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Tuesday 5 February 2013 24 Rabial I 1434 - Volume 17 Number 5601 Price: QR2

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PM at GIS conference At least 22 workers killed in UAE crash Unofficial DUBAI: At least 22 people were killed when a truck laden with gravel collided with a bus car- rying 46 Asian migrant work- ers in the oasis town of Al-Ain remittances in the United Arab Emirates, police said yesterday. The truck driver lost control of his vehicle, causing it to land on top of the bus and trap its pas- sengers under the cargo of gravel, on the rise police said of Sunday’s incident. Twenty-four people were injured, at least five critically, Runaway workers use the system officials from two hospitals in Al-Ain said. The police did not DOHA: Runaway and low- well as low-income workers whose disclose the nationalities of the income workers who do not ID cards have expired and could dead, but Dubai-based Gulf News have identity (ID) cards because not be renewed, or those who come daily reported they were mostly their residency permits are not from countries where the dollar from Bangladesh. renewed, and expatriates from sells on a premium on the black The per capita death toll on countries facing economic and market due to economic and cur- UAE roads is among the highest currency crises are using unof- rency crises. in the world, according to World ficial remittance channels to Naturally, the foreign exchange Health Organisation data. transfer money home. black marketers offer attractive These shady and illegal money rates for almost any currency transfer businesses are run by (mostly African and Asian) and Global football expatriates, most of whom are that is another reason why many suspected to be local traders who low-income workers who could betting scam might be buying goods from a even use the official remittance THE HAGUE: nearby regional trading hub and channels rely on them. And The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani is briefed by an Hundreds of exporting to their business agents money reaches the beneficiary in official at the Second World Conference of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Doha, yesterday. Earlier, football matches have been fixed in their home countries. a matter of minutes. All one must the Prime Minister opened the three-day event at the Qatar National Convention Centre. (IBRAHIM R O) in a global betting scam run The illegal money transfer do is provide the contact number See also page 3 from Singapore, police said yes- businesses are run here purely of the beneficiary in a country terday, in a blow to the image on mutual trust and by opera- concerned and the latter can get of the world’s most popular tors who cater only to people from the cash in no time, the daily said. sport and a multi-billion dollar their own nationalities. “It’s a fool-proof remittance industry. Bankers and foreign exchange system and although illegal and New food law in the offing About 680 suspicious officials say they are aware of undesirable, it is thriving here,” matches including qualify- such shady remittance operations the daily said. Some operators in DOHA: With a high preva- The purpose of the law is to pro- Al Anoud said the proposed law ing games for the World Cup going on here but have no idea of the shady businesses are trad- lence of obesity, diabetes and tect Qatari society from food that will organise all aspects of healthy and European Championships, their extent, or cannot even esti- ers and they pool in the money other lifestyle diseases, Qatar can lead to diseases like cancer food and impose restrictions on and the Champions League for mate the volume of money being thus collected for remittance is working on a “food law” that and diabetes,” Dr Sheikha Al the import of certain types of food top European club sides, have routed overseas illegally. to buy goods for export to their may impose restrictions on the Anoud Al Thani, director of the containing high percentage of fat been identified in an inquiry Juma Al Medadi, from Al Dar home countries where either import and sale of certain types Health Promotion and Non com- and sugar. by European police forces, the Exchange, told local Arabic daily their agents or relatives run of food that increases the risk of municable diseases section at The proposed law will sup- European anti-crime agency Al Arab yesterday: “We have been businesses and sell these goods. developing such diseases. SCH told the Qatar News Agency plement an ongoing project of Europol, and national prosecutors. hearing more of such shady oper- According to Qatar Central A senior official of the Supreme yesterday. the SCH to issue guidelines on “This is a sad day for European ations recently. This is having a Bank (QCB) figures, an incred- Council of Health ( SCH) hinted She was speaking on the side- healthy food for use of the public. football,” said Rob Wainwright, disastrous effect on our national ible QR47.5bn ($13bn) was routed yesterday that the proposed law lines of an event held at the SCH Al Anoud said that the guidelines director of Europol. economy”. The money transferred overseas in 2011 with India top- will also specify the permitted premises yesterday to mark the will be ready by February next “This is now an integrity issue abroad through unofficial channels ping the list of 10 largest recipi- levels of colours, preservatives World Cancer Day. year. The SCH recently held a for football. Those responsible for is not accounted for in the GDP ent countries. Experts, however, and other ingredients in several The announcement assumes workshop involving international running the games should hear estimates. This is a parallel and declined to speculate as to how food items. importance in the context of experts in heath and nutrition as the warnings.” disastrous remittance route, he much money should be flowing “The government will soon recent calls by the Central part of this project. The project The world’s most popular said. The daily said most of those out of the country through the issue a food law that will spec- Municipal Council (CMC) to force is being implemented with the sport, soccer is played on every using the unofficial remittance unofficial remittance channels. ify the types of healthy food and eateries to mention the calories in support of the World Health continent. channels are runaway workers as THE PENINSULA those that cause health hazards. their menu cards. Organisation. THE PENINSULA Full report on page 28

Egypt funeral Syria opposition chief seeks talks Courts last option in marital rows with Assad’s deputy DOHA: Considering an increas- be resolved amicably is a case to employees of the Center are ing number of marital and fam- be referred back to the court to interested in solving the cases DAMASCUS: Syria’s oppo- ily disputes in the country, an begin trial. referred by the court compared sition chief urged President apex judicial body has ruled that A record 3,000 court cases of to those submitted directly to the Bashar Al Assad yesterday to the court should open trial in marital disputes were referred Center because they believe such respond positively to a call for a case only after state family for rapprochement to the Family cases referred by the courts are dialogue and to delegate his counselors have failed to resolve Counseling Centre (FCC) last more challenging for settlements, deputy to end 22 months of it amicably. year which was successful in Said Al Bariki. warfare that has cost tens of In other words, it is under- resolving 47 percent of them. FCC signed an agreement with thousands of lives. stood that all marital and family Head of the Family Reforms the Supreme Judicial Council to “The ball is now in the regime’s disputes are to be first referred Section at the FCC, Dr Hasan refer the family disputes without court. They will either say yes or by the courts to state-backed bin Salem Al Bariki, told Al opening the trials, if FCC failed no,” Ahmed Moaz Al Khatib told Family Counseling Centre Arab that the Centre amicably to resolve it amicably the court Aljazeera, following up on his sur- (FCC). resolved 80 percent of family starts the hearing, he added, Al prise announcement last week Mourners at the funeral of killed Egyptian activists Amro Saad and And only after it is con- disputes that were brought to Arab reported yesterday. that he was ready for talks with Mohammed Al Guindi outside Omar Makram Mosque in Cairo’s Tahrir firmed that the dispute cannot it directly for settlement. The THE PENINSULA the Damascus regime — subject to Square, yesterday. Report on page 8 conditions, including the release of 160,000 detainees. He later elaborated, telling Al-Arabiya news channel he was ready to meet Assad’s deputy, Vice President Faruq Al Sharaa. Thanks to glitch, thousands get free Mowasalat bus rides “Since the start of the crisis, BY RAYNALD C RIVERA Mr Sharaa has seen that things route said the technical fault providing free bus rides to smart company considering the thou- the manual ticketing system, are not going in the right direc- occurred around 2pm on Sunday card holders. sands of commuters who took because they can save on the fare tion,” said Khatib. “If the regime DOHA: A glitch in Mowasalat after which all the machines were “The company’s commitment free bus ride since yesterday,” which is not fixed and varies with accepts the idea, I ask it to del- Public Service Vehicle (PSV) taken away by the IT department is to serve the public, hence serv- said a Mowasalat bus driver on the distance travelled. egate Faruq Al Sharaa for us to card system came as a blessing for repair. ices have not stopped regardless the Matar Qadeem route. Apart from increasing the hold discussions with him.” in disguise for thousands of pas- A statement by the Mowasalat of the glitch in the system which He said all the buses were number of their top-up outlets Assad last month said he was sengers who got free bus rides management yesterday confirmed unfortunately happens,” said affected on Sunday, but some ply- as routes expand and more roads ready for talks with the opposition from Sunday till yesterday. that the temporary technical Mowasalat management’s state- ing outside the city were back to are built, Mowasalat has also but ruled out meeting groups such “Like other frequent com- problem occurred on Sunday but ment sent to The Peninsula. normal as of yesterday morning. improved services, giving more as Khatib’s National Coalition muters, I am happy that this was “rectified at midday today However, commuters who Alex, a Filipino commuter who options to commuters like the which back armed rebels seek- happened because at least for (Monday)” and that the trans- failed to show smartcards to the takes a bus at least four times a two new disposable cards valid for ing to overthrow his regime. two days I was able to save on port company’s technical team driver were charged the regular day, joked wishing that the prob- one day — the 24 Limited costing Opposition groups have in the my transport allowance,” said was working to ensure the prob- bus fares. lem would last for several days. QR10 valid for two trips within past demanded Assad step down Dilshad, an Indian working in lem would not recur. “All commuters were happy Since its launch in 2010, comut- Doha, and the 24 Unlimited ride- before peace talks can begin. AFP City Centre. Despite the fault, the company about what happened although ers have approved of the Karwa all-you-can anywhere. Full report on page 9 A bus driver on the Al Sadd did not halt its services, even this could be a big loss to our smartcard system, compared to THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2013 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Many retailers Sri Lankans mark Independence Day

DOHA: Sri Lankans fined for violating in Qatar yesterday cel- ebrated their country’s 65th Independence Day at their embassy yesterday. Ambassador Jayantha consumer law Palipane commenced the celebrations by hoisting the Some outlets refused to exchange products national flag. A large number of Sri Lankans attended the DOHA: A number of retail out- flag-hoisting ceremony in lets that refused customers to the morning. exchange products sold were The ambassador also taken to task by inspectors read out President Mahinda from the Ministry of Business Rajapaksa’s address to the and Trade last month. nation, along with transla- They were among several out- Several outlets tions in Tamil and English. lets caught and punished last were caught Children from the com- month for not displaying retail munity rendered the prices of commodities and serv- and punished national anthem and tra- ices as required by the law. last month for ditional ‘Jayamangala Inspectors from the Consumer Geetha’. Protection Department (CPD) not displaying The Emir H H Sheikh of the ministry cracked down on retail prices of Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani outlets last month and singled out sent a cable of greetings to a large number of them for vio- commodities the president. lating provisions of the consumer and services The Heir Apparent H H protection law. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Many erring companies from as required by Al Thani sent a similar the service sector were caught the consumer cable to the president. Ambassador Jayantha Palipane lights the ceremonial lamp to mark his country’s 65th Independence Day at the Sri and fined for not displaying their THE PENINSULA Lankan embassy in Doha yesterday. QASSIM RAHMATULLAH service charges. protection law. Ninety-five violations of the consumer protection law were detected by CPD inspectors last month, Qatar News Agency reported yesterday. before announcing promotions of CNA-Q to host Global Innovators Conference A majority of the violations products. involved not displaying the prices Four outlets did not issue sale of commodities and services by vouchers and three shops charged DOHA: The College of the “H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser this year, CAN-Q is changing the perspectives to the industry as a outlets and service providers. more money than what was North Atlantic — Qatar (CNA- envisioned a technical college that educational culture of the coun- whole, and provide a way for TVET Some 19 outlets were found not announced. Q) is set to host an international would put Qatar on the map while try, and equipping young Qataris professionals to benefit by sharing announcing the prices of com- Two outlets mixed up products conference of technical and producing competent leaders of to become active members of ideas and best practices.” modities in Arabic, required by offered for promotion with gen- vocational education experts. industry for the future — and Qatar’s growing workforce. Matthew B Crawford, author regulations. eral products. The “Global Innovators 2013: now, 10 years later, we have over “We have made significant of the New York Times bestselling At least 16 shops defied the law One shop did not maintain a Leading and Learning in Technical 3,000 graduates who are helping achievements in technical educa- book Shop Class as Soulcraft: An by not describing the ingredients record of the products. Another and Vocational Education” will to shape our country’s strategic tion in Qatar in the past decade, Inquiry into the Value of Work, will of the products on sale properly was found selling products after be held at the Qatar National economic and development goals and felt that it was time to host a speak at the gala dinner opening or giving false descriptions of the their expiry dates, while another Convention Centre (QNCC) from for future generations.” global gathering that would focus the conference. Other speakers ingredients to mislead consumers. did not prominently display the April 4 to 7. The conference will highlight the TVET industry on Qatar’s throughout the three-day event Eight products did not meet permission for the promotion “We have come so far since Qatar’s progress in the field of successes,” said Jason Rolls, Dean, include Roger Fisher, Maryellen the specifications and standards issued by the CPD. our 2002 opening in a temporary technical and vocational educa- Language Studies and Academics, Weimer, Rupert MacLean, Eric as required by the law. The CPD received 350 com- campus in Al Rayyan with 300 tion and training (TVET), and CNA-Q. Chester, Mark David Milliron, Six outlets refused to exchange plaints from consumers last students and 50 staff,” said Dr how this focus is helping it realise Rolls, along with Dr Michael Brian Little, Bill Lucas and Guy sold products violating the provi- month and referred many to Latifa Ibrahim Al Houty, Vice its National Vision 2030 and goals Long, Chair, Office of Applied Claxton. Other educational leaders sion of the legislation. the concerned agencies and Chair, Executive Committee, of the National Development Research and Innovation at CNA- will be announced in the coming Some five outlets did not departments. CNA-Q, one of the founders of Strategy. Q, will co-chair the conference. weeks. bother to take permission of CPD THE PENINSULA Qatar’s first technical college. Celebrating its 10th anniversary “We also wanted to bring new THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03

Heir Apparent meets UN envoy DOHA: The Heir Apparent H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met at Emiri Diwan the United Nations Special Adviser on Yemen Jamal Bin Omar and his accompanying delegation. Talks during the meeting dealt with the latest developments in Yemen. The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani met here yesterday United Nations Special Adviser on Yemen, Jamal bin Omar. Talks during the meeting dealt with ties of cooperation between Qatar and the international organisa- tion . They also reviewed the latest developments in Yemen. The Prime Minister also met Foreign Policy Spokesman of the Free Democratic Party (FDP) in the Federal Republic of Germany Dr Rainer Stinner. Advisory Council holds weekly session DOHA: The Advisory (Shura) Council held weekly meeting of its 41st regular session yesterday chaired by the Speaker H E Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khulaifi. The Council reviewed a draft law to issue a Common Law on Anti- dumping and Countervailing Measures and Safeguards for GCC coun- The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani inaugurating tries and decided to submit it to the Financial and Economic Affairs the second High Level Forum on Global Geospatial Information Management at the Qatar National Committee for further study and then submit a report thereon to the Convention Centre (QNCC), yesterday. Council. Minister receives credentials of Colombian envoy

DOHA: The Minister of State For Foreign Affairs Dr Khalid bin PM opens World Conference Mohamed Al Attiyah, received the copies of credentials of Roberto Velez Vallejo, as Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia. Dr Al Attiyah wished the Colombian envoy success in his mission. QNA on Geographic Information Al Attiyah with UK envoy Qatar Statistics Authority hosts three-day event

DOHA: The Prime Minister and a period when some regions and and the United Nations Statistics geographic location, is one of the Foreign Minister H E Sheikh countries in the world are expe- Division. important projects carried out by Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor riencing a number of social, Speaking at th conference, the ministry. It will help Qatar to Al Thani inaugurated the con- economic, environmental and the Minister of Municipality and obtain important infra-structure ference the second High Level political challenges and other dif- Urban Planning H E Sheikh Abdul information,” the Minister said. Forum on Global Geospatial ficulties that are adversely affect- Rahman bin Khalifa bin Abdul Aziz The participants in the sec- Information Management ing their growth and development Al Thani said: ond GGIM seek to find appro- (GGIM) at the Qatar National as well as that of their neighbors. “One of the challenges that priate mechanisms to build the Convention Centre (QNCC), “This makes it imperative lie ahead of Qatar’s compre- geographical information data- yesterday. for us to join efforts in order to hensive urban plan is the high base that covers statistical and In his opening speech the prime combat these challenges”, said level of cooperation and efficient geographical information and minister said: “The developed the premier. The prime minister exchange of information that is matches the international stand- countries should not lose sight said Qatar is proud to host this required between the ministries. ards to serve as a reference for of the conditions of developing important international confer- “The project, which will direct managing emergency situations. countries that need support and ence and expressed hope that the urban growth in the country The Conference addresses, as assistance from us. According to participants would reach positive over the next 20 years, could well as, the future trends in the the priorities of these countries, outcomes. help Qatar manage population field of geo-spatial information we should provide data and geo- Qatar Statistics Authority growth as well as achieve eco- and its relationship to sustainable The Chairman of Administrative Control and Transparency Authority H graphic information that may be is holding the three-day event, nomic growth. development in addition to coordi- E Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah with the Ambassador of the United of use to them.” which ends tomorrow, in col- “Qatar’s project on unified nation and exchange of experiences Kingdom to Qatar Michael O’Neill. Talks during the meeting dealt with He said that the importance laboration with the Ministry of building codes, which links the among the participating countries issues of mutual interest. of this conference comes during Municipality and Urban Planning building’s number with their in this field. THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2013 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Misconceptions about Sidra holds cancer awareness session DOHA: In support of World Cancer Day, Sidra Medical and Research Center hosted an event to raise awareness and cancer high: Survey share information among 60 Sidra staff and guests. In collaboration with Think 90pc think some treatments are worse than the disease Pink Qatar, Sidra held an inform- ative session on cancer and its DOHA: About 90 percent of the treatment and checkup,” said Al prevention. The event took place respondents to the first nation- Thani. in the auditorium of the Sidra wide survey on cancer believe He said that after completion Medical and Research Center that some treatments are worse of the awareness campaign, the Tower. than the disease. SCH will launch another survey Every year an estimated 12.7 The survey conducted by the to assess its impact. million people will learn they have Supreme Council of Health (SCH) “Cancer poses a big challenge cancer and around 7.6 million among Qataris and expatriates for the health sector in the region will die from it. Many of these also found that a majority of the and internationally and takes a deaths could be avoided through respondents — 76 percent — had sizeable portion of the health awareness and early detection Sidra staff and guests attending a session on cancer and cancer prevention. the feeling that cancer mostly budget,” said Al Thani, programmes. leads to death. These and other Breast caner is the most World Cancer Day is an initia- down common stereotypes and Qatar works to ensure that con- widespread misconceptions have common type of cancer among tive to raise awareness of cancer opening lines of dialogue between versations about breast cancer in prompted the SCH to launch a awareness on the disease,” he said women in Qatar and lung cancer and encourage its prevention, individuals suffering from cancer Qatar happen freely and openly, national awareness campaign on at a press conference at SCH on is the most common among men detection,and treatment, while and the broader community. that individuals suffering from the disease next month. the occasion of the World Cancer because about 30 percent of the giving voice to people, organisa- She stressed the importance breast cancer get the support “The survey also revealed the Day. male population are smokers, he tions and governments celebrating of living a healthy lifestyle and they need, an important part of social stigma attached to cancer. Fifty percent of the respond- added. cancer survivors and remembering early detection and prevention of which is having a strong support Fifty per cent of the respondents ents think that surgery could The SCH is conducting studies those who lost the battle. cancer. “According to the World system. I am happy to see that said that it is not easy for them to increase the spread of cancer in in collaboration with the World Carol Newsom, Sidra RN Health Organisation, it is possi- Sidra employees are embracing talk about the disease and 85 per- the body. However, some 90 per- Health Organisation focusing Clinical Nurse Leader and Think ble to avoid around 30-40 percent this approach with today’s event cent said they were even scared cent believe cancer is treatable. on the main causes of cancer in Pink Qatar Founder Karen Al of cancer cases with prevention and the brave survivors who spoke to use the word cancer,” said Dr One-third of the participants Qatar and its relation with food Kharouf addressed the session. and another 30 percent with early to us today.” Mohammed Al Thani (pictured), said having a family history of and environment. Two cancer survivors spoke to detection and treatment. Sidra aims to empower and Director of the Public Health cancer reduced their chances of Dr Sheikha Al Anoud bint the audience about the realities of “Some of the easiest changes a educate members of the local Department at SCH, while dis- getting married, while 45 percent Mohammed Al Thani, Director cancer and how it affected their person can make consist of making community through easily avail- closing the findings of the survey said they were afraid of losing of Health Promotion and Non- families, friends and personal simple lifestyle changes, including able information and access to yesterday. their jobs if they were affected communicable Diseases Section at lives. They highlighted the impor- quitting smoking, limiting alcohol experts. Through lectures for the “The survey showed that by the disease. SCH, said that the SCH had set up tance of early detection, preven- use, regularly exercising, wearing medical community like the Sidra there are many wrong percep- “The danger of such wrong per- a task forces and sub-committees tion and staying healthy. sunscreen and eating a rich diet Symposia Series, and community tions among people about cancer. ceptions could negatively affect to follow up implementation of the Newsom informed the audience filled with vitamins and minerals,” outreach programmes, Sidra aims This underlines the importance efforts to fight the disease and national cancer strategy. about myths and taboos around she said. to create a healthier society. of launching a campaign to raise hinder early intervention through THE PENINSULA cancer with the hope of breaking Al Kharouf said: “Think Pink THE PENINSULA

Unwanted workforce in domestic sector will be repatriated: Official

DOHA: Qatar is working to get domestic helpers, and change professionals to meet growing the plan to help reduce depend- jobs market. To a question about remarkable achievements in the rid of “unwanted” workforce to social trends and lifestyles of demands of the local job market, ence on foreign workforce, said the huge demographical imbal- last few years, especially in the dilute as much as possible the people who require more helpers he added. The plan to crack down Al Nabit. ance (300 males per 100 females), education sector. negative impact of increasing for homes and in the service sec- on bogus companies trading in Very few Qatari students are Al Nabit said that the policy of The ratio of girl students in influx of foreign workers due to tor,” Dr Saleh Mohamed Al Nabit, work visas will continue to curb choosing technical and specialisa- the country helped increase con- primary and secondary schools rapid development, says a senior Secretary-General of the General the unwanted workforce. tion courses despite the local jobs tributions of women to the jobs has increased and in universities planning official. Secretariat for Development Increasing contributions of market having a large number of market from 30.1 percent in 2001 women are almost double com- Plans are afoot to raise aware- Planning (GSDP) told Al Watan citizens to the economic activi- vacancies for specialists and tech- to 35.3 percent in 2011. “I hope pared to men, he said. Citing 2011 ness among families and help daily in an interview. ties of the country could balance nical experts, he added. the number of women employees statistics, he said the number of reduce their dependence on The plan is to focus on recruit- the local jobs market. Training Higher studies should be will increase in the coming years.” girl students reached 179 per 100 domestic help. “We plan to repat- ing skilled workers, special- citizens to handle all types of upgraded according to the current On women’s empowerment, he male students. riate unwanted workers, especially ists, experienced employees and jobs in the country is also part of and future requirements of the said that Qatari women had made THE PENINSULA

Qtel QR1 promotion QU students win programmers award in Oman CAS staff attend back for sending lecture on top money to Asia DOHA: Students from QU themselves with contest tasks. Department of Computer The following day, over five German varsity DOHA: Qtel has brought back Science & Engineering (CSE) in hours they participated in the its QR1 remittance promotion the College of Engineering won competition in which they were DOHA: Faculty and staff from to selected countries following the Relentless Programmers given nine questions. The men’s Qatar University‘s College of the success of the Mobile Money Award at the Association for team solved four questions, plac- Arts and Sciences (CAS) had and MoneyGram promotion in Computing Machinery (ACM) — ing fifth among two teams from the opportunity of attend a December. Qtel and MoneyGram Oman Collegiate Programming Carnegie Mellon University- lecture by Dr Carola Richter, have again reduced fees to just Contest at Sultan Qaboos Qatar, one from Sultan Qaboos Professor of Communications QR1 for each transaction to University on January 19 and 20. University and one from Arab at Free University of Berlin the Philippines, India, Nepal, Two teams participated in the Open University, Kuwait. (Germany), who outlined her Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. contest with the men’s team plac- Commenting on the students’ university’s history and its Customers can save up to QR19 ing fifth and the women’s team achievements, CSE Head Prof focus on humanities and social when sending money to friends 12th among 30 teams from GCC Sebti Foufou said: “Our students sciences. and family back home. The pro- universities. did very well and gained invalua- Dr Richter’s visit was organised motion ends on February 12. The men’s team com- ble experience from competing in by the college as part of coopera- Qtel launched Mobile Money prised junior engineering stu- this event. At the department, we tion on a potential MoU between in 2011 to allow customers to dents Abdelrazek Ibrahim, ensure that our students are pro- QU and Free University. use their mobile phones to send Abdelrahman Shouman and vided with optimum opportunities Following an introduction money home, transfer money Kariem Fahmi while Abeer Al to practise what they learned in by CAS Assistant Professor for locally, top-up Hala accounts or Marridi, Aya Hussein and Hagar the classroom. The contest not Humanities Dr Peter Springer, pay Shahry bills. To register, cus- Hussein made up the women’s only provided this opportunity Dr Richter traced the history tomers have to dial *140# on their team. They were accompanied but also allowed the students to of her university, pointing to its mobile phones and follow onscreen by their coaches, QU Assistant demonstrate other life skills such establishment after the Second instructions to enter their Qatari Professor of Computer Science as teamwork, competitive spirit, World War. Students from Qatar University’s Department of Computer Science & ID information. Once registered, Dr Somaya Al Maadeed and and interpersonal communica- She presented an overview, Engineering with their medals. they can deposit money into their Engineer Khalid A A Abualsaud. tion which will serve them well highlighting its reputation as a account using any of the 200 Qtel This was their first participa- in their future personal and pro- leading research institution and self-service machines. tion in an ACM contest or similar On the first day of the contest, test on two questions and trained fessional endeavours”. its place as an “international THE PENINSULA events. students took part in a practice in the test system to familiarise THE PENINSULA network university in the global competition among universities”. She also pointed out that the university has been successful in Germany’s federal and state Excellence Initiative, thereby Katara events to mark receiving additional funding for its institutional future develop- ment strategy which is focused on cluster development, interna- relations with China tional cooperation, and graduate studies. DOHA: Cultural events and Chinese Ambassador to Katara to She further noted that Free exhibitions showcasing the rich discuss current and future cul- University of Berlin works with culture of China are set to be tural relationship between the national, regional, and inter- hosted by Katara to celebrate two countries, focusing on hosting national partners in academia, diplomatic relations between joint cultural events in the future business sector, politics, arts and the two countries. to portray the rich Chinese cul- culture, and society. “This initiative allows us to cel- ture in Qatar. CAS Dean Dr Eiman Mustafawi ebrate and further build upon our The meeting was attended said: “We are pleased to have strong relationship with China. by Darwish Saleh Al Shibany, hosted this visit in which we Katara will showcase a number Manager of Marketing and learned very interesting infor- of events and exhibitions to com- International Relations and mation about Free University of memorate diplomatic relations Acting Manager of Cultural Berlin. This will be of immense and we are extremely delighted to Affairs, Katara, Malika interest to our students who are be partnering with the Embassy Mohamed Al Shraim, Manager considering further education of China to promote the Chinese of PR and Communications, studies in humanities and life sci- Culture locally,” said Dr Khalid Katara, and Omar Ali Al ences. It is all part of CAS’ mission bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, General Mannai, General Manager’s to provide its students with wide- Manager of Katara. Office Manager. ranging opportunities at home Dr Al Sulaiti recently welcomed THE PENINSULA Katara General Manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti with the Chinese officials. and abroad.” THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 Half of PC users operate pirated software: Study Piracy punishable with jail, fines

