situation”. southern tourism state of Goa. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal bly, dubbed Bhushan’s views as The Communist Party of India Rescue workers discovered the quickly distancing his party “anti-national”. “How can anyone said army deployment must be two bodies overnight as efforts from the purported statement. have the guts to say all this on decided by the government and continue around the clock to try Bhushan, a senior Supreme Kashmir?” cannot be an issue of public to find survivors still trapped in Court lawyer, himself clarified The most serious attack on debate. “These decisions are taken the rubble of the building that a that his views had been twisted Bhushan came from BJP’s Arun by those in power, these are not witness said collapsed like “a pack and that any reference to a ref- Jaitley, who utilised the opportu- matters of public debate,” CPI-M of cards”. erendum should not be construed nity to blame Jawaharlal Nehru, leader Sitaram Yechury said. Although about 16 people are as a plebiscite on Jammu and India’s first prime minister, for Under attack, Bhushan said still unaccounted for, the official Kashmir’s merger with India. “mismanagement” of the Kashmir Monday that Jammu and Kashmir said the chances of finding survi- “The AAP is of the view that issue. was an integral part of India. But vors were slim given the length of Kashmir is an integral part of “The suggestion that the issue he said that the deployment of time since the accident. India. Needless to say I share this of army presence in Kashmir armed forces in large numbers “Only a miracle can save them,” view,” he said in a statement here. be decided by a referendum of in the state must be done with said the official, speaking on con- “Any reference to referen- the people in the valley must be people’s wishes. dition of anonymity. dum shouldn’t be misconstrued opposed,” he said. He said it was his view that the Another 16 people were recov- to mean plebiscite on Kashmir’s “Issues relating to Jammu deployment of armed forces “in ering in hospital, the official said. relationship with India,” he added. and Kashmir were substantially huge numbers within Kashmir Rescue workers were using As the Bharatiya Janata Party decided by Nehru. The effects of not for external defence or to bulldozers, shovels and bare hands (BJP) mounted a fierce attack on his mismanagement of Jammu prevent infiltration but for the to try to shift concrete slabs and Bhushan and the Congress and and Kashmir continue to leave security of the people ... should other debris from the site in the CPI-M too made critical com- their impact even today,” he said not be done without the consent seaside village of Canacona, south ments, Kejriwal said the AAP did in his blog. of the people of Kashmir. of the state capital Panaji. not agree with the referendum Without naming Bhushan, “Of course the union govern- “The rescue work is tedious. call. “Deployment of army (in Jaitley said: “The same leader ment is fully entitled to deploy You have to ensure that the the Kashmir Valley) is a matter had two years ago suggested a the army for external defence nearby buildings don’t get dam- of internal security. There is no plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir in Kashmir as well as protecting aged and also the debris doesn’t question of having a referendum where people must be free to the minorities there if there is a collapse further while digging in,” on it.” decide whether they wish to stay threat to minority rights. the official said. Kejriwal, however, added: “The with India or otherwise. “It is the prerogative of the Sniffer dogs have also been feelings of the local people should “The issues of national secu- state to deploy security forces brought in to try to find those be taken into account, otherwise rity cannot be decided by pop- including armed forces for any trapped. it will be a threat to democracy. ulism or referendum. They can stretch (of time) to internal and Students of the Telangana Joint Action Committee (TJAC) throw stones Goan police are searching for But our party is not in favour of only be decided on security external security. IANS at policemen who prevent them from marching to the state Assembly the builder and the contractor during a pro-Telangana state protest in Hyderabad yesterday. who have gone missing since the tragedy. Officers have registered cases against them, and others involved in the building’s construction, for allegedly endangering human life, Delhi fog hits air traffic, 90 flights cancelled causing death and negligence. The accident is the latest in a string of deadly building collapses NEW DELHI: Dense fog in According to officials, 37 flights the delays and cancellations. Railway, 44 trains en-route to said the sky will be mainly clear in India, some of which have the national capital yesterday departing from Delhi and 188 “Original departure time was Delhi were running well behind later in the day. highlighted shoddy construction led to cancellation of at least 90 flights arriving at the capital 6.40am. It was rescheduled to schedule and five have been The maximum temperature is standards. flights. The city was hit by the were delayed, and 52 inbound 8.45am due to fog. Even about an rescheduled. likely to hover around 19 degrees A huge demand for housing in season’s worst fog on Sunday. flights were diverted away from hour later, nobody bothered to Commuters travelling from Celsius. Humidity at 8.30 am was India and pervasive corruption “Since Sunday night to last Delhi. explain what the real problem is,” Delhi to the satellite towns of 100 percent. often result in cost-cutting and morning the visibility had “My flight has been diverted said Dinkar Krishnan, who was Noida and Ghaziabad in Uttar Sunday’s maximum tempera- a lack of safety inspections. dropped to a mere 50 metres. At to Ahmedabad, thanks to Delhi travelling to Chennai. Pradesh and Gurgaon in Haryana ture settled one notch below the In September a rundown resi- least 52 flights departing from fog,” Anuja Mohan, who was on The train operations were also faced a harrowing time. season’s average at 19.3 degrees dential block in the financial hub Delhi and 31 arriving have been her way to Delhi from Dubai, said. disrupted as fog reduced the vis- The minimum temperature Celsius, while the minimum tem- Mumbai collapsed, killing 60 peo- cancelled,” said an official of the People waiting at the airport com- ibility to 300 metres in Delhi last yesterday settled a notch below perature was a notch above the ple. Another building collapse in Indira Gandhi International plained that the authorities were morning. the season’s average at 6.6 degrees season’s average at 7.8 degrees the city in April killed 74. Airport. not providing information about According to the Northern Celsius. However, the Met Office Celsius. IANS AFP

Snowfall hits Kashmir ISRO raises GSAT-14’s orbit CHENNAI: The Indian space agency yesterday- successfully completed the first orbit raising operations of its com- munication satellite GSAT-14. According to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the first orbit raising opera- tion of GSAT-14 was com- pleted by firing the apogee motor for 3,134 seconds or 52 minutes. The realised orbit is 8,966km perigee (near- est point from earth) and 35,744 km apogee (farthest point from the earth). The cuboid shaped Rs.145 crore GSAT-14 is India’s 23rd geostationary satellites built by ISRO. It A family wearing traditional cloaks trudges through the snow on the outskirts of Srinagar, the summer capital has a life span of 12 years. of Kashmir, yesterday. Kashmir Valley is likely to receive moderate to heavy snowfall tomorrow. Last week IANS the valley received heavy snowfall, following which road and air traffic were suspended. Over 2,000 to attend annual diaspora meet

NEW DELHI: Over 2,000 network of young overseas Addressing a media con- convention was held in Kochi non-resident Indians (NRIs) Indians to contribute to India’s ference here, Ravi said Prime in partnership with the Kerala and people of Indian origin engagement with youth in all Minister Manmohan Singh government. (PIOs) from all across the sectors,” Minister of Overseas will address the diaspora meet Malaysian Minister of Natural world are likely to attend the Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi said tomorrow, while President Resource and Environment 12th edition of the annual yesterday. Pranab Mukherjee will deliver Datuk Seri G Palanivel will be diaspora meet beginning here The event is organised every the valedictory speech on the chief guest. today. year by the ministry of over- Thursday. According to Ravi, the pur- The focus of the three-day seas Indian affairs to mark the Ravi said over 2,000 delegates pose of the annual event called event — which began in 2003 - return of Mahatma Gandhi to from the heterogeneous and “Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will be on engaging the youth India from South Africa. This diverse overseas Indian commu- (PBD)” is to have a meaning- diaspora in different sectors. is an effort to connect with nity spread across the globe are ful interaction with overseas “The event is expected to the nearly 25 million Indian likely to take part in the event. Indians in order to address their open new horizons of a strong diaspora living across the globe. The 11th edition of the annual issues and concerns. IANS TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2014 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME Rolling joy

Fajr (Dawn) 5:00 Shorook (Sunrise) 6:21 Zuhr (Noon) 11:40 Asr (Afternoon) 2:39 Maghrib (Sunset) 5:00 Isha (Night) 6:30

WEATHER

Today Wednesday Weather Thursday Conditions: Partly cloudy Partly cloudy Partly cloudy Partly cloudy to cloudy with chance for High: 21° High: 20° High: 21° Low: 16° Low: 14° Low: 13° scattered rain at first.

DOHA - SUN & SEA

SUN TIDE SEA

SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND 06:21 17:00 09:00 & 22:30 02:00 & 16:30 15-20/25-30 KT

THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW

HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER

MUSCAT 26/18 Partly cloudy 22/16 Chance of rain KUWAIT 15/08 Clear 16/08 Clear Sam Lloyd-Williams, 10, rolls a zorb, or inflatable ball, in a pool of water at the London Boat Show at the ExCeL Centre yesterday. BAHRAIN 17/14 Chance of rain 17/14 Partly cloudy SANAA 23/06 Clear 24/06 Partly cloudy RIYADH 18/07 Partly cloudy 15/08 Clear DUBAI 23/16 Mostly cloudy 22/15 Chance of rain BAGHDAD 11/04 Mostly cloudy 15/03 Partly cloudy Electronic ‘mother’ does the job as well THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW LAS VEGAS: Resembling a medicine or brush their teeth. designed “motion cookies,” which Haladjian. It’s normal everyday HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER Russian nesting doll, the pint- Designed by the French star- the company calls “magical sen- things like brushing your teeth or sized robotic device wants to be tup Sen.se, it is called simply sors” that detect movement, tem- taking medicine. We have a cookie ATHENS 15/11 Rain 15/10 Partly cloudy your “mother.” “Mother.” perature, patterns and more. The (sensor) inside which makes these WASHINGTON -8/-9 Clear 01/01 Partly cloudy The electronic device with “It’s a very simple system that tiny cookies are attached to the more useful without learning SYDNEY 22/16 Chance of rain 23/14 Chance of rain wireless connectivity can trans- allows you to transform any object devices the user wants to monitor. new gestures or installing new LONDON 13/07 Chance of rain 13/08 Mostly cloudy form any object in the home into in everyday life into a connected Some 16 centimetres tall, applications.” PARIS 13/11 Chance of rain 14/11 Mostly cloudy a smart one. device,” said company founder Mother can be plugged into a Sen.se expects to ship Mother ISTANBUL 12/06 Partly cloudy 11/05 Fog It can detect unexpected activ- Rafi Haladjian at a preview home network and monitor up to later this year, at a price of $222 MANILA 31/23 Partly cloudy 31/20 Clear ity at the front door, keep track showing ahead of the Consumer 24 objects. with four cookies, and $99 for a DHAKA 25/13 Clear 23/12 Clear of watering of plants, and even Electronics Show in Las Vegas. “This is not science fiction, it’s set of four additional sensors. DELHI 19/07 Clear 16/08 Mostly cloudy ensure family members take their The device uses specially not gesture-based control,” said AFP ISLAMABAD 16/04 Mostly cloudy 15/01 Chance of rain

Veteran British journalist Simon Birthplace of three-piece suit showcases brands LONDON: Britain, birthplace stations with posters featur- shadow in recent years thanks to London remains ahead of the Topman, a chain belonging to of the three-piece suit and ing real Londoners showcas- rapid sales growth that analysts world fashion pack, and to support the Arcadia Group of British bil- Hoggart dies leather brogues, is stepping up ing fabled British looks such say is being driven by the Internet an important sector that creates lionaire Philip Green, showcased efforts to establish London as as brogues and tartan. And it and an increasingly sartorially thousands of jobs and generates 10 models with slicked-down wet of cancer the global capital of menswear is kickstarting the menswear aware generation, particularly in billion pounds each year,” London hair and outfits from oversized with its designers chasing dom- collections internationally, with Asia. Mayor Boris Johnson said. coats to cable-bonded slouchy tur- LONDON: Simon Hoggart, the inance in the fastest growing shows to follow in Milan, Paris Market research firm Mintel British designer Lou Dalton tleneck sweaters walking down veteran Guardian journalist, fashion sector by sales. and New York. estimates the men’s fashion mar- kickstarted the event yester- a runway through a staged rain has died at the age of 67 after a Playing host to London “We have the heritage that none ket grew by 2 percent to £10.4bn day, sending models down the shower. three-year battle with pancre- Collections: Men, a three-day of the other cities have,” model in 2012, and the market is fore- catwalk in farm workwear- “This was my romantic notion atic cancer, the British newspa- event that started yester- and fashion committee member cast to grow 16 percent between inspired corduroy and faded of tough northern (England) per said yesterday. day, the British capital will see David Gandy told Reuters. 2011 and 2016. denim outfits. boys going to work in shipyards Hoggart joined the daily more than 130 brands such as “We have Savile Row and we Consultancy Bain & Co The event will also host brands of old,” Design Director Gordon straight from university in 1968, Topman, Burberry and Alexander have the history, we set so many reported in 2012 that the inter- such as Marks and Spencer, Richardson said. “ spent 12 years working for its sis- McQueen showcase their latest trends here, from the Burberry national luxury menswear market which will stage its first men’s They would just have been like ter Sunday paper The Observer, collections to fashion buyers and coat to the three-piece suit, from was growing at an annual rate of fashion show pegged on its “Best that, they would have worn don- and for the past 20 years wrote the media from more than 20 herringbone to Harris tweed.” 14 percent, almost double the rate of British” range at a time when key jackets, peacoats, they would the Guardian’s witty and waspish countries. The menswear sector has of the womenswear segment. the retail giant is battling falling have braved the elements.” parliamentary sketch. The city has dressed its train emerged out of womenswear’s “Our goal is to ensure that clothing sales. REUTERS He also penned 20 books and anthologies, including several collections of ‘round-robin’ let- Age-old talent ters that poked fun at the often interminable missives families sent to friends and relatives each Christmas giving updates on their Atkinson novel achievements. Guardian editor Alan Rusbridger said: “Simon was a terrific reporter and column- wins honour ist — and a great parliamentary sketchwriter. LONDON: Kate Atkinson, and a mouse named Ishmael “He wrote with mischief and author of award-winning team up to investigate the a sometimes acid eye about the “Behind the Scenes at the surprising secrets of the theatre of politics. But he wrote Museum”, won the best spooky mansion where she from a position of sophisticated novel of the year in the lives. knowledge and respect for par- Costa Book Awards yes- The Costa awards go to liament. “A daily reading of his terday with her new book writers based in Britain sketch told you things about the “Life After Life”, about a or Ireland for a work pub- workings of Westminster which woman who gets a second lished in the last year. They no news story could ever convey. chance to live. were established in 1971 He will be much missed by read- Lucy Hallett-Hughes’s by Whitbread but were ers and his colleagues.” “The Pike”, about Italian renamed after Costa Coffee Hoggart’s final dispatch from poet, serial seducer and took over the sponsorship. the House of Commons was pub- proto-fascist warmonger Each of the winners lished on December 5, the day Gabriele D’Annunzio, got the receives a prize of £5,000 and after finance minister George nod for best biography while is eligible for the Costa Book Osborne’s upbeat autumn eco- Michael Symmons Roberts’ of the Year Award, which nomic statement. He described latest collection of poems, will be announced later this Prime Minister David Cameron “Drysalter”, won the poetry month. as smiling “like the Cheshire cat award. Since the introduction of after a large sherry”. Writer, lecturer and men- the Book of the Year Award AFP tal health nurse Nathan in 1985, it has been won 11 Filer won the Costa First times by a novel, four times Novel Award for “The Shock by a first novel, five times by of the Fall”, about a man’s a biography, seven times by a descent into madness as he collection of poetry and once becomes aware of his role by a children’s book. in the boyhood death of his Atkinson herself won it in older brother. 1995 for “Behind the Scenes Political cartoonist Chris at the Museum”. Georgian pensioners after winning a talent contest in Tbilisi, Georgia, yesterday. The contest takes place every year Riddell took the children’s The 2012 winner was before Orthodox Christmas and gives a chance not only to elderly actors but also opera and pop singers to show off book award for “Goth Girl Hilary Mantel’s historical their skills. and the Ghost of a Mouse”, novel “Bring Up the Bodies”. in which the girl of the title REUTERS Tuesday 7 January 2014 6 Rabial I 1435 Volume 18 Number 5937 Price: QR2

