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Tuesday 29 October 2013 24 Dhul-Hijja 1434 - Volume 18 Number 5867 Price: QR2

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Emir visits Bahrain Mass wedding Limited port in Yemen backed by Father Emir capacity hits SANA’A: In keeping with an Emiri gesture of the Father Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, and under the patronage of Yemeni President Abdo Rabu Mansour Hadi, the food supply 4th Orphan’s Mass Wedding 2013 will be held on Thursday in the capital Sana’a and a number Building materials also held up of Yemeni provinces. The mass wedding will be held DOHA: Importers are battling The pressure was particularly under the supervision of the heavy odds as they say they can- on the import of foodstuff (since Orphan Development Foundation. not meet the increasing demand the population has been increas- The largest mass wed- for foodstuff and construction ing) and raw materials used in the ding in Qatar and the region materials due to slow clearance booming construction industry, comes in the context of devel- by Doha Port. he said. opmental support provided The port being old has a lim- Businessman Ali Hassan Al by the country to Yemen in ited ship and container handling Khalaf said that goods clearance various spheres. Assistant Foreign capacity, so import volumes can- procedures are time-consuming Minister for International not be increased. Also, the cus- since several agencies are involved Cooperation H E Sheikh Ahmed toms clearance procedures are in the process. bin Mohammed bin Jabor Al time-consuming, they claim. The Customs Department, Thani said: “This Mass Wedding The result is huge wastage, Environment Ministry and the of orphans has several develop- especially of fresh and perishable public health authorities are mental dimensions, primarily food products, and rising prices. involved in the clearing process. psychological stability for this The Qatar Chamber, represent- The result of the delay in The Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani being welcomed by H M King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of category of the society.” QNA ative body of the private sector, releasing the imported goods is Bahrain in Manama yesterday. See also page 2 has, thus, urged the port authori- that food items, especially, are ties to take steps so it can handle spoiled in large quantities, he said. more ships and speed up goods It is tragic that importers have clearance. to face such odds at a time so many “We have suggested that ware- mega infrastructure development Welfare system unsustainable: Kuwait PM houses be built so the (food) con- projects are being launched in the tainers can be taken directly country, he hinted. there instead of leaving them in Al Khalaf said that the various KUWAIT: Kuwait’s prime “It is necessary for Kuwaiti subsidies system, as suggested The government’s four-year open space in the port premises,” state agencies also levy fees on the minister has called the coun- society to transform from a con- by the finance minister earlier programme says that if spend- said Mohamed bin Ahmed Tawar importers and that pushes up the try’s welfare system unsus- sumer of the nation’s resources to this month. Like other wealthy ing continues to rise at the cur- Al Kuwari. cost of goods. Another business- tainable and said the major oil a producer,” he said, according to Gulf Arab countries, Kuwait does rent rate, Kuwait will have a real Al Kuwari, who is the Vice- man, Kazim Al Ansari, said that producer needs to cut spending excerpts published in local media not tax earnings and provides a budget deficit by 2021, something Chairman of the Chamber, said Doha Port can only handle two and the consumption of its nat- yesterday. generous welfare system for its which “threatens national and this was the only solution to ships at a time. “The third ship ural resources. The International Monetary citizens. All residents, including social security and the stability tackle the problem of congestion must remain anchored as long as In some of the strongest com- Fund (IMF) and other Kuwaiti foreigners, benefit from subsi- of the country”. at the container yard at the port. unloading of these two vessels is ments yet from a senior gov- officials, including the finance dised petrol, cheap electricity The government seeks to According to him, delay in going on,” he said. ernment official on Kuwait’s minister, have repeatedly warned and water, while Kuwaiti nation- “rationalise” subsidies to make goods clearance is mainly due to a Businessman Ghassan Al rising spending bill, Sheikh Jaber against rising government spend- als get extra support for housing sure they reach people who lack of space for containers at the Salem said that the New Doha Al Mubarak Al Sabah said a ing in OPEC member Kuwait, one and food. need help the most, local media port. “With so many mega devel- Port, which is under construc- “transformation” was needed to of the world’s richest nations per Generous spending pro- said, citing the government pro- opment projects being launched tion at a huge outlay between avoid future problems. capita. grammes are often cited by ana- gramme, adding that the annual and the population of the coun- Al Wakra and Mesaieed, is “The current welfare state that Government spending may lysts as one of the reasons why subsidies bill had reached more try surging literally by the day, expected to be ready only by 2016. Kuwaitis are used to is unsustain- soon exceed oil revenues. the region has largely escaped than KD5bn ($17.7bn). The gov- imports have been rising fever- “Only then can we expect able,” he said in the introduction Sheikh Jaber has tended to Arab Spring-style unrest, with ernment has said previously that ishly due to increasing demand,” importers’ woes to end,” said to a government programme sent keep out of the debate, but his citizens accepting some political any changes to the subsidies sys- Al Kuwari told local daily Al Raya Al Salem. to lawmakers ahead of the open- comments suggest that the gov- and social curbs in return for a tem would not hurt Kuwaitis on in remarks published yesterday. THE PENINSULA ing of parliament today. ernment could review the costly comfortable life. low incomes. REUTERS

On the move Plans for green 11 killed as storm rips ACs shelved

DOHA: The Ministry of through northern Europe Environment has indefinitely shelved plans to ban air condi- LONDON: At least 11 people Winds reached 159 kilome- tioners that do not meet Qatari were killed yesterday as a fierce tres per hour on the Isle of standards on energy conserva- storm tore across northern Wight off the southern English tion. The Ministry said yester- Europe, causing mass disrup- coast, according to Britain’s Met day that the decision has been tion to transport. Office national weather centre, put on hold for an “indefinite Four people were killed in while more than 500,000 homes period” following requests by an Britain and three in Germany in Britain and France were left international company for more as heavy rain and high winds without power. time to manufacture sufficient battered the region. The storm Heavy rain and winds of 80 quantities of air conditioners also claimed two victims in The mph elsewhere brought down meeting the Qatari standards. Netherlands, one in France and thousands of trees and left hun- Some more time will be needed one in Denmark. dreds of passengers trapped in to test the new air conditioners Rough conditions at sea also planes at Copenhagen airport. to make sure that they work forced rescuers to abandon the In Britain, a 17-year-old girl smoothly, Qatar News Agency search for a 14-year-old boy who died after a tree fell on the parked said yesterday quoting a state- disappeared while playing in the caravan where she was sleeping, ment by the Laboratories and surf on a southern English beach while a 51-year-old father of three Standardisation Department at on Sunday. died when a tree hit his car, police the Ministry. THE PENINSULA British Prime Minister David said. Some 460,000 homes lost Adel Abdessemed’s five-meter tall “Coup de Tête” sculpture being moved to Mathaf Museum from the Cameron described the loss of life power across Britain. AFP Corniche yesterday. (ABDUL BASIT) as “hugely regrettable”. See also page 12

Today’s edition of The Peninsula Baby girl in France found living inside car boot includes TERRASSON: France was a garage in Terrasson, in central suffering from delayed growth her 40-year-old partner were The couple had three other Health and Fitness in shock yesterday after the France. Police said one of the and mental problems. arrested and charged on Sunday children — a four-year-old girl discovery of an underfed and mechanics heard “bizarre noises, The girl “was hidden, it seems with child abuse and endangering and two boys aged nine and 10 — Special Supplement dehydrated baby girl who had like moans” coming from the car since birth, and more seriously, a minor. The two are facing up to who were handed over to social 1 been forced to live in a car boot, boot and opened it to discover the she is suffering from significant 10 years in prison. services following their parents’ apparently since birth. girl, who was naked, lying in her (developmental) delays,” local The mother told police that arrest. HEALTH} The little girl, aged between own excrement, dehydrated and prosecutor Jean-Pierre Laffite she had given birth in secret and The couple were both of FITNESS

15 and 23 months, was found feverish. told AFP. hidden the baby’s existence from Portuguese origin and both OCTOBER 2013 SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT by mechanics on Friday when The girl was taken to hospi- The situation “defies belief,” he everyone, including her partner, unemployed. her mother brought the car to tal where doctors said she was said. The girl’s mother, 45, and the girl’s father. AFP TUESDAY 29 OCTOBER 2013 HOME 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 42 films to be Emir visits Kuwait screened at Ajyal youth fest Doha Film Experience registration on

DOHA: Forty-two films will be from Iran and Spain, and seven screened at the inaugural Ajyal short films from UK, Poland, Youth Film Festival presented Germany, Japan, UAE, and by the Doha Film Institute Netherlands. (DFI) from November 26 to 30 Meanwhile, DFI has opened at Katara. registration for ‘Doha Film Spanning short films, docu- Experience,’ for the region’s young mentaries, and narratives, the film enthusiasts who will have the films, both in-competition and chance to participate as a juror at out-of-competition, will be fur- the festival. ther categorised under Bariq (for During the course of the Doha families with kids aged between Film Experience, hundreds of 4-7 years old), Mohaq, Hilal, and young jurors, from ages 8 to 21, will Bader segments. be given the opportunity to watch Vying for top honours will be an array of films under Mohaq, four feature and six short films Hilal, and Bader categories fol- The Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani arrived in Kuwait City yesterday on one-day state visit. The Emir of Kuwait H H Sheikh Sabah in the Hilal category, for young- lowed by discussions and events Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah led well-wishers to welcome the Emir of Qatar at Kuwait International Airport. Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf sters between the ages of 13 to 17, spanning workshops and Q&A Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, Speaker of the National Assembly Marzouq Ali Al Ghanim, Deputy Chief of the National Guards Sheikh Meshal Al while four feature and eight short sessions with the directors and Ahmad Al Sabah, the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al Mubarak Al Hamad Al Sabah and a number of Sheikhs, Ministers, senior officials and Qatar’s films, adjudicated by jurors from stars. On the closing night of the Ambassador to Kuwait Abdulaziz bin Saad Al Fuhaid and the Qatari Embassy staff were also present to welcome the Emir. the ages of 18 to 21, will go head- Festival, the young jurors from the to-head in the Bader in-competi- Doha Film Experience will vote for tion segment. Additionally, seven the films and award the ones they shorts will compete for top prizes consider most outstanding. in the Mohaq Competition seg- Previously known to film fans ment for the ages 8-12. as the Doha-Giffoni Experience, Qatar to participate in London WTM Winners of the in-competition the ‘Doha Film Experience’ is at segment will receive a develop- the heart of the Festival. DOHA: The Ministry of that are being provided by Qatar Al Sayed added. In addition, ment award through the Ajyal Fatma Al Remaihi, Festival Culture, Arts and Heritage as a key player of tourism indus- the falcon hunting (Al Hur and Film Fund. Prizes in the short Director, said: “Based on our suc- in collaboration with Qatar try in the region. Al Shahin falcons) will also be film competition include the Best cessful experience with this pro- Tourism Authority (QTA) is QTA has been allotted 400 displayed. Filmmaker Awards in the Mohaq, gram in the past, we have further set to participate in the World square metres to set up its stall A separate space has been kept Hilal and Bader segments for enhanced the initiative to offer a Travel Market (WTM) exhibi- at the exhibition, said Ibrahim to serve local beverages specially $5,000 each. Feature film competi- unique educational experience. For tion, which will take place from Abdurrahim Al Sayed (pictured), Qahwa, along with the historical tion prizes include the Best Feature five days, young people will partici- November 4 to 7 in London. Adviser of Cultural Heritage at pictures of Qatar. Filmmaker Award in the Hilal and pate in screenings, workshops and Some 5,000 exhibitors from 149 the Ministry of Culture, Arts and The latest publications about Bader categories of $15,000 each. discussions designed to encourage countries are expected to partici- Heritage. Qatari culture and heritage will Under the out-of-competition appreciation of film and culture. pate in the exhibition. Al Sayed is also the supervisor also be available at Qatar’s stall. segment, 11 short films in the We are really proud and excited Qatar has been participating of Al Mathorat Al Shabiya maga- Qatar’s participation in the Bariq section will be reviewed about this program and encourage in the exhibition since 1980s and zine issued by the Ministry. exhibition is line with the 2013 by children between the ages of families to enroll their children. after setting up QTA, the partici- Traditional handicrafts of Qatar-UK cultural activities that The cultural events will also help 4 to 7 years, spanning entries We want to empower our youth – pation became more organised. weaving (Al Sadu), decorations aim to boost the relations between to conduct dialogues, give oppor- from Canada, India, UAE, USA, they are the leaders of tomorrow”. QTA will participate at the made of gypsum and wood, man- the two countries in the fields of tunities for innovations and coop- Germany, Italy, UK, Egypt, and To register visit http://www. WTM in collaboration with a ufacturing works of traditional arts, education, sport and science eration to develop people to people Belgium; while Mohaq, for chil- dohafilminstitute.com/pages/ large number of local companies boats, traditional stitching and in a bid to develop the culture and contacts between two countries in dren between the ages of 8 to 12, ajyal-jury-application. and organisations. The participa- other traditional items will be thinking of the institutions and the fields of arts and cultures. will feature two feature films, THE PENINSULA tion aims to promote the services showcased at the Qatari stall, individuals. THE PENINSULA

TUESDAY 29 OCTOBER 2013 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Plan to set up Qatar Marine Association Idea to be discussed at QIBS

DOHA: Plans are afoot for the of the primary objectives of the creation of a marine associa- QIBS is to establish a platform tion in Qatar which will be dis- for the well-being of the maritime cussed at the very first Qatar industry. Such an Association International Boat Show (QIBS) would promote awareness of the to be held at Lusail Marina from local market, create opportunities November 12 to 16. by identifying needs and attract- Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al ing the right calibre of specialists, Thani, President of the Qatar and achieve international recog- FROM LEFT: George Kapoulas, Show Director for Qatar International Boat Show; Faysal Mikati, Vice-President of Snow Communications; Belal Al Marine Sports Federation nition for all that Qatar has to Kadry, Executive Assistant Manager and Director of Room Operations at Ritz-Carlton Doha; Abdulaziz Al Zeyara, Senior Manager of Strategic Planning (QMSF), announced the upcom- offer in this field. at Lusail City; Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al Thani, President of Qatar Marine Sports Federation; Salem Al Kubaisi, Chief Corporate Services Officer at ing initiative at a press conference Some suggested ideas for Katara Hospitality; Wayne Shepherd, General Manager of Mourjan Marinas; Nader Salameh, Marketing Manager of Ali Bin Ali Luxury and Fashion, and yesterday at the Ritz-Carlton what the association would be Elie Hanna, General Manager of AIG at a press conference at Ritz-Carlton Hotel yesterday. (SHAIVAL DALAL) Doha. responsible is creating poli- “We have social responsibil- cies and standards according tourism, encouraging environ- Yachts International, Azimut Performance Marine of Qatar will know that the market in Qatar ity, in which the creation of the to the International Maritime mental concerns and educating Yachts, Sea Ray, Sanlorenzo, be showcasing Cigarette Racing already has large numbers of marine association is a vital com- Organisation (IMO). Further of all things maritime, under Benetti, Overmarine, FIPA Group, Boats, Nortech Hi-Performance potential buyers and by exhib- ponent. We will set all the rules it can become a member of the guidance of the Ministry, he Sunreef Yachts Bilgin Shipyard, and Glasstream boats. iting at QIBS, the international and procedures and hopefully AMIA Arab Marine Industries added. Kaiserwerft and Cranchi Group. A total of 35 boats will be on dis- shipyards have the chance to come up with the association Association; be a focal point for For its debut on the interna- Qatar will be represented by play at QIBS, including the fastest meet their existing custom- after the show,” he said. the International Council of tional boating show circuit, QIBS four boat building companies – composite Maxi Open Yacht ever ers in their own environment A roundtable meeting of mari- Marine Industry Associations has attracted the top names in Al Wakra, Al Udeid, Halul and to be built – Overmarine Group’s — whereas before they had to time stakeholders and govern- (ICOMIA) and its members; the maritime industry from Milaha – all of which manufac- Mangusta 165 Maxi Open Yacht, travel half way round the world ment officials will be held during and be a focal point for the around the world. ture highly cost-effective fibre- which is 50 metres in length and to meet one another. As well as the show, at which the Qatar International Federation of Boat Sixteen international shipyards glass boats. Exhibitors from has a top speed of 40 knots. finding yachts, some visitors will Marine Association formation will Show Organisers (IFBSO) and its have already confirmed their the UAE include Gulf Craft, Faysal Mikati, Vice President be looking for fishing boats, while be discussed. members. Other areas in which attendance including top names Emirates Boats, Al Shaali, Dubai of Snow Comms Conceptual expatriates are predominantly in The timing is auspicious, such an Association could play an such as The Ferretti Group, Marine and Sawamy; and from Communications & Events, QIBS the market for fun boats.” Sheikh Hassan said, because one active role would be in promoting Sunseeker International, Princess Bahrain, Al Dhaen. In addition, organisers, said: “Exhibitors THE PENINSULA

Qatari envoy Qatar Airways gold sponsor for career fair in US meets Jordan WASHINGTON, DC: Qatar Airways sentatives, conduct interviews and discuss and Higher Education of Qatar, and Qatar programmes, Graduate Development military officer will be acting as a gold sponsor for the sponsorship opportunities with 11 differ- Airways SVP Contracts and Procurement, Programme, Internship program and first Qatari Students Career Fair, to ent government institutions and Qatari Mohsen Alyafei. Aviation Management Programme and AMMAN: Qatar’s be held from November 1 to 3 at the companies, including Qatar Airways. “As part of the 2030 Qatari National Vision, actual job interviews. The department will Ambassador to Jordan Marriott Washington Wardman Park In attendance will be Guest of Honour, we are proud to sponsor this incredible event host airline-sponsored Qatari students from Zayed bin Said Al in Washington, DC. Hundreds of Qatari Qatar’s Ambassador to the US Mohamed bin and to help motivate the next generation of around the US as well as graduate devel- Khayareen met yes- students from around the United States Abdulla Al Rumaihi; Dr Mohammed Abdul Qatari business leaders,” said Qatar Airways opees and new employees based in Doha to terday during a visit to will have the opportunity to meet repre- Wahed Al Hammadi, Minister of Education Chief Executive Officer, Akbar Al Baker. We share their experiences as a Qatar Airways- Prince Faisal Military are confident that, given the sponsored student. College with Commander proper support and oppor- “Since the start of the Qatar Airways of the College Brigadier tunities, these bright, young National Scholarship Programme in 2011, Mahmoud Al Abdullat. students can find rewarding we have welcomed into the airline highly They discussed ways careers within some of Qatar’s talented, self-motivated, and studious young to enhance cooperation finest companies.” men and women that have benefitted from between the two coun- The Qatar Airways the resources we provide in their aca- tries in academic military Nationalisation Department, demic journeys, said Qatar Airways Vice- areas. The Ambassador a division of the airline dedi- President, Nationalisation, Dr Kholode Al also met on the sidelines cated to the development of Obaidli. There are 733 Qatari students in of the visit with Qatari Qatari talent, will be mar- the US and 328 of them are sponsored by students enrolled in the keting 23 different majors Qatar’s Higher Education Institute, and 405 college and inspected during the 2013 US Career are self-financed. their conditions and get Fair as well as Scholarship THE PENINSULA briefed on their stud- ies and academic issues. The Ambassador assured the Qatari students the state’s keenness on car- ing for the Qatari citizens’ interests and affairs. Envoys present credentials

ASTANA/SAGREB: The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kairat Sarybay has received copies of credentials of Qatar’s Ambassador to Kazakhstan Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Mutawa. They reviewed bilateral and ways of enhancing them. The President of the Republic of Croatia, Ivo Josipovic, received credentials of Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al Thani as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Qatar to the Republic of Croatia. The Ambassador con- veyed greetings of the Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to the president of Croatia, as well as his wishes of good health and happiness to the president, and of fur- ther progress and pros- perity to the government and the people of Croatia. The Croatian president entrusted the ambassador with his greetings to the Emir, wishing the Emir best of health and con- tinued progress, develop- ment and prosperity to Qatar. He also wished the ambassador success in her duties, assuring her of providing all support for advancing bilateral rela- tions in various fields. QNA TUESDAY 29 OCTOBER 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05

Emir endorses Qatar Airways flies to Clark Manila agreements Daily flights to Clark Manila International Airport offer Luzon travellers convenient connections with Moldova

MANILA: Qatar Airways and Ukraine yesterday launched non-stop daily flights to Clark Manila DOHA: The Emir H H Sheikh International Airport in the Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Philippines. yesterday issued Decree No. 59 Flight QR930 touched down of 2013 endorsing an agreement at Clark International Airport between governments of the at 9.20am local time to a tradi- State of Qatar and the Republic tional water salute welcome. A of Moldova on the recipro- ceremony followed which was cal exemption of visa require- attended by airport and gov- ments for holders of diplomatic ernment officials including the and special passports, signed in Ambassador of Qatar to the Doha on 10.12.2012. Philippines, Jassim A Al Obaidli, The Emir also issued Decree together with members of the No. 60 of 2013 endorsing an agree- local business community, travel ment providing for the encour- trade and media. agement and protection of mutual Qatar Airways Senior Vice- investments between govern- President Commercial Operations ments of the State of Qatar and – Network, Woo Yew Seong was the Republic of Moldova, signed joined by the Ambassador of the in Doha on 10.12.2012. The Emir Philippines to Qatar, Crescente issued Decree No 61 of 2013 R Relacion on the inaugural non- endorsing an agreement on eco- stop flight to Clark from the air- nomic, trade and technical coop- line’s operational hub of Doha. eration between governments of “Qatar Airways has reached Qatar and Moldova, signed Doha yet another key milestone in on 10.12.2012. the Philippines, with the launch The Emir issued Decree No. of additional daily flights to 62 of 2013 endorsing an agree- this fast-growing country,” said ment between governments of Yew Seong on arrival at Clark the State of Qatar and Guernsey International Airport. “With on the avoidance of double taxa- our new offering, business and President of Clark International Airport Victor Jose Luciano presents Qatar Airways Senior Vice-President Commercial Operations – Network, Woo Yew tion and prevention of fiscal leisure travellers to the Luzon Seong with a memento. evasion with regard to income area have great connections via taxes, signed between in London Doha from many popular des- bus service will be available to offers more daily flight options The destination becomes the Philippines. on 22.2.2013. tinations, including Dubai, Abu take passengers to and from for passengers and would meet Qatar Airways’ 12th gateway Flight schedules, between The Emir issued decree Dhabi, Bahrain, Kuwait, Muscat, Trinoma Mall and Resorts World the strong demand for business, in Southeast Asia after Kuala Clark International Airport and No. 63 of 2013 endorsing an Dammam, Riyadh, Montreal, Manila (located opposite of MNL leisure and VFR (visiting friends Lumpur, Bangkok, Bali, Ho Doha, are as follows: Tuesdays, agreement between govern- New York, London and Paris.” International Airport T3). and relatives) travel between Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, Thursdays and Sundays; depart ment of the State of Qatar The Clark Airport route is As an inaugural offer, passen- Qatar and the Philippines. Jakarta, Hanoi, Singapore, Doha QR930 at 1945 hrs to and the Ukrainian Council of operated with an Airbus A330 in gers are also entitled to baggage “Qatar Airways is now well Manila, Yangon and Phuket – arrive at Clark Airport 0920hrs Ministers on the exemption of a two-class configuration of up to allowance of up to 40kg valid positioned to offer travellers from and the carrier’s 133rd destina- next day. Mondays, Wednesdays holders of diplomatic and spe- 248 seats in Economy and up to for travel until January 31, 2014. the Middle East, Europe and USA tion worldwide. and Fridays: Depart Clark cial passports form entry visa 36 in Business Class. The aircraft Members of Qatar Airways’ fre- the convenience of an additional Together with Qatar Airways’ Airport QR931 at 1050hrs requirements, signed in Doha features seatback TV screens quent flyer programme, Privilege daily flight to the Philippines via destinations across South Asia, to arrive in Doha 1550 hrs. on 28.11.2012. providing all passengers in both Club, can earn up to 7,000 bonus the airline’s Doha hub. the entire Asian region repre- Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays The agreements shall have cabins with the next generation Qmiles in Economy Class and “More frequencies combined sents around 30 percent of the and Saturdays: Depart Doha the power of law in accord- interactive onboard entertain- 14,000 bonus Qmiles in Business with an award-winning inflight airline’s global network of routes. QR930 at 2100hrs to arrive at ance with Article 68 of the ment system — a choice of more Class for travel on a return experience, access to over 130 des- Qatar Airways started opera- Clark Airport 1035 hrs next day. Constitution. The decrees than 900 audio and video on trip between October 27 and tinations worldwide, and seamless tions to Manila in 1995, currently Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays shall go into effect from demand options. December 31. connections in Doha brings our flying two daily flights to the capital and Sundays. Depart Clark the date of issue and are to Clark International Airport is Qatar Airways Chief Executive passengers from the Philippines city. Along with Clark, the air- Airport QR931 at 1205hrs to be published in the official located about 96km from Manila Officer Akbar Al Baker said that a winning proposition,” added Al line is now offering a convenient arrive in Doha 1705 hrs. gazette. City Centre and a complimentary the new Clark Airport flights Baker. option of three-daily-flights to THE PENINSULA QNA HMC opens Sealine emergency centre

DOHA: The Hamad Medical where a helipad is located beside Relations and Hassan Al Hail, Corporation (HMC) has opened the ambulance and emergency Director of Media. its ambulance and emergency center,” said Andaila said. Dr Muhammad Ghareeb, centre at Sealine. The Center “In addition, ambulances will Medical Services Supervisor will provide medical services to be stationed in several locations at the Sealine Ambulance and visitors to this key tourist spot to cover camping sites in the area Emergency Center, said the during the camping season and for the entire season.” Center can provide first aid treat- spring holidays. Representing HMC at the ment for campers and is staffed Rashid Andaila, public rela- official opening last week by a physician and nurse. tions manager for the Ambulance were Ali Abdullah Al Khater, “The clinic will be open every Service, said the centre is equipped Executive Director of Corporate weekend from 3pm on Thursday with seven ambulances, three Communications, Mohammed to 5pm on Saturday until the end being new fully equipped state- Hussein Al Kubaisi, Executive of the camping season. Also, dur- of-the-art 4x4s able to reach rug- Director of the Managing ing official holidays, such as school ged and remote areas. Each 4x4 Director’s Office, Dr Robert vacation periods, it will be open ambulance is staffed by three par- Owen, Executive Director of daily to deal with any medical amedics. “The Sealine area is also Ambulance Service, Abdullah emergencies,” said Ghareeb. covered by LifeFlight helicopters, Al Khalaf, Director of Public THE PENINSULA

FROM LEFT: Dr Robert Owen, Ali Abdullah Al Khater and Mohammed Hussein Al Kubaisi during the event.

35,000 visit Ecuador cultural fest

DOHA: Around 35,000 visitors festival, Katara General Manager, and Katara to sponsor cultural came to witness a variety of col- Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, and artistic works, transforming ourful events at the Ecuador said the event is one of forums this good land to the crossroads Cultural Festival which con- hosted by Katara to contribute of civilizations, cultures and arts. cluded on Saturday in Katara. to productive cultural dialogue, Many visitors who attended the Organised by Katara Cultural building bridges of cultural com- Festival expressed their admira- Village Foundation along with munication between nations and tion of the events presented for the Ecuador Embassy and Qatar peoples. the first time in Qatar and the Tourism Authority, the five-day Ecuador Ambassador Kablan Arab world. They said the event event celebrated a rich variety Abisaab expressed his gratitude celebrated Latin American cul- of unique and vibrant activities of the sponsorship of the Emir ture, the prominent components including folklore, music, ballet, H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad of Ecuadorian society and the carnival parade, cinema, graphic Al Thani and the Father Emir H real image of cultural diversity arts, food, sculpture and handi- H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al and exchange of knowledge and craft among others. Thani of the festival. openness to one another. Speaking on the success of the “It is not uncommon for Qatar THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 29 OCTOBER 2013 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

Emir and premier GCC stability crucial to world: Expert greet Czech president Former GCC secretary-general addresses EU-GCC Regional Security Cooperation meet DOHA: The Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani DOHA: The former secretary- organised by QU’s Gulf Studies societies, and said that the They, however, said that there traditional ‘balancer’ in the region sent a cable of greetings to the general of the Gulf Cooperation Program and the College of Arts social changes EU wanted GCC was ‘too much bad blood’ between as the GCC countries were not President of Czech Republic Council (GCC) told a forum yes- and Sciences (CAS) in collabo- states to adopt were simply not the US and Iran for possible rec- self-sufficient in their external on the occasion of his coun- terday that peace and stability ration with Sharaka, a project possible. onciliation anytime soon. defense with respect to their main try’s National Day. The Prime in the Gulf countries was cru- that aims to enhance EU-GCC Michael Gahler, member of “The panic that is coming out competitor, Iran. Minister and Interior Minister cial for the stability of societies relations. the European Parliament, on the of Riyadh, Kuwait city and Abu “The GCC states will not talk H E Sheikh Abdullah bin across the globe because of their The conference highlighted other hand, said that the GCC Dhabi only matches the panic of to Iran seriously about a new Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani dependence on oil. key regional issues, while dis- states are in fact, not cohesive Netanyahu, it reaches that level multilateral deal without the also sent a cable greeting the “Oil is the welfare of mankind,” cussing the rising powers and in their policies and it was very of panic,” a speaker at the forum American being at the table, Czech president on the same Dr Abdullah Bishara, a senior the challenges faced by regional easy to put one country versus said. while Iran considers withdrawal occasion. Kuwaiti diplomat and President governments. another. The European Union, in schol- of the foreign forces essential for of the Diplomatic Centre of Dr Bishara said that the GCC Participants said that the arship at least, showed that it did any such deal.” Prime Minister Strategic Studies, said. states needed to enhance coopera- GCC states, with the exception not have the backbone to pursue With the growing influence of He was speaking at the two- tion, keeping in view the hostility of Qatar, were ‘panicking’ about a foreign policy that was decid- Iran, participants also identified receives Lebanese day EU-GCC Regional Security in many countries in the region. the possible abandonment by the edly different from the US when Turkey as a key role-player in the Cooperation conference held at He also pointed out the differ- United States (US) in view of its it comes to Iran. region. ambassador Qatar University. The event was ences in the Gulf and European closer ties with Iran. The US was seen as a THE PENINSULA DOHA: The Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E For a healthy future Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani met yester- day Lebanese Ambassador in Doha Hassan Qassim Najem. HMC to mark World They discussed aspects of coop- eration in issues of common interest and ways of enhancing Psoriasis Day today them.