BY AZMAT HAROON software units installed in 2011, more than 80 were illegally pro- DOHA: Fifty percent of the duced, distributed, and sold. users of personal computers in “The results of the collective Qatar use unlicensed software, IP protection measures in Qatar suggests a study. and the efforts to eliminate The commercial value of the piracy are quite remarkable. Yet pirated software being used there remain substantial goals in the country is $62 million to be achieved,” Naim Yazbeck, (QR226.3m), according to the Country Manager, Microsoft latest findings of the BSA Global Qatar, said during the press Software Piracy Study. conference. The act of downloading, pro- “Specific measures need to be ducing and distributing pirated in place and these include estab- software in Qatar can lead to lishing a clear and consistent legal imprisonment of one to two years, framework, enforcement of leg- with fines ranging from QR30,000 islation, increasing public educa- From left: Debbie Stanford-Kristiansen, International Events Director at PennWell Middle East, Remy Rowhani, Director General of Qatar Chamber, Essa to QR35,000. tion and awareness efforts, and bin Hilal Al Kuwari, President of Kahramaa, H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada, Qatar’s Minister for Energy and Industry, Fahad Hamad Al Mohannadi, Although the state keeps increasing collaborative efforts General Manager of Qatar Electricity and Water Company, and Timm Dower, Group Publisher, Water and Waste Group, PennWell USA, during the opening lists of companies that use at local and international levels,” ceremony of Power-Gen Middle East and WaterWorld Middle East Conference and Exhibition at Qatar National Convention Center yesterday. Shaival Dalal pirated software, taking people Yazbeck said. to court is the last resort, says “Among the various illegal Abdulla Ahmed Qayed, Director, practices that weaken the infor- Intellectual Property, Ministry of mation technology sector world- Justice. wide, the unauthorised copying, Power, water use grew 10pc in 2012 “It is not our policy to push reproduction, transfer, and usage people to courts,” said Qayed. of copyrighted software repre- BY MOHAMMAD SHOEB electricity and water consumption address environmental concerns, Qatar’s development of the power Speaking at a conference held sents the most significant threat in the hydrocarbon-rich country, Dr Al Sada said: “The big chal- and water industries. by Microsoft on the issue of soft- to the IT industry — the soft- DOHA: Qatar’s campaign to Qatar General Electricity and lenge for this region is to plan Reiterating the need to address ware piracy in Qatar and the ware industry in particular — rationalise consumption of elec- Water Corporation, Kahramaa, ahead and execute infrastructure the challenges faced by Qatar Gulf region, Qayed said that last in the MEA region,” said Savas tricity and water has borne lit- has launched a five-year drive, energy projects to keep pace with and the entire GCC region, Essa month alone, his department held Yucedag, head of Anti-Piracy and tle fruit, as figures show that the Tarsheed, to reduce the con- its economic growth”. bin Hilal Al Kuwari, President raids on three end-users of PC Licence Compliance at Microsoft use of the precious resources sumption of these resources by an He added: “This challenge is Kahramaa, said: “Such high and software. Gulf. increased by an average of 10 average of 25 percent. However, compounded by the need to pre- accumulated rates of increase “The government has taken Qayed also announced that percent in 2012 as compared the trend of growing consump- ciously safeguard and conserve are real challenges for the GCC a firm stand against software in the next two months, a high- to 2011. The rising demand tion of these two resources shows our water resources. Water is region in maintaining the sustain- piracy and violation of intellec- level conference will be held to for these resources poses a big no meaningful response to the a utility which needs our seri- able energy and water supplies for tual property rights (IPR). The tackle issues related to intellec- challenge to Qatar. campaign. ous attention, both for making their fast growing economies”. Ministry of Justice, in particular, tual property rights in the Arab “Water consumption in Qatar Delivering his keynote address it available to meet the growing “In order to meet these chal- has been strongly committed to world. increased by nine percent in 2012 at the opening ceremony of Power- demand and for rationalising its lenges and opportunities head on, tackling the issue by underlin- The BSA Global Software in comparison to the previous Gen Middle East 2013 at QNCC, consumption, especially in the we will need to embrace a range ing the legal implications of IPR Piracy Study quantifies the vol- year. Electricity energy and maxi- the minister said: “Kahramaa has context of the GCC region. This of different technologies, some violations while also creating ume and value of unlicensed mum demand increased by 13 launched an ambitious Tarsheed calls for substantial investment in of which are still in the develop- greater awareness about the det- software installed on personal percent during the same period. campaign – a national campaign improved desalination technolo- ment and demonstration phase rimental effects of using pirated computers in a given year. Therefore, the big challenge for for the conservation and effi- gies, which could involve solar and others that can be deployed software,” said Qayed. To compile the report, BSA this region is to plan ahead and cient use of water and electric- energy or new ways of filtering now,” added Al Mohannadi. The Middle East and North works closely with two of the execute infrastructure energy ity, aiming to reduce electricity out salt.” “We at Qatar Chamber are Africa (MENA) region as a whole world’s leading independent projects to keep pace with its eco- consumption by 20 percent and The three-day conference and incredibly proud to be support- had a piracy rate of 58 percent, research firms — IDC and Ipsos nomic growth”, Qatar’s Minister water consumption by 30 percent exhibition organised by PennWell ers of the regional power genera- but countries like Iraq, Libya, Public affairs — to measure, of Energy and Industry, H E Dr per capita within five years.” in partnership with Qatar tion industry at a time when it Nigeria, and Zimbabwe had rates understand, and evaluate global Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada Keeping in view the rising Electricity and Water Company is on the cusp of significant and of pirated software well above 80 software piracy. said here yesterday. demand for water and electric- (QEWC) and Ashghal is intended dynamic changes”, said Rowhani. percent, which means out of 100 THE PENINSULA In view of the high per capita ity and Qatar’s commitment to to support the expectations of THE PENINSULA

Weill Cornell holds talks QDB, HMC tie up on improved teaching to celebrate NSD DOHA: Qatar Development Bank (QDB), will team up with DOHA: The benefits that the Hajar Auditorium at HMC Hamad Medical Corporation improved teaching can bring also received a live transmission (HMC), to celebrate the coun- to healthcare were discussed of the keynote address. try’s National Sport Day by at this year’s Educators Across In addition, a series of work- launching its ‘Time to Change’ the Health Care Spectrum shops on a variety of topics were campaign. event held at Weill Cornell conducted over three days. Topics QDB and HMC will have two Medical College in Qatar included teaching evidence-based tents at the Corniche and Aspire (WCMC-Q) and Hamad medicine and clinical reasoning Park providing a team of quali- Medical Corporation (HMC). in clinical settings; enhancing our fied nurses and dietitians in both The annual three-day event, learners’ clinical reasoning skills; locations for Body Mass Index which was held from January and incorporating EBM into our (BMI) testing. The test helps in 21 to 23, featured speeches and teaching. measuring body fat due to obesity, various workshops in which edu- Dr Khidir said the interest which is becoming a problem in cators discussed how teaching and energy during discussion most countries. methods could be improved. and evaluation of the Educators Additionally, Raw ME, an up This year, the keynote speech, Across the Health Care Spectrum and coming Qatari vegan fast ‘Step into health’ coordinator, Dr Ez Aldeen Ibrahim, speaking to participants at Aspetar. titled “Improving Patient Care highlighted the determination of food chain Through Improved Teaching,” educators to change, as well as founded by was given by Professor Scott their interest in actually incorpo- Qatari entre- Richardson, an international rating evidence-based teaching. preneur Layla ‘Step into health’ draws huge expert on teaching evidence- He said: “The discussion and Al Dorani, based health care. He shared interactions in these workshops will partake in his views with healthcare pro- emphasised the movement in the initiative fessionals from across Doha at Qatar towards inter-professional providing 100 response from nationals the event, which was hosted by education. per cent fresh WCMC-Q’s Graduate Medical “I see this activity, and more to juices in line DOHA: Aspire Zone their fitness levels and transition added that more than 60 percent Education (GME) division in come, as an opportunity to con- with their aim to be the van- Foundation’s (AZF) new com- smoothly into a healthier lifestyle. of all registered participants fall association with HMC and intro- tinue the collaborative spirit and guards of healthy and nutritious munity-centred fitness pro- To do so, we build on all our accu- in the 25-45 age bracket. duced by Dr Amal Khidir, chair exchange of expertise across the diet in the country. gramme ‘step into health’ has mulated knowledge, resources and Mohammed Abdullah Al Malki, of the organising committee. healthcare spectrum.” Mansour Bin Ibrahim Al already attracted over 13,000 expertise.” one of the participants enrolled, Medical staff and academics in THE PENINSULA Mahmoud (pictured), CEO of individuals, among which 60 “Modern scientific research has expressed his satisfaction with Qatar Development Bank, said: percent are Qataris, since its confirmed that the majority of program’s enabler, a pedometer “The significance of National launch six weeks ago. people do not undertake three to saying, “I’d like to express my Sport Day lies in spreading edu- The initiative, which is spon- five thousand steps daily, depend- gratitude to AZF for this initia- cation and awareness within our sored by Commercialbank Qatar, ing on the nature of their work. tive and making the device free of society about the necessity to RasGas, and Qtel, is aimed at Moreover, it has been proven that charge for all participants. This QA to sponsor Spain-Uruguay clash place very high importance on engaging the people of Qatar in a the impact of increasing move- is an excellent AZF programme DOHA: Qatar Airways is the a packed stadium for a football embracing a healthy lifestyle. At self-managed lifelong plan based ment on an individual’s health designed to encourage members Official Sponsor of the highly match that promises to be a soc- QDB, we believe that as a mod- on a moderate amount of daily doesn’t manifest until they have of the community not only to par- anticipated football match cer spectacle. ern and progressive organisation healthy activity. started walking ten thousands ticipate, but more importantly to between Spain and Uruguay Qatar Airways Chief Executive in Qatar we must commit a major The programme is unique as it steps a day or more. Therefore, continue in the long term and that will bring together the Officer Akbar Al Baker said the effort in order to enlighten our is based on non-competitive and walking 10,000 steps a day has a make this a daily part of their world and South American airline was thrilled to bring the community to the positive con- recreational exercise that can be bigger impact on our health than routine.” champions in Doha tomorrow. teams to Doha for what is one sequences of living well. We also easily fitted into everyday life. It exercising three hours a week,” A number of participants Reigning European and world of the most anticipated soccer believe that occasions such as has been designed for everyone said Dr Mohammed Gaith Al agreed the secret to achieving champions Spain will face South matches in the city this year. the National Sport Day are great aged 16 and up and for all fitness Kuwari, Director of the Healthy the goal of 10,000 steps a day is American champions Uruguay in “Qatar Airways has a strong motivational platforms for us all to levels. Hilal Al Kuwari, President Lifestyle programme at Aspetar. uploading the data from their an international friendly match at affiliation with football with the introduce that little bit of change of AZF, said, “At Aspire Zone, we Over 50 percent of the reg- pedometers and regularly check- Khalifa Stadium. carrier being the Official Airline which could lead to remarkable continuously aim to find ways in istered Qatari participants are ing the results through a mobile The two teams, featuring a of the country’s national football impacts on our lives, both person- which we can inspire members of women. Dr Ez Aldeen Ibrahim, app made available for free from line-up of some of the world’s team,” he said. ally and professionally.” the Qatari community to enhance ‘step into health’ Coordinator, AZF. THE PENINSULA best players, will battle it out in THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2013 06 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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Peace in Afghanistan Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

NY effort to bring Pakistan and Afghanistan closer is welcome because peace in Afghanistan is impossible without the wholehearted help of its In Mali, life is beginning Aneighbour. For the same reason, the initiative taken by the British Prime Minister David Cameron to bring about a peace deal between Kabul and Islamabad deserves both praise and unstinted support. But the question is how committed the to return to normal two sides are. Previous efforts for reconciliation and friendship between the two countries have failed to produce the desired results, leaving plenty of room for mediation. BY LUKE HARDING colonial masters. “I was born in 1939 One Tuareg woman used to live on Following talks hosted by Cameron, Afghan President and I remember the colonial period,” an island in the river. Tourists would Hamid Karzai and his Pakistani counterpart Asif Ali Zardari AST year Suleiman Kané hid he says. “The French did a good job visit her camp – actually a mud-built said in London that they would work to reach a peace deal his radio under several crates of back then. They were fair.” He adds: house, with a small shop – and drink Lfish. He also buried his satellite “So far as I’m concerned they can sweet tea in the shade. within six months. Six months may look too ambitious a dish at the bottom of his fishing boat. stay.” The woman, however, fled in late deadline to end more than a decade of war, but there is no The Islamists had swept into Gao, Everyone here has tales of rebel 2011, as Mali’s swirling ethnic prob- harm in trying. The summit was the third trilateral meeting and were advancing rapidly across rule. Isate Kané (no relation to lems worsened. Her neighbours say in a year following meetings in Kabul last July and New York northern Mali. And so Kané stopped Suleiman) says one of her relatives they don’t know where she has gone, in September -- but the first in which Pakistani and Afghan listening to music – an offence under was killed in Gao by a stray bullet. adding that she didn’t say goodbye. sharia law – and avoided the rebels as Kané says she was forced to wear a Squatters and a goat now live there army and intelligence chiefs took part. far as possible. veil, but didn’t mind too much, since instead. Efforts for peace in Afghanistan have acquired urgency A year later he and his large family she kept her hands warm under it On the opposite bank are the crum- as the country is preparing for the complete withdrawal of are waiting to go home. The satellite on chilly mornings. Far worse, she bling ruins of Robert Bignard’s house. US forces. There is a lurking fear that the country will slide dish is back in its old position, hooked explains, was the predatory sexual Bignard was Mopti’s French mayor. into chaos once the US troops withdraw, with doubts about up to a solar panel on the roof. Next behaviour of the jihadists. Most were He arrived in the mid-1950s and fell the capability of Afghan troops to to it is a bike, some firewood and a lighter-skinned Tuareg or Arabs, in love with the daughter of a local folding chair. His 15-metre-long float- with one or two black Malians. “One Fulani chief, the winner of a Miss keep peace and fight a resurgent ing home is moored at Mopti, Mali’s woman crossed the riverbank to bring Mopti beauty pageant. (She, the story Britain’s Taliban. Peace is the best option biggest river port. her fish to market. This was in Gao. goes, offered him some milk.) One of in such a scenario, and it’s natural Kané’s two wives, Two rebels chased her,” she says. their descendants runs the Michelin efforts to that all sides are exploring all five grownup sons “They wanted to rape her. She ran tyre franchise. Bignard’s soft-drinks broker a peace avenues to achieve the objective. and innumerable back to the bank so they shot her with business is no more. But the pictur- While a deal between Pakistan grandchildren – a sniper rifle. She was pregnant.” The esque eucalyptus trees planted by the two with hack- rebels took other women as sex-slaves, town’s French denizens line the river deal between and Afghanistan will help create Along the ing coughs – are she says, sometimes killing them. She still. Afghanistan the background, peace will become camped on the adds: “Whenever we saw them, we On the edge of the Niger, boat- a reality only if the Taliban are river Niger, bank. hid.” builder Fanar Kwantao says Mali’s and Pakistan brought to the negotiating table. satellite It is at Mopti Kané and her relatives – about war has been bad for business. Before Progress on that front has been that the shimmer- 55 people, crammed on to one slow- the jihadists began their war the fish- ing Niger, west moving barge – are waiting to travel ermen would sell their catch and then are welcome. scant, though there is hope. dishes are Africa’s great north. The women are preparing buy a new boat. But the fighting has Hectic efforts are being made to river, converges lunch: a paste made from baobab tree interrupted this. “I’m hoping things make peace with Taliban. The insurgent group has agreed back up – and with its tributary, fruit, millet and fish. “We eat fish and will improve,” he says, repairing a to open an office in Doha and once that happens, peace talks the Bani. West is sell fish to buy rice,” she says. pirogue using nails heated under a will gather momentum. Pakistan and Afghanistan have a fishermen are the languid town Nile perch – the Niger’s most deli- pile of burning charcoal. The hot nails fractious relationship which has undermined efforts for peace, of Ségou; north, cious variety, known as capitaine – are hammered into hardwood pan- casting their and a three-day costs 1,500 CFA a kilo (£2); carp is 300 els. It takes him two months to build with both sides often making accusations against each other. journey by boat, CFA. The Dogon, a tribe of animists, a boat, which he can sell for 900,000 Confidence-building between the two is a tough task, especially Timbuktu. On the trade fish for baobab fruit, she says. CFA (£1,200). with insurgent groups bent on torpedoing reconciliation nets. turquoise water, The river’s inhabitants tend to do Another fisherman, Bokar efforts. Karzai and Zardari will have to struggle to keep the fishermen in the same things their parents have Kondo, is sanguine about Mali’s atmosphere conducive for peace. wooden pirogues done, with jobs passed down along future. The rebels are defeated for Karzai told the press conference he hoped in future to have are casting nets. Eagles whirl in the family lines. now, and the river is higher than haze. Closer to town, people are wash- The fishermen are Bozo; the boys last year, which means more fish. “very close, brotherly and good neighbourly” relations with ing clothes, mopeds and a shiny blue herding cattle across the waters Bokar says he is about to set off to Pakistan, which has been regularly accused by both Kabul and Mercedes. Fulani; the rice planters Songhai. The Lake Débo, with his wife and children. Washington of helping to destabilise Afghanistan. Britain has French and Malian forces took Tuareg – blamed by many Malians for Débo isn’t so much of a lake as a glit- sufficient clout to mediate because it has excellent relations Timbuktu 10 days ago, turfing out the country’s post-independence woes tering inland sea, a haven for migra- with both Pakistan and Afghanistan. London is the second the jihadists who had run the Saharan and a series of bitter rebellions against tory birds and a place of other-worldly town since last March. Paris also the capital Bamako – are nomads. beauty. “The fish are bigger. The big- biggest contributor of troops to Afghanistan with 9,000 still freed Gao and Kidal. Kané welcomes How can Mali achieve peace? “By gest one I caught was 120kg,” he says, based there, and has an interest in seeing peace prevail in the the return of the French, Mali’s old killing all the Tuareg,” Kané replies. casting off. THE GUARDIAN region because of the stakes involved. The other side Quote of For world security the day

HINESE Vice-Foreign North Africa, such as Syria and Egypt, Resorting to unilateralism and power Biden also said that healthy com- Minister Song Tao made continue to be mired in violence and politics in disputes among countries is petition from a growing, emerging a significant point when instability, the importance of maintain- inadvisable as it runs counter to the China is in the interests of all. This lat- Che elaborated on a more ing stability in the current international trends of peace and development. est interpretation of Sino-US relations And because of active role for emerging economies system is beyond doubt. History has repeatedly shown unilater- sounds more rational than the one that (your) prayers God in international affairs at the Munich Both emerging and developed coun- alism and power politics only escalate China is both an adversary and a part- Security Conference on Saturday. Song tries have a responsibility to ensure that tensions and fuel dissension. ner, a perception that many in China has given me this said emerging economies have thrived issues and disputes, especially those in Hence, it is good to learn that the believe reflects the mainstream view in within the current international system, the security field, be solved within the United States has sent some posi- Washington. So far, the most difficult new life … and this and ensuring the smooth voyage of the framework of the international system. tive signals at the Munich conference, part of our relations has been the result boat is in the interest of all countries In this regard the United Nations should which will be helpful in promoting peace of US attempts, covertly or overtly, to is a second life. And as both the emerging and developed continue to play a leading role, and and stability in international relations. contain China’s rise. The premise of I want to serve the countries ride in the same boat. the UN Charter, which lays down the US Vice-President Joe Biden said on healthy competition should be built on people. I want every As the world is facing an array of basic principles and tools for handling Saturday that the US is prepared to mutual respect for each other’s inter- Malala Yousafzai security challenges, including anti- international relations and safeguard- hold direct talks with Iran, which is a ray ests and concerns. Neither side will girl, every child, to terrorism and nuclear nonproliferation, ing world peace and security, should of hope that the lasting nuclear standoff benefit from a confrontational Sino-US Pakistani girl shot by while countries in the Middle East and be upheld. can be resolved in peace. relationship. CHINA DAILY be educated. Taliban TUESDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2013 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 New Syria will need human rights, not reprisals

oppression involved when women are The top priority is compelled to assume a subservient role. The new governments have also been bringing an end to tempted to suppress speech that criti- cises the government, insults certain groups or offends religious sentiment. the slaughter. But In Egypt, an investigative judge has so far summoned 16 high-profile journalists we must ensure and TV hosts as well as three political activists and a human rights lawyer for questioning on charges of “insulting the that, after Assad, judiciary”. Strong, independent judiciar- ies with a healthy respect for free speech revenge does not are needed to counter these temptations. Governments must also refrain from suppressing speech for supposedly pro- lead to abuses. voking violence when it is really those who object to the speech who are violent. BY KENNETH ROTH Governments have a duty to stop that violence, not censor the offensive speech. t has been two years since the Activists should be wary of advocating Arab uprisings began, and those otherwise, lest they find themselves early, heady days of euphoria seem charged with “provoking” attacks by pro- a thing of the distant past. Since government thugs. then, we have seen the rise of Despite the real dangers of unbridled IIslamist political forces that many fear majoritarianism, those who pine for will cite religion to threaten the rights the familiar days of dictatorship should of women, minorities and dissidents. remember that the uncertainties of Security forces continue to overreach, freedom are no reason to revert to the as in Egypt’s response to recent rioting. enforced predictability of authoritarian It turns out that, difficult as it is to end rule. Some argue that Islamists, once they abusive rule, it is perhaps still harder to gain power, can never be trusted to cede build a rights-respecting democracy on it. But two decades ago, when Algeria’s a legacy of repression. military acted on that rationale to halt Perhaps the greatest danger is major- elections that Islamists were poised to itarian hubris. It is no surprise that a win, the result was not democracy but revolution’s victors, long repressed by the a decade of civil war, with massive loss Rebel fighters fix a Soviet-made T-55 tank abandoned by the pro-Syrian regime forces in the Christian village of Al Yaqubia in northern old regime, do not want to hear about of life. Syria, near the border with Turkey. new restraints once they finally achieve Moreover, those turning their backs on power. But a rights-respecting democracy democracy undervalue the potent combi- is different from unrestrained majority nation of domestic protest and interna- international community should start The international community can help should respect rights themselves, since it rule. Frustrating as it can be, major- tional pressure arrayed against any new by pressing Syrian armed opposition achieve positive rights in the region by is difficult to preach what one does not ity preferences must be constrained by attempt to monopolise power. It is wrong groups to respect rights now — to refrain addressing its own conduct as well. It practise. The US remains handicapped respect for the rights of individuals and to contend that the prognosis for elected from torturing or executing prisoners or should be principled in its support for in pressing to bring torturers to justice the rule of law. Yet Egypt’s new constitu- government under an Islamist party is so fomenting sectarian strife. And it should democracy, ending double talks that because President Obama refuses to allow tion, for instance, is filled with loopholes bleak that a return to the dark days of actively support International Criminal ignore repression in places in some the investigation of Bush officials impli- that can be interpreted as jeopardising the past is warranted. Court’s (ICC) involvement in Syria (the countries. cated in torture. The UK has also refused basic rights. The challenges facing the new govern- US has been reluctant) precisely because It should insist on justice wherever to properly investigate its role in sending Women’s rights have been a particular ments of the region highlight the impor- it would apply to government and opposi- mass atrocities occur, unlike its seeming two suspects to Gaddafi’s Libya, where source of contention. Across the region, tance of planning for the future in Syria. tion abuses alike. indifference in Libya once Gaddafi fell, the they were tortured. some argue women’s rights are a Western Today, the top priority must be bringing The armed opposition must also be impunity deal it accepted for the former The future of the Arab Spring lies imposition, at odds with Islam or Arab an end to the slaughter that, according pressed to articulate a vision that has Yemen president Ali Abdullah Saleh and foremost with the people of the region. culture. However, international human to the UN, has already taken 60,000 lives, a place for all Syrians. The desire for the pressure by some Western govern- But how the rest of the world responds, rights law does not prevent women from most by forces loyal to President Bashar revenge should be channelled into indi- ments, including the UK, on Palestine not and acts, will contribute to the outcome. leading an Islamic or conservative life- Al Assad. vidual prosecutions, with full due proc- to join the ICC for fear the court would We all have a responsibility to produce a style if they do so voluntarily. Calling But it is not too early to work towards ess and focus on the most senior officials be called to address alleged Israeli war positive outcome from this extraordinary women’s rights a Western imposition influencing a successor government, to responsible for atrocities. Reprisals on crimes. opportunity. does nothing to disguise the domestic ensure that they respect rights. The broad sectarian grounds must be avoided. Perhaps most important, governments THE GUARDIAN China and Japan seek to dial Need to be smart down tensions, but risks remain online citizens BY LINDA SIEG and JOHN Today marks the 10th anniversary of in China. RUWITCH A long-simmering row over the Even if the leaders meet, a Safer Internet Day, and appropriately substantive compromise in which wo Japanese F-15s islands, known as the Senkaku, has Beijing stops sending ships and scramble as a Chinese planes to the area or Tokyo agrees the theme is “Connect with Respect.” plane nears the disputed in recent months escalated to the that the island’s sovereignty is BY FATMA AL NUAIMI Tislands: One in the lead, disputed looks elusive. the other providing cover. The row over the islands has They issue radio warnings to point where both countries have caused flare-ups with serious rom a very early age, parents teach their children to respect their leave the area, but are ignored. economic fallout in years past, elders, have proper manners and to play nicely with others. Yet Visual wing-tipping signals go scrambled fighter jets while patrol but China’s stepped up efforts far too often these important life lessons are not applied in today’s unheeded. to physically challenge Japan’s Fdigital age. With more and more children and teenagers across The Japanese pilots consider control — and Japan’s decision to Qatar connecting to the Internet whether on their laptops, smartphones their last option: firing warning ships shadow each other in seas. push back — has raised the risk to or tablets, it has become increasingly important for parents and teachers shots — a step Beijing could con- a new level, diplomats say. to ensure that they are practising the same level of respect online as they sider an act of war. nationalism complicated by bit- way,” said Yoshihide Soeya, Japanese fighters scrambled 160 do in person. That’s how the risky game ter Chinese memories of Japan’s Director of the Institute of East times between April and October Today marks the 10th anniversary of Safer Internet Day, and appropri- being played near a chain of rocky, wartime aggression mean any Asian Studies at Keio University last year, the latest period for ately the theme is “Connect with Respect.” In my work as the Manager of uninhabited isles at the heart of rapprochement will be fragile. in Tokyo. “China is telling its which data is available, more Cyber Safety at the Supreme Council of Information and Communication a row between Beijing and Tokyo “Most likely the two sides will domestic audience that it is time than the total in the 12 months Technology (ictQATAR), keeping our citizens safe online has become my could quickly escalate to the dan- eventually find a face-saving for- to try something new.” to March 2012, and at least eight passion, and the notion of respectful online practice is at the very core of ger point, a former Japanese air mula to step back from this. But Abe, who returned to Japan’s times since December 13 when a cyber safety. One of the most important things we can teach our children force pilot said. I doubt it’s a flash in the pan,” top job in December after his Chinese turbo-prop plane entered is that actions online have real world implications. The fact is that words “China would be furious. They said Andy Gilholm of consultancy Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) what Japan considers its airspace. hurt just as much when posted to someone’s Facebook wall or sent via text would regard it as war, although Control Risks. huge election win, now says he Japan’s Defence Minister, message. In fact, they can hurt more because the record of them lives on it is not by international law,” the “There seems no chance of a is open to a summit. LDP Vice Itsunori Onodera, said in January and others can often magnify petty comments even further. ex-pilot said of the depicted sce- permanent settlement and even a President Masahiko Komura may that Japan might fire tracer bul- Unfortunately, digital harassment of this kind may go unnoticed by par- nario in the skies over the East durable setting aside of the issue travel to China to try to lay the lets as warning shots, a step its ents and unreported by youth. Unlike bullying or abuse in the schoolyard, China Sea. looks very unlikely. So ... we’re groundwork, although no meeting air force has taken only once since digital abuse or cyber bullying is far too often a hidden offence. A long-simmering row over the advising clients that this kind of is expected until after Xi becomes the Second World War when a By talking to our children about respecting others online, we can help islands, known as the Senkaku in friction is part of the new normal, president in March. Soviet bomber strayed into its build a positive digital environment that embraces learning and discovery, Japan and the Diaoyu in China, not a fleeting storm.” Abe moved quickly to repair airspace over Okinawa. while minimising negativity and inappropriate content. has in recent months escalated With Japanese businesses suf- Sino-Japanese ties when he took That incident ended with an Parents and other family members should sit down with children and to the point where both have fering from a downturn in trade office for a first term in 2006 and apology by Moscow but any simi- clearly discuss what behaviour is appropriate online. They should stress scrambled fighter jets while after violent anti-Japan protests Japanese executives and some lar episode is unlikely to be so eas- the importance of thinking critically about the information they encounter patrol ships shadow each other last September and jobs and experts say his nationalist image ily settled this time. and how to maintain their privacy. Fostering open channels of commu- in nearby seas. investment in China at risk if may mean he is well placed to do Another elevated risk is a pos- nications with children about the digital world will help them feel more Tokyo noted last month that its the feud drags on or worsens, the something similar again, as then- sible collision between Japanese comfortable talking to adults if they encounter offensive content or if pilots have the right under global pressure is on to find a resolution President Richard Nixon’s 1972 and Chinese patrol vessels in the someone is harassing. ictQATAR has created a website, Safe Space, to rules to fire warning shots against of sorts. China visit set the stage to nor- area or a boat of Chinese activ- help parents and teachers talk to children about online safety. Safe Space, intruders in its air space, a step Japan’s ally the US, which has malise Sino-American ties. ists that tries to land on one of www.safespace.qa, shares information and resources for parents, teachers, Japan has taken only once since shifted its attention to the region Setting the stage for summitry the islands. teens and children on how they can fully benefit from the Internet while the Second World War. in an Asian “pivot”, has signalled will require deft diplomacy. “Both In a sign that Japan sees the engaging in safe habits. The website is updated regularly, and presents Concerns that the increas- it does not want to see a military sides want to lower the heat, but tensions persisting, the defence valuable information in a clear, accessible manner. ing cat-and-mouse encounters clash over the islands, which they don’t want to look soft to ministry is considering deploying I encourage everyone to check it often, and share it with friends and between planes or patrol ships in Washington says fall under a two- their own nationals,” said the F-15 fighter jets and patrol planes family. At ictQATAR, we have also been working with schools across the East China Sea will cause an way security pact with Tokyo. Japanese ex-pilot, now an expert to another island chain closer the country to help make cyber safety an ingrained part of our national accidental clash are giving impe- A string of Japanese politi- on regional security matters. to the disputed isles to respond curriculum. Through a variety of workshop and outreach initiatives, tus to efforts to dial down ten- cians including Abe’s junior coa- Abe’s predecessor bought the more quickly to Chinese vessels the lessons shared on Safe Space are being brought directly to students, sions, including a possible leaders’ lition partner and former prime islands, located near potentially and aircraft. parents and teachers. Qatar is a society that has always taken collective summit. minister Tomiichi Murayama — a big maritime gas reserves, last “At least there are efforts responsibility for the well-being and safety of our children. Teaching them But while hopes have emerged socialist who issued a landmark September to prevent their pur- to manage the situation,” said to be smart and respectful online citizens is just an extension of the values of a thaw in the chill that 1995 apology for Japan’s wartime chase by the nationalist governor former Japanese diplomat Hitoshi that we already strive to instil in them. I hope everyone will join in mark- began when Japan bought the aggression — have visited Beijing of Tokyo. Beijing rejected Japan’s Tanaka, head of the Institute for ing Safer Internet Day to help ensure children throughout the country islands from a private citizen in recent weeks. explanation that the move was International Strategy in Tokyo. are connecting smartly, safely and respectfully. last September, deep mistrust, “These (visits) are being meant to avoid escalating ten- “But the danger remains.” The author is Cyber Safety section manager, ictQATAR regional rivalry and pumped up reported in China in an explicit sions, and violent protests erupted REUTERS THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2013 MIDDLE EAST TUESDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2013 08 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09