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Turkish lira Doha Insurance at new low ANKARA: The Turkish lira gets regulatory plunged to a new low against the dollar yesterday, as a high- level corruption scandal contin- ued to hurt investor confidence. The lira fell to 2.1947 to the nod for float dollar in the morning before recovering back to 2.1764 at yes- terday’s close. The Istanbul stock 24.26 million new shares to be issued exchange rallied 3.11 percent to reach 68,002.00 points. DOHA: Doha Insurance further improve its credit rating. The latest pressure against received regulatory approval “We hope this would enable com- the Turkish currency arises from for the issuance of 24.26 mil- pany to be in a better position to political tensions over a corrup- lion new shares to shareholders compete for a considerable stake tion and bribery investigation through a rights issue. in the mega projects both locally which has shaken Prime Minister The company would seek the and internationally,” he said. Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s pro-busi- approval of the shareholders at Reuters reported Doha ness government. the next Extraordinary General Insurance would seek shareholder Turkey’s central bank, statuto- Assembly expected to be held on approval next month for the capi- rily independent, is trying to prop February 17, 2014, the company tal increase worth QR436.7m up the lira by selling dollars from said in a filing to Qatar Exchange ($119.9m), with the cash aimed at Tourists check rates outside a currency exchange office in central Istanbul yesterday. its reserves. (QE) yesterday. strengthening its ability to work AFP Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser bin at home and abroad. The move Khaled Al Thani (pictured), wills nearly double its capital. Chairman of Doha Qatar is in the midst Insurance, said: “The of a construction boom company has received with the country plan- lately the written ning to spend as much approval - in princi- as $140bn on infra- Qatar second top fertilizer supplier to Brazil ple - from both Qatar structure projects, Central Bank (QCB) including a new air- DOHA: Qatar emerged as the of fertilizers to Brazil during the producing countries are now from Arab countries. However, and the Ministry port, stadiums, roads second top supplier of fertiliz- first nine months of 2013 with a turning to the Brazilian market the country’s greater fertilizer of Economy and and railways, as it ers to Brazil during the first spending of $ 933m and a growth due to India’s recent move to imports are not restricted to Arab Commerce to increase prepares to host the three quarters of 2013 with a of 19.05 percent from the previous reduce its fertilizer imports. The suppliers alone. the capital of the com- World Cup in 2022. huge 268 percent growth from year. This is followed by Qatar. country was once the leading The Brazilian National Fertilizer pany from QR257.4m The insurer has the previous year. Brazil’s fer- Egypt and Tunisia take third and importer of fertilizers, however, Association has reported that dur- to QR500m by issuing no state ownership, tiliser import bill for Qatar the fourth place with $133m and the depreciation of the rupee has ing the first nine months of 2013, 24,260,000 new shares according to Zawya, reached $325m during the first $96.49m, respectively. prompted the Indian government Brazil bought abroad a 23.83 per- to the shareholders a Thomson Reuters three quarters of 2013, the Of the four countries men- to remove subsidies to phosphate cent greater volume of fertilizers, through a rights issue offered at unit. This is in contrast to most Arab-Brazilian Chamber of tioned, Qatar supplies nitro- imports, thereby driving in a or a total of 20.4 million tonnes. The QR18 per share, QR10 being par other insurance and financial Commerce revealed yesterday. genised products while Egypt reduction in local purchases. This growth is attributed to the growing value and a premium of QR8.” services firms listed in the coun- The Brazilian market has report- provides quality urea at rea- move, in turn, has resulted in an demand for food, coming mainly Sheikh Nawaf said the com- try, who are partially owned by edly spent over $1.6bn on fertilizers sonable prices. Both Tunisia impact on the global market, driv- from emerging nations, which has pany is currently in the process sovereign investment funds. coming from Arab countries dur- and Morocco are known in the ing fertilizer prices down. prompted Brazil to produce more of arranging to convene the next Last February, shareholders ing the first three quarters of 2013, industry as key suppliers and tra- Fertiliser shipments from Arab agricultural commodities and thus Extraordinary General Assembly of Qatar Insurance approved a reflecting a 41.07 per cent increase ditional producers of phosphates. countries to Brazil have displayed needing more fertilizers. for the purpose of seeking share- QR963.2m rights issue as well as from the same period in 2012 or In addition to the four countries, a reduction in product value. In Established in 1952 with the holders’ approval of the capital a 20 percent stake sale to Qatar $1.1m in growth. Products imported Bahrain and the UAE supplied fact, the volume of imports made mission of strengthening com- increase. Holding, a unit of sovereign came from top Arab countries, fertiliser worth around $35m each from Q1 to Q3 of last year has mercial bonds between Brazil and The new rights issue comes as wealth fund Qatar Investment including Qatar, Morocco, Kuwait, to tie a fifth place, while Kuwait is grown to 64.55 percent as com- the Arab countries, the Chamber part of the company’s vision to Authority. the UAE, Egypt and Tunisia. listed in sixth with $32m. pared to 2012. Brazil bought a vol- represents 22 Arab countries. increase financial solvency and THE PENINSULA Morocco was the top supplier In addition to this, fertilizer ume figure of around 3.9m tonnes THE PENINSULA

World’s first Internet-connected Brent crude Qatar bourse index toothbrush makes debut at CES edges up ends in the green LAS VEGAS: Brush smarter. NEW YORK: Brent crude That’s the message from the oil edged higher yesterday DOHA: Supported by a hunt makers of what is billed as the in choppy trading as reports for high-dividend stocks, Qatar world’s first Internet-connected of restarted production at a Exchange continued its bullish toothbrush. Libyan oilfield, which hinted at run yesterday. Qatari index was Unveiled yesterday at a preview more supply, were outweighed the second strongest performer event for the Consumer Electronics by doubts about its ability to in the Gulf yesterday, after Show, the device from French- reach markets. Abu Dhabi, rising 1.13 percent based startup Kolibree aims “to Libya’s armed forces warned to cross the high 10,784 points, reinvent oral care,” according to they would not allow any oil highest close since August 2008. co-founder Loic Cessot. tanker to load at ports seized by Market cap rose to QR570bn “The technology in the protesters. The Libyan Navy had from the prior trading session’s industry has not evolved for blocked a Maltese-flagged vessel QR566bn. years,” Cessot said. “The idea from trying to reach a dock and The entire sector indices ended is not to brush stronger, but opened fire as it approached a in green with the insurance smarter.” The Kolibree tooth- port, officials said. counters surging the most by 4.05 brush includes a sensor which Brent rose over $1 early in the percent. Telecom stocks edged detects how much tartar is being session before paring gains to 1.36 percent and the real estate removed in a brushing. It also seesaw near flat. The volatility advanced 1.27 percent. The bank- records brushing activity so followed the benchmark’s biggest ing and financial services was up users can maintain a consistent weekly fall in six months after the 0.82 percent, while the consumer in the banking and financial serv- cleaning each time. restart of the El Sharara oilfield goods and services index gained ices sector followed by QIB which The device conveys the infor- following a two-month blockade 0.92 percent. closed up2.55 percent. Commercial mation wirelessly to a smart- by protesters. Among the top gainers were Bank of Qatar climbed 2.10 per- phone app — a particularly useful The restart of the 340,000-bar- Qatar Insurance, The Investors, cent while International Islamic aid for parents who want to moni- rel-per-day (b/d) field will more Ahli Bank, General Insurance, rose 1.89 percent. tor the teeth cleaning efforts of than double Libyan crude produc- Widam and Qatar Islamic Bank Trading value surged to QR770m small children, according to tion, which had fallen to 250,000 (QIB). Qatar Insurance surged compared to the prior session’s Cessot. “When you use a normal b/d from 1.4m b/d in July. 5.26 percent and The Investors QR503m. Of the 41 companies toothbrush you never really know Brent crude futures for February advanced 4.55 percent. Ahli listed, 28 rose, nine declined and what you’ve cleaned. It might be rose 3 cents to $106.92 at 1812 Bank gained 4.21 percent, while three closed unchanged. 30 percent. The only person who GMT after earlier climbing over General Insurance and Widam “Qatar’s move is seasonal really knows is the dentist.” $1 to a session high of $107.96. US rose 3.46 percent and 3.29 percent because of the dividends but the But the app can tell users if crude fell 54 cents to $93.42 per respectively. decent bids we’re seeing at this they have missed hard-to-clean The Kolibree toothbrush, the world’s first Internet-connected toothbrush, barrel. The contract lost $1.48 a National Cement Company, stage is partly an element of rota- areas or are not getting a thor- on display at CES in Nevada, Las Vegas, yesterday. barrel on Friday and posted its Islamic Insurance and Industries tion,” Reuters quoted Amer Khan, ough brushing. The app, which biggest weekly drop since June Qatar were the top losers. head of asset management at is open for developers to add on by Cessot and former Microsoft crowdsourcing effort. Orders 2012. South Sudan’s oil production National Cement declined 2.16 Shuaa Asset Management as say- other programs, aims to increase and Google executive Thomas will be available initially through remained a concern, even after the percent, Islamic Insurance fell ing. “If you see money coming out motivation and make the experi- Serval plans to release the tooth- Kickstarter from $99 to $200, government and rebels last week 1.04 percent, while Industries of the UAE, you’d see it naturally ence more fun, said Cessot. brush worldwide in the third depending on the model and will agreed to peace talks. Qatar shed 0.29 percent. parking in Qatar at this time.” The self-funded startup created quarter, getting a boost from a include a free mobile app. AFP REUTERS Ahli Bank helped lead a charge THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2014 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

HK toys and games fair Suez Canal European stock master plan to be finalised in markets down; nine months

CAIRO: Egypt has invited 14 consortia to bid for a chance to euro climbs say how they would develop the Suez Canal area, officials said yesterday, aiming to attract more ships and revenue to shore Gold firms to $1,246.25 an ounce up the country’s finances. The Suez Canal is the fastest LONDON: Upbeat eurozone of England and the European shipping route between Europe data helped boost the euro yes- Central Bank. Both institutions and Asia and brings in around terday but top European stock are widely expected to leave their $5bn a year, a source of hard cur- markets mostly ended in the benchmark interest rates at rency whose importance has risen red, dragged down by losses on record-lows of 0.50 percent and since a popular uprising in 2011 Wall Street. 0.25 percent respectively. scared off tourists and foreign London’s benchmark FTSE And on Friday, markets will investors. 100 index ended the day flat at focus on the key US non-farm “We must move dynamically ... 6,730.73 points, but Frankfurt’s payrolls data for the latest update Investors must find service here DAX 30 dipped 0.08 percent to on the health of the world’s big- at an international level because 9,428 points and the CAC 40 in gest economy. if they do not find it here they Paris shed 0.47 percent to 4,227.54 “Trading volumes should pick will go some place else,” Mohab points. up significantly this week, as Smartphones are attached to toy guns for a virtual reality shooting game at the Hong Kong Toys and Games Memish, head of the Suez Canal The FTSE and DAX had spent traders return to their desks fol- Authority, said at a press confer- Fair yesterday. The app is expected to sell at a retail price of around $40. Four trade fairs, including Asia’s most of the afternoon in positive lowing the festive period and the ence in Ismailiya. largest toy fair, opened in the territory, with more than 2,800 exhibitors featuring a wide range of toys, baby territory after survey data showed number of potential catalysts also Egypt wants to turn 76,000 the eurozone making a continuing, rises substantially,” said analyst products and stationery items. square kilometres around the if uneven, economic recovery. Craig Erlam at traders Alpari. canal into an international indus- The Composite Purchasing Asian stock markets fell on the trial and logistics hub, reviving Managers’ Index compiled by region’s first full day of trading in economic development after more Markit Economics, for both serv- 2014, with Tokyo tumbling as the than three years of economic and ices and manufacturing activity, dollar and euro retreated from political turmoil. rose to 52.1 points in December five-year highs against the yen. Opec December output falls The approved consortia will be from 51.7 in November. The read- Tokyo stocks sank 2.35 per- able to buy bidding documents ing was in line with the first flash cent, Sydney lost 0.47 percent LONDON: Opec’s oil output terms of Libya, it is too early to terminals limited supplies. Output from January 8 to 23. A winning estimate and held above the key and Shanghai gave up 1.80 per- fell in December to the lowest say if production levels will sta- averaged 250,000 b/d in December, consortium will be selected in the 50-points boom-or-bust line. cent, while Hong Kong shed 0.58 since May 2011, a Reuters survey bilize further.” less than 290,000 b/d in November next three months and will have Spain hitting a 77-month-high percent in value. found, due to strikes and pro- In December, protests in Libya, and a fraction of the 1.4m b/d it was a further six months to come up composite reading of 53.9 helped Japan’s Nikkei started the year tests in Libya, stagnation in Iraqi lower Saudi Arabian supply and pumping earlier this year. with a master plan, Memish said. push the IBEX 35 up 0.92 percent with heavy losses after surging 57 exports and a further reduction stagnation in Iraq outweighed an Output is set to rise this month Egypt’s Interim Prime Minister to 9,888.5 points. However, France percent in 2013, with profit-tak- in Saudi Arabian supply. increase in Nigeria and a further after the reopening of the El Hazem El Beblawi said the mas- registered ongoing contraction in ing adding to downward pressure, Output from the Organisation of small rise in Iranian shipments. Sharara field at the weekend. The ter plan will be presented to the December, hitting a 7-month low while the yen rebounded from the Petroleum Exporting Countries Opec’s December output is the prospective restart at the 340,000 cabinet within nine months. composite score of 47.3. recent lows. The dollar and euro averaged 29.53 million barrels per lowest since May 2011, when the b/d field put downward pressure In November, Egypt will host European stocks pulled back last week hit highs against the day (b/d), down from 29.64m b/d in group pumped 28.90 million bpd on prices last week. an international conference for after Wall Street fell after data yen not seen since October 2008, November, according to the survey according to Reuters surveys, Iraq’s oil exports in December investors and in early 2015 infra- showed activity in the nation’s but they fell Friday in thin trade based on shipping data and infor- and leaves supply below Opec’s edged lower to 2.34m b/d. Bad structure work on the project will service sector slowed in December as many dealers stayed away after mation from sources at oil compa- nominal target of 30m b/d for a weather kept a lid on shipments begin, Memish said. outweighed factory orders in the holiday season. nies, Opec and consultants. third month. Saudi Arabia, indus- through southern terminals, and The Suez Canal project was a November hitting a 22-year high. The European single currency The survey illustrates the try sources say, trimmed output exports of Kirkuk crude through main feature in the campaigns of In midday trade, the Dow climbed to $1.3639 from $1.3586 drag on Opec production from due to a reduced requirement northern Iraq declined. the most prominent candidates in Jones Industrial Average slid late in New York on Friday. The unplanned outages, which helped for crude to fuel domestic power Output rose in Nigeria, where the 2012 election. It was adopted 0.25 percent to 16,428.67 points. dollar eased to 104.38 yen against keep oil prices above $100 a barrel plants and lower demand outside supply has been increasingly hit by the Mursi administration but The broad-based S&P 500 gave 104.85 yen. The euro rose to 83.10 in 2013 and may persist. A rise the country. by spills and theft from pipelines, opposition groups accused him of up 0.38 percent to 1,824.32, while pence from 82.75 pence on Friday. in Libyan output has weighed on The kingdom has cut supplies due to the end of maintenance at attempting to seize and sell public the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite The British pound dipped to prices in early 2014, but a further from 10.05m b/d in August, the Royal Dutch Shell’s Bonga oilfield. land to foreign countries. dropped 0.56 percent to 4,108.89. $1.6411 from $1.6413. Gold prices recovery is by no means assured. highest since records began in 1980, Iranian supply to market was Memish said the project would Later this week, investors firmed to $1,246.25 an ounce from “Supply issues are still in the according to figures from US Energy estimated at 2.7m b/d, up 50,000 be put to the public for national will switch attention to inter- $1,234.50 on Friday on the London spotlight,” said Carsten Fritsch, Information Administration. b/d, but still curbed by sanctions. discussion before it is adopted. est rate decisions from the Bank Bullion Market. AFP analyst at Commerzbank. “In In Libya, protests at fields and REUTERS REUTERS

QDB holds Al Dhameen talks with partner banks DOHA: Qatar Development Bank (QDB) held its eighth Al Dhameen dialogue session with partner banks in Doha to identify ways to enhance the indirect lending initiatives for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that do not have a credit history or enough guar- antees to acquire finance. Al Dhameen was established by QDB to encourage banks to Nissan’s new interpretation of the London Taxi. finance promising SMEs held back by a limited credit history and insufficient collateral. Qatar- Nissan taxi readies for battle based private sector companies are eligible for guarantees of up to 85 percent of the loan amount. with London’s black cabs The session discussed major LONDON: Nissan Motor Co is clearly visible. It will also challenges and ways to enhance unveiled its new Taxi for London adhere to the strict regulations Al Dhameen, and highlighted yesterday, having adapted an for London’s so-called Hackney customers’ feedback. The pro- existing van to look more like Carriages, or black cabs, including gramme team showcased achieve- the city’s traditional black cabs a 25-foot turning circle enabling it ments during the last three years and allow the Japanese group to to turn around in London’s nar- and highlighted efforts towards challenge the London market’s row streets. the programme development current duopoly. Once on the road, Nissan with the partners: Enterprise Nissan, which already supplies will compete against the domi- Qatar, Bedaya Center and Qatar taxis in New York, Barcelona and nant manufacturer, London Taxi Business Incubation Centre. Tokyo, said the new petrol-engine Co (LTC), which operated as The session was presided taxi would be based on its NV200 Manganese Bronze until it was over by Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al multi-purpose van and should be saved last year by Chinese car- Khalifa, Chief Executive Officer on the streets by the end of the maker Geely. Eco City Vehicles also of QDB, and attended by 14 rep- year. The company first unveiled runs the Mercedes Vito taxi. There resentatives of partner banks the taxi in August 2012 but had to were almost 23,000 black taxis and financial institutions based adapt it after feedback from the licenced to operate in the capital in Qatar. “Al Dhameen came a city’s transport bodies. at the beginning of January, with long way since it was established “We have worked closely with the Mercedes Vito accounting for three years ago, when it had only the mayor’s office and associated 2,177. The rest are made by LTC. one partner,” said Abdulaziz. “The stakeholders and interested par- Steve McNamara, the general programme managed to achieve ties to ensure that Nissan’s new secretary of the Licensed Taxi huge success in a relatively short cab not only raises the bar for both Drivers’ Association, said the period of time, with the support driver and passenger, but is also as new taxi would be welcomed by of its 14 partners.” instantly recognisable as its legen- the industry because it would be Through Al Dhameen, QDB dary forebears,” Executive Vice- cleaner than the traditional die- also aims at supporting pri- President Andy Palmer said. sel cabs. Industry rumours have vate and SME sectors in line of The vehicle was adapted to suggested that they will also be its efforts to achieve economic give it round head lamps, a re- cheaper than their competitors. diversification in Qatar and lower modelled grille similar to those Nissan said that it also hopes dependency on hydrocarbons sec- found on the traditional London to have an electric taxi on the tor as a major source of income. black cabs and LED lighting to streets of a British city in 2015. THE PENINSULA make sure the yellow taxi sign REUTERS TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2014 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19 Egypt economy starting to pick up: Survey Business activity grew in December