DOHA: Three percent of the “If a child has one parent with Centre to raise population in Qatar is affected psoriasis they have a 10 to 25 per- by psoriasis; a chronic (long cent chance of getting it too,” said awareness on term) skin disease associated Takiddin. with over production of skin Psoriasis is often triggered public transport cells, usually resulting in flaky, for the first time by an outside scaly and irritated skin, the event; stress, a wound to the skin DOHA: Qatar is planning to Hamad Medical Corporation and a throat infection can all be set up an education centre to (HMC) said yesterday. precursors to a bout of psoriasis. raise awareness among the HMC will mark the World Lifestyle factors such as being youth about the benefits of using Psoriasis Day today with a pub- overweight, smoking and drink- public transport, the Minister lic lecture on the disease at its ing alcohol have all been linked of Transport H E Jassim Seif Medical Education Centre in to worsening the symptoms of Ahmed Al Sulaiti has said. Hajar Auditorium from 6pm psoriasis. The project was among a to 9pm. The Dermatology “Stress, skin damage, infection People jogging on the Corniche yesterday afternoon. The pleasant weather has turned the seven-kilometre number of issues discussed during Department at HMC is work- and smoking or alcohol consump- stretch into a popular destination for health-conscious people who can use the fitness facilities spread along a meeting between the Minister ing to raise public awareness on tion, etc are triggers for some the stretch. (SALIM MATRAMKOT) and Secretary-General of UITP psoriasis; the commonly mis- people. People with psoriasis can (International Association of understood skin disease which avoid or reduce their symptoms Public Transport) Alain Flausch often leads to children and adults if they know what triggers their recently. feeling distanced from their condition,” said Takiddin. He said The Minister who is also communities. it is important to dispel the social Lecture on insomnia tomorrow Chairman of UITP MENA dis- Dr Ahmad Hazem Takiddin, a stigma attached to the disease. cussed with the UITP official dermatologist at HMC, said that “Emotional and social effects Qatar’s future public transport the way psoriasis looks can often are a big element of concern DOHA: Staying up until late at Psychiatry at HMC, is part of a (or physical) reasons including plans and various initiatives lead to people assuming it is an for people living with psoriasis. night, consuming heavy meals series of events to educate the headaches, arthritis and other for developing public transport infectious disease, which is not Often individuals are ashamed shortly before bedtime, smoking public in mental health issues. medical conditions, said Zaraa. in the country and the region, the case. of their appearance which can and excessive intake of caffein- Insomnia is a sleep disorder It can be triggered by a variety of said a release issued by the pub- “Psoriasis is not at all conta- affect the way that they form ated drinks can lead to insomnia, characterised by difficulty falling factors including stress. “Insomnia lic transport operator Mowasalat gious, it cannot be transferred relationships. a common sleep disorder, accord- asleep and/or staying asleep, fre- can be attributed to emotional or yesterday. though physical contact, sharing There is a general worry that ing to an expert at the Hamad quent awakenings and difficulty in mental reasons associated with The Minister said that one a towel or through swimming in people will stare at them or avoid Medical Corporation (HMC). returning to sleep. daily life tension, work problems of the largest projects in Qatar shared pool water,” said Takiddin. being in contact with them. If The Psychiatry Department “The causes of insomnia can be and financial stress - being the under QRail is an education Rather than being contagious, people understand more about at Hamad Medical Corporation behavioural. These habits include most common causes,” added Zaraa. centre for public transport psoriasis is hereditary and car- psoriasis, they will be more (HMC) will hold a public lecture staying up until late at night, To help prevent insomnia, peo- “that will provide education ried through family genes. Dr understanding and accepting of on insomnia and its side effects excessive intake of caffeinated ple should maintain a regular sleep and awareness specially to the Takiddin said that an individual it which will help individuals with tomorrow at its Department drinks, smoking, consuming heavy schedule, do exercises regularly, youth for a sustainable future is more likely to experience the psoriasis to feel more comfort- of Psychiatry near the Center meals shortly before bedtime and avoid caffeinated and carbonated by understanding the benefits of disease if they have a biological able,” said Takiddin. Roundabout at 6pm. The lecture lack of regular exercise. Insomnia drinks late in the afternoon. public transport”. family member with psoriasis. THE PENINSULA by Dr Adel Zaraa, Consultant of can also be attributed to organic THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA Khalid Nasser Ooredoo to launch new iPhones appointed DOHA: Ooredoo yesterday announced that the guarantee for all Apple products. Mowasalat CEO new series of iPhones, the iPhone 5s and iPhone Customers who own the iPhone5s or iPhone5c 5c, will be launched in Qatar on November 7. will receive operator’s pack upgrade automati- The models will work with Ooredoo’s superfast cally, which will enable them to access Ooredoo 4G network, providing customers with the best 4G. The 4G service enables customers to have Internet experience. faster access to information, stream HD video, The next generation iPhone 5s and 5c will transfer large files, and update social media. be the first models that will be “Ooredoo Customers can subscribe to 4G at any Ooredoo 4G-approved” devices, thanks to a new operator’s shop, and existing Shahry Mobile Broadband cus- pack upgrade from Apple, which automatically tomers who subscribe to the 1GB, 3GB, 6GB or provides the data settings required to enjoy 4G unlimited mobile broadband plans can upgrade services. quickly and easily to the “4G Key”. They can send Ooredoo is an official distributor of Apple SMS “4G” to 114, or contact 111. iPhone5 smartphones in Qatar, and the strong The 4G Key, which is automatically renewed, connection between the two companies means costs just QR60 a month for Shahry and QR15 a that customers can enjoy the latest software week for Hala customers. upgrades, and also the security of a one-year THE PENINSULA

NU-Q symposium on big data, media DOHA: Khalid Nasser Al Hail (pictured), a member of Mowasalat’s board of direc- DOHA: In an effort to advance the under- on media has come under the spotlight recently, tors has been appointed as standing of how large, complex data can be following the series of news reports on the National chief executive officer (CEO) of used by media organisations and grasped by Security Agency’s surveillance programmes. the company. their audiences, Northwestern University in According to Everette E Dennis, Dean and This new post has been created Qatar announced yesterday an open sympo- CEO of NU-Q, the increasing availability of mass as part of a restructuring of the sium, to be held on November 19 under the information made possible by the Internet and company. theme “Big Data, Smart Media? Connecting social media has generated an urgency to develop Al Hail brings with him 22 Content, Audience and Information.” tools for turning huge amounts of data into use- years of experience of serving The symposium will apply the booming phe- ful knowledge. “Big Data is the next frontier in in senior financial and mana- nomenon of “big data” to the understanding of analyzing the ways in which society shapes and gerial positions. media management, as well as to content pro- consumes media,” said Dennis. “The exceptional He will be supported by duction and consumption. The Economist’s data technologies and manpower required to process Ahmed Al Mansoori, Executive editor and former Wall Street Journal technol- such large quantities of data have created a need Director-Operations and Nasser ogy editor, Kenneth Cukier, will open the session within the media industry to further our under- Al Khanji, Executive Director- with insights from his recent book Big Data: A standing of Big Data, in terms of what content we Support Services, being his key Revolution That Will Transform How We Live, produce, how we produce it, and how we can best team members, Mowasalat said Work, and Think. deliver it to our audiences. It is also a crucial sub- yesterday. The day’s panels feature a range of leading ject for journalists, as some of the biggest stories Al Hail held several positions, scholars, professionals and other global experts of our day, such as national security and many including chief executive officer in Big Data from renowned institutions including, global trends, are a direct result of the emergence of Alijarah Holding, manager of University of Oxford Reuters Institute, Columbia of Big Data. The outcomes of the conference will QP Management Accounting University and Al Jazeera Media Network. result in a report that will provide a conceptual Department and senior internal ‘Big Data’ is the term for a collection of data roadmap to Big Data issues, trends and implica- auditor of QP Internal Audit sets so large and complex that it becomes difficult tions for those pursuing careers in media as well Department. to process using traditional data processing applica- as for the broader industry, the Dean added. THE PENINSULA tions. Accurate analysis of Big Data and its impact THE PENINSULA

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Progress in Tunisia Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

UNISIA is still struggling to secure its revolution. The country’s political leaders were meeting yesterday to try to agree on a new premier to resolve Obama’s aversion to Mideast Ta months-long political crisis. The government led by the moderate Islamist Ennahda party is to be replaced as part of a roadmap aimed at breaking the political stalemate. Twenty-one party chiefs are involved in talks, which is being conflicts fuels backlash mediated by the powerful UGTT trade union. The fact that so many leaders have agreed to participate in talks is a good sign BY MATT SPETALNICK and a victory for the country’s democratic endeavour as other damage to their image by failing to the ability of military power to dictate Arab Spring countries are caught in deep crises, uncertainty attack Syria,” said an Israeli diplomat outcomes in the Middle East,” he said. and bloodshed from which they are struggling to emerge. But ROM Saudi Arabia to Israel, tra- in Jerusalem. Allies’ concerns about US Obama’s wariness is matched by con- the leaders are running against time; further delay in reaching ditional US allies in the Middle distaste for deep involvement in the gressional opposition as well as a war- FEast are beginning to ask: Is Middle East are heightened by opin- weariness that most polls show has an agreement can cause instability and confusion. The new America turning its back on us? ion polls showing Americans strongly permeated the American public. prime minister will have two weeks to form a government President Barack Obama’s diplomatic opposed to intervention in the Syrian “The president is accurately reflecting of independents under the timetable for the talks. And the overtures to old foe Iran and his last- civil war. A Reuters/Ipsos survey from a kind of fatigue with the Middle East,” elected Constituent National Assembly has until the end of minute refusal to attack Syria have Oct. 11 showed only 13 percent of said Elliott Abrams, a foreign policy aide November to draw up a new constitution, an electoral law and officials in Israel, the Gulf countries Americans backed U.S. intervention in under Obama’s Republican predecessor, and Turkey wondering if Washington Syria. The White House denies insinu- George W. Bush, and a frequent critic to form a commission to organise elections. is deliberately neglecting them to avoid ations from both friends and foes in the of the Democratic president. Tunisia gives some hope when compared with other being dragged into a Middle East fac- Middle East that it does not have the Obama, he said, had embraced the Arab Spring countries, because the country has been able to ing deeper sectarian strife and con- stomach to use force in the region and view that “it’s a mess out there” and maintain its stability and peace even amid the crisis it has cerns that Tehran may be seeking a points to the overthrow of Libyan leader that it is best to limit military action been facing. Although the last three months have brought nuclear bomb. Media reports that the Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. US officials largely to drone strikes in places like successive political crises in US National Security Agency may have also caution against underestimating Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia. spied on the leaders of Germany, Mexico Obama’s willingness to use a military Saudi Arabia is still smarting over Tunisia, these have been overcome and Brazil have upset those longtime option against Iran to prevent it from what it says were promises by the Despite the through consensus-building, allies too, adding getting a nuclear weapon. United States that it would strike Assad making experts talk about a to the impression “It’s not as if this is a president who - a close ally of Iran - for using chemical crisis it’s facing, Tunisian model which can be in some quarters has proven to be unwilling to act when weapons against civilians. Tunisia can followed by other leaders and that Obama has he believed it was in our interest, but “What we are doing seriously is to countries of the region. his foreign priori- he’s not going to act when he doesn’t scare the Americans to make them become a model The Gulf countries ties backward. think it’s in our interest,” said Ben wake up. They can’t make promises The latest crisis erupted in and Turkey are But it is in Rhodes, Obama’s deputy national secu- to us and then not implement those for supporters of July when the assassination of the Middle East rity adviser. He said the United States promises. It’s going to cost them,” said wondering if democracy in the opposition leader Mohammed where Obama’s would not begin to lift sanctions against a Saudi analyst close to the thinking of Brahmi by suspected jihadists Washington policy is under Iran until Tehran shows real progress in the kingdom’s rulers. region. triggered calls for the resignation of harsher scrutiny, nuclear talks. Washington and its allies Obama cut long-standing ally is deliberately especially from believe Iran is developing the ability to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak the Ennahda-led government. Since neglecting them Saudi Arabia, make a nuclear weapon, but Tehran says adrift during huge street protests in the 2011 uprising that ousted Zine which fears a the program is for generating power and 2011, raising red flags with both Israel El Abidine Ben Ali, Tunisia has suffered a series of attacks to avoid being warming of rela- medical devices. and Saudi Arabia. blamed on jihadist groups previously suppressed under the dragged into a tions between the But Obama will resist pressure from US officials see the recent Saudi threat long-ruling strongman. Middle East facing United States and Saudi Arabia to become more active in to distance itself from Washington as The leaders who are participating in the current talks must Riyadh’s regional Syria where the rebels opposing Assad mostly rhetoric. There has been no sign deeper sectarian rival Iran. are coming increasingly under the sway the Saudis want to scale back or close realize that they have a huge responsibility. A willingness to A senior Saudi of Islamist militants, some of whom are US military installations, including a make concessions and respect the rights of others can produce strife. prince warned linked to Al Qaeda. base used to launch drones against mili- wonderful results and Tunisia can truly become a model this week that the Obama is extremely wary of open- tants in neighboring Yemen. for other Arab countries. Also, the new government must kingdom could ended US military involvement in the Large strides in US oil output helped make sure that the country doesn’t witness another political “shift away” from the United States, Middle East. His caution is shaped in by “fracking” technology make America assassination, which would deal a serious blow to all the suggesting a major strategic change part by Iraq, Rhodes said. “I think the less dependent on Saudi Arabia and after decades of close military and eco- Iraq war does bear on our thinking,” other Gulf crude producers. But if Saudi progress made so far. A recent series of terrorist attacks on nomic cooperation. Rhodes told the Reuters Washington Arabia decides to translate its anger security personnel, and the tragic assassinations of politician Israeli officials say they worry Obama Summit. He said Iraq’s slide into sec- over U.S. policy into action, it could Chokri Belaid and assembly member Mohammed Brahmi, will not take a hard enough line in tarian and political chaos “proved the make life more difficult for Washington. have left the democratic transition fragile and any future negotiations with Iran over its nuclear limitations of our influence.” Apart from trying to smooth over killing will have disastrous consequences. The role of the ambitions and might balk at a military “We had an occupying army of 150,000 relations with Saudi Arabia and Israel, attack on Iran just as he backed off from people in the country and we weren’t the White House is struggling to head current elected government is to guarantee the security of all attacking Syrian President Bashar Al able to dictate events in that country off complaints from Europe and Latin Tunisians by establishing a process for the peaceful transfer of Assad in September. over the following several years. So it’s America that the NSA monitored lead- power • “The United States did a lot of not as if that was an advertisement for ers’ communications. REUTERS The other side Quote of Abe leaves no room for talk the day T IS right to point out that whatever Genron NPO and China Daily - the forum the situation, while “tense” militarily, status quo by force, rather than by rule problems arise between China and found its latest session permeated with remains “controllable”. of law. Japan, they are not the whole of dismay over the coldness between But such control entails a shared Our relations with Japan had been Irelations between the two, as they Beijing and Tokyo. political will; a shared willingness to sort fine for decades thanks to the political are close neighbours with profound The well-hyped dispute over the things out and find a solution accept- wisdom of leaders of both countries that I announce we are common interests, as well as shared Diaoyu Islands, which has created able to both parties. Which seems out of managed to keep the territorial dispute responsibilities, in the Asia-Pacific and media frenzies in both countries, and the question at present as Shinzo Abe, in the background. Those days, how- going to establish beyond. grown tenser as a result, may be an the Japanese prime minister, remains ever, are gone. But, although they disagreed on explosive flashpoint. stubbornly resistant to acknowledging a On Saturday, Abe was at it again, a national peace the causes, participants at the Ninth The war of rhetoric between the two territorial dispute exists over the Diaoyu saying that countering China in Asia is Beijing-Tokyo Forum agreed on the countries’ maritime authorities, and Islands, and he accuses Beijing of refus- one way for his country to “contribute” to council so that we effect - Sino-Japanese relations are in most recently the militaries, could take ing to talk, knowing full well that it will not making the world a better place. can have a peace danger and need sensible crisis man- an abrupt turn into a physical one at do so until the dispute is acknowledged. We see no proper starting point for agement. A non-governmental platform any time. In a Saturday interview with The Wall sensible consultation with Abe, who is initiative in this dedicated to people-to-people commu- Still, even a Chinese People’s Street Journal, Abe again repeated his clearly determined to press ahead with country. nication between the two countries - co- Liberation Army general known for old trick of thief crying thief, condemn- his brinkmanship. Omar Hassan Al Bashir sponsored by the Japanese think tank hawkish utterances told the forum that ing China for attempting to change the China Daily Sudanese President TUESDAY 29 OCTOBER 2013 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 Syria needs peace, not just a process All hell has broken loose in Syria, with jihadist groups competing with the regime in savagery as both unleash attacks on revolutionaries and opponents.

BY RIME ALLAF groups outside the mainstream opposi- tion), which it has been nurturing so that group of foreign ministers when the times comes it can pretend it declared last week that is reforming. Bashar Al Assad “would not But if there is no push towards a real have a role in Syria” when a political transition and, more important, transitional governing body a cessation of hostilities, there is little Awas established to move the country point in the meeting — especially when forward. the decisions of the first such conference For all the media excitement over the over a year ago (Geneva I) are yet to be announcement, this Friends of Syria applied. grouping merely reiterated a basic condi- So why so much lobbying by so many tion of the Syrian National Coalition, the international powers? main political opposition group, recog- Clearly, the US is desperate to move nised by more than 100 countries as “the the Syria file off its desk and to pass it legitimate representative of the Syrian elsewhere — crucially, not to a specific people”. entity, but to a process. The public sidelining of Assad was a After the Assad regime’s chemi- mere formality while efforts continue cal massacre and President Obama’s to convince the opposition not only to backtracking on his declared red lines, remain united in a single delegation, but Washington is eager to avoid future situa- to show up at an international conference tions that could lead to calls for its direct in Geneva on November 23. involvement. The Syrian refugee crisis. With many earlier promises still unful- It hopes to internationalise diplomatic filled, Syrians opposed to Assad are used efforts and lock everyone into unlimited All hell has broken loose in Syria, advantage), giving it free rein over the Russia to stop facilitating Assad’s mur- to lowering their expectations from the rounds of talks, while paying lip service with jihadist groups competing with immediate region while undertaking cos- derous reign, there may be a Geneva international community — but there are to the need for transition. the regime in savagery as both unleash metic reform by placing token figures of process – but no Geneva agreement. limits, and many are troubled by the cur- But Obama’s “no more wars” posi- attacks on revolutionaries and opponents. the “patriotic opposition” in inconsequen- For all Obama’s platitudes about the rent plans. tion will merely allow others to fuel People are begging for a solution, but all tial government positions. world’s responsibilities, it is the US fore- Instead of demanding an unconditional the conflict, and make the world more the Obama administration seems to be For many Syrians, either of these most that has the power, interest and ceasefire, a lifting of Assad’s sieges on vulnerable. seeking in Geneva is a process for the options would be catastrophic after two obligation to help bring justice and peace civilian areas and immediate access to Let’s be clear, most Syrians remain sake of a process, akin to the infamous and a half years of utter misery; to close to Syria and end the conflict. humanitarian aid agencies, the Friends horrified by the prospect of US military Palestinian-Israeli Oslo process engag- this painful page of their history, rebuild Real friends of Syria would break of Syria merely suggest the regime should engagement; they expected a diplomatic ing two far from equal parties to negoti- and move on without this brutal regime, Assad’s siege, neutralise his air power, take “confidence-building measures” one, and the application of the UN’s ate interminably without ever reaching many are now seeking their own version and convince Syrian people and revo- before the talks. responsibility to protect initiative. a deal. of the Dayton agreement, which brought lutionaries alike that there is hope in Meanwhile, without real international Yet without tangible support for Syria’s An Oslo-style engagement would suit peace to Bosnia. Geneva, that a transition is imminent, pressure, the Assad regime — which battered population and the opposition, Assad very well, but his aspirations have But with Assad and his allies thinking that the nightmare is ending. has Russia’s full support — continues Assad has been unhindered in his simple graduated to something even better: in Taef, and with Obama leading his allies Anything less than that merely pushes to regard Geneva as a PR platform on strategy of brute force until total victory, Geneva, the Syrian regime is looking for a towards Oslo, there will be no chance for Syrians into further despair, and the which it will make deals with what it sustained by military intervention from new Taef agreement (the deal that ended a Dayton. region into even greater instability. calls the “patriotic opposition” (small Russia, Iran and their respective militias. Lebanon’s civil war to the Assad regime’s Without international pressure on THE GUARDIAN Addressing China’s human rights Can military learn The fundamental from its mistakes? problem is that the BY THOMAS E. RICKS fter the Vietnam War, the US Army soberly examined where US has approached it had fallen short. That critical appraisal laid the ground- work for the military’s extraordinary rebuilding in the 1970s China’s human rights Aand 1980s. Today, after more than a decade of war in Afghanistan and Iraq, no such intensive reviews are underway, at least to my knowledge — and as an issue to manage I have been covering the US military for 22 years. The problem is not that our nation is no longer capable of such introspection. There has rather than a been much soul-searching in the US about the financial crisis of 2008 and how to prevent a recurrence. Congress conducted studies and introduced broad legislation to reform financial regulations. problem to solve. But no parallel work has been done to help our military. The one insider work that tried to critique overall military performance was BY JARED GENSER a respectable study by the Joint Staff, but it fell short in several key respects, including silence about the failure to deploy enough troops n recent decades, China’s economy has to carry out the assigned missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. grown about 10 percent a year, lifting The military continues largely unchanged despite many shaky per- more than 500 million people out of pov- formances by top leaders. That is unprofessional. It doesn’t encourage Ierty, generating wealth for the middle adaptive leaders to rise to the top, as they find and implement changes class and expanding global trade. But as the in response to the failures of the past decade. And it enables a “stab in Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) with Vice-President Joe Biden. world’s most populous nation has become an the back” narrative to emerge as generals ignore their missteps and increasingly important player on the inter- instead blame civilian leaders for the failures in Iraq and Afghanistan. national stage, it has also brazenly refused to Empty bottles and animal carcasses are laureates pressing for Liu Xiaobo’s release. Our military is adept and adaptive at the tactical level but not at respect fundamental human rights at home. regularly thrown at the home, and the fam- The White House has never publicly called the higher levels of operations and strategy. Generals should not be Nowhere is this more evident than the contin- ily’s village is under constant surveillance by for Liu Xia to be released from her extralegal allowed to hide behind soldiers. Indeed, one way to support the troops ued persecution of high-profile rights activists teams of police. Also, Chen Kegui has been house arrest. is to scrutinise the performances of those who lead them. and their families. denied access to adequate medical care. This signals to Beijing that there will be The many unanswered questions about how our military performed Repeated efforts by the State Department Unfortunately, this kind of impunity is no real price for failing to respond to private in recent years include: have not changed the calculus of Chinese nothing new. When confronted about the requests for action on these cases.  How did the use of contractors, even in front-line jobs, affect the leaders. There appears to be little prospect of disappearance of Chinese legal pioneer Second, in instances in which Chinese course of war? Consider that two recent national-security incidents improvement, absent a new approach from Gao Zhisheng in 2010, a spokesman for the officials refuse to engage as honest actors, involved federal contractors: Edward Snowden, who distributed US the White House that leads with a consistent Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that he could it is incumbent upon the US administration government secrets around the world, and Aaron Alexis, who killed public message. not be expected to locate the renowned activist to meet with Chinese dissidents and their 12 people at the Washington Navy Yard last month. Chen Guangcheng’s escape from illegal among the country’s 1.3 billion people — even families who can speak with unique authority  Which units tortured people? This affected success in the wars but house arrest and his arrival at the US Embassy though it was police who told Gao’s brother about the persecution they continue to face in also relates to caring for our veterans. Torture has two victims: those in Beijing in the spring of 2012 briefly focused that he had “disappeared.” China. Meetings with President Obama and who suffer it and those who inflict it. Yet our military leaders are major international attention on the treat- Similarly, Chinese officials deny that Liu Secretary of State John Kerry, in particu- not turning over this rock. ment of those who defend human rights in Xia, a prominent poet and artist who is mar- lar, make clear that the United States views  Are there better ways to handle personnel issues than carrying on China. But Chinese officials’ continued failure ried to imprisoned 2010 Nobel Peace Prize lau- human rights as a central component of its peacetime policies? Were the right officers promoted to be generals? to keep their promise to end the persecution of reate Liu Xiaobo, is under continued house foreign policy. A recent article in Parameters, the journal of the Army War College, the broader Chen family has been less widely arrest. Despite official claims, police repeat- Finally, each high-level meeting with found that commanding a division in combat in Iraq slightly hurt a reported. And Washington’s muted response edly turn diplomats, journalists and supporters Chinese officials should include a substantive general’s chances of being promoted to the senior ranks. Yet in most to the flagrant violation of this commitment away from Liu Xia’s apartment building. discussion of human rights issues relevant wars, combat command has been the road to promotion. What was sends a terrible message to Chinese officials. These stories demonstrate the comfort that to the subject of the meeting. International different in recent years? Despite assurances by the Chinese govern- Beijing feels in flouting its legal obligations standards on political, social, economic, envi-  And what happened to accountability for generals? Recently the ment that it would investigate and end the to its own people and in outright lying to the ronmental and cultural rights inform nearly Marine Corps fired two generals for combat failures in Afghanistan. targeting of the Chen family, local authori- international community. all aspects of modern life. This was newsworthy because it apparently was the first time since ties continue to detain, harass, threaten and Given that continued inattention only Prioritising a bilateral relationship that 1971 that a general had been relieved for professional lapses in com- intimidate the family. breeds more persecution, a new strategy is consistently emphasises fundamental bat. That is too long. The military is not Lake Wobegon, and not all After Chen Guang-cheng’s escape to Beijing, desperately needed. First, the clear violation freedoms would allow the administration to our commanders are above average. party officials and thugs attacked the family of China’s commitments and its lies must be articulate a coherent strategy for addressing  Some fundamental disagreements between US military leaders and home. They severely beat his relatives, includ- directly and publicly confronted. human rights while fostering the conditions their civilian overseers were never addressed, such as the number of ing his nephew Chen Kegui, who was later Failure to squarely address the govern- for a real dialogue. The fundamental prob- troops required to occupy Iraq. This undercut the formulation of a convicted of “assault” and is serving more than ment’s impunity only emboldens those in lem is that the White House has approached coherent strategy. Can we educate our future military leaders to better three years in prison for defending himself the Chinese government who interpret Chinese human rights as an issue to manage articulate their strategic concerns? If not, expect more quarrelling and from the onslaught. Authorities have repeat- quiet diplomacy and private protestations as rather than a problem to solve. By any meas- confusion on issues such as what — if anything — to do about Syria. edly detained Chen Kegui’s parents. a license to oppress. It was disheartening, ure, this strategy has failed. It is time for the As long as such questions go unanswered, we run the danger of They have launched a smear campaign for example, when President Obama failed to Obama administration to reassess, reengage repeating mistakes made in Iraq and Afghanistan. With President against the family and have destroyed part of sign a letter to incoming Chinese President and recommit to the cause of human rights Obama and Congress apparently disinclined to push the military to the family’s subsistence farm. Xi Jinping last December from 134 Nobel in China. WP-BLOOMBERG fix itself. WP-BLOOMBERG TUESDAY 29 OCTOBER 2013 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST Egypt Islamists turn to campus protests Students at Al Azhar University clash with police

CAIRO: Pressed by police at “The coup authorities do not stormed classrooms to force an every turn, Egypt’s Islamists allow us to protest in the streets end to studies under what they have turned universities into without cracking down,” said called “military rule”. protest hubs to galvanise their Mahmud Sabry, a student at Al The university is a short walk flagging movement four months Azhar University in Cairo. from Rabaa Al Adawiya square, after a military coup toppled “Universities are now our main which Mursi’s supporters trans- president Mohamed Mursi. battle front.” formed into a vast protest camp Mursi’s loyalists have made no At Al Azhar University, long for weeks before police unleashed headway in trying to reinstate seen as the highest seat of Sunni- a deadly August 14 crackdown on the jailed former president, but Islamic learning, students have the sit-in. they continue almost daily pro- skirmished with police who fired More than 1,000 people, tests nonetheless in a bid to force tear gas from outside the univer- mostly Islamists, were killed in concessions from the military- sity premises. In another pro- the police operation and ensu- appointed government. test at the university, students ing clashes, and 2,000 Islamists have been arrested in an extensive crackdown on Mursi’s Muslim Brotherhood movement. Sabry Three policemen killed in said he wished he had been at the Rabaa Al Adawiya protest, but his attack in Nile Delta town father forbade him from going. “Protesting at universities is a CAIRO: Three Egyptian policemen were killed yesterday when recompense,” he says. Since uni- masked men attacked a checkpoint in the Nile Delta city of versities opened in September, Mansoura, security sources said. students have held regular pro- No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Al Qaeda- tests in campuses across the linked Islamist militants have stepped up attacks on soldiers and country, sometimes clashing with police since the army toppled Islamist President Mohamed Mursi classmates who oppose Mursi. in July. On Sunday, hundreds of The majority of the attacks have been carried out in the largely students protesting in Cairo lawless Sinai region, although militants have on occasion extended University chanted “Mursi is my their campaign into major cities. president” before scuffling with Three men in a car and one on a motorcycle approached the opponents inside the university as checkpoint before dawn and fired at the policemen “to make sure police and soldiers were stationed that they were dead”, a security source in Mansoura said, speaking outside. on condition of anonymity. Clashes on campuses elsewhere “This is another attack in the series of terrorist attacks against have left dozens wounded, some by Al Azhar University students, who are members of the Muslim Brotherhood and supporters of ousted Egyptian the police,” he said, saying the violence shows the intent of “revenge” birdshot. The unrest has angered President Mohamed Mursi, shout slogans against the military and the Interior Ministry as army soldiers stop them against the security forces. He did not specify who had carried out students who, like a sizable por- from marching towards Rabaa Al Adawiya square in Cairo, yesterday. the attack. tion of the population, despise the State-run newspaper Al Ahram reported that 60 bullet casings Islamists, and school authorities decision banned guards belong- turned against the Islamists. the Islamists at their demonstra- were found at the site of the attack. have tried to restrict the protests. ing to the interior ministry from Despite the arrest of Mursi, tions, have affected their ability The police were conducting search operations to locate the per- The Supreme Council of campuses in 2010. his senior aides and much of the to mobilise. petrators, but no arrests had been made, according to an emailed Universities, which regulates Students played a leading role Brotherhood’s top leadership, The Islamists say they are statement from the interior ministry. state universities, issued guide- in overthrowing veteran strong- the group says it will persist in peaceful and that it is the police The army-backed interim government says it is fighting a war lines banning students from pro- man Hosni Mubarak in early 2011, protests, hoping the rallies will and civilian “thugs” who attack on terror, and makes no distinction between the Sinai-based mili- testing near classrooms. and in mobilising protests that attract ever larger numbers. them. But they have not always tants it calls “terrorists” and ousted president Mursi’s Muslim The minister for higher educa- helped oust Mursi in July. “Universities are a way to shied away from confrontation. Brotherhood. tion, Hossam Eissa, told report- Some campuses, particularly Al combine the energy of youths On October 6, Islamist pro- Since Mursi’s ouster, the state has launched a fierce security ers his government respected Azhar, had been bastions of sup- in one place,” said Amr Adel, an testers tried to march on Cairo’s crackdown on the Brotherhood, killing hundreds of members, the right to peaceful protest. port for the Muslim Brotherhood organiser with the Brotherhood- Tahrir Square as the military and arresting more than two thousand, and banning the movement. “But obstructing the educational — which has a long history of led Anti-Coup Alliance. But the thousands of supporters com- The Brotherhood, Egypt’s oldest and biggest Islamist group, process will not be tolerated,” he campus organising and student crackdown on their top cadres, memorated the anniversary of denies any links with militant activity. REUTERS warned. Universities have been a protests — but as in much of the and the hostility of compatriots Egypt and Syria’s 1973 war with haven for activists since a court rest of the country, the tide has who often turn out to confront Israel. AFP

Kuwait upholds jail term for Saudi Arabia blocking Syria Shia tweeter peace talks: Hezbollah chief KUWAIT CITY: Kuwait’s court of appeals yesterday BEIRUT: The head of power- Washington’s recent engagement be torn apart by war because a upheld a 10-year jail term ful Lebanese Shia movement with Iran, Saudi Arabia’s arch-foe state is furious and is trying to against a Shia tweeter for Hezbollah and key Damascus in the region. hinder any political dialogue and remarks deemed offensive to ally Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah Nasrallah said that the Gulf push back Geneva II,” he said. Prophet Mohammed (peace yesterday accused Saudi Arabia kingdom had sent foreign fight- “Their obstinacy is pointless,” be upon him), his wife and of blocking a political solution to ers, weapons and money to back he added. companions. the conflict in Syria. Syrian rebels fighting the govern- The Geneva talks slated for Hamad Al Naqi, 23, who has Nasrallah said the Gulf king- ment in Damascus to bring about next month aim to bring rebel been in jail since March 2012, dom was “furious because the Assad’s fall. and regime representatives to the was found guilty of the religious situation in Syria has not worked “But it didn’t work,” said table in a bid to seek a negotiated insults and of criticising the lead- out in its favour”, in a speech Nasrallah, who has admitted end to the Syrian conflict, which ers of neighbouring Saudi Arabia broadcast on a large screen set up sending Hezbollah fighters to bat- according to a rights group has and Bahrain, according to the in the southern suburbs of Beirut, tle alongside government troops claimed more than 115,000 lives court ruling. He was handed the a Hezbollah stronghold. in Syria as they seek to crush since March 2011. heavy sentence by a lower court Riyadh has been a key backer rebel forces. “The region cannot AFP in June last year. The ruling can of rebel groups fighting to top- still be challenged in the supreme ple the government of Syrian court. Naqi posted the offensive President Bashar Al Assad since messages on two Twitter accounts March 2011. Prospects for peace talks dim in February and March of 2012, “Today, political dialogue and according to the ruling. the search for a political solu- DAMASCUS: International envoy Lakhdar Brahimi held talks Naqi claimed his Twitter tion are enjoying international, in Damascus yesterday at the end of a Middle East tour to pro- accounts were hacked during that regional and interior support ... mote a Syrian peace conference, but regional tensions have cast period. In recent months, Kuwait but there is a state in the region a pall over his mission. has jailed tweeters and activists which is furious (about the pro- Brahimi visited capitals across the Middle East to discuss plans amid sectarian tensions between posed Geneva II peace confer- for the “Geneva 2” meeting, tentatively set for November 23, to try the emirate’s Sunni majority and ence), and its name is Saudi to halt more than 2-1/2 years of bloodshed in Syria. Shia minority. Arabia,” Nasrallah charged. But opposition forces have not yet decided whether they will Relations between Washington attend and Gulf Arab states backing the Syrian rebels have soured and Riyadh have been strained on the talks after Brahimi said on Saturday that their rival Iran, Egypt investigates since the United States backed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s main regional ally, should join away from military action against the international conference. complaint against Assad over alleged chemical Brahimi met Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad, in Hezbollah supporters listen to Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah (on a screen) as weapons attacks in August. Damascus but there was no word on whether Assad would see him. satirist Bassem he speaks via a video link during a rally in the southern suburb of Beirut, Ties have worsened further REUTERS Lebanon, yesterday. between the two allies over CAIRO: Egypt’s state prosecu- tor ordered yesterday a probe into a complaint against tel- evision satirist Bassem Youssef after his show mocked both Lebanon deploys army in Tripoli after violence the military chief and the for- merly ruling Islamists, a judicial TRIPOLI, LEBANON: troops responded. Three soldiers to put an end to the violence and park in the city,” he said. “Each clashes because their neighbour- source said. Lebanon’s army began deploying were wounded in the fighting, chaos” in the city. “They will be month it’s the same thing.” hood occupies higher ground and Youssef, known as ‘Egypt’s Jon in the northern city of Tripoli according to the reporter and strict and impartial.” Since the start of the lat- they are better organised than Stewart’ for modelling his show after 14 people were killed and security officials. But residents of Syria Street, est violence, six residents of the Sunnis in Bab Al Tebbaneh. after the American comedian, more than 80 wounded in a A security official said the which separates the two rival Jabal Mohsen, where the major- The latest round fighting broke debuted a new season on Friday week of bloodshed. army had also deployed in Jabal neighbourhoods, were sceptical. ity adhere to the same Alawite out on October 21 as Lebanese tel- in his first episode since the mili- The fighting, between sup- Mohsen, which adjoins Bab Al “This is all a joke. It is the branch of Shia as Assad, have evision aired an interview with tary overthrew Islamist president porters and opponents of Syria’s Tebbaneh. Residents of Bab Al eighteenth time since May 2008 been killed, while eight resi- Assad, in which he said the time is Mohamed Mursi in July. regime, has been concentrated Tebbaneh support the revolt that they come to help. In fact, dents of mainly-Sunni Bab Al not ripe for a peace conference to State prosecutor Hisham in the Bab Al Tebbaneh and against Syrian President Bashar the army makes a small tour and Tebbaneh have died. Tripoli is try to resolve the 31-month con- Barakat ordered the investiga- Jabal Mohsen districts of Tripoli, Al Assad, while those in Jabal then leaves. There is no solu- home to 200,000 people, 80 per- flict. Assad also said he was ready tion into one of several complaints Lebanon’s second city. Mohsen back Assad. tion,” said Mustafa Al Hajj, a cent of whom are Sunni Muslims, to run for re-election in 2014. against Youssef, which accuses The reporter said tanks and They have fought frequently 69-year-old retiree. “In the past 6-7 percent Alawites and the The violence prompted many him of inciting chaos, harming jeeps entered the northern sec- since the Syrian conflict erupted in eight days, 400 families have left rest Christians. Despite being a residents to flee the two neigh- public security and insulting the tor of Bab Al Tebbaneh but their March 2011. Acting Prime Minister Syria Street, including my own. minority in the city, the Alawite bourhoods, and schools and uni- armed forces. progress was slowed by burning Najib Mikati said on Saturday that We sleep under the stars, me, my residents of Jabal Mohsen have versities have been closed since AGENCIES tyres and sniper fire, to which the “security forces will take every step wife and our three children, in a been able to hold their own in the the middle of last week. AFP MIDDLE EAST TUESDAY 29 OCTOBER 2013 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 Bashir talks reform after split in party President promises review of all state institutions