Syria, Mali crises Egyptian minister resigns to overshadow OIC Syrian oppn leader offers Assad peaceful exit summit tomorrow Alkhatib ready to meet president’s deputy; says world powers have no vision to end war; heavy shelling in Homs in protest at police abuse CAIRO: Leaders of Organ- isation of Islamic Cooperation BEIRUT: Syrian opposition Alkhatib said it was not Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov states are to meet in Cairo leader Moaz Alkhatib urged “treachery” to seek dialogue to and US Vice President Joe Biden. Activist’s death reignites police reform calls tomorrow to tackle crises rang- Syrian President Bashar Al end a conflict in which more than “Iran’s stance is unacceptable ing from the French-led battle Assad’s government yesterday 60,000 people have been killed, and I mentioned to the for- CAIRO: An Egyptian minister then showered police with stones, has changed, according to rights against Islamist militants in to start talks for its departure 700,000 have been driven from eign minister that we are very resigned yesterday in protest at witnesses said. groups. In a report published on Mali to the Syrian civil war. from power and save the coun- their country and millions more angry with Iran’s support for the police abuse as demonstrators Guindi’s lawyers say that after the anniversary of the uprising, Foreign ministers began a two- try from greater ruin after are homeless and hungry. regime,” Alkhatib said. and riot police clashed in the his arrest he was taken to a police the Egyptian Initiative for Personal day meeting in the Egyptian capi- almost two years of bloodshed. “The regime must take a clear He said he asked Salehi to Nile Delta after the funeral of camp in Al Gabal Al Ahmar in Rights (EIPR) said police violence tal yesterday to prepare for the Seeking to step up pressure stand (on dialogue) and we say pass on his offer of negotiations an activist who died in custody, Cairo where he was subjected to was still rampant. “The Egyptian summit, which will include lead- on Assad to respond to his offer we will extend our hand for the — based on the acceptance of the state media and witnesses said. torture, before being sent several police continue to systematically ers of 26 of the OIC’s 57 states. of talks — which dismayed some interest of people and to help the Assad government’s departure The activist, Mohammed Al days later to the capital’s Al Helal deploy violence and torture, and at Egypt’s first Islamist President, in his own opposition coalition, regime leave peacefully,” he said in — to Damascus. “We will find a Guindi, 28, had been arrested in hospital. The Popular Current, to times even kill,” EIPR said. Mohammed Mursi, will assume Alkhatib said he would be ready separate comments to Al Jazeera solution, there are many keys. If Cairo’s Tahrir Square last month which Guindi belonged, said the The group said it investigated the OIC’s rotating presidency. Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary-General Ekmeleddin to meet the president’s deputy. television. the regime wants to solve (the after joining protests demanding activist died “as a result of torture”. dozens of cases of torture in recent The summit had been sched- Ihsanoglu (left) with Egyptian Foreign Affairs Minister Mohamed Kamel “I ask the regime to send Assad announced last month crisis), it can take part in it. If change on the second anniversary Guindi’s death and the footage months, noting “the consistent use uled to take place in 2011 but was Amr during a meeting to prepare for the OIC summit, in Cairo, yesterday. Farouq Al Shara — if it accepts what he said were plans for recon- it wants to get out and get the of the country’s uprising. of police abuse have confronted of physical and psychological vio- postponed due to the regional the idea — and we can sit with ciliation talks to end the violence people out of this crisis, we will The opposition says Guindi’s Islamist President Mohammed lence against detainees, which in uprisings that overthrew four dic- countries, which face economic President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, him,” he said, referring to Syria’s but — in a speech described by all work together for the interest death proves the police have Mursi with uncomfortable paral- many cases led to death.” Within tators, including Hosni Mubarak, problems and political corrup- in the first visit to Egypt by an vice president who has implicitly UN Syria envoy Lakhdar Brahimi of the people and the departure not reformed since the uprising, lels with Hosni Mubarak’s regime, hours of the news of Guindi’s death, the OIC’s Secretary General tion, as is the case in Mali,” he Iranian president since Iran’s 1979 distanced himself from Assad’s as narrow and uncompromising — of the regime.” which broke out on January 25, deposed in 2011 after the upris- furious activists took to social net- Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu said. The said. “We must respect the bor- Islamic revolution. “We can no crackdown on mass unrest that he said there would be no dialogue One proposal under discussion 2011, a date which is marked as ing, aimed at least in part against working sites condemning police summit “will discuss the major ders and territorial integrity of longer be silent about the mas- became an armed revolt. with people he called traitors or was the formation of a transitional Police Day in Egypt. police abuses. brutality and calling for change. conflicts in the Islamic world,” African states,” he added. sacres and destruction in Syria Speaking after meeting senior “puppets made by the West”. government, Alkhatib said, with- His death yesterday after police The presidency said in a Guindi “is not the first to die the former Turkish diplomat said. The conflict in Syria, suspended and the international commu- Russian, US and Iranian officials, Syria’s uprising erupted in out specifying how he thought that transferred him unconscious to Facebook statement that it had (of torture) under Mursi. But he “Personally, I am very con- from the OIC in August 2012, will nity’s impotence in stopping the Alkhatib said none of them had March 2011 with largely peace- could come about. World powers hospital came days after policemen asked the public prosecutor to is a political activist, that’s why cerned about violence and reli- also cast a shadow over the sum- bloodshed,” said Ihsanoglu. an answer to the 22-month-old ful protests, escalating into a agreed a similar formula seven were filed beating and dragging a probe Guindi’s death, stressing you know his name,” tweeted gious extremism in Islamic mit, which is expected to include AFP crisis and Syrians must solve it civil war pitting mainly Sunni months ago but then disagreed naked man, prompting Culture there is “no return to rights abuses Hossam Bahgat, EIPR’s Director. themselves. “The issue is now rebels against Assad, who is from over whether that could allow Minister Mohammed Saber Arab of citizens and their freedoms ... “Youth still tortured; killed in in the state’s court ... to accept Alawite minority. His family has Assad to stay on as head of state. to resign, state media reported. after the January 25 revolution”. quest for human dignity. Regime negotiations for departure, with ruled Syria for 42 years. Activists reported clashes The official MENA news agency The presidency had also said it oblivious that violence begets vio- fewer losses,” the Syrian National The violence has divided major between the army and rebel said Arab tendered his resignation deplored what it described as the lence; brutality is sure to back- Coalition leader told Al Arabiya powers, with Russia and China fighters to the east of Damascus yesterday, without elaborating, “shocking footage” of police beating fire,” said leading dissident and Suicide bomber kills 23 near Baghdad television. blocking UN Security Council and heavy shelling of rebel-held while the state’s Al Ahram news- and dragging 50-year-old Hamada former UN nuclear watchdog The moderate Islamist preacher draft resolutions backed by the areas of the central city of Homs. A view of a damaged mosque, after clashes between forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar Al Assad and fighters of the Free Syrian Army, in Darya, near Damascus, yesterday. paper reported on its website that Saber during clashes outside the chief Mohamed ElBaradei. TAJI, IRAQ: A suicide bomber blew himself up near The bomber struck at 11am in Taji as the anti- announced last week that he was United States, European Union The Jobar neighbourhood, on the Arab resigned over the footage of presidential palace on Friday. The Tributes have poured in for a group of anti-Al Qaeda fighters receiving salaries Qaeda fighters were collecting their salaries. prepared to talk to Assad’s rep- and Gulf Arab states that could southwestern edge of Homs, was police abusing the man. interior ministry has ordered an Guindi on Twitter and Facebook, north of Baghdad yesterday, killing 23 people, the sec- At least 23 people were killed, a vast majority of resentatives. Although he set sev- have led to UN sanctions isolat- hit by more than 100 rockets, movement Hezbollah have sent are sending petrol, we are sending Syria last week, without spelling out In Tanta, witnesses said that investigation into that incident, with activists dubbing him the ond bloody attack to hit Iraq in as many days. them militiamen but also three soldiers, according eral conditions, the move broke a ing Assad. Iran has remained his an opposition activist said. The fighters to reinforce Assad’s army wheat. We are trying to send elec- whether Iran or its ally planned a police fired tear gas as marchers insisting it upholds human rights. “new” Khaled Said, a man who The blast, which officials said also wounded at to a security official and a medical source. Another taboo on opposition contacts with strongest regional supporter. Syrian Observatory for Human — an accusation that both deny. tricity to them through Iraq; we military response. “They will regret approached the provincial head- But images of Guindi’s face was beaten to death by police in least 44 people, came after Baghdad raised the sala- 44 were wounded, among them eight soldiers. Damascus and angered many in Alkhatib met Iranian Foreign Rights said at least 90 people were “The army of Syria is big enough, have not been successful.” this recent aggression,” said Saeed quarters following Guindi’s burial bruised and battered on a hospi- 2010 and who became a symbol of ries of the mostly-Sunni militiamen in a bid to pla- In Baghdad, a roadside bomb killed a police officer its ranks who insist on Assad’s Minister Ali Akbar Salehi at a killed by dusk across Syria. they do not need fighters from out- Another Iranian official, speak- Jalili, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme in the city. Protesters, joined by tal bed and the footage of Ahmed the fight against police brutality. cate weeks of anti-government demonstrations in and wounded three of his colleagues, while four peo- departure as a precondition for security conference in Germany Rebels and activists say that side,” Salehi said in Berlin. “We are ing in Damascus, said that Israel National Security Council. residents of the Nile Delta city, Saber’s beating show how little AFP predominantly-Sunni areas of Iraq. ple were shot dead overnight in Kirkuk. AFP negotiation. at the weekend as well as Russian Iran and the Lebanese Shia giving them economic support, we would regret an air strike against REUTERS Kuwait says backs Ahmadinejad ‘ready’ to be Iran’s first spaceman free speech but TEHRAN: President Mahm- He added to the buoyant an altitude of between 250km total embargo on the export of oud Ahmadinejad said yes- atmosphere, saying he was and 370km. Iran has put three nuclear and space technology to must protect Emir terday that he is ready “to be willing to “auction (himself) other small satellites into the Iran since 2007. Tehran denies its the first man in space” under and donate” the money to the same orbit since 2009. Zohreh is space programme has any link KUWAIT: Kuwait supports Iran’s ambitious programme Iran’s space programme, which a geostationary communications with its alleged nuclear ambitions. free speech but must act which aims to send a human has shrunk because of interna- satellite that will be placed at an Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign against illegal comments made being into orbit by 2020. tional economic sanctions over altitude of 36,000km, something Minister Ali Akbar Salehi said about the state’s ruler, the “Our youth are determined Tehran’s controversial nuclear Iran has never tried before. No that he saw US Vice-President government said yesterday, to send a man into space within drive, ISNA reported. launch date was given. Joe Biden’s offer this weekend after a Twitter user was jailed the next four, five years and I’m Iran, which last week Iran’s space programme of bilateral dialogue between for five years. sure that will happen,” he said announced it had successfully deeply unsettles Western their two countries as a sign of a A Kuwaiti court sentenced during a ceremony in Tehran sent a small monkey into space, nations, which fear it could be change in approach to Tehran by a man to prison on Sunday for where two new Iranian-made has said it wants to send a man used to develop ballistic mis- Washington. “As I have said yes- insulting the Emir on the social satellites were unveiled, accord- into orbit by 2020. siles capable of carrying nuclear terday, I am optimistic, I feel this networking site, a rights lawyer ing to ISNA news agency. Ahmadinejad unveiled yester- warheads they suspect are being new administration is really this and news websites said, in the “I’m ready to be the first day two small satellites, named developed in secret, despite time seeking to at least divert latest prosecution for criticism Iranian to be sacrificed by the “Nahid” and “Zohreh” (“Venus” denials from Tehran. from its previous traditional of authorities via social media. scientists of my country and go in Farsi and Arabic, respec- The technology used in space approach vis-a-vis my country,” “Kuwait has a longstanding into space, even though I know tively). Nahid, an observation rockets can also be used in bal- Salehi told the German Council proud tradition of open debate there are a lot of candidates,” satellite equipped with solar listic missiles. The Security on Foreign Relations. and free speech,” the Ministry Ahmadinejad quipped. panels, is intended to orbit at Council has imposed an almost AGENCIES of Information, which regulates the media, said in a statement to Reuters addressing the case. “We are a country led by the Lebanon army chief’s warning rule of law and our constitution holds our Emir to be inviolable. Bahrain plans to If our citizens wish to amend the constitution there is a straight- resume national forward legal way to do this, but we will not selectively enforce talks on Sunday our laws.” In recent months Kuwait has DUBAI: Bahrain’s justice min- penalised several Twitter users istry announced yesterday that for criticising the Emir, who is national talks aimed to end the described as “immune and invio- kingdom’s political stalemate lable” in the constitution. will resume on February 10 Kuwait allows the most dis- after an earlier round failed to sent in the region and boasts a bring the opposition onboard. lively press and critical political Justice Minister Khalid bin debate. But the US ally has been Ali Al Khalifa said that the dia- clamping down on politically logue will reconvene on Sunday, sensitive comments aired on the February 10, after he met repre- Internet in recent months. sentatives of the six opposition Twitter is extremely popu- groups, as well as eight other lar in the country of 3.7 million associations that are on good inhabitants and well-known fig- terms with the government, BNA ures can have hundreds of thou- state news agency reported. sands of followers. In January, The opposition groups included a court sentenced two men in Al Wefaq, the largest formation separate cases to jail time for in the state. It was not clear if insulting the Emir on Twitter. Tanks of the Lebanese airborne division drive in the eastern village of Arsal, near the Syrian border, yes- the government would participate REUTERS terday. Lebanon’s army chief Jean Kahwaji has warned that the military will “pursue” anyone who attacks in the dialogue as a party, or just it, after two soldiers were killed in a clash with Islamists in Arsal on February 1. preside over the talks. H M King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa called in January for a new round of talks in a move cautiously welcomed by the opposition which Israeli, Palestinian textbooks give kids slanted view: Studyhad shunned earlier invitations, as protests continue in the kingdom JERUSALEM: Israelis and narratives,” wrote the authors, and captions recognising the in the educational system and in despite a heavy-handed crackdown Palestinians rarely demonise from Bethlehem, Tel Aviv and other. The Israeli-occupied particular with school textbooks, on demonstrations in March 2011. each other in their school- Yale universities. West Bank is often referred by if the parties in conflict decide to The opposition has repeatedly books but each side’s texts “Historical events are selec- its biblical name of Judaea and embark on the path of peace,” the said it is ready for a meaning- offer children a one-sided view tively presented to reinforce Samaria, particularly in the study concludes. ful dialogue, but has stuck to its of their conflict, says a joint each national narrative,” said ultra-Orthodox schools. An Israeli education ministry demands for a real constitutional study released yesterday. the study, which analysed more “The lack and absence of infor- statement dismissed the new monarchy with an elected prime “Dehumanising and demon- than 3,000 textbooks approved mation about the the other serve study as “biased, unprofessional minister. Al Wefaq, which had ising characterisations of the in 2011 by the sides’ education to delegitimise the presence of the and profoundly unobjective”. pulled out of a similar round of other are rare in both Israeli ministries as well as those dis- other,” says the study. It noted Palestinian premier Salam talks in July 2011, said in December and Palestinian books,” accord- tributed in the ultra-Orthodox that negative portrayal of the Fayyad, in contrast, welcomed that it was ready for new dialogue. ing to the study funded by the Jewish community which has its adversary is “more pronounced the report, saying it confirms Bahrain has been shaken by US State Department and car- own education system. in the Israeli ultra-Orthodox and that Palestinian textbooks do unrest since its forces crushed two ried out by Palestinian, Israeli On the loaded issue of maps, Palestinian books than in the not contain any form of blatant years ago popular Shia-led protests and US academics. “Both Israeli only four percent of Palestinian Israeli state books,” which it says incitement, which is based on demanding greater rights and an and Palestinian books present schoolbooks and 13 percent of have more self-critical content. contempt towards the ‘other’. end to discrimination by the state. exclusive unilateral national the Israeli texts show borders “There is much to do in general AFP AFP TUESDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2013 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL Skeleton under car park is of Richard III: Scientists Revelation one of the significant archaeological finds of recent English history; king’s descendant ‘stunned’

LEICESTER, UK: A skeleton and the Tudor monarchs, who, with found under a car park in the the help of William Shakespeare English city of Leicester last and other playwrights, painted year was yesterday confirmed Richard as a brutal, hunchbacked as that of king Richard III, villain who stopped at nothing in widely depicted as one of his- his quest for power, even mur- tory’s most notorious villains. dering his two young nephews to In one of the most signifi- secure the throne. cant archaeological finds of The skeleton confirms that recent English history, scien- Richard did have severe scoliosis tists from the University of which caused his spine to be twisted Leicester matched DNA from and his right shoulder appear the 500-year-old skeleton with higher than his left, but there was descendants of the king’s sis- no evidence of the twisted arm ter, while the skeleton had the depicted by Shakespeare. twisted spine and battle injuries The man was the right age — consistent with contemporary Richard died aged 32 — had a accounts. high-protein diet consistent with “It is the academic conclusion someone of high birth, and had of the University of Leicester a slender, almost feminine build, that, beyond reasonable doubt, the which matched contemporary individual exhumed at Greyfriars accounts. in September 2012 is indeed In a forensic search that at Richard III, the last Plantagenet times resembled a television king of England,” lead archae- crime drama, there were also ologist Richard Buckley said to clear signs of the person having applause at a press conference at been in battle. A slice was taken the university. off the back of his head by a weap- He said the king’s remains ons such as a halberd, a type of would now be re-interred at axe, which with another injury Leicester Cathedral, in keeping nearby would have probably killed with archaeological practice to him, according to Jo Appleby, the bury remains on the nearest con- project’s lead osteologist. secrated ground. There was also evidence of The find has caused huge “humiliation injuries” to his face excitement among historians, as and his buttocks, which may well A television image of King Richard III’s skull is seen next to his portrait during a news conference in Leicester, central England, yesterday. RIGHT: it provides firm evidence about have been inflicted on his naked The spine of Richard III is seen in this photograph provided by the University of Leicester. a monarch whose life has been body by rivals after his death. shrouded in controversy ever The researchers were confident Richard’s sister, Anne of York at the discovery, and was looking establishment of a system of bail and we have found him. Now it’s since his death at the Battle of they had found Richard, but the — a Canadian-born carpenter, forward to seeing the facial recon- and legal aid. Philippa Langley, a time to honour him,” she said. Bosworth in 1485. final green light came just hours Michael Ibsen, and another per- struction of Richard, although he member of the Richard III Society There had been debate about Richard’s body was paraded before more than 150 journal- son who wishes to remain anony- added: “It won’t look like me.” who coordinated and helped fund what to do with the bones amid naked and bloody on the back of ists were due to gather for the mous. It presented a “strong and Historians now hope to dispel the search, said she hoped a new calls from some for them to a horse in Leicester, in central announcement, with the confir- compelling case that these are some of the myths about Richard, image would emerge of the king be buried in the city of York, England, before being buried in mation of the DNA results. indeed the remains of Richard publicising evidence that he never and “the two-dimensional char- Richard’s power base, but it has an unmarked grave at Greyfriars, Geneticist Turi King revealed III”, King said. killed his nephews and looking acter devised by the Tudors will been decided that his final resting a friary in the city. that the skeleton’s DNA matched Ibsen, the 17th generation again at what he achieved in his be no more”. place will be Leicester Cathedral. The crown passed to Henry VII that of two descendants of descendant, said he was “stunned” brief two-year reign, including the “We have searched for Richard AFP/REUTERS

Chavez recovering, says Castro Tuaregs capture two Former British minister faces jail fleeing Islamist leaders after guilty plea

KIDAL, MALI/PARIS: Tua- desert north as a base to launch LONDON: Former British reg rebels in northern Mali said attacks on neighbouring African energy secretary Chris Huhne yesterday that they had captured countries and the West. faces time behind bars after two senior Islamist insurgents After meeting French pleading guilty yesterday to fleeing French air strikes toward President Francois Hollande perverting the course of justice the Algerian border, as France in Paris, US Vice President Joe by asking his then wife in 2003 pressed ahead with its bomb- Biden praised the “decisiveness to accept a penalty for a speed- ing campaign against Al Qaeda’s and incredible competence” of ing offence he had committed. Saharan desert camps. France’s operations. He backed A senior member of the Liberal Pro-autonomy Tuareg MNLA France’s call for UN peacekeepers Democrats, the smaller party in rebels said one of their patrols to be deployed in Mali. Britain’s ruling coalition, Huhne, seized Mohamed Moussa Ag “We agreed on the need to, as 58, entered his guilty plea on the Mohamed, an Islamist leader quickly as reasonably possible, morning his trial had been due who imposed harsh sharia law establish an African-led mission to start at London’s Southwark in the desert town of Timbuktu, to Mali and, as quickly as is pru- Crown Court. and Oumeini Ould Baba Akhmed, dent, transition that mission to It was a dramatic change of believed to be responsible for the the United Nations,” Biden said, tack after he had spent months kidnapping of a French hostage flanked by Hollande. fighting a costly legal battle to by the Al Qaeda splinter group Paris believes that deploying have the charge against him Supporters of the Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez take to the streets to commemorate the 1992 failed coup MUJWA. UN peacekeepers to Mali could dropped. After losing that battle led by Chavez, who was an army lieutenant colonel, against then president Carlos Andres Perez, in Caracas, “We chased an Islamist convoy eliminate problems over funding a week ago, Huhne had initially yesterday. The ailing president, who had cancer surgery in December, is doing much better and recovering, close to the frontier and arrested the African mission and fears of pleaded not guilty to the offence. Cuban leader Fidel Castro said. the two men the day before yes- ethnic reprisals by Malian troops Huhne had resigned from his terday,” Ibrahim Ag Assaleh, against light-skinned Tuaregs cabinet post when he was charged spokesman for the MNLA, told and Arabs associated with the in February 2012. Shortly after Reuters from Ouagadougou in Islamists. yesterday’s plea, he said on the Pirates seize French Burkina Faso. “They have been The Tuareg group says it is will- steps of the courthouse that he questioned and sent to Kidal.” ing to help the French-led mis- would now also leave parliament. Cuts blamed as stillbirth tanker, 17 crew France has deployed 3,500 sion by hunting down Islamists. “Having taken responsibility ground troops, as well as war- It has offered to hold peace talks for something which happened 10 off Ivory Coast planes and armoured vehicles with the government in a bid to years ago the only proper course tragedy shocks France in its three-week-old Operation heal wounds between Mali’s res- of action for me is now to resign ABIDJAN: Suspected Nigerian Serval which has broken the tive Saharan north and the black my Eastleigh seat in parliament,” PARIS: France has launched an home because, according to her pirates have hijacked a French- Islamists’ 10-month grip on African-dominated south. he told reporters. investigation into a stillbirth that partner, there was no bed for her, owned Luxembourg-flagged northern towns. It is now due “Until there is a peace deal, Deputy Prime Minister Nick occurred after a full-term preg- despite the couple warning staff tanker along with its 17-mem- to gradually hand over to a we cannot hold national elec- Clegg, who narrowly defeated nant woman was sent home from that the baby was “not moving ber crew off Ivory Coast, Ivorian UN-backed African force of some tions,” Ag Assaleh said, refer- Huhne to become the Liberal an overrun maternity unit in much”. Whether the prospective officials and the International 8,000 troops, known as AFISMA. ring to interim Malian President Democrat leader in 2007, said he a case that has raised concerns father’s account was accurate will Maritime Bureau said yesterday. Paris and its international Dioncounda Traore’s plan to hold was “shocked and saddened” by over the impact of EU-driven be addressed by the investigation The Gulf of Guinea area is sec- partners want to prevent the polls on July 31. Huhne’s guilty plea. austerity on the country’s but the head of the maternity unit, ond only to the waters off Somalia Islamists from using Mali’s vast REUTERS REUTERS renowned health system. Dominique Cabrol, has already for piracy and there has been a A military campaign in Mali confirmed that the clinic was “at spate of violent attacks in vessels was knocked off the top of saturation point” on Thursday. in recent days. The Gascogne was France’s news agenda yesterday Politicians from across the the second vessel to be seized off as commentators demanded to political spectrum questioned Ivory Coast in less than three know how such a tragedy could whether the tragedy was the weeks and the first to have been US may use preemptive cyber strikes: Report have happened in a country that result of cutbacks in staff num- taken so far from shore. prides itself on its state-of-the- bers. Paris hospitals have been Many of the pirate gangs are off- WASHINGTON: A secret legal review has of about 900, will expand to about 4,900 troops and art medical facilities. told to make ¤150m of cutbacks shoots of militant groups that once concluded that the US president has the power civilians. The seriousness of the threat has been A Paris prosecutor began look- this year as part of a drive to cut operated in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger to order preemptive cyber strikes if the United underscored by a string of sabotage attacks, includ- ing into the case after the parents the national deficit in line with Delta and mainly target ships car- States discovers credible evidence of a major dig- ing one in which a virus was used to wipe data from of the stillborn child filed a com- European Union rules. rying refined petroleum products ital attack against it is in the offing, The New York more than 30,000 computers at a Saudi Arabian plaint of criminal negligence while Under a 1998 reform, maternity that are easily sold on the local Times reported yesterday. state oil company last summer. Health Minister Marisol Touraine clinics are classed on a scale of 1-3, black market. Ivory Coast authori- Citing unnamed officials involved in the review, Barack Obama is known to have approved the has commissioned an emergency with type one being for women who ties said the Gascogne had been the newspaper said the new policy will also govern use of cyber weapons only once, when he ordered administrative and medical enquiry are expected to have a trouble-free chartered by South Korean petro- how the intelligence agencies can carry out searches an escalating series of cyber attacks against Iran’s into what went wrong. pregnancy and type three for those leum transporter SK Shipping. It of overseas computer networks for signs of potential nuclear enrichment facilities, The Times said. The The baby was discovered to have liable to have complications. had taken on 3,000 tonnes of diesel attacks on the United States and, if the president operation was code-named Olympic Games. The been stillborn overnight Thursday- In practice, what has happened fuel in Abidjan on January 30 but approves, attack adversaries with a destructive code attacks on Iran illustrated that a nation’s infrastruc- Friday at the Port Royal mater- is that demand for type three had already off loaded a portion of its — even if there is no declared war. ture can be destroyed without bombing it or sending nity unit in Paris. The expectant clinics has outstripped supply, cargo when it was seized on Sunday. The review came as the US Department of in saboteurs, the report said. mother had come to the clinic dur- creating bottlenecks, according The 17-strong crew comprised Defence approved a five-fold expansion of its cyber Under the new guidelines, the Pentagon would not ing the day on Thursday and on the to Jean Marty, the chairman of seven Togolese, two Senegalese, two security force over the coming years in a bid to be involved in defending against ordinary cyber attacks previous Tuesday seeking to have the body that represents French Ivorians, one South Korean, one increase its ability to defend critical computer net- on American companies or individuals. But the mili- her labour induced. gynaecologists. Chinese and four sailors from Benin. works. The Washington Post reported that the depart- tary would become involved in cases of a major cyber On both occasions she was sent AFP REUTERS ment’s Cyber Command, which currently has a staff attack within the US, the paper noted. AFP TUESDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2013 ASIA / PHILIPPINES www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 MNLF and Abu Sayyaf clashes leave 37 dead Jordanian journalist still in captivity