CAIRO: Business activity in has been unstable since a popular Egypt grew for a second con- uprising ousted autocrat Hosni secutive month in December, a Mubarak in 2011, is benefiting survey showed yesterday, in a from more than $12bn in aid positive sign that the economy from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and may be starting to pick up despite the UAE. continued violence on the streets. The PMI survey of around The government’s decision to 350 private sector firms showed push ahead with plans for a ref- a record rise in output, pushing erendum this month to vote on a the output sub-index up to 54.7 new constitution ahead of presi- points in December from 54.0 in dential and parliamentary elec- November. A Liquid Image wearable camera is paired with a 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) module (right) during “CES Unveiled”, a media preview event to the annual tions has raised hopes for more The index of new orders rose Consumer Electronics Show (CES), in Las Vegas, Nevada. The camera and module combination make it the first wearable camera that can stream over LTE. stability, although continued to 54.0 points, down only slightly unrest poses a risk to the eco- from 54.7 the previous month. nomic outloook. New export orders increased for In the survey, the HSBC Egypt the second month in a row, and at Chevrolet to roll out 4G-connected cars Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) the quickest pace in over a year for the non-oil private sector rose and a half, the survey showed. LAS VEGAS: The new a news conference. “You’re going to 52 points in December, mar- Businesses cut staff at a faster Chevrolets coming out this year to be connected everywhere.” ginally down from 52.5 points in rate last month, with the employ- will be faster — on the informa- Initially 10 vehicle models will November, but above the 50 point ment index slipping to 48.7 points tion superhighway. get the 4G connections by mid- mark that indicates growth in from 49 points in November. The The General Motors division 2014 but more will be added, he activity. The index had been below index of output prices rose to 50 said it would deploy fourth gen- said. The auto sector’s presence 50 for 13 months through October. from 49.5 points in November. eration (4G) Internet connections is growing at CES with a large “This second consecutive plus- Egypt’s urban consumer price on several models to help motor- number of carmakers and related 50 reading marks a positive end to inflation jumped to 13 percent ists who want to stay connected technology firms showing their a very difficult year,” Liz Martins, in November, its highest annual with the growing number of apps wares at the huge electronics expo economist at HSBC, said. “We rate in nearly four years and add- for automobiles. opening today. expect to see the index remain- ing pressure on cash-strapped Chevy will allow the 4G connec- The service links with GM’s ing above 50, and hopefully start- households. tions with Long Term Evolution OnStar service to apps and serv- ing to push higher over 2014, as Meanwhile, the Egyptian pound (LTE) in a partnership with ices that require a high speed cel- Egypt begins to recover some of inched higher at a forex auction AT&T. “Chevrolet is expected to lular or data connection. Current the ground it has lost over the last on Monday and dipped on the implement the broadest deploy- AT&T customers will be able to add three years.” black market. The central bank ment of 4G LTE in the automo- their vehicle to a shared data plan Ratings agency Fitch raised its sold $38.6 million to banks with tive industry,” said Alan Batey, or purchase a standalone option. outlook on Egypt’s B-minus credit a cut-off price of 6.9476 pounds Senior Vice-President of Global Chevrolet said its AppShop rating on Friday to stable from to the dollar, allowing the pound Chevrolet, who added that the Alan Batey, Senior Vice-President of Global Chevrolet, speaks during a includes programs for data, music, negative, saying financial assist- to strengthen from 6.9478 at the move “is indicative of our broad Chevrolet Connected by OnStar press event at CES. news, weather, travel informa- ance from Gulf states had eased previous sale on Thursday. It had commitment to deliver more tion and more. Some of the cur- pressure on the country’s foreign offered to sell up to $40m. On the value and convenience through to use tablets or other devices, or and Canada, according to the rent apps include iHeartRadio, reserves, exchange rate and its black market, a trader said the dol- smart technology applications.” to watch videos via the Internet Chevrolet announcement at the Priceline.com, The Weather budget, and had boosted business lar was offered at 7.32 to the pound The high-speed connections in vehicles which have screens. CES in Las Vegas. Channel, NPR, Slacker Radio and confidence. yesterday. Thursday’s rate was 7.30. will allow for a Wi-Fi hotspot The 4G cars will for now only “This technology is not just for Cityseeker. The Egyptian economy, which REUTERS that allows passengers in a vehicle be sold in the United States the rich and famous,” Batey said at AFP UAE output growth at 32-month high DUBAI: Growth in overall month-on-month, the December is bumping up against capacity business activity in the United reading was very strong and leaves constraints. We expect consumer Arab Emirates’ non-oil pri- no doubt that the UAE economy prices to rise persistently over the vate sector slowed slightly in is expanding strongly,” said Simon course of 2014,” Williams said. December, but output expanded Williams, HSBC’s chief economist A Reuters poll of analysts in at the fastest rate in 32 months, for the Middle East. September predicted the UAE’s a survey of purchasing manag- “That new orders as well as gross domestic product would ers showed yesterday. current output printed at such grow 3.6 percent in 2014, down The HSBC UAE Purchasing high levels suggests that the econ- from an estimated 3.7 percent in Managers’ Index, measuring the omy will carry its 2013 momen- 2013, but some analysts now feel performance of both manufac- tum into the new year. “ that forecast is too conservative. turing and services, edged down Growth in new orders fell Dubai’s real estate industry is to 57.4 points last month from slightly in December but was expected to get a boost this year 58.1 in November, which was the still the second-highest on record. from preparations for the 2020 highest level since the survey was Backlogs of work accumulated at World Expo, after the emirate in launched in 2009. the fastest pace in the history of November won the right to host However, growth in out- the survey. Inflationary pressure the event; any further thawing of put climbed to 60.1 points in was significant, with overall input international tensions surround- December, the highest since April price growth at its highest level ing Iran could boost Dubai as a 2011. Twenty-three percent of 400 since May 2012 and the output regional trade hub.. firms responding to the survey said price index jumping to 51.8 points Annual inflation in the United they had boosted output. Readings from 48.7. Arab Emirates rose to 1.4 percent above 50 points in the seasonally “Inflationary pressures are in November, the highest since adjusted indexes show expansion clearly on the rise. Input costs June 2011. The Reuters analyst and below 50, contraction. and wages are beginning to pick poll predicted average inflation “Although the head- up and the run-up in backlogs of would reach 2.3 percent in 2014. line score moderated slightly work suggests that the economy REUTERS

Bank merger woes Boeing delivers 648 jets in 2013

NEW YORK: Boeing said yes- terday that it ended 2013 setting company records for deliveries and unfilled orders for commer- cial aircraft as it ramps up pro- duction to meet demand. Boeing said it delivered 648 commercial aeroplanes last year and its backlog of orders stood at 5,080, a new high in the company’s history. After booking a record 1,531 gross commercial orders, Boeing ended the year with 1,355 net commercial orders. “With solid execution on our numerous production rate increases, the Boeing team per- formed extremely well in 2013,” Ray Conner, Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and Chief Executive, said. According to Office workers pass an Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp (OCBC) build- Boeing, three programmes set ing in the central business district of Singapore yesterday. Singapore records for deliveries in a single OCBC’s bid to take over Hong Kong’s Wing Hang Bank Ltd in a deal year. The company delivered 440 of the latest model of its popu- estimated at $5.3bn has raised concerns it may be paying too much lar 737 medium-haul jetliner, the for a mid-sized bank and will be tapping shareholders to fund the Next-Generation 737. Customers acquisition. also received 98 long-haul 777s and 65 new 787 Dreamliners. AFP TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2014 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

Syria’s state Strike at French shipping firm wheat import UK services deals reach 2.4m tonnes activity slows

ABU DHABI: War-torn Syria’s state wheat import deals surged to 2.4 million tonnes in 2013 in December from 550,000 a year earlier, the country’s General Establishment for Cereal Processing and Trade Confidence grows, says survey (Hoboob) said yesterday. Syria suffered its worst wheat LONDON: Growth in Britain’s That is more than forecast harvest in nearly three decades in services sector slowed unex- by the Bank of England, the 2013 as war and sanctions contin- pectedly in December, but confi- International Monetary Fund or ued to put pressure on the govern- dence rose and the economy still the government’s budget watch- ment to import food. The imported looks likely to have recorded its dog, and marks a sharp turna- wheat was mostly of Black Sea ori- strongest expansion since 2007 round from the start of last year, gin and deals were done outside the last year, an industry survey when Britain seemed at risk of tender process and paid through showed yesterday. slipping back into recession. unlocked funds in frozen Syrian The monthly services purchas- However, there are doubts international bank accounts, a ing managers’ index (PMI), com- about whether this pace of growth source at Hoboob said. piled by data company Markit, can be sustained in 2014. Growth “Of the total quantity, 1.7 mil- fell to a six-month low of 58.8 in 2013 was largely driven by lion tonnes arrived in Syria and in December, rather than hold- households saving less and spend- the remaining quantity is on its Ferries of the maritime transport company Societe Nationale Corse Mediterranee (SNCM) are docked in the port ing at November’s level of 60.0 as ing more — a trend which cannot way,” the source said. Hoboob of Marseille, southern France, yesterday due to a strike called by unions to denounce the terms of a government economists polled by Reuters had continue indefinitely and which said in October it had struck deals plan to rescue the shipping company and 2,600 jobs. forecast. the BoE wants to see replaced by with payment using frozen funds Nonetheless, the figure remains stronger exports and more busi- to import 500,000 tonnes of wheat well above the 50 mark that sep- ness investment. from France and the Black Sea arates growth from contraction, Signs so far have not been over the summer. Although some and businesses’ confidence about encouraging. Britain recorded traders were sceptical about the Libya aims to run economy and the future rose to the highest its biggest current account deficit 2013 wheat import figure, others level since March 2010 at 73.5, since 1989 in the third quarter of said the jump in imports was in helped by expanding order books. 2013, and BoE figures on Friday line with the government’s drive “More strong growth looks showed the biggest fall in lend- to bolster imports given the banking system on Islamic lines likely as we move into 2014,” said ing to businesses since 2011 in record-low local harvest. Markit’s chief economist, Chris November. However, things may “Syrian agriculture has been TRIPOLI: Libya will trans- who dominate the parliament, hasty transformation might add Williamson. “It is perhaps inevi- be beginning to change. A survey hugely disrupted by the fight- form its banking and economic the General National Congress to the political turmoil in Libya. table, however, that we may see by accountancy firm Deloitte, ing and this will have greatly system to comply fully with (GNC), which strongly backs the Fanas said the GNC had given the rate of growth slow compared published earlier, showed that increased their import require- Islamic law that bans interest plans to introduce Islamic law the government time to ban inter- with the unusually strong pace 57 percent of finance directors ments. Importing has also been payments, the economy min- into the economy. est payments, with the change to seen in recent months.” thought it was a good time to take concentrated in state hands as pri- ister and other officials said Economy Minister Mustafa be in force by the start of 2015. Both the manufacturing and on more risk and invest, and that vate buyers have been kept out of yesterday, but they gave scant Abu Fanas said experts would now Salah Makhzoum, deputy head construction PMIs fell last week, it would get easier to borrow from the market by sanctions,” he said. details on how the plans would study how best to apply Islamic of the GNC, told the conference and Markit said a composite banks this year. Estimates collated by Reuters be implemented. Shariah law in the economy. that Libya would be joining a grow- index of the three PMIs dropped In November the BoE from local traders in July suggested Under Muammar Gaddafi, who “Regarding a starting date, this ing international trend as more to 59.5 in December from 60.4, its announced a revamp of its Funding the local harvest could have been as was overthrown in 2011, the growth will need studies ... to see how and and more states turned to Islamic lowest level since July. for Lending Scheme, which offers low as 1.5 million tonnes. Sanctions of Islamic banking was not encour- when we will transform,” he told law following banking crises in the Britain’s economy grew at an cheap finance to banks, so that it imposed by the EU, the US and aged and four state-controlled reporters on the sidelines of a United States and Europe. annualised rate of more than 3 focuses purely on business lending other countries on President institutions dominated the rela- conference organised by his min- “The world is moving towards percent in the second and third rather than mortgages. Bashar Al Assad’s government do tively undeveloped financial sector istry to explore ways to introduce an Islamic economy,” he said. quarters of 2013 — well above its Lenders are already approving not apply to food but the financing of the Opec oil producer. Islamic law. “I can’t give an exact Libya has about 16 mostly conven- long-term average of just over more mortgages than any time freeze has hindered Syria’s ability Two years after Gaddafi’s start date,” Fanas said. tional banks, which have few ties 2 percent. Williamson said the since January 2008, and house to seal import deals. ouster, Prime Minister Ali When asked whether banks with the outside world, a legacy of PMIs pointed to an even faster prices are rising at their fastest Syria started asking to pay for Zeidan’s government says it wants could retain conventional business its long isolation under Gaddafi. rate of growth in the final three rate in more than four years, rais- its food by freeing some of its fro- to attract foreign investment models, he said: “Many research- Fanas said Libya had become months of 2013. ing fears that a property bubble zen assets in international banks and develop the non-oil sector of ers say there could be a gradual too dependent on its oil sector When fourth-quarter GDP could develop. in mid-2013 but some interna- the economy but is struggling to transformation by the Islamic and and said the government wanted data is published by the Office Markit said the firms it sur- tional traders said the payment assert its authority against heav- other banks towards an Islamic to boost investment to upgrade of National Statistics on January veyed — which include banks, method was not attractive as the ily-armed tribesmen and militias system, but in the long-term it infrastructure including hospitals 28, Markit said it could well show hotels and transport compa- seller bore the burden of obtain- and parts of the country remain is in our interest to have it ... to and universities. It is also over- that output for 2013 as a whole nies, but not retailers — planned ing the necessary approvals to outside its control. build up a strong economy.” hauling a foreign investment law grew by 1.9 percent, the fastest to invest in more capacity, new unlock the funds. It has also been weakened by Some banking officials, techno- from the Gaddafi era. growth since the start of the products and marketing in 2014. REUTERS political wrangling with Islamists crats and liberals privately fear a REUTERS financial crisis in 2007. REUTERS

QATARI MARKET Bond Coupon Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P JPMorgan Chase Qatar Govt 5.15% 4/9/2014 USD 101.25 0.25 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 3.125% 1/20/2017 USD 104.88 1.48 % Aa2 AA to pay $2bn Qatar Govt 6.55% 4/9/2019 USD 118.75 2.70 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 5.25% 1/20/2020 USD 111.75 3.10 % Aa2 AA in Madoff probe Qatar Govt 4.5% 1/20/2022 USD 105.75 3.67 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 9.75% 6/15/2030 USD 153.25 4.97 % Aa2 AA NEW YORK: JPMorgan Chase, Qatar Govt 6.4% 1/20/2040 USD 114.25 5.38 % Aa2 AA the US bank used by Bernard Qatar Govt 5.75% 1/20/2042 USD 104.88 5.41 % Aa2 AA Madoff who masterminded the biggest fraud on record, has Qatari Diar 3.5% 7/21/2015 USD 103.88 0.96 % Aa2 AA agreed to pay about $2bn to US Qatari Diar 5% 7/21/2020 USD 109.38 3.39 % Aa2 AA authorities to avoid litigation, Comqat 5% 11/18/2014 USD 103.50 1.18 % A1 A- press reports said yesterday. Comqat 3.375% 4/11/2017 USD 103.50 2.26 % A1 A- Madoff masterminded a massive QIB 3.856% 10/7/2015 USD 104.13 1.46 % NR NR and long-running so-called Ponzi QNB 3.125% 11/16/2015 USD 103.63 1.15 % Aa3 A+ investment fraud which came to QNB 3.375% 2/22/2017 USD 103.50 2.21 % Aa3 A+ light in 2008 as the financial crisis gathered speed. At the time of its Doha Bank 3.5% 3/14/2017 USD 103.50 2.35 % A2 A- collapse in 2008, Madoff Securities Qtel 3.375% 10/14/2016 USD 105.25 1.44 % A2 A claimed it had about $65bn in client Qtel 7.875% 6/10/2019 USD 123.00 3.22 % A2 A assets, whereas in fact it had only Qtel 4.75% 2/16/2021 USD 105.00 3.94 % A2 A about $300m. Qtel 5% 10/19/2025 USD 99.00 5.11 % A2 A The fraud ruined many inves- Rasgas 5.5% 9/30/2014 USD 103.25 0.95 % Aa3 A tors and stoked public anger over Rasgas 5.832% 9/30/2016 USD 106.75 3.23 % Aa3 A the causes and consequences of the crisis. Reports in the Wall Rasgas 5.298% 9/30/2020 USD 107.38 4.03 % Aa3 A Street Journal and the New York Gold bars stacked at the plant of gold refiner and producer Argor-Heraeus in Mendrisio, in the southern Swiss SOVEREIGNS Times, citing people close to the canton of Ticino. Bond PDA* Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P matter, said JPMorgan Chase Abu Dhabi Govt 5.5% 4/8/2014 USD 101.38 0.56 % Aa2 AA would announce the settlement Abu Dhabi Govt 6.75% 4/8/2019 USD 121.38 2.40 % Aa2 AA this week. The Wall Street Journal said: “The bulk of the fines are Dubai Govt 6.7% 10/5/2015 USD 108.25 1.92 % NR NR SNB hard hit by gold price fall expected to be routed to victims Dubai Govt 4.9% 5/2/2017 USD 106.38 2.87 % NR NR of Mr. Madoff.” ZURICH: Switzerland’s central the bank’s foreign currency posi- worries of looming budget deficits. Dubai Govt 7.75% 10/5/2020 USD 119.63 4.36 % NR NR JPMorgan Chase, the biggest bank said yesterday that it lost tions, and another increase of 3bn Last year, SNB reported a Dubai Govt 6.45% 5/2/2022 USD 112.00 4.69 % NR NR US bank by assets, was the main billions in 2013 as gold prices on a stabilisation fund it put in 6.9bn franc profit and redistrib- Qatar Govt 4% 1/20/2015 USD 103.38 0.87 % Aa2 AA bank used by Madoff for more plunged and therefore could not place in 2008 to save Switzerland’s uted one billion francs of its profit Bahrain Govt 6.273% 11/22/2018 USD 113.13 3.33 % NR BBB than 20 years. The sources quoted pay dividends to the Swiss can- largest bank, UBS, from collapse. to the Swiss Confederation and Bahrain Govt 5.5% 3/31/2020 USD 103.63 4.82 % NR BBB by the two papers said the bank tons for the first time in more But since SNB needed to put cantons. This year, the country’s had agreed to pay up to close than a century. aside 3bn Swiss francs as a provi- 26 cantons, which resemble US Egypt Govt 5.75% 4/29/2020 USD 95.50 6.63 % Caa1 B- criminal and civil investigations The Swiss National Bank sion for its currency reserves, it states, stand to lose out on 667 Morocco Govt 4.5% 10/5/2020 EUR 101.63 4.22 % NR BBB- by federal authorities which sus- (SNB) has been dishing out divi- said it expected to end up about million Swiss francs, according