KHARTOUM: Sudan’s Those concerns included alle- Following the protest crack- President Omar Hasan Al gations of corruption and a drift down, an African diplomat said Bashir yesterday talked of from Islamic values, but analysts that Bashir would probably push reform and political dialogue have said the NCP is not seri- for political dialogue as part of after the most serious split in ous about considering divergent some “fiddling at the edges”, mini- years within his ruling party. opinions. mal reforms to provide a “sem- “Reform and change is a daily They say the spontaneous dem- blance of legitimacy” for elections process for us,” he said in a onstrations pointed to an urgent set for 2015. speech opening a new session of need for reform by a government In his speech, the president said parliament. grappling with wars, dissension he hoped those elections would be His comment came four days within its own ranks, economic fair and transparent. after an investigative commit- crisis and international isolation. “Any development in constitu- tee within the ruling National The protests, in which dozens tion or peace-building will have Congress Party (NCP) said that died, were the worst urban unrest a positive impact on the election three party dissidents should be under Bashir’s 24-year rule. environment,” said the leader expelled. In his speech, the president who is wanted internationally The trio, Fadlallah Ahmed said he wanted a review of all for alleged war crimes in Darfur. Abdallah, former sports minister state institutions, from sports to Atabani, the most prominent Hassan Osman Riziq, and ex-pres- social and political, but he did not of the dissident NCP members, idential adviser Ghazi Salahuddin elaborate. was until recently a member of Sudan’s President Omar Hasan Al Bashir addressing the opening of the eighth session of the Parliament in Atabani were key signatories of He repeated a call first made in the party’s leadership bureau, Khartoum, yesterday. a memorandum which criticised April for a broad dialogue with all is a former presidential adviser the regime’s deadly crackdown on political parties, even with armed on Darfur, and was a minister of new party, details of which they fuel price increases. They called after the protests. “This has protests in September. groups. information. have yet to reveal. for “professionals” to take over left open the door to review the Abdallah announced on He urged rebels who have been Neither he, Abdallah nor Riziq The split by Atabani’s group is economic policy, an end to press exceptional measures against the Saturday that all of the more fighting for 10 years in the Darfur were present in parliament for the most serious defection from censorship, and respect for con- media,” he said. than 30 prominent reformers region to sign a peace agreement, Bashir’s speech to the nearly-full the ruling party since 2000 when stitutional freedoms including The government initially said who signed the memorandum to and renewed a plea for insurgents chamber of about 350 deputies, the Islamist Hassan Al Turabi, peaceful assembly. it had detained 700 “criminals” Bashir were forming a new politi- in South Kordofan and Blue Nile many of them wearing traditional a leading figure behind the 1989 Bashir made no reference to after the protests. “We have evi- cal party. states — where rebellion began white jalabiya robes. coup that brought Bashir to the dissidents during his address, dence against 58 people and we Critics within the NCP had two years ago — to return to talks. Most of Bashir’s cabinet mem- power, broke away and formed but he said the government has a are going to bring them to court,” raised concerns even before the “I announce we are going to bers and assistants also joined the opposition Popular Congress. three-year programme of “eco- Bashir said. September demonstrations, which establish a national peace coun- him in the chamber. The Atabani group had sought nomic reform”. In early October, Information were sparked by price rises after cil so that we can have a peace The three leading dissidents an independent probe of the He hinted that press censor- Minister Ahmed Bilal Osman said the government slashed fuel initiative in this country,” Bashir were NCP MPs but Abdallah said shooting of civilians during the ship would ease now that the situ- about 200 people were expected to subsidies. said, again without elaborating. they would resign to set up their protests, and for a reversal of the ation “has returned to normal” face trial. AFP

Video of Saudi beating Asian Rockets spark Israel raid on eve of prisoner release

worker probed GAZA CITY: Israeli warplanes direct peace talks with the northern Gaza following an ear- attack occurred just hours after published later that night, giving RIYADH: A Saudi rights raided the northern Gaza Strip Palestinians. lier cross-border attack. Israel released a first batch of victims’ families and groups 48 group said yesterday it yesterday after militants fired Witnesses said the air strike Earlier on Monday, militants 26 Palestinian prisoners in line hours to mount a legal challenge is investigating a video rockets over the border, as targeted a training ground west fired two rockets at the southern with commitments which led to a before the release goes ahead. All appearing to show a local Israel readied to free a new of Beit Lahiya that was used by Israeli port city of Ashkelon, one resumption of direct peace talks in but one of them were arrested man brutally beating up an batch of long-term Palestinian militants from the armed wing of of which was shot down by the late July, following months of sus- before the signing of the 1993 Asian worker in the king- prisoners. It was the first air Gaza’s ruling Hamas movement. Iron Dome missile defence sys- tained US pressure. But Monday’s Oslo peace accords, which won dom that hosts millions of strike on Gaza in more than two Hamas slammed the Israeli raid tem, the army said. scuffle along the Gaza border was the Palestinians limited self-rule foreign labourers. months and came shortly after as “an escalation which aims to And on Sunday, a mortar shell not expected to have any impact but failed to bring about an inde- The video posted online two rockets were fired towards terrorise... our people,” adding that was fired over the border that on plans to free a second batch of pendent state. shows a man dressed in southern Israel. it held Israel “completely responsi- also caused no damage or inju- prisoners, with a senior official tell- A Fatah official said that 19 the traditional Saudi white Despite the flareup along ble for any effects or deterioration.” ries. In September, there were ing AFP it “won’t delay” the release of the prisoners set to be freed Thawb cloak, slapping, lash- the Gaza border, which has Neither the air strike nor the two instances of rocket fire, but of 26 another inmates. were members of its movement, ing and kicking an Asian been quiet for months, Israeli earlier rocket attacks on south- Israel did not respond. The list of prisoners slated which is led by Palestinian presi- man. officials said it was unlikely ern Israel caused any damage or It was the first Israeli air strike for release, 21 of them from the dent Mahmoud Abbas, while four The National Society for to affect the prisoner release casualties. The Israeli military since August 14 when the air force West Bank and five from Gaza, belong to the Popular Front for the Human Rights is “investigat- which is due to take place said the air force had struck “two hit targets in the same area, also was approved yesterday by senior Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and ing the issue,” its head Mefleh tonight as part of the ongoing concealed rocket launchers” in in response to rocket fire. That Israeli ministers. The names were three to Hamas. AFP Al Qahtani said. The semi- governmental organisation would demand the perpetrator be punished if the case is con- firmed. “We do not have enough Tunisia parties haggle over new PM details about the identity of the man, or on where the incident took place,” he said. TUNIS: Tunisia’s ruling way for a non-partisan admin- Ten key candidates are under But another rights activ- Islamists and opposition par- istration and elections at a date debate by a committee made up ist said the Saudi man lives ties held talks yesterday to to be agreed. The deal is aimed of representatives of the gov- in Riyadh and had punished agree on a new prime minister at ending unrest after the assas- ernment, opposition parties and the worker for having spoken who will lead a caretaker gov- sination of two opposition lead- two figures from non-govern- to his wife. ernment, under an agreement ers by militants earlier this year ment organisations. A third man is heard in the to end months of unrest in the in the country which inspired Government and opposi- 1:53-minute video, apparently north African country. the 2011 Arab Spring revolts. tion party officials said among while filming, as the victim Former central bank mem- Tunisia, where divisions over those most likely to be chosen was pushed to the floor by bers and economists are the the role of Islam in politics have were Mustafa Kamel Nabli, his attacker. The worker leading candidates for the post. grown since the 2011 revolt, has a former central bank gover- screamed repeatedly as the The ruling Islamist party been seen as a regional model nor, Mansour Moalla, a former man flogged him. It is not Ennahda and secular opponents for the transition to democ- economy minister and busi- clear when the video was earlier this month reached a racy and the outcome of the nessman, and Jaloul Ayed, a first posted online, but one deal for the government to talks will be widely watched former finance minister. copy on YouTube dates back resign in three weeks to make by neighbouring countries. REUTERS to Friday. AFP Police fire water cannon to break up Ankara protest

ANKARA: Turkish police fired water cannon and tear gas yesterday to break up a protest by around 2,000 people outside an Ankara court over the han- dling of the trial of a policeman accused of killing a demonstra- tor earlier this year. A group of protesters wielding sticks descended on the court entrance after a ruling that the accused officer could take part in court hearings via video link, prompting police to intervene, a witness said. Protesters help a handicapped activist, who fell from her wheelchair after tear gas was shot towards them, Several protesters were during a demonstration in front of a courthouse in Ankara, yesterday. wounded and 18 detained, according to local media reports. anti-government demonstra- of the biggest challenges to with the worst of the violence Ankara police declined to con- tions set off by a tough police Prime Minister Recep Tayyip in Istanbul and Ankara. firm the arrests and the crowd response to a protest over the Erdogan’s decade-old rule. Amnesty International said was later dispersed. redevelopment of a park in Demonstrators, some armed this month Turkish authori- Officer Ahmet Sahbaz is Istanbul. with rocks, fireworks and pet- ties committed widespread accused of killing Ethem Six people, including a police rol bombs, fought police firing rights abuses during the Sarisuluk, shot dead in June officer, died during the weeks tear gas, water cannon and unrest, beating and harassing during a wave of nationwide of unrest, which presented one pepper spray night after night, protesters. REUTERS TUESDAY 29 OCTOBER 2013 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL Storm kills eight in Britain and Europe Worst storm in a decade brings travel chaos in UK and the Netherlands; Northern Europe braces for impact

LONDON/AMSTERDAM: traders had been stuck at home, coastguard in the region. Hurricane strength winds along with millions of other com- Homes and businesses were battered Britain and the muters who would normally head counting the cost of the damage Netherlands yesterday, killing into London. as a British Met Office spokes- eight people, cutting power and Heavy winds also swept across woman said the worst of the forcing the cancellation of hun- the low-lying Netherlands, shut- storm in Britain had passed dreds of flights and train jour- ting down all train traffic to by late morning as it headed neys before the storm barrelled Amsterdam. Hurricane-force eastward. further into mainland Europe. winds of more than 150kmph Some 486,000 properties in Gusts of up to 160kmph lashed were recorded on one of the Britain were left without power, southern England and Wales islands off the northern Dutch UK Power Networks said, in in the worst storm recorded coast. one of the worst storms to hit in Britain in a decade, while Roofs were blown off build- England since the 1987 “Great Denmark and Sweden were brac- ings and several houseboats were Storm” which killed 18 people and ing for the impact there. ripped off their moorings, police felled around 15 million trees. By Four people were killed in said. mid-afternoon, 115,000 properties Britain, two in Germany, one in A woman was killed and two were still without power. The Netherlands and another in people were seriously hurt by fall- The Association of British France as heavy rain and high ing trees in the Dutch capital and Insurers said it was too early to winds battered the region over- a ferry carrying 1,000 people from give figures on insured loss. A night and into the morning. the English city of Newcastle storm in Britain in 1987 caused A 17-year-old girl was killed was unable to dock in the port £2.2bn of damage in today’s terms when a tree fell onto her home of IJmuiden and returned to sea, (£1bn in 1987 money). The last while she slept in Kent, southeast RTL television said. comparable storm to today’s was of London, while a man in his 50s Fifty flights at Amsterdam’s in 2002, a Met Office spokesman was killed when a tree crushed Schiphol airport were cancelled said. his car in the town of Watford, and Rotterdam Port, Europe’s “The issue for us will be flood- just north of the capital. busiest, said incoming and out- ing more than the wind and it A man and a woman were going vessels were delayed. will become clearer this after- found dead in west London after In France, winds topping noon,” Philip Moore, group several houses were damaged in 100kmph struck the north and finance director at LV, which Traffic queues on a main route into London by the towers of London’s financial district Canary Wharf yesterday a suspected gas explosion on a northwest, felling trees, whip- insures more than 500,000 homes after a strong storm caused travel disruption. street where the storm blew a ping up seas and cutting power in Britain, said. “So far it is not tree down. London police said the supplies to around 75,000 homes, as bad as ‘87.” tree may have damaged gas pipes, according to the ERDF electricity Northern Europe was prepar- trains in the south of the country linking England to South Wales to miss her father’s funeral in causing the explosion. distribution company. ing for the impact. In Denmark, ahead of the storm’s arrival. was also closed. Zimbabwe due to her flight being A crane smashed into the Helicopters and a sea-rescue several bridges were closed as Transport was hard hit in London’s Heathrow airport delayed eight hours: “I won’t Cabinet Office, a ministry in the team searched for a 47-year-old the storm hit the west coast Britain. As the working week said 130 flights were cancelled, make it because they can’t keep heart of London, forcing Deputy woman swept out to sea by a wave of Jutland and was expected began, London’s commuter train the majority between 0600 and him so I’ll have to miss his burial.” Prime Minister Nick Clegg to during a cliff sortie on Belle Ile, to move towards the capi- service was shut while several 1100 GMT and told passengers to Volumes in the gilt market cancel a news conference. an island off Brittany where tal of Copenhagen during the Tube lines were suspended due check with their airlines before were around half normal levels Thin volumes on London’s high winds generated waves of afternoon. to trees toppling onto the tracks. travelling. Passenger Nozipho as trading floors managed with a financial markets suggested many 5-6 metres, according to the Sweden cancelled all passenger The Severn motorway bridge Mtshede said she was going skeleton staff. AFP/REUTERS

New FBI chief Dozens of migrants Washington denies Obama aware of die of thirst in Niger

NIAMEY: Dozens of Nigerien Merkel spying as scandal spreads migrants heading for Algeria died of thirst in the desert south BERLIN: Transatlantic ten- at the weekend that eavesdrop- NSA,” the unnamed official told of the Sahara after their vehicle sions reached boiling point yes- ping on Merkel’s phone may have the Journal. broke down, local officials said terday as Washington sharply started in 2002, when she was Some programmes have been yesterday, while police said 19 denied reports President Barack Germany’s main opposition leader scheduled to end but have not yet survived. Obama knew US spies were tap- and three years before she became been terminated due to the com- “About 40 Nigeriens, including ping German Chancellor Angela chancellor. plicated nature of surveillance: numerous children and women, Merkel, but fresh allegations And the daily Bild am Sonntag a leader such as Merkel may be who were attempting to emi- emerged of mass snooping in quoted US intelligence sources communicating with someone else grate to Algeria, died of thirst in Spain. as saying that Obama himself whom Washington is monitoring, mid-October,” Rhissa Feltou, the As outrage over secret US sur- had been informed of the phone officials told the newspaper. mayor of the main northern town veillance of leaders and average tap against Merkel by NSA chief Leaked documents from former of Agadez said. citizens mounted with a tide of General Keith Alexander in 2010 US intelligence contractor Edward “Many others have been new reports, a delegation from the but allowed it to continue. Snowden indicate that US spy reported missing since their European Parliament was due in NSA spokeswoman Vanee Vines agencies accessed the electronic vehicle broke down in the desert,” Washington to demand answers on however denied the allegation. communications of dozens of world he said. “Travellers told us that the extent of the operations. Alexander “did not discuss leaders and possibly millions of they saw and counted up to 35 The trip coincided with a with President Obama in 2010 an foreign nationals. bodies, mostly those of women Spanish newspaper report citing alleged foreign intelligence opera- The Spanish report said the and children, by the road,” said a leaked document indicating US tion involving German Chancellor NSA tracked the origin and des- Abdourahmane Maouli, the security services tracked 60.5 mil- Merkel, nor has he ever discussed tination of calls and their dura- mayor of the northern uranium lion telephone calls in Spain in a alleged operations involving tion, US blogger Glenn Greenwald mining town of Arlit. single month. Chancellor Merkel,” Vines said wrote in El Mundo, which pub- The army has found the bodies And it came on the heels of a Sunday. lished a classified graph of 30 of two women and three adoles- Wall Street Journal article that According to the Journal, Obama days of telephone call tracing last cents, a paramilitary policeman Obama learned of the electronic was “briefed on and approved of December and January. said. No other bodies have so far surveillance of Merkel and other broader intelligence-collection The news broke hours before turned up. According to Feltou, world leaders in an internal mid- ‘priorities,’” but deputies decided Spanish foreign ministry officials two vehicles carrying “at least” year review. on specific targets because it would were to meet the US envoy, James 60 would-be emigrants left Arlit US President Barack Obama with new Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) The White House then ordered have been impractical to brief the Costos, who has been summoned “around October 15”, heading for director James Comey during his installation ceremony at the FBI head- an end to the programmes, accord- president on all of eavesdropping to provide information about Tamanrassett, an Algerian town quarters in Washington yesterday. Comey was a top Justice Department ing to the Journal. operations. alleged US spying on Spanish in the heart of the Sahara. AFP official in the Bush administration and took over last month from Robert German media had reported “These decisions are made at telecommunications. AFP Mueller, who stepped down after 12 years of heading the agency. 35 bodies in uniform at Nigeria morgue

Jackson’s doctor KANO: Thirty-five bodies in UK opens trial on phone-hacking scandal military uniform have been released from jail brought to a morgue in Nigeria’s LONDON: The first trial in John Saunders heard initial legal restive northeast after a coor- LOS ANGELES: Michael the phone-hacking scandal that arguments ahead of the selection dinated assault by Boko Haram Jackson’s former doctor Conrad sank Rupert Murdoch’s News of a jury. Some 80 potential jurors targeting the security forces, a Murray was released from jail of the World opened yester- later crammed into the wood- hospital source said yesterday. yesterday after serving two day with the tycoon’s key aide panelled courtroom and were The attack late on Thursday years of a four-year sentence for Rebekah Brooks in the dock warned that the trial could last in the Yobe state capital of the late pop icon’s death in 2009, alongside the British prime up to six months. Damaturu was the first raid in officials said. minister’s former media chief “To sit on a jury for this length a major urban centre in several Murray, who was convicted of Andy Coulson. of time, five or six months, is a weeks by the insurgent group involuntary manslaughter in 2011 The two former editors of the significant disruption in people’s waging a four-year Islamist upris- for giving Jackson the drug that tabloid are among eight defend- lives, and we do appreciate that,” ing. Police and residents said large killed him, left the Men’s Central ants facing a jury for the first time Saunders told them. numbers of Boko Haram fighters, Jail in Los Angeles shortly after over the scandal that sent shock- The 12-person jury is expected some in vehicles and some on foot, midnight. The 60-year-old medic waves through British politics. to hear explosive evidence stormed Damaturu after dark. evaded a group of hecklers outside Flame-haired Brooks, 45, about the scandal that forced Armed with guns and explo- the jail. His lawyer, Valerie Wass, arrived at the Old Bailey court Australian-born Murdoch to shut sives, they attacked and torched slammed the Jackson supporters, in London to a storm of photog- down the News of the World in four police buildings, sparking saying: “This group of fans isn’t raphers’ flashes, accompanied by disgrace in 2011. a fierce, hours-long gun battle respecting [Jackson’s] legacy,” her racehorse trainer husband Dubbed the “trial of the cen- with the security forces. “We according to the LA Times. Charlie, who is also on trial. tury” by one media commentator, have received lots of bodies in the Murray’s whereabouts were not The defendants face charges proceedings opened yesterday but last three days from the attacks. immediately clear. ranging from illegally hacking the prosecution’s opening state- Rebekah Brooks and her husband Charlie, leave after the first day of the I counted 35 bodies in military “He was released .. safely and the mobile phone voicemails of a ment was not expected until at phone-hacking trial at the Old Bailey in London yesterday. uniform,” said a senior official at securely,” said LA County sher- murdered schoolgirl and celebri- least today, when the jury is set the Damaturu Specialist Hospital. iff’s spokesman. There has been ties such as Paul McCartney, to to be sworn in. director of communications. her personal assistant Cheryl An army officer based in the speculation that Murray, who had bribing public officials for stories The main players are Brooks, Murdoch tweeted about the trial Carter and former News central city of Jos said 20 sol- financial problems even before he and hiding evidence. formerly chief executive of last month: “Remember, every- International security chief Mark diers had been admitted at a was hired to look after Jackson, Brooks tapped out notes on Murdoch’s British newspaper one innocent until proven guilty, Hanna are accused of obstructing hospital there, suffering from could make money by telling his an iPad as she sat alongside the operations, News International, entitled to fair trial in most justice along with Brooks by hiding “gunshot wounds sustained in side of the story, in a book or other defendants in the glass- and Coulson, the savvy tabloid countries.” evidence in the chaotic last days of the battle against Boko Haram other form. AFP fronted dock, listening as judge journalist who became Cameron’s Brooks’ 50-year-old husband, the News of the World. AFP in Damaturu.” AFP TUESDAY 29 OCTOBER 2013 ASIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13

Murder charge 5 dead as car on ex-Thai PM BANGKOK: Prosecutors in Thailand have indicted former Thai Prime Minister ploughs into Abhisit Vejjajiva and his ex- deputy on murder charges related to a deadly crack- down on anti-government protests. About 90 people died and China crowd nearly 1,900 were wounded in the series of street clashes in central Bangkok in 2010. Dozens hurt at Tiananmen Square The case will be referred to a criminal court which will BEIJING: Five people were the car died, they said. decide whether to put the pair killed and dozens injured yes- The Beijing city government on trial. terday, the government said, said on one of its official news Mr Abhisit insists he is when a car ploughed into websites that a female tourist innocent and has described pedestrians and caught fire in from the Philippines and a male the accusations against him as Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, tourist from southern Guangdong politically motivated. the site of 1989 pro-democracy province had also died. Of the 38 Human rights groups such protests bloodily suppressed by injured, three were tourists from as Human Rights Watch have the military. the Philippines and one from welcomed moves to prosecute Chinese Foreign Ministry Japan, it added. the pair. Police cars block off roads leading to Tiananmen Square as smoke rises after a vehicle crashed in front of spokeswoman Hua Chunying, The central and Beijing govern- asked whether the government ments held a meeting after the Tiananmen Gate in Beijing yesterday. 7-day remand over believed the incident was a terror incident to speedily investigate attack, said she did not know the what happened and “ensure the Tiananmen Square is always around the June 4 anniversary of sent a plume of black smoke into wife’s murder specifics of the case and declined security and stability of the capi- under heavy security due to its the crushing of the student-led the sky. The main road through further comment. tal”, it said. proximity to the Zhongnanhai demonstrations in 1989, though the square was briefly closed. KUALA LUMPUR: A Police said on their official The car crashed almost directly compound of the central leader- they are normally swiftly bundled Police also evacuated the main former convict suspected of microblog that the car veered in front of the main entrance of ship and due to the Great Hall away by police. part of the square. stabbing his wife to death off the road at the north of the the Forbidden City, where there of the People which overlooks the A witness said he saw fire A foreign tourist who was on during a quarrel at their square, a major tourist attrac- hangs a huge portrait of the square. It is also the site of Mao’s engines, an ambulance and the square and asked not to be house in Sungai Buloh near tion, crossed the barriers and founder of Communist China, mausoleum. But the square is still numerous police cars heading in identified said she heard an explo- here last night was remanded caught fire. The three people in Mao Zedong. a magnet for protesters, especially the direction of the fire, which sion followed by a fire. REUTERS for seven days, beginning yesterday. Gombak police chief ACP Abdul Rahim Abdullah said the 35-year-old was released from prison on Oct 11 - after serv- Japan PM ing a five-month and 10-day Watchdog push for Fukushima leak plug sentence for causing hurt to his wife. in Turkey to TOKYO: Japan’s nuclear Katsuhiko Ikeda, secretary-gen- tame the world’s worst atomic to be the trickiest operation since He disclosed that there watchdog yesterday urged “bold eral of the authority, who also disaster since Chernobyl. the overheating reactor cores were seven stab wounds on the promote and drastic” action to fix prob- attended the meeting. The company has been lam- were stabilised in December 2011, woman’s back. Then accused lems with radioactive water In particular Tanaka asked the basted as hapless in its efforts, TEPCO plans to take more than his wife of having an affair at Fukushima, as it warned of company to send more engineers with one government minister 1,000 fuel assemblies (bundles of with another man. She later N-exports the growing risks over coming to the plant and update facilities saying its efforts are akin to rods) from the pool using a crane. died. months. there “without sparing money”, someone playing “whack-a-mole”. The assemblies must be moved According to the police, the TOKYO: Japan’s prime minis- Shunichi Tanaka, chairman of Ikeda told reporters. Tanaka said TEPCO must one at a time and have to be kept suspect surrendered at the ter headed to Turkey yesterday the Nuclear Regulation Authority, TEPCO is battling to clean up make greater efforts to reduce in water to prevent them from Alam Jaya police station last to cement nuclear contracts told the president of operator the mess caused when reactors radiation levels at the plant so spontaneously heating up. night. and push the export of more Tokyo Electric Power (TEPCO) went into meltdown after the workers would be able to oper- Hirose said he was fully aware reactors as the industry tries to that no expense should be spared March 2011 tsunami struck and ate more freely, unencumbered by of the possible dangers surround- Singaporean dies emerge from the shadow of the in getting to grips with the water knocked out cooling systems. heavy protection equipment. ing the operation, saying the firm Fukushima atomic crisis. leaks that have beset the plant Thousands of tonnes of water, In reply, Hirose vowed to secure would closely work with expert after fall Shinzo Abe left Tokyo bound over the last half-a-year. used since then to cool reactors or the necessary personnel at the companies on site. for Istanbul, his second visit since He also told Naomi Hirose that polluted after picking up radioac- plant and improve the working The full decommissioning of SINGAPORE: A man fell to coming to power less than a year the removal of spent nuclear fuel tive material, is being stored in environment by further decon- Fukushima is likely to take dec- his death at Boon Lay Drive ago, where he was expected to rods from a cooling pool, which is huge storage tanks at the site on taminating the site. ades and include tasks that have yesterday morning. meet his counterpart Recep due to begin next month, would be Japan’s northeast coast. Tanaka also urged TEPCO never been attempted anywhere His body was found on the Tayyip Erdogan for discussions a difficult and complicated task. A series of setbacks including to exercise the utmost caution in the world. ground floor at Block 177 Boon on Turkish atomic reactor orders. Tanaka urged Hirose to “carry water leaks that have carried when it starts taking used nuclear Such as the removal of reactor Lay Drive, where a fire was The trip came as the head out bold and drastic reforms and radioactive water into the Pacific fuel rods from a cooling pool at cores that have probably melted also reported to have broken of global investment giant make a long-term plan that can Ocean have rocked confidence Reactor No 4. beyond recognition. out. Blackstone gave the thumbs up reduce uneasiness”, according to that Asia’s largest utility can In what is widely acknowledged AFP The Singapore Civil Defence to “Abenomics”, the latest evi- Force said the fire broke out dence that Abe is winning over in a one-room flat on the 10th the global business community floor. Police are unable to con- with an economic policy blitz firm if the two incidents are aimed at getting Japan Inc. mov- linked. Neighbours said they ing again. saw smoke coming from the Turkey is “an extremely impor- South Korea stages flat before the 53-year-old tant country”, Abe told reporters Chinese man jumped out of a at Haneda airport in Tokyo, Kyodo kitchen window. News reported. “I would like to His body was found yester- solidify the relationship of mutual major live-fire drill day morning. trust between the leaders.” During Abe’s previous visit a SEOUL: South Korea yester- of the year after the North’s third China corruption Japanese-French consortium won day deployed destroyers, jet nuclear test in February, but then a $22bn deal to build Turkey’s fighters, attack helicopters and appeared to enter a rapproche- trial suspended second nuclear plant on the Black rocket launchers in a major ment stage that saw the two rivals Sea coast, a milestone for the live-fire drill against the threat agree to reopen their joint indus- BEIJING: The trial of three Japanese nuclear industry as it of North Korea landing troops, trial park in Kaesong. Chinese anti-corruption tries to get back on its feet after the defence ministry said. The mood quickly soured activists seen as part of an the 2011 Fukushima crisis. “The joint live-fire drill was again when Pyongyang cancelled official clampdown on citi- He and Erdogan also penned an aimed at repelling landings by a scheduled reunion last month zens’ demands for reforms agreement that allows Japanese enemy forces along the east for family members separated by was suspended yesterday, a manufacturers to build nuclear coast,” a ministry spokesman said. the Korean War. lawyer said. power plants in Turkey. South Korea has carried out In May 2011, Korea Aerospace Liu Ping, Wei Zhongping and Abe has travelled the globe a series of recent military exer- Industries Ltd, South Korea’s Li Sihua were charged with since coming to power in cises — both alone and jointly with largest plane maker, signed a “illegal assembly” for unfurl- December last year selling Japan’s allied nations — sparking angry $400m deal to sell 16 T-50 Golden ing a banner outside a housing infrastructure as part of his bid condemnations from the North Eagle trainer jets to Indonesia, complex in April. The court in to dramatically hike exports and and threats of counter-attacks marking South Korea as the first in Xinyu, in the central prov- light a fire under the country’s that have not materialised. time for the country in Asia to ince of Jiangxi, was forced to long-slumbering economy. Earlier this month, Pyongyang export supersonic jets. suspend the hearing after the John Studzinski, senior man- threatened “all out war” follow- From time to time, South defendants withdrew permis- aging director and global head of ing a two-day drill involving a Korea has sent its troops over- sion for their lawyers to rep- Blackstone Advisory Partners, US nuclear-powered aircraft seas to assist American forces. resent them in protest at what told journalists in Tokyo that carrier alongside South Korean It has participated in most major they called the court’s “illegal despite the catastrophe on the South Korea’s transport utility helicopter “Surion” is displayed during a and Japanese vessels began off conflicts that the United States conduct”. Pacific coast, Japanese engineer- press day at the Seoul International Aerospace and Defence Exhibition in the southern coast of the Korean has been involved in the past 50 ing remained well-respected. peninsula. years. Mongolia president Goyang, north of Seoul, yesterday. AFP Tension soared at the beginning AFP visits N Korea SEOUL: Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj arrived in North Korea yesterday and held talks with its nominal head Four killed in Bangladesh as rival parties clash of state Kim Yong-Nam, state media said. DHAKA: Fresh violence caretaker government. A bomb now died in the unrest that has between Prime Minister Sheikh Zia, who has twice served as The trip marks the 65th erupted across Bangladesh yes- blast in the western Harina escalated since Friday, when the Hasina and her bitter rival, BNP premier, has since Friday branded anniversary of diplomatic rela- terday, leaving at least four peo- Kundu town killed a local oppo- opposition Bangladesh Nationalist leader Khaleda Zia, failed to halt the government “illegal”, citing a tions. Mongolia was the second ple dead as rival party activists sition official, while elsewhere two Party (BNP) and its Islamist allies the three-day strike and defuse legal provision that requires a country to formally recognise clashed on the second day of a activists were killed in separate staged mass rallies over arrange- the crisis over the polls set for neutral government to be set up North Korea after the Soviet strike amid a mounting politi- clashes and a truck driver died ments for the elections. January 2014. three months before elections. Union. cal crisis. after being pelted with bricks, Television footage yesterday Hasina’s appeal to call off Hasina said such an arrange- The Mongolian president Police said street battles broke police said. showed protesters barricading the strike occurred during a ment is unconstitutional, propos- is the first head of state to out throughout Bangladesh “Apparently the bomb was highways, exploding crude bombs 40-minute phone conversation -- ing instead an all-party interim visit Pyongyang for possi- between thousands of support- hurled, targeting him (the local and attacking political party believed to be the first time in at government led by her to oversee ble talks with North Korean ers of the ruling party and the official). He died on his way to offices in dozens of towns, with least a decade that the two “bat- the January polls. But the BNP leader Kim Jong-Un since he opposition, which is demand- the hospital,” local police chief police responding in some cases tling begums” have spoken. rejected the proposal, claiming it came to power nearly two years ing the prime minister quit and Mohibul Islam said. with tear gas and rubber bullets. “Begum” is an honorific for a would allow Hasina to rig results. ago. AGENCIES make way for elections under a At least 16 people in total have Last-minute talks on Saturday Muslim woman of rank. AFP TUESDAY 29 OCTOBER 2013 PHILIPPINES 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 22 people killed in pre-poll violence 336,000 village chief, councillor posts up for grabs