COTABATO, Philippines: fighting, but they remained in the Fierce fighting between mem- grip of the Abu Sayyaf militants, bers of the Moro National police said. Liberation Front (MNLF) and Rebel Commander Khabir the extremist Abu Sayyaf group Malik of the Moro National subsided yesterday in a restive Liberation Front, which has an southern Philippine town but autonomy deal with the govern- the death toll from both sides ment, said his group decided to reached 37. attack the Abu Sayyaf in the rug- Habib Mujahab Hashim, chief ged mountains of Patikul after of the Moro National Liberation negotiations collapsed on the Front’s Islamic Command release of several of its foreign Council, said about 20 of their hostages, including a Jordanian men, including a field com- TV journalist and two European mander, have died in clashes men who have been held since last with Abu Sayyaf in the jug- year. gles of Patikul, Sulu province. The Filipino hostages were Meanwhile, 17 Abu Sayyaf men freed after an unspecified ransom were also killed. was paid, security officials said, “The fighting resumed this adding the captives were let loose morning (Monday) but it has on their own and not turned over Moro National Liberation Front Commander Khabir Malik (front left) at their camp in Jolo, Sulu province, southern Philippines, yesterday. already subsided, “ Hashim said. to the Moro rebels. The hostilities began on “We had no choice,” Malik said could erupt again, Sulu provincial primarily in the early 2000s. swollen leg from constant jun- terrorist organisation. Saturday night following the by telephone from Patikul. “They police chief Senior Superintendent Vela said he and Letriro last gle treks. MNLF rebels signed a peace release of two Filipino television told us they won’t hand over their Antonio Freyra said. saw Atyani five days after they Atyani has gained prominence deal with the government in 1996 crews in the jungles of Patikul. hostages to us even if they die.” It was the first major bloody were taken into Abu Sayyaf cus- for having interviewed Osama that did not require them to dis- Kidnapped victims Rolando The Moro rebels battled the confrontation between the two tody in June last year, when the bin Laden and his aides in arm. They have settled back to Letrero and Ramelito Vela were Abu Sayyaf with guns and knives insurgent groups, which have militants separated him from Afghanistan about three months their Sulu communities but have freed from the Abu Sayyaf camp at close range on Sunday, Malik coexisted for years and at times them. Atyani wanted to interview before the September 11, 2001, clashed with government troops in Patikul town, but the victims’ said, adding his group lost eight were suspected of collaborating the militants in Sulu but he and attacks. periodically while negotiating for companion, Jordanian journalist men, including one who was on kidnappings and backing each his Filipino crewmen were taken The Abu Sayyaf is an extrem- more concessions. Baker Atyani, is still in the mili- beheaded and a few others who other in clashes against govern- hostage, Vela said. ist offshoot of a rebellion that The group’s stature has been tants’ hand. were hacked to death. ment troops in predominantly Vela recounted his ordeal in a has been raging in the predom- overshadowed in recent years by At least five more foreigners Military and police officials in Muslim Sulu. news conference in Manila, saying inantly Catholic nation’s south the larger Moro Islamic Liberation hostage in the island-province Sulu said up to 17 Abu Sayyaf men Malik said his group had taken he saw about 400 Abu Sayyaf fight- for decades. Front, which is currently engaged of Sulu, including a Japanese, a were killed, citing intelligence. the initiative to seek the freedom ers in different Sulu jungle encamp- US-backed military offen- in Malaysian-brokered talks with Malaysian, an Australian, and The fighting subsided yesterday of the hostages to help the gov- ments, where they were held. He sives have crippled it in recent the government to expand and European birdwatchers Ewold after Abu Sayyaf gunmen split ernment clean up the image of added that they were treated well. years, but it remains a national seek more power and resources Horn and Lorenzo Vinciguerra. into smaller groups, with a large Sulu, where the Abu Sayyaf has “We were not harmed, not a security threat. Washington for an existing Muslim autono- There was no word on whether group seen fleeing from Patikul to carried out deadly bombings, pinch,” he said from a wheel- has listed the group, which has mous region in the south. the hostages were hurt in the an adjacent town. But the clashes kidnappings and beheadings, chair, where he sat with a about 380 armed fighters, as a AGENCIES

Myanmar holds ‘positive’ peace Chinese daily denies allegations of hacking American media outlets BEIJING: The official York Times and Wall Street Journal “the most threatening actor in constitute sufficient evidence to con- cyberspace, providing new justi- talks with rebels mouthpiece of China’s rul- linked Beijing to cyber attacks cyberspace”. firm the origins of hackers,” it added. fication for America’s strategy of ing Communist Party yester- and the Washington Post accused The front page Chinese- The paper accused the US of containing China,” it added. YANGON: Myanmar held day roundly rejected claims of Chinese hackers of targeting it. language commentary in the fanning “fear of China” out of The article repeated the Beijing fresh talks with Kachin ethnic hacking attacks from China by The reports added to rising People’s Daily, which could not be self interest, saying that it has government’s position that China minority rebels yesterday, vow- American media outlets, hint- concerns about Chinese hack- found on its English website, said: invoked national security as a jus- is also a victim of hacking, say- ing to keep up efforts to find ing instead at ulterior motives ing — a US congressional report “Even those with little under- tification for trade protectionism ing that there were more attacks an elusive breakthrough in a by the US. last year said increasingly skilled standing of the Internet know and economic sanctions. from US-based IP addresses on conflict that has overshadowed The People’s Daily article ech- Chinese state-backed enti- that hacking attacks are tran- “America keeps labelling China Chinese websites in December dramatic political reforms. oed vehement government rejec- ties were seeking to breach US snational and concealable. as hackers, simply playing up the than from any other country. The two sides agreed to con- tions last week after The New systems, calling the country “IP addresses simply do not rhetoric of the ‘China threat’ in AFP tinue dialogue with the aim of reaching a “strong ceasefire” in Myanmar’s violence-wracked far north, according to a joint state- Sri Lanka Independence Day ment released after the talks in the Chinese border town of Ruili. They agreed to hold another meeting before the end of February. “Both sides discussed in a friendly and open manner,” said Hla Maung Shwe, a government- appointed mediator who took part in the meeting. “As we have agreed on future talks, I think it was positive,” he said by telephone. Although a dozen rounds of talks between the government and the Kachin since 2011 have failed to make progress, the fact that the two sides were meet- ing at all for the first time in months was seen as a positive development. Senior Chinese officials also took part in the meeting, along with Minister of the President’s Office Aung Min and Kachin leaders AFP Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa watches a military parade during the country’s 65th Independence Day celebrations in Trincomalee, yesterday. South Korea and US launch naval exercise

SEOUL: South Korea and the United States drill by a 9,800-tonnes Aegis destroyer, the in South Korea saw the meeting amount- launched a joint naval exercise involving a USS Shiloh. ing to an official go-ahead for a detonation. US nuclear submarine yesterday, as ten- “The exercise includes at-sea operating Some predict the test will come before sions rise on the Korean peninsula ahead of training, detecting and tracking a subma- the Lunar New Year on February 10, while an expected nuclear test by North Korea. rine, anti-air and anti-ship live fire training others suggest it will be timed to coincide A defence ministry spokesman confirmed and anti-missile training,” the Yonhap news with the birthday of Kim Jong-Un’s father the three-day drill — condemned as a “war- agency quoted one military official as saying. and late leader Kim Jong-Il on February 16. mongering” exercise by North Korea — was The drill comes as the North has ramped South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak underway in the East Sea (Sea of Japan) off up daily threats of a nuclear test in response urged officials to “stand well prepared” for the southeastern South Korean port of Pohang. to expanded UN sanctions imposed after any test after a meeting Sunday with his top Although South Korean military offi- its long-range rocket launch in December. security advisers, and the defence ministry cials stressed the drill was scheduled On Sunday, state media reported that said Monday that the North had completed before the North threatened to detonate the North’s young leader, Kim Jong-Un, had all technical preparations. its third nuclear device, the presence of the chaired a high-level meeting to discuss a “great “The only thing left to make is a politi- submarine has been seen as a warning to turn” in bolstering military capability and issue cal judgement,” said ministry spokesman Pyongyang. “important” guidelines to top officials. Kim Min-Seok said, calling on Pyongyang The USS San Francisco, armed with Although the report made no specific to show restraint. Tomahawk cruise missiles, is joined in the mention of a nuclear test, many observers AFP TUESDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2013 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN

Islamabad plans Karzai, Zardari vow Afghan peace ‘amusement city’ in Bin Laden town

Cameron hosts leaders to boost cooperation PESHAWAR: Pakistan is planning to build a $30m LONDON: Afghan President have welcomed Pakistan’s release to playing a video game, Karzai amusement park with a zoo Hamid Karzai and his Pakistani of dozens of Taliban prisoners said the young royal’s comments and adventure sports facilities counterpart Asif Ali Zardari in recent months, a move they may have been a mistake, but he in the town where Osama bin held peace talks with British believe could help bring militants should be let off the hook because Laden was killed by US special Prime Minister David Cameron to the negotiating table. of his age. forces, officials said yesterday. yesterday, in the presence of These were the third trilateral “Prince Harry is a young man, The 50hectare riverside devel- top spy chiefs. talks in a year following meetings we do give exits to young men opment on the edge of Abbottabad, The talks at Cameron’s in Kabul in July and New York when they make mistakes,” said where US Navy Seals shot dead Chequers country retreat near last September — but they were Karzai. Taliban leaders were the Al Qaeda leader on May 2, London aimed to boost coopera- the first in which Pakistani and quick to label Prince Harry men- 2011, will include restaurants, tion between Afghanistan and Afghan army and intelligence tally ill and cowardly. a heritage centre and artificial Pakistan, amid growing fears chiefs took part. “Prince Charles, the father of waterfalls. that a civil war could erupt In an interview with Britain’s Prince Harry, is a very fine gen- The government of northwest- when international troops leave Guardian newspaper and ITV tleman, a man for whom I have ern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa prov- Afghanistan in 2014. television station, Karzai said tremendous respect. ince hopes the project, announced “This trilateral process sends a the biggest threat to peace in “For years, even when I was a as a public-private partnership, very clear message to the Taliban Afghanistan was not the Taliban, student in Shimla, I used to read will boost tourism but denied — now is the time for everyone to but meddling from foreign powers. about his dislike of modern archi- it was intended to improve the participate in a peaceful political “Peace will only come when the tecture and the cement buildings town’s image after the humilia- process in Afghanistan,” a British external elements involved in cre- and I entirely agreed with him. tion of the bin Laden raid. government spokeswoman said. ating instability and fighting, or Prince Charles is a great rep- “The amusement city will be “For the first time, we will lawlessness in Afghanistan, are resentative of Britain and the built on 50 acres in the first phase bring together political and involved in talks,” he said, without British ways of life,” he said. but later will be extended to 500 security establishments from naming any country. Karzai was due to meet Prince acres,” Syed Aqil Shah, the pro- Afghanistan and Pakistan, He said Western troops had Charles during his three-day trip. vincial Minister for Tourism and including foreign ministers, been “fighting in the wrong place” Britain still has around 9,000 Sports said. chiefs of army staff, chiefs of in Afghanistan, saying security in troops in Afghanistan ahead of a “It will have a heritage park, intelligence and the chair of the the southern Helmand province scheduled withdrawal in 2014. wildlife zoo, food street, adventure Afghan High Peace Council.” was better before British troops Afghan soldiers and police are and paragliding clubs, waterfalls Support from Pakistan, which arrived. taking on responsibility for bat- and jogging tracks.” backed Afghanistan’s 1996-2001 He said he was unclear if tling Taliban militants from the Work is due to begin in late Taliban regime, is seen as cru- Western forces were leaving 100,000 Nato troops due to depart February or early March, he cial to peace after Nato troops Afghanistan because they felt they by the end of next year. said, and will take eight years to depart — but relations between had achieved the aim of making But more than 60 foreign complete. the neighbours remain uneasy their own countries more secure soldiers were killed in 2012 in Abbottabad, in the foothills despite recent improvements. by tackling international terror “insider attacks” by members of the Himalayas around 50km Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron (centre) with Afghan President Hamid Kabul and Washington have groups or because they had real- of Afghanistan’s security forces, north of Islamabad, has long been regularly accused Pakistan of ised the mission was mistaken. which have bred mistrust and Karzai (left) and Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari at Chequers, the Prime a popular spot for well-heeled helping to destabilise Afghanistan. Referring to Prince Harry, who threatened to derail the training Minister’s official country residence, near Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, families from the capital to spend But Afghan peace negotiators compared fighting in Afghanistan process. Agencies west of London, yesterday. weekends away. The town also houses Pakistan’s elite military academy and the dis- Snow fun covery of the world’s most wanted man on its doorstep prompted allegations of incompetence or complicity between the armed Malala getting better day by day forces and the 9/11 mastermind. AGENCIES LONDON: Malala Yousafzai, prayers God has given me this the pressure on her brain before the Pakistani schoolgirl shot in new life — a second life. And I she was flown to Queen Elizabeth Pakistani Taliban the head by the Taliban for cam- want to serve. I want to serve Hospital in Birmingham, central paigning for girls’ education, the people. I want every girl, England. The hospital has exten- willing to hold talks said she was “getting better day every child, to be educated. For sive experience of treating gun- by day” in her first public state- that reason, we have organised shot wounds suffered by British ISLAMABAD: The outlawed ment released yesterday. the Malala Fund.” The fund is a soldiers in Afghanistan. Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan The 15-year-old said she had charity set up in late 2012 to pro- In the latest surgery, Malala (TTP) is willing to hold been given a “second life” to cam- mote education for girls. had a custom-made piece of tita- talks with the government paign for girls to have the right to In the video, Malala was nium fitted to replace the miss- and security forces, spokes- go to school, in a video recorded wearing a headscarf and flick- ing part of her skull and surgeons man Ehsanullah Ehsan said before she underwent surgery to ing through some cards sent by also inserted an implant to help yearwesY. repair her skull at a hospital in well-wishers. She also recorded a restore her hearing in her left ear. But he said Pakistan Muslim Britain on Saturday. message in Urdu. Malala first rose to prominence League Nawaz (PML-N) chief “Today you can see that I am Malala was shot at point-blank at 11 with a blog for the BBC’s Nawaz Sharif, Jamiat Ulema- alive. I can speak, I can see you, I range by a Taliban gunman as Urdu-language service charting i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief can see everyone and I am getting her school bus travelled through her life under the Taliban. Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman and better day by day,” she said. Pakistan’s Swat Valley on October Since her attempted murder, Jamaat-i-Islami chief Ameer Syed She spoke clearly in English, 9, in an attack that drew world- millions of people have signed Munawar Hasan should be guar- but displayed a lack of movement wide condemnation. petitions supporting her cause, antors for the talks. on the left side of her face. Doctors say the bullet grazed and she has been nominated for He said that to hold talks, the “It’s just because of the prayers her brain and passed through her this year’s Nobel Peace Prize. TTP wanted Maulvi Omar, TTP’s of people. Because all people — head and neck before lodging in Former British prime minis- Swat leader Muslim Khan and men, women, children — all of her left shoulder. ter Gordon Brown, a UN spe- others to be freed from police An Afghan man plays with a youngster in the snow in Kabul, yesterday. them have prayed for me. Surgeons in Pakistan saved her cial envoy for education, has also custody. As winter sets in across Central Asia, many Afghans struggle to provide “And because of all these life with an operation to relieve taken up her cause. AGENCIES INTERNEWS adequate food and shelter for their families. Islamabad focus Poll petitions may not be Government snubs election ban on relations with ISLAMABAD: The Election 21, the commission imposed a ban Ebrahim and said that the com- neighbours amid Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) on last-minute recruitments in all mission did not have any legal decided again this year decision to freeze all recruit- public sector organisations except powers to issue such directives US pressure ments in public sector offices those carried out by the federal before the formal announcement PESHAWAR: Like previous years, dozens of election petitions for and ban the use of development or a provincial public service of the election schedule. disqualification of members of the provincial and national assem- funds for electioneering has not commission. Thereby, officials from the com- ISLAMABAD: With two cabi- blies of Pakistan are likely to remain undecided, as the assemblies gelled in well with the ruling The notification also forbade mission asked the federation’s net decisions going ahead — a will be dissolved before March 16. Pakistan Peoples Party. the government from diverting team to submit their concerns deal with Iran on a gas pipeline Section 67 (1A) of the Representation of People’s Act 1976 makes it However, the government is yet money to the prime minister’s in writing. The ECP official said and the transfer of strategic mandatory on an election tribunal to proceed with the trial of a petition to submit its concerns regarding discretionary fund for distri- that the Naek-led delegation had Gwadar Port operations from on a daily basis and take decisions within four months from its receipt. the issue to the commission in bution to the ruling party for expressed its reservations and Singapore to China — Pakistan Losing candidates filed petitions in the hope that winners would be writing. “We have not received electioneering. was asked to formally submit is deepening economic and dip- disqualified. However, like previous elections, they fear their petitions any such written request from In response, a team led by Law its--- concerns but instead the lomatic relations with regional may not be decided. the government,” an ECP official Minister Farooq H Naek met commission received a letter from players ahead of the US endgame “We have suffered mentally and financially due to the five-year legal said yesterday. Chief Election Commissioner Senator Raza Rabbani raising the in Afghanistan next year. battle,” Shahid Khan, a runner-up candidate from PK-27, Mardan-V, In a directive issued on January Justice (retd) Fakharuddin G issue. INTERNEWS Both initiatives are generally said yesterday. He said that it was the 18th month the tribunal had not viewed to have been taken against heard his petition against Senior Minister Rahimdad Khan. the wishes of the US that has pur- “I don’t think the tribunal will settle the case in the remaining few Seized ammunition sued its own interests in the region days,” he told reporters. and Afghanistan, notwithstanding Khan said that the election commission was also delaying action Pakistan’s sacrifices and alliance. against MPs who had won elections on fake degrees though the univer- Pakistan is reported to have sities concerned and the Higher Education Commission had declared suffered over $90bn losses in over them fake after verification. a decade of cooperation with the He said that on November 5, the Supreme Court declared that the US in its war on terror besides commission could independently act against legislators holding fake the deaths of over 30,000 people, degrees. Khan filed a petition against the minister, claiming that he including about 4000 troops. had produced a fake bachelor’s degree before the commission to con- Its return from US assistance, test elections. including compensation for serv- Proceedings on petitions have been going on at a snail’s pace as the ices it provided to coalition forces presiding officers of the tribunals, who are judges of the high court, in Afghanistan, remained less are engaged in their routine functions. The winning candidates also than $15bn. employ delaying tactics. A growing realisation in Senior lawyer Qazi Muhammad Anwar, who has been dealing with Islamabad has been that the US petitions since 1977, said that due to lengthy procedure for disposal of support for resolving Pakistan’s petitions under the Civil Procedure Code in every election, only two energy, water and economic prob- or three petitions were disposed of and the rest became void after the lems has not substantially gone dissolution of the assemblies. He suggested appointment of the chief beyond bureaucratic engagement election commissioner instead of nominating sitting high court judges and preparation of technical as presiding officers of the tribunal. reports except some staggered Two ministers and a member of the National Assembly are fac- assistance in small projects and ing fake degree cases. They are PPP’s Senior Minister Rahimdad A member of the security forces displays heavy weapons and explosives seized during a search operation training. Khan, Labour Minister Sher Azam Wazir and Member of the National in Mohmand Agency, at the army headquarters in Ghallanay, yesterday. INTERNEWS Assembly Akhunzada Chattan. INTERNEWS TUESDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2013 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 Ordinance is Free spirits the beginning, says govt Suggestions from public welcome

NEW DELHI: As women’s passed by parliament will reflect groups decided to intensify their the broadest possible consensus protest, the government yester- on the imperative and urgent day defended its ordinance on need to have an effective law to enhancing punishment for sex- protect women and to punish ual crimes and said it was open crimes against women,” he said. to public suggestions as parlia- However, the finance minis- ment would debate the issue. ter agreed there were “difficult “The ordinance is only the issues” arising out of the sugges- starting point of a legislative tions made by the panel. process. I appeal to everyone Chidambaram said the gov- to allow the process to be com- ernment has not included some pleted in the budget session (of clauses recommended by the parliament),” Finance Minister Justice Verma Committee but had P Chidambaram said at a news not rejected anything. conference here. “It is not right to say the gov- The Criminal Law ernment has rejected recommen- (Amendment) Ordinance, 2013, dations of the Verma Committee. was given assent to Sunday by We have been faithful to the President Pranab Mukherjee. Justice Verma panel recommen- The government says it is largely dations,” he said. based on the recommendations of “Some clauses like AFSPA the Justice J S Verma Committee, (Armed Forces Special Powers set up by the government on Act), marital rape and lowering December 23, 2012, following a the age of juveniles need more nationwide outrage over the grue- discussions,” he said. Birds fly as the sun goes down in a cloudy Srinagar sky, in Kashmir, yesterday. some gang-rape of a 23-year-old He called on all political parties woman on December 16. to support the government in get- Women’s groups, which have ting the bill passed. termed the ordinance a “big joke”, Information and Broadcasting held a protest at Jantar Mantar Minister Manish Tewari said: “If Kalmadi charged with forgery over Games here. there are objections, the govern- “This ordinance is an eye- ment will look into them with a wash. It has diluted the recom- positive framework and take into NEW DELHI: A Delhi court to financial irregularities in Section 13(1)(d) read with Section Reddy of Hyderabad-based AKR mendations of the Justice Verma consideration whatever is neces- yesterday formally slapped awarding a Rs1.41bn contract for 13(2) (criminal misconduct by pub- Constructions — are also accused Committee. We want a bill based sary.” According to some of the charges of forgery and cheating time, scoring and records system lic servants) of the PC (prevention in the case. Swiss Timing Omega on the panel’s suggestions,” said provisions of the ordinance, gang against former Commonwealth for the Games. of corruption) Act are ordered to is an accused too. Kavita Krishnan, secretary of rape is punishable with imprison- Games Organising Committee The court earlier passed the be framed against all the accused.” Welcoming the court order, All India Progressive Women ment for 20 years or up to life. chief Suresh Kalmadi and order for framing the charges The CBI, in its first charge the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Association (AIPWA). The government has recom- nine others in a corrup- for illegally awarding the Rs1.41bn sheet, described Kalmadi, who is a sought to know if action would Women activists urged mended death in cases where the tion case related to the 2010 contract to Swiss firm Swiss Lok Sabha member, as the prime also be taken against Delhi Chief President Mukherjee on Saturday victim dies due to injury caused Commonwealth Games. The Timing Omega that caused a loss accused and the mastermind in Minister Sheila Dikshit for not to sign the ordinance, say- by the rape or leaves the victim BJP welcomed the move and of over Rs900m to the exchequer. the corruption case related to alleged irregularities during the ing it lacks teeth to fight sexual in a vegetative state. sought action also against Chief Kalmadi was arrested in the case financial irregularities in award- 2010 Games. crimes against women. Sexual harassment is punish- Minister Sheila Dikshit for on April 26, 2011. ing the contract. Besides Kalmadi “While the BJP welcomed the The ordinance has to be passed able with imprisonment of up to alleged lapses. The court had said that prima and Bhanot, the other accused belated charge-sheeting of Suresh by parliament within six months five years. This includes forci- The 10 accused were present facie charges of cheating, for- in the case are the Organising Kalmadi”, it would like to know to be made into law. bly showing porn, making sexu- in the special Central Bureau of gery, criminal conspiracy under Committee’s former director gen- about the other recommenda- Chidambaram said the govern- ally coloured remarks, any other Investigation (CBI) court when the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and eral V K Verma, former director tions of the committee, which was ment would welcome suggestions unwelcome physical, verbal or Judge Ravinder Kaur framed the offences under the provisions of the general (procurement) Surjit constituted by Prime Minister from the public to replace the non-verbal conduct of sexual charges. All the accused are out Prevention of Corruption Act were Lal, former joint director general Manmohan Singh to examine ordinance with a bill in parlia- nature, contact and advances on bail. made out. The court said: “Charges (sports) ASV Prasad and former the entire CAG (Comptroller and ment. He said that discussions involving unwelcome and explicit The court order came in a case under Section 120B (criminal con- treasurer M Jayachandran. Auditor General) report pertain- would be held with political par- sexual overtures, and demand or against Kalmadi and his associ- spiracy), 201 (destruction of evi- Promoters of two construc- ing to the Commonwealth Games, ties. “These consultations will request for sexual favours are all ates, including former Organising dence), 420 (cheating), 467, 468, 471 tion companies — P D Arya and BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad afford ample opportunity to make punishable under the ordinance. Committee secretary general (relating to forgery), 506 (crimi- A K Madan of Faridabad-based told reporters here. changes in the ordinance. The bill IANS Lalit Bhanot, in the case related nal intimidation) of the IPC and Gem International and A K IANS

Any controversy, Baba Hollande’s partner will be treated as his spouse

NEW DELHI: India will treat French President Francois Hollande’s partner Valerie Trierweiler as if she were his wife, resolving a potential pro- tocol headache for his visit at the end of the month. Hollande has been with Trierweiler, a 47-year-old divorced journalist, for the last five years and the couple have announced no plans to marry. “It is confirmed that the French president is coming to India with his partner,” foreign ministry spokesman Syed Akbaruddin told AFP. The wives or husbands of for- eign dignitaries are normally given a spot next to the Indian prime minister’s wife at official dinners and a special programme of meetings and visits is also organised. AFP Yoga guru Baba Ramdev speaks with the media during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, yesterday. Two Boeing 787s flew after grounding fiat

NEW DELHI: India’s national carrier parking charges at the Delhi airport,” said in compensation over a four-year delay in Air India flew two Dreamliner aircraft Mishra, declining to say when the flights delivery of the Dreamliner to India because without passengers even after US regula- were made. of production problems at the company. tors grounded the global fleet last month Air India did not respond to calls by AFP. Indian officials had said they were seeking due to technical problems, an official said Indian regulators had grounded Air up to $1bn in compensation for the delays yesterday. India’s six Dreamliner jets on January but neither side has disclosed whether the The Boeing aircraft owned by Air India 17 in line with the US Federal Aviation money has been paid. were allowed to fly from New Delhi to Administration’s advisory to cease flying Air India bought 27 Dreamliners as Mumbai for maintenance reasons, said the aircraft. part of a 2005 multi-billion-dollar deal. It Arun Mishra, director general of India’s civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh had received the first plane last September and aviation regulator. demanded that US giant Boeing compen- now has six, with the remaining 21 due to “They did not carry any passengers, just sate the ailing Air India after the ground- arrive by 2016. two pilots were allowed inside each aircraft ing order. Boeing’s troubled next-generation model and we only gave them the permission to fly Air India and Boeing had earlier con- has suffered a series of glitches, although because the company was paying very high cluded negotiations for an undisclosed sum Boeing insists the plane is safe. AFP TUESDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2013 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA Congress, BJP Shaking a leg, or two in the soup over donations Delhi High Court seeks response