*Periodic Distribution Amount pected that the bank had ignored dends to the Swiss cantons ever 12bn francs in the red. to Peter Hegglin, who heads an IMPORTANT NOTE: signs that Madoff was operating since its creation in 1907, and to “As this loss will be substan- organisation of all the Swiss can- Published by HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, P O Box 57, Doha, Qatar which a fraudulent scheme. the Swiss Confederation since tially larger than the 5.3bn Swiss tonal financial chiefs. is licensed and regulated by Qatar Central Bank and Jersey Financial Services The New York Times said that 1991. But yesterday, the bank said francs in the distribution reserve, “This is a shame, because many Commission. Information quoted is from publicly available sources or proprietary the expected announcement neither would receive handouts the SNB cannot make a profit of the cantons are already suffer- 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 would take to $20bn the total this year, after provisional figures distribution,” the bank explained. ing from financial difficulties,” he take into account individual circumstances, objectives or needs. The price of bonds amount paid by the bank in the showed it would be reporting a The loss does not come as much said and added that SNB’s contri- can and does fluctuate. The secondary market for bonds may not provide significant last 12 months to settle various loss of 9bn Swiss francs ($9.9bn) of a surprise since SNB already butions usually represent between liquidity or may trade based on prevailing market conditions. Past performance is not government investigations. for 2013. said in October that the value of 0.4 and 1.2 percent of cantonal a reliable indicator of future performance. You should consider these matters and consult your financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions. The New York Times also It had lost far more on the its gold holdings had shrunk by budgets. Bern had hoped to post a reported that the settlement value of its gold holdings, which 10.7bn francs during the first nine 121m franc surplus, but now that would include a deferred prosecu- shed 15bn francs during a year months of the year. it will lose out on 333m francs tion agreement suspending crimi- when the price for the precious But the news that the bank from the central bank, it could nal action provided that the bank metal dropped by 28 percent. would not be padding state and post a deficit of some 212 million acknowledged the facts against it That deep loss was offset though cantonal coffers this year did francs, a finance ministry spokes- and changed its behaviour. AFP by gains of 3bn Swiss francs on come as a blow and sparked man said. AFP TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2014 BUSINESS VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

Europe’s prospects Rise of long-term thinking BY FELIX SALMON dot-com bubble, when everybody wanted themselves as a desperately-needed bul- to be a day trader, and everybody believed wark protecting investors from their base looked better in 1930s organ Housel has penned a in the greater fool theory. When the dot- instincts. And it’s not the impression that rather odd column to mark com bubble burst, individuals (outside a core you get from reading scaremongering stories BY NICHOLAS CRAFTS the new year, declaring 2013 group of hobbyists) pretty much gave up on about high-frequency trading, or mislead- to be the year that “long- stock-picking and short-term trading. With ing statistics from the likes of Housel, who term thinking” died, with hindsight, we can even say that the dot- says that the average stock holding period ECENT growth in the euro area has tracked the expe- “hisM last true friend, Vanguard founder Jack com burst was very well timed to prepare fell from eight years to five days between rience of much of Europe in the 1930s all too closely. Bogle,” at his side. America’s investors for the financial crisis: the 1960s and 2010. The problem with such Unless policies change, this stagnation is likely to persist. The weird thing about this column is that once they had lived through 1999-2001, they numbers is that averages are little use to us RIn some ways, the euro area’s prospects are more chal- long-term thinking isn’t dead at all; in fact, grew up, and ended up responding to the here: a very small number of high-frequency lenging than the parallel with the Great Depression suggests. If it’s never been healthier. Housel did manage crisis in a surprisingly mature and sensible algobots, who can hold their positions for only things were as bad as in the 1930s — how’s that for a thought to find a trader on CNBC exhibiting symp- manner. less than a second, will skew the averages to put matters in perspective? toms of short-term thinking — but that’s If you look at the monthly return figures to the point of meaninglessness. The aftermath of the Depression in Europe gives a vivid demon- what CNBC does, and in fact it’s possible on the S&P 500, from September 2008 Indeed, a big reason for the rise and rise stration of the power of monetary policy. One group of countries to use CNBC’s ratings as a reasonably good through February 2009: -9.2 percent, -16.8 of private markets, and the ever-increas- stayed on the gold standard; others came off and devalued their proxy for the general prevalence of short- percent, -7.5 percent, +0.8 percent, -8.6 per- ing amount of time that companies wait currencies. The ones that exited — the sterling group, made up of term thinking. Guess what: they’re at their cent, -11.0 percent. Add it all up, and you before they go public, is precisely that Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Britain — could execute independ- lowest point in 20 years, with the channel get a stomach-churning 42 percent drop in there is an unprecedentedly large pool of ent monetary policies. Deflation stopped, inflationary expectations reaching just 38,000 viewers over the course the market — more than enough, according long-term patient money out there, will- went up, real wages adjusted, and output quickly revived. of a day. That’s a really tiny niche. A poten- to conventional wisdom, to spark a major ing to tie itself up in private-equity and The countries that stayed on gold saw deeper falls in output tially profitable niche, to be sure, but tiny panic among retail investors. But what did venture-capital funds for five or ten years and then grew more slowly for years. It took them until 1938 to all the same. they actually do? They ended up putting a or longer. Individuals are looking for invest- restore output to its level in 1929. Meanwhile, long-term thinking’s true net new $90bn into ETFs over the course ment advice not so much from the braying The euro area’s recent experience is far closer to that of the friends at Vanguard have never been health- of those months. noisemakers on CNBC, but rather from gold-standard countries than to the sterling group’s. Members ier: the Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Again, there’s no real sign of panic dur- institutions with quasi-permanent capital of the euro area lack their own monetary policies, just like the Fund is now the largest mutual fund in the ing the financial crisis: there was selling, to pools: endowments, foundations, sovereign gold-standard countries in the 1930s. Compounding the problem, world, having overtaken the Pimco Total be sure, at a time when Americans found wealth funds. the European Central Bank is committed to an orthodox low- Return Fund in October, and Vanguard’s themselves in sudden need of liquidity, but Or, to put it another way, the war has inflation-first approach. The results have been dismal. total assets under management are jaw- you’re not seeing any short-term thinking pretty much been won at this point, and It’s well-known that staying on gold paralysed monetary policy droppingly huge: they started last year at here: you’re not seeing people trying to time retail investors have got the message. They in the 1930s and made the slump worse, while the countries that $2tr, and were already over $2.5tr by the the market. More generally, the main lesson understand the superiority of passive invest- exited benefited from monetary stimulus and did much better. end of June. I wouldn’t be surprised if they is how small all the numbers are. Compared ing, and they understand the importance of Less familiar is that leaving the gold standard also had big impli- were at or near $3tr by now. It’s pretty safe to the trillions invested in the stock mar- long-term thinking: none of these things, cations for fiscal sustainability: It made consolidating public debt to say that substantially all of that money ket, weekly flows in the single-digit bil- any more, are remotely difficult or coun- far easier. In this respect, today’s euro-area countries are in even is being invested according to the tenets lions are pretty small beer, and show that terintuitive concepts. Housel’s column is in worse shape than their gold- standard counterparts. of long-term thinking — and that it vastly nearly all investors, nearly all of the time, effect an attempt to persuade the sensible To see the difference that leaving the gold standard made to fiscal exceeds the amount of money being traded are doing the sensible buy-and-hold thing. majority that they’re some kind of belea- sustainability, take Britain. Stabilising a rising ratio of public debt on a daily basis by the 38,000 viewers of When flows are small relative to stocks, that guered minority. In reality, however, long- to gross domestic product usually requires a budgetary correction. CNBC. (They’d need to have $80m each to bespeaks long-term thinking, rather than term thinking is alive and well and utterly Heavy debts and a high real interest rate make this needed adjust- get to $3tr; and while CNBC viewers might short-term thinking. mainstream. Which should good news for ment bigger; rapid economic growth makes it smaller. be rich, they’re not that rich.) This is not the impression that you everybody, with the possible exception of Partly by allowing lower nominal rates and partly by ending The height of short-term thinking, get from talking to professional financial CNBC. deflation, coming off gold reduced British real interest rates from when it comes to investing, was surely the advisers, of course, most of whom paint REUTERS almost 6 percent in the late 1920s to 2 percent in the mid-1930s. At the same time, growth improved to 3.6 percent a year from 2.2 percent. Result: About a third of the fall in the debt ratio (from 179 percent in 1933 to 144 percent in 1938) was due to changes in growth and interest rates, rather than to budgetary changes. The adjustment was much less painful than it would otherwise have been. Reserve currencies

CHEAP MONEY POLICY Most countries hold their foreign exchange reserves in U.S. dollars because the currency is viewed as Another aspect is worth noting. Lower nominal rates were com- one of the world's most stable but the euro has grown as a central bank favourite. bined with restrictions on capital outflows. This so-called cheap- money policy — which would now be called “financial repression” WORLD OFFICIAL FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES — was directed not by the Bank of England but by HM Treasury. In other words, monetary policy was dictated partly by debt- Currency composition in billions of dollars management goals. This was part of a wider trend embracing many countries 10,000 until as late as the mid-1970s: Central banks were subservient to finance ministries. Countries with heavy debts after 1945 were typically able to reduce them fairly painlessly, through fast catch- Unallocated up growth and cheap-money policies controlled by governments. 8,000 reserves Compare this with the euro area today. Many countries have heavy debts, limited growth prospects (they can’t restore their competitiveness by devaluing), and a central bank forbidden to Other take political direction or see debt-management as one of its objec- 6,000 currencies tives. Given all that, complying with the EU’s debt- sustainability rules will entail severe and indefinite budget stringency, clouding Japanese yen the prospects for growth still further. British pounds From 2014 to 2023, Greece will need to maintain a primary 4,000 Euros budget surplus (that is, excluding interest payments) of about 9 percent of GDP. Italy and Portugal will need surpluses of about 6 percent, Ireland and Spain about 3.5 percent. This looks to be an impossibly tall order. What are the fiscal lessons? First, avoid deflation (hence high 2,000 U.S. dollars real interest rates) at all costs. It would make things even worse. Beyond that, the options in theory would seem to be financial repression, debt forgiveness, debt restructuring and outright default. Financial repression, the time-honoured remedy, would 0 seem to be out of bounds — the ECB is not that kind of central 1999 2000 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10 ’11 ’12 ’13* bank — and EU governments aren’t yet ready to contemplate the alternatives. Source: IMF Statistics Department COFER database * Preliminary data as of 2013 Q3. At some point, they will have to. In the 1930s, the situation W. Foo, 06/01/2014 didn’t look so hopeless. WP-BLOOMBERG Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

Bill Gates preaches the aid gospel, but is he just a hypocrite? BY IAN BIRRELL social justice and disease eradica- aid undermines development three low-tax nations employed four central issues was supposed not least refusing to award them tion. The left loves him as a rich and democracy by propping up fewer than 2,000 people, but sup- to be corporate tax dodging. state contracts. e made his name as a man giving away much of his for- poorly run regimes. The latest posedly recorded about £9.4bn of Gates, when pressed on his But given his status as a devel- sharp-elbowed busi- tune for good causes. The right expert to highlight this “aid illu- pre-tax profit in 2011 – more than firm’s tax policies, gave the usual opment guru, Gates should ques- nessman who rode the respects a business brain impos- sion” is Professor Angus Deaton, the 88,000 employees working in glib response that they play by tion the example his own firm is Htechnology revolution ing financial rigour on a spend- the leading expert on measur- all its other global divisions. the rules. “If people want taxes at setting. with such style. But these days thrift aid sector. Charity chiefs ing global poverty and a former In Britain, Microsoft reported certain levels, great, set them at One of the key problems fac- he is far more famous for his phi- and celebrities adore him, while true believer, in his fine book The revenues of £1.7bn in a single those levels,” he said. “But it’s not ing the developing world is capi- lanthropy, as a saviour of the poor politicians jostle to join him in the Great Escape. year for online sales on which it incumbent on those companies to tal flight, which, according to one who has made it his life’s mission spotlight. Gates says he pays his personal paid no corporation tax. This is take shareholder money and pay report, takes 10 times as much out to change the world for the better. Clearly, he relishes his latest taxes. Great. But he made all that why if you look at the small print huge sums that aren’t required.” of poor countries as they receive So it was something of a shock to role, becoming increasingly influ- money from Microsoft which, like when buying software through Yet we all know these behe- in aid. It is not just corrupt politi- see he is still the richest person ential and outspoken. He loves other tax-avoiding technology its British website, you find you moths employ the best account- cians and their cronies stashing on the planet, boosting his fortune to lecture nations on how they giants such as Amazon, Facebook are dealing with a Luxembourg ants and lawyers to engage in stolen cash in secret accounts, but by another £9.6bn last year to an should give away more of their and Google, uses sophisticated offshoot. financial wizardry, unlike most major companies using tax havens astonishing £48bn after a big rise taxpayers’ money, urging them systems to shift paper profits A newspaper investigation ordinary citizens handing over to boost profits at the expense of in the Microsoft share price. to hit the arbitrary and anachro- around the planet and evade the found a small office there with their full whack of hard-earned the poor. It is easy to forget that Gates nistic target of handing over 0.7 designs of governments. Indeed, just six staff handling online sales taxes each year. Gates has every right to do remains chairman of the software percent of gross national income so extreme are its methods the from around Europe. In doing so, these global corpo- what he wants with his wealth. giant he founded in 1975, the larg- in foreign aid. He has applauded company was used as a case study None of this is illegal, however rations clearly subvert national It is to his credit he is giving away est individual shareholder with David Cameron for Britain’s in a Senate investigation into US absurd it appears. But it is highly governments. Close one loophole so much, persuading other billion- some 4.5 percent of the company’s embrace of the target, even con- corporate tax avoidance, which unethical, especially when the and they simply find another, aires to do the same and cham- stock. He may have invested vast demning a Lords’ committee that found one example of offshoring chairman is exhorting countries shifting assets around on their pioning causes close to his heart chunks of his cash mountains into criticised this cash cascade, while profits through a tiny Puerto Rico to hand over taxpayers’ cash to spreadsheets. This is partly why – although as others have pointed other companies and may spend constantly telling other countries office alone saved it $4m a day in his pet causes – and it certainly congressional researchers have out, even this is not immune to much of his time campaigning to do the same. taxes. tarnishes that saintly image. estimated that in less than six tax advantages. for poverty relief, but Microsoft But like those other aid apos- Moving earnings through low According to tax campaigner decades the share of federal tax His determination to push vac- remains the rock upon which he tles Bono and Bob Geldof, he risks corporation tax countries such Richard Murphy, Microsoft avoids revenue coming from corporate cinations and prevent malaria is built those Croesus-like riches. being perceived as a rank hypo- as Ireland, Luxembourg and a sum in tax equivalent to more income taxes has fallen from 32.1 laudable. But if he wants to dis- This presents a problem given crite. For he sees nothing wrong Singapore means the company than 3 percent of the global aid percent to 8.9 percent, forcing cuss development, preach about the company’s controversial in complex tax avoidance schemes saved itself, according to one esti- budget. Despite this, Gates was a far bigger burden on to other poverty and tell nations how to record on tax. Gates has become while telling nations how to spend mate, almost £3bn annually in tax. star speaker at the IF campaign taxpayers. spend taxpayers’ money, he should something of a secular saint as he their revenues, notwithstanding A Harvard law professor pointed rally against hunger in Hyde Park Governments could do far more put his own house in order first. jets around the world discussing the growing body of opinion that out that Microsoft’s divisions in last summer – although one of the to challenge tax-avoiding firms, THE GUARDIAN TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2014 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MARKET