MANILA: Police and troops emotions running high on the Despite efforts by President were on high alert across the ground between rivals,” national Benigno Aquino to curb the power Philippines yesterday as mil- police spokesman Reuben of political warlords and their pri- lions of voters went to the polls Theodore Sindac said. vate armies, Sindac said this year’s to choose village leaders, with He said 22 people had been violence was worse than the last 22 people killed in pre-election killed in the four-week run-up to village polls in 2010, when 15 people violence. the polls, half of them incumbent were killed. “We have intensified Poll officials said about 336,000 politicians running for re-election. our efforts to protect the security village chief and councillor posts The latest reported fatality was of everyone,” Sindac said. were up for grabs in the country’s the brother of a candidate for vil- The armed forces deployed dynamic but corrupt brand of lage chief, who was gunned down about 6,000 soldiers to four prov- democracy, where politicians are Sunday on Basilan, a violence- inces in the restive southern infamous for employing private plagued island in the south of the region of Mindanao that were armies to kill or intimidate rivals. country that is a stronghold of perennial “hot spots” of violence, While villages are the smallest Islamic militants. said regional military spokesman government units, they are hotly Twenty-seven other people were Colonel Dickson Hermoso. contested because they allow hurt in election-related violence Still, this did not deter armed major political parties to cultivate across the country, including two supporters of some candidates a grassroots network and widen policeman and two election officers from carrying out “isolated cases their support base. who were ambushed by unidenti- of intimidation and coercion of “There has been violence due fied gunmen in the central island voters,” he said. Jail guards assist a detainee vote at a school used as a polling station in Taguig City, south of Manila, yesterday. to intense political rivalry, with province of Masbate on Sunday. AFP

Gunmen torch First lady commander leads school building UN body backs quake relief plan in Maguindanao Philippine mission to Haiti MANILA: The United Nations and friends of the victims and He added that his office would World Tourism Organisation the government and people of be lending support to the lead MAGUINDANAO: Gunmen MANILA: For the first time (UNWTO) has committed to Philippines,” said UNWTO sec- agencies that would carry out the on Sunday burned down in history, a female commander support the Philippines’ tour- retary-general Taleb Rifai. rehabilitation of the damaged cul- a public school building in is heading a contingent of the ism-related rehabilitation pro- “The livelihood of many people tural heritage sites. Buldon town, which was sup- Armed Forces of the Philippines gramme for areas affected by in these destinations depends on “The National Commission for posed to be turned into a vot- (AFP) to United Nations (UN) the powerful earthquake that the tourism sector and UNWTO Culture and the Arts, National ing centre for the barangay peacekeeping operations. rocked Bohol and Cebu on stands ready to support the Museum and National Historical elections yesterday. Philippine Navy Captain October 15. Philippines in ensuring the tour- Commission of the Philippines are Senior Superintendent Luzviminda Camacho (pictured), In a statement posted on its ism in these areas continues to leading the rehabilitation efforts. Rodelio Jocson, director of the will lead a unit to be deployed to website, the UNWTO said it had thrive,” he said. DOT will support them,” Jimenez Maguindanao provincial police, Haiti today to provide perim- transmitted to the Philippine Earlier, the DOT said that said. said the suspects used gaso- eter security to the UN Force government its commitment based on its assessment, the In a travel advisory posted on line and dried coconut palms Headquarters in Port-au-Prince. to support the Department of impact of the 7.2 magnitude its Facebook page last Tuesday, in burning the four-classroom Camacho’s 12-man team will Tourism (DOT) “in any tourism- earthquake to Cebu and Bohol’s the DOT office in Central Visayas building of the Denganen assist in the UN’s stabilization related recovery programme to be tourism efforts would be minimal. appealed to the traveling public to Elementary School in south- mission in the country still in the led by Vice Admiral Jose Luis designed for the affected areas.” “So far, there is minimal effect put off any travel plans to areas west of Buldon. clutches of a transitional govern- Alano at the Villamor Airbase “UNWTO is confident that on (tourism) traffic as we have affected by the earthquake. Jocson said that according ment following an armed conflict in Pasay City. Besides her new with the dynamic leadership of reassured travel markets that It noted that the most hard hit to local officials, the building between government and insur- assignment, Camacho recently the government of the Philippines, tourism will normalise soon,” by the quake were the heritage was razed to the ground and gents in 2004. The unit will aid made history as the first female Cebu and Bohol, both important Tourism Secretary Ramon churches of Bohol and Cebu. could no longer be used for the the UN by providing administra- officer who commanded a warship. tourism destinations, will soon Jimenez Jr said in a text message. Data from the DOT showed barangay elections. tive and logistics clerical service, “It’s very different when you recover from this tragic occur- Jimenez, however, said they that Cebu is one of the top tourist Col Dickson Hermoso, operating military vehicles, and are trusted to ensure national rence and continue to play their could not yet provide an esti- destinations in the country. spokesman of the Army’s 6th providing security for VIPs and security. Of course your family significant role in tourism growth mate on the revenue impact of With over 1.9 million tourists Infantry Division, said munici- other personalities. will always be important, but as to the country,” it said. the calamity in these provinces. (872,397 foreign and 1.1 million pal poll personnel decided to The contingent is expected to members of the military, you also The group also expressed its “Disruption is momentary and domestic), Cebu registered the hold the elections in make- serve their tour in Haiti for six have to prioritise your duties to sympathy to those who were we expect that Cebu and Bohol, fourth largest volume of tourists shift polling sites in Barangay to nine months. the country,” she said in a televi- affected by the devastation. with their very long list of tour- in 2011, 12 percent higher than Denganen. A send-off ceremony for the sion interview in March. “Our thoughts at this difficult ism offerings, will regain momen- the 1.77 million posted in 2010. 17th all-Navy contingent will be THE PHILIPPINE STAR moment are with the families tum in no time at all,” he said. THE PHILIPPINE STAR Italians get PAF helicopter deal MANILA: An Anglo-Italian company has won the bidding Over 100 Russians arrive on vacation tour to supply eight attack heli- copters worth P3.44bn for the MANILA: More than 100 vacation. PAL’s chartered flight four and a half hours away from “Through this service, we hope Philippines,” he said. The first Philippine Air Force (PAF). Russian tourists were flown was historical for Philippine tour- Manila, is one of the key strate- to be able to serve this market chartered flight from Vladivostok A notice of award was into the country by a chartered ism as air links were established to gies to catalyse growth. and more importantly, help our departed the Russian city at 8am issued to aircraft manufac- flight of Philippine Airlines Far East Russia. “Russia is a priority market government’s efforts to boost local time and arrived in Manila turer AgustaWestland late last (PAL) yesterday. It was the first in a series of because it is seen to contribute tourism,” Ang said. at 9:30am yesterday. month. The visitors, who were seen chartered flights of the flag car- to the 10 million target of inter- Uni-Orient Travel is the The return flight will leave Defence Undersecretary wearing floppy summer hats and rier that will run until April next national visitors by 2015,” he said. Philippine ground handler for Manila at 11pm on November 7. Fernando Manalo confirmed tropical attire upon arrival at year to boost tourist arrivals. Data from the DOT showed most of the passengers of the Meanwhile, the next char- the report, saying the helicop- the Ninoy Aquino International The chartered flights will that 21,736 Russians visited the chartered flight. tered flight from Vladivostok is ters may be delivered next year Airport Terminal 2, swayed to the be done in partnership with Philippines from January to Benito Techico, president and expected on November 8. if the budget is released soon. beat of Russian songs rendered Primorsky Agency of Aviation August this year, an increase CEO of the company, said the From Manila, Russian visitors “If the DBM (Department by the Banda Kawayan of the Companies TM Biletur, the big- of 32.53 percent over the same chartered flight makes a lot of can fly out to PAL’s domestic of Budget and Management) Department of Tourism (DOT) gest tour company in Far East period last year. difference because the Russian destinations including Boracay, releases the cash allocation, throughout their flight. Russia. In a statement, PAL president Far East is a new tourism ter- Cebu, Bohol, Puerto Princesa and the letter of credit could be They immediately headed to Tourism Secretary Ramon Ramon Ang said the company ritory for the Philippines. “We Legaspi. They can also connect to opened immediately and the PAL’s domestic terminal for con- Jimenez Jr earlier said the facili- recognises the growing demand hope this will create a snow- the carrier’s regional and interna- helicopters could be delivered necting flights to Cebu and Boracay, tation of charter programs from from Russian tourists for a direct ball effect which will eventually tional hubs. before the end of December where they will spend most of their Far East Russia, which is only air link to the Philippines. bring in more tourists to the THE PHILIPPINE STAR next year,” Manalo said. Homeless Mudslides loom Religious groups disapprove over 2 villages BAYOMBONG: The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Aquino’s disbursement plan (MGB) has ordered the immediate evacuation of at MANILA: Several religious groups believe the controversial least 56 families in Bontoc, Disbursement Acceleration Programme (DAP) fund of President Mt Province as landslides Aquino is illegal. Christian sects Yeshua Change Agents (YCA), threaten their villages from Bible Mode and Capitol Christian Leaders (CCL) filed last Friday a being wiped out. seventh petition seeking to declare DAP unconstitutional. MGB Cordillera director YCA pastor Greco Belgica, a former Manila councillor and losing Fay Apil said the cracks in the senatorial candidate, was joined by Bishop Reuben Abante of Bible mountain just above the two Mode and Rev Jojo Gonzales of CCL in filing the petition. sitios in Barangay Caneo could Earlier, Belgica also filed another petition questioning the constitu- lead to massive landslides. tionality of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF). Apil, along with personnel Just like the six earlier petitions against DAP, the Christian sects of the provincial risk reduc- alleged that the discretionary fund of the President violates the exclu- tion and management office sive power of Congress to appropriate funds. and Office of the Civil Defence, They said the use of the DAP violated Article VI Section 29 (1) of recently conducted an ocular the Constitution, which requires that “no money shall be paid out of inspection in the two villages. the Treasury except in pursuance of an appropriation made by law.” This came following reports They cited Department of Budget and Management-National Budget that a portion of the mountain Circular (NBC) 541, particularly its portion that allows the use of the was about to collapse due to DAP funds “to fund priority programmes and projects not considered continued erosion. A boy views burnt houses after an overnight fire that razed a slum area in Makati City on Sunday. Two children in the 2012 budget but expected to be started or implemented during AGENCIES were killed and at least 2,000 families were left homeless after the blaze. the current year.” THE PHILIPPINE STAR TUESDAY 29 OCTOBER 2013 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15 Militant groups want separate talks with govt US says drone strikes will continue until Pakistan steps up action against terrorists

ISLAMABAD: A principal terrible issue through dialogue. the source said, Major General The source disclosed that there troops and release of prisoners group or outfit at the behest of stumbling block the federal gov- “How can the dialogue be Sanaullah Niazi and some other were around a dozen and a half could be talked about only on the any foreign country. “We will take ernment faces in quickly start- kick-started when we are receiv- army officers were martyred in an “effective” terrorist groups while negotiating table. action where we ourselves deem ing talks with the outlawed ing dead bodies?” he asked, and unprecedented terrorist attack. the overall number of such organ- He said as far as the halt to appropriate.” Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan said that the TTP strategy was Then, there were bombings isations hovers around 50. the CIA operated drone attacks is The source pointed out that (TTP) is the continuation of ter- to publicly deny and disown the on the Peshawar church, claim- “Everyone of them wants sepa- concerned, Prime Minister Nawaz while some public and political rorist attacks by groups work- terrorist attacks for the sake of ing nearly 90 lives, and a bus of rate talks with the government,” Sharif forcefully pressed his oppo- circles want solution of the prob- ing under the TTP umbrella, public opinion. civilian employees of the Khyber he said, adding that the Indian, sition during his meeting with lem through parleys, there are credible sources said. At the same time, the prime Pakhtunkhwa government. Afghan and American factors President Obama, and now an also strong opponents of the dia- “The government has unim- objective of these strikes is to pres- Latest was the killing of KP Law were also present in these groups, international campaign has been logue process and call for imme- peachable evidence in black and surise the government to come to Minister Israrullah Gundapur and the government has undeni- built up against the unmanned diate use of force on the ground white of their involvement in all terms with the TTP, he said. and nine others in another hit. able proof to the effect. aerial vehicle (UAV) strikes. that at the end of the day the gov- the major terrorist attacks that But still, the source said, dif- All these incidents, he said, Only “political jugglers”, who “The Americans say they will ernment would have to because took place after the All Parties ferent developments have taken were sponsored by the groups, want to take political mileage out stop the Predator attacks if the TTP would not come to terms Conference (APC), and even place for the initiation of the dia- which are operating under the of this frightening situation, are Pakistan itself takes meaning- through negotiations. before,” one source said on con- logue process, and there are and aegis of the TTP. He added that pressing for start of talks with- ful and concerted action against He said that at no stage has dition of anonymity. have been indirect contacts of the this terrorism strengthened the out loss of time, even when “our terrorists in North Waziristan. the government gone for a solo It was clear from reliable government with the terrorist hands of those who were strongly homes are filled with corpses and Unless Islamabad does so, the flight and has always taken all source that dealing with the outfits as well. However, formal opposed to opening a dialogue we are mourning the loss of our drone strikes will continue, they political parties along so that the terrorist outfits is a hot potato talks are yet to begin. and were vociferous in demand- near and dear ones.” argue,” the source said. problem is resolved through the for the government. It is in an Six days after the APC unani- ing that the terrorists must be About the preconditions put However, he said, Pakistan backing and support of all the extremely difficult situation mously passed a resolution to crushed with force and this was forward by the TTP, another has made it clear that it was not stakeholders. although it wants to resolve the launch the dialogue process, the language they understood. source said the withdrawal of prepared to move against any INTERNEWS Chopper crash Nawaz Sharif Poll body may seek to meet Karzai, Cameron in UK input from provinces ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif yesterday left for a three- to hold local elections day official visit to London where he will attend a trilat- eral meeting with UK Prime LAHORE: The Election municipal corporations and one Minister David Cameron and Commission of Pakistan (ECP) metropolitan corporation having Afghan President Hamid may seek opinion of three prov- 250 union councils. Karzai on the sidelines of the inces to conduct local body elec- And for holding elections to World Economic Forum, it tions in phases to overcome them, the ECP would have to was learnt. difficulties it may face in hold- print millions of ballot papers Prime Minister Sharif will ing them in one go due to short- with different symbols for the participate in tripartite negotia- age of time. non-party candidates. tions to be held among Pakistan, Official sources said yesterday Sources said it would have to Britain and Afghanistan at the that holding local body elections be seen whether the Pakistan summit hosted by Cameron. on a non-party basis in Punjab Security Printing Corporation Afghanistan will demand an might particularly be difficult for (PSPC) could print such a large explanation from Pakistan on the ECP because of the mammoth number of ballot papers in such a the whereabouts of former work required for the purpose. short period of time. Taliban second-in-command Local body elections under the The ECP could not have the Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Local Government Ordinance ballot papers printed from the when the leaders of both coun- 2001 were held in phases in 2001 private market and the only legal Soldiers and security officials inspect the wreckage of a Pakistani Air Force (PAF) helicopter in Gujranwala, yes- tries meet at the summit to and 2004. option was to have them prepared terday. The pilot and co-pilot were injured as they ejected from the copter before it crashed, due to a technical discuss how to end years of Sources said following this by the PSPC. failure that set it on fire. insurgency, Reuters had ear- practice could ease burden on Sources said that as far as lier quoted an Afghan official the ECP, but that could be pos- Punjab was concerned it had as saying. The whereabouts of sible only after an agreement by made all arrangements for the Baradar has been the source provinces. elections. It had enacted a new Bomber stoned to death after bus blast of intense speculation since They said the biggest problem local government law, almost Pakistan announced his release for holding elections on the non- completed the delimitations and on September 20. party basis in Punjab would be the prepared the election rules. And GHAZNI: Angry villagers in province of Ghazni on Sunday, A crowd of more than 100 peo- printing of different ballot papers the remaining rules were being Afghanistan have stoned a man killing 18 people, the majority of ple dragged the man out, beat him Khyber to halt for every union council or ward. made. to death and riddled his body them women. Villagers hunted with sticks and shovels and then Allotting election symbol to each They said the province was also with bullets, believing he set off down a local man who was found stoned him with rocks until he Nato supplies and every candidate would again ready for providing operational a bomb on a bus that killed 18 hiding in a chicken coop next to was dead. be a difficult option. assistance to the ECP like provid- civilians, officials said yesterday. his home, with the bomb’s remote “They (then) shot about 200 ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s There are thousands of union ing it with staff, vehicles or mak- The roadside blast ripped control apparently found nearby, bullets at his body,” Ahmadi Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief councils, 160 municipal commit- ing security arrangements. through a minibus carrying Ghazni deputy provincial gover- added. Minister Pervaiz Khattak tees having at least 22 wards, 10 INTERNEWS wedding guests in the central nor Mohammad Ali Ahmadi said. AFP said that the provincial gov- ernment would block Nato supplies to Afghanistan if the Extracting pinenuts United States did not stop drone strikes in Pakistan. Speaking to reporters, the Pakistan’s CyberTex chief minister said the drone attacks should be stopped immediately, saying that they were tired of picking up bodies, honoured in US whether they are of victims of terror or of drone strikes. ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani Schools in the Austin region since Khattak added that if the entrepreneur Iqbal Sheikh 2001. federal government fails to showed his mettle abroad This year, it ranked number stop the drone strikes “we will when his CyberTex Institute 6 in Austin’s Business Journal consider the option of stop- of Technology was honoured Book of Lists for Career and Tech ping Nato supplies” through at a conference and awards Schools. CyberTex has also been Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. ceremony in the US capital a recipient of Diversity Business Washington at 31st annual cel- Top 500 Emerging Business in PML-N member ebration of America’s fastest- America and awarded by Austin growing private companies. Business Journal as one of the 50 disqualified Back home Iqbal Sheikh has fastest growing corporation of been greatly contributing to the Central Texas. ISLAMABAD: The promotion of education. Along Sheikh, a Pakistani entre- Supreme Court of Pakistan with CyberTex, the 2012 list preneur has been affiliated as a yesterday disquali- included other powerhouses such member of the British Computer fied Member of National as Alex and Ani, Living Social, Society, Austin Technology Assembly Sumaira Malik of Bojangels, OtterBox and KT Tape. Council, Austin Chamber of the Pakistan Muslim League This is CyberTex’s second con- Commerce, Greater Austin - Nawaz (PML-N) over the secutive year to be awarded. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce possession of a fake degree According to the report Iqbal and the Greater Austin Asian and directed the Election Sheikh, Founder President and Chamber of Commerce. He is also Commission of Pakistan to CEO attended the ceremony and a member of Advisory Council of take necessary action in received the Inc. 5000 Award for Texans for Stem Cell Research, this regard. A three-mem- 2013. CyberTex has been listed Austin Texas. ber bench of the apex court among Top 25 Computer Training INTERNEWS issued the ruling against the Afghan labourers work in an outdoor traditional factory extracting and preparing pinenuts for sale on the outskirts lawmaker. of Jalalabad, yesterday. One of the main products of Afghanistan is the export of dried fruits and nuts. AGENCIES Assailant knifes 25 women in Punjab province this month ISLAMABAD: A young man school,” said Haseebul Hassan, the back. The attacker’s motives are head-to-toe garment with a mesh In the most recent attack, a equivalent to $2,000 for his arrest. has stabbed at least 25 women spokesman for Sahiwal District in unclear, although police said he opening for the eyes that women man on a motorbike dismounted Many victims who sought treat- this month in a small Pakistani eastern Punjab province. may be insane. in conservative areas must wear and stabbed a 22-year-old woman ment have not reported the town, police said yesterday, “We cannot confirm the total “Most of the women were in the overwhelmingly Muslim multiple times as she was stand- attacks because the police have and many women and girls are number of incidents, but its stabbed after sunset, while two country. ing outside her house with her a poor reputation and they are afraid to leave their homes. between 25 to 30.” of them were wearing a burqa at His hospital received its first sister, Waqar said. forbidden by tradition to speak “Most of the incidents have Doctors say most of the women the time they were attacked,” Dr. case on October 6 and has seen two The police are hunting a sin- to strange men. happened after sunset, but some in the town of Chichawatni, 450 Asim Waqar at Chichawatni hos- or three cases a day since. Some gle attacker, Chichawatni Station Police said that many women or schoolgirls were also attacked km south of the capital, were pital said by telephone. victims have required stitches or House Officer Tahir Aijaz said. girls now feared to go out at night while going back home after stabbed on the legs, stomach or He was referring to the surgery. They have announced a reward or to school. REUTERS TUESDAY 29 OCTOBER 2013 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA Disaster management needs boost, says PM Meeting reviews Uttarakhand floods, cyclone Phailin

NEW DELHI: India needs “We are aware that the world be strengthened further so that to mainstream disaster risk over, extreme weather events are we are able to minimize the nega- reduction strategies into its on the rise,” the prime minister tive impact of disasters.” development programmes as said. “Such events impact the Manmohan Singh said the extreme weather events are poor and marginalised people in Uttarakhand floods severely on the rise, Prime Minister a disproportionate manner. tested the efficacy of India’s dis- Manmohan Singh said “It is therefore all the more aster response mechanisms and yesterday. necessary that we quickly there were important lessons to Addressing the 5th meet- improve our disaster manage- be learnt from the rescue and ing of the National Disaster ment capabilities. relief operations that followed. Management Authority (NDMA) “Every rupee spent on dis- Heavy rains followed by flash here, he stressed the need to aster preparedness is a saving floods in the Kedarnath region improve the country’s disaster of expenditure on post disaster of Uttarakhand killed hundreds management capabilities. relief, rehabilitation and recon- of people and caused widespread The meeting was held to review struction measures.” destruction in the hilly region. the devastating Uttarakhand Calling on the NDMA and The prime minister lauded the floods of June and the cyclone other agencies to lay greater response to Phailin cyclone which Phailin which battered Odisha emphasis on disaster prepared- helped in saving lives of thou- Villagers walk through floodwaters at Khurda district in Odisha on Sunday. Floodwaters have left around 10,000 and Andhra Pradesh this month. ness, the prime minister said: sands of people — as one million people stranded in Odisha state, as flash floods inundated several villages post cyclone Phailin. Home Minister Sushilkumar “Disaster risk reduction strate- people in the coastal belt were Shinde and secretaries of over gies therefore need to be main- evacuated before it struck. 20 union ministries attended the streamed into our developmental Talking about the takeaways National Disaster Mitigation the meeting include construc- forecasting infrastructure and meeting. The decisions taken programmes and policies. from the meeting, NDMA vice Fund (NDMF) for projects exclu- tion of multipurpose multi- earmarking funds in the annual yesterday will be reviewed in “Our early warning systems chairman M Shashidhar Reddy sively for mitigation. disaster shelters, improvement budget of ministries for disaster February. and response mechanisms should said it was decided to set up a Other things agreed upon in in communication and weather management. IANS

Work on Agra’s IT Anti-violence day in Media, entertainment industry Park to begin in Nov AGRA: Work on Agras IT Park will begin November 25. This was stated by Abhishek Kerala on October 31 of South to double by 2017 Arun Gupta, joint chairman of the IT cell of the National THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: were getting ready to unleash this NEW DELHI: The size of continues to attract national grow at a slightly higher rate Chamber of Industries and The stone pelted at Kerala Chief attack,” Chennithala said to report- media and entertainment players to explore this growing than the other states of the Commerce in Agra. Minister Oommen Chandy has ers here, yesterday. industry in South India is South market. region, with all four media Gupta said officials in been transformed into an event “On October 31, I will inaugurate expected to almost double The market is dominated by platforms expected to grow Lucknow had asked the cham- worth commemorating — the the anti-violence day at Kannur to `436,000m by 2017 from television at 56 percent, fol- faster in the state. ber to secure 100 acres of gov- Congress party has decided to and across the state. Our party around `239,000m now, lowed by print 28 percent and “All media platforms viz. ernment land for setting up the observe Friday as “Anti-Violence will hold rallies and public meet- according to a joint study by films 11 percent. films, TV, print and radio are IT Park. Day’”. ings. The CPI-M has no way but Deloitte and FICCI. “Sectors such as New pushing content on the dig- “I have had detailed dis- October 31, the day that the to desist from unleashing violence,” The report, titled “Media & Media and Radio, though ital medium so as to enhance cussions with the principal Congress has chosen as its “Non- Chennithala said. Entertainment in South India smaller than other mediums, reach. Not only is the digital secretary IT as well as the Violence Day” would also mark the “Yes, there are differences of - the Digital March”, said the are expected to grow at rates medium helping industry play- minister of protocol Abhishek death anniversary of former prime opinion in our party, but we are growth in the industry would higher than the industry ers reach wider audiences, it is Mishra and the chief secretary. minister Indira Gandhi, who was united and the attack on Chandy is be mainly driven by popularity average, given their increas- also enabling them to establish All have assured me that the assassinated on October 31, 1984. just not acceptable. The party con- of vernacular content among ing power of engagement,” the a stronger connect with con- Agra IT Park project will be For Chandy, the day is also special demns it as the worst ever action by the region’s populace and the report said. sumers,” said Kamal Haasan, taken up immediately after the as a birthday — this year, he turns the CPI-M,” Chennithala said. evolving ecosystem, including Among the states, Tamil veteran actor and chair- Lucknow IT project bidding is 70. Meanwhile, Vijayan and his endeavours by media vehicles Nadu constitutes over one- man, Federation of Indian completed Nov 21,” Gupta said. “The CPI-M state secretary CPI-M colleague and former to expand their presence. third of the South Indian Chambers of Commerce and Agra’s case for an IT Park Pinnarayi Vijayan’s statement that state home minister Kodiyeri While enabling regional media and entertainment Industry (FICCI) Media and has been hanging fire for two his party has no role in the heinous Balakrishnan, who were keen to pay media players to reach their industry. The industry in Entertainment Forum, South. decades, after the Supreme attack, the first of its kind on a chief Chandy a visit in hospital were told target audience, the industry Tamil Nadu is expected to IANS Court put a ban on polluting minister here, is one which no one by Home Minister Thiruvanchoor industries in the Taj Trapezium in Kerala will ever believe. Radhakrishnan that it would be bet- eco-sensitive zone. Since yesterday afternoon, at ter if they waited a few days before Gupta said his demand for Kannur, ahead of Chandy’s visit they meeting the injured Chandy. IANS Amritsar protest free access to Internet to those who have been gifted laptops had been accepted by the Uttar Pradesh government and “very soon this will be announced”. Railway information on smart phones NEW DELHI: Over 25 million rail passengers can now find useful information regarding their train routes and stations at the click of a button on their smart phones. RailYatri.in has launched a National Railyatri Alert System (NRAS) — an informa- tion system that helps passen- gers find information on their route, train or destination on their Internet enabled phone. To get alerts, passengers need log on to m.railyatri.in on their mobile phone browser and click on the National RY Alerts System, a release said yesterday.

Farmers shout slogans as they sit blocking a road in Amritsar, yesterday. Farmers’ plan to interrupt railway traffic as a mark of protest against the alleged anti-farmers policies by the Punjab state gov- More mobile vans to ernment was thwarted by Punjab police when they were blocked mid-way while proceeding towards the railway tracks. sell onions in Delhi NEW DELHI: The Delhi government may increase the number of mobile vans selling onions if the need arises, Delhi’s Food and Civil ‘New US immigration law will hurt India’ Supplies Minister Haroon Yusuf said yesterday. NEW DELHI: Commerce Immigration Reform Bill competitiveness of their cli- “We have deployed 125 and Industry Minister passed by the US Senate ents, who included some of mobile vans and each will cover Anand Sharma yesterday recently were discriminatory. the US’s largest businesses,” five-six places. The onions at said elements in the new US Andel said the US Chamber Sharma said. these vans are being sold at legislation on immigration of Commerce is on the “same He pointed out that the Rs50 a kg,” Yusuf said. would undermine the com- page” on the issue and there is Indian companies supported The spiralling prices of onions petitiveness of Indian IT a need to be more vocal about more than 280,000 jobs in prompted the Delhi government businesses. the ill-effects of the proposed the US and have contrib- to seek last week permission During a meeting with US legislation, said a commerce uted more than $15bn to the from the Election Commission Chamber of Commerce chair- ministry statement after the US Treasury in the last five to sell onions through mobile man Steve Van Andel here, meeting. years. vans — as the model code of Sharma raised India’s con- “Our IT companies have Indian firms have made conduct is in place for the com- cern over the US policy and contributed enormously to investments of more than ing Delhi assembly elections. said some measures related the US economy through $5bn in the US in the last five “We will do everything possible to skilled non-immigrant job creation, local hir- years, by way of acquisitions, to contain onion prices,” said visas in the Comprehensive ing, and enhancing the the minister added. IANS Yusuf. IANS TUESDAY 29 OCTOBER 2013 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 17 BJP slams security as death toll hits six Fears of a bloody build-up to next year’s elections

PATNA: India’s opposition “It is a case of gross under that investigators believe the slammed security arrange- preparedness by the state, not blasts in Patna could have been the ments yesterday after six peo- even the minimum was done,” work of the Indian Mujahideen, a ple were killed by bombs at a BJP spokeswoman Nirmala home grown Islamist network. rally by their leader Narendra Sitharaman said. Police say two people have been Modi, fuelling fears of a bloody The government rejected accu- arrested and another 13 detained build-up to next year’s elections. sations that it had erred, however, for questioning, while the fed- Seven small explosive devices, with Home Minister Sushilkumar eral government has deployed which were activated by remote Shinde insisting that “the centre anti-terror forces to Patna to control, caused panic on Sunday has provided adequate security” investigate. when they were detonated shortly to Modi, according to the PTI One of the arrested, known before Bharatiya Janata Party news agency. only as Imtiaz, has “given solid (BJP) leader Modi addressed sup- Modi’s speech marked the start evidence” during interrogation porters in the state of Bihar. of the BJP’s campaign in Bihar helping investigations, local police The death toll from the bomb- state, a key battleground in the official Manu Maharaj said. ings, including people caught up general election due by next May The Patna blasts have height- in the ensuing stampede, rose to at the latest. ened fears that next year’s elec- six overnight after the body of His appearance had been tions in what is the world’s biggest another victim was recovered. hotly anticipated, as Bihar Chief democracy could be mired in While Modi himself was not Minister Nitish Kumar broke off violence. injured by the blasts in the state a 17-year alliance with the BJP Rahul Gandhi, expected to lead capital Patna, leaders of his Hindu earlier this year after the party the ruling Congress party into the nationalist party expressed out- choose the hardliner Modi as its polls, told supporters last week rage yesterday that such an election frontman. that his life could be in danger — attack could take place at a high- While a favourite with India’s evoking the memory of the assas- profile event. business community, Modi is sination of two ancestors who Sushma Swaraj, the party’s despised by many Muslims as he served as prime minister. National Security Guard (NSG) commandos inspect the site of a bomb blast in Patna yesterday. leader in parliament, tweeted was chief minister of Gujarat in Rahul’s father Rajiv was killed that the attack represented a 2002, when the state was engulfed by Tamil suicide bombers while “gross intelligence failure”, while by communal riots. on the campaign trail in 1991. His Electoral rallies can often broken. And while leaders take embarrassment on Sunday. The BJP president Rajnath Singh said Rights groups say up to 2,000 grandmother Indira Gandhi was draw crowds of hundreds of to the stage with bodyguards, chief minister of the southern “extra precautions should have people were killed in the violence, shot dead by her Sikh bodyguards thousands in India, but security they rarely speak behind pro- state of Kerala needed hospital been taken” given Modi’s status mostly Muslims. in 1984 in revenge for an army measures are rudimentary. tective glass. treatment when opposition sup- as BJP candidate in next year’s Indian media, citing unnamed assault on the Golden Temple in Screening machines are The attack in Patna porters pelted him with stones. general elections. police officials, reported yesterday Amritsar often either entirely absent, or was not the only security AFP Singh and Mukherjee call Chandy after injury in convoy attack

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: here. At least 21 people have Chandy was on his way to attend state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan Information Minister K C Chandy’s head. “This is the first President Pranab Mukherjee been taken into custody and the annual Kerala Police athlet- said yesterday that his party was Joseph called Vijayan’s state- instance in our state where a and Prime Minister cases registered against 1,000 ics meet at Kannur. not involved in the attack. ment a bluff. chief minister has been attacked. Manmohan Singh yesterday Left supporters for the attack He was flown from Kozhikode “Today the credibility of “When their former party Our request is that the CPI-M spoke to Kerala Chief Minister on Chandy’s convoy at Kannur Sunday night and brought to the Chandy is at its lowest. At such colleague T P Chandrasekheran should desist from violence,” he Oommen Chandy, a day after Sunday, police sources said. hospital here. a time, will we give him an was murdered last year, Vijayan added. he was attacked and injured by Chandy suffered injuries on Doctors reportedly told opportunity to get sympathy by said the same thing that they Chandy had a stream of visitors suspected CPI-M activists. his forehead, chest and leg after Chandy to be in the hospital for unleashing such an attack?” he had done nothing wrong. At the yesterday including Governor Chandy is admitted to the suspected Communist Party of another day as the injury on his asked. end, we all know what really Nikhil Kumar and opposition Medical College Hospital where India-Marxist supporters stoned chest, if not properly treated, “We have done nothing and we happened.” leader V S Achuthanandan. the two leaders telephoned him, his car on Sunday evening. could lead to infection. want the truth to come out,” he Joseph wondered what would Bharatiya Janata Party leaders according to an official statement The incident occurred when Communist Party of India-M said. have happened if a stone had hit met him too. IANS