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High in the federal government, alleged Court yesterday issued notice that Indian laws had been vio- to the Congress and the BJP lated by the Congress and BJP by on a plea seeking directive for allegedly receiving funding from a CBI or SIT probe for alleg- Vedanta Resources. edly taking donations from The two parties breached the subsidiaries of Britain-based Representation of the People Vedanta Group. Act, 1951, and the Foreign A division bench of Justice Contribution (Regulation) Act Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice (FCRA), the PIL alleged. Indermeet Kaur sought response The Representation of the from both political parties within People Act prohibits political par- three weeks and posted the mat- ties from taking donations from ter for March 19. government companies and from The court earlier sought foreign sources, the PIL said. response from the home minis- The FCRA prohibits any finan- try and the Election Commission cial contribution from any foreign saying it will go through their source or company to a political responses before asking the party registered in India. Congress and the Bharatiya The PIL said the Britain-based Janata Party (BJP) to respond. Vedanta Resources and its subsid- Film actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan (third right) and television actress Shweta Tiwari (second left) perform for the ‘Support My School’ telethon in The poll panel told the court iary companies in India — includ- Mumbai, on Sunday. that it had written twice to ing Sterlite Industries, Sesa Goa the Home Ministry but got no and Malco — “have donated sev- response. eral millions of rupees to major The central government in political parties like the Congress turn said the Congress and BJP and the BJP”. Girl rock band in Kashmir stops performing have been asked to file a reply. It has asked the federal gov- The Election Commission ernment to “confiscate the illegal wrote to the Home Ministry on donations under the supervision SRINAGAR: The teacher of government, says they must not After receiving threats on on his micro-blogging Twitter September 28, 2012, forwarding of the high court”. the all-girl rock band against play music, the three girls have social media, family members of site that the three talented girls complaints that certain politi- “Sterlite’s annual report of whom a ‘fatwa’ was issued decided to quit.” the three girls who formed the would not give up under threats cal parties had received foreign 2011-12 also states that during said here yesterday that the “I formed the valley’s first rock Pragaash band said they had from “a handful of morons”. sources in violation of the law. the year the group made politi- girls have stopped performing band, Blood Rock, seven years told their wards not to continue Abdullah also said he would “However, no reply/action taken cal donations in India of Rs50m even as Chief Minister Omar ago. I now feel seven years of with it. Bashir-ud-din Ahmed, have the threats against the girls report was received prompt- either through a trust or directly.” Abdullah promised a police my life have been wasted. I have head of the Muslim clergy in investigated. Mehbooba Mufti, ing the Commission to send a The PIL alleged that since investigation into the threats. also decided to quit and give Kashmir, issued a ‘fatwa’ (reli- president of opposition People’s reminder on January 11,” said Finance Minister P Chidambaram Adnan Muhammad Mattoo, up my pursuit of rock music,” gious decree) on Sunday asking Democratic Party, said here yes- Ashish Chakraborty, secretary was a director in Vedanta till May who trained the three Class 10 Mattoo said. the parents of the three girls to terday that Kashmiri women in the Election Commission. 2004, the government might not girls before they formed the val- He added that there are nearly impart religious education to their singers like Raj Begum, Kailash A PIL filed by NGO Association take any action against the group ley’s first girls’ rock band, told 40 rock bands in the state. “Their daughters and labelled the girls’ Mehra and Shamima Azad had for Democratic Reforms and on its own. IANS: “Since the grand mufti, future is also in doldrums now,” performance as “a shameful act”. been widely appreciated and E A S Sarma, a former secretary IANS whom we treat as part of the he said. The chief minister had hoped encouraged. IANS No hitch in land takeover for plant, says Odisha govt

BHUBANESWAR: Land unexpected incident happens,” In plant in 2005. acquisition for Posco’s $12bn Gweon Lee, general manager of Hundreds of PPSS activists steel plant in Odisha’s Posco India’s corporate relations yesterday held a rally in the Jagatsinghpur district passed department, said. region against the government off peacefully yesterday under Posco’s proposed 12 million move. “The way the administra- heavy police presence, an offi- tonnes per annum steel plant — tion acquired the land without the cial said. the largest foreign investment consent of the villagers is undem- “The land acquisition was car- in India — is to come up near ocratic. Police entered the village ried out in Gobindpur village the port town of Paradip, about forcibly and beat up residents, peacefully. There was no trouble,” 120km from here. including women and children. District Collector Satya Kumar The local administration Police also forcibly destroyed betel Mallick told IANS. claimed it earlier acquired about vines,” PPSS spokesman Prashant “At least 10 betel vines were 2,000 acres of land in the region Paikray told IANS. demolished and compensation of in 2011. “Our protest against the project about Rs1.3m was paid to the vil- It needs to acquire another will continue,” he added. lagers. The land acquisition work 700 acres — mostly in Gobindpur Meanwhile, opposition parties was complete for today (Monday). area — for the project. However, criticised the state government It will resume tomorrow,” he villagers had been opposing the for acquiring land from the vil- added. acquisition. lagers forcefully. A senior Posco official said his The land acquisition in the vil- “We condemn the way police company expects to start work for lage started on Sunday, despite attacked protesting women and the project once the government protests by Posco Pratirodh children at the site. The govern- hands over to it the required land. Sangram Samiti (PPSS), which ment must withdraw police from “We are very happy with the has been spearheading the move- the area,” Dibakar Naik, state development. We would like ment against the project since the unit secretary of the Communist to continue our dialogue with company signed an agreement Party of India, told reporters in the local villagers so that no with the state government for the Bhubaneswar. IANS

Smoking, not fashionable!

Fashion students showcase designs on cancer prevention for World Cancer Day, during an Apollo Cancer Hospital Fashion Show in Hyderabad, yesterday. Less than half of all countries have implemented plans to prevent cancer and provide treatment and care to cancer, the World Health Organisation said.

TUESDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2013 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME Tightrope walking act

Fajr (Dawn) 4:57 Shorook (Sunrise) 6:15 Zuhr (Noon) 11:47 Asr (Afternoon) 2:57 Maghrib (Sunset) 5:22 Isha (Night) 6:52

WEATHER

Today Wednesday Thursday Weather Conditions: Clear Clear Clear Fine / hazy by night. High: 23° High: 21° High: 21° Low: 15° Low: 15° Low: 15°

DOHA - SUN & SEA SUN TIDE SEA

SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND 06:15 | 17:22 10:15 / 00:45 17:45 / 07:15 07-15 KT

THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW Julia, a six-year-old bear, and Vladimir Shzigorev, of a travelling circus troupe based in Moscow, practise a tightrope walking act during rehearsals HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER at the Circus on Fontanka in St Petersburg. The troupe will soon perform for the first time in 20 years in Russia’s second city.

MUSCAT 22/16 Mostly sunny 24/16 Mostly sunny MAKKAH 33/22 Clear 34/23 Mostly sunny KUWAIT 20/12 Clear 21/15 Mostly sunny BAHRAIN 20/15 Clear 20/16 Clear App helps bring strangers together over meals SANAA 22/07 Chance of rain 24/07 Mostly sunny RIYADH 20/07 Clear 22/09 Mostly sunny DUBAI 24/16 Clear 24/15 Clear TORONTO: Looking for new Users can browse group dinners “When you want to create an to do things with in Chicago. BAGHDAD 18/10 Mostly sunny 19/12 Mostly sunny friends or dinner partners? A through the app, which works with event you just select one of our “When you go to dinner parties new smartphone app is designed restaurants to fill open seats. Each partner restaurants and the menu and meet friends of friends that’s THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW to help people connect to others night there are three prix-fixe is already taken care of,” said Lu. when you really connect with peo- to set up groups for dinners. group dinners available. Bookings “People need efficient ways just ple because you’re sitting beside HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER The app, GrubTonight, links for the meals, which average about to meet people. It’s a good social them for an hour,” he said. “We hungry and adventurous smart- $20, are made through the app. way to come together and you thought that dinner was just such ATHENS 18/12 Mostly sunny 16/14 Mostly sunny phone users for dinners, fun eve- The meal includes a shared appe- need to eat three times a day,” he a good way to connect with people WASHINGTON 07/00 Snow 08/-3 Chance of snow nings and friendship. tizer, entree and a drink. said, adding that most users are and build meaningful friendships.” SYDNEY 24/17 Mostly sunny 27/19 Clear “We wanted to build a real- GrubTonight is available in Los between 20 and 35 years old. Although it is not a dating app, LONDON 07/05 Rain 07/01 Rain time spontaneous app where any Angeles but the company’s other The company has organised Lu said that it has played a part PARIS 08/02 Chance of rain 07/04 Mostly sunny night of the week you could go app, Grubwithus, is worldwide and meals in more than 50 cities world- in bringing some couples together. ISTANBUL 10/07 Chance of rain 11/10 Mostly sunny out and eat, because you need to enables users to attend group din- wide but the app has been most GrubTonight is available for MANILA 31/22 Mostly sunny 32/23 Mostly sunny eat anyway, and also have a social ners that are planned several days popular in San Francisco, New iPhones, but web and Android DHAKA 29/16 Clear 31/16 Clear outing,” said Eddy Lu, CEO and in advance and revolve around York and Chicago. The motivation apps are being developed and DELHI 19/12 Thunderstorms 21/09 Chance of rain co-founder of Grubwithus Inc, an themes. Users are also able to for Grubwithus, according to Lu, the company plans to expand ISLAMABAD 14/06 Chance of rain 17/05 Mostly sunny online community for group meals organise their own public or pri- came from the difficulty he faced GrubTonight to other US cities. based in Los Angeles, California. vate group dinners using the app. in meeting new friends and people REUTERS

Women in Paris can finally Year of the Snake wear trousers PARIS: Women in Paris can may smile on Psy finally wear trousers without fear of criminal prosecution TAIPEI: The coming lunar Year become ill, because it could bring after the government said a of the Snake is likely to smile on disaster to his year of the snake.” more than 200-year-old ban no South Korean rapper Psy with Sarah Jessica Parker, who was longer had any legal effect. increased prosperity, but he will born in 1965 and is widely known Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, need to leave Korea to make for her role as Carrie in Sex and France’s Minister of Women’s money and could risk exhaustion. the City television series, will also Rights, said that the ban, As Chinese communities around reap financial rewards, but only if imposed on November 17, 1800, the globe prepare for the lunar New she works for this with her hus- was incompatible with mod- Year on Friday, which ushers in the band, actor Matthew Broderick. ern French values and laws. Year of the Snake, a Taiwanese for- “(A) star shines in her mar- The municipal order required tune teller predicted a mixed bag riage palace, which means by Parisian women to seek per- of luck for famous “snake” people working together with her hus- mission from local police if they around the world. band, there are good chances of wanted to “dress like a man” by Psy, who shot to global fame making a fortune,” Chan said. wearing trousers. last year with “Gangnam Style” Love may also shine for singer- It was modified in 1892 and and was born in 1977, is likely to songwriter Taylor Swift, born in 1909 to allow women to wear make even more money this year 1989 - but it awaits her in foreign trousers if they were “hold- if he continues to travel around lands. “Leaving the US to another ing a bicycle handlebar or the the world, though he also faces a country to film a movie, host con- reins of a horse” but had offi- few challenges, said fortune teller certs or conduct other entertain- cially remained on the books. Chan Wei-chung. ment businesses will bring her Vallaud-Belkacem said that “First, he must take care of good fortune for love,” Chan said. while it had not been formally his health. Second, he must make But television host Oprah struck down, the order was in good judgments. Third, his career Winfrey, who was born in 1954 but A young girl plays in a floral carpet at Sentosa Flowers in Singapore, yesterday. The theme of this year’s annual effect abrogated. will be helped by people of promi- qualifies as a “tail of the Snake” flower festival on Sentosa Island is ‘Joys of Spring’ and celebrates the Chinese zodiac animal of the year — the “This order was aimed first nence — but most importantly, he because her January birthday still Golden Snake. Sentosa Flowers runs from Saturday to February 17. of all at limiting the access of will need to leave Korea and run falls within the lunar Year of the women to certain offices or occu- around the world,” Chan said. Snake, may face difficulties. traffic problems or quarrels with cyclist Lance Armstrong. lunar New Year is celebrated on pations by preventing them from “He will work and receive “Two of the biggest problems people,” said Chan of Oprah, who “Her fortune gets better as she February 10. People born in 1929, dressing in the manner of men,” rewards, but he must be care- this year are money disputes and recently drew global attention ages, but the Year of the Snake may 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989 and 2001 she said. “This order is incom- ful not to exhaust himself and troubles when travelling, like with her interview of disgraced be challenging,” Chan said. The are all snakes. REUTERS patible with the principles of equality between women and men ... From that incompatibil- ity stems the implicit abrogation of the order,” she said. Parisian women had demanded the right to wear Running up the Empire State Building step by step trousers during the French Revolution, when working- NEW YORK: Taking the aerobic exercise that works the and thinks it will be harder and up the Empire State Building is The Empire State Building class revolutionaries were stairs instead of the elevator is lower body and core and can burn slower for him this time. the equivalent of a hard 3.2km Run-up was the brainchild of New known as “sans-culottes” for standard advice to get fit but calories two to three times faster A triathlete who runs and race,” he said. “While it’s a tough York City Marathon founder Fred wearing trousers instead of the some athletes and charity run- than walking briskly on a level swims five times a week, Feinstein race, it’s just one hill. And you Lebow. The inaugural Run-Up in silk-knee breeches (culottes) ners take it to the extreme with surface. had planned to train for the so- have handrails you can reach out 1978 was won by Gary Muhrcke, favoured by the bourgeoisie. the run up the 1,576 steps of the Gary Liguori, an expert in exer- called vertical marathon by run- and grab on both sides.” Feinstein who won the first New York City Women’s dress continues Empire State Building. cise science with the American ning vertically. “I had ambitious is looking forward to the run-up, Marathon in 1970. to stir political passions in For runners who will be rac- College of Sports Medicine, rec- plans that once a week I would although with some anxiety. The fastest runners take about France, with Cecile Duflot, ing up the New York landmark on ommends at least three months run up a 40-storey building. It The 700 to 750 men and women 10 minutes to climb the nearly the 37-year-old Green housing Wednesday, experts advise them of preparation, such as squatting, hasn’t happened,” said Feinstein, expected to scale the building’s 86 quarter-mile (.4km) of steps, minister, criticised last May to pace themselves. “People get lunging, running and stair run- who also has run 33 New York floors range from elite athletes who round the Observation deck of the for wearing jeans to the first excited and blast through those ning to prepare for a climb like the City Marathons. “And now I fig- scurry up skyscrapers around the iconic skyscraper and finish the cabinet meeting of Socialist stairs,” said Eric Talve of the New Empire State Building. ure it’s too late. Like everything world, to marathoners going ver- evening run. “We have wide mix President Francois Hollande’s York Road Runners, which organ- “I don’t think you can just hop else, I’ll have to tough it out.” tical, to the approximately 200 of people who apply,” Talve said. new government. izes the Empire State Building in and do a run-up,” Liguori said. Twenty-five years ago Feinstein entrants running for charities. Feinstein calls it the quintes- She was later subjected to Run-up, now in its 36th year. “It carries more risk than (run- charged to the deck in 14 minutes. With such a wide range of abili- sential New York City race. “You jeers and wolf-whistles while “The main thing is to run ning on a) flat surface and is much These days he said a great time ties, Talve said, preparation is an start in the lobby and everyone wearing a floral summer dress smartly — not to get out too fast higher intensity.” Rick Feinstein, would be under 20 minutes and a individual matter. “You can prac- races through this narrow door- in the National Assembly. and tire out.” Research has shown 69, of Jericho, New York, did the realistic one between 22 and 24. tice on a Stairmaster but it’s not way,” he explained. “It’s like run- AFP that normal stair climbing is an run-up twice about 25 years ago “Someone used to say running quite the same,” he said. ning for the subway.” REUTERS Tuesday 5 February 2013 24 Rabial I 1434 Volume 17 Number 5601 Price: QR2

Qatari bourse index loses 1.29 points

Business | 19

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Centrica pulls Combined net out of new UK nuclear power profit of banks projects

LONDON: Utility Centrica has pulled out of plans to build crosses QR16bn new nuclear power stations in Britain with partner EDF, pav- ing the way for Chinese inves- tors to enter the UK market QNB leads with QR8.33bn profit through a partnership with the French firm. DOHA: The collective net prof- of several Qatari banks driven Centrica said it had decided to its of Qatari banks totalled largely by what he hinted was a waive an option of taking a 20 per- more than QR16bn ($4.38bn) saturating local market, said that cent stake in four new reactors — in 2012, up from QR14.98bn they were looking for other mar- two at Hinkley Point in Somerset ($4.1bn) in 2011, but analysts kets for more profits. and two at Sizewell in Suffolk. said the figure could have been A prominent corporate fig- Centrica’s decision was largely more impressive. ure, meanwhile, said Qatari expected, but it casts some doubt A slower growth in the non- banks would do better to create on the UK government’s plan to hydrocarbons sector in the year blocs within themselves and go attract investment to revive the was largely responsible for mar- for acquisitions and stake buys nuclear industry. ginally lower profits of the bank- mainly in the European market. “There are multiple factors at ing sector, said stock and financial “I don’t support individual play here but the bigger factor analyst, Bashir Yusuf Al Kahloot. banks going all alone looking for is actually the (longer) schedule When told that the banks disap- acquisitions and stake purchases and the increase in cost, which pointed shareholders with lower div- overseas. They should create blocs obviously creates a higher eco- idend payouts for 2012, Al Kahloot within themselves and then go on Saad Abdulla Al Kuwari and Tayyeb Al Mulla exchanging documents at the signing ceremony. nomic challenge for this project,” asked tongue in cheek: “How can a prowl looking for buyouts,” said Centrica Chief Executive Sam you expect them to announce hand- Nasser Al Khaledy, CEO of Qatar- Laidlaw told journalists on a con- some dividends when they have Oman Investment Company, which Tasweeq, ENOC sign supply deal ference call yesterday. made lower profits?” is listed on the Qatari bourse. China’s CGNPC has already The last of the eight listed This is the right time to acquire held preliminary talks with French banks that announced their 2012 or buy large stakes in banks in DOHA: Emirates National in 2007. Building on the relations, synergies with the company, and the state-owned utility EDF about a financials was alkhaliji that posted Europe since they are facing Oil Company (ENOC) has ENOC has been regularly receiving new contract highlights the grow- partnership in the project, which full-year net profits of QR512.2m, financial woes. “This step (over- signed a contract with the condensate from Tasweeq to par- ing role of Tasweeq in supporting would be the first Chinese invest- it said in a statement yesterday. seas expansion by Qatari banks) Qatar International Petroleum tially meet the needs of its conden- the requirements of our partners ment in Britain’s nuclear sector. The profits were up 5.2 percent should have been taken before,” Marketing Company Ltd sate splitter in the UAE.” in the Gulf region as well as other In its past experience in building over 2011. said Al Khaledy. (Tasweeq) for the supply of Saeed Khoory, Chief Executive international markets.” European Pressurised Water reac- The country’s largest lender, He said the banking regulator, 20kbd (thousand barrels per Officer of ENOC, said “We are com- With a capacity of 120,000 bar- tors in Europe, EDF and its partner Qatar National Bank (QNB), Qatar Central Bank, should have day) of condensate for its Jebel mitted to identifying new sources rels per stream day (bpsd), ENOC’s on these projects, Areva, have run maintained its lead with net encouraged Qatari banks earlier Ali refinery. of condensate for the optimal refinery in Jebel Ali processes con- into huge cost overruns and delays. profits amounting to QR8.33bn, to create blocs and venture into The annual contract under- operations of our refinery. Further densate or light crude oil to yield Centrica said it had invested accounting for half the profits of Europe for acquisitions and larger lines the commitment of ENOC to strengthening our established refined products such as naphtha, around £200m ($315m) in early the entire sector put together. stake buys. explore new condensate suppliers partnership with Tasweeq, the new jet fuel, reformate, diesel oil, fuel development of the project, which Commercial Bank of Qatar trailed He said the idea of some banks to ensure a steady supply of refined contract will add to our operational oil and LPG for local and export it plans to write off as an excep- with QR2.01bn in net profits. to set foot in Arab Spring coun- products and meet the growing efficiencies and enable us to meet markets. The products add to the tional cost in 2012 results. The QNB declared a cash tries was erroneous because there domestic requirement for fuel prod- the growing demand for fuel prod- company’s local supply chain as well The utility plans within the next dividend of 60 percent (QR6 were no legislations that would ucts in Dubai. ucts in Dubai. as for exports. year to launch a £500m pound per share), while in 2011 it had protect their investments. “I The contract was signed between “To meet our business and As a result of various steps ($787m) share buyback scheme announced a lower dividend of 40 would personally prefer Europe Tayyeb Al Mulla, Managing Director organisational growth goals, we implemented by the management, to return value to shareholders, percent, albeit that was coupled where the legal frameworks are Supply, Trading and Processing, are looking to strengthen the vol- ENOC has imported 20 percent less following a £2.2bn rights issue in with 10 percent bonus shares. time-tested and very strong.” ENOC and Saad Abdulla Al Kuwari, ume of spot cargo from third-party Iranian condensate in the second 2008 to finance the acquisition of The Commercial Bank of Qatar Arab Spring nations also suf- Chief Executive Officer of Tasweeq. suppliers in the Gulf region and half of 2012 compared with the first a stake in the project with EDF. has declared QR6 per share as fer from a severe lack of liquidity. Al Mulla said: “ENOC and Far East to manage our import six months of the year. One of the Centrica’s withdrawal piles cash dividend, while Doha Bank Take the example of Pakistan and Tasweeq are long-term partners, pipeline in line with governmental challenges in managing the crude pressure on the government announced 45 percent (QR4.5 per Syria. Some foreign Islamic banks with ENOC being the first to off- guidelines.” imports was the availability of alter- to quickly deliver details on its share) and QIB 37.5 percent. set foot there and are now suffer- take condensate from the Qatari Al Kuwari added: “We are hon- nate grades in required volumes and planned electricity market reform Al Kahloot, obliquely refer- ing, said the CEO. organisation during the start of the oured to strengthen our partner- prices. to reassure investors. ring to overseas expansion plans THE PENINSULA Dolphin and North Field projects ship with ENOC. We share strong THE PENINSULA REUTERS

Asiacell share sale lifts Qtel stake to 64.1pc Britain issues ‘break-up’ warning to banks BAGHDAD/DUBAI: Qatar With the economy forecast to time,” said Hassan Aldahan, chair- Bull, who invested about 10-20 Telecom (Qtel) used Iraqi unit grow 10 percent a year over the man of Baghdad-based investment percent of his fund’s money in the LONDON: Britain’s banks will be broken up if they fail to ring- Asiacell’s $1.27bn share sale, next three years, the potential for company Bain Alnahrain. Asiacell offering. fence retail operations from their investment divisions to avoid Iraq’s largest flotation, to raise mobile phone operators is great, About 32.9 million Asiacell any future state bailouts of lenders, Finance Minister George its stake to 64.1 percent in a although there are also security shares changed hands on the Qtel closes Osborne warned yesterday. vote of confidence in a country and logistical problems. ISX on Monday. This trading was As the government formally published legislation aimed at radi- recovering from years of war Qtel said yesterday it had worth 759.17m dinars ($651,600), bond issue cally altering the landscape of Britain’s financial sector, Chancellor and economic sanctions. raised its stake in Asiacell to 64.1 with the bourse’s total turnover of the Exchequer Osborne used a speech to say that “2013 is the As the first big equity sale since percent — from 53.9 percent pre- $4.02m. That compares with a Qtel has announced the suc- year when we re-set our banking system.” a US-led invasion of 2003 toppled viously — implying it may have January daily bourse average of cessful closing of the previously Addressing staff at US investment banking giant JP Morgan in Saddam Hussein, the listing of accounted for more than a third $4.59m. announced pricing of its $1bn sen- Bournemouth, southern England, he said: “My message to the banks Iraq’s No. 2 telecom operator was of the shares sold in the public Asiacell’s offer valued the com- ior unsecured notes to be issued by is clear: if a bank flouts the rules, the regulator and the Treasury seen as a test of investor appetite, offer. pany at about $4.95bn and its list- its wholly owned subsidiary, Qtel will have the power to break it up altogether—full separation, not with other local telecoms firms Qtel agreed in June to pay ing roughly doubles the bourse’s International Finance Limited just a ring fence.” also required to float as a condi- $1.5bn to double its holding in market value. under the Global Medium Term Osborne said: “In the jargon, we will “electrify the ringfence,” add- tion of their operating licences. Asiacell to 60 percent as part “This marks the birth of the Note Programme established on ing that the Bank of England would be “the super cop” of Britain’s The initial verdict seems posi- of a broader strategy to tighten ISX as a real stock market,” said the Irish Stock Exchange. The financial system going forward. tive. Asiacell shareholders, led by its control over its foreign units, Bartle Bull, portfolio manager Notes will be unconditionally and The chancellor outlined four key changes — “a brand new watch- managing director Faruq Mustafa which span the Middle East, Asia of Northern Gulf Partners’ Iraq irrevocably guaranteed by Qtel, a dog with new powers to keep our banks safe so they don’t bring Rasool, sold 67.5 billion shares in and Africa. equity fund in New York. “Iraq Qatar Exchange filing noted. down the economy”; “a new law to separate the branch on the high the offer, a quarter of its share Part of that deal — a 6.1 percent has a far more open, dynamic The most recent issuances street from the dealing floor... to protect taxpayers when mistakes capital, at 22 dinars apiece and it stake — was subject to regulatory business culture than many Gulf were issued on January 31, 2013: are made;” “changing the whole culture and ethics” of banking and was fully subscribed by Sunday’s approval, which Qtel has now countries. The Iraqis are smarter a $500m 15-year notes with a cou- giving “customers the most powerful weapon of all: choice.” close. received, it said. and tougher. We should see some pon of 3.875 percent, due January The government had already announced plans to force banks to A day later, Asiacell shares That means ahead of Asiacell’s more companies coming.” 31, 2028 and $500m 30-year Notes ring-fence operations by 2019, in a bid to avoid taxpayers having to ended 5.7 percent higher at bourse debut, Iraqi holdings in Asiacell’s bigger domestic rival with a coupon of 4.500 percent, bail out troubled banks such as RBS and Lloyds — as was the case 23.25 dinars on the Iraq Stock Asiacell fell to 28.6 percent from Zain Iraq, a subsidiary of Kuwait’s due January31, 2043. during the financial crisis. Exchange (ISX). 46.1 percent, according to Reuters Zain, as well as France Telecom The transaction was priced at But the draft law has been toughened after Britain’s Parliamentary Some 70 percent of the public calculations. Yet a key aim of affiliate Korek, are also required a margin of 2.15 percent over the Commission on Banking Standards recently complained that the offer went to foreign investors, Asiacell’s flotation was to return to offer a quarter of their shares 10 year US Treasury rate for the proposals fell “well short of what is required.” including Qtel. some of the country’s wealth to under the terms of their operat- 15-year Notes and at 1.625 per- Osborne had previously warned the commission against “unpick- Iraq did not have a mobile its people. ing licences, having missed an ini- cent for 30-year Notes. ing the consensus” on structural reform of the banking sector but phone market under Saddam “The stock is unlikely to be very tial August 2011 deadline to do so. Net proceeds from the sale of the appears to have accepted its warning that the draft law left room for Hussein and the sector has blos- liquid considering that a large “The big cell phone companies Notes will be used for Qtel’s gen- loopholes. “Today, we are publishing the legislation that will turn... somed since his fall to become the part of the share sale was bought are the bellwether stocks in any eral corporate purposes, including this consensus for change into law,” he said yesterday. country’s fastest growing industry by foreign direct investors who are market, they’re so well correlated refinancing existing indebtedness. AFP after oil. likely to keep the shares for a long to the overall GDP story,” said THE PENINSULA/REUTERS TUESDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2013 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS al khaliji posts Oil industry props up Azerbaijan economy QR512.2m full year net profit Total assets reach QR33.7bn