QE Indices Summary EXCHANGE QE Index 10,784.49 1.13 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER QE Total Return Index 15,408.56 1.13 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 3,174.82 0.75 % RATE QE All Share Index 2,671.73 0.96 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 2,519.01 0.82 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 5327.675 -24.116 -0.45 5383.4 5327.675 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 6,088.14 0.92 % QR145.2841 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 Services Cac 40 Index/D 4249.03 1.38 0.03 4312.59 4226.66 QE All Share Industrials 3,613.83 0.63 % SILVER UK ...... QR 5.9292 QR 6.0118 QE All Share Insurance 2,483.98 4.05 % Dj Indu Average 16469.99 28.64 0.17 16588.3 13293.1 Euro ...... QR 4.9239 QR 4.9923 QE All Share Real Estate 2,038.15 1.27 % QR 2.3531 CA$ ...... QR 3.3938 QR 3.4606 QE All Share Telecoms 1,487.42 1.36 % Egypt Cma Gn Idx 1026.29 32.57 3.28 999.95 312.38 QE All Share Transportation 1,923.49 0.74 % Swiss Fr ...... QR 4.0018 QR 4.0575 Hang Seng Inde/D 22684.15 -133.13 -0.58 24111.55 19426.36 Yen ...... QR 0.0345 QR 0.0352 QE Market Summary Comparison Aus$ ...... QR 3.2317 QR 3.2947 Today Previous day Iseq Overall/D 4592.87 7.62 0.17 4598.73 4522.4 CRUDE OIL 06-01-2014 05-01-2014 Ind Re ...... QR 0.0579 QR 0.0591 Index 10,784.49 10,664.16 Karachi 100 In/D 26169.83 123.12 0.47 26136.28 25273.11 Pak Re ...... QR 0.0342 QR 0.0349 Change 120.33 118.89 BRENT Nikkei 225 Index 15908.88 -382.43 -2.35 0 0 Peso ...... QR 0.0808 QR 0.0825 % 1.13 1.13 $ 107.27 SL Re ...... QR 0.0276 QR 0.0281 YTD% 3.90 2.74 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 1849.44 1451.64 Taka ...... QR 0.0462 QR 0.0477 Volume 17,021,858 13,077,213 DUBAI Nep Re ...... QR 0.0364 QR 0.0371 Value (QAR) 770,414,333.28 900,467,610.60 Straits Times/ D 3123.82 -7.65 -0.24 3187.8 3127.91 SA Rand ...... QR 0.3360 QR 0.3458 Trades 7,248 6,122 Straits Times/D 2971.47 22.7 0.77 3035.78 2657.77 $ 103.94 Up 28 | Down 09 | Unchanged 04

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 06-01-2014

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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 1086.9 -1.75 9444 Cmc Ltd-B/D 1734.45 95.1 63472 Hind Unilever-/D 563.75 -1.55 79038 Kg Denim-B/D 17 0.1 41563 Rallis India-B/D 176.5 2.05 35387 Land Secs Grou/D 961.05 2.5 366867 Aban Offs-B/D 402.35 33.6 1168587 Colgate-A/D 1351.45 -4.75 12419 Hind.Petrol-A/D 226.3 -1.1 102878 Kopran-B/D 27.1 4.5 1224400 Reliance Indus/D 373.7 5.45 148726 Legal & Genera/D 224 1.4 3414123 Ador Welding-B/D 139.7 6.2 12765 Container Cor-/D 737.9 5.35 1824 Hindalco-A/D 118.2 -0.45 422713 Lgb Broth-B/D 263.5 0.5 18216 Ruchi Soya-B/D 35 -0.85 53161 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 79.523 -0.24 36403144 Aegis Logis-B/D 175.7 0.85 12963 Dcm Financia-B/D 0.76 0.03 1500 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 795 5 155545 Lok.Hous&Con-T/D 15.1 0.15 13747 S Bk Bikaner-B/D 318.8 -0.8 3798 Marks & Sp./D 437.52 -6.1 2966053 Ahmed.Forg-B/D 113.3 4.15 16796 Dhampur Sugar-/D 33.15 -0.6 12179 I F C I-A/D 25.35 -0.2 655195 Lupin-A/D 937.7 4.55 104607 Thirumalai-B/D 100 0.2 4067 Next/D 6110 25 159137 Alembic-B/D 15.06 0.23 46257 Dr. Reddy-A/D 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143.3 0.9 22676 Kingfisher/D 389.8 -0.6 1085344 TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23 Chargers jolt Bengals for win Play-off misery continues for Cincinnati Bengals; Chargers claim fifth straight win

NEW YORK: The San Diego this being the fifth round, so the Chargers took full advantage NFL Results sixth round will be next Sunday of a second-half meltdown by American Conference in Denver. We’ve been in that the Cincinnati Bengals to claim At Cincinnati (must win) mode for five weeks a 27-10 AFC wild card win on San Diego 27 Cincinnati 10 now. We know what’s in front of Sunday and move to the divi- National Conference us, Denver is an awesome team,” sional play-offs against the At Green Bay said Rivers. “We were able to win Denver Broncos. San Francisco 23 Green Bay 20 there a few weeks ago, so we’ll be Trailing 10-7 at the half, the confident but it is going to be a Chargers made Bengals quarter- Marvin Lewis, who is winless in tough task.” back Andy Dalton pay dearly for five trips to the playoffs since tak- The Chargers were first onto his miscues, two interceptions and ing over as head coach in 2003. the scoreboard, Rivers engineer- a fumble, to hand Cincinnati their “It’s tough. It’s a tough day. ing a time-consuming 86-yard first home loss this season. “It’s disappointing, as hard as drive that chomped up nearly “We asked a lot of our defence we’ve worked and played, to have half the opening quarter and today, they came up with three a football game where we had was capped off by the diminutive big turnovers, we needed to con- opportunities and we let it go. Danny Woodhead darting over vert those into touchdowns and “When you turn the ball over from the five. we didn’t but we did enough,” like we did today, that keeps you Cincinnati answered back with said Chargers quarterback from scoring.” a time-crunching drive of their Philip Rivers. “We didn’t turn it San Diego outscored Cincinnati own in the second, Dalton march- over and that is key, it always is 20-0 in the second half but it was ing his team 60 yards before toss- in play-off games and then the far from a dominating display by ing his first career post-season weather got bad. the Chargers offense as Dalton touchdown pass to Jermaine “When you have a lead and the passed for 334 yards, nearly three Gresham. weather turns, it’s in your favor.” times as many as Rivers, who had The Bengals had opportunities For the AFC North champion a modest outing completing 12-of- to pull away later in the quarter Bengals it was another shock- 16 passes for 128 yards and one when they fumbled inside the San San Diego Chargers running back Danny Woodhead (39) runs the ball away from Cincinnati Bengals linebacker ing end to a promising season as touchdown. Diego five but still took a 10-7 lead their run without a playoff win But Rivers was mistake free into the intermission on Mike Emmanuel Lamur (59) during the third quarter of their AFC wild card play-off football game at Paul Brown Stadium. extended to a painful 23 years. while Dalton and the Bengals Nugent’s 46-yard field goal on the Four times in the last five sea- committed a total of four final play of the half. fumble and an interception, deep Ronnie Brown then put the half, really the whole game. sons Cincinnati has appeared in turnovers. Rivers, who attempted only in Bengals territory allowed the game out of reach with a 58-yard “They did a great job, create a wild-card contest and fallen It was the fifth straight win six passes in a conservative first Chargers to add to their lead touchdown romp to end a wet turnovers, the fourth down stops, flat, losing twice to the Houston for the Chargers who will carry half, opened things up in the going up 20-10 on two short Nick and miserable day at dreary Paul a number of big plays from a lot Texans (2012, 2011), the New York building momentum into Denver third quarter, completing six-of- Novak field goals. Brown Stadium. of different players. Jets (2009) and San Diego. next Sunday to take on Peyton six passes including a four-yard With the Bengals on the march ‘We knew it was going to be “We’re going to take it one “Obviously the biggest dif- Manning and the top-seeded strike to Ladarius Green, to jump in the fourth quarter, Dalton was a slugfest,” said Chargers coach week at a time and just keep ference was turnovers,” offered Broncos. in front 14-10. again intercepted, snuffing out yet Mike McCoy. “The defense going.” a dejected Bengals head coach “We talked all week about A pair of Dalton miscues, a another scoring chance. played lights out in second REUTERS Sharks down Chicago Blackhawks Toulouse beat Clermont, keep home dominance NEW YORK: Logan Couture through 19 games while Jonas tied the game at 5-5 at 8:29 in and Joe Pavelski converted both NHL Results Hiller extended a personal record the third before team mate Matt of San Jose’s shots in a shoot- by winning his 11th straight game. Niskanen netted the winner PARIS: Four-time European much in a blistering opening. Pittsburgh 6 Winnipeg 5 out, leading the Sharks to a win Vancouver (23-13-8) had a about four minutes later. champions Toulouse remained With a clever hitch-step, wing over the Chicago Blackhawks. Carolina 2 Nashville 1 goal and two assists from center James Neal also had two goals unbeatable at their Ernest- Yoann Huget found a gap down The Sharks (27-10-6) lost two San Jose 3 Chicago 2 Henrik Sedin, three assists from and an assist for the Penguins Wallon fortress this league the side of a ruck, on the inside of of their previous three games. Edmonton 5 Tampa Bay 3 Daniel Sedin, and Eddie Lack (31-12-1) while Evander Kane season with a 19-12 victory cumbersome lock Julien Pierre, However, they are 6-2-0 in their Anaheim 4 Vancouver 3 stopped 45 shots but the Canucks scored twice for the Jets (19-21- over Top 14 leaders Clermont before flipping the ball inside to past eight games. still lost their fourth consecutive 5) and added an assist. on Sunday. Maxime Medard to go over next Chicago (29-7-9) lost for the Rozsival. game. Boyd Gordon and Taylor Hall A mouth-watering match-up to the posts on 12 minutes for the sixth consecutive time when a Corey Perry scored the game- Pittsburgh star center Evgeni scored third-period goals 2:10 between the most successful team only try of the match. game extended beyond regula- winning power-play goal with 1.3 Malkin scored two goals in his apart to give Edmonton its first in French rugby history and the Although Huget’s pass bounced tion, despite 40 saves from Corey seconds remaining in overtime as return to the ice as the Pittsburgh win in five games. current consensus best in the busi- a couple of yards in front of where Crawford. the Anaheim Ducks defeated the Penguins tied a franchise record Jordan Eberle scored twice for ness promised much, particularly he’d let go of the ball, before Jason Demers and Brent Burns Vancouver Canucks. by winning their 13th consecutive the Oilers (14-26-5) who led 3-1 during an intriguing first period, Medard picked it up and went scored in regulation for San Jose With Perry’s 23rd goal of home game. but saw Tampa Bay tie the score but ultimately failed to live up to over, the video referee applied the while Chicago got scores from the season, Anaheim (31-8-5) Malkin, who sat out the previ- in the second. expectations as it petered out into new rules, allowing the score to Niklas Hjalmarsson and Michal remained undefeated in regulation ous nine games with a leg injury, REUTERS a turgid second half. stand as Huget’s hand movement The win, though, was crucial had been in a backward direction for Toulouse as they moved up to when he released the ball. fourth in the table with a ninth That try, converted by fly-half home win out of nine this season, Jean-Marc Doussain, was sand- offsetting their appalling away wiched by two penalties from vis- form that has seen them lose iting No.10 Brock James, giving Heat rally to overcome Raptors every one of seven trips. the hosts a 7-6 lead. “It’s good to beat the leaders It was a brutally entertaining Clermont during this period contest with maximum commit- NEW YORK: Rallying from a lost three straight games. where we weren’t playing very ment from all sides, emphasised nine-point, third-quarter deficit, Reggie Jackson scored a career- good rugby,” said Toulouse cap- by a huge, crunching tackle by the Miami Heat earned a victory high 27 points in leading the tain Thierry Dusautoir. former All Black Benson Stanley over the Toronto Raptors in a Oklahoma City Thunder to a vic- “That gives us a boost before on Huget. battle of division leaders. tory over the Boston Celtics. the visit of Saracens (in the The closest Clermont came LeBron James led the Heat Coming off a 48-point effort the European Cup next weekend).” to a try was in the 28th minute with 30 points and the Southeast night before, Kevin Durant posted Such was their struggle to as centre Wesley Fofana made a Division-leading Heat (26-8) won 21 points, eight assists and seven breach Toulouse’s impregnable break in the Toulouse 22, only to for the 10th time in their past rebounds in only 27 minutes for defence that Clermont seemed be hauled down a metre short 12 games. the Thunder (27-7). to settle for a losing bonus point by centre Clement Poitrenaud Toronto got a team-high Boston (13-21) lost its fourth that took them three-points clear when a pop pass to his outside 26 points from guard DeMar game in a row and seventh in its of second-placed Stade Francais. would surely have yielded a try DeRozan, who pulled Toronto last eight outings. It was a disappoint- for Stanley. to within 96-95 with 1:04 left in New York forward Carmelo ing end to what promised so AFP the fourth quarter before Miami Anthony scored a game-high 19 closed the game at the free throw points and grabbed seven rebounds line. as the Knicks completed a solid Toronto, which leads the four-game road trip. Atlantic Division at 16-16, had its The Knicks (11-22) split their NRL prop Packer jailed for assault five-game win streak snapped but four-game road trip, but they SYDNEY: The public image of Australia’s National Rugby is 9-4 since they traded forward went 2-1 against the Texas trio of League took another hit yesterday when New Zealand prop Rudy Gay. the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Russell Packer was sentenced to two years in prison for All-Star forward Paul George Rockets and Dallas. assaulting a man in Sydney last November. had a team-high 16 points and six The Mavericks (19-15) dropped The 24-year-old Packer pleaded guilty to assault occasioning assists, as the Indiana Pacers held their fourth consecutive home actual bodily harm and of failing to quit a licensed premises in off the stubborn Cavaliers. game. a Sydney court yesterday and was given a custodial sentence. The Pacers (27-6) saw their Reserve forward Joe Leuer tied Packer’s lawyers immediately filed an appeal and asked for bail, 16-point, fourth-quarter lead cut his career-high with 23 points and which was denied. to just one in the final minute but power forward Zach Randolph The visibly surprised former New Zealand international was recovered to seal it at the free powered for 16 points and 16 handcuffed and taken into custody, Australian Associated Press throw line. rebounds as the Memphis Grizzlies reported. Dion Waiters scored 12 of his blew out the Detroit Pistons. His appeal will be held on February 11. 14 points in the fourth to lead a It was the Grizzlies’ (15-18) Packer played for the New Zealand Warriors in 2013 and had comeback for the Cavs (11-23). eighth consecutive win over the joined the Newcastle Knights on a four-year deal, though the club Klay Thompson scored 26 Pistons. had yet to register his contract. points on six 3-pointers and David REUTERS The NRL has suffered numerous negative public relations inci- Lee had 21 points and 11 rebounds dents in recent years with players involved in allegations of assault as the Golden State Warriors won and anti-social behaviour. their ninth straight game. NBA Results The league was also implicated in a wide-ranging investigation The Warriors (23-13) used a Memphis 112 Detroit 84 into drug use in Australian sport last year. 30-5 run during the third quarter Indiana 82 Cleveland 78 The NRL provisionally fined the Cronulla Sharks A$1m to pull away and have won nine Miami 102 Toronto 97 ($898,200) last month and suspended coach Shane Flanagan straight games for the first time Golden State 112 Washington 96 for a year for exposing players to significant risk through their since 1975. Oklahoma City 119 Boston 96 Los Angeles Lakers guard Wesley Johnson (11) is fouled by Denver Nuggets supplements programme, which was investigated by anti-doping Point guard John Wall had authorities. NY Knicks 92 Dallas 80 forward Kenneth Faried (35) after going up for a rebound during the third 14 points and 10 assists for period of their NBA game at Staples Center. REUTERS the Wizards (14-17), who have Denver 137 LA Lakers 115 TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2014 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Sousa claims Dakar opener Qatar’s Nasser finishes first stage in third spot; Barreda takes motorcycle stage