Drone crashes

Military personnel and onlookers gather at the scene where an Army drone crashed in Rajouri district yes- terday. An Army Unmanned Aerial Vehicle on a surveillance mission crashed in Rajouri district close to the India-Pakistan border, a report said. Indian Mujahideen co-founder, aide sent to police custody NEW DELHI: Indian The accused were then pre- several alleged IM suspects. On Mujahideen co-founder Yasin sented before Additional Sessions November 22, 2011, an FIR was Bhatkal and his aide were sent Judge Daya Prakash who registered against Bhatkal and to 15 days police custody yes- remanded both the accused to later an NBW was also issued terday by a court here, which police custody till November 12. against him for setting up the allowed a police plea to arrest Bhatkal and Akhtar was ear- factory. him in a 2011 case for alleg- lier taken to Hyderabad after Bhatkal, arrested along with edly setting up an illegal arms being arrested on September Akhtar from the India-Nepal factory. 21 and September 17, by NIA’s border, topped the Delhi Police National Investigation Agency Hyderabad unit in connection list of 15 most wanted terrorists (NIA) special judge I S Mehta with the Dilsukhnagar blast case involved in bombings across the allowed the police plea to arrest that claimed 16 lives on February country. Bhatkal and his aide and Indian 21. Earlier, the court had issued He is a key suspect in the Mujahideen operative Asadulla non-bailable warrants (NBWs) 2008 serial bombings in Delhi’s Akhtar alias Haddi after they against both in the illegal arms Connaught Place, Gaffar Market were presented before it by a team factory case, in which the spe- and Greater Kailash areas which of NIA, Hyderabad which said the cial cell had already arrested 16 claimed 26 lives and injured 133 accused are not required for fur- alleged IM men, as the two were people. ther custodial interrogation. absconding since then. Bhatkal, 30, whose real name The judge asked Delhi Police to In November 2011, the special is Ahmed Siddibapa, was one of present the duo before the desig- cell had busted the illegal arms the most wanted men in India nated court for trying the cases factory located in Meer Vihar and virtually the backbone of the being probed by the Special Cell area of Nangloi on the out- Indian Mujahideen’s (IM) net- to gain their custody. skirts of the capital and arrested work. IANS

TUESDAY 29 OCTOBER 2013 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME Doctors in  News in Numbers Economic Outlook China protest CHART: 1 3 Fajr (Dawn) 4:22 2009 - 2013 1 Shorook (Sunrise) 5:39 after murder Zuhr (Noon) 11:18 Asr (Afternoon) 2:31 by patient Maghrib (Sunset) 4:56 Isha (Night) 6:26 BEIJING: Chinese hospi- tal staff protested yester- day after a patient killed one doctor and wounded WEATHER two more, local media said, in the latest violence to hit Weather the country’s overburdened Today Wednesday Thursday Conditions: medical sector. The global economic crisis has had a significant impact on local Clear Clear Clear Dozens of doctors and nurses Misty at first wearing white coats and blue economies all over the world, with world GDP not expected to return becoming surgical masks crowded outside their workplace in Wenling, to its 2008 level until third Q of 2011. The Arab Region’s collective High: 35° fine to some High: 32° High: 33° in the eastern province of Low: 27° Low: 25° Low: 24° clouds. GDP also declined by 10pc in 2009, demonstrating a marked Zhejiang, photos posted on the major web portal Tencent reduction relative to other regions of the world. However, the Arab showed. The demonstrators held Region is expected to bounce back faster than most markets, and DOHA - SUN & SEA signs saying “Protect the with a forecast growth of 10pc in 2010 and the same CAGR until safety of medical staff” SUN TIDE SEA and calling for respect, as 2013, it is expected to return to its position as one of the fastest SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND crowds gathered around them. growing regions in the world. For the 15 countries that we have 05:39 16:56 01:45 & 12:30 04:45 & 20:15 05-15/18 KT Lian Enqing, 33, a patient studied for the Arab Media Outlook 2009-2013, their collective GDP who had been unhappy with THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW the results of a minor nose is expected to exceed 2008 levels by 2010 and grow substantially HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER operation, charged into the premises on Friday, police over the following three years. said on their verified account MUSCAT 33/26 Partly cloudy 33/25 Partly cloudy on Sina Weibo, a Chinese ver- KUWAIT 29/19 Partly cloudy 28/21 Partly cloudy sion of Twitter. Percentage Change in Nominal GDP BAHRAIN 30/24 Partly cloudy 30/24 Clear He stabbed to death an ear, SANAA 25/09 Clear 25/09 Mostly cloudy nose and throat specialist and by Region, 2008 - 2013 RIYADH 33/21 Partly cloudy 33/21 Clear attacked two others before DUBAI 33/26 Partly cloudy 33/25 Partly cloudy being subdued by security Annual change in GDP 2008-2009 GDP CAGR 2009-2013 BAGHDAD 29/14 Clear 28/12 Clear guards, police said. The hospital said on its THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW official Weibo account that 3pc Asia 10pc the three doctors “were HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER all wounded while seeing -3pc North America 4pc patients”. ATHENS 23/17 Partly cloudy 24/16 Clear Reports of ordinary -4pc South America 7pc WASHINGTON 18/11 Partly cloudy 20/13 Partly cloudy Chinese killing doctors sur- SYDNEY 21/10 Chance of rain 23/12 Partly cloudy face periodically, reflecting -8pc Africa 8pc LONDON 11/04 Clear 13/08 Partly cloudy deep discontent with the PARIS 14/07 Chance of rain 15/06 Clear country’s health sector. -10pc Australasia 4pc Doctors often have too many ISTANBUL 19/13 Partly cloudy 19/13 Partly cloudy -10pc Arab Region MANILA 30/22 Partly cloudy 31/24 Partly cloudy patients to attend to fully and 10pc DHAKA 29/20 Chance of storm 28/20 Clear may reportedly supplement their modest incomes by tak- -13pc Europe 4pc DELHI 29/18 Clear 29/19 Clear ing bribes for better care.      ISLAMABAD 27/17 Partly cloudy 26/14 Partly cloudy AFP Source : https://www.fas.org

Brain has specific radar for snakes, study says ‘No woman, no drive’ video

WASHINGTON: Snakes tend to arouse sharp fear in monkeys, apes and humans, and scientists said they have found specific brain cells that fire off a rapid warning for slithery danger. surpasses 3 million hits The report in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences offers new evidence to support the notion that primates evolved vision skills that enable them see snakes quickly in order survive the threats snakes pose in the jungle. “It really strengthens the argument that snakes are very important for the evolution of primates,” lead co-author Lynne Isbell, a profes- sor in the anthropology department at the University of California Davis, said. Certain neurons respond “selectively” to images of snakes, and they outpace comparable neurons that react to visuals of faces, hands or geometric shapes, the researchers said. “Snakes elicited the strongest, fastest responses,” said the study, co- authored by Quan Van Le of the University of Toyama and researchers at the University of Brasilia. The research was done using two young macaque monkeys that were born on a national monkey farm in Japan. Researchers said they believe the monkeys had no chance to encoun- ter snakes prior to the experiment. Scientists surgically implanted micro-electrodes in a part of the brain known as the pulvinar, which is involved in visual attention and the fast processing of threatening images. Then they showed the monkeys various colour images on a computer screen, including snakes in various positions, threatening monkey faces, pictures of monkey hands and simple shapes like stars or squares. Seeing a snake caused the brain to fire off rapid fear responses that were unparalleled by those seen in reaction to faces, hands or shapes. Researchers found that of about 100 neurons that fired off when presented with at least one of the image types, 40 percent had the largest response to snakes. That was the biggest group, followed by almost 29 percent that were superior at responding to faces. While researchers have long known that primates have an uncanny ability to see snakes even in cluttered surroundings, the latest data adds a new answer to the question of why. “Snakes are largely responsible for the origin of primates. Vision is what separates primates from other mammals. A lot of the structures in our brain are devoted to vision,” said Isbell, who wrote a book on the topic in 2011 called “The Fruit, the Tree, and the Serpent: Why RIYADH: A Saudi video mock- The video that sarcastically “In this bright future, you can’t Comedy Festival this month We See So Well.” ing the kingdom’s unique ban on tells women not to consider get- forget your past, so put your car introduced Fageeh as an up- “I pulled together indirect evidence,” she said. “Here is the first female driving has gone viral, ting behind the wheel was posted key away,” the song continues. and-running stand-up come- time that somebody has come along and actually tested some of the featuring a male performer on the day set by female activ- Women who in the past have dian who performs in Arabic predictions in the book and I am really gratified that it was supported.” singing “no woman, no drive”, ists to launch an new campaign defied the ban, which is not even and English. While the study included only two monkeys, future research could an adaptation of Bob Marley’s to defy the kingdom’s ban on enshrined in law, have run into On his YouTube account, focus on responses to other predators in primates, as well as the poten- famous song. women driving. trouble with the authorities. “HishamComedy”, Saudi-based tial for learning more about how the human brain responds, Isbell said. Nearly 3.5 million people had At least 16 women were stopped In 1990, 47 women who got Fageeh has posted many of his Susan Mineka, a professor of clinical psychology at Northwestern seen the 4:15-minute video by yes- by police while at the wheel on behind the wheel in a demonstra- earlier videos, including 16 epi- University and an expert on primates, terday, two days after the adap- Saturday. They were fined and tion against the driving ban were sodes of “Isboiyat Hisham,” or described the work as “absolutely fascinat- tation of the reggae legend’s “no forced along with their male stopped by the authorities. Hisham Weeklies, including some ing” and “really important.” woman, no cry” had been posted guardians to pledge to obey the In 2011, police arrested a reflecting on the lives of Saudi She said one potential weakness was that on YouTube. conservative-kingdom’s laws. number of women who defied the students in the United States. the research team seemed unable to say for “Say I remember when you Fageeh goes on to mock a ban and forced them to sign a “A simple contribution by me certain that the monkeys studied had never used to sit, in the family car, but claim by a Saudi cleric that driv- pledge not to drive again. and my colleagues on the occasion encountered a snake. backseat,” sings Hisham Fageeh, ing would hurt women’s ovaries Saudi women are forced to of the” women driving campaign, “It is too bad that they didn’t also docu- a Saudi who introduces himself as and bring “clinical disorder” upon cover from head to toe and need Fageeh wrote on his Twitter ment what these monkeys’ behavioral an artist social activist, dressed in their children. “Ovaries are safe permission from a male guardian account, on October 26, referring responses to snakes were like,” Mineka traditional white thawb cloak and and well, so you can make lots and to travel, work and marry. to his latest release. added. AFP checkered red headgear. lots of babies,” he sings. The New York Arab-American AFP Tuesday 29 October 2013 24 Dhul-Hijja 1434 Volume 18 Number 5867 Price: QR2

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Qatar Rail to showcase project deals Meet in Paris for foreign investors

DOHA: The Qatar Railways managed by QRail”. Company (Qatar Rail), the com- “What Qatari delegation is seek- pany that oversees construction ing is to foster commercial and of Qatar’s multi-billion dollar industrial partnerships between integrated rail network, is to Qatar and SMEs in countries that showcase the investment and enjoy a mature urban transport business opportunities in the sector and industry. France is project to foreign investors. certainly in a position to meet this In partnership with requirement. In addition to being UBIFRANCE, the French the 2nd-ranking railway power in Agency for International Business Europe, France enjoys an excellent Development, Qatar Rail will be worldwide reputation”, the French hosting a two-day conference and Trade Commission said. Steve Troop (left), Chief Executive Officer of Barwa Bank, and Khalid Al Subeai, Chief Executive Officer of The First Investor (TFI), during workshops in Paris to explore vast The event will start with a work- an interview with Reuters in Doha yesterday. investment opportunities gener- shop highlighting various aspects ated by the $40bn rail project. in the project. An introduction to UBIFRANCE is an executive the metro project will be followed agency of the French government. by presentation of the 4 consorti- Barwa Bank sees sharp rise in profit Scheduled to be held on ums selected to implement it. The November 7-8, 2013, the confer- workshop will then continue with DUBAI: Barwa Bank, a for 2012, a 41 percent increase we’re not all trying to go public on our venture in the education sec- ence will showcase opportunities a testimonial by major compa- Shariah-compliant lender, from the previous year. the same market at the same time tor into the healthcare sector,” Al in Qatar Rail, as well as to develop nies established in Qatar and who expects a sharp increase in its The four-year old bank, effec- so we’re waiting for the appropri- Subeai said. partnerships and discover busi- actively support these meetings 2013 net profit, driven mainly tively controlled by an arm of ate time slot,” Troop said. The bank in June set up an ness trends. The B2B meetings being held in Paris. by billions in infrastructure Qatar Investment Authority “We are in contact with the education company in Qatar and will help the French companies The French-Qatari railway spending by the state and (QIA), is seeing a pick-up in authorities to liaise on the perfect is now developing two private to improve their understanding of event is supported by Qatar growth in its debt advisory and infrastructure development in the timing,” he added. schools at a cost of QR230m, Qatar Rail, and seek opportuni- Development Bank, Economic asset management business. country after a slowdown in the Barwa Bank is 37.3 percent yielding 8 percent annually, he ties to take part in the project as Zones Company, Qatar Chamber, “For the first half of 2013, we last two years, Troop said. owned by Barwa Real Estate added. The bank also manages a foreign suppliers and investors. and the four consortiums that were 85 percent up on the same Qatar launched plans to spend Co while Qatar Holding has a Shariah-compliant Gulf equities UBIFRANCE is showing enor- were awarded the design & build period last year. And for the full about $140bn over the next dec- 12.1 percent stake. The remain- fund, with QR113m in assets. mous interest in the project. The packages (ISG, Qatari Diar/ Vinci year we’re moving along very ade on a rail system, a new air- ing shares are owned by several The fund has returned 19 per- French Trade Commission’s UAE Construction GrandsProjets - GS strongly and expect a positive port, a seaport, and hundreds of individuals and corporations, cent to investors since inception office noted in a press note sent in Engineering and Construction and material improvement in net kilometres of major new roads, according to the bank’s results in late 2012. to The Peninsula yesterday: “The Corp – AI-Darwish Engineering profit over 2012,” Chief Executive in addition to stadiums that will statements. “We continue to see AUMs Phase 1 in the metro project, WLL, PORR Bau GmbH – Saudi Steve Troop said in an interview host the 2022 World Cup soccer Barwa Bank, through its fully- (assets under management) grow which consists of 37 stations and Binladin Group Company Ltd. – as part of the Reuters Middle tournament. owned investment banking arm, as we see the Gulf equity mar- three lines extending 105km for a Hamad Bin Khalid Contracting Co East Investment Summit. Barwa outlined a fundraising The First Investor (TFI), plans kets are more attractive for inves- ¤20bn budget, does imply a great WLL, Samsung C&T Corporation The unlisted lender is await- plan in April which includes the to partner with local investors tors compared to money market many needs in a wide variety sec- – ObrasconHuarte Lain SA ing regulators’ approval for a public issue and a similar sized in Qatar to invest in the health- products and the sukuk space,” tors… This project brings together – Qatar Building Company), public floatation as part of two rights issue to existing sharehold- care sector, TFI Chief Executive Al Subeai, who previously ran over one hundred opportunities Systra, RATP Development, share sales planned to raise ers. “We understand that stock Khalid Al Subeai said in the inter- Morgan Stanley Inc’s business within the framework of the rail- VosslohCogifer and Alstom. more than QR2.05bn. It posted market regulators want to man- view. “We’re focused on Qatar in Qatar, said. way urban infrastructure projects THE PENINSULA a profit of QR345m ($94.75m) age the runway and make sure and we are looking to replicate REUTERS

Bankia on profit target Turkish Islamic QIA eyeing emerging markets push bank gets DOHA: Qatar’s sovereign wealth Middle East Investment Summit. QIA is the second-largest QFC licence fund is looking at more invest- “They tend to do more in shareholder in Credit Suisse with ments in emerging markets in Europe and the United States a 6.2 percent stake, and the Swiss DOHA: Kuwait Turkish order to diversify beyond devel- because they’re more familiar bank has landed advisory roles on Participation Bank Inc has oped nations, said a senior execu- with the legal framework, which some of the fund’s most high-pro- been granted a licence by the tive of Credit Suisse who is one of makes it easier to do things. I file investments. Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) the top advisers to the fund. think going forward, we’ll see Credit Suisse in Qatar owns an Authority, with effect from With assets estimated by ana- them doing more in emerging asset management venture with September 15 2013, to establish a lysts at about $100bn-$200bn, markets as long as they find the Qatar Holding named Aventicum branch in the QFC. Furthermore, and over a dozen potential deals right opportunities.” Capital Management. The firm the bank’s QFC branch has on its radar every week, Qatar Qatar Holding, the investment plans to launch a second Middle been authorised by the QFC Investment Authority (QIA) is arm of the wealth fund, has in East and North Africa (Mena) Regulatory Authority to carry on courted by bankers and politicians recent years deployed the tiny fund before the end of this year, regulated activities as an Islamic around the world. country’s natural gas wealth to Hangari said. financial institution. While the fund will continue buy a string of high-profile stakes The long-short fund is planned The bank is a Turkish Islamic to take large minority stakes in in the West, from German sports to be “multi-asset but will invest bank with 62 percent owned by well-established firms, it may in car maker Porsche to British predominantly in equities and Kuwait Finance House, Kuwait, future place more emphasis on bank Barclays and Swiss lender equity derivatives in MENA, 9 percent by PIFSS, Kuwait, 9 tangible assets such as real estate, Credit Suisse. Turkey and other frontier mar- percent by Islamic Development infrastructure and commodi- But in a sign of an increased kets,” the executive said. Bank, Saudi Arabia, and 18 per- ties rather than merely finan- focus on emerging markets, the The venture launched its first cent by Turkish Awqaf. It is the cial instruments, said Aladdin fund hired Michael Cho, a Hong flagship, long-only equities fund, first and only Turkish bank to Hangari, head of Credit Suisse’s Kong-based banker, as head of which invests in the Mena region, have a presence in Qatar. Qatar operations. mergers and acquisitions in August. in 2012. The asset management The bank expects to open its “For a sovereign wealth fund, The veteran Merrill Lynch banker firm is owned 40 percent by Qatar QFC branch in about two months. that’s investing for future gen- filled a post vacant since 2011. Holding, while Credit Suisse owns It is licenced to undertake deposit erations, it makes sense to go for Deven Karnik, another Asia- the rest. “Post-launch at the end taking; providing and arranging assets that are income-produc- based banker who was previously of 2013, the venture is expected to Islamic credit facilities dealing in ing and can act as a good infla- with Morgan Stanley, joined in have $250m-$300m of assets under Islamic investments and manag- tion hedge for the future,” he said April to run a newly formed infra- management,” Hangari said. ing Islamic investments. in an interview for the Reuters structure team. REUTERS Cetin Yurttaser, SEO of Kuwait Turkish Participation Bank Inc, QFC Branch, said: “Qatar is an important market for us. The Qatar Financial Centre offers us the legal, regulatory and tax envi- Al Meera’s 9-month profit rises to QR90.9m ronment in which we can expand A man uses an ATM machine at a Bankia bank branch in the Andalusian our business and meet our cus- capital of Seville, southern Spain, yesterday. Spain’s biggest bailed-out DOHA: Al Meera Consumer Goods Company comparison to a net profit of QR73.9m for the cor- tomers’ needs. Being licensed to lender said it was on track to meeting yearly profit targets after it was yesterday disclosed the interim financial state- responding period last year. The company’s earn- operate here is a significant step cleansed of its worst assets, although a weak economy is still hurting ments for the period ending September 30, 2013. ings per share (EPS) amounted to QR4.84 for the forward for our business.” its net lending income. The firm revealed a net profit of QR 90.9m for the period as against QR6.29 for the corresponding THE PENINSULA nine-month period ending September 30, 2013 in period in 2012. QNA TUESDAY 29 OCTOBER 2013 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

Home prices rise in Hong Kong QDB preparatory meeting for Big Steep fall in 5 Show in Dubai attracts 33 firms Barwa Real DOHA: Qatar Development Bank’s (QDB) preparatory meeting held here for The Big 5 International Building and Construction Show attracted 33 Qatari companies. Estate profit QDB’s export arm ‘Tasdeer’ hosted the meeting, the bank said Monday in a media state- ment here. The Big 5 expo will Delay in closing deals reason for loss be held at Dubai World Trade Centre from November 25 to 28. DOHA: Barwa Real Estate expenses despite the increase in For the second consecutive year, Group, one of the leading real rental profit in comparison with Tasdeer will host a 360 square estate and investment compa- September 30, 2012.” metres Qatar Pavilion showcas- nies in Qatar and the region, Reuters reported that the ing products of the 33 partici- posted a huge fall in its net “struggling Qatari property pating companies from Qatar. profit for the first nine months firm” posted a 40 percent drop Representatives from the 33 com- of 2013. The group’s net profit in net profit for the first nine panies, most of whom took part dropped to QR467.5m dur- months of 2013.Barwa, 45 per- last year, as well as senior officials ing the nine months from cent owned by state real estate This long exposure picture shows apartment buildings and office blocks clustered tightly together in Hong from QDB attended the meeting. QR779.1m for the correspond- firm Qatari Diar, received finan- Kong’s Kowloon district yesterday. Home prices in the crowded city have risen by 120 percent since 2008, The objective of the meeting ing period in 2012. cial support in June when Diar and by more than 30 percent from their previous peak in 1997, with prices in the luxury market being pushed was to brief the participants on The company’s interim finan- bought its assets for $7.1bn. up by wealthy buyers from mainland China. the steps being taken to make a cial statements disclosed to Qatar Shares in Barwa are down 8.4 strong impact of Qatari compa- Exchange (QE) also revealed a percent this year, the agency nies at the international event. drop in its earnings per share. reported. QCD officials briefed represent- The EPS amounted to QR1.20 for atives from Qatari companies the period ending September 30, FOCUS AREA Masraf Al Rayan nets QR1.25bn profit on the importance of preparing 2013 as against QR2 for the same The company said in its filing thoroughly for the Show to max- period in 2012 . to the bourse that Barwa Real imise business opportunities by The company attributed the Estate Group is now focus- DOHA: Masraf Al Rayan executed the strategic plans compared to QR9.2bn as at the networking with key representa- estimated 40 percent loss in the ing on the completion of some (MAR) has recorded a net profit adopted by the Board of Directors third quarter of last year, growth tives from global importers. net profit to the reported delay deals including the selling of of QR 1.25bn for the nine-months and has exerted a lot of efforts to of 9.7 percent. MAR’s earnings per QDB CEO Abdulaziz bin Nasser in finalising some of its deals and some assets to Qatari Diar as period ended September 30, 2013 achieve these results, which put share reached QR1.67 compared to Al Khalifa said: “In our endeavour claimed it continued to improve well as the selling of a land in reflecting an increase of 15.4 per- MAR as one of the fastest grow- QR1.44 in the third quarter of 2012, to support Qatari companies reach operations proficiency to increase Lussail area. cent compared to the net profit of ing Islamic banks as the financial while the book value per share global markets, we are working on rental profit. Those deals are expected to QR1.08bn achieved at the end of ratios in Qatar and the world. has risen to QR13.47, compared to highlight their capabilities and have great positive impact on third quarter of 2012. to QR12.29 as on September 30, are encouraging them to partici- COST-CUTTING the group’s current and future Dr Hussain Ali Al Abdulla, ASSETS AT QR66.9BN 2012. The capital adequacy ratio pate in global events. In this way, “In spite of the delay in final- results. Chairman and Managing Director The total assets of MAR has reached 20.3 percent. we are helping them build strong izing some deals, which resulted The company hopes it will posi- of MAR, said that the results reached QR66.9bn compared to MAR continues its expansion global partnerships and introduce in reducing the net profit com- tively reflect on the reduction of were encouraging in the prevail- QR61.4bn as of September 30, in services development of its Qatari companies.” pared to the period in compari- financing debts, in addition to ing turbulent financial market 2012, an increase of 8.9 percent. products for the convenience of its “Based on the last year’s suc- son, yet the group continues to helping the Group to complete its which is facing subsequent cri- The financing activities at MAR customers to attain international cessful event, we are proud to improve operations proficiency ongoing developments and look ses. He hoped the results will con- were QR 43.2bn compared to levels through training staff. All organise the Qatari compa- and accordingly increase rental for new investment opportunities tribute to the national economy of QR37bn, a growth of 16.7 percent. efforts were made to achieve best nies’ participation. The aim is profit by 31 percent. with high profit. Qatar for which the huge budgets Customer deposits have increased returns for the shareholder and to develop export opportunities “The group succeeded in cut- This will help the company allocated to the infrastructure to QR50.73bn compared to excellent services to its custom- and open new horizons for these ting down costs and expenses, achieve sustainable growth strat- projects in the country will cre- QR40.99bn as at the third quarter ers. The MAR board meeting held companies, which are part of our which is represented in reduc- egy and bring in better returns ate opportunities to achieve good of 2012, recording an increase of on October 28, 2013 elected Jasem main pillars at QDB, and thus ing general and operating costs for shareholders, the QE filing results at the end of the year. 23.8 percent. Saif Al Sulaity as a deputy chair- enhance the role of the private by 9 percent and keeping a noted. Adel Mustafawi, Group CEO of The total shareholders’ equity man of the Board. sector in exports,” Al Khalifa said. steady volume of operational THE PENINSULA MAR, said that the management has gone up to QR10.10bn, THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA Vodafone Qatar-Qnbn brings Net connectivity to 32 towers

DOHA: Vodafone Qatar and Qatar National Broadband Network (Qnbn) have brought high-speed internet connectiv- ity to 32 business and residen- tial towers in West Bay Doha, as part of a phased roll-out of state-of-the-art broadband fibre optic infrastructure. The 32 towers including Al Wosail Tower, Tornado Tower and Alfardan Towers, house local and international businesses, ranging from SMEs to large corporations that will receive a major boost from the high speed fibre optic network. The users in the towers gain Niraj Singh (left) and Mohamed Madhoun access to improved ICT facilities delivering advanced voice teleph- – the first of many milestones “We are delighted to jointly ony, high definition video con- that we plan to deliver with our deliver our services to our first ferencing capabilities, customer esteemed partners at Qnbn. We enterprise client. In line with management, stock and inven- are delighted to be part of inno- Qatar ICT Strategy 2015, our tory control, knowledge manage- vating Qatar, and it is excellent efforts to transform Qatar’s ment, backup and storage of data news that we’re announcing phase ICT landscape with high speed through faster, more efficient and 1 of the fixed connectivity roll out Internet connection in partner- effective connections and will sup- plan with the announcement of ship with Vodafone has achieved port the latest productivity appli- 32 mixed use towers in the West yet another milestone, following cations, services and content for Bay, offering faster communica- the lighting up of our fibre to business and cloud computing. tion and much needed choice for Vodafone’s Al Safwa Centre in the For enterprise customers, both business and consumers.” Alfardan Tower, earlier this June. Vodafone has a unique business Qnbn and Vodafone Qatar have “This day is particularly sig- services portfolio ranging from been working in close partnership nificant as the success of our internet access to VPN and leased to enable the use of Qnbn’s net- private-public partnership. By lines that will utilise Vodafone’s work to deliver highly advanced providing passive dark fibre cutting edge technology and telecom services to customers, network infrastructure, we are Qnbn’s fibre connectivity, offer- thereby providing a unique com- providing equal and open access ing speeds up to 100Gbps. mercial offering with affordable to service providers such as Niraj Singh, Director of and accessible nationwide high- Vodafone to jointly deliver on Business Services at Vodafone speed fiber optic network. connecting not just West Bay Qatar, said: “This partnership sig- Mohamed Madhoun, Chief but the whole of Qatar.” nifies a great milestone in Qatar Commercial Officer, Qnbn, said: THE PENINSULA

Kuwait bourse to launch derivatives trading KUWAIT: Kuwait’s stock OMX Group Inc system were to step is to take advantage of the exchange plans to launch deriv- launch the trading of financial technology.” atives trading in the first half instruments and to clamp down A Kuwaiti investment firm of 2014 using its new Nasdaq- on dubious market activity. has already expressed inter- backed trading system, a senior The exchange hopes to launch est in trading options, Alusaimi stock exchange official said. derivatives trading in the first six said, saying that the company’s Kuwait’s bourse launched the months of next year “if things request had now been sent to “X-stream” trading system in proceed as expected,” Stock the financial market watchdog. May last year at a cost of around Exchange Projects Manager The system will also be ready for 18.3m Kuwaiti dinars ($65m), Issam Alusaimi said. trading futures, exchange-traded part of its biggest technical over- “By the end of this year we will funds and Islamic bonds if similar haul in nearly two decades. have finished everything related requests are made, he said. The main aims of the Nasdaq to IT infrastructure...the next REUTERS TUESDAY 29 OCTOBER 2013 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23

QFC insurance Saudi extends business rules changed losses; most DOHA: The QFC Regulatory Authority yesterday issued new prudential rules for insurance firms operating from the Qatar Financial markets drop Centre (QFC), following extensive public consultation and dialogue with QFC firms. “The amendments to the QFC Qatar bourse index falls by 0.2pc Insurance Business Rules align the prudential frame- DUBAI: Saudi shares extended “The new aid from the UAE work in the QFC with recent losses as earnings disappointed is positive for Egypt and market developments in international investors, while most other sentiment but we need concrete best practice, and position the Middle East bourses retreated political actions - we need to see regulatory framework to meet in profit-taking. Saudi’s retail the constitutional draft passed the continued expansion in and telecom sectors led declines and the parliamentary elections activity by QFC insurers”, said after key companies’ profits to take place,” said Akhnoukh. Michael Ryan, Chief Executive missed analysts’ expectations. Egypt’s government is working Officer of the QFC Regulatory Fawaz Abdulaziz Alhokair on a draft constitution and will Authority. posted an 11.8 percent rise in sec- hold parliamentary elections after “The new rules come into ond-quarter profit to SR282.08m the document is approved. A woman walks past a stock market indicator board in Tokyo yesterday. Japanese stocks rebounded after huge force on January 1, 2015. ($75.21m), trailing a forecast aver- Elsewhere, UAE markets edged losses, as export-linked issues were buoyed by the yen’s fall against major currencies. The Nikkei 225 Stock Between now and then, the age of SR299.9m, despite higher lower. Dubai’s index slipped 0.4 Average gained 307.85 points, or 2.19 percent, to end at 14,396.04. Regulatory Authority will be sales. NCB Capital said Alhokair’s percent, coming off Sunday’s five- working with the QFC insurers 13.5 percent revenue growth year- year high, but still up 79.5 percent as they make the transition to on-year was the lowest quarterly this year.“Valuations on a trailing European stock markets wobble the new framework, in order growth in 15 quarters. basis look like they’re filling up to address any implementation Telecom operator Zain Saudi but you have to factor in earnings issues”, Ryan said. The new fell 4.1 percent. The company growth momentum,” said Amer LONDON: European stock by December at the latest, but home sales data. The Dow Jones rules enhance the QFC regula- posted a narrower loss for the Khan, fund manager, Shuaa Asset markets wobbled yesterday as analysts say that recent weak US Industrial Average added 0.12 tory framework, particularly in third quarter, but still missed Management. “I don’t think we’re traders marked time ahead of jobs data and this month’s govern- percent to 15,588.68 points in the areas like capital adequacy, forecasts. Saudi Arabia’s index stretched in any shape or form yet.” a key policy meeting of the US ment shutdown have made that midday trading. The broad- enterprise risk management, retreated 0.8 percent, down for a Federal Reserve due this week. unlikely. based S&P 500 rose 0.22 percent valuation and investments. second session since Thursday’s HIGHLIGHTS London’s benchmark FTSE The prospect of a continuation of to 1,763.65, while the tech-rich The initiative supports the two-month high. SAUDI ARABIA: The index 100 index rose by 0.07 percent to the Fed’s pump-priming — which Nasdaq Composite Index edged QFC Regulatory Authority’s In Egypt, retail investor sell- retreated 0.8 percent to 8,059 6,725.82 points, while Frankfurt’s sees vast sums of dollars flooding up 0.01 percent to 3,943.67. ongoing commitment to meet ing weighed as the bourse fell 2 points. DAX 30 slid 0.08 percent to the financial system — weighed on Industrial production rose by a high international regulatory percent from Sunday’s 33-month EGYPT: The index dropped 2 8,978.65 points. However the CAC the greenback last week with the more-than-expected 0.6 percent standards, and supports the intraday high. “It’s normal profit- percent to 6,070 points. 40 in Paris dropped 0.48 percent euro reaching a two-year high at in September after a 0.4 per- continued development of the taking dominated by locals and DUBAI: The index declined 0.4 to 4,251.61 points. Trading volume $1.3832 on Friday. cent gain in August, the Federal QFC as a leading financial and retail -there is minimal involve- percent to 2,913 points. was down in London as heavy The euro traded at $1.3788, Reserve said. However the head- business centre in the region. ment from international inves- ABU DHABI: The index slipped storms in Britain kept many deal- which compared with $1.3801 late line number masked a meagre 0.1 tors and institutional volumes 0.2 percent to 3,885 points. ers away from the office. in New York on Friday. The dollar percent gain in manufacturing in Indian trade team are lower than usual,” said Ashraf QATAR: The index fell 0.2 per- Last week global stock mar- rose to 97.71 yen from 97.38 on September. Pending home sales Akhnoukh, co-head of sales trad- cent to 9,644 points. kets had won support with trad- Friday. The British pound slid to fell for a fourth straight month holds talks in Qatar ing at CIBC Brokerage. KUWAIT: The index declined ers betting that the Fed will delay 1.1706 euros and $1.6138. by 5.6 percent. DOHA: A high-level busi- The market rose on Sunday 0.6 percent to 7,939 points. winding down its $85bn-a-month On the London Bullion Market, Asian markets rose. Tokyo ness delegation of the after the UAE signed an agree- OMAN: The index edged up bond-buying stimulus for some the price of gold climbed to $1,361 jumped 2.19 percent, Sydney Federation of Indian ment for $4.9bn worth of aid to 0.02 percent to 6,653 points. time, helping drive the DAX above an ounce from $1,347.75 on Friday. climbed 1.02 percent while Seoul Chambers of Commerce Egypt, $1bn of which was sent in BAHRAIN: The index ended 9,000 points for the first time. US stocks were rose slightly, rose 0.68 percent. Shanghai ended and Industry (Ficci) inter- July. The deal added to the $12bn flat at 1,198 points. There had been a widespread gaining little traction from indus- flat while Hong Kong added 0.48 acted with Qatari compa- already promised from Gulf states. REUTERS belief that it would begin tapering trial production data or pending percent. AFP nies at a meeting organised by Qatar Chamber and at the B2B meetings organ- ised by Indian Business and Professionals Network. The 20 member delegation is led by Hiten Haresh Bhuta, CEO Morgan Stanley sees worst over for Mideast banking of CGS Infotech Ltd and includes CEOs and senior DUBAI: Morgan Stanley Inc is seeing a to bring real value in areas that involve dried up, while the sector got increasingly markets and strong economic growth. representatives of companies resurgence in investment banking activ- complexity - especially across international crowded, forcing the banks to sharply Investment banking fees for banks oper- representing a wide range of ity in the Gulf Arab region and expects an borders,” said Sammy Kayello, Chairman reduce their staffing and reassess regional ating in the Middle East reached $535.9m sectors, including software end to large-scale retrenchments by global and Chief Executive for Mena and a vet- business strategy. during the first nine months of 2013, a 22 development; engineering; lenders as financial markets improve, sen- eran at the bank. Several senior bankers at global lenders percent increase over the same period last manufacturing; construction ior executives at the bank said. “It’s all about return on equity. That’s were laid off or relocated to other regions year, and the best first nine months for and real estate; pharmaceu- As the market for mergers and acqui- what we think about and that’s what we where business prospects were better, fees in the region since 2009, according to tical and healthcare; consul- sitions (M&A), equity and debt offerings aim to constantly improve,” Kayello said. while some banks stopped operating busi- Thomson Reuters league tables data. tancy; international trading; in the Middle East picks up after years Finding a business model for the Middle ness lines such as commodity trading, fixed “The markets are looking better. Volumes sports and sports infrastruc- of sluggish activity, the bank is targeting East has long been a challenge for global income business or M&A advisory. in exchanges are higher, the investment ture; and commodities. Ficci clients looking for advice on complex trans- banks which flocked into the region during Morgan Stanley itself made tweaks to its banking mix is better, and the appetite of is India’s oldest and largest actions that require global expertise, more the early part of the century lured by its oil business in the region shifting Mena com- investors for different asset classes is grow- apex trade and industry body than just a financial commitment such as reserves, cash-rich sovereign wealth funds modities coverage to London and equities ing,” Kayello said. “If this trend continues, at the national level, with underwriting. and fast economic growth. trading to Riyadh last year. then I don’t foresee such industry reduc- over 250,000 members. “We want to lead with ideas rather than But in the wake of the global finan- Deal activity is now showing signs of tions that we had seen previously.” THE PENINSULA with the price of our balance sheet, and try cial crisis, the multi-billion dollar deals revival on the back of improving financial REUTERS Dolphin Energy wins prestigious CSR award