DOHA: al khaliji bank yes- the core business amid declining terday released its consoli- yields and profitable investment dated financial statements for opportunities while remaining the year ended December 31, conservative in its approach.” 2012 revealing a net profit of Total assets increased 24 QR512.2m for 2012, 5.2 percent percent by the end of 2012 to higher than last year. reach QR33.7bn, compared with Al Khaliji France net profit was QR27.2bn by the end of 2011. QR62m for 2012, up by 13 percent Al Khaliji France represented compared to 2011. 10 percent of the group’s total The financial statements assets. were approved by the Board of Loans and advances by end of Directors of al khaliji during its 2012 stood at QR13bn, 13 percent meeting yesterday. higher than the previous year while The figures are subject to Qatar deposits grew 43 percent and were Central Bank’s approval. at QR17.3bn in 2012 compared to Sheikh Hamad bin Faisal bin QR12.1bn by the end of 2011. Thani Al Thani, Chairman and Loans to deposits ratio was at Managing Director, said: “The 77 percent by end 2012. good results al khaliji has achieved “In spite of the loan growth in in a year characterised by a very 2012, the loans to deposits ratio constrained banking environ- was based on sufficient inflows ment, reveal the clear strat- of deposits which reflects the egy and vision of our Board of funders’ confidence in our bank,” Directors, which is being well exe- added McCall. Oil derricks are silhouetted against the rising sun on an oilfield in Baku. Oil in Azerbaijan dates back to the 19th century and though the industry cuted by a dedicated team. With The board proposed a cash divi- faltered when the country gained independence after the fall of the Soviet Union, investment has returned, new reserves have been tapped and oil a strong focus on our preferred dend of 70 percent of net profit, started to flow again. Forty-three million tonnes of oil was pumped in 2011 and contributed more than half of the gross domestic product. banking core areas, and realising QR1 pershare. the opportunities that presents “The bank has been paying itself in a low rate environment dividends since 2010. We are well we have continued generating positioned to continue generating good results. We believe that our value to our shareholders in the GCC construction insurance sector to surge priority is to continue the growth years to come,” said McCall. while maintaining a solid balance Earnings per share were at sheet for the expected conditions.” QR1.42 for the full year 2012, five DOHA: The GCC’s con- lead player in the region’s project The lowest estimate is something few years, the insurance indus- The revenue was generated percent higher than 2011. struction insurance sector is insurance market. $25bn.” try across the globe has been mainly from the Qatar based The capital adequacy ratio was expected to see a surge start- “With many major projects in “From the infrastructure sec- witnessing ongoing shifting conventional banking activities at 21.4 percent and Tier 1 capital ing this year, with the region the pipeline, there will be signifi- tor, there will be more demands. tides. Low interest rates, lasting representing 84 percent. The ratio at 19.4 percent. set to invest more than $900bn cant demand from insurance and Different Qatari Authorities are macro-economic risks and stag- remaining 16 percent was gener- On December 31, 2012, the non- in infrastructure projects over risk management expertise. This looking to optimise the local mar- nating mature markets are push- ated from Al Khaliji France, its performing loans were at QR59m, the next decade. In the next will present a great opportunity ket capacity. Local market looks ing insurers to allocate resources wholly owned subsidiary head- down 5.5 percent from 2011. The eight years, the member-coun- for the local insurance market to very positive, we expect a lot of to markets that will boost their quartered in Paris with its four NPL ratio improved from 2011 and tries together, will be spending participate in the risk transfer activities to open up further in growth engine. branches in four different emir- was at 0.45 percent by end of 2012. around $100bn in the road and options,” a top executive of Marsh 2013,” he said. “Where the Middle East insur- ates in the UAE. “We are very satisfied with rail projects alone. & McLennanr said. Market sources told The ance stands today is very praise- The net operating income for the 2012 results especially know- The insurance industry in the “The scale of complexity of Peninsula that more and more worthy. In fact, the region has the full year 2012 was QR969m, ing that the global economy is region is undergoing transfor- the project would call for proven Insurance companies are coming shown its capacity to not only 3.2 percent higher than 2011. still vulnerable. We continue to mation and there is a tremen- experience and value-added serv- to Qatar. withstand turbulent times but The investment income at have a positive outlook for the dous potential for the regional ice for the project owners,” he As of now at least 20-22 compa- also managed to consistently QR396m was higher than 2011 Qatar economy in 2013 and for insurance market to grow added. nies are involved in the construc- achieve robust results. Today, by 133 percent. the ongoing growth of our bank. and thrive, top industry lead- A top executive of another tion insurance sector and more the level of investments in infra- Robin McCall, al khaliji’s Group We are well positioned to support ers noted at the Middle East leading company said: “There was companies are in the process of structure, continuous population Chief Executive Officer, said: “al the government projects and the Insurance Forum started in not much activity in the project making an entry, said another growth and the rise of emerging khaliji maintained its growth public sector.” Bahrain yesterday. insurance sector this year. But brokering company, which is and mass affluent customer seg- throughout 2012 due to growth in THE PENINSULA Sharing the views expressed starting 2013, Qatar’s construc- involved in city developments and ments are few of the indicators by the experts in Bahrain meet, tion insurance sector is going to solar technology projects in Qatar. that attest of the promising pros- top insurance market leaders witness great activities. Qatar’s Mario Valdes, General pects of the life insurance indus- QATARI MARKET in Qatar told The Peninsula the rail sector alone would see an Manager, Metlife Alico Gulf, try in the region.” Bond Coupon Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P local market is set to emerge as a investment ranging $25-40bn. noted in his speech: “In the past THE PENINSULA Qatar Govt 5.15% 4/9/2014 USD 104.88 0.96 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 3.125% 1/20/2017 USD 105.50 1.68 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 6.55% 4/9/2019 USD 124.63 2.26 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 5.25% 1/20/2020 USD 117.50 2.50 % Aa2 AA KPMG holds seminar on Qatar Govt 4.5% 1/20/2022 USD 113.31 2.81 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 9.75% 6/15/2030 USD 175.25 3.79 % Aa2 AA insurance regulations Qatar Govt 6.4% 1/20/2040 USD 135.00 4.22 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 5.75% 1/20/2042 USD 124.38 4.27 % Aa2 AA DOHA: More than 40 senior professionals from Qatar Qatari Diar 3.5% 7/21/2015 USD 105.00 1.43 % Aa2 AA insurance sector converged on Sunday to receive an update Qatari Diar 5% 7/21/2020 USD 115.25 2.73 % Aa2 AA on regulatory and financial reporting developments. Comqat 5% 11/18/2014 USD 105.38 1.92 % A1 A- Hosted by KPMG, the global audit, tax and advisory firm, the Comqat 3.375% 4/11/2017 USD 104.00 2.37 % A1 A- seminar updated the recent insurance regulatory and account- QIB 3.856% 10/7/2015 USD 104.63 2.07 % NR NR ing developments and, how this will impact local and interna- QNB 3.125% 11/16/2015 USD 103.38 1.87 % Aa3 A+ tional insurance companies in Qatar. QNB 3.375% 2/22/2017 USD 104.13 2.30 % Aa3 A+ KPMG Qatar’s partner and head of insurance, Yacoub Hobeika formally opened the seminar. Rob Curtis, Global Doha Bank 3.5% 3/14/2017 USD 103.75 2.53 % A2 A- Regulatory Lead and Director, Insurance Risk Advisory, KPMG Qtel 3.375% 10/14/2016 USD 105.13 1.93 % A2 A in the UK, and Adeel Mushtaq, Senior Manager, Insurance Qtel 7.875% 6/10/2019 USD 130.63 2.61 % A2 A Audit and Advisory Services, KPMG in Bahrain, were among Qtel 4.75% 2/16/2021 USD 111.00 3.19 % A2 A others who made presentations. Qtel 5% 10/19/2025 USD 111.00 3.89 % A2 A Hobeika said: “It is important to mutually share the respon- Rasgas 5.5% 9/30/2014 USD 106.75 1.34 % Aa3 A sibility amongst the auditors, regulators and the insurance Rasgas 5.832% 9/30/2016 USD 108.88 3.23 % Aa3 A Companies, towards implementing the latest global develop- Rasgas 5.298% 9/30/2020 USD 112.13 3.48 % Aa3 A ments in the Insurance industry.” “It is time to start serious actions on all the levels in order to SOVEREIGNS stay updated and applying the latest developments in terms of Bond PDA* Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P standards and regulations for insurance companies in Qatar,” Abu Dhabi Govt 5.5% 4/8/2014 USD 105.88 0.46 % Aa2 AA added Hobeika. Abu Dhabi Govt 6.75% 4/8/2019 USD 127.75 1.96 % Aa2 AA Curtis said: “Considerable regulatory change is now occur- ring globally — insurance firms that take early initiatives will Dubai Govt 6.7% 10/5/2015 USD 110.19 2.71 % NR NR achieve greater efficiencies.” Dubai Govt 4.9% 5/2/2017 USD 106.94 3.14 % NR NR “Impact of changes will affect every facet of the business; Dubai Govt 7.75% 10/5/2020 USD 125.50 3.87 % NR NR therefore, Insurers must take a holistic approach in their busi- Dubai Govt 6.45% 5/2/2022 USD 117.56 4.14 % NR NR ness planning. Qatar Govt 4% 1/20/2015 USD 105.13 1.34 % Aa2 AA “Those insurers best able to manage change will succeed – Bahrain Govt 6.273% 11/22/2018 USD 115.25 3.36 % NR BBB human capital will become an increasingly valuable commodity,” Bahrain Govt 5.5% 3/31/2020 USD 110.00 3.88 % NR BBB added Curtis. Mushtaq provided an update on IASB insurance contract and Egypt Govt 5.75% 4/29/2020 USD 95.75 6.49 % B2 /*- B- AAOIFI Takaful contract projects and highlighted that upcom- Morocco Govt 4.5% 10/5/2020 EUR 104.00 3.89 % NR BBB- ing changes are based on similar central model for the liability *Periodic Distribution Amount IMPORTANT NOTE: measurement using current estimate of fulfilment cash flows. Published by HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, P O Box 57, Doha, Qatar which Mushtaq said: “Key challenge for GCC insurers is to manage is licensed and regulated by Qatar Central Bank and Jersey Financial Services the differing timelines, interdependences and alignment of the Commission. Information quoted is from publicly available sources or proprietary change over the period of three years, beyond systems and for data and subject to change. HSBC accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising business synergies.” 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 “A comprehensive review plan to identify practices can add can and does fluctuate. The secondary market for bonds may not provide significant genuine value to the business, and can derive real benefit out of liquidity or may trade based on prevailing market conditions. Past performance is not what may otherwise be viewed as simply a compliance exercise a reliable indicator of future performance. You should consider these matters and e.g. setting of risk appetites and subsequent linking to strategy consult your financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions. and business plans,” Mushtaq added. The seminar discussed how the changes in regulatory and accounting environment will impact the insurance companies in Qatar and what steps should these companies take to pre- pare itself now. THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2013 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19

Shell India Qatari bourse to challenge order by tax index loses authorities MUMBAI: Anglo-Dutch oil major Royal Dutch Shell’s Indian unit is to challenge an 1.29 points order by local tax authorities that a share sale to its overseas parent in 2009 was undervalued by $2.7bn. Resilient UAE markets rally Shell India said yesterday that as part of its investment in the DOHA: Qatar Exchange was has been a lot of capital flow country Shell India Markets slightly down yesterday losing in real estate, especially from Pvt Ltd issued 87 million shares 1.29 points or 0.01 percent to foreigners,” said Amer Khan, to parent Shell Gas BV at Rs10 reach 8,725.03 points from the fund manager at Shuaa Asset apiece in 2009. previous closing of 8,726.32. Management. Tax authorities have valued The volume of shares traded “What you’re seeing on the those at Rs183, proposing an was up to 4,691,448 from 4,330,104 ground is being reflected in the adjustment in the value of the on Sunday, and the value of shares market so a pullback would not deal of Rs152bn ($2.7bn), Shell decreased to QR171,085,663.92 be too strong. This is long-term said. from QR188,690,847.83 on Sunday. money and there’s no reason for James Hogan (left), Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer, and James Rigney, the airline’s Chief The company said the transfer Among the top losers were a reversal.” Strategist, at a press conference in Abu Dhabi, yesterday. pricing order by the tax authori- Commercialbank whose share The market however, is ties was based on an “incorrect dropped 0.38 percent to QR77.80, stretched technically and some interpretation” of tax rules and Barwa Real Estate Company stocks are overbought, he added. was “bad in law” as the amount is which lost 0.54 percent to QR27.55. On neighbouring Abu Dhabi’s Etihad closer to deal with Jet a capital receipt on which income Doha Insurance fell 2.07 percent market, Aldar Properties fell 4.2 tax cannot be levied. to QR28.40 and The Investors was percent after its fourth-quarter ABU DHABI: Etihad Airways government relaxed ownership Boeing’s troubled 787 Dreamliner. “Taxing the money received by down 1.41 percent to QR21.71. earnings missed estimates despite is close to taking a stake in rules in September last year. Etihad has a total of 41 787-9 Shell India is, in effect, a tax on The banking and financial a 9.8 percent increase over 2011. India’s Jet Airways the Abu This allows foreign airlines to Dreamliners on order and options foreign direct investment, which sector dropped 0.17 points while Aldar is still up 7.8 percent in 2013, Dhabi airline said yesterday buy up to 49 percent in the coun- for an additional 25 aircraft. is contrary not only to law but the insurance sector added 0.14 after a 39-percent surge in 2012. after reporting a tripling in try’s domestic carriers, many of All 50 Boeing 787s are out of also to the spirit of the recent glo- points. The industrial sector lost “From an earnings perspective, profits for last year. which are facing stiff competition action as investigators in the bal trip by the finance minister,” 0.20 points and the services sector it’s not a phenomenal story but Such a deal would support the and high operating costs. United States, Japan and France Shell India Chairman Yasmine up 1.05 points. that has been the case for many Indian carrier’s efforts to woo for- Hogan said he had met with look into problems with batteries Hilton said. Meanwhile, investors in the years so it is not a surprise,” Khan eign investors to help cope with senior Indian aviation officials and on the aircraft. News of the tax dispute with UAE shrugged off weak earnings added. fierce competition and high costs ministers last week to understand Japan Airlines said yesterday Shell came ahead of a visit to from Aldar Properties and the The firm’s performance in the Indian market. the new rules of India’s foreign that it would talk to Boeing about India later this month by British country’s two markets rallied as dragged Sorouh Real Estate, Etihad, launched in 2003, is on direct investment scheme. compensation for grounding the 787. Prime Minister David Cameron. confidence in local equities sup- which is in the process of merg- a buying spree to compete with “We also wanted to understand “The 787 is a great aircraft, we An Indian foreign office spokes- ported buying. ing with Aldar, down 2.3 percent. regional rivals Emirates and the issues that have impacted have no doubt it will be resolved man confirmed the trip yesterday. Dubai’s measure climbed 0.9 Sorouh has gained 36.5 percent in Qatar Airways. The Gulf car- Indian civil aviation, how they and the aircraft will be up and Shell’s tax case also comes amid percent to head back towards 2013 on merger hype. rier has taken stakes in Virgin think this will change in the com- fine,” Hogan said. When asked if uncertainty about the outcome Thursday’s 37-month high. The emirate’s index however, Australia and Aer Lingus and ing years,” he said. Etihad would cancel any Boeing of a more than $2bn tax dispute Emaar Properties helped lift closed 0.3 percent higher at a raised its shareholding in Air The terms of the possible deal orders, he said: “Not at all.” between British group Vodafone the market, gaining 1.7 percent, fresh 34-month high as banks Berlin and Air Seychelles. have not been disclosed, but a gov- Hogan also said that the air- and India’s tax office that has while Arabtec rose 3.1 percent. supported. “We are doing our due diligence ernment source said earlier this line has had no discussions with dented investor confidence in the Dubai Islamic Bank added 0.9 per- First Gulf Bank gained 1.6 per- (on Jet Airways) in the next week. month Etihad was in talks to pick Italian carrier Alitalia beyond country. cent ahead of its earnings, which cent and National Bank of Abu We will present it to our board up a 24-percent stake in Jet for code sharing. India expects to raise $70bn are due out later on Monday. Dhabi added 0.5 percent. and take it from there,” Chief up to $330m. Investors in Alitalia are consid- from corporate tax and $37bn Dubai’s market jumped 20 per- In Egypt, the bourse rallied to a Executive James Hogan said at a Unlisted Etihad reported net ering selling their shares in the from individual tax payers in its cent in 2012 as property prices three-week high as foreign inves- press conference. profit of $42m for 2012, compared airline, with some pushing for a 2012/13 fiscal year to end-March, recovered and lifted sentiment tors brushed off political unrest The Jet Airways deal would be with $14m in the previous year. deal with long-time stakeholder according to the finance ministry towards the sector’s stocks. and bet domestic strife will ease. the first foreign investment into Hogan also said Etihad had Air France-KLM. estimates. “There’s no doubt that there AGENCIES India’s aviation industry since the no plans to cancel its orders for REUTERS REUTERS Air Leasing Egypt central bank moves Corporation places $9bn to curb pound decline Airbus order CAIRO: Egypt’s central bank fallen to a critically low level. tightened the pound’s trading This prompted the central PARIS: US group Air Leasing band in the interbank foreign bank on December 30 to intro- Corporation (ALC) has placed a exchange market and reduced duce a system of regular auctions giant order for airliners built by the frequency of foreign cur- of dollars to get the exchange rate European manufacturer Airbus rency auctions yesterday, under control, and since then it worth about $9bn (¤6.64bn) at apparent moves to slow the cur- has allowed the pound to slide by catalogue prices, Airbus said rency’s decline as a new central eight percent against the dollar. yesterday. bank governor takes office. The pound was last bid at The order is for 20 A350-900 Hisham Ramez took up his 6.6995 on the interbank market aircraft, five A350-1000, and new position on Sunday with the yesterday, strengthening slightly also converts an option for 14 pound trading at a record low from its closing level of 6.7153 fuel-efficient A321neo aircraft against the US dollar because of in the previous session. But it is into an order, Airbus said in a political instability linked to the changing hands at least several statement. country’s transition from decades piastres weaker among unlicensed The Chief Executive of ALC, of army-backed autocracy. traders in Cairo. Steven Udvar-Hazy, said in a A foreign exchange dealer at a In another move coinciding with statement that the A350 XWB Cairo bank said banks may now Ramez’s move into office, the cen- (Xtra wide body) airliner “is only buy or sell dollars or their tral bank also signalled it would becoming the industry benchmark equivalent to other banks in a reduce the number of foreign cur- for efficiency in the long haul seg- band of 0.01 pound above or below rency auctions held on a weekly ment, and the A320neo family is the weighted average bid at the basis to two from three. This ideal for airlines operating short central bank’s regular currency means the price of the currency to medium-haul missions.” auctions. Previously, the limit had will be revised only twice this week He said: “These aircraft will been 0.5 percent above or below instead of last week’s three times. help airlines grow their busi- the average bid. The central bank sold $73.1m nesses while simultaneously But analysts doubted the moves at its 17th such auction yesterday, reducing their operating costs would halt the fall in the pound and said the next one would be and emissions.” and expected the country to have tomorrow. He added that his company to continue running down its After introducing the foreign aimed to offer its customers “the financial reserves. currency sales on December 30, most modern, efficient aircraft on Political strife has triggered a the central bank had initially held the market, and both the A350 flight into dollars and other for- daily auctions. It later reduced XWB and the NEO fit right in eign currencies, putting renewed the frequency to three a week, that category.” pressure on Egypt’s stock of for- holding the auctions on Sundays, The A350 is due to enter serv- eign currency which the central Tuesdays and Thursdays. ice in the second half of 2014. bank warned in December had REUTERS The aircraft is intended to compete with the Boeing 777 aircraft made by the US Boeing Corporation and with the Boeing Dreamliner 787. Airbus hopes that the new air- craft will enable it to end Boeing’s • Bullion - Mumbai dominance of the market for long- Gold (10 gm) Standard Rs. 30335 range airliners. Silver (1 kg) Rs. 59070 The A350 XWB family of air- • Indian Rupees QR1 = 14.49 craft is made mainly of compos- • Sensex ite materials based on carbon. It is being offered in three ver- BSE 19751.19 sion capable of carrying 270-350 NSE 5987.25 passengers. • LIC (International) launches New Gold Investment Plan ‘GOLD PLUS’ – The first version to be put into which provides an opportunity to invest in GOLD ETF & GOLD SPOT, PAN service will be the A350-900 with Card/Demat Account not required. 314 seats. It will be followed in • Short-term investment plan from LIC International upto 6.4 percent return 2016 by the A350-800 with 270 p.a. (in dollar) seats and in 2017 by the A350- • Housing loan from HDFC LTD 1000 with 350 seats. Airbus said that ALC had also • Mutual Fund: Buy & Sell: SBI MF, HDFC MF, UTI MF, Birla Sun Life MF, taken an option on an extra five Tata MF, Reliance MF etc. A350-1000 aircraft. Contact: Investec, Tel: 44325060/44365060 email: [email protected] AFP TUESDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2013 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS VIEWS

Perng to keep Taiwan Japan minister modelling stable amid China links BY ANDREA WONG, CHINMEI SUNG and DEBRA MAO policy on 1930s stimulus AIWAN will appoint central bank governor Perng Fai-Nan to a fourth five-year term in a vote of confidence for his BY JAMES MAYGER and JACOB Tcurrency-stabilising policies amid closer ties with China ADELMAN for Economic Research. While the effort asset-purchase program. and as the export-dependent economy recovers. helped end deflation and boost growth, Since taking office in December, Abe’s Perng, 74, will stay on as Governor of the Central Bank of the Takahashi made enemies in the military government has announced fiscal stimulus Republic of China (Taiwan) after his current term expires at APANESE Finance Minister Taro when he later attempted to rein in spending. to boost an economy in recession, with the the end of February, Fan-Chiang Tai-chi, a presidential office Aso says the government is imitat- He was assassinated in 1936. BoJ agreeing to a two percent inflation target spokesman, said. ing his Depression-era predecessor, Takahashi “brilliantly rescued Japan from requested by the government and announc- The re-appointment comes as President Ma Ying-jeou acts to Korekiyo Takahashi, who told the the Great Depression through reflationary ing open-ended asset purchases in a bid to strengthen an economy that grew in 2012 at the slowest pace since Bank of Japan (BoJ) to underwrite policies,” Federal Reserve Chairman Ben stop more than a decade of falling prices. the 2009 global recession. Perng, who enjoys bipartisan support, Jgovernment debt to fund deficit spending. Bernanke said in a speech in 2003. His policy Aso told lawmakers in Parliament yester- has promoted order in the island’s currency market and overseen “There is no one in the government, the package increased the fiscal deficit, depreci- day that the government will try to main- the start of offshore yuan business in Taiwan. Perng was appointed bureaucracy or the BoJ who has experi- ated the currency and expanded the money tain trust in its fiscal management. in February 1998 by President Lee Teng-hui after Governor Sheu ence in anti-deflation policy,” Aso said on stock, with robust growth and mild inflation Abe’s approval rating rose 11 percentage Yuan-dong died in an airplane crash. Sunday in an interview on NHK television. for the five years from 1933, according to points from December when he took office “Perng’s re-appointment is a big help in maintaining stability “We can only learn from history,” he said, a research paper co-authored by Masato to 63 percent, according to a Mainichi news- in Taiwan’s financial environment,” Tsung-Sheng Liu, President adding that the new administration is look- Shizume, an economist working for the BoJ. paper poll published yesterday. Almost seven of Yuanta Securities Investment Trust Co, Taiwan’s biggest ing to Takahashi’s example. “If a central bank starts to underwrite in 10 voters have positive expectations for money manager, said by phone. “Now that the uncertainty is Emulating Takahashi’s policies of monetary government bonds, there may be no prob- his administration’s economic policy, accord- gone before the Lunar New Year holiday, we’re bullish about expansion and government-financed spend- lems at first, but it would lead to a limitless ing to the poll. The newspaper surveyed 921 Taiwan stocks.” ing has a chance of helping Japan beat defla- expansion of currency issuance, spur sharp people and gave no margin of error. Taiwan’s benchmark stock index, the Taiex, has risen two per- tion, said Masaaki Kanno, Chief Economist inflation and yield a big blow to people’s The government is not aiming to depreci- cent this year, compared with a 1.21 percent gain in the MSCI at JPMorgan Securities Japan Co, who used lives” and the economy, as has happened in ate the yen, and weakness in the currency Emerging Markets index. Taiwan stocks have advanced 8.1 percent to work at the central bank. Yet lobbying the past, BoJ Governor Masaaki Shirakawa is a result of policies aimed at getting Japan over the past six months. by interest groups empowered by increased said in 2011. The central bank took the step out of a deflationary recession, Aso also said The re-appointment may help allay concerns about greater spending, such as the construction industry, in the 1930s because the debt market was on the TV programme yesterday. The cur- fluctuations in the island’s currency. could make it difficult for leaders to tighten “very immature,” Shirakawa said. rency has depreciated more than 13 percent Policymakers warned on January 29 they may step into the policy once growth is achieved, he said. Under Takahashi’s initiative, the BoJ’s against the dollar in the past three months. foreign-exchange market after the Taiwan dollar reached a four- “If it is just a one-off and temporary, then it’s underwriting continued for 14 years until The challenge for Abe’s government is year high against the yen on January 28, hurting exporters. OK,” Kanno said. “But if the government loses the end of the Second World War, with the to fund growth without worsening Japan’s The island’s currency has gained about 10 percent against its fiscal discipline, then it will distort politics.” ratio of bonds bought by the central bank fiscal position. The nation’s public debt will US counterpart under Perng’s 15 years at the helm. This past As finance minister in 1932, Takahashi peaking in 1933 at 89.6 percent, according expand to 245 percent of gross domestic week, Taiwan dollar weakened 1.4 percent to T$29.668 against the increased fiscal spending by 34 percent, to a 2001 paper by the central bank. product this year from 237 percent in 2012, dollar, according to Taipei Forex Inc. That’s the biggest five-day doubled bond issuance and instructed Now, the BOJ purchases government according to International Monetary Fund loss since September 2011. the BoJ to underwrite government debt, bonds through the secondary market, and estimates. Morris Chang, Chairman of Taiwan Semiconductor according to a report by the Japan Center includes the securities in its 76-trillion yen WP-BLOOMBERG Manufacturing Co, the world’s biggest contract manufacturer of chips, said at a forum January 11 that the government should let the Taiwan dollar depreciate further to aid competitiveness, according to a Formosa Television report. Taiwan’s central bankers have held interest rates steady for six straight meetings since June 2011 as the export-dependent economy struggled with weakened demand for its electronic goods. In the fourth quarter of 2012, gross domestic product rose 3.42 percent from a year earlier, compared with a 0.98 percent pace in the previous three-month period. Exports account for more than two-thirds of Taiwan’s economy and almost 30 percent of shipments go to China, government data shows. Taiwan’s export orders, an indicator of shipments in the next one to three months, rose 8.5 percent from a year earlier in December, after an 11.1 percent gain reported for November, the Ministry of Economic Affairs said on January 21. Perng, who holds a doctorate in law from the University of Minnesota, helped guide Taiwan’s lenders through the aftermath of the 1997-1998 financial crisis in Asia, in part by cutting of reserve requirements for banks to deal with bad loans. Next term, Perng’s needs to enact an agreement with the People’s Bank of China to allow offshore yuan clearing and trading on the island. Mainland China’s official Xinhua News Agency said on January 31 that Taiwan lenders can start tak- ing deposits and making loans in China’s currency as soon as February 6. In December, Perng told inquiring lawmakers that the gov- ernor’s position “will be my last public job.” He is the longest- serving central bank governor among Asian economies tracked by Bloomberg. Malaysia’s Zeti Akhtar Aziz, who took charge in May 2000, comes next. Perng, Zeti, Amando Tetangco of the Philippines, Glenn Stevens of Australia and Israel’s Stanley Fischer received “A” grades in Global Finance magazine’s annual ranking of the world’s central bankers last year. They were rated higher than Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and the European Central Bank’s Mario Draghi. Perng “has an incredible record of pre-empting crisis and reas- suring the markets,” Wai Ho Leong, a Singapore-based econo- mist at Barclays Plc, said before the announcement. “He’s done an excellent job of managing the growth-inflation trade-off and has maintained systemic stability. He’s also very well- regarded internationally.” WP-BLOOMBERG Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate Electric cars head towards another dead end BY NORIHIKO SHIROUZU, eventually scuttled electrics in might be the next big green-tech recent moves that both companies radically different approaches to with $1,999 down, according to YOKO KUBOTA and PAUL the 1910s and more recently in breakthrough: pollution- and are looking beyond EVs to meet electrification. industry research firm TrueCar. LIENERT the 1990s. Those include high cost, petroleum-free fuel-cell cars that future transportation needs. In the past year, Toyota has “When new technologies are short driving range and lack of convert hydrogen to electricity. Both automakers began broadened its hybrid portfolio to launched, sales do not grow as RE electric cars charging stations. Vice-Chairman Takeshi advanced green-car engineering 12 models, including four versions quickly as everyone expects,” said running out of juice The public’s lack of appetite Uchiyamada, the “father of the programs in the mid-1990s, with of the Prius, now in its third gen- Mitsuhiko Yamashita, Nissan again? Recent moves for battery-powered cars per- Prius” who helped put hybrids on Toyota introducing the first-gen- eration. Toyota in 2012 sold 327,413 Executive Vice-President and by Japan’s two larg- suaded the Obama administration the map, said he believes fuel-cell eration Prius hybrid and Nissan hybrids in the US and 1.2 million head of research and development. est carmakers sug- last week to back away from its vehicles hold far more promise unveiling the battery-powered globally. Worldwide sales of its But “with EV technologies contin- Agest that the electric car, after aggressive goal to put one million than battery electric cars. Altra in late 1997. hybrids now approach five million. uously improving and with prices more than 100 years of develop- electric cars on US roads by 2015. “Because of its shortcomings — Toyota brought the Prius to the The Prius accounts for more falling, there is a possibility that ment and several brief revivals, The tepid response to EVs driving range, cost and recharging US in 2000, but it took Nissan than half of those sales, mak- sales could explode.” That isn’t still is not ready for prime time also pushed Nissan’s high-profile time — the electric vehicle is not a another 10 years to follow the low- ing it the most successful green likely to happen anytime soon. — and may never be. Chief Executive, Carlos Ghosn, viable replacement for most con- volume Altra and other modest car in history and one of the few Nissan may be mildly encouraged In the meantime, the atten- perhaps the industry’s most ventional cars,” said Uchiyamada. electric-car projects such as the exceptions to the public’s yawning that the Leaf is the best-selling tion of automotive executives in outspoken proponent of battery “We need something entirely new.” Hypermini with the handsomely indifference to green vehicles and pure EV in the United States. But Asia, Europe and North America cars, to announce in December In the race to identify the Next funded 2010 launch of the Leaf. technology. total EV sales last year were only is beginning to swing toward an a major strategic shift toward Big Thing in automotive technol- With Uchiyamada overseeing The Leaf, on the other hand, 14,687, representing 0.1 percent of unusual but promising new alter- more mainstream petrol-electric ogy, the stakes are enormous. continuous refinement of the has been the rule rather than the total US sales of 14.5 million. In nate power source: hydrogen. hybrids, which overcome many of For example, Nissan, with Prius, Toyota took a 10-year lead exception. comparison, hybrid sales in 2012 The reality is that consumers the shortcomings of pure EVs. French partner Renault, has com- in the green-car derby. Along the Nissan unveiled the Leaf two climbed to 473,083, or roughly 3.3 continue to show little interest The move was widely seen as a mitted $5bn for development and way, though, Toyota effectively years ago and to date has sold percent of the market. And of every in electric vehicles, or EVs, which tacit acknowledgement by Ghosn manufacture of EVs and batteries subsidised billions of dollars in just under 50,000 worldwide. It three hybrids sold last year in the dominated US streets in the first that his all-or-nothing, multibil- — a risky bet that could take years development, manufacturing sold 9,819 last year in the US, well US, two were a Toyota or a Lexus. decade of the 20th century before lion-dollar bet on EVs is falling to pay off — while Toyota has spent and marketing costs through under its target of 20,000. Fuelled by government subsi- being displaced by petrol-powered far short of his ambition to sell an estimated $10bn or more over the first two generations of the As part of a year-end sales dies and tax incentives, hybrid cars. hundreds of thousands of battery- the past 16 years to develop, build Prius, according to former Toyota push, Nissan slapped incentives sales in Japan have rocketed to 40 Despite the promise of “green” powered Nissan Leafs. and market an ever-expanding executives. of almost $6,000 on the Leaf, and percent of the industry total, with transportation — and despite Instead, Nissan plans to follow range of hybrids, led by the popu- While it took the Toyota hybrid in January slashed the starting the Prius a top seller. Hybrids, billions of dollars in investment, rival Toyota Motor Co, the world’s lar and now profitable Prius. six years to catch fire with US price by more than $6,000, to however, have been far less popu- most recently by Nissan Motor largest purveyor of hybrids, which While neither Nissan nor consumers, the latest sales data $29,650. Some Nissan dealers in lar with consumers in such major Co — EVs continue to be plagued now is poised to leapfrog pure Toyota is likely to pull the plug on points to the widening chasm Los Angeles are advertising Leaf markets as Europe and China. by many of the problems that EVs altogether to pursue what electric cars, it is clear from their between the two companies’ lease rates as low as $199 a month REUTERS TUESDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2013 MARKET www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