SAN LUIS: Portugal’s Carlos Sousa, driving a Haval, claimed the opening stage of the 36th Dakar Rally on Sunday, but double defending champion Stephane Peterhansel lost time after suffering a puncture. Sousa finished the 180km spe- cial from Rosario to San Luis in 2hr 20min 36sec with Argentina’s Orlando Terranova, in a Mini, 11 seconds behind and fellow Mini driver, Qatar’s 2011 champion Nasser Al Attiyah, in third, 47 seconds back. Sousa said he “suffered like a dog” after his Chinese-made Haval over-heated, sending dirty air into the driver’s compartment. “Our car doesn’t have air conditioning and all the air inlets got clogged. After 50 kil- ometres, the turbo air outlet broke down and sent all the air Dakar Rally Results First stage of the 2014 Dakar Rally, a 180km timed run from Rosario to San Luis, Argentina: Auto Mini’s driver Nasser Al Attiyah of Qatar competes during the Stage 1 of the Dakar Rally 2014 between Rosario and 1. Carlos Sousa (POR/Haval) 02 h 20 min 36 San Luis, Argentina, yesterday; (right) Spanish driver Joan Barreda in action during the first stage. Dakar Rally sec, 2. Orlando Terranova (ARG/Mini) at 11 sec, 2014 will run between January 4 and 18 in Argentina, Bolivia and Chile. 3. Nasser Al-Attiyah (QAT/Mini) 47 sec, 4. Nani Roma (ITA/Mini) 01 min 15 sec, 5. Carlos Sainz directly towards me,” he said. the car and the special. True, it race due to a slight problem with (ESP/Buggy SMG) 04 min 03 sec, 6. Stephane “It must have got hotter than wasn’t a great start, since los- the suspension, but afterwards Peterhansel (FRA/Mini) 04 min 21 sec, 7. 70 degrees centigrade and we had ing three minutes in such a short everything went smoothly,” said Krzysztof Holowczyc (POL/Mini) 04 min 21 sec, trouble breathing. The reason I special is nothing to write home Barreda. 8. Christian Lavieille (FRA/Haval) 05 min 42 sec, 9. Leeroy Poulter (RSA/Toyota) 05 min 57 sec, drove so fast was that I wanted about, but it’s a start nonethe- Despres, the champion in 2005, 10. Erik Van Loon (NED/Ford) 06 min 02 sec. to get out of that inferno, but I less,” said Peterhansel. 2007, 2010, 2012 and 2013, said it start, what with starting a new way with fears over the impact really thought we wouldn’t make Honda’s Joan Barreda clocked had been an emotional day for adventure... It was a difficult of the race on the world’s high- Moto it. a time of 2hr 25min 31sec to him on his debut for Yamaha, year, with the decision to move est salt flats at Salar de Uyuni in 1. Joan Barreda (ESP/Honda) 02 h 25 min 31 “We suffered like dogs to earn take the motorcycle stage with having switched from KTM this to Yamaha, and then having to Bolivia, despite only the motor- sec, 2. Marc Coma (ESP/KTM) at 37 sec, 3. it.” Spanish compatriot Marc Coma, year. prepare the motorcycle, working cycles being allowed to cross into Cyril Despres (FRA/Yamaha) 01 min 40 sec, France’s Peterhansel, in a on a KTM, 37 seconds behind. “I took some time to find my with the entire team... So when the country. 4. Alain Duclos (FRA/Sherco) 01 min 56 sec, third Mini, and seeking a 12th Frenchman Cyril Despres, the bearings and ease into my pace,” D-Day comes, it feels good to be In Chile, concerns have been 5. Paulo Gonçalves (POR/Honda) 02 min 25 overall title (after six on motor- defending champion and seeking said Despres. racing again.” raised over possible damage sec, 6. Francisco Lopez (CHI/KTM) 03 min 24 cycles and five in cars), suffered a sixth career title, was in third, “The first special is always This year, 431 vehicles, tak- caused by the vehicles roaring sec, 7. Juan Pedrero (ESP/Sherco) 03 min 47 a puncture and was down in sixth 1min 40sec off the provisional tough when you come from cold ing part in the auto, motorbike, over the Inca Trail. sec, 8. Michael Metge (FRA/Yamaha) 04 min 33 place, 4min 21sec behind Sousa. leader. Europe and you get thrown into quad and lorry events, will cross The second stage of the race sec, 9. Sam Sunderland (GBR/Honda) 04 min “At 30km before the finish “I’m really happy with the the thick of things, so I’m happy Argentina, Bolivia and Chile. yesterday was over 400km from 33 sec, 10. Alessandro Botturi (ITA/Speedbrain) we had a flat tyre. Apart from first stage. At the beginning I to get good feelings. But they could run into envi- San Luis to San Rafael. 04 min 48 sec. the flat, I had good feelings with had some trouble easing into the “I got a bit emotional at the ronmental protests along the AFP

Johnson in three-way tie for lead Ambitious Jimenez aims

HONOLULU: Long-hitting to be Ryder Cup captain Dustin Johnson remained BARCELONA: Evergreen golfer Miguel Angel Jimenez has set on course for a successful his sights on being Ryder Cup captain one day having marked his title defence at the Hyundai 50th birthday on Sunday by saying he will compete in The Senior Tournament of Champions in Open Championship. Hawaii as he ended a wildly The Spaniard, who claimed his 20th European Tour win in last fluctuating third round in a month’s Hong Kong Open, is maintaining a busy schedule and will three-way tie for the lead on take part in this week’s Volvo Golf Champions tournament, held in Sunday. South Africa, but plans to take time out to make his debut in the Johnson, who spectacularly senior tournament in July. eagled the par-five ninth after Jimenez is then aiming to become Europe’s oldest Ryder Cup hitting a four-iron 211 yards to player by earning a place in the team ahead of the event in Gleneagles within two feet of the pin, fired in September, and believes one day he can be captain. a four-under-par 69 in sunny but “I think I can do it but I have to go step by step,” he told Marca, breezy conditions at the pictur- while adding he is hoping to play in this year’s competition. esque Kapalua Resort. “I would like to be there. I am waiting for news and it would be He had a chance to seize the great if I can.” outright lead at the par-five last Jimenez has been a Ryder Cup player on four occasions, the last but narrowly missed his birdie in 2010 at the Celtic Manor Resort. He will return to Wales for the attempt from 15 feet to finish at Senior Open Championship at Royal Porthcawl. 14-under 205, level with fellow The veteran player who began his career as a caddie remains as Americans Webb Simpson (68) driven as ever. and Jordan Spieth (69). “I feel fine. I have spent 25 years travelling the world and compet- Overnight leader Zach Johnson ing and if you aren’t happy doing that then it would be impossible was two ahead of the chasing to be so. I am motivated,” he said, before evaluating how the sport pack with seven holes to play has changed in Spain. but bogeyed 14 and 16 on the “I am the last of the caddie players,” he said. way to a 74 and fourth place at “Golf has evolved and before it was much more difficult as we 12-under. had to be caddies. Dustin Johnson won last year’s “We couldn’t play with the children of (club) members and play title, his seventh on the PGA better than them. I am the last caddie and (Jose Maria) Olazabal is Tour, by three shots in a tour- the first amateur player that came from humble roots.” nament reduced to three rounds REUTERS and forced to a rare Tuesday fin- ish because of relentless howling winds at the Kapalua Resort. shot with a two-putt birdie at the That briefly dropped him back He began Sunday’s third round par-five fifth to edge two ahead, into a share of the lead before three strokes off the pace and then regained his three-stroke Simpson knocked in a six-footer launched his timely surge up the advantage when Kuchar bogeyed to birdie the 16th and move one leaderboard with his stunning the par-three eighth. stroke clear. eagle at the ninth. Spieth, the 2013 PGA Tour Zach Johnson also bogeyed the “I hit a great drive down there Rookie of the Year, trimmed the par-four 16th after a wayward right to the end of the fairway deficit to two with birdies at the tee shot ended up in an unplay- Dustin Johnson plays a shot on the 14th hole during the third round of the Hyundai Tournament of Champions at eighth and ninth before being able lie, while Dustin Johnson the Plantation Course at Kapalua Golf Club in Lahaina, Hawaii. joined at 12 under by power hit- and Spieth, at the 16th and Golf Results ter Dustin Johnson, who eagled 17th, rolled in 15-footers to join 205 Webb Simpson 66-71-68, Jordan Spieth and had a good number, 211 is poor for me, especially working each day... and I was able the ninth and birdied the 10th. Simpson in a three-way tie at 66-70-69, Dustin Johnson 70- 66-69 (yards) with uphill,” Johnson told (after) hitting good drives.” to capitalise on those holes where Zach Johnson squandered a the top. 207 Zach Johnson 67-66-74 Golf Channel. “I just hit a great Simpson, the 2012 US Open you need to make birdie. good opportunity to extend his Masters champion Adam Scott 208 Gary Woodland 71-70-67, Jason Dufner four-iron right at the flag and it champion, birdied four of the last “I’ve just got to stay patient. If lead when he missed an eight- of Australia, the world number 67-72-69, Brandt Snedeker 70-69-69, ended up being pretty close.” seven holes to set the clubhouse you don’t get it going early, you’ve footer for birdie at the 12th, and two and highest-ranked player Kevin Streelman 67-71-70 Asked how he would attempt lead at 14 under. got plenty of opportunities on the Spieth and Simpson closed in at in the elite field of 30, fired a 69 to close the deal in yesterday’s “That was really good,” said back (nine).” 13 under with respective birdies to end the day at 10 under, four 209 Patrick Reed 70-72-67, Chris Kirk 66-75-68, Adam Scott (AUS) 70- 70-69 final round in pursuit of his the 28-year-old, who clinched Matt Kuchar made the first at the 14th and 15th. strokes off the pace. ninth PGA Tour victory, Johnson his fourth PGA Tour win at the significant move of the day Johnson ran up his first bogey The Hyundai Tournament of 210 Woody Austin 72-70-68, Ken Duke replied: “I’ve got to take advan- Shriners Hospitals for Children among the leaders, birdies at the in 39 holes when he overhit Champions is the opening event 70-69-71, Ryan Moore 67-71-72, tage of the par-fives. Open in Las Vegas three months fourth and fifth putting him at 12 the green with his second shot of the year on the PGA Tour, but Michael Thompson 66-71-73 “Today, I made a birdie ago. under, just a stroke behind the at the driveable par-four 14th the seventh in the new wrap- 211 Brian Gay 70-76-65, Harris English and an eagle but I parred the “I feel like I am getting a little pacesetting Zach Johnson. and failed to get up and down around season for 2013-14. 70-71-70, Matt Kuchar 68-68-75 two on the back nine which more comfortable with what I am However, Johnson picked up a from the rough to save par. REUTERS TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25