ABU DHABI: Dolphin Energy Ltd has announced that it has won a prestigious award at the Annual Arabia CSR Awards 2013. The company scooped second runner-up in the ‘Corporate-NGO Collaboration Award’ category having being shortlisted from 111 other applications representing 23 industries and 10 countries around the Arab world. The award which was received by Adel Albuainain, General Manager, Dolphin Energy, Qatar, at the ceremony held in Dubai on October 24, recognises the firm commitment made by Dolphin Energy to CSR and sustainability as evidenced by the many community outreach programs the company has ini- tiated, supported and sponsored since its inception and in its adoption of sustainability man- agement principles that are now driving the company’s business objectives. After meticulous review and deliberation, the awards’ jury panel judged Dolphin Energy’s application one of the top- three submissions for this year’s awards cycle due to the com- A Dolphin Energy official receiving the award. pany’s outstanding commitment and achievements. programmes that impact the regional biodiversity. six to 16 are able to develop an The award has also helped community. One such initia- Meaning ‘My Environment, interest in national and regional highlight the work Dolphin tive is Beati Watani, an online My Country’, the vision of Beati flora and fauna and environmen- Energy has undertaken with environmental education pro- Watani is to entrust the future tal behavior. Plans to launch the the Emirates Wildlife Society in gramme which is teaching stu- of the UAE’s natural heritage programme in Qatar before the association with WWF to launch dents, teachers and parents to citizens who understand and end of 2013 are being finalised. and implement important in the UAE the importance of respect its value. Students from THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 29 OCTOBER 2013 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS LNG market to hinge on long-term factors, not spot deals: Qatargas

SINGAPORE: Qatargas and Singapore International Energy American gas starts hitting five-year agreement in September 2018. “However, these increases evolve in the second half of the other producers of liquefied Week conference. export markets later this decade. to supply 1.14 million tonnes a will not be enough to compensate decade, he said. natural gas (LNG) will continue Asian and European buyers of Short-term contracts have also year (mtpa) of LNG to Malaysia’s for the increase in demand from Qatargas has a total capacity of to make project decisions based LNG have been trying to shift the grown more common in recent Petronas at the Dragon LNG ter- the new emerging markets,” he 42 million tonnes per year, while on long-term demand and sales market away from the oil-linked years, as the number of LNG buy- minal in Wales from 2014 to 2018. said. Qatar’s other gas company, RasGas rather than any developing pricing structure and the multi- ers has grown. But “investment decisions for Qatar would be able to increase holds the rest of Qatar’s LNG spot market, the chief execu- year contracts that have been the Qatargas signed a 5-year con- LNG projects will continue to production by 10 percent from capacity. Both firms are majority tive of the world’s largest LNG basis on which producers build tract with Germany’s E.ON this hinge on the long term outlook for current total production capac- owned by Qatar Petroleum. exporter said yesterday. their multi-billion dollar export month to supply a maximum of natural gas”, said Sheikh Khalid. ity of 77 million tonnes per year Qatargas is also part held by “LNG producers will find it terminals. 10 billion cubic metres, or about With the startup of new projects with no extra investment, he said. a consortium made up of Total , difficult to take on the price risk Buyers have been hoping to 7.4 million tonnes, of LNG from in Australia, North America and Both producers and consum- ExxonMobil, Mitsui, Marubeni , that is associated with the spot delink LNG from oil when they Qatar, priced against continental East Africa, Sheikh Khalid also ers are currently in a “wait-and- ConocoPhillips and Royal Dutch market,” said Sheikh Khalid bin start buying cargoes on US European gas hubs. said he expects more supply to be see mode” to see how the global Shell. RasGas is held 30 percent Khalifa Al Thani, speaking at the Henry Hub pricing after North The gas producer also signed a available from between 2015 and supply and demand situation will by ExxonMobil. REUTERS

Newly-built railway station Syria re-issues Libya mulling sugar and rice tenders ABU DHABI: A Syrian agency sale of steel re-issued two tenders yesterday, seeking quantities of rice and sugar it has repeatedly tried and failed to obtain since June. The General Foreign Trade plant, 8 firms Organisation (GFTO) said it was seeking to buy 276,000 tonnes of white sugar and 135,000 tonnes Bid to attract investors of white short grain rice in two separate tenders citing extreme TRIPOLI: Libya is consider- sold, Industry Minister Suleiman urgency. The deadline for sugar ing the sale of a steel plant and Al Fitouri said. offers is November 27, while that eight other state companies as Among the firms are the for rice was November 26, accord- part of efforts to overhaul an Misrata steel mill company, a ing to tender documents. inefficient industrial sector, a soft drinks firm and a factory “These are the same tenders government minister said. for truck trailers in Tajoura near that we have announced before, Outside its wealthy oil sector, Tripoli, he said. “We need to the only thing that is different Libya’s economy is hampered by evaluate first, then we make the are the dates but the conditions inefficiency, a lack of private capi- decision,” Fitouri said. “I think remain the same,” a GFTO official tal and bureaucracy, the legacy the valuation will take some time, said. “No purchases were made in of decades of state control during maybe three months.” the previous ones,” he said. This the era of Muammar Gaddafi. Misrata-based Libyan Iron and A general view of a newly-built railway station “Adler” in Sochi, southern Russia, yesterday. is the fourth time Syria is asking Since Gaddafi’s overthrow in Steel Co (Lisco) is one of north for the same amount of sugar and 2011, the government has been Africa’s largest steelmakers, with rice with the same conditions. trying to convince local and an annual capacity during nor- Traders have said Syria should foreign investors to inject fresh mal times of 1.6 million tonnes. relax its tender terms in light of funds and expertise into ailing Power shortages have forced it to Bosphorus rail tunnel opens today the risk involved in doing business industrial plants, some of which slash output and shut one of its with a country embroiled in civil are working well below capacity two steel melting shops, company ISTANBUL: Turkey will today Erdogan, a former mayor of the main financer contributing war, particularly the requirement or have been closed. officials said in September. unveil the world’s first sea tun- Istanbul, revived the plan in 2004 $1bn to a project that has cost an to place a ¤1m ($1.4m) bid bond. So far it has had little success. Investors could buy up to 100 nel connecting two continents, as one of his grandiose construc- estimated ¤3bn. A bid bond is a form of guarantee Political infighting has compli- percent of firms on sale or oper- fulfilling a sultan’s dream 150 tion projects for the city that also Construction of the tunnel that which tender participants must cated plans to overhaul legali- ate them under public-private years ago, but also fuelling include a third airport, a parallel runs 1.4km under the Bosphorus give to ensure they will deliver sation and ready firms for sale; partnerships, Fitouri said without recent anti-government senti- canal and a third bridge. Strait had been scheduled to under the terms of their offer. strikes at oilfields and ports have being more specific. The govern- ment for such mega projects. Although officially opening take four years but was delayed Both tenders state payment hurt oil and gas production, dis- ment would also consider reviving “Our ancestors worked on (the today, the rail tunnel will not be after a series of major archaeo- can be arranged using Syrian rupting power supplies to house- efforts to sell the Abu Kammash project). It fell to us to realise it,” fully operational. “The part that is logical discoveries. Some 40,000 funds frozen abroad. Traders have holds and companies. petrochemicals plant, which has said Turkey’s Prime Minister in service is very limited. All that objects were excavated from the said they were uncertain whether But in a first, concrete step been shut down. “There were some Recep Tayyip Erdogan of the rail has been delayed to much later,” site, notably a cemetery of some they would become liable to pay towards privatisation, the govern- (bidding) rounds for partnership or tunnel under the Bosphorus link- said Tayfun Kahraman, president 30 Byzantine ships, which is the the bid bond if there were prob- ment has launched a process to full investment but these were not ing the European and Asian sides of the Istanbul Chamber of Urban largest known medieval fleet. lems with arranging finance from estimate the value and perform- successful,” he said. of the bustling city of Istanbul. Planners. “We are wondering why The tunnel is more than 165 funds in the frozen bank accounts. ance of nine firms which could be REUTERS The bold project was first imag- this inauguration is happening so feet below the seabed and in a The state grain agency Hoboob ined by a sultan of the Ottoman soon.” region with strong seismic activ- said that it concluded a deal to Empire, Abdoul Medjid, in 1860, Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo ity the immersed tube is supposed import 500,000 tonnes of wheat QATARI MARKET but he lacked the technology and Abe will be present at the official to be earthquake-proof. of which around 150,000 tonnes Bond Coupon Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P funds to take his idea further. opening, as the Bank of Japan was AFP had arrived in Syria. REUTERS Qatar Govt 5.15% 4/9/2014 USD 102.08 0.44 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 3.125% 1/20/2017 USD 105.00 1.53 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 6.55% 4/9/2019 USD 120.63 2.48 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 5.25% 1/20/2020 USD 114.00 2.79 % Aa2 AA IMF team due in Pakistan Qatar Govt 4.5% 1/20/2022 USD 108.63 3.29 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 9.75% 6/15/2030 USD 156.75 4.77 % Aa2 AA ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Qatar Govt 6.4% 1/20/2040 USD 118.50 5.11 % Aa2 AA faces the first formal test of his economic policies this week Qatar Govt 5.75% 1/20/2042 USD 110.50 5.05 % Aa2 AA during a visit by the International Monetary Fund. He has a long way to go. Sharif swept to a landslide victory in May Qatari Diar 3.5% 7/21/2015 USD 104.38 0.94 % Aa2 AA after promising to fix a sluggish economy whose growth has Qatari Diar 5% 7/21/2020 USD 111.13 3.15 % Aa2 AA averaged 3 percent over the last five years. Voters are hungry Comqat 5% 11/18/2014 USD 104.13 1.04 % A1 A- for jobs. Power cuts and minimal social services trigger fre- Comqat 3.375% 4/11/2017 USD 104.13 2.13 % A1 A- quent violent protests. Last month, the IMF saved Pakistan QIB 3.856% 10/7/2015 USD 104.50 1.50 % NR NR from a possible default by agreeing to loan it $6.7bn over three QNB 3.125% 11/16/2015 USD 104.00 1.15 % Aa3 A+ years, but its condition of quarterly reviews means the cash QNB 3.375% 2/22/2017 USD 103.88 2.16 % Aa3 A+ is not guaranteed. A team led by the IMF’s regional adviser, Jeffrey Franks, is visiting this week to see if Pakistan is try- Doha Bank 3.5% 3/14/2017 USD 104.25 2.19 % A2 A- ing to meet conditions intended to promote reforms. The Qtel 3.375% 10/14/2016 USD 105.00 1.64 % A2 A government has begun to tackle Pakistan’s fiscal problems, Qtel 7.875% 6/10/2019 USD 124.75 3.05 % A2 A but diplomats say true success will come only when tax evad- Qtel 4.75% 2/16/2021 USD 106.88 3.67 % A2 A ers are punished. Eleven of 12 IMF programmes since 1998 Qtel 5% 10/19/2025 USD 103.00 4.67 % A2 A have been scrapped or abandoned because Pakistan failed to Rasgas 5.5% 9/30/2014 USD 104.50 0.57 % Aa3 A institute reforms. This time round, Sharif has promised the Rasgas 5.832% 9/30/2016 USD 106.88 3.34 % Aa3 A IMF to privatise loss-making state industries, reform a fal- Rasgas 5.298% 9/30/2020 USD 108.50 3.89 % Aa3 A tering energy sector, expand Pakistan’s tiny tax base and cut government borrowing. SOVEREIGNS Bond PDA* Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P Etisalat’s Q3 profit drops 18pc Abu Dhabi Govt 5.5% 4/8/2014 USD 102.38 0.09 % Aa2 AA Abu Dhabi Govt 6.75% 4/8/2019 USD 123.88 2.09 % Aa2 AA DUBAI: Etisalat reported an 18 percent drop in third-quarter profit yesterday, missing analysts’ estimates as capital spending Dubai Govt 6.7% 10/5/2015 USD 109.00 1.94 % NR NR and operating expenses each rose by about a third. The UAE Dubai Govt 4.9% 5/2/2017 USD 107.38 2.68 % NR NR former monopoly, which operates in about 15 countries across Dubai Govt 7.75% 10/5/2020 USD 119.50 4.45 % NR NR the Middle East, Africa and Asia and is in exclusive talks to Dubai Govt 6.45% 5/2/2022 USD 111.63 4.77 % NR NR buy a controlling stake in Maroc Telecom, made a net profit of Qatar Govt 4% 1/20/2015 USD 103.88 0.82 % Aa2 AA Dh1.83bn in the three months to September 30, according to a Bahrain Govt 6.273% 11/22/2018 USD 113.00 3.45 % NR BBB statement to Abu Dhabi’s bourse. This compares with a profit Bahrain Govt 5.5% 3/31/2020 USD 103.25 4.90 % NR BBB of Dh2.21bn dirhams a year earlier. Third-quarter revenue was Dh9.59bn, up from Dh8.01bn year earlier. Egypt Govt 5.75% 4/29/2020 USD 93.75 6.96 % Caa1 CCC+ Morocco Govt 4.5% 10/5/2020 EUR 102.38 4.10 % NR BBB- Kish gas field to come on stream by March *Periodic Distribution Amount IMPORTANT NOTE: Published by HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, P O Box 57, Doha, Qatar which DUBAI: Iran’s second-largest gas field is expected to start pro- is licensed and regulated by Qatar Central Bank and Jersey Financial Services ducing at a rate of about 100 million cubic feet per day (mcf/day) Commission. Information quoted is from publicly available sources or proprietary by March, the project’s operator told oil ministry news web- data and subject to change. HSBC accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising site Shana yesterday. Kish has an estimated 66 trillion cubic out of the use of all or part of this material. This information is general and does not take into account individual circumstances, objectives or needs. The price of bonds feet of gas reserves, making it Iran’s second-largest behind the can and does fluctuate. The secondary market for bonds may not provide significant South Pars field it shares with Qatar. However, slow progress liquidity or may trade based on prevailing market conditions. Past performance is not in tapping Iran’s share of South Pars threatens serious gas a reliable indicator of future performance. You should consider these matters and shortages in a country where demand has grown rapidly over consult your financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions. the past few years, oil minister Bijan Zanganeh warned this month. Although the start of the first production well at Kish will supply only about 2.8 million cubic metres (mcm) per day in a country that consumes around 430 mcm/day, Zanganeh is applying pressure on developers for output to be ramped up rapidly to at least ten times that volume. AGENCIES TUESDAY 29 OCTOBER 2013 BUSINESS VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25

The Green taxes will Companies are hoarding ultimately cut our bills as well as save energy cash slowing growth

BY CHRIS HUHNE BY MICHAEL BURKE feature of the current slump will not have double the decline in GDP since the begin- fundamentally changed. ning of 2008. he collateral damage in the great energy debate is mount- he hype regarding Britain’s eco- Of course, if there really was “no money The argument that these dividends are ing by the day. As the party leaders scrabble to come nomic recovery is misplaced: it left” then this would be regrettable but una- needed to fund “our” pensions is spurious. up with something to say in response to public concern is the weakest on record, and voidable. But the resources for investment Only a minority of the workforce has any Tabout bills, the costs so far include their reputations for will remain so while firms in are plentiful. personal pension at all and most of these sound economics, the investment plans of many businesses and, Britain refuse to invest their British firms have been investing a declin- find that any benefits of rising stock mar- potentially, the transition to a low-carbon future. Never mind the Tprofits. There is no sign of that happening: ing proportion of their profits over a pro- kets are eaten up in the fees and charges to grandchildren’s planet: burn, baby, burn. payouts to shareholders have hit record longed period and this has now become the fund managers. As bills go up between 8.2 percent (SSE) and 10.4 percent levels, and there is a growing cash moun- acute. The other destination for uninvested prof- (npower), there is no doubt about the pain. The average bill is tain held by companies sitting idle in the In 1970 the level of investment in the its has been simply the accumulation of a £1,267. This hits household budgets hard and has been a signifi- banks. economy (in plants, machinery, buildings private cash mountain. Bank of England cant factor undermining consumers’ confidence about spending. The economy remains 2.5 percent below and equipment, known as gross fixed capi- data shows that the bank deposits of non- The blame game has begun. Labour blames the energy compa- its peak level while construction, manu- tal formation) was more than two-thirds of financial corporations rose from £76bn at nies, and wants a freeze. John Major implicitly agrees by proposing facturing and industrial production are all the gross profits of firms (gross operating the end of 2008 to £419bn by July 2013. A a windfall tax on their profits. The Tory right blames onshore lower than at the time of the coalition’s surplus). similar pattern is evident across all the wind, ironically the cheapest of renewables. The energy companies comprehensive spending review in 2010. By 2000 this investment ratio (invest- leading capitalist economies. This shows blame green taxes, and want them cut. While the leading industrialised econo- ment as a proportion of profits) had fallen the cash pile is growing at a rate of around The prime minister, once long ago pictured hugging a husky in mies have only experienced sluggish growth to a little over half and declined a little more £75bn each year. Again, this is nearly double the Arctic, duly panics despite the risk to his integrity and image. at best, the performance of the British econ- by 2007, just before the slump. But in 2012 the decline in GDP. He promises to cut green taxes even though his own Tory mani- omy has been the worst in the G7, apart the investment ratio had fallen to just 43 Without investment it is not possible to festo pledged: “We will increase the proportion of tax revenues from Italy. This is the slowest ever rebound percent. raise living standards and the current weak accounted for by environmental taxes.” from an economic slump. This is the great disappearing trick of recovery is being driven by consumption. Is anyone right in the blame game? Let’s start with the com- This weakness is set to remain because the the economic crisis. Until it is resolved the This in turn condemns the economy to low panies. Like most businesses, they are not above some jiggery- cause of the crisis has not been addressed. fundamental source of the crisis will remain jobs growth, with low-paid and unskilled pokery with estimated bills, some fancy tax-dodging, and the In fact it is becoming more pronounced. The unaltered. work predominating. It is also unsustainable. selective presentation of the facts. They have repeatedly run cause of the crisis is an investment strike Uninvested profits have effectively two Yet, while refusal to invest is the source of scare stories about the cost of the regulatory requirements by firms. potential destinations. They can either be the crisis, the growing payout to sharehold- imposed on them. From the beginning of 2008 to the most distributed to shareholders or left accumu- ers and mounting cash pile do offer a means Energy UK, their lobbying body, claimed last year that the eco recent data, GDP has fallen by £40bn. lating as cash balances held by firms at the to resolve the crisis. subsidy would cost £1.7bn to £2.35bn. In fact there is a trade in the Although the data on investment is not yet bank. For those fighting austerity it is impor- insulating projects that the companies have to undertake. Those available, by the middle of this year the total Both of these factors are currently oper- tant to understand that the situation is far who do too many can sell to those who have fallen short, and that decline in investment was £75bn, far more ating. Analysts who follow trends in the from hopeless. This is also a key argument market shows that the true cost is exactly what the government than the total decline in GDP (as other payout to shareholders in Britain expect for the incoming Labour government. The planned, at £1.3bn a year. Far from being bullying behemoths, the components of GDP have risen). dividends paid to reach £80bn in 2013, up resources are there to resolve the crisis. energy giants are looking like threatened dinosaurs. The profits When the final data for the third quarter from about £55bn in 2010. This annual What is required is political will. of all six are rising with recovery, but last year they totalled of this year is released, this determining shareholder dividend alone is precisely THE GUARDIAN £3.74bn, which is a little more than half the profits of just one bank, Barclays. Their way of making money. Those low-energy light bulbs are working, so electricity demand is still below its peaks in Europe. The trend for householders to produce their own electricity is hitting the giants hard, as are renewables. When the wind blows and the sun shines, electricity can flood on to national grids. In Germany the wholesale electricity price has on occasion gone negative, which is a power company’s nightmare if you are trying to make a return on big coal, gas or nuclear to pay to your pension-fund shareholders. Nor are green taxes to blame. They are too small. About 9 percent of energy bills are government charges. Some 5 percent go on the eco subsidy. Without these policies, bills would be more painful for the most vulnerable, and higher for many others. About 4 percent goes to support low-carbon electricity from renewables. These policies decarbonise the electricity sector, tack- ling climate change. They also give us energy security, and protect the consumer against volatile fossil fuel prices. Overall, the government’s policies are forecast by Whitehall economists to cut energy bills, not increase them. They will save consumers about £166 a year (or 11 percent) by 2020 thanks to energy saving and diversification from fossil fuels. The only easy green tax to ditch is the carbon price floor, an unnecessary charge on electricity generated from oil, coal and gas. It is not needed to decarbonise electricity but it collects £600m this year, adding £5 to bills. It will steadily rise to add more than £20. The Liberal Democrats did not want it, but George Osborne insisted on the revenue. It is possible, of course, that some programmes now funded from energy bills could be paid from taxation, but ministers will find that they cannot ditch these policies. First, it would be fool- ish to raise future energy bills by slowing energy-saving and the shift to renewables. Second, there is a legislated fuel poverty target, and ministers would find themselves fighting a judicial review. The same applies to renewables, as we agreed an EU legal target of 15 percent of our energy from renewables by 2020. The real blame for high bills is our excessive reliance on gas and coal, and the world market price. Not even the British prime minister has much power over that. Sadly, few people these days read Cervantes. David Cameron should. He looks increasingly like Don Quixote, tilting at windmills. THE GUARDIAN Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate Strained finances trip up French firms’ recovery role BY LEIGH THOMAS added Vauterin, who said his com- too far short of the government’s by expanding margins through to buy businesses that would help from collapsing, firms are par- pany’s 2014 budget would focus own 0.9 percent target. But if any internal growth, according to a it compete with bigger rivals like ticularly vulnerable to a rise in queezed by thin margins what little investment was pos- risks emerge to threaten that sce- survey of 74 CFOs by Deloitte. GE and Siemens, analysts said. the cost of borrowing. and high debt, French sible on improving quality and nario, the corporate sector will “Companies are going to try With the company balance “A rates increase would seriously companies will struggle performance rather than boost- struggle to pick up the slack. to scrape by next year by closely sheet limiting investment options, weaken French companies’ finan- Sto ramp up the investment ing production. According to estimates compiled managing cash flow and invest- CEO Patrick Kron says the focus cial situation and make financing spending on which President Under the tax credit scheme by Thomson Reuters, analysts see ments,” Vauterin said, adding that is squarely on cost cutting. investment much more difficult,” Francois Hollande’s government designed to cut labour costs by roughly flat capital spending by he was careful to keep cash flow “This doesn’t mean that we’ll the Bank of France’s Cette said. is banking to underpin a fragile 10bn euros ($13.8bn) next year, the 40 largest companies listed on positive in order to steer clear of stop R&D (research and develop- Wary of future rate rises, com- recovery. the government sees average France’s CAC-40 index. needing credit. ment) or that we’ll stop investing ... panies are rushing to lock in low Hollande’s government has French operating margins rising The weak profitability of French The phenomenon is visible but we’ll tighten the bolts wherever rates on debt markets, where they hung its 2014 recovery hopes on to 28.7 percent from an estimated firms has meant they have taken from small and medium-sized it’s possible,” he said last month. can currently borrow even more business investment taking over 28.2 percent this year. By 2015, on debt to try and maintain invest- firms like CBA, the aircraft parts Boosting growth to jump-start cheaply than from banks, accord- consumer spending’s traditional it hopes to have cut labour costs ment levels as much as possible, manufacturer, right through to job creation is the top political ing to Bank of France data. role as the motor of growth in the by 20bn euros or six percent- leading corporate debt to pile up France’s top groups. Eager to win priority of Hollande’s govern- The government hopes smaller eurozone’s second largest econ- age points. But France has the to near record levels at close to 66 back an investment grade credit ment, with unemployment around firms cut off from financial mar- omy. It expects growth to reach at weakest margins in Europe, and percent of economic output. rating, the top priority of building 11 percent. But some companies kets can secure funds at a new least 0.9 percent in 2014, counting analysts say such improvements Though Spanish and Italian materials group Lafarge is to cut acknowledge that any investment public investment bank. But on a corporate tax credit scheme will do little in the short term to firms shoulder much bigger debt net debt to less than 10bn euros they make will not help that goal. Pierre Gattaz, the head of the to boost overall business invest- restore French profitability to burdens, they have better mar- this year and get it down to less “What we’re seeing is invest- Medef employers association, is ment by 1.5 percent and even levels enjoyed elsewhere in the gins, and Spanish firms for their than 9 billion next year. ment to get productivity gains not so much worried about a lack more for spending on new equip- eurozone, where the average oper- part are deleveraging quickly. In its last analyst conference rather than increasing capacity,” of credit as he is about a global ment even though spare capacity ating margin is nearly 38 percent. Spanish firms have cut debt call in July, management repeat- said Pierre Marol, CEO of airport recovery leaving French firms is ample at nearly six percent- “There’s a real problem with from about 118 percent of GDP edly stressed capital spending equipment firm Alstef. behind as they struggle with one age points below the long-term profit margins and this problem in 2010 to less than 100 percent was subject to “strict discipline” Marol said new retirement of the highest tax burdens in average. is going to hold back any recovery now. Though business sentiment and the little investment in the rules requiring special compensa- Europe. “It’s all just political mumbo- because there will be fewer means surveys suggest optimism is rising works would target fast-growing tion for jobs deemed particularly “We will not benefit from bet- jumbo,” said Pierre Vauterin, chief to invest,” Bank of France head of among French firms, many execu- emerging economies rather than strenuous would encourage firms ter global growth if we don’t take executive of CBA, which makes structural analysis Gilbert Cette tives remain stuck in a retrench- France. to invest in robotic machines, not measures to boost the French airplane parts outside Paris and said. ment mindset rather than in the Also constrained by non- workers. economy’s competitiveness,” he employs about 65 people. Forecasting 0.7 percent growth mood for expansion. investment grade credit rating, Though historically low inter- said. “The world is moving and “I don’t see any grounds to on average for next year, econo- Chief financial officers’ top pri- power and infrastructure group est rates have allowed French France has got to move too.” prophesy an investment rebound,” mists polled by Reuters are not ority remains cutting costs followed Alstom lacks the financial muscle companies to keep investment REUTERS TUESDAY 29 OCTOBER 2013 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MARKET

QE Indices Summary QE Index 9,643.50 0.27 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Total Return Index 13,778.35 0.27 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 2,774.95 0.31 % RATE QE All Share Index 2,421.03 0.32 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 2,298.05 0.25 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 5437.328 51.616 0.96 5437.328 4610.6 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 5,861.99 0.50 % QR158.7468 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 Services Cac 40 Index/D 4245.03 -27.28 -0.64 4309.15 3575.17 QE All Share Industrials 3,123.46 0.27 % SILVER UK ...... QR 5.8557 QR 5.9377 QE All Share Insurance 2,292.46 0.57 % Dj Indu Average 15570.28 61.07 0.39 15709.6 12471.5 Euro ...... QR 4.9905 QR 5.0602 QE All Share Real Estate 1,786.78 1.17 % QR 2.6571 CA$ ...... QR 3.4947 QR 3.5635 QE All Share Telecoms 1,439.64 0.18 % Egypt Cma Gn Idx 1026.29 32.57 3.28 999.95 312.38 QE All Share Transportation 1,795.1 0.47 % Swiss Fr ...... QR 4.0465 QR 4.1029 Hang Seng Inde/D 22806.58 108.24 0.48 23944.74 19426.36 Yen ...... QR 0.0370 QR 0.0377 QE Market Summary Comparison Aus$ ...... QR 3.4627 QR 3.5306 Today Previous day Iseq Overall/D 4317.83 -13.78 -0.32 4414.37 3396.67 CRUDE OIL 28-10-2013 27-10-2013 Ind Re ...... QR 0.0587 QR 0.0598 Index 9,643.50 9,669.69 Karachi 100 In/D 22353.2 -92.39 -0.41 23944.99 16036.31 Pak Re ...... QR 0.0339 QR 0.0346 Change 26.19 17.34 BRENT Nikkei 225 Index 14396.04 307.85 2.19 15942.6 10398.61 Peso ...... QR 0.0837 QR 0.0854 % 0.27 0.18 $ 107.82 SL Re ...... QR 0.0275 QR 0.0281 YTD% 15.37 15.68 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 1759.82 1343.35 Taka ...... QR 0.0465 QR 0.0477 Volume 6,034,029 4,006,523 DUBAI Nep Re ...... QR 0.0369 QR 0.0376 Value (QAR) 267,375,772.11 155,665,065.60 Straits Times/D 3207.85 2.61 0.08 3464.79 2990.68 SA Rand ...... QR 0.3670 QR 0.3744 Trades 2,905 2,905 Straits Times/D 2971.47 22.7 0.77 3035.78 2657.77 $ 106.57 Up 13 | Down 20 | Unchanged 05

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 28-10-2013

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A List of Shares from the world