QE Indices Summary WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Index 8,725.03 0.01 % QE Total Return Index 11,884.58 0.01 % RATE QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 2,543.89 0.13 % QE All Share Index 2,105.09 0.05 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 2,040.43 0.17 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 4929.139 -12.786 -0.26 4943.5 4664.6 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 4,823.29 0.51 % QR195.2081 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 Services Cac 40 Index/D 3745.82 -27.71 -0.73 3793.26 3680.61 UK ...... QR 5.6903 QR 5.7700 QE All Share Industrials 2,779.26 0.20 % SILVER QE All Share Insurance 1,914.18 0.14 % Dj Indu Average 14009.79 149.21 1.08 14019.8 12035.1 QR 3.7016 Euro ...... QR 4.9098 QR 4.9787 QE All Share Real Estate 1,595.94 0.61 % CA$ ...... QR 3.6238 QR 3.6952 Egypt Cma Gn Idx 1026.29 32.57 3.28 999.95 312.38 QE All Share Telecoms 1,143.06 0.35 % Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.9702 QR 4.0272 QE All Share Transportation 1,406.23 1.05 % Hang Seng Inde/D 23685.01 -36.83 -0.16 23916.16 22860.25 Yen ...... QR 0.0388 QR 0.0401 QE Market Summary Comparison Aus$ ...... QR 3.7627 QR 3.8375 Iseq Overall/D 3573.65 0.8 0.02 3615.73 3396.67 CRUDE OIL Today Previous day Ind Re ...... QR 0.0677 QR 0.0691 04-02-2013 03-02-2013 Karachi 100 In/D 17288.07 21.84 0.13 17280.89 16036.31 Index 8,725.03 8,726.32 BRENT Pak Re ...... QR 0.0369 QR 0.0377 Change 1.29 1.55 Nikkei 225 Index 11260.35 69.01 0.62 11237.84 10398.61 Peso ...... QR 0.0888 QR 0.0906 % 0.01 0.02 $ 115.52 SL Re ...... QR 0.0285 QR 0.0291 YTD% 4.38 4.40 S&P 500 Index/D 1513.17 15.06 1.01 1514.41 1266.74 DUBAI Taka ...... QR 0.0456 QR 0.0468 Volume 4,691,448 4,330,104 Straits Times/D 3297.37 6.23 0.19 3293.31 3160.83 Nep Re ...... QR 0.0426 QR 0.0434 Value (QAR) 171,085,663.92 188,690,847.83 $ 113.12 Trades 2,851 2,801 SA Rand ...... QR 0.4041 QR 0.4124 Straits Times/D 2989.31 24.69 0.83 3035.78 2657.77 Up 14 | Down 19 | Unchanged 05

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 04-02-2013

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 1300.6 -19.25 19252 CHOWGULE ST-B/d 16.5 0.35 6847 HIMAT SEIDE-B/d 36.95 -0.65 16851 KG DENIM-T/d 14.54 0.44 24631 OUDH SUGAR-B/d 24.1 0.6 3317 HSBC HOLDINGS/d 716.9362 -2.7 5308578 AARTI DRUGS-T/d 225.95 2.3 1732 CIPLA-A/d 402.75 -10.9 159565 HIND MOTORS-B/d 10.36 -0.21 44913 KILBURNENGG-B/d 17.55 0.1 4447 PATSPIN INDIA-/d 8.1 0.29 5261 IMPERIAL TOBAC/d 2363 5 264727 ABAN OFFS-B/d 345.3 -2.05 50098 CITY UNION BK-/d 63.4 1 131642 HIND ORG CHEM-/d 16.95 -0.6 92361 KIN.MOTOR-B/d 10.25 -0.5 4995 RADICO KHAIT-B/d 146.45 -0.35 15031 KINGFISHER/d 275.6 0.8 1005069 ADOR WELDING-B/d 129 -1.85 4410 COLGATE-A/d 1341.8 -3.75 14705 HIND UNILEVER-/d 466.25 1.25 96607 KINETIC ENG-T/d 110.65 2.35 4255 RALLIS INDIA-B/d 128.7 -3.25 29045 LAND SECS GROU/d 805.175 1 268767 AEGIS LOGIS-B/d 164.05 -4.3 6328 CONTAINER COR-/d 931.7 14.2 11622 HIND.PETROL-A/d 328.95 -9.05 152594 KLG SYSTEL-T/d 16.6 -0.1 3831 RALLIS INDIA-B/d 128.7 -3.25 29045 LEGAL & GENERA/d 150.6 -1.5 2297147 ALEMBIC-B/d 18.05 0.75 884994 DCM FINANCIA-B/d 1.46 0.07 5509 HINDALCO-A/d 113.15 -0.3 592075 KOPRAN-B/d 18.75 -0.2 2014 RELIANCE INDUS/d 435.55 -8.05 78515 LLOYDS BNK GRP/d 51.394 -0.23 33857060 ALKYL AMINES-B/d 164.7 -5.4 2614 DCM SHRAM IND-/d 44.2 3.2 8657 HOUS DEV FIN-A/d 798 19.35 249102 LGB BROTH-B/d 245 0.15 1392 RUCHI SOYA-B/d 67.85 -0.9 2667 MARKS & SP./d 379.3 -3 838740 ALOK INDUS-B/d 10.59 -0.27 967744 DHAMPUR SUGAR-/d 46.5 -0.75 6315 I F C I-A/d 35.55 0.9 5861491 LLOYD STEEL-B/d 14.7 -0.35 995712 S BK BIKANER-B/d 462.2 -16.45 16541 NEXT/d 4124 26 94738 ANDHRA PAPER-B/d 219.6 -5.1 6764 DR. REDDY-A/d 1910.95 -35.75 14731 IDBI-A/d 102.2 -3.55 204726 LLOYDSFIN.-T/d 0.97 0.04 12083 TANFAC INDUST-/d 15.65 -0.1 16424 PEARSON/d 1203 -7 254545 APOLLO TYRE-A/d 86.55 -0.45 148227 E I H-B/d 70 0.3 28455 IFB AGRO-B/d 198.6 -3.95 239948 LOK.HOUS&CON-T/d 21.15 -0.4 2112 TANFAC INDUST-/d 15.65 -0.1 16424 PRUDENTIAL/d 960.05 -5 803649 ASAHI I GLASS-/d 47.95 -1.1 29036 E.I.D PARRY-B/d 179.6 0.95 11564 IFB IND.LTD.-B/d 101.95 0 17102 LUMAX IND-B/d 379.8 4.8 23689 THIRUMALAI-B/d 122.95 1.15 12972 RANK GROUP/d 153 1 12770 ASHOK LEYLAND-/d 24.85 0.2 411099 EICHER MOTOR-A/d 2863.9 32.4 2683 INDIA CEMENT-B/d 86.85 -1 47129 LUPIN-A/d 596.6 -12.45 51089 TIMEXGROUP-T/d 19.75 -1 19072 RENTOKIL INITI/d 91.7 -0.05 481481 BAJAJ HOLD-A/d 969.6 2.15 3563 EIMCO ELECON-T/d 171 -7 1641 INDIA GLYCOL-B/d 157.55 0.75 15540 LYKA LABS-B/d 10.45 0.28 2601 TINPLATE-B/d 50.4 -1.55 19553 ROLLS ROYCE PL/d 973.5 2.5 2305769 BALLARPUR IN-B/d 22.6 -0.45 55522 ELECTROSTEEL-B/d 25.3 0.05 29717 INDIAN HOTEL-A/d 61.05 -0.75 64512 MAFATLAL IND-T/d 121.1 -3.9 84305 UB ENGINEER-B/d 27.6 -0.75 13066 RSA INSRANCE G/d 132.4 -0.1 2438866 BATA INDIA-A/d 775.9 -7.35 20624 EMCO-B/d 26.4 -0.25 19511 INDO-TCOUNT-T/d 13.6 0.16 3133 MANGALAM CEM-B/d155.65 1.25 2610 UB ENGINEER-B/d 27.6 -0.75 13066 SAINSBURY(J)/d 332.4587 -0.5 1145982 BAYER CROP-A/d 1185.15 -13.75 1528 ESCORTS-B/d 66.85 -2.05 97062 INDUSIND-A/d 435.45 -2.7 45487 MARAL OVERS-B/d 14.35 -0.05 5077 UCAL FUEL-B/d 65.8 -0.1 1415 SEVERN TRENT/d 1641.25 14 115213 BEML LTD-B/d 262.2 -4.35 9059 ESSAR OIL-A/d 94.55 2.7 3715361 J.B.CHEMICAL-B/d 87.45 1.7 27040 MAX INDIA L-A/d 245.35 -1.85 14612 ULTRAMARINE-B/d 51.35 0.25 2586 SMITH&NEPHEW/d 730.16 2 374822 BHARAT BIJLE-B/d 530.7 -13.35 2291 EVEREADY INDU-/d 21.45 -0.45 65841 JAGATJIT IND-B/d 67 -0.5 3157 MRPL-A/d 60.7 -1.1 51198 UNITECH P -A/d 35.65 -0.95 3405539 SMITHS GROUP/d 1238.3987 -4 102518 BHARATGEARS-B/d 47 -0.5 9693 F D C-B/d 92.3 -0.15 15306 JAGSON PHAR-B/d 12.35 0 3880 NAHAR SPG.-B/d 87.5 1.95 60728 STANDRD CHART /d 1669.5 -18.5 511453 LONDON BHARTIYA INT-T/d 176.4 1.4 2615 FEDERAL BANK-A/d 507.25 -3.9 18485 JBF INDU-B/d 121 -0.55 4841 NATION ALUM -A/d 48.8 0.2 80438 TATE & LYLE/d 801.5 -2.5 380632 BHEL-A/d 219.2 -6.15 588870 FERRO ALLOYS-B/d 5.45 -0.45 73166 JCT ELECT P -B/d 0.64 -0.01 18226 NAVNEET PUB.-B/d 63.9 -0.2 22463 TESCO/d 359.612 -0.9 2022833 BHUWALKA STL-B/d 15.25 -0.4 1259 FGP LTD-B/d 2.28 0.03 3356 JCT LTD-B/d 1.37 0.02 37369 NEPC INDIA-B/d 2.5 -0.05 1846 3I GROUP/d 268.934 0.3 899063 UNILEVER/d 2576.3 -26 749656 BOM.BURMAH-B/d 127.35 -4.45 15175 FINOLEX-B/d 79.05 2.5 209882 JENSON&NICH.-B/d 3.63 -0.06 5473 NEULAND LAB-B/d 130 3.85 2539 ASSOC.BR.FOODS/d 1764 -1 267593 UNITED UTIL GR/d 734.82 3.5 724670 BOMBAY DYEING-/d 114.85 -2.5 185340 GAIL-A/d 338.9 -3.75 51755 JIK INDUST-B/d 1.95 0.09 4059 NRB BEARINGS-B/d 34.5 -0.3 10357 B SKY B/d 822 -3.5 525464 VODAFONE GROUP/d 170.15 -3.3 31482134 CAMPH.& ALL-B/d 189.4 -0.4 158671 GAMMON INDIA-B/d 35.8 -0.25 32221 JINDAL DRILL-B/d 238.65 0.15 1426 O N G C-A/d 325.55 -6.9 196186 BARCLAYS/d 298.5995 -1.45 14845533 WHITBREAD/d 2645.28 3 44547 CANFIN HOMES-T/d 167.05 0.7 4943 GANGOTRI TEX-T/d 2.7 0.11 6310 JKTYRE&IND-B/d 115.4 -0.55 9990 OCL INDIA-B/d 153 0.5 15120 BG GROUP/d 1099.938 -23 2358121 CASTROL IND-A/d 315.75 6.6 87169 GARDEN P -B/d 60.35 0.35 7287 KABRA EXTR-B/d 31 -0.5 2355 OIL COUNTRY-B/d 48.9 0.4 4337 BP/d 466.6 -5.9 5753144 CENTURY ENKA-B/d 121.25 -1.65 6208 GOODRICKE-B/d 142.55 -3.7 4706 KAJARIA CER-B/d 211.1 -4 4486 ORCHID CHEM-B/d 85.9 -1.25 101236 BRIT AM TOBACC/d 3314.5 -13 386585 CENTURY TEXT-A/d 382.55 -5.6 85638 GOODYEAR I -B/d 314.7 -9.3 2136 KALPAT POWER-B/d 91.95 -1 6814 ORIENT HOTEL-B/d 21.2 0.5 2902 BT GROUP/d 264.881 0.2 5869531 CHAMBAL FERT-B/d 65.5 -1.1 84462 HCL INFOSYS-B/d 36.4 -0.3 36364 KALYANI STEL-B/d 53.2 -1.3 36738 ORIENT.CARB.-B/d 108.15 -3.55 5638 CENTRICA/d 354.339 1.2 3387087 CHOLA INVEST-B/d 284.35 1.3 11620 HIM.FUT.COMM-B/d 9.25 -0.04 249128 KANORIA CHEM-B/d 39 -0.2 6294 ORIENT.CARB.-B/d 108.15 -3.55 5638 GKN/d 249.5 0.2 1361889

TUESDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2013 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Australia Ravens win Super Bowl defend rotation after Extravaganza hit by power outage; Baltimore beat San Francisco 34-31 Warne attack NEW ORLEANS: The Baltimore Ravens survived a SYDNEY: Australian cricket furious second-half rally by San chiefs yesterday backed chief Francisco and a momentum- selector John Inverarity after sapping power outage at the stinging criticism from Test Superdome to defeat the gritty great Shane Warne and other 49ers 34-31 in the Super Bowl ex-players over the controver- yesterday. sial rotation policy. A Super Bowl-record 108-yard Warne used his website to kickoff return for a touchdown speak out against resting play- by Jacoby Jones to open the sec- ers -- particularly fast bowlers ond half gave the Ravens a 28-6 -- to guard them from breaking but the 49ers quickly scored 17 down as a result of the relentless straight points after a 35-minute demands of international cricket. power outage and nearly pulled But Cricket Australia (CA) off a stunning comeback. chairman Wally Edwards insisted “Both teams had to deal with Australia were on the right it,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh track after meeting under-fire said of the power outage. “They Inverarity and general manager dealt with it better, obviously. of team performance Pat Howard. They were able to turn the The CA board gave its “une- momentum of the game.” quivocal support” for the meth- Trailing 34-29, the 49ers ods being used after Howard and marched down to the Ravens’ Inverarity addressed the board of seven but failed to score on directors in Melbourne yester- four tries, surrendering the ball day against a backdrop of criti- on downs at the five with 1:42 cism from former players and the remaining. media. Baltimore used up the clock Edwards said Australia were and on fourth down, punter Sam Vonta Leach (44) and Ray Lewis (52) of the Baltimore Ravens celebrate after defeating the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII at the bidding to become the world’s top Koch ran out of the end zone for a Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, yesterday. RIGHT: Lewis lifts the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the Super Bowl XLVII final. side by putting into place policies safety with four seconds left. formulated after the release of a Joe Flacco, the game’s Most wide-ranging report 18 months Valuable Player, completed 22 good game to watch. Not to our Despite a shaky first half, “We got a spark and we weren’t halftime show for his team’s ago. of 33 passes for 287 yards, three liking necessarily but that’s the Kaepernick completed 16 of 28 going to look back after that. meltdown. “To build a new cricket side touchdowns and no interceptions way it goes sometimes and that’s passes for 302 yards and a touch- We battled right to the brink of “Beyonce must have been good is a long term thing.... I’m con- to lead the Ravens to their first the way we do things,” he added. down. He also ran for 62 yards winning.” - she took all of the power with fident we’re on the right track,” title since the 2000 season. Baltimore’s lead evaporated and a 15-yard touchdown on seven Baltimore linebacker Terrell her when she left the stage,” he Edwards said. “We don’t make anything easy,” because the 49ers’ talented carries to finish behind Frank Suggs said it was the “ultimate said. “It was tough. But we had “They (Howard and Inverarity) said Flacco, who has guided the second-year quarterback, Colin Gore (110 yards) as the 49ers’ cake” to allow Lewis, a 13-time to deal with the same thing that noted that since the appointment Ravens to the play-offs in each Kaepernick, suddenly found the second-leading ground gainer. Pro Bowler and the team’s inspi- San Francisco had to. And they of the current team performance of his five NFL seasons. “It was a form that made him one of the Kaepernick’s rushing score rational leader, to go out a winner. responded well.” leadership group Australia has hard-fought game on both sides. league’s most dangerous big-play with 2:57 left cut the Baltimore “There will never be another Lewis said his children will be played 15 Tests of which we’ve “We gave the country a pretty threats. lead to 31-29 but his pass attempt leader like him and we sent him his top priority in retirement. won 10. We’ve lost two and had on the two-point conversion out like his brothers,” he said. “Daddy gets to come home three very creditable draws. attempt was incomplete. “His legacy will go untainted.” now,” he said. “I get to chase “In that time Australia has A 38-yard field goal by Justin Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta, them. They aren’t going to like moved from fifth to third on the Tucker with 4:19 left in the game who caught four passes for 26 me being home all the time. This world Test rankings.” AFP hiked the Ravens’ lead to 34-29, yards and a touchdown, said the is the most ultimate feeling ever. setting the stage for what could power outage, which left half “This is the way you do it. No have been a Super Bowl-record of the overheard lights in the other way to go out and end a Clarke wins comeback by the 49ers. Superdome out, “felt like an hour.” career.” REUTERS But the Ravens’ defence, “We lost a lot of momentum fourth Allan anchored by retiring future Hall and, credit to them, they came Last 10 Super Bowl Winners of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis, storming back and played tre- 2013 Baltimore Ravens Border Medal came up big when it had to with mendous. But this team continued 2012 New York Giants a goal-line stand that handed the to fight and never quit ... Didn’t 2011 Green Bay Packers 49ers’ franchise its first Super make it easy, but it was fun.” MELBOURNE: Australian Bowl loss after five victories. Baltimore was outscored 25-6 2010 New Orleans Saints captain Michael Clarke won “I made too many mistakes for after the lights went out and the 2009 Pittsburgh Steelers his fourth Allan Border Medal us to win,” Kaepernick said softly. raucous pro-Ravens crowd, which 2008 New York Giants as the nation’s cricketer of the “Our guys battled, they com- had brought a Mardi Gras-style 2007 Indianapolis year at a gala ceremony in Baltimore Ravens’ quarterback Joe Flacco celebrates as the Ravens peted,” said 49ers coach Jim celebration from nearby Bourbon 2006 Pittsburgh Steelers Melbourne yesterday. defeat the San Francisco 49ers to win the NFL Super Bowl XLVII in New Harbaugh, who also lost the Super Street, got eerily quiet. 2005 New England Patriots Clarke, 31, and his predeces- Bowl of sibling rivalry because his Ravens wide receiver Torrey sor as captain Ricky Ponting, are Orleans, Louisiana, yesterday. 2004 New England Patriots brother John coaches the Ravens. Smith blamed Beyonce’s rockin’ the only players to win the medal, considered Australian cricket’s most prestigious individual prize, Harbaugh slams refs’ decisions four times. The Test and one-day skipper won for the second straight year NEW ORLEANS: San on Baltimore’s subsequent pos- cornerback Chris Culliver for with 198 votes, ahead of joint run- Francisco 49ers head coach session, the failure of officials to pass interference, allowing ners-up Mike Hussey and two- Jim Harbaugh, beaten by call holding as Ravens punter the Ravens to make a crucial time winner Shane Watson, who his brother John’s Baltimore Sam Koch took a safety to eat first down after Joe Flacco had each polled 165 votes. AFP Ravens, criticised key deci- up time. thrown an incomplete pass sions made by the referees. “I still haven’t gotten an on third down with the score Harbaugh questioned two explanation on the safety. It 31-29. Rajasthan Royals non-calls in the final series was obviously the intent of the “I didn’t think that was an when the 49ers failed to convert Ravens to tackle and hold... but interference,” said Harbaugh. fined for foreign with a first and goal as they not one holding flag came out,” But the 49ers coach was also looked to find receiver Michael he said. critical of his players. breaches Crabtree with the game on the “I realise I am on the side of “We want to handle this with line. the 49ers, I’m the coach and class and grace. We had sev- “There’s no question in my probably have some bias there eral opportunities in the game. NEW DELHI: Owners of mind that there was a pass but in my mind I thought it was We didn’t play our best game. Indian Premier League side interference and then a hold obvious, but that’s not the way Ravens made a lot of plays. Our Rajasthan Royals have been on Crabtree on the last one,” they saw it,” he added. guys battled back to get in it. slapped with a fine of one billion said Harbaugh. The 49ers Harbaugh also protested We competed and battled to rupees ($18.8m) for alleged for- coach was also unhappy with, the decision to penalise his win,” he said. REUTERS eign exchange violations, media reports said yesterday. Wanderers clinch Qatar National Residents League title The enforcement directorate of the ministry of finance has given the owners, who include Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty and her businessman husband Raj Kundra, 45 days to pay the fine or file an appeal. “The foreign investment in the franchise was made in fla- grant contravention of Foreign Exchange Maintenance Act,” NDTV news channel quoted an order from the directorate as saying. This is the first major fine imposed on an IPL team by the government. AFP NHL Results Pittsburgh 6 Washington 3 Montreal 2 Ottawa 1 Florida 4 Buffalo 3 New Jersey 3 NY Islanders 0

Players of Wanderers Hockey Club pose for a picture after winning the Qatar National Residents League title recently. Wanderers went through the whole season unbeaten and nearly completed a perfect NBA Results winning record but drew 3-3 against Doha Hockey Club 1 in their final league match. Wanderers’ cap- Boston 106 LA Clippers 104 tain Ram Kumar collected the trophy from chief guest Brian Rouse, head coach of Doha Hockey Club LA Lakers 98 Detroit 97 (DHC). Collin Milton, President of DHC also distributed trophies. Miami 100 Toronto 85 TUESDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25