Pakistan look to spinners Sri Lankan cricketer Suranga Lakmal (left) speaks with Dinesh for win over Sri Lanka Chandimal during a practice We need to work on our batting, says Misbah-ul Haq session at the Dubai Sports city DUBAI: Pakistan are hoping Pakistan have the option in Dubai for a wicket that takes turn of replacing opener Khurram yesterday. to give their spinners an edge Manzoor with Shan Masood. Sri Lanka in the second Test against Sri The recalled Sarfraz Ahmed and Lanka starting tomorrow in will keep wicket after Adnan Pakistan are Dubai. Akmal had to return home fol- due to play Saeed Ajmal toiled for 49 wick- lowing a fractured finger in the etless overs in Sri Lanka’s second first Test. three Test innings in the drawn first Test in Sri Lanka have summoned matches, Abu Dhabi last week, as skipper one-day opener Kusal Perera the second Angelo Mathews hit a career best after Lahiru Thirimanne failed Test match 157 not out. to recover from an ankle injury. starting His fighting knock helped Sri They have not sought a replace- tomorrow Lanka erase Pakistan’s 179-run ment for paceman Nuwan at the Dubai lead and set them a 302-run Kulasekara, who returned home Sports City victory target. They finished on with a hamstring injury. Cricket 158-2. Sri Lanka will be counting on Stadium. It was the first time in Ajmal’s the vastly experienced Mahela 31-Test career that the 36-year- Jayawardene to come good after old had bowled more than 17 overs he failed in the first Test, manag- in a second innings and finished ing five and nought. wicketless. Spinner Rangana Herath will Ajmal has taken 24 wickets at Former Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardene (left) speaks with also look for more rewards after delighted with his own form. “I Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Dubai stadium, including seven reporters during a practice session at the Dubai Sports city in Dubai getting just four wickets in Abu was a little bit under pressure Jayawardene, Kaushal Silva, against England which helped yesterday. Dhabi. And off-spinner Sachithra and I am happy that I justified Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Pakistan inflict a 3-0 series defeat Senanayake will try to secure his my place,” he said. Perera, Prasanna Jayawardene, on the then-world number one spinners will get turn on the third Despite hundreds from Misbah place in the side after getting sup- Teams (from): Suranga Lakmal, Shaminda team in 2012. day,” he said. and Younis Khan last week, port from his skipper. Pakistan: Misbah-ul-Haq Eranga, Nuwan Pradeep, Pakistan Test captain Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by Pakistan will also look to bolster “We all know Sachithra is a (capt), Mohammad Hafeez, Sachithra Senanayake, Rangana Misbah-ul Haq is hoping his spin- nine wickets in Dubai on their their batting after they slumped good spinner. Playing in his first Ahmed Shehzad, Khurram Herath, Dilruwan Perera, Vishwa ners get more help from the pitch way to a 1-0 series win in 2011. from 329-4 to 383 all out in their Test, it was not easy playing on Manzoor, Shan Masood, Azhar Fernando. in Dubai for the second of three In that game Ajmal took eight first innings in Abu Dhabi. a pitch like this,” said Mathews Ali, Asad Shafiq, Younis Khan, Umpires: Bruce Oxenford Tests. wickets and Abdul Rehman four. “We need to work on our bat- after Senanayake went wicketless Sarfraz Ahmed, Junaid Khan, (AUS) and Sundaram Ravi(IND) “It was a sort of a setback for Left-arm spinner Rehman is ting more as we should have got in Abu Dhabi. Saeed Ajmal, Abdul Rehman, TV umpire: Richard both teams as regards spinners likely to replace fast bowler Rahat 450-odd runs on the board to have Mathews, who scored 91 in the Rahat Ali, Mohammad Talha. Kettleborough (ENG) in Abu Dhabi, but I think the Ali, who went wicketless in the a big lead to put pressure on the first innings before his unbeaten Sri Lanka: Angelo Mathews Match referee: Javagal Dubai wicket will be different and first Test. opposition,” said Misbah. century in the second, was (capt), Dinesh Chandimal, Srinath (IND) REUTERS Former Watson lauds Lehmann’s way of coaching players slam SYDNEY: All-rounder Shane Watson, along with three other of the amazing talent we had in Watson has credited coach players, was sensationally stood the group,” Watson said. Darren Lehmann for bring- down for the third Test in India “I would certainly never take ‘spineless’ ing the fun factor back to the after failing to provide then-coach back how I stood and voiced my Australian dressing room and Mickey Arthur with suggestions opinions at certain times. England after allowing the team to enjoy play- on how to improve the team’s “I know when there’s down ing cricket once more in the performance. times if you stand strong enough 5-0 Ashes series thrashing of The scandal, dubbed ‘home- and persevere for long enough Ashes rout England. work-gate’, saw Watson fly home that it might turn around - Watson’s credentials as a crick- -ostensibly to be with his preg- and it has in a way I never ever LONDON: England’s Ashes eter have never been in doubt but nant wife - and threaten to quit expected.” whitewash triggered a scath- his ability to gel with his Australia playing for Australia. Lehmann had also made the ing attack from former players team-mates has come under reg- Arthur was replaced by team environment “special”, with Ian Botham lashing out at ular scrutiny in the past. Lehmann just days before the according to Watson. the team’s “spineless” display in Persistent reports of friction last Ashes series in England and “This is the time of my life. Australia. with captain Michael Clarke although the burly former bats- I know how lucky I am to be Having won the home series 3-0 pre-empted a full-blown crisis on man’s no-nonsense approach involved in such a special envi- last year, captain Alastair Cook Australia’s tour of India last year, failed to prevent a series defeat ronment because it doesn’t always and his men landed in Australia a situation not helped when the 3-0 then, a confident Australia come along,” the 32-year-old said. Australia’s captain Michael Clarke (right) and coach Darren Lehmann in October as the overwhelming tourists were thrashed 4-0. emerged as a dominant force back “I’d always had certain beliefs share a moment after they won the fifth Ashes cricket test against favourite to retain the famous “It’s a game that if you take too on home soil. and I’d been lucky to be around so England at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday. urn. seriously - and I do at times - that Upon completion of a compre- many great teams to know most Instead, they were ruthlessly you can really get too internal and hensive series victory in Sydney importantly that you need to be brushed aside by a rampant the game gets too much for you,” on Sunday, Watson said he felt making sure you’re having a lot his number three spot during next liked - particularly not in the first Australia side, failing to get Watson told reporters yesterday. vindicated for questioning the of fun.” month’s tour of South Africa. couple of Test matches. close to victory in any of the five “I knew that’s what was hap- team culture under Arthur. By his standards, Watson had “In regards to that (batting “I didn’t set the world alight matches as pace bowler Mitchell pening within the Australian “There were times I knew I had a mediocre series with the bat, position) I really don’t care at at all but there were times when Johnson’s express speed and Brad team and like I say, Darren to stand strong with my beliefs scoring 345 runs at an average this point in time,” he added. “I hopefully I did contribute enough Haddin’s never-say-die batting, Lehmann comes in and within for the betterment of what I of 38, fuelling speculation that he was able to contribute at times, to us being involved in winning a exposed their limitations. one day turns that all around.” thought was to get the best out might have to move down from but not as much as I would have Test match.” REUTERS What proved to be the final day of the series was synonymous of England’s feeble showing as they Australian More pain to come for were bowled out for 166 inside 35 overs, chasing an improbable 448 media hail for victory, as Australia completed shattered England: Flower the clean sweep with two days to home side for spare. SYDNEY: Coach Andy Flower warned yesterday there was more “I’m pretty depressed and pain to come in the wake of England’s Ashes series meltdown in embarrassed - I use that word, Ashes win Australia. embarrassed, and I mean it,” Australia completed a 5-0 clean sweep on Sunday, routing the hap- former captain Botham told SYDNEY: Australia’s media less tourists for 166 off just 31.4 overs to carry off a 281-run victory in Sky Sports. “I am not allowed to yesterday hailed their cobbled three days in the Sydney Test. use the words that are flashing together bunch of rejects and Such was the magnitude of the series defeat that major ramifications through my head at the moment. recycled players for their deci- are expected for English cricket, just months after they beat Australia I just think it was spineless,” mation of England in a crushing 3-0 in England. added the former all-rounder. Ashes series whitewash. Flower said he would not identify individual players facing the chop, Australia never took their Michael Clarke’s Australians Australia’s cricketers Nathan Lyon (left), Mitchell Johnson (centre) and with reports that high-profile batsman Kevin Pietersen, one of the big foot off England’s throat regis- inflicted a comprehensive 281-run Peter Siddle celebrate their 5-0 victory in the Ashes series against English failures in the series, was under pressure. tering comprehensive victories victory in just three days in the England at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday. Pietersen, who averages just over 47 in 104 Tests, was dismissed at Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, final Sydney Test on Sunday to for three and six in the final Test to finish with 294 runs in the series Melbourne and finally in Sydney become only the third Australian at 29.40. Flower, who has said he will not be standing down as team to avenge last year’s series defeat side to thrash England 5-0 in a India and then 3-0 in England a amid the carnage of the team’s coach, said he was prepared to make tough decisions, while admitting in England. series. few months back. It has sacked a final collapse of the series. the nightmare series was the end of an era. “England have been steam- “Never before in 137 years of coach, auditioned more batsmen “Perhaps, in the absence of the Asked directly whether Pietersen would be part of England’s future, rollered. If it had been a boxing Test cricket has Australia deci- and bowlers than a television tal- real symbol of Ashes supremacy, Flower told reporters: “This will be a new start, and so it should be. match it would have been stopped mated England so completely, ent contest and navigated a path the tiny terracotta urn that is It does feel like the end of some type of era. We might have to take a weeks ago,” Botham said. winning the fifth Test inside as bleak as any travelled by an regarded as so fragile it lives little more pain before we have sustained success again. And we might Former skipper Michael three days to finish with all 100 Australian team,” he wrote. almost permanently in the MCC have to ask for a little patience in that regard over the coming months.” Vaughan echoed his sentiment, English wickets in a series for “England won a handful of ses- Museum at Lord’s, Carberry As well as speculation over the future of Pietersen, 31-year-old saying the senior players had let the first time,” The Sydney Daily sions but was soundly beaten from might be prevailed upon to leave wicketkeeper Matt Prior, who was dropped for the last two Tests, the team down. Telegraph’s Malcolm Conn said. Brisbane to Sydney. his wounded bat here on these could also face the axe. “I’ve lost words to describe “And they did it as the “The home side did it with a shores as a treasured reminder of “I’m not going to discuss individuals, but looking at it a little more how England played. That was Unchangeables, taking the same reconstituted opener in Chris one of Australia’s greatest Ashes holistically, I think it will be the start of something new,” Flower said. pathetic - it was always going to XI players through all five Tests Rogers, a resurrected bowler in triumphs,” Smith said. “I think Alastair Cook as captain can lead that renewal and rebuild- happen but there’s a way to lose,” after the selectors recalled man Mitchell Johnson, a reappointed He added that “greatness” has ing (of) the England cricket side. We’re not proud of (the Sydney Test). Vaughan told BBC Sport. of the series Mitchell Johnson, 32, wicket-keeper in Brad Haddin never been a word applied to And we’re not proud of the Test series result, of course. It’s quite a “I have never seen an England and his closest rival for the award, and a rediscovered sense of how Clarke’s side. bitter pill to swallow. But that’s what it is and we have to face up to team throw in the towel, but they Brad Haddin.” to play cricket the Australian “That’s what most rankles the that reality.” did this afternoon. Our senior The Australian newspaper’s way.” English about this series, that Cook said after the Sydney defeat that he knows what it takes to core of players have not been able Peter Lalor said the whitewash The Australian’s Wayne Smith their mighty team, so recently rebuild shattered England. to get into any sort of form,” said was special because “nothing said English opener Michael ranked number one in world He said he has been given a vote of confidence from the England Vaughan, who in 2005 became the remotely similar was expected of Carberry’s bat snapping in half cricket, has been brought low by and Wales Cricket Board to continue as captain as England look to first England captain to win an this lot”. as he pushed forward to defend a team of, well, plodders.” regroup after sliding to fourth in the International Cricket Council Ashes series since Mike Gatting “Clarke’s men had lost 4-0 in on Sunday was rich in symbolism REUTERS rankings, below Australia at three. REUTERS in 1986-87. REUTERS TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2014 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Hobart International WTA Results HOBART, Australia: Results from the Hobart WTA International yesterday (x denotes seeding): Stosur survives in Sydney; Singles Round 1 Klara Zakopalova (CZE x7) bt Yvonne Meusburger (AUT) 7-5, 6-2 Kirsten Flipkens (BEL x2) bt Marina Erakovic (NZL) 6-4, 6-1 Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) bt Silvia Soler- Espinosa (ESP) 6-7 (7/9), 6-4, 6-4 winning start for Wozniacki Samantha Stosur (AUS x1) bt Madison Brengle (USA) 6-7 (4/7), 6-1, 7-6 (7/5) Zhang Shuai (CHN) bt Zheng Jie (CHN) 6-3, 6-1 Former Grand Slam champions Kuznetsova and Schiavone crash out Estrella Cabeza Candela (ESP) bt Karin Knapp (ITA) 7-5, 6-4 Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) bt Laura Robson (GBR) 4-6, 2-0 retired SYDNEY: Former world ATP Tour Singles Casey Dellacqua (AUS) bt Alison Van number one Caroline Wozniacki Uytvanck (BEL) 6-4, 6-4 Standings opened her season with a win Garbine Muguruza (ESP) bt An-Sophie Mestach (BEL) 6-1, 6-1 1 Rafa Nadal(Spain) 13130 over German Julia Goerges in the first round of the Sydney Alison Riske (USA) bt Anastasia 2 Novak Djokovic(Serbia) 12260 International yesterday. Pavlyuchenkova (RUS x4) 6-3, 6-2 3 David Ferrer(Spain) 5800 Olivia Rogowska (AUS) bt Alexandra Cadantu Danish sixth seed Wozniacki, 4 Andy Murray(Britain) 5560 (ROM) 7-6 (7/5), 6-1 who became engaged to golf star Bojana Jovanovski (SRB x8) bt Annika Beck 5 Juan Martin Del Potro(Argentina) 5255 Rory McIlroy on New Year’s Eve, (GER) 7-5, 6-3 6 Roger Federer(Switzerland) 4355 lost the first set to Goerges but Monica Niculescu (ROM) bt Magdalena 7 Tomas Berdych(Czech Republic) 4180 rallied to come through 3-6, 6-2, Rybarikova (SVK) 6-2, 6-0 8 Stanislas Wawrinka(Switzerland) 3890 6-4. Auckland ATP 9 Richard Gasquet(France) 3140 The 23-year-old, who withdrew 10 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga(France) 3065 from a WTA event in Brisbane Results AUCKLAND: Results from day one of the 11 Milos Raonic(Canada) 2860 last weekend due to a shoulder Auckland ATP tournament yesterday (x 12 Tommy Haas(Germany) 2435 injury, was making her sixth denotes seed): 13 Nicolas Almagro(Spain) 2290 straight appearance at the Sydney First Round Santiago Giraldo (COL) bt Albert Montanes 14 John Isner(US) 2150 tournament as she prepares for the Australian Open. (ESP) 6-1, 7-6 (7/3) 15 Mikhail Youzhny(Russia) 2145 But fourth-seeded Serb Jelena Jack Sock (USA) bt Adrian Mannarino (FRA) 16 Fabio Fognini(Italy) 1930 6-3, 6-4 Jankovic’s preparations for 17 Kei Nishikori(Japan) 1915 Horacio Zeballos (ARG) bt Filippo Volandri Melbourne hit a hurdle yesetrday 6-0, 7-6 (7/1) 18 Tommy Robredo(Spain) 1810 when she was beaten by world 19 Gilles Simon(France) 1790 number 23 Ekaterina Makarova Sydney International 20 Kevin Anderson(South Africa) 1685 in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2. Results WTA Tour Singles Jankovic, who is ranked eighth SYDNEY: Results of matches played at the in the world, was 3-1 down in the International Sydney tennis tournament second set and was never back in yesterday (x denotes seed): Standings Women’s singles the game as Makarova held her 1 Serena Williams(US) 13260 Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x6) bt Julia Goerges nerve to serve out for the match, 2 Victoria Azarenka(Belarus) 8151 (GER) 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 winning with an ace. 3 Maria Sharapova(Russia) 6076 Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA) bt Eugenie “I tried to be aggressive and not Bouchard (CAN) 6-4, 6-3 4 Li Na(China) 6045 let her attack, because she’s really Lauren Davis (USA) bt Jarmila Gajdosova 5 Agnieszka Radwanska(Poland) 5820 (AUS) 6-4, 7-6 (10/8) good playing down the line from Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark returns the ball to Julia Goerges of Germany during their first round match of 6 Petra Kvitova(Czech Republic) 4775 Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) bt the backhand,” Makarova said. the APIA Sydney International tennis tournament in Sydney, yesterday. Jelena Jankovic (SRB x4) 6-4, 6-2 7 Sara Errani(Italy) 4435 “So I tried to let her move her Lucie Safarova (CZE) bt 8 Jelena Jankovic(Serbia) 4230 to the backhand, not to stand and Francesca Schiavone (ITA) 6-4, 6-4 9 Angelique Kerber(Germany) 3965 hit it. I was moving quite good injuries in 2012, was surprisingly at her home Grand Slam with a the first set in a tiebreak before Angelique Kerber (GER x5) bt Dominika 10 Caroline Wozniacki(Denmark) 3520 (too)... today was a good match.” beaten 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 by American scrappy performance in Hobart Stosur managed to run away with Cibulkova (SVK) 7-6 (7/5), 7-5 Earlier, former Grand Slam lucky loser Varvara Lepchenko. while a trio of big names tumbled the second and then claimed the Varvara Lepchenko (USA) bt Sveltana 11 Simona Halep(Romania) 3335 Kuznetsova (RUS) 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 champions Svetlana Kuznetsova Schiavone, the 2010 French out. third set tiebreak on her fifth 12 Roberta Vinci(Italy) 3170 Kaia Kanepi (EST) bt 13 Sloane Stephens(US) 3135 and Francesca Schiavone ended Open champion, was bundled out Stosur appeared on course match point to clinch the 6-7 Victoria Duval (USA) 6-1, 6-3 14 Ana Ivanovic(Serbia) 3010 their competitive Australian by Lucie Safarova 6-4, 6-4. become the third Grand Slam (4-7) 6-1 7-6 (7-5) victory. Christina McHale (USA) bt Alize Cornet (FRA) Open preparations early with first The 33-year-old Italian was winner to lose yesterday when United States qualifier 6-7 (4/7), 6-2, 7-5 15 Sabine Lisicki(Germany) 2915 round losses. also knocked out of the first round she struggled in Sydney before Bethanie Mattek-Sands beat Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL) bt 16 Carla Suarez Navarro(Spain) 2735 Double Grand Slam winner of the Brisbane tournament last the top seed overcame two Canada’s Eugenie Bouchard 6-4, Sorana Cirstea (ROM) 6-4, 6-1 Men’s singles 17 Samantha Stosur(Australia) 2675 Kuznetsova, who had a good week by Jankovic. lengthy rain delays, chilly con- 6-3 while Czech Lucie Safarova 18 Maria Kirilenko(Russia) 2640 Julien Benneteau (FRA x6) bt Matthew Ebden second half of 2013 to enter the Australia’s Samantha Stosur ditions and stubborn American bundled out Italian Francesca (AUS) 6-2, 6-2 19 Kirsten Flipkens(Belgium) 2535 Sydney tournament inside the top failed to allay fears she could be Madison Brengle. Schiavone 6-4, 6-4. Denis Istomin (UZB) bt Pablo Andujar (ESP) 20 Svetlana Kuznetsova(Russia) 2341 20 after battling back from knee heading for another early exit The 23-year-old Brengle won AGENCIES 6-1, 6-2 Wood set to defend Qatar Masters title DOHA: The 2014 Commercial Commercial Bank Bank Qatar Masters organisers have confirmed that towering Qatar Masters Englishman Chris Wood (pic- Commercial Bank Qatar Masters past tured) will return to defend his champions: title at the 17th edition of the 2013 Chris Wood tournament, which will be held 2012 Paul Lawrie at Doha Golf Club from January 2011 Thomas Bjorn 22 to 25. 2010 Robert Karlsson The six-foot five-inch Wood 2009 Alvaro Quiros produced a spectacular finish to 2008 Adam Scott claim his first European Tour title 2007 Retief Goosen last January, sinking a pressure- packed, 12-foot eagle putt on the 2006 Henrik Stenson 18th to beat Spanish legend Sergio 2005 Ernie Els Garcia and South African George 2004 Joakim Haeggmann Coetzee by one stroke. 2003 Darren Fichardt Hassan Al Nuaimi, President of 2002 Adam Scott Hassan Nasser Al Naimi (second left), President of Qatar Golf Association (QGA) and Dahlan Al Hamad (second the Qatar Golf Association, said: 2001 Tony Johnstone right), of Qatar Armed Forces, exchange documents during an contract signing ceremony at Doha Golf Club “We are delighted to confirm that 2000 Rolf Muntz yesterday. The Qatar Armed Forces will be one of the sponsors of the Qatar Open Amateur golf championship Chris Wood will be back to defend 1999 Paul Lawrie it was announced yesterday. Mohamed Faisal Al Naimi (left), Executive Director of QGA and Fahad Nasser his title at the 17th Commercial 1998 Andrew Coltart Al Naimi, General secretary of QGA were also present. The Qatar Open Amateur championship will be held Bank Qatar Masters at Doha Golf from January 9 to 11. PHOTO BY KAMMUTTY VP Club. at OneAsia’s Thailand Open in Championship and Bridgestone “Chris was a very popular win- August 2012. Invitational in the USA, finish- ner last year and we all know Wood, now 26, then admit- ing seventh in the latter, and the how much he wanted his well- ted 14-time Major winner Tiger HSBC Champions in China. Qatar Open Amateur Championship deserved first European Tour Woods had inspired him on the Currently ranked74th in the victory. Furthermore, he earned final hole, hitting his six iron from Official World Golf Ranking, the it in the most dramatic way, with 200 yards to within ten feet of the Bristol-born golfer also reached an eagle on the final hole, which flag. the quarter-finals of the Volvo to begin from January 9 at DGC gave us one of the most exciting “It was such a good yardage World Match Play Championship finishes in the tournament since for me and my caddie told me to in Bulgaria, finished joint-sev- it began in 1998. We will soon be go straight at it. That told me I enth at the Alfred Dunhill Links DOHA: Nine Qatari players championship last year. “With tomorrow, informed QGA officials. confirming more star players who needed an eagle to win,” Wood Championship in Scotland and will be seen in action at the the winner earning a berth to “The cut will be applied after will all aim to challenge Chris for said after the victory. represented England at the ISPS 28th edition of the Qatar Open the Commercialbank Qatar two days of play and the success- the Mother of Pearl Trophy next “I remember watching Tiger Handa World Cup of Golf in Amateur Championship which Masters plenty is at stake for ful golfers will battle it out over month.” hit a shot at a tournament a few Australia. will be held from January 9 to 11 the amateur golfers in the fray. last 18 holes for the top honours. Wood, who led by three after years ago on 18, an eight iron to Wood announced himself on at the Doha Golf Club (DGC), it For the national players it would The top 60 qualifiers advance to the third round, claimed victory six feet, and that was for his first the international stage back in was announced here yesterday. be a great opportunity to rub the third and final round to be in Doha with an 18 under par win in a couple of years after he July 2008 when the then 20year The tournament, an annual fix- shoulders with some of the best held on January 12. The champi- total of 270. After sinking the struggled. I watched quite a bit old amateur finished fifth in The ture on the Qatar Golf Association amateur golfers in the world,” onship is open for amateur play- winning putt, the usually mild- of that, and although he didn’t Open Championship at Royal (QGA) calendar, has had been a said QGA President Hassan Al ers, with nine or less handicap, mannered Englishman punched play his best, his attitude was, Birkdale, with his father as his hit with the amateur golfers from Nuaimi, while addressing a press and is a world amateur golf rank- the air in delight after ending I’m going to win this tournament caddie. all over the world. This year 120 conference at DGC. ing event,” added Al Nuaimi. years of frustration following 19 whatever happens. I had that in Single-day and season tickets golfers will be competing in the The Commercial Bank Qatar The Qatar Armed Forces is the top-tens on The European Tour, the back of my mind.” for the 2014 Commercial Bank three-day 54-hole stroke play Masters 2013 will be held from main sponsor of the event. including three runner-up fin- Wood’s victory in Doha earned Qatar Masters are available to event. January 22 to 25 at DGC and will Qatar Olympic committee, ishes since 2011. him a place in the world’s top 60 purchase online at www.vir- The top two Qatari players of be contested by the best profes- InterContinental Doha Hotel, Al “Four years of frustration and his confidence grew further ginmegastore.me and in-store the tournament will get a chance sionals on the European PGA Muftah Rent-A-Car and Doha of not winning and it all came by competing in all four World from Virgin Megastore shops in to play in the Commercial Bank Tour. Golf Club are the other sponsors. out a bit after the putt,” said Golf Championships events in Villagio Mall and Landmark Mall, Qatar Masters 2013 along with The three-day event will have The Championship has come the soft-spoken Wood, who had 2013 – the Accenture Match Doha, as well as Doha Golf Club. the winner of the event. 51 competitors who be arriv- a long way since its inception in won his first professional title Play Championship, Cadillac THE PENINSULA Garrick Porteous won the ing in Doha for the event from 1983. THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27