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

A C C-A/D 1113.25 -23.4 17223 Chambal Fert-B/D 35.7 -0.8 176908 Him.Fut.Comm-B/D 9.03 -0.13 1075246 Kanoria Chem-B/D 24.4 -0.6 1249 Rallis India-B/D 153.35 -2.45 25970 Legal & Genera/D 212.2297 -0.7 1989036 Aarti Drugs-B/D 181.35 -4.75 1258 Chola Invest-B/D 224.5 -2.05 102457 Himat Seide-B/D 42.5 -0.15 36042 Kg Denim-B/D 17.65 0.02 48291 Reliance Indus/D 328.1 -1.85 138643 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 80.01 -0.36 60453828 Aban Offs-B/D 228 0.55 111418 Chowgule St-B/D 9.63 -0.5 2065 Hind Motors-B/D 7.85 -0.18 130940 Klg Systel-T/D 6.68 0.31 4152 S Bk Bikaner-B/D 316.55 -1.9 2776 Marks & Sp./D 476.6 0.8 403605 Ador Welding-B/D 109.65 1 10011 Cipla-A/D 411.6 -3.8 48115 Hind Org Chem-/D 8.9 -0.12 5202 Kopran-B/D 15.7 0.26 8398 Thirumalai-B/D 86.65 -2.3 6135 Next/D 5225 20 41315 Aegis Logis-B/D 142.05 -1.15 7683 City Union Bk-/D 46.2 -0.4 23072 Hind Unilever-/D 589.35 -4.85 498570 Lok.Hous&Con-B/D 17.25 -1.91 193200 Timexgroup-B/D 10.25 -0.45 17574 Pearson/D 1363.5 -2 272861 Ahmed.Forg-B/D 88.55 -1.5 8067 Cmc Ltd-B/D 1312.9 13.6 1820 Hind.Petrol-A/D 190.85 -0.55 55838 Lupin-A/D 876.3 -13.65 49914 Tinplate-B/D 48.85 5.9 674992 Prudential/D 1263.3314 -6 350891 Alembic-B/D 14.83 -0.55 275571 Colgate-A/D 1228.1 -50.65 86306 Hindalco-A/D 107 -2.15 1081929 Lyka Labs-B/D 9.35 -0.21 4091 Ub Engineer-B/D 11.1 0.4 1189 Rank Group/D 150.6 0.1 19203 Alok Indus-B/D 8 -0.07 556864 Dai-Bichi Kar-/D 45.2 2.15 5295 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 820.8 10.95 78013 Mafatlal Ind-B/D 105.05 8.05 11841 Ucal Fuel-B/D 44.45 -2.15 2491 Rentokil Initi/D 111.6 -1.2 888679 Andhra Paper-B/D 277.25 -11.05 17191 Dhampur Sugar-/D 30.8 -0.15 44517 I F C I-A/D 23.15 -0.4 958865 Mangalam Cem-B/D 100.1 -1.8 4130 Ultramarine-B/D 39.1 0.3 1170 Rolls Royce Pl/D 1159.36 -12 967655 Apollo Tyre-A/D 68.85 -0.35 427786 Dr. Reddy-A/D 2400.75 -3 5239 Idbi-A/D 66.25 -0.25 130856 Maral Overs-B/D 18.15 1.05 6985 Unitech P -A/D 16.7 -0.5 2719669 Rsa Insrance G/D 126.572 -0.1 3062760 Asahi I Glass-/D 43.95 0.05 2624 E I H-B/D 53.4 -1.05 12489 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 55 0.75 3722 Mastek-B/D 154.6 -5.55 3731 Univcable-B/D 23.75 1.05 1106 Sainsbury(J)/D 396.923 0.1 361663 Ashok Leyland-/D 16.8 0.1 1000658 E.I.D Parry-B/D 142.9 1.35 3801 India Cement-B/D 47.05 -0.5 55133 Max India L-A/D 185.65 1 20831 Schroders/D 2683 -5 33284 Bajaj Hold-A/D 819.85 3.35 1072 Electrosteel-B/D 13.49 -0.11 61493 India Glycol-B/D 92.9 -2.55 10343 Mrpl-A/D 39.55 0.6 54699 LONDON Severn Trent/D 1850 -31 258521 Ballarpur In-B/D 12.63 -0.24 67937 Emco-B/D 15.82 -0.24 11913 Indian Card-B/D 83.2 -6.3 4699 Nahar Spg.-B/D 88.6 0.25 12659 Smith&Nephew/D 799.14 1 441751 Bata India-A/D 892.1 0.15 16960 Escorts-B/D 90.95 -2.2 338095 Indian Hotel-A/D 48.15 0.1 32933 Nation Alum -A/D 34.6 -0.45 41888 3I Group/D 364.8 1.3 611195 Smiths Group/D 1407 -8 143059 Bayer Crop-B/D 1689.8 9.9 87501 Essar Oil-A/D 54.15 -1.65 511199 Indo-Tcount-T/D 30 1 23988 Navneet Edu-B/D 53.15 -0.2 6284 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 2149 16 134590 Standrd Chart /D 1537.5 12 1949648 Beml Ltd-B/D 169.9 -2.25 10954 Eveready Indu-/D 21.9 -0.05 43085 Indusind-A/D 412.35 -12.9 2687200 Nepc India-B/D 1.9 -0.12 6898 B Sky B/D 930.5 2 349623 Tate & Lyle/D 792.5 1.5 139379 Bh Electronic-/D 1060 -3.4 1018 F D C-B/D 88.65 4.9 37461 J.B.Chemical-B/D 95.9 2.95 37746 Nrb Bearings-B/D 34.75 -0.25 2609 Barclays/D 264.4 -3.5 16018363 Tesco/D 371.5 1.35 2326667 Bharatgears-B/D 41 6 4042 Federal Bank-A/D 76.35 -3.9 377011 Jagatjit Ind-B/D 50.85 -2.65 5827 O N G C-A/D 286.75 2.9 173939 Bg Group/D 1238.075 -16 1124017 Tomkins/D 0 0 0 Bhartiya Int-B/D 184.5 -2.1 4105 Ferro Alloys-B/D 5.8 -0.18 46774 Jbf Indu-B/D 82.8 1.8 856348 Oil Country-B/D 33.85 0.85 5460 Bp/D 450.45 -0.7 3075757 Unilever/D 2499 6 504483 Bhel-A/D 136.4 -0.75 478094 Fgp Ltd-T/D 3.08 -0.16 1000 Jct Elect P -T/D 0.48 0.02 10161 Orchid Chem-B/D 48.85 0.25 297194 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3426 11 454991 United Util Gr/D 708 -10.5 979236 Bom.Burmah-B/D 112.75 -5.7 23037 Finolex-B/D 125.5 0.25 20803 Jct Ltd-T/D 2.19 -0.05 34715 Orient Hotel-B/D 15.7 -0.55 4457 Bt Group/D 362.2 3.1 2895285 Vodafone Group/D 226 -0.75 10814473 Bombay Dyeing-/D 65.6 -1.65 98049 Gail-A/D 344.7 1.15 301728 Jik Indust-T/D 0.6 0 40550 Orient.Carb.-B/D 112 0 10192 Centrica/D 356.3 0.2 3789186 Whitbread/D 3402 30 125635 Cable Corp.-B/D 19.75 -1.75 1078 Gammon India-T/D 13 -0.39 17084 Jktyre&Ind-B/D 115.3 4.5 175507 Orient.Carb.-B/D 112 0 10192 Gkn/D 365.3 -6.9 1205739 Canfin Homes-B/D 140.1 -2.9 2701 Garden P -T/D 38.35 -1.3 2313 Jmc Projects-B/D 65.25 -3.35 5180 Oudh Sugar-B/D 16.5 -1.4 4633 Hsbc Holdings/D 682.1407 2.1 4891577 Castrol Ind-A/D 304.95 -1.35 13715 Goodricke-B/D 118 -2 1675 Kajaria Cer-B/D 234.25 -1.55 4107 Punjab Chem.-T/D 41 1 1137 Imperial Tobac/D 2336 -5 321657 Century Enka-B/D 116.5 -1.7 4272 Goodyear I -B/D 331.65 1.25 4104 Kalpat Power-B/D 74.5 0.2 4679 Radico Khait-B/D 141.5 -5.15 89544 Kingfisher/D 372.3 2.2 1232307 Century Text-A/D 261.6 -5.65 50652 Hcl Infosys-B/D 23.5 -0.2 17201 Kalyani Stel-B/D 48.8 2.75 87977 Rallis India-B/D 153.35 -2.45 25970 Land Secs Grou/D 990.5 -0.5 366324 TUESDAY 29 OCTOBER 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27

NHL Results San Jose 5 Ottawa 2 Tampa Bay 4 Florida 3 World Series: Gomes’ homer Anaheim 4 Columbus 3 Colorado 3 Winnipeg 2 Los Angeles 2 Edmonton 1 Kings beat lifts Red Sox over Cards Oilers 2-1 in Boston rally to defeat St Louis; best-of-seven series tied at 2-2 shoot-out LOS ANGELES: The Los Angeles Kings had their highest SAINT LOUIS: Jonny Gomes Matheny said one of their big- shots total in four-plus seasons clubbed a three-run home run Major League gest problems in the World Series - and still had to go to a shoot- and David Ortiz batted three- has been getting offence from the out to pin the loss on Richard for-three as Boston rallied to Baseball World bottom half of their batting order. Bachman in his Edmonton defeat St Louis 4-2 yesterday “We tried moving guys around Oilers debut. and knot the World Series at Series Results a little bit to see if something will Anze Kopitar scored the decid- two games each. SAINT LOUIS: Major League Baseball’s cham- spark there,” he said. “We’ve got ing goal in the tiebreaker, helping Unheralded Gomes smashed pionship World Series result yesterday (series guys that can contribute at the the Kings beat the Oilers 2-1 on his two-out homer into the Red best-of-seven): bottom of our lineup, and right Sunday night for their seventh Sox bullpen off Cardinals reliever World Series at St Louis now it’s not happening. victory in nine games. Seth Maness just moments after Boston 4 St Louis 2 “It’s just a matter of somebody “When a guy like that gets a Maness had come in to replace (Series tied 2-2) getting it going. Right now, yeah, call up and gets a chance to play, starter Lance Lynn in the top of we’re having trouble.” you expect his best effort,” Kings the sixth inning. “That is just who these guys Cardinals starter Lance Lynn forward Jeff Carter said. “I got a good pitch,” Gomes said. are, they have shown it many struck out five and allowed three “We tried to make it as tough “If I am fortunate enough to get a times over.” runs on three hits in 5 2/3 innings for him as possible, getting bodies mistake, my bat is going to come Red Sox starter Clay Buchholz of work in front of a crowd of and pucks to the net. I thought he to the zone hot.” lasted only four innings, allowing 47,469. Lynn got the first two outs played a heck of a game, but we Gomes wasn’t even supposed one run on three hits and strik- of the sixth inning but was then got the two points.” to start the game for the Red ing out two. His bullpen did the replaced by Maness after Lynn The Kings outshot Edmonton Sox, whose victory insured the rest, including Japanese closer had walked Ortiz. Maness then 48-18 in regulation and over- best-of-seven series will go at Koji Uehara who shocked eve- gave up the three-run homer to time. Nail Yakupov scored for least six games. Manager John ryone with a surprise pick off Gomes which gave the Red Sox the Oilers on a power play in Farrell inserted him into the of Cardinals base runner Kolten a 4-1 lead. the second period and Mike lineup just before game time after Wong at first for the final out of Gomes was a career five-for-41 Richards tied it less than 14 right fielder Shane Victorino was the game. in the playoffs prior to his sixth- minutes later. scratched with a bad back. “That was on his own,” Farrell inning blast. In the fifth, Lynn The Kings are 5-0 in games Ortiz led off the fifth inning said of Uehara. “It was all on decided to pitch to Ortiz who dou- that have gone past regulation. with a double. He also had two Uehara.” bled to centre field. Ortiz ended Jonathan Quick improved to 4-0 singles, walked once and scored This is the fourth time Boston up scoring on a bases-loaded, in shootouts, having stopped 10 of two runs for the Red Sox, who and St Louis have squared off in none-out sacrifice fly by Stephen 11 shots he’s faced in tiebreakers. were able to bounce back from the World Series and the first Drew. Ortiz beat the throw to In 2010-11, he led the NHL with a heartbreaking loss the night since 2004, when the Red Sox home to tie the game 1-1. 10 shootout wins and had an .818 before when the game ended in snapped their 86-year drought St Louis’ Carlos Beltran opened save percentage. chaos after the umpires ruled with a four-game sweep. the scoring by hitting a single to Bachman made a career-high that Boston third baseman Will The loss snapped the Cardinals’ centre field to drive home Matt 47 saves after getting recalled Middlebrooks had interfered with eight game win streak when they Carpenter from second base. yesterday from Oklahoma Cards baserunner Allen Craig. had scored first in the playoffs. Carpenter got on with a hit City of the American Hockey “We have seen it many times. “We didn’t have a lot of move- to centre field and was able to League. Granted the stage is bigger,” ment,” said Cardinals manager stretch it out to a double when Boston Red Sox’s Jonny Gomes raises a finger as he takes off around The three-year veteran played Farrell said. Mike Matheny. Boston outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury the bases after hitting a three run home run off St Louis Cardinals Seth his first 32 NHL games with “This is consistent with the way “We didn’t get a lot going, let the ball slip past him. Ellsbury Maness in the sixth inning of game four of the Wold Series at Bush the Dallas Stars, posting a 14-10 we have responded with a tough and didn’t have any momentum was given an error on the play. Stadium in St Louis, yesterday. The Red Sox won 4-2. record and a 2.94 goals-against night the night before. offensively.” AFP average. AGENCIES

India bullish on Formula NFL: Stafford stars as Lions One return edge Cowboys in thriller GREATER NOIDA, India: Indian Grand Prix organisers DETROIT: Matthew Stafford’s record for most receiving yards in pressed into quarterback duty Patriots to a 27-17 victory over were bullish about the troubled one-yard touchdown plunge one game. after Michael Vick aggravated a Miami in an AFC East division race’s future yesterday despite a with 12 seconds left lifted the “That was just a lot of crazy out hamstring injury in the first half. clash. drop in the estimated crowd fig- Detroit Lions to a 31-30 victory there today,” Johnson said. “We The Kansas City Chiefs The Patriots managed only 59 ures and its disappearance from over the Dallas Cowboys in an were all over the place today. I’m remained the only unbeaten team yards in the first half and trailed the schedule next year. NFL thriller yesterday. just glad that I was able to be out in the league, turning back the by 14 points, then scored 24 unan- Organisers did not reveal how The Lions trailed by six points there and do my job.” determined Cleveland Browns for swered points in a run highlighted many people came to watch Minnesota Vikings’ quar- with 1:02 remaining, launching Dallas quarterback Tony Romo a 23-17 triumph. by two touchdowns in less than Sebastian Vettel’s coronation as terback Christian Ponder the winning drive at their own completed 14-for-30 passes for The Chiefs gained 281 yards in two minutes. world champion for the fourth passes against the Green Bay 20-yard-line. 206 yards and three touchdowns. the first half, but only 50 after the Another elite quarterback time, but estimates varied from They covered 80 yards in less Dez Bryant caught three passes interval as they struggled to keep came on strong in the second Packers in the first quarter at 50,000 to 60,000. than a minute, and a clutch for 72 yards and two touchdowns the Browns at bay. half as Denver’s Peyton Manning Mall of America Field at HHH While not confirmed, the fig- 22-yard pass from Stafford to -- and made headlines with an It wasn’t close at all in London, threw three of his four touchdown ures for Sunday are lower than Metrodome, yesterday. Calvin Johnson set Stafford up animated exchange with Romo where the San Francisco 49ers passes in the fourth quarter to lift the 95,000 who attended the for his scoring leap. on the sidelines. trounced the winless Jacksonville the Broncos to a 45-21 victory inaugural race day in 2011 and NFL Results David Akers added the extra Detroit’s victory kept them in Jaguars 42-10 at Wembley over Washington. the 65,000 who watched it last point that sealed it for Detroit, second place in the NFC North Stadium. Manning went 30-for-44 for San Francisco 42 Jacksonville 10 year. who improved to 5-3. behind Green Bay, who beat San Francisco quarterback 354 yards, but also had three Officials had been hoping for Kansas City 23 Cleveland 17 “It was a great sequence by Minnesota 44-31 in a division Colin Kaepernick and Frank Gore interceptions and surrendered a a strong turn-out to help ensure New England 27 Miami 17 them,” Dallas coach Jason Garrett clash. scored two touchdowns apiece on fumble for the Broncos. the Indian race returns, as prom- New Orleans 35 Buffalo 17 said. “We didn’t do what we Dallas fell to 4-4, but they the ground. The Broncos’ rally spoiled ised, on the 2015 calendar after Detroit 31 Dallas 30 needed to do to win the game.” remained atop the NFC East Gore carried the ball 19 times the return to Denver of former surprisingly being dropped for NY Giants 15 Philadelphia 7 Stafford finished the game with thanks to Philadelphia’s 15-7 loss for 71 yards for San Francisco, Broncos and current Washington 2014. Oakland 21 Pittsburgh 18 488 yards passing, one touchdown to the visiting New York Giants who have eclipsed 30 points in coach Mike Shanahan. However, promoters Jaypee and two interceptions. in a division matchup. each game of a current five-game He coached the Broncos from Cincinnati 49 NY Jets 9 Sports International (JPSI) said Johnson set a career high with Josh Brown kicked a career- winning streak. 1995-2008 and won two Super Arizona 27 Atlanta 13 the crowd figures were similar to 329 yards on 14 catches with a high five field goals and the Giants New England’s superstar Bowls with the club before he attendances at other grands prix Denver 45 Washington 21 touchdown. His performance was shut down an Eagles offense in quarterback Tom Brady shook was sacked at the end of the 2008 around the world. Green Bay 44 Minnesota 31 just seven yards short of the NFL which rookie Matt Barkley was off a dismal first half to lead the campaign. AFP “We were always confident of good crowd numbers,” a JPSI media officer said. “Formula One is new to the country and it will take time for fans to warm up to it.” IOC president praises Russia’s Games preparations “We are close to the aver- age attendances worldwide on SOCHI, Russia: International completed a very big, successful During a previous inspection of race days, except perhaps in Olympic Committee (IOC) development journey and we have the Olympics venues last month, Silverstone which attracts a big- President Thomas Bach praised been deeply impressed with this Putin urged officials to overcome ger crowd,” he added. “We will Russia’s preparations for the path,” he said in comments trans- failures and delays in preparatory definitely host the race again in 2014 Winter Games in the Black lated from German into Russian works. 2015.” Sea resort of Sochi during an as he sat next to Putin, a fluent Olympic preparations have The Indian GP has been hit by inspection visit with President German speaker. been marred by over-running a troubled economy and sliding Vladimir Putin yesterday. The praise must have been costs and delays and organis- rupee, government apathy, a lop- Russia is spending more than music to Putin’s ears because he ers have faced criticism from sided financial arrangement and $50bn on the February Games, a has staked his reputation on the rights groups over the treatment the lack of a home-grown driver top priority for Putin to showcase success of the Games. of migrant workers engaged in to create local buzz. the country’s modern face to the Putin said Russia still needed large-scale construction works. Sunday’s race even came under world two decades after the fall to make a final push to finish off In the West, the Games have threat from a court petition seek- of the Soviet Union. preparations with just over three even been subject to calls for a ing its cancellation over alleged “We are fully confident that the months before the Games open on boycott over a law passed by unpaid entertainment taxes, but Games will be on a magnificent February 7. Russia banning “homosexual the hearing was postponed. level,” Bach said in his first com- “Now that the overwhelming propaganda” among minors and Formula One supremo Bernie ments about Russia’s readiness majority of sites are almost ready, denounced by critics as discrimi- Ecclestone did not attend this for the Games. there’s a final push left, we need natory and a tool to persecute the Russia’s President Vladimir Putin (left), International Olympic Committee weekend, despite Vettel entering “We are extremely grateful to accomplish this final mile- gay community. (IOC) President Thomas Bach (centre) and CEO of Russian Railways the race as a near-certainty to to you for the magnificent co- stone,” Putin said. But Putin and Bach did not Vladimir Yakunin visit the unveiled railway station in Adler district in seal a fourth straight world title. operation we developed in recent “We need to prepare everything mention the issue at the start of the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi, yesterday. AFP years. Sochi and the whole region once and for all.” their talks. REUTERS TUESDAY 29 OCTOBER 2013 28 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Qatar Al-Anabi Moore sinks birdie Racing Top Fuel Team increase points lead to win in Malaysia LAS VEGAS: The Qatar Al-Anabi Racing Top Fuel Team, the two-time World American wins CIMB Classic in play-off Championship team owned by Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Thani, had a very produc- KUALA LUMPUR: Ryan that was what gave me the chance “I enjoyed my time here. tive weekend in Las Vegas and Moore defeated Gary Woodland to even win this tournament.” Obviously I played well but came inched closer to clinching it’s in a play-off to win the storm- He came through with a nice up short,” he said. third NHRA Mello Yello Top hit CIMB Classic in Malaysia approach shot on Monday to put “It is something for me to build Fuel World Championship in yesterday, crediting a recent away Woodland, who will rue on and I look forward to coming the last five years. four-week break aimed at pol- missed opportunities to convert back next year.” Silver Al-Anabi driver Shawn ishing his game. birdies on Sunday that could have Thailand’s Kiradech Langdon advanced to the semi- The two Americans, who were wrapped up the tournament. Aphibarnrat and American Chris finals at the just-completed tied on 14-under-par after four Both golfers hit perfect tee Stroud finished a stroke back on Toyota NHRA Nationals, the rounds on Sunday, were forced shots but Moore upped the 13-under on Sunday to share fifth of six races that comprise the to wait overnight for the sud- pressure with his third shot, an third place. Countdown to the Championship den-death play-off after tourna- approach to about four feet of the The tournament attracted NHRA Playoffs and the 23rd of ment organisers ran out of time flag for a birdie chance. the biggest names in its history 24 races that make up America’s and daylight because of lightning Woodland’s chances effectively including Major winners Phil 2013 NHRA Mello Yello Drag delays. ended when his third missed the Mickelson, Keegan Bradley and Racing season. With his closest But Moore made short work of green. Ernie Els but only Bradley fin- World Championship competi- it with a birdie on the first hole Moore, 31, earns $1.26m, a ished in the top ten, taking 10th tors, Doug Kalitta and Spencer at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and guaranteed place in next year’s spot. Massey, losing in the first round Country Club, a par-five. US Masters and a two-year PGA Mickelson, the world number of eliminations, Langdon had a Moore said he used a four-week Tour exemption. three, finished tied for 19th at chance to clinch his first World break spanning September and The four-year-old tournament five-under. Two lengthy rain Championship today, and most of October “to work on my game”. was an official PGA Tour event delays -- an ever-present threat the people onsite expected him to “My coach and I looked at our for the first time. in tropical Malaysia -- halted do just that. He had been stellar (PGA Tour) stats, and worked It marks Moore’s third tour play for more than three hours all weekend making four dazzling on pretty much anything I was victory after wins at the 2009 on Sunday and appeared to break qualifying runs to blast to his sev- outside the top 100,” Moore said. Wyndham Championship and the stride of some late contend- enth No. 1 qualifier of the season “The wedge game was one of 2012 Shriners Hospitals for ers, leaving Moore and Woodland and the 13th of his career. those that had been a struggle Children Open. on top. Moore said golfing legend US golfer Ryan Moore poses with the trophy after winning the CIMB Asia In the first two rounds of elimi- for me. We spent the last month Woodland said it was a learning Gary Player sent him a congratu- Pacific Classic golf tournament in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, yesterday. nations, Langdon’s was by far the working on that and it turns out experience. latory tweet. AFP quickest and fastest car on the property. In the first round of eliminations, Langdon’s 3.761-sec- ond pass at 327.98 mph set track McIlroy edges out Woods in shoot-out records for both elapsed time and speed. In the second round, HAIKOU, China: World game looked to be heading in Both men wore microphones he wanted to win the match but Langdon made a similar, domi- number six Rory McIlroy pro- the right direction for the final as they played, but it appeared the friendly chit-chat and lack of nating run and seemed destined duced some dazzling golf on the weeks of the European Tour sea- Woods forgot that his every intensity, particularly from the to win the race and clinch the back nine to overcome a sniffling son WITH a second victory over word was being made public as renowned fighter Woods, was championship today, but as the Tiger Woods by one shot in their Woods following his one-shot suc- he was heard swearing on several obvious throughout the contest. day went on, the track tempera- lucrative ‘Match at Mission cess in the ‘Duel at Jinsha Lake’ occasions. The two were heard laughing ture increased making conditions Hills’ in China yesterday. last year. Twice he swore when describ- and joking and discussed golf club a bit more difficult. In the semifi- The double major-winning “He schooled me twice,” Woods ing a cold he has been suffering design, pollution in China and the nal match up with Clay Millican, Rory McIlroy of Northern Northern Irishman shot a six- said to much laughter after the from for the last week, while recent Presidents Cup in which Langdon was ahead when Ireland (right) reacts next to under-par 67 to beat the world friendly round, only for McIlroy television commentators were an America side featuring Woods the tires on the silver Al-Anabi Tiger Woods of the US during a number one’s 68 in the exhibition to swiftly interject and downplay forced to apologise when further once again beat the International dragster lost traction allowing 18-hole exhibition match at the match which, according to British the achievement. colourful language was uttered by team. Millican to win the round. Blackstone course of Mission media reports, earned both men “Well, I don’t know about that, the 14-times major winner on the “I enjoyed it. We didn’t play 2012 World Champion Antron Hills in Haikou, Hainan prov- in excess of $1.5m. I beat you by one shot twice,” the 17th hole. probably our best on the front Brown won the race and moved ince, yesterday. McIlroy has endured a dis- former US Open and US PGA McIlroy told the on-course nine but on the back nine we got into second place in points, but appointing winless year but his Champion smiled. interviewer during his round that it going,” Woods said. REUTERS he trails Langdon by 102 points entering the season’s final race. Langdon and the Qatar Al-Anabi Racing Top Fuel team will have to wait two weeks for Qatar Classic: Hogarty takes early lead another chance to wrap up the World Championship. DOHA: Tyler Hogarty shot a well. The greens are good and so “The Al-Anabi team did a great three-under 69 to seize the early Qatar Classic Scores is the layout,” said Hogarty. job preparing the car for this initiative in the MENA Golf Leading first round scores at Doha Golf Club On a bright sunny day when weekend in Las Vegas,” Langdon Tour’s Qatar Classic at Doha (par-72): 10 players broke par, England’s said. “We had a very strong car Golf Club yesterday. 69 Tyler Hogarty (South Africa) James Allan carded a one-under for qualifying and on race day, but Starting from the 10th tee, 70 Daniel Owen (England), Daniel Wardrop 71 to lead the amateur division, we happened to smoke the tires young Hogarty mixed six birdies, (England) and Lee Corfield (England) one ahead of Morocco’s Karim in the semifinals. We were just including three in a row from the 71 Stephen Dodd (Wales), Sergio Gutierrez El Hali and two of Switzerland’s trying to make a similar run to 16th, with three bogeys to surge S>nchez (Spain), Jonathan Fransson Michael Harradine. what we had been doing in the one shot clear of the English trio (Sweden), Hamza Amin (Pakistan), Tom “I really enjoyed playing on this earlier rounds, but the track just of Daniel Owen, Daniel Wardrop Boys (England), course,” said El Hali. “Except for warmed up a little bit and got us. and Lee Corfield. two three putts, I didn’t make any We still have a good lead heading 72 Yasin Ali (England), Tom Buchanan Stephen Dodd, winner of the major mistake. Hopefully, I can into the last race of the season so (Scotland), Fredrik Quicker (Sweden), last week’s Abu Dhabi Golf Citizen shoot a better round tomorrow,” we are excited to get to Pomona Younes El Hassani (Morocco), Ahmed- Open, headed the chasing pack on he added. The Moroccan duo of in two weeks to finish the season. Reda Rhazali (Morocco), Zane Scotland a 71 as England’s Zane Scotland, a Younes El Hassani and Ahmed- We are all very happy to be so (England) four-time winner on the tour this Reda Rhazali joined England’s close to winning the third World season, stayed in contention with Amateurs: Scotland and Yasin Ali in an Championship for Sheikh Khalid” a level-par 72. The day belonged 71 James Allan (England) eight-man group on level par to Gold Al-Anabi driver Khalid to Hogarty, who, at one stage, 73 Karim Al Hali (Morocco) spearhead the region’s challenge. alBalooshi was the No. 14 reached five under, but a bogey- 74 Michale Harradine (Switzerland). Elsewhere, UAE’s Ahmed Al qualifier at the Toyota NHRA bogey finish prevented him from Musharrekh settled for a five- Tyler Hogarty of South Africa in action during the Qatar Classic at Doha Nationals and faced seven-time consolidating the early lead. it was a solid day out there,” said over par 77 while Qatar’s leading Golf Club (DGC) yesterday. Hogarty shot a three-under 69 to seize the NHRA World Champion Tony “I am not too fussy about the the 21-year-old from amateur Saleh Al Kaabi carded a early initiative in the MENA Golf Tour’s Qatar Classic at DGC. Schumacher in the first round. finish. I think I played nicely and “The course is playing very 79. THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA

Action from Qatar Volleyball Association Federation Cup

A B C

A: A Eljaish player successfully spikes past a couple of Al Rayyan players during the Qatar Volleyball Association Federation Cup at Al Arabi Indoor Stadium in Doha, yesterday. B: A Police SC player hits a smash against Al Qiyada at Al Arabi Indoor Stadium. C: A lady official waves out to the referee during a match. The Federation Cup, a traditional lung-opener of the Qatar Volleyball Association’s activities for senior teams, has a record 12 teams taking part in it. The teams have been divided into two groups. Group A consists of Eljaish, Al Rayyan, Police, Al Gharafa, Al Qiyada and Al Wakra. Group B has Al Arabi, Al Ahli, Al Shamal, Al Sadd, Al Khor and Qatar SC. The final is scheduled on October 31. PICTURES BY: VP KAMMUTTY TUESDAY 29 OCTOBER 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 29

India postpones new league Wenger to tinker again for NEW DELHI: A new football tournament in India that was to feature former international stars of the game has been post- poned after opposition from domestic clubs, organisers said yesterday. Chelsea’s League Cup visit The franchise-based event by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and its commercial part- ners IMG-Reliance, which was Mourinho fumes over Arsenal fixture schedule; United face Norwich due to be held from January to March next year has now been LONDON: Arsenal, who suf- insists he has been left with “It’s not the plan because we pushed back until September. fered a humiliating League Cup no choice but to send out an have to respect also our fans. We “Keeping in view of various quarter-final defeat by fourth under-strength Chelsea team discussed that in the club. We key factors, including schedul- tier Bradford City last season, in Tuesday’s League Cup fourth have to protect our players,” he ing conflicts with the (national) will again rotate their squad round clash at Arsenal. said. I-League, it has been decided to when Chelsea visit the Emirates Mourinho is fuming that “We cannot put our players in launch the Indian Super League in the last-16 today. League Cup fixture planners two matches in the space of three on a permanent window of Manager Arsene Wenger has decided to schedule Chelsea’s trip days. Arsenal played Saturday at September to November start- used the competition in recent to the Emirates Stadium just 48 12:30, so two and a half days to ing from year 2014,” an official years to blood youngsters and hours after his side’s 2-1 win over rest and to prepare. So I hope statement said. field fringe players and did so Manchester City in the Premier they all enjoy.” The Kolkata-based Telegraph when a second-string side edged League. There are four other all-Pre- newspaper quoted unnamed out West Bromwich Albion in The Blues boss claims Arsenal mier League clashes. sources as saying that possible a penalty shootout in the third have been given an unfair advan- Manchester United, who came franchise owners had told the round. tage because they played at back from 2-1 down to beat Stoke AIFF that there was not enough “I will rotate against Chelsea Crystal Palace on Saturday lunch- City 3-2 on Saturday, should prove time to prepare for such a league. but play with a team that has a time, giving them extra time to too strong for struggling Norwich Former international stars good chance to qualify as well. recover before the London derby. City at Old Trafford today. such as Thierry Henry, Robert That will be the target,” Wenger Mourinho’s complaints ignore Tomorrow, Newcastle United Pires, Hernan Crespo, Fredrik told the club’s website (www.arse- the fact that Gunners manager entertain Manchester City and Ljungberg, Dwight Yorke and nal.com). Wenger routinely fields shadow Tottenham Hotspur host Hull Louis Saha were reported to have Arsenal have not won the tro- squads made up of fringe play- City again, three days after a 1-0 been lined up for the league. phy since 1993 when they beat ers and youngsters in the League league victory for the Londoners Squads for the eight yet unde- Sheffield Wednesday. They lost Cup, but that didn’t stop the at White Hart Lane. cided city teams were to comprise to Chelsea in the 2007 final and Portuguese coach letting rip when Southampton also travel to nine foreign and 13 Indian players to Birmingham City at the same asked if he would field a strong Sunderland on November 6. each. stage four years later. team for the last 16 tie. Championship leaders Burnley The made-for-television event, Adding spice to the tie is the “We are going to give the game will fancy their chances of caus- sold to Rupert Murdoch-owned Premier League positions of the that the people that put the game ing an upset when they host West Star TV network, had already run two clubs, with Arsenal two points on Tuesday want. If they want a Ham United today. into trouble over fierce opposition clear of their London rivals at the big game, we cannot give the big Burnley, who spent one season from India’s top clubs. top of the table. game,” Mourinho said. in the Premier League in 2009- The clubs declined to release Wenger’s team have a tough “If they want the players that 10, have won eight and drawn one their players for the tournament, sequence of games coming up that were playing today (Sunday), we of their last nine league games saying it would ruin the national will test their credentials as title cannot give them that. If they and manager Sean Dyche said I-League competition. contenders. want Arsenal to win a trophy, Saturday’s home victory over Last year a similar idea by Arsenal host third-placed that’s a help. promotion rivals Queens Park football officials in West Bengal Liverpool in the Premier League “If they want a big game Rangers was their best perform- state for a franchise-based league on Saturday and then, after between two big teams in London, ance so far. featuring other retired stars such travelling to Borussia Dortmund they should put the game on Two other second-tier sides as Crespo and Fabio Cannavaro in the Champions League, they Wednesday and not on Tuesday, welcome Premier League foundered. take on Manchester United at because I am not going to do that.” opposition. India, ranked a lowly 154th in Old Trafford. “You worry about Mourinho claimed that, out Surprise 2011 winners the world and 28th in Asia, has fatigue a little bit but not too of respect for Chelsea’s fans, he Birmingham, who stunned seen a surge in football’s popu- much. Sometimes when you play would stop short of sending out a Arsenal at Wembley with a late larity due to live television cov- every three days you look tired starting line-up made up entirely Obafemi Martins winner, enter- erage of matches played around Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger shouts from the sidelines during his and then in three days you are fly- of youth team players. tain Stoke while Leicester City, the globe. team’s English Premier League match against Crystal Palace at Selhurst ing again. It goes a bit in cycles,” But he has no intention of who won the trophy in 1997 and Star TV also beams English Park, London, on Saturday. Wenger said. putting his key stars under what 2000, take on Fulham. Premier League (EPL) matches Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho he believes is unfair duress. AGENCIES into the country. AFP Villas-Boas hits out at negative PSG stay unbeaten after Your TV guide for Spurs fans live matches today Event Competition Time Channel LONDON: Tottenham man- controversial 2-2 draw Morocco vs Ivory Coast FIFA World Cup U-17 15:30 1 ager Andre Villas-Boas has told fans to get behind his team and PARIS: Paris Saint-Germain were terrible defensive mistakes -- ironically against the same Uruguay vs Slovakia FIFA World Cup U-17 16:00 HD5 stop creating a negative atmos- were 60 seconds from their and we were punished. opposition. But the turning point Argentina vs Tunisia FIFA World Cup U-17 19:00 1 phere at White Hart Lane. first defeat of the season on “I thought we were average and occurred on 59 minutes when Nigeria vs Iran FIFA World Cup U-17 19:00 HD5 Spurs made hard work of a 1-0 Sunday night before a desperate Saint-Etienne fully deserved at Fabien Lemoine tangled with win over Hull City in the Premier equaliser from Blaise Matuidi least a point.” added the former Ezequiel Lavezzi who elbowed him Ajax vs ASWH Dutch Cup 20:45 HD2 League on Sunday with Roberto salvaged a 2-2 draw at Saint- France and Bordeaux handler. in the face leaving him covered Nantes vs Lorient French League Cup 21:45 +2 Soldado’s 80th-minute penalty all Etienne and kept them top of Midfielder Benjamin Corgnet in blood. Referee Ruddy Buquet that separated the sides. Ligue 1. opened the scoring after just 18 saw the incident differently and Espanyol vs Malaga La Liga 22:00 +4 Spaniard Soldado’s third goal In a match full of drama and minutes when he took advan- sent off the furious Frenchman Arsenal vs Chelsea English League Cup 22:00 HD6 from the spot and sixth of the controversy, Saint-Etienne threw tage of a missed clearance who may have been dismissed for Atalanta vs Inter Serie A 22:00 HD3 season moved Spurs into fourth away a 2-0 second half lead albeit from Brazilian centre-back dissent in the heat of the moment. in the table, but that didn’t stop hindered by a red card which Marquinhos to crash the ball The red card swung the Stenhousemuir vs Rangers Scottish League Cup 22:30 +3 Villas-Boas from criticising home allowed Laurent Blanc’s men back past a static Salvatore Sirigu in momentum in favour of Blanc’s Burnley vs West Ham English League Cup 22:45 +1 fans. in the match. the PSG goal. men and when Edinson Cavani “We played in a very difficult The point allowed PSG to cling The visitors failed to convert stabbed the ball home from close Celta Vigo vs Barcelona La Liga 23:30 HD2 atmosphere, very tense, very neg- to top spot as they lead Monaco their possession dominance as range after a good pass from ative and we looked like the away on goal difference after Claudio they chased an equaliser and fell Brazilian defender Maxwell, the team but we kept our cool,” said Ranieri’s side defeated Lyon 2-1 further behind in comical cir- comeback was half completed. Villas-Boas. earlier in the day. cumstances six minutes after the However stubborn defending Villa double helps “We had to dig deep within our- “It was a difficult evening for break. from Saint-Etienne and some selves because we weren’t getting Paris and an intense match but Sirigu came out of his goal to rousing support almost inspired help from anybody, the stadium I enjoyed myself regardless,” said collect a cross but tangled with Christophe Galtier’s League Cup reflected this atmosphere, very Blanc. his own defender Alex which holders to victory. Atletico to victory tense and without a lot of sup- “PSG have to understand that allowed Romain Hamouma to clip But with seconds remaining port until the first goal. we are going to come up against the ball into an empty goal. a looping ball into the penalty MADRID: David Villa ended goal, but his overall display. “I “I’m particularly happy with very good, organised teams and we It was the first time since last area from Matuidi eluded Saint- his seven-game scoring drought could see that the team needed the way the players fought hard were in a great stadium tonight. March that PSG had conceded Etienne ‘keeper Stephane Ruffier with a double as Atletico Madrid the characteristics that Oliver against that anxiety and kept “We gave them two goals which two goals in a league match and bounced into the net. AFP closed to within a point of has. their cool to take the three points. Barcelona at the top of La Liga “He was ready to play and “I’m extremely happy with the with a 5-0 win over Real Betis. he responded brilliantly today. crowd normally, fans for me rep- Eighteen-year-old sensation I expect a lot of him, but he is resent the essence of football. The Oliver Torres got the hosts off young and still learning.” away support has been immense,” the perfect start on his full league Costa ought to have scored Villas-Boas stressed. debut with the fastest goal this twice before half-time as he firstly “Sometimes at home it is dif- Paris Saint-Germain’s season after just 13 seconds. slotted wide when clean through ficult and it looks like it drags the Villa then made the game safe on goal and was then denied by Uruguayan forward ball in to our goal rather than our with a quickfire brace just after Betis keeper Guillermo Sara who Edinson Cavani opponents goal.” half-time. stood up well to turn his effort Villas-Boas stressed: “I don’t (centre) is con- La Liga’s top-scorer Diego behind for a corner. intend with this message to gratulated by his Costa took his tally to 13 goals in Sara had to be replaced by send them a warning, neither team-mates after 13 games in all competitions when Stephan Andersen at half-time do I intend to hurt their feelings scoring a goal during he slotted home from Villa’s pass due to an injury, but the Dane’s but this is something that is felt the French Ligue 1 25 minutes from time before Gabi first job was to pick the ball out within the group. match against Saint- rounded off the scoring in stop- of the net as Villa neatly flicked “You need that help. We are Etienne (ASSE) at the page time. home Costa’s cross at the near great believers in emotion and Geoffroy-Guichard Torres had been handed a post eight minutes after the motivation and that is always Stadium in Saint- start in place of the injured Arda restart. decisive when you play at home.” Etienne on Sunday Turan and the Spanish Under- And three minutes later Villa Hull manager Steve Bruce night. 21 international was in the right smashed home his fifth goal of the was even more frustrated, but it place at the right time as he slot- season after Koke’s pass towards seemed the former Manchester ted home at the back post from Torres deflected fortunately into United skipper only had referee Koke’s cut-back. his path. Michael Oliver to blame for deny- Atletico boss Diego Simeone “In the second-half we found ing his side what would have been was happy with the impact that Villa in the areas where he lives, a deserved point. AFP Torres made not only with his in the box,” Simeone added. AFP TUESDAY 29 OCTOBER 2013 SPORT 30 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Germany and Denmark keen to learn from 2015 Worlds in Doha Handball: The two European nations to co-host the Men’s 2019 World Championship