Brazil’s World Cup work has Pakistan Cricket Board eye begun too late, says Blatter

BERNE: FIFA president Sepp Blatter cannot remember a Qatar as off-shore venue World Cup host nation falling as far behind with their prepara- tions as Brazil have, he said in Women’s tri-nation series likely to set things rolling for future series an interview. However, he later backtracked by tweeting that the tournament DOHA: The Pakistan Cricket would be a success after Brazil Board (PCB) is keen to make President Dilma Rousseff said her Qatar its second base and this country would stage the “Cup of week’s first women’s tri-nation Cups”. tournament could set things “Brazil has just found out what rolling for future international it means and has started work series in Doha, a top official said much too late,” said Blatter in yesterday. his interview with the Lausanne- Syed Bobby Refaie, Executive based newspaper 24 Heures. Director of PCB-backed Pakistan “No country has been so far Super League (PSL), is impressed behind in preparations since I with Qatar’s brand new cricket have been at FIFA even though it stadium in Industrial Area is the only host nation which has which is set to host a three- had so much time, seven years, in nation involving women’s teams which to prepare.” from Pakistan, South Africa and Rousseff reacted with a state- Ireland. ment full of positive intent about Pakistan currently uses the the finals that start in June. UAE as home base since PCB “The demand for tickets, the has not been able to host inter- greatest for any World Cup, shows national cricket in Pakistan due supporters in the whole world to security concerns since March have confidence in Brazil,” she 2009. said on Twitter. Test and ODI captain “We love football and we will Misbah-Ul Haq is currently receive this Cup with pride and leading Pakistan in a Test series we will make it the Cup of Cups. against the Angelo Matthew-led The World Cup will be at home Sri Lanka in the UAE. in Brazil as this is the country of “The current chairman Najam football.” Sethi has given me the full Blatter then also took to authority to see what could be Twitter to say “Only 157 days to done to look for off-shore venue World Cup opening match in Sao for Pakistan in a sports-loving Paulo. Preparations are in full country like Qatar. He too will be A view of the West End Park International Cricket Stadium, at Industrial Area in Doha. The stadium will host a three-nation tournament involving swing in all 12 host cities. Brazil here during the women’s event. women’s teams from Pakistan, South Africa and Ireland from January 10 to 24. BOTTOM: Syed Bobby Refaie, Executive Director of PCB-backed 2014 will be a success. We are not looking at Qatar as Pakistan Super League (PSL). “I fully agree with @dilmabr a short-term prospect. We are (Rousseff) tweets today. The looking into it as long-term,” whole world, including me, is Refai said yesterday. attention is that it is only 72 yards said. “That’s we call this women’s “When we came here we looking forward to the Cup of “That’s why we have our chief boundary-to-boundary. Normally event a soft-launch for interna- wanted to see more than one Cups. Brazil will be a great host.” groundsmen Haji Basheer here. you need the ground to be 70 yards tional cricket later on. This gives stadium. We are also trying to Blatter has experience of He’s the one handling the pitch plus. If you have Virat Kohlis or us the opportunity to start afresh. meet up with Aspire Academy nine World Cups, dating back to matters here also. He’s the chief Shahid Afridis in your side, you We were supposed to play the officials. We don’t mind having Argentina in 1978. He joined soc- curator at Qaddafi Stadium. The will lose half a dozen balls in a series in Sharjah but we brought more than one stadium. We don’t cer’s ruling body as a development chief curator and his team are match because players like them it to Qatar. want to rely on just one stadium. officer in 1975 before becoming doing the testing of the wickets. can easily clear the boundaries,” Refai said India’s women’s team And Aspire, we know, want to do secretary general and then tak- I have had several meetings with Refai pointed out. could also be part of future events something for cricket,” the PCB ing over as president in 1998. people who have built this sta- “But overall it is a very nice in Qatar official said. REUTERS dium,” Refai added when asked set-up. The other things we look “Yes, we thought of inviting “We know everything depends about his views on West End at is hotels, accommodation, food India. But we couldn’t do that. on this event and we want to Cricket Stadium. etc. You’ve got everything here. Next time we will definitely invite make it successful. That’s why we Kaka surpasses “It seems we would have to Matters like safety is also not an them because right now India is have kept the tickets really cheap. make several new additions to issue,” Refai explained. reluctant to play in the UAE. This is a testing ground for us. century in the stadium to make it go fully However, we feel they might ‘yes’ Before we bring out the world- compatible with international “Qatar has spent money on to (playing in) Qatar. India has a class teams and players here, we Atalanta rout standards. this facility and we have to make policy that they don’t want to play are looking at this women’s event. “You need a wicket doctor and proper use of this stadium. The anywhere else but India. We have enough time. he’s the man for us for the last dressing rooms are huge. I think “We were supposed to go to “We know that Al Mana Group MILAN: Brazilian forward four days. He will be here for there are 22 showers. You can Bangladesh and practice there is buying 50 percent of the tick- Kaka boosted his World Cup throughout the event. After that have 200 people in the dressing ahead of the T20 World Cup ets and hand it over to different hopes by scoring his 100th and we will have three curators next room,” Refai said with a smile. (March 1 to 15). All the three schools. So that we can get the 101st goals for AC Milan in a week. They will give us the report Refai said the women’s event teams featuring here - Pakistan, schoolchildren. Also, remember welcome 3-0 win over Atalanta and they will analyse on what from January 10 to 24 is likely to Ireland and South Africa are we have three Fridays - with the at the San Siro yesterday. needs to be done to bring the full pave for international cricket. in one group. But the thing is first match beginning on Friday Kaka is one of several Europe- teams out here.” the US-based “We would like to come back there some volatile situation in and the event ending on a Friday. based stars hoping to nail a place PCB official added. with our A team in March or Bangladesh right now. So Qatar is We were told that dew would be in Luiz Felipe Scolari’s squad and “The ground is nice. The April. And after that we would our best and safe and best option,” a concern and that doesn’t seem did his chances a world of good one thing that has caught our bring out our full team,” Refai he said. to be the case.”THE PENINSULA with two well-taken goals that helped move struggling Milan up three places to 10th. Mario Balotelli started on the Qatar Volleyball Association League: Police clinch win over El Quiyada bench with Alessandro Matri spearheading the attack in Massimiliano Allegri’s preferred 4-3-2-1 formation, which also fea- tured midfielder Bryan Cristante. Cristante, making only his sec- ond senior appearance, marked the occasion by scoring Milan’s third in the 67th minute to virtu- ally secure what was only Milan’s second win in their past 10 games and fifth of the campaign. Before then, Kaka led the charge, scoring his 100th goal for Milan after collecting a pass deep on the left of the area to turn and beat Andrea Consigli with an angled strike at the keeper’s far post.Matri made way for Balotelli just before the hour mark and the Italy striker played a role in Kaka’s second, holding off defender Giulio Migliaccio deep on the right to cross for Robinho. When the ball bobbled in front of the unmarked Brazilian, Kaka promptly took possession to smash the ball past Consigli from close range. Milan had barely finished cel- ebrating when Cristante added their third, smashing a crisp dai- sycutter just inside Consigli’s far post from the edge of the area. Kaka was not alone in netting twice, Luca Toni hitting a first- half brace in a 3-1 win for Verona away to Udinese which allowed the visitors to leapfrog Inter into fourth. Toni opened the scoring after Action from the Qatar Volleyball Association League match between El Quiyada and Police at the Al Arabi Indoor Stadium yesterday. Police won 3-1. RIGHT: Action from the match between just eight minutes when home Eljaish and Al Sadd. Eljaish won 3-0. In another match, Al Arabi defeated Al Gharafa 3-1. PICTURES BY: SALIM MATRAMKOT goalkeeper Zeljko Brkic was una- ble to hold the towering striker’s strike. AFP Tuesday 7 January 2014 6 Rabial I 1435 Volume 18 Number 5937 Sport Price: QR2

Chargers jolt Pakistan look Bengals for win for a spinning in NFL track in Dubai

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www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Portugal Hosts Qatar eye WAFF title pays final Belmadi’s boys aim to end WAFF drought in today’s final against Jordan homage

DOHA: Qatar is likely to tinker to Eusebio with their winning combination in the final of the West Asia Football Federation (WAFF) LISBON: Portugal paid final championship against Jordan homage yesterday to football- when they two sides lock horns ing legend Eusebio, who grew up in the title clash. in grinding African poverty to Qatar have never won the become one of the world’s great- WAFF title, but the hosts has est players. set their intentions clear from To the applause of thousands the first match itself that they of supporters, Eusebio’s coffin are confident of winning the sil- was carried around Lisbon’s Luz verware in front of the home sup- stadium inside a black limousine porters this time. as Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli’s Qatar national team coach “Con te partiro” was played from Djamel Belmedi said at the pre- loudspeakers. match press conference: “We are Fans, some in tears, sang the here to win the tournament. It national anthem and waved flags will be a very tough game but we bearing Eusebio’s image as the will do our best to win the trophy. coffin draped in the red and white In each previous match, I made flag of Eusebio’s club Benfica minor changes to the squad and drove by. I will be changing it a little for Before being driven around the final match but I can’t tell Qatar national team coach Djamel Belmedi speaking at the pre-match press conference on the eve of the final of the 8th West Asia Football Federation the stadium an endless stream of you which squad I will use in the (WAFF) championship in Doha yesterday. RIGHT: Hossam Hassan, coach of Jordan team at the press conference. Qatar will take on Jordan in the mourners, including politicians final.” final today at Al Sadd Stadium at 8.30pm. PICTURES BY: ABDUL BASIT and football players, braved the Belmedi, who said on the eve rain and came to bow to the coffin of the championship that his side which was displayed in a chapel are strong title contenders to win tournament. In the second match, used to playing in all different coach said: “There were lots of he said: “We are missing strikers, inside the stadium. the title, will be hoping that his Qatar trounced Saudi Arabia 4-1 types of weather conditions. what positives in the previous match we are a very strong and organ- Flags flew at half mast across boys live up to his words. to qualify for the semi-final stage matters is the pitch condition in played against Jordan, we are ised team, and for me it’s only a Lisbon with the Portuguese gov- He added: “It’s good that we of the tournament. The hosts the likely case of rain tomorrow. happy with the way the game matter of time before we score ernment decreeing three days of had many spectators in previous made it to the final with a 3-0 If it does rain, it will affect both went. Jordan didn’t have many goals tomorrow. We have to make mourning for Eusebio da Silva matches and it’s good that we will extra-time win over Kuwait. teams. I hope that the best team opportunities in the last game, if sure the players keep believing in Ferreira, who died of a heart have a good number in the final Belmadi’s counterpart Hossam wins tomorrow.” anything, our team gave them a themselves.” attack early Sunday aged 71. too, it motivates the players to Hassan said: “Reaching the final Jordan edged past Kuwait 2-1 to hard time.” Nine countires took part in “Portugal has today lost one play better. Jordan also has a good is an honour for us and if we reach the semi-finals, while were He added: “I will pick 11 players the championship with defending of its most beloved sons, Eusebio fan base here in Qatar and I saw win the final, it will make us all locked in a goalless draw against that I feel will win the match for champions Syria and four-time da Silva Ferreira. The country this when they played Bahrain very happy. We are playing to Lebanon in the first match of the us. I’m in a position where I feel I champion side Iran not making mourns his death,” President last time, there were many spec- win tomorrow and if we win it, group stage. can make very strong decisions on the Doah trip. Anibal Cavaco Silva said. tators supporting them.” I would like to say that I dedi- In the last four stage, Jordan which players to pick for tomor- The final will be played at Al Thousands of fans, many wear- Qatar has had made gradual cate the trophy, to H R H Prince overcame winning against row’s match.” Sadd Stadium. ing Benfica scarves around their progress in the championship. Ali bin Al Hussein, His Majesty Bahrain 1-0. Responding to a question The match kicks-off at 8.30pm necks, applauded and sang the They struggled to 1-0 win King Abdullah II of Jordan, the In the third-place play-off regarding how Bahrain didn’t while the third place match will national anthem when Eusebio’s over Palestine in their first Jordanian nation.” Bahrain take on Kuwait. score a single goal since the begin at 5.30pm. body arrived the at Luz stadium match in the group stage of the He added: “Football players are Anthony Hudson, the Bahrain beginning of the championship, THE PENINSULA on Sunday. Supporters placed flowers, handmade posters and scarves with the club’s red and white colours. Guardiola striving for perfection at Bayern A funeral mass was held in the Seminary Church near the sta- BY ARMSTRONG VAS Bayern Munich’s dium yesterday, and the footballer head coach Pep will be laid to rest at the Lumiar DOHA: Last season Bayern Guardiola (right) cemetery in the city’s northern Munich breezed through every talks with Thomas suburbs. competition and cup final in Mueller (centre) Eusebio, born into poverty in spectacular style to add a few during their team’s Africa, scored 733 goals in 745 more trophies to the cabinet. matches and rivalled all-time training session at Coach Jupp Heynckes set the greats including Pele, Alfredo Di Aspire Academy in wheels in motion and his replace- Stefano and Charlton. ment Pep Guardiola is aiming to Doha, yesterday. “I was the best player in the carry forward the legacy. Bayern Munich is in world, top scorer in the world and The Spaniard is tailoring his Qatar for the winter Europe. I did everything, except training plans towards his vision training camp which win a World Cup,” Eusebio said of the game and the nine-week will end on January in a interview in 2011, recalling winter training camp in Qatar is 13. The Bundesliga his tears after Portugal’s loss in where he is fine tuning it. giants are prepar- the 1966 World Cup semi-final to “We have to improve as a team. ing for the second England. We want even more control. We half of the season. From humble origins in the want even more of the ball,” the RIGHT: A combo of former Portuguese colony of 42-year-old said during a press pictures of Guardiola Mozambique, Eusebio was to conference here yesterday. speaking at a press emerge as one of the world’s The German season is cur- conference at Grand most feared strikers, combining rently on its winter break, with Heritage Doha Hotel panther-like pace with a ferocious Bayern leading the way in the yesterday. shooting ability. Bundesliga table by seven points Born in 1942, the poor boy from PICTURES BY: with a game in hand over second- Maputo rose to prominence in KAMMUTTY VP placed Bayer Leverkusen. Mozambique football circles as Bayern’s busy season schedule, a teenager through his perform- 29 games in total, has spanned fifth European Cup success, and facilities. I had heard about Aspire the language he learnt before ances for Sporting Lourenco several continents and has the DFB Pokal duly followed. Academy from many friends but taking over the job at Bayern. Marques. resulted in victory for in all but The Spaniard is not concerned did not get a chance to visit it,” Guardiola, who also spoke in With his exceptional technique, three encounters. that his players hunger for suc- said the former Spain interna- Spanish and English, said he is strength and goal-scoring record, But Guardiola has sights on cess might have diminished in the tional, about the facility which hoping for the quick returns of it was not long before word of more silverware at Bayern and light of an outstanding 2013. was inaguarated in 2005. Bastian Schweinsteiger and Arjen Eusebio’s prowess soon filtered is aiming tighten up a few loose “The players are very intel- “It’s really convenient, the Robben. back to Portugal and he joined ends. ligent,” noted Guardiola, on the training ground is right next to “We have three weeks until the Benfica. “We have to work on every- second day of the winter camp. the hotel. Perfect! That is the rea- first match. I hope both can play In an early game for Benfica, thing, our physical fitness and our “I don’t have to tell the play- son Bayern choose to train here in Mönchengladbach,” Guardiola he had outshone Pele in a friendly tactics,” he added. ers to perform. That’s the best for the fourth successive year,” he confidently commented after with Santos, and in 1962 he scored Last season the Bavarians mentality.” added. surveying the pair in the initial the crucial goals in a 5-3 victory swooped to their 24 German Guardiola who played for Al With harsh winter conditions workouts of the New Year. over Real Madrid in the European championship, smashing almost Ahli in the Qatar League in the prevailing in Germany, he said the “He’s in much, much better Cup final. When Madrid’s legen- every record in the book. Borussia 2003-05 season said it was for weather conditions were ‘superb’ shape. He can run without any dary Hungarian Ferenc Puskas Dortmund, their closest challeng- the first time he has been to the in Doha. problem,” Guardiola, said about symbolically handed his jersey to ers somewhat 24 points further state-of-the-art facilties at Aspire “The weather is a bit better Schweinsteiger process who Eusebio after the match, the mes- back, simply couldn’t keep apace. Academy, Bayern’s base for the here than at home. It’s very pleas- underwent surgery on his right sage was clear -- the torch had With a domestic title in the bag, winter training camp. ant,” the former Barcelona coach ankle some eight weeks back. passed, and in 1965 Eusebio was the Champions League, Bayern’s “I’m very impressed with the added, who spoke in German, THE PENINSULA awarded the Ballon d’Or. AFP