BY DENZIL PINTO experts to other countries so we can invite players, coaches and DOHA: Newly-announced other people to help them build co-hosts of the Men’s 2019 a handball nation. The other World Handball Championship aim is to know that handball is Germany and Denmark have a fantastic game and we have the vowed to learn from the Qatar infrastructure and facilities to do Per Bertelsen, 2015 edition when the two this and show the world what a Danish Handball European nations stage the wonderful sport handball is. Federation event in six years time, top offi- Question: A lot of nations President (sev- cials said yesterday. pulled out of the race to host enth right), Shortly after Germany and this Championship. Do you Bernhard Bauer Denmark won the right to host think this boosted your chances President of the high-profile event after beat- of hosting the event? ing rivals Poland and a joint-bid Answer: Bauer: We had two the German from Hungary and Slovakia, strong countries to compete Handball Bernhard Bauer, President of against. We did a lot of hard work Federation (fifth German Handball Federation and had to work hard to impress left) along with said: “We will look at different the members of the IHF Council. the Denmark and countries. We will look at coun- Our duty was to show handball is Germany 2019 tries like Qatar, who will be host- a fun sport not only to the spec- delegation mem- ing the Championship in 2015, to tators but also to the television bers pose for a see what they do. We want to companies and media worldwide. picture at Ritz- work together with Qatar and can We have to thank our competitors Carlton Hotel learn a lot from them and other because it is of them the reason in Doha yester- countries, who have been hosts of why we did the hard work. day. BELOW: the world championships.” Question: What do you think Bauer (left) and His colleague Per Bertelsen, stood out in the Germany/ Bertelsen pose President of Danish Handball Denmark bid that impressed for a picture with Federation said: “I think we can the IHF members? their certificates. learn from everybody from like Answer: Bauer: It is difficult Qatar and Argentina. If you have to say but I think we had a very the will to do it, you can achieve good concept to develop handball it I’m sure.” and we have shown that during Bertelsen and Bauer both agree our presentations of the hand- the two handball mad nations ball facilities in Germany and want to develop the sport world- Denmark. We don’t know what wide with the opportunity to the main reason was to give us teach the sport to young children the opportunity to organise the do it, you can achieve it I’m sure. at schools. World Championship in 2019 but Question: How difficult will Bauer said: “There are a lot of we are happy. it be to ensure that the 2019 “Now we young people playing handball in Bertelsen: I think it is also Championship will be a success. our part of the world (Europe). important to know that we will Answer: Bauer: I think it is are coming We will bring in children into be organising this Championship a big challenge to bring hand- the sport through other ways. It together. Normally nations ball forward. One way to bring together to is important for us to develop, not would go alone on hosting a handball forward is to organise just by us in northern Europe but Championship. Now we will be the World Championship. We all over the world. Our experts able to exchange ideas and work have the will to organise a very share this will travel the world to develop together. I think it is a new way good Championship with the small kids.” to do it. It is the first time in the countries who have been hosts of with the Excerpts from a detailed chat men’s handball Championship World Championships, like Qatar Bertelsen and Bauer had with The that big handball nations will in 2015 and France in 2017. We entire world Peninsula at the Ritz-Carlton in work together. We will exchange can develop the sport very well. Doha. hands (shakes hands with Bauer We have learnt from the hos- Question: How does it feel to with a smile) together, but we pitality here in Qatar that the of handball win the race to host the 2019 will also exchange hands with IHF Congress was wonderful. World Handball Championship? other countries, and I think this Qatar were very good hosts for and to further Answer: Bauer: I am very is the new way to bring handball all nations in the world. proud and impressed that forward. Question: Do you think this expand our the hosts of the International Question: Will you learn winning bid will bring in more Handball Federation (IHF) 2019 from previous countries that people (of the two nations and World Handball Championship have hosted or will host the worldwide) into the sport? sport, bringing will be Germany and Denmark. Championship? Answer: Bertelsen: For sure It is a very good thing for our two Answer: Bauer: For me, I have yes. I hope we can be part of this. it to the handball nations. learnt from countries of many There are a lot of young people Bertelsen: We had to fight things. We don’t know everything. playing handball in our part of the forefront of hard to host this Championship. I We are interested in learning world (Europe). We will bring in think this time we had a very very from other countries not only in children into the sport through strong bid and I am very glad we handball but in organisations for other ways. It is important for us Facts of the 2019 tournament international won this bid. I am very glad that example that offers good hospital- to develop, not just by us in north- we can work together not just for ity. So we will look at different ern Europe but all over the world. % Currently all preliminary pools will be held in Germany and sport.” the two countries but what we countries. We will look at coun- Our experts will travel the world Denmark. The semi-finals will be held in Germany and the can do to the sport around the tries like Qatar, who will be host- to develop small kids. finals and the President’s Cup in Denmark. whole world. ing the Championship in 2015 to Bauer: Handball is a fantastic Per Bertelsen, Question: With this winning see what they do. We want to work sport and we want kids to be % Denmark and Germany will also host a World Handball Forum President of the bid, what will Denmark and together with Qatar and we can interested in playing the sport. at the following World Championship - Women’s in 2015 in Germany now do to promote learn a lot from them and other So in schools or kindergardens Denmark, Women’s in 2017 in Germany and the Men’s World Danish Handball the sport? countries who have been hosts of we want to build co-operations Championship in 2019. The large-scaled World Handball Forum Answer: Bauer: We have two the World Championships. and relationships so that we can will be an international convention for handball meetings, dis- Federation aims. Firstly, I think we have the Bertelsen: I think we can learn invest in the sport and attract cussions between handball and business partners. big aim to develop the sport out- from everybody from Qatar to the future young stars to the right. This means we can send our Argentina. If you have the will to sport. THE PENINSULA “We want Men’s World Japan to host Championship to inspire Hosts Women’s 2019 especially 1938 Germany 1954 Sweden Worlds event 1958 East Germany the younger 1961 West Germany DOHA: Japan will host 1964 Czechoslovakia the Women’s World generations 1967 Sweden Championship in 2019, it was announced yesterday in Doha. 1970 France The Council of the and to 1974 East Germany International Handball 1978 Denmark Federation (IHF) decided create a new 1982 West Germany in their meeting after the 1986 Switzerland Congress that the application euphoria 1990 Czechoslovakia from the Kumamoto region will 1993 Sweden be entrusted the organisation of 1995 Iceland the World Championship. for handball 1997 Japan Additionally the Japanese 1999 Egpyt Organising Committee will among people 2001 France have a venue in Tokyo in 2003 Portugal order prepare for the Olympic of all ages.” Games 2020 in Tokyo, which 2005 Tunisia LEFT: Paul Drux (right) of Germany, who won bronze medal the Japanese country won in 2007 Germany in the Under-19 World Championship in Hungary earlier this September. Bernhard Bauer, 2009 Croatia year and Niclas Kirkeløkke of Denmark, who won the tourna- Kumamoto has had a lot of 2011 Sweden ment and named as an All Star Team player pose for a picture. experience with handball tour- President of the 2013 Spain ABOVE: Bauer (left) and Bertelsen is seen with former Danish naments. In 1997 Kumamoto 2015 Qatar player Morten Stig Christiensen. The 2019 World Championship hosted the Men’s World German Handball 2017 France will be the first men’s event to be co-hosted by two countries. Championship. AGENCIES 2019 Denmark/Germany Federation TUESDAY 29 OCTOBER 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 31 Broad stands his ground on decision not to walk Bowler says England would’ve lost first Test at Trent Bridge

SYDNEY: England’s Stuart and something that got blown so Broad (pictured) has defended out of proportion maybe because his decision not to walk in the the Australians were frustrated most controversial incident of they had wasted two referrals,” the first Ashes series this year, Broad said. Switzerland’s Roger Federer attends a training session at the ninth and suggesting the huge row blew up “It was an important moment final ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournament at the Bercy Palais- because Australia had “wasted” in the game because, let’s be hon- Omnisport (POPB) in Paris, yesterday. their two referrals. est, if Belly and I hadn’t put on In the first Test at Trent Bridge, those runs, we wouldn’t have the fast bowler edged a ball from won the Test match so we would spinner Ashton Agar only have won 3-1 or to Michael Clarke at something.” first slip but did not As it was, England Serena predicts walk after umpire won the series 3-0. Aleem Dar gave him Australia coach not out. Darren Lehmann Australia had was handed a fine already used up all by the International even better Bangladesh cricketer Nasir Hossain (left) uses the Bangladesh Cricket their reviews dur- Cricket Council after Board photographer’s camera during a training session at the Sher-e ing England’s second he accused Broad of Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka yesterday ahead of the first ODI innings in the opening “blatant cheating”. match against New Zealand today. BELOW: Ross Taylor stretches dur- Test so were unable to Lehmann later ing a training session. challenge the decision. apologised to Broad years to come Broad later admitted for the verbal attack, hitting the ball. which came in a radio ISTANBUL: Serena Williams “I am excited to win the WTA “My first comment interview. Kiwis to seek believes her best years may still Championships, but I would say on that whole incident “Ryan Harris came be ahead of her after she ended (this season is) only top three. is I could name you over to me and apolo- 2013 in record-breaking style on “I am not going to say that this 18 or 19 players who played in an gised,” Broad added. “First of all revenge in Sunday. is the best. I think some years I Ashes series who nicked it and he said from the players we have The 32-year-old American can do better and next year, I didn’t walk,” Broad told the BBC given him (Lehmann) a hard successfully defended her WTA hope -- I look forward to it.” in an interview. time and his comments were Bangladesh Championships title, beating Li Williams, who will turn 33 next “We could be here all day if I unacceptable. Na, 2-6, 6-3, 6-0, to finish 2013 September, did agree, however, named players from the past. I am “The he (Lehmann) came ODI series with a 78th victory against just that she might reduce the number trying to think of someone in the across and said: ‘I meant it in jest’ four losses, and 11th title of the of tournaments on her schedule in modern game who is consistently and I said, ‘in black and white it year. 2014 after playing more than 80 a walker.” doesn’t look like jest to me’. DHAKA: New Zealand will be Williams finished the campaign matches this year. Broad rode his luck to make “He said something along the seeking to avenge a humiliating with prize money of $12,385,572, “I think 15 is a bare minimum.... 65 and added 138 runs in a sev- lines of, ‘listen to the interview’ loss to Bangladesh three years shattering the all-time women’s definitely not more, maybe one or enth-wicket stand with Ian Bell, and I said, ‘I have far better ago when the one-day interna- record set last year by Victoria two fewer, maybe 13 or 14.” which proved crucial for the things to do with my time’, and tional series against the hosts Azarenka, who won $7,923,920. Williams had needed three hosts as they went on the win that was about it. starts in Dhaka today. It’s also the third-highest single sets to beat Jelena Jankovic in a the Nottingham Test by 14 runs “We shared a nice beer and I New Zealand were stunned in season prize money total in ten- draining semi-final on Saturday to take a 1-0 lead in the series. said, ‘see you in November’.” 2010 when they went down 4-0 to nis history, men’s and women’s -- and was in trouble on Sunday at Captain Clarke and his team- Broad is expected to come a young Bangladeshi side, a drub- only Novak Djokovic’s 2011 and a set down and 3-3 in the second mates were left shaking their under heavy fire from the fans bing that sparked repercussions 2012 totals are higher. before she reeled off nine games heads in disbelief at the decision Down Under when the return back home with several team offi- She is the fourth player ever in succession against her 31-year- which sparked a huge debate on Ashes series starts with the first cials forced to quit. to win four or more titles at the old Chinese opponent. Twitter about the spirit of cricket. test at Brisbane from November New Zealand captain Brendon season-ending event and the old- “I’ve just had a really long year, “It’s a really interesting debate 21. REUTERS McCullum insisted yesterday that est champion. and I’m just really excited, hon- the current side has learnt the Williams is also the first player estly. I really didn’t expect to get lessons from that defeat. to win 11 WTA titles in a season through this match today,” admit- “We certainly haven’t forgotten since 1997 when Martina Hingis ted the American. Misbah hopes conditions it, 4-0 was a very one-sided con- won 12. Asked how she had managed test which Bangladesh thoroughly Worryingly for her flagging to refuel after her exhausting deserved to win,” McCullum said rivals, she now boasts a record of near-disaster against Jankovic, ahead of the first ODI. winning 32 of her last 34 matches Williams said: “My mum said give edge over South Africa “We played some bad shots, we against top five players. maybe to get out of my room and weren’t prepared for the series Furthermore, Sunday’s tri- have dinner. SHARJAH, United Arab Pakistan will be boosted and we have tried to plan against umph may just persuade Williams “I didn’t do treatment and that Clarke poised Emirates: Pakistan skipper by the return of all-rounders that by having guys prepare a lot that adding to her 17 Grand Slam got my mind off tennis altogether Misbah-ul Haq (pictured) is Mohammad Hafeez and Shahid better. titles during 2014 is certainly pos- and I think it helped.” hoping his side can bounce back Afridi, in addition to opener Nazir “From our point of view we sible, and that winning another As for Li Na, Williams said she for comeback from their crushing second Test Jamshed, Umar Akmal and pace- want to carve out our own per- six, to overhaul Steffi Graf, might felt some empathy. defeat when the five-match one- man Wahab Riaz. formances, and it would be great eventually come within reach too. “Li is older and adding some with NSW day series with South Africa The Pakistanis won their last for us to turn the tables from But Williams declined to say things to her game,” she said. starts in Sharjah two one-day series, what happened the last time,” he whether or not 2013 was her best The Anerican added: “And SYDNEY: Australian cap- tomorrow. against Zimbabwe said. year. I definitely want to do the tain Michael Clarke is in line With what he calls and the West Indies, New Zealand were frustrated “I live to win Slams,” she said. same.” AFP to make his comeback from favourable condi- while South African in the just finished Test series, injury to lead New South tions in the United went down tamely in with both matches against the Wales in their Sheffield Shield Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka 4-1. hosts in Chittagong and Dhaka Men’s Rankings Tsonga takes match against Tasmania Misbah is aiming to But despite that ending in a draw. Top-10 standings from the this week, team officials said put the Dubai defeat defeat Misbah reck- But McCullum said he was ATP Tour singles Escude and yesterday. by an innings and ons South Africa more confident of his side’s Clarke’s availability for 92 runs behind him are difficult one-day chances in the one-dayers, point- 1 (1) Rafa Nadal(Spain) 11670 Ascione as tomorrow’s game will be sub- and hopes Pakistan opponents. ing to the experience and success (points) ject to a fitness review over can exploit the “They are a of the players in the shorter game. 2 (2) Novak Djokovic(Serbia) a back problem, a spokesman conditions. good decent side, “We have got more experience 11120 coaches said. “We have been they have play- in the one-day side,” he told a 3 (3) David Ferrer(Spain) 6600 NSW coach Trevor Bayliss really playing well ers who can really press conference in Dhaka. PARIS: French number one 4 (4) Andy Murray(Britain) is confident Clarke will have in one-day cricket in turn the matches “I think, now the Test team Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has chosen 6280 no problems passing the test the last three-four around, dangerous we are developing as a Test team compatriots Nicolas Escude to lead the state side that con- years, everybody side so you really we are nowhere near the finished 5 (5) Juan Martin Del and Thierry Ascione as his new tain Test players David Warner, knows what they are need to be on your product. I think the one-day team Potro(Argentina) 5365 joint coaches, replacing Roger Nathan Lyon and Steve Smith. going to get against toes while playing is pretty set in how we play.” 6 (6) Roger Rasheed. “We have a practice tomor- South Africa and against them,” said “We have had more success in Federer(Switzerland) 4245 “The fact that they are two is row and it will be up to Michael these conditions are Misbah, referring the one-day game of late, we prob- 7 (7) Tomas Berdych(Czech an advantage as it means I can to make the final decision, but always in favour of Pakistan so we to the 3-2 home series defeat the ably feel a lot more confident in Republic) 4180 get different perspectives on my it sounds like everything is are looking forward to playing a South Africans handed Pakistan the one-day format at this point 8 (8) Stanislas game,” said Tsonga ahead of the pretty good to go,” Bayliss told good series,” said Misbah. in March. of time.” Wawrinka(Switzerland) 3240 Paris Masters tournament, which Australian Associated Press. But he warned against com- Misbah said Pakistan would not Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur started yesterday. “I think he’ll be thinking placency as South Africa will be be relying only on a spin sttack, Rahim was drawing inspiration 9 (9) Jo-Wilfried “They have already proven about playing and it must be without spearhead bowler Dale led by Saeed Ajmal and backed from the Test series, which they Tsonga(France) 3235 themselves as far as I am con- pretty good if he’s been made Steyn, who is being rested, and by Abdur Rehman, Afridi and dominated in phases, while also 10 (10) Richard cerned. Thierry has worked very available for selection. Hashim Amla, who returned Hafeez. remembering their stunning suc- Gasquet(France) 3130 well with all the players he has “We weren’t really sure when home as his wife has given birth, “South African are a very good cess three years ago. had in the last few years and he was going to come back and for the first two one-day games. side, they play spin really well, so “If you see the overall results, Women’s Rankings helped them progress. I am think- waiting on Cricket Australia “I always feel that after such overall, your bowling attack has we have earned a lot of positive ing of Nicolas Mahut and Kristina and Michael to let us know.” news the team gets complacent to perform,” the Pakistan captain things in terms of individual per- 1 (1) Serena Williams(US) Mladenovic. He was ruled out of so if Amla does not play or Steyn said. formances and the team as well,” 13260 (points) “Nicolas has less experience Australia’s one-day tour doesn’t play it doesn’t make a dif- “I think the batsmen will have Mushfiqur said. 2 (2) Victoria as a coach but he was Fed Cup of India this month with a ference, South Africa is one of the to raise their game because bat- “So from this side, everyone is Azarenka(Belarus) 8046 captain and that is a big plus. In longstanding back problem, good teams in the world and have ting has been our problem in the confident. The last time we played 3 (5) Li Na(China) 6045 any case it is not so much what and feared he could miss the very strong replacements,” said recent past,” said Misbah, who is against them we won 4-0 in the he has done as a coach that mat- 4 (3) Maria Sharapova(Russia) first Test against England on Misbah. the leading run-scorer in one-day ODIs, so we have good memories, ters - more what he achieved as 5891 November 21. Steyn will also miss the second cricket this year with 961 from 21 although that is three to four a player.” But after intensive treat- one-dayer, in Dubai on November matches. years ago. 5 (4) Agnieszka Escude was France’s Fed Cup ment for a degenerative disc 1, but is likely to return for the South African coach Russell “I think in our own ground we Radwanska(Poland) 5875 captain from 2008 to 2022 and as condition, which has been an third match in Abu Dhabi on Domingo hoped his team take are a strong side in ODIs. If we 6 (6) Petra Kvitova(Czech a player he won the Davis Cup issue since he was a teenager, November 6. the momentum of the second Test can play up to our potential in all Republic) 4775 with France in 2001, defeat- the prognosis is good. The fourth match will also win into the one-day series. the three departments then we 7 (7) Sara Errani(Italy) 4435 ing Australia in the final in “Michael is progressing well be played in Abu Dhabi, on “I think the second Test win will do well,” he said. 8 (8) Jelena Jankovic(Serbia) Melbourne. and recently recommenced November 8, before the series will help us in our confidence in Bangladesh suffered an injury 4170 Ranked ninth in the world, batting in the nets,” Australian ends in Sharjah on November 11. a way although it is a completely blow in the lead up with pace Tsonga parted company with team physiotherapist Alex The two teams will also play different format but we will take bowler Shafiul Islam ruled 9 (9) Angelique Rasheed in August, having been Kountouris said. AFP two Twenty20 internationals in a little bit of confidence,” said out to be replaced by Al Amin Kerber(Germany) 3965 with Lleyton Hewitt’s former Dubai on November 13 and 15. Domingo. AFP Hossain. AFP 10 (10) Caroline Wozniacki(D coach since October 2012. AFP Tuesday 29 October 2013 24 Dhul-Hijja 1434 Volume 18 Number 5867 Sport Price: QR2

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www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Federer Hughes slams Australia’s does not care about number one Ashes series preparations spot: Nadal PARIS: Been there, done that. Former Test paceman predicts the hosts will ‘struggle’ against England Roger Federer does not need to be world number one anymore and he might well be a top con- SYDNEY: Former Test pace- preparation that is. I am just tender at next year’s Australian man Merv Hughes (pictured) dumbfounded with England Open, his chief rival Rafa Nadal says he is dumbfounded by being in town and preparing for said. Australia’s Ashes build-up and an Ashes that starts in about a Federer’s decline has been well has given his countrymen little month’s time and Australia has documented since 2011, the year hope of beating England in the got a team playing in India, play- he failed to win a Grand Slam series starting next month. ing in subcontinent conditions for the first time since 2003. Hughes, a one-time selector, preparing for the Ashes. He suffered yet another below said he was incredulous that “So who’s going to be better par performance this season, at Australia were playing in a one- prepared come the first Test best reaching the last four at the day series in India while England match? England appears to be Australian Open -- the first time were in Perth preparing for the doing everything right at the he has not made it to a major final Tests. moment.” since 2002. The 17-man Hughes said he was The Swiss, however, has a England squad arrived not optimistic about record 17 Grand Slam titles to his in the early hours of Australia’s chances name and has spent 302 weeks at Friday and trained in the five-Test the top of the ATP rankings. on Saturday ahead series, which starts He does remain a formidable of their tour opener at Brisbane’s Gabba opponent, according to current against Western ground on November world number one Nadal. Australia starting on 21. “I don’t have any doubt that he Thursday. “Our best chance will be playing better than what The former Test of winning the Ashes he did this year,” the Spaniard firebrand tipped is in England in two told a news conference at the Australia to lose years’ time,” he said. Paris Masters, where the two an historic fourth “I think we’re going could clash in the final. straight Ashes series to struggle because “No doubt about that. His tal- and declared that any England have a well- ent allows him to keep being one success against the settled side. They’ve of the favourites, to keep winning experienced England outfit was got an experienced side. England Ashes Test cricketers prepare to bat in the nets during a training session at the WACA Ground in Perth the best tournaments of the year. at least two years away. “They’ve got world-class play- on Sunday. England get their Ashes tour under way against a Western Australia side in Perth on Thursday ahead “So talking about if he’s able “I think they are really well ers and, when we’re still trying of the first Test against Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane on November 21. to be back or try to be back in placed,” Hughes said on Fairfax to find a formula for Australia to the No. 1 (spot), I think it’s not radio when asked about England, win, I think we’re going to have his goal, because at the end he who won the Ashes 3-0 on home to win all the tosses and play very The last fixture in the seven- of the domestic Sheffield Shield most of their long lead-in to already has been there. He has soil in July and August. good cricket.” match series is on November 2, competition this week. the Ashes, flying out two left- been in the top positions of the “I mean, they could be in India Australia, leading 2-1 in the meaning the likes of Test hopefuls It means selectors have only armers Tymal Mills and Harry ranking for a long time.” doing seven one-day games pre- one-day series in India, have had George Bailey, Phil Hughes, Adam limited chances to see players in Gurney to mimic the bowling of Federer, who lost the Basel paring for the Ashes like the their past two matches abandoned Voges and Mitchell Johnson will action before the Brisbane Test. Johnson and Mitchell final to Juan Martin del Potro Australians are -- what a great because of rain. not be available for the first round England are making the Starc. AFP on Sunday, will be seeded fifth in Paris as he looks to secure a spot in next month’s ATP World Tour Finals. Is the Swiss worried at the UEFA boss Platini prospect of missing out on the year-end tournament? All signs calls for 40-team Vettel can challenge Schumacher point to no, said Nadal. “At the end, what really makes you happy is to go on court with World Cup the feeling you can win the tour- PARIS: UEFA chief Michel nament. That’s probably the only Platini has said he is in favour records, says Red Bull team boss thing that maybe worries him,” of increasing the number he said, hinting Federer probably of teams taking part in the NEW DELHI: Sebastian Newey, who has won titles with overtake. I think a lot of people has plans for 2014. World Cup finals from the Vettel has the talent to sur- three different teams (Williams, felt that if he didn’t start from “His goal probably will be fin- current 32 to 40. pass Michael Schumacher’s McLaren and Red Bull) in his pole and control the race from the ish the year well and be ready to The Frenchman has been record of seven Formula One stellar career and worked with front, then he was not so good. start well in Australia next year. behind several innovative ideas titles after becoming the sport’s greats like four times champion “I think you really can’t make If that happens, he will be one of since taking over at the helm of youngest quadruple champion, Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna, those criticisms any more. It’s dif- the candidates to win the first European football’s governin”g according to Red Bull team had no doubt that Vettel was up ficult to see a chink in his armour grand slam of the season. That’s body in 2007, notably in encour- boss Christian Horner. there with them. really. He learns all the time.” something that really motivates aging the sport’s global growth. Vettel, still only 26, chalked up Numbers alone, he said, mat- Schumacher was able to mould him.” “I am in favour of there being his 36th career win in 117 races tered less than the manner of his Ferrari team around him as Federer, this year, has dropped more teams from Africa, Asia, at the Indian Grand Prix on achieving that success. While the clear number one and he out of the top four for the first Oceania and North America Sunday to seal his fourth succes- reluctant to make comparisons, reaped the benefits of that. time since 2003. playing in the World Cup,” he sive crown. he highlighted the qualities found Even then, the German’s deci- “But I am sure that he’s not fin- said. “His win record is quite incred- in all the greats. sion to leave Benetton for Ferrari ished. He will work hard in the “So why not move from 32 ible,” Horner told reporters when “The great drivers that I have in 1995 after winning two titles off-season to be ready for 2014. I teams to 40?. That would give asked whether Schumacher’s been lucky enough to work with, meant he had to wait another five am sure he will be back playing us eight groups of five. And astonishing records, which many the thing they do all share in years before becoming champion great tennis again,” said Nadal. going by our research, it would people thought would last down common is that they have that again. REUTERS only add three days to the the generations when he left ability to drive and process at the Vettel, who is well aware of his World Cup schedule.” Ferrari in 2006, looked vulnerable. same time,” he observed. place in Formula One history, Paris Masters Platini’s views came just two Schumacher won 91 races, with Like the others, Vettel learned could be tempted to do likewise days after FIFA chief Sepp Benetton and Ferrari, from 307 from his mistakes. He had com- one day but his Red Bull bosses Results Blatter said he was in favour starts. plete recall when he got out of the were confident that remained a Results from the Paris Masters of increasing the number of “There’s so many things in car and continued to analyse and long way off. Men’s Singles Round 1 matches World Cup finalists. this sport that determine that. learn from what had happened “It’s all about the team isn’t it? yesterday. “We need to ensure that It depends on being in the right during the race. You need a great team and great Philipp Kohlschreiber the African and Asian federa- machinery as well, but from a skill “You see it with Sebastian drivers,” Horner said. (Germany) bt Andreas Seppi tions get what they deserve. point of view there’s absolutely no all the time. I always have the “He is now by rights one of the (Italy) 6-3, 3-6, 6-4; Fernando The Europeans and South reason why not,” Horner added. impression that every time he all-time greats. He joins a very Verdasco (Spain) bt Ernests Gulbis (Latvia) 7-6(3), 7-6(5); Americans between them have Vettel led from pole position gets in the car, he gets in with a select few but it needs everything Marin Cilic (Croatia) bt Igor the majority of places at the on Sunday, winning in India for bit more knowledge than he got to work in harmony. Above: Sijsling (Netherlands) 5-7, 6-1, World Cup although they have the third year in a row, and both out last time,” said Newey. “You can have the best Red Bull F1 6-4; Feliciano Lopez (Spain) fewer member federations than Horner and Red Bull design “His driving has gone from very driver in the world or the best champion bt Bernard Tomic (Australia) Africa and Asia,” Blatter said. genius Adrian Newey said the talented but slightly raw at times designer in the world, but if you Sebastian 6-4, 6-7(4), 7-6(1); Robin Haase (Netherlands) bt Denis Istomin “It is not normal that Africa German was still improving. to incredibly well-rounded now. don’t have the right team and Vettel. has just five places.” “I think Sebastian has grown You could occasionally in 2009 work as a team it will never (Uzbekistan) 7-6(8), 6-3; RIGHT: Red Santiago Giraldo (Colombia) The next World Cup will this year. The way he’s driven, the and 2010 criticise him for making work.” Bull chief bt Adrian Mannarino (France) take place in Brazil next level at which he’s delivered, it’s slightly ill-judged moves and hav- Vettel has been part of the Red Christian 6-3, 2-6, 6-4; Lukas Rosol (Czech year. AFP been his best ever year. He’s raised ing accidents. You could criticise Bull programme since his early Republic) bt Jeremy Chardy Horner the bar continually,” Horner said. him possibly for not being able to teens. REUTERS (France) 6-3, 6-4