Davis Cup Results 6-US bt Brazil 3- 2 Canada bt 1-Spain 3- 2 Spain crash out to Canada Italy bt 7-Croatia 3- 2 3-Argentina bt Germany 5- 0 Davis Cup: United States edge past Brazil; Italy advance to quarters 2-Czech Republic bt Switzerland 3- 2 4-Serbia bt Belgium 3- 2 8-Kazakhstan bt Austria 3- 1 PARIS: Short-handed five- to beat Thiago Alves 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, time champions Spain crashed 7-6 (7/3) and give the Americans 5-France bt Israel 5- 0 out of the Davis Cup late on a 3-2 triumph. Querrey fired 26 Sunday when Canada completed aces for a perfect weekend in his WTA Rankings a famous World Group triumph first Davis Cup home tie. WTA rankings yesterday (last while 32-time winners United Brazil’s Thomaz Bellucci bat- week’s positions in brackets): States edged Brazil in a dogfight. tled back to defeat John Isner 2-6, Milos Raonic secured the cru- 6-4, 6-7 (7/9), 6-4, 6-3, in Sunday’s 1. (1) Victoria Azarenka (Belarus) 10325 cial winning point in Canada’s 3-2 opener at Jacksonville, Florida. 2. (2) Serena Williams (United States) 9970 victory in Vancouver by beating Isner fired 22 aces in the clash 3. (3) Maria Sharapova (Russia) 9545 Guillermo Garcia-Lopez 6-3, 6-4, but also committed 81 unforced 6-2 to send Canada into their first errors. 4. (4) Agnieszka Radwanska (Poland) 7750 Davis Cup quarter-final. The US had been 2-0 ahead on 5. (5) Li Na (China) 6255 They will tackle Italy in April Friday before twins Bob and Mike 6. (6) Angelique Kerber (Germany) 5695 for a place in the semi-finals. Bryan suffered a stunning loss Missing top players Rafael in the doubles -- just the third 7. (7) Sara Errani (Italy) 4795 Nadal, David Ferrer, Nicolas of their Davis Cup career -- to 8. (8) Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic) 4285 Almagro and Fernando Verdasco, Marcelo Melo and Bruno Soares, 9. (9) Samantha Stosur (Australia) 4230 Spain, winners of the title three going down 7-6 (8/6), 6-7 (7/9), times in the last five years, and 6-4, 3-6, 6-3. 10. (10) Marion Bartoli (France) 3740 the 2012 runners-up, had been 2-0 The Americans will meet down on Friday. 2010 champions Serbia, who had ATP Rankings Marcel Granollers and Marc already defeated Belgium. Lopez kept their hopes alive with Tomas Berdych beat Stanislas ATP World Tour rankings yes- a 4-6, 6-4, 6-7 (4/7), 6-3, 6-2 vic- Wawrinka in a battle of Davis Cup terday (last week’s positions in brackets): tory over Daniel Nestor and Vasek ironmen as defending champi- Pospisil in Saturday’s doubles. ons Czech Republic reached the 1. (1) Novak Djokovic (Serbia) 12920 But Raonic, the world number quarter-finals. 2. (2) Roger Federer (Switzerland) 10265 15, was unstoppable on Sunday The Czechs led Switzerland 3. (3) Andy Murray (Scotland) 8480 firing 22 aces and 55 winners past 2-1 overnight after Berdych and Canada’s Milos Raonic celebrates his win over Spain’s Guillermo Garcia-Lopez with team-mates during the final the hapless Garcia-Lopez, the Lukas Rosol beat Wawrinka 4. (4) David Ferrer (Spain) 6865 round of the Davis Cup tie in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Sunday. world 82, as Spain were beaten and Marco Chiudinelli 6-4, 5-7, 5. (5) Rafa Nadal (Spain) 5400 in the opening round for the first 6-4, 6-7 (3/7), 24-22 in the long- 6. (6) Tomas Berdych (Czech Republic) 4575 time since 2006. est-ever Davis Cup match, an Italy had led 2-1 overnight but Dodig 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 to clinch The other quarter-final match- Albert Ramos beat Frank exhausting doubles which lasted Marin Cilic won his second sin- the winning point. will see Argentina facing France 7. (7) Juan Martin Del Potro (Argentina) 4210 Dancevic 7-5, 6-4 in a dead rubber a minute over seven hours. gles match of the tie by easing “In Davis Cup, everyone wins after they completed comfortable 8. (8) Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (France) 3555 to create the final margin. Meanwhile, in Turin, Italy beat past Andreas Seppi 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 or everyone loses...it wasn’t just victories over Germany and Israel 9. (9) Janko Tipsarevic (Serbia) 3180 The United States escaped an Croatia to make the quarter- yesterday. my victory, it was Italy’s victory,” respectively in the first round of upset when Sam Querrey rallied finals for the first time since 1998. Fabio Fognini then saw off Ivan tweeted Fognini after the match. the Davis Cup. AFP 10. (10) Richard Gasquet (France) 2720

First round Mercedes ‘a new adventure’ for Hamilton of H1 racing JEREZ, SPAIN: Lewis Hamilton unveiled Mercedes’ new car for the forthcom- to take place ing Formula One season here yesterday, hailing the team’s in Doha from drive and determination to win the championship as beyond compare. February 7 The Briton described his arrival as “the start of a new chapter... a DOHA: The 2013 Air new adventure” and said he was National Guard Hydroplane excited to unveil the F1 W04 Championship roars into life in “Silver Arrow” at the Spanish Doha Bay over the next seven circuit of Jerez. days, less than a month since “I have never seen a group of Qatar hosted the last Oryx Cup people that is hungrier for success UIM World Championship. than this one,” he added. Drivers, managers and team “I can’t wait to drive it and see staff may have gone back to the where I can make a difference to United States but all the boats help push the team forward with and race equipment have been Nico (Rosberg)... kept in Doha for the 2013 Oryx “We are playing a long game Cup UIM World Championship, here but I know we will have suc- which starts a new season of H1 cess together and I’m excited to racing from February 7 to 12. be a big part of making it happen.” After the disappointment of Hamilton and Rosberg posed losing U-1 Spirit of Qatar to an with the car, which had its first accident in one of the race heats, run out at the Andalusian circuit German driver Nico Rosberg poses for the media during the presentation of the new Mercedes AMG Formula One car for the 2013-2014 season at Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al Thani, and will now be put through its the race track of Jerez de la Frontera, southern Spain, yesterday. RIGHT: British Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton poses with the new Mercedes car. president of the Qatar Marine paces for the next four days in Sports Federation (QMSF), has testing in time for the Australian been in discussion with U-1 team Grand Prix in Melbourne in the team. “The people are highly this season to see how Nico and time.” Team principal Ross Brawn in Formula One and I know that owner Erick Ellstrom of Ellstrom March. motivated, open-minded and Lewis perform together. described the F1 W04 as a “clear a healthy competition between Racing. executive director Toto Wolff determined to succeed. Our driv- “Ultimately, though, Formula step forward. “With Lewis and them both will help drive the Both agreed to support the also said he had been impressed ers are hungry for success, too, One is very straightforward and Nico, we have what I believe to team forward,” he said yesterday. challenge of Kip Brown and Our with the quest for perfection at and it will certainly be fascinating the only thing that counts is lap be the strongest driver line-up AFP Gang Racing in the 2013 Oryx Cup. Damage done to the U-1 boat, which has been renumbered as U-96 Spirit of Qatar for the new Qatar Basketball League season, was extensive and it was doubtful whether Dave Villwock would have been able to make the start of the Qatar races. Rather than miss out on a Qatar boat at the QMSF’s home race, Sheikh Hassan has agreed for Our Gang Racing to be entered as U-95 Spirit of Qatar for this years’ campaign. “The Miss Red Dot was closely watched after the damage sus- tained by U-96 during the event in January,” said Sheikh Hassan. “We kept looking at their per- formance. They were fast and that’s when we decided in plan B. Kip is no stranger to the podium, so we can expect him to run hard and go for the win in Doha,” he added. “The guys wanted a chance to fix the boat and get it back in the water,” said Ellstrom. “They are making good progress, but it is becoming more and more evident that the dam- age to the hull and the systems is probably just too great to be overcome in such a short period of time. So we move to plan B, which will have us working with Nate Al Wakra’s Teme Wale (left) and his team-mate Abdullah Abrahem try to block a Qatar SC player during their Qatar Basketball League (QBL) match yesterday. CENTRE: Al Shamal’s William and Kip Brown, John O’Brien and Tyvon (in red) dribbles the ball in his side’s QBL match against Al Gharafa. Ali Abdullah (7) and Omer Ismail (20) are also seen. RIGHT: Al Shamal’s Chukwudie Bere shoots a basket during Our Gang Racing to field a team the match. PICTURES BY: SALIM MATRAMKOT for our sponsor,” he added. THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2013 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Tour of Qatar: Stage Two Results Results of stage two, a 14-km BMC wins team time-trial team time-trial, at the Tour of Qatar: 1. BMC Racing Team (USA), 14-km in 16 mins 07secs Tour of Qatar: American rider Brent Bookwalter retains golden jersey 2. Team Sky (GBr) 4secs slower 3. Omega Pharma-Quick Step (Bel) @ 10s DOHA: American rider Taylor is lying in fourth spot. Michael 4. RadioShack-Leopard (Lux) @ 11s Phinney (pictured below) yes- Schar is fifth. Van Avermaet and 5. Katusha Team (Rus) @ 15s terday exhibited fine sprinting Schar are 10 seconds adrift of the 6. Team Astana (Kaz) @ 17s form, helping BMC Racing to leader. 7. Orica-GreenEdge (Aus) @ 23s clinch the team time-trial on Bernhard Eisel (Team Sky) is 8. FDJ (Fra) day two of the Tour of Qatar. sixth (11 seconds) after taking Phinney, who bagged the white some precious bonus seconds dur- 9. Cannondale (Ita) @ 24s jersey in Sunday’s first stage, ing stage one held between Katara 10. Team Saxo-Tinkoff (Den) @ 26s has now provided BMC Racing and Dukhan Beach. 11. Argos-Shimano (Ned) @ 30s the much-needed insurance of a The Japanese National Team 12. AG2R La Mondiale (Fra) @ 33s good show going into today’s third was the first down the start ramp 13. Team NetApp-Endura (Ger) stage. for stage two yesterday and com- 14. IAM Cycling (Swi) @ 37s On Sunday, BMC rider Brent pleted the short course in a time 15. Vacansoleil-DCM (Ned) @ 51s Bookwalter clinched stage one to of 17mins and 55secs. The rest of give his team the boost for yes- the teams easily managed to over- 16. Bardiani Valvole-CSF Inox (Ita) @ 59s terday’s stage held on Al Rufaa haul the Japanese effort. 17. Champion System (Chn) @ 1’15” Street. Meanwhile, Italian sprinter 18. Japanese National Team (Jap) @ 1’48” Yesterday, Team Sky promised Sacha Modolo (Bardiani Valvole much but ended the team time- – CSF Inox) was forced to quit trial five seconds slower than the the Tour of Qatar after x-rays Tour of Qatar: winners. confirmed he Omega fractured his Overall Standings Pharma-Quick scaphoid in his Overall standings after stage 2 Step, which is wrist, according 1. Brent Bookwalter (USA) BMC Racing missing defend- to a report on Team ing champion www.cyclingews. 2. Taylor Phinney (USA) BMC Racing Team Tom Boonen com BMC Racing Team riders celebrate on the podium after winning the second stage of the 2013 Tour of Qatar, a @ 6secs this year, was 10 Initial reports 14-km team time trial along Al Rufaa Street in Doha yesterday. BELOW, LEFT: BMC Racing Team rider Brent 3. Adam Blythe (GBR) BMC Racing Team seconds slower in said Modolo had Bookwalter of the US is presented with the leader’s jersey by Belgian cycling legend Eddy Merckx. BELOW, RIGHT: @ 10secs the 14-km team fractured his left Bookwalter after pulling on the silver jersey. time-trial. scaphoid. The 4. Greg Van Avermaet (Bel) BMC Racing Top British team, however, Team rider Mark yesterday con- 5. Michael Schar (Swi) BMC Racing Team Cavendish is firmed it was his 6. Bernhard Eisel (Aut) Team Sky @ 11secs leading the right wrist. 7. Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor) Team Sky charge this Modolo went @ 15secs week for Omega to hospital before Pharma-Quick the start of yes- 8. Geraint Thomas (GBR) Team Sky Step. terday’s stage two team time trial. 9. Mathew Hayman (Aus) Team Sky Since Bookwalter finished in On his return, his team-mates 10. Luke Rowe (GBR) Team Sky the BMC Racing bunch for the headed out for the 14-km test day, he retained the golden jersey while Modolo prepared to return Today’s stage with four more stages to go in the to Italy. six-day race. “Due to a distraction, I fell “He really led us well today, down trying to rider over a step,” not just with his pulls but with Modolo said in a statement from his leadership,” said Bookwalter the team. “I’m sorry for the team, after tackling the windy condi- I arrived here with a good shape tions yesterday. and the aim to achieve some “We’re going to enjoy today. It’s good results in Qatar and then in a big team effort, and we’ll come Oman. Now I have to recover as back out to do it again.” quickly as possible and resched- The American rider said yes- ule the first part of season from terday’s 14-km team time-trial scratch.” was a gruelling affair for most Modolo travels to Italy today riders. and hopes to quickly begin train- “You felt everyone of those 14km ing on an indoor-trainer, the like it was 20,” said Bookwalter. report added. “The team was just incredible. The Tour of Qatar continues I’m beside myself… I think it was today with the 143-km third stage all for one, one for all today,” he from Al Wakra to Mesaieed, the added. same route that was used for day Adam Blythe is third at 10 sec- one of last week’s Ladies Tour of onds while Greg Van Avermaet Qatar THE PENINSULA

European Clubs Association QMMF hosts motor sport family in Doha General Assembly DOHA: FIA President Jean One of the goals of this assem- kicks off in Doha Todt, Dr Mohammed Ben bly is to increase the number of Sulayem, FIA Vice President, competitors in the region and the DOHA: The 10th European and a host of other top offi- number of motor sport events. Clubs Association General cials yesterday joined Qatar’s “In order to achieve this, we are Assembly commences today Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah, planning to go aggressive on pro- which for the first time includes QMMF President and FIA motion and development of the non-European clubs from Asia Cross Country Commission sport at national levels, a QMMF and around the world. President, to discuss the future statement said yesterday. The two-day assembly will be of motor sport in wide-ranging Training of officials will also be attended by over 200 clubs. discussions. given prominence, the statement At a plenary session to be Hosted by the Qatar Motor added. held at the St Regis hotel today, and Motorcycle Federation QMMF President Al Attiyah Qatar Football Association (QFA) (QMMF), the MENA and ASN’s said: “We are very happy to have President, Sheikh Hamad Bin assembly at the Radisson Blu this high profile gathering of top Khalifa Al Thani, will deliver the hotel has attracted officials from officials. This is the first time that welcoming speech. 22 countries to discuss the future we are hosting a MENA and ASN An official dinner will com- of the sport in these regions. assembly in Doha. The increase in mence for delegates at the The participating countries the number of participating offi- Museum of Islamic Arts later include Algeria, Bahrain, Cyprus, cials indicates the intensity in our in the evening where Secretary Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, discussions.” General of the Qatar 2022 Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, He added: “This gathering will Supreme Committee, Hassan Al Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, help us to promote and increase Thawadi, will provide a speech Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, the number of motor sport events outlining preparations already Syria, Tunisia, the UAE and and activities in the region.” underway for the FIFA 2022 Yemen. THE PENINSULA World Cup in Qatar. Hassan Al Thawadi said: “The 10th ECA General Assembly coin- cides with the European Club TOP: Nasser Association’s 5th anniversary and bin Khalifa Al we are delighted to welcome and Attiyah, QMMF LEFT: FIA help celebrate this landmark with President and FIA President all ECA members.” Cross Country Jean Todt Secretary General of the QFA, Commission flanked Saud Al Mohannadi, will speak at President, is seen by Nasser the non-European club workshop with FIA President bin Khalifa to be held tomorrow. Jean Todt, Dr Al Attiyah The workshop will offer a Mohammed Ben (right) forum to bring together clubs Sulayem (FIA Vice and Dr from all over the world to dis- President, and a Mohammed cuss best practice with regards host of other top Ben to club representation at con- tinental level. Non-European officials on the first Sulayem clubs to already have confirmed day of the two-day in Doha their attendance include: Boca MENA and ASN yesterday. Juniors, Santos FC, Corinthians, assembly in Doha DC United, Toronto FC, Kashima Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah (left) is seen with Jean Todt, Dr Mohammed Ben Sulayem yesterday. Antlers and Adelaide United FC. and other officials during one of the meetings held yesterday. THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27 Messi’s penalty rescues Barca The Catalans’ lead at top cut to nine points; Atletico beat Betis 1-0

MADRID: A Lionel Messi in good form with four wins from penalty rescued Barcelona as Spanish League five matches in the league. they were held to a 1-1 draw at While Barca probed in typical Valencia before their lead at the Results fashion looking for an opening, top was cut to nine points when MADRID: Spanish league Valencia broke with speed down Atletico Madrid clinched a 1-0 results on Sunday: the wings with Jose Guardado and win over Real Betis. Juan Bernat. Malaga 1 Real Zaragoza 1 The four-time World Player Guardado had a snapshot which Barcelona’s of the Year extended his record Sevilla 2 Rayo Vallecano 1 which went wide in an even con- Argentinian scoring run to 12 matches in Valencia 1 Barcelona 1 test and another break from the striker the league with a penalty after Atletico Madrid 1 Real Betis 0 home side saw Roberto Soldado Lionel Messi Phil Mickelson holds the championship trophy after winning 39 minutes with Valencia hav- Real Sociedad 3 Real Mallorca 0 brought down by Mascherano celebrates the Waste Management Phoenix ing taken the lead through Ever Played on Saturday after 22 minutes while the result- after scoring Banega. ing free-kick was fired into the Open at TPC Scottsdale in Osasuna 1 Celta Vigo 0 his team’s Although Barca won their last wall by Tino Costa. Scottsdale, Arizona, yesterday. Getafe 3 Deportivo La Coruna 1 first goal league game at home to Osasuna, Valencia were snapping at the in the La Espanyol 3 Levante 2 they lost a fortnight ago against heels of the Barca midfielders who Liga match Granada 1 Real Madrid 0 Real Sociedad and this was a were looking uncomfortable and against lacklustre display at the Mestalla. Valencia got the breakthrough Played on Friday Valencia at Mickelson Like Real Madrid, who lost from Banega. Valladolid 2 Athletic Bilbao 2 the Mestalla to Granada on Saturday, Barca Pique cleared a cross to the seemed to be suffering the effects Argentine who had time in the Stadium in triumphs at of their 1-1 Spanish Cup semi- picking up three points but it is centre of the area to bring the Valencia, final first-leg but they still have a difficult stadium to win at and ball down and pick his spot in eastern Phoenix Open a significant lead over Atletico. generally I think the draw was the corner. Spain, late on A second-half Diego Costa fair. In five years we have won Barca appeared in trouble but Sunday. header saw Atletico maintain only once here. then they won a penalty as Joao SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA: their 100 per cent record at home “In the second half we had Pereira clipped Pedro Rodriguez Phil Mickelson held off a last- this season and they are seven more depth and we had three on the edge of the area and Messi day charge by fellow American points clear of their more pres- or four chances which we didn’t finished with aplomb from the and playing partner Brandt tigious city rivals Real. take.” spot. Snedeker to end a week of scin- Barcelona’s assistant coach Barcelona rested captain Carles It seemed to inspire Barca who tillating golf with a four-shot Jordi Roura admitted his side Puyol as former Livepool player raised their tempo towards half- triumph at the Phoenix Open in were not at their best. Javier Mascherano was thrown time but it was Valencia who went Scottsdale, Arizona yesterday. “It is certainly true that we into central defence alongside nearest to scoring in the dying hit the target when well placed himself well to deny Soldado once Left-hander Mickelson bird- arrived after a tough game and Gerard Pique while Andres minutes with a long range strike which was followed by substitute again. ied three of the last six holes to they always take their toll. In Iniesta was once again chosen in from Guardado which was palmed Sergio Canales who was unable to Malaga could only draw 1-1 close with a four-under-par 67 the first half it was difficult for attack instead of David Villa and away by keeper Victor Valdes. put the former Champions League with Zaragoza and have now just at the TPC Scottsdale, complet- us to get into the game and we Alexis Sanchez. Fabregas shot wide after a winners under further pressure. one win from five games as they ing a wire-to-wire victory with a improved after that,” said Roura, Apart from a 5-0 thumping delightfully threaded pass from Villa came on as a substitute compete for a top four finish, record-tying 28-under total of 256 standing-in for Tito Vilanova who by Real Madrid, and their elimi- Messi, but it was Valencia who but inexplicably missed when in while Sevilla beat Rayo Vallecano to clinch his 41st PGA Tour title. is having cancer treatment. nation by the same side in the continued to have the better front of goal for Barca and then 2-1 and Real Sociedad were 3-0 The 42-year-old Californian, “We came with the intention of domestic Cup, Valencia have been openings with Soldado failing to in the final minutes, Valdes spread winners over Mallorca. AFP who never relinquished his grip after taking control of the tourna- QNB Cup: Al Rayyan beat Al Khor 3-1 ment with a stunning first-round Spanish star Xavi out of 60, joined Arnold Palmer, Gene Littler and Mark Calcavecchia as triple winners of the Phoenix Open. Uruguay clash in Doha Mickelson sank a 14-footer at Al Rayyan the 17th for his fifth birdie of the MADRID: Barcelona star website (www.fcbarcelona.es). “If striker Nilmar day, then safely two-putted for midfielder Xavi has withdrawn his recovery goes as planned, attempts to par at the last before removing from the Spain squad to play he’ll be back for the Champions take a shot his cap and giving a thumbs-up Uruguay tomorrow because League game against Milan,” the during his to the fans crammed around the of a hamstring problem that statement added. side’s QNB 18th green. will keep out the Spaniard for Spain, the world and European Cup match “It’s tough,” a beaming around two weeks. champions, had already lost Real against Al Khor Mickelson told Golf Channel Barcelona said he should be Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso yesterday. Al after sealing his first win on the back for the Champions League because of a groin injury sus- Rayyan won PGA Tour since the Pebble Beach last-16 first leg at AC Milan on tained in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at 3-1. In other National Pro-Am 12 almost a year February 20. Granada. ago. matches Xavi played most of Barca’s Alonso was replaced in the “I played really good golf and yesterday, 1-1 La Liga draw at Valencia on squad by Atletico Madrid’s Mario I had to really fight off a charg- Sunday before being replaced by Suarez, a 25-year-old former Lekhwiya beat ing Brandt Snedeker, who played Thiago Alcantara in added time. youth international who has been Al Wakra 2-1 great. It’s a hard thing to do, to “After tests this morning called up to the senior squad for and Al Gharafa win on the PGA Tour and I’m revealed a tear in his left ham- the first time. beat Al Sailiyah very appreciative and fortunate.” string Xavi will be out for the Coach Vicente del Bosque did 2-0. Snedeker, had to settle for sec- next 15 days and will miss Barca’s not bring in anyone to replace ond place after signing off with next two (La Liga) games against Xavi and his position will likely a 65. Getafe and Granada,” Barcelona be filled by Andres Iniesta or Cesc Scott Piercy, was alone in third said in a statement on their Fabregas. REUTERS signing off with 61. REUTERS Phoenix Open Scores Gascoigne needs 24-hour care, says players’ union boss SCOTTSDALE, Arizona: Leading scores on Sunday LONDON: Former England midfielder PFA boss Taylor said to BBC Radio 5 live. “I’ve spoken to Paul over the weekend, not done enough to help Gascoigne battle after the final round of the Paul Gascoigne needs 24-hour attention “It seems as if he needs somebody with and he’s said it’s just a blip. But it really the problems. US PGA $6.2m Phoenix Open after lapsing in his battle with alcohol- him all the time just to make sure that he’s is down to him. We just don’t want this to “There isn’t a player we’ve done more for (USA unless noted, par-71): ism, players’ union chief Gordon Taylor looked after and is not going to do anything be another George Best tragedy,” he said. over my time at the PFA,” he said. 256 Phil Mickelson 60-65-64-67 warned yesterday. silly.” “He does need a big support system, and “In fact, we’ve been criticised for doing as 260 Brandt Snedeker 64-66-65-65 The 45-year-old’s agent Terry Baker Taylor said he had spoken to Gascoigne he’s got it from lots of friends. But there is much as we have, because he has not made 261 Scott Piercy 70-66-64-61 said at the weekend that Gascoigne needed after the PFA paid for the former a frustration that when things look to be the improvements that some of our other 262 Ryan Moore 66-66-65-65 “immediate help” and called on the English Tottenham Hotspur, Lazio and Rangers improving, it all goes off wire.” members have.” 265 Ryan Palmer 64-73-66-62 Professional Footballer’s Association (PFA) player to attend a detox programme at a Taylor refuted suggestions by former Former Manchester United great Best, to intervene. well-known clinic for sportsmen suffering Manchester United, Aston Villa and who played as a striker died after a long 266 Bill Haas 65-64-70-67, Brendon de “He sounds as if he needs almost a from addictions throughout their spoiting Manchester City goalkeeper Peter struggle with alcoholism eight years ago in Jonge (ZIM) 66-67-67-66, Brendan Steele 24-hour watching brief at the moment,” careers. . Schmeichel on Twitter that the PFA had 2005. REUTERS 69-65-65-67 Top shooters for Qatar Open Shotgun Championship

Qatar Open Shotgun Championship DOHA: The world’s elite Al Hammadi, General Secretary kick open the international shoot- Schedule shooters will be seen in action of QSAF and Technical Expert for ing season, will be graced by six Today: 9:00am: Official Training Double Trap at the Qatar Open Shotgun the championship. Olympic bronze medalists, two sil- 6 February 9:00: Double Trap - 150 Championship which begins at The hosts challenge at the ver medalists, several top shoot- Targets; 14:00: Semi-final the Losail Shooting Complex championship will be led by ers, informed the organisers. Double Trap, Medal Matches - today, informed Qatar Shooting Olympic bronze medalist at the Antonella Bartolomei, Double Trap and Archery Federation (QSAF) 2012 London Games, Nasser Saleh Tournament Director said the 7 February 9:00: Official Training Skeet officials. Al Attiyah. number of shooters taking part Men & Women 08 February 9:00 Skeet (Women) 75 Addressing a press confer- “Qatar will have 60 shooters in the championship has doubled Targets ence here yesterday, QSAF dis- competing in the event. Nasser this year compared to last year. 10:00 Skeet (Men) 50 Targets; closed that 170 shooters from 25 Saleh Al Attiyah Olympic bronze “Most of the shooters who 14:30 Semi-final Skeet countries will vie for top hon- medal winner at the 2012 London took part in the London Olympic (Women), Medal Matches ours in the Double Trap, Skeet Games will be competing, his Games will be here. Prize money Skeet (Women) 09 February: 10:00 Skeet M 75 Targets; and Trap events of the $1,23,000 events are scheduled for Friday is one of the attractions which has 14:00 Semi-final Skeet (Men), championship. and Saturday,” Abdullah added. drawn most of the stars to Doha. Medal Matches Skeet (Men) “Shooters from Algeria, The Qatar Championship he Compared to golf or tennis, shoot- 10 February: 9:00 Official Training Trap Australia, Belarus, Cyprus, said will help shooters from Qatar ing is not offering huge prize money Men & Women Finland, France, Germany, Great to develop their skills. as it is not a rich sport, but Qatar 11 February 9:00 Trap (Women) 75 Targets; 9:30 Trap (Men) Britain, Hong Kong, Iran, Italy, “The hosting of such tourna- Shooting and Archery Federation Fatima Salem Algesaman (left) Board Member of the Qatar Shooting 50 Targets, 14:00 Semi- Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Lebanon, ments will help shooters from is offering handsome cash prizes, and Archery Federation (QSAF) speaking during a press conference final Trap (Women), Medal Norway, Oman, Russia, Slovakia, Qatar and from the GCC region an example which others will at Losail Shooting Complex yesterday. QSAF will host the Qatar Open Matches Trap (Women) Switzerland, Thailand, turkey, to gain a lot of experience and hopefully follow and increase the Shotgun Championship which begins at the Losail Shooting Complex 12 February 9:30 Competition Trap (Men) UAE, Ukraine and USA, besides help develop the shooting sport prize money in other events,” said 75 Targets; 13:00 Semi-final from today. Also seen are Abdullah Al Mutawa Al Hammadi (centre), Trap (Men), Medal Matches hosts Qatar will be taking part in the entire region,” the QSAF Bartolomei, as QSAF gears up to General Secretary of QSAF and Technical Expert for the championship in the eight-day tournament,” official said. host the third edition of the cham- Trap (Men) and Antonella Bartolomei, Tournament Director. PICTURE: IBRAHIM KUTTY Venue: Losail Shooting Complex, Doha informed Abdullah Al Mutawa The Qatar event, which will pionship. THE PENINSULA Tuesday 5 February 2013 24 Rabial I Safar 1434 Volume 17 Number 5601 Sport Price: QR2

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THE HAGUE: Hundreds of Champions League are beamed “The support of law enforce- Althans, chief investigator for players or clubs would be released football matches have been worldwide and generate billions ment bodies, legal investigations, police in the German city of while the investigation proceeded. fixed in a global betting scam of dollars for national associa- and ultimately tougher sanctions Bochum. However, the fixing also included run from Singapore, police tions, clubs and broadcasters. are required, as currently there is Singapore police said last top flight national league matches said yesterday, in a blow to the Top players such as Lionel low risk and high gain potential month that they were helping in several European countries, as image of the world’s most popu- Messi of Barcelona and Argentina for the fixers,” said Mutschke, a Italian authorities to investi- well as two Champions League lar sport and a multi-billion and Ronaldo, a Portuguese inter- German former police officer. gate alleged football match fix- matches, including one played in dollar industry. national who plays his club soccer Criminal gangs are believed to ing involving a Singaporean, but Britain. About 680 suspicious for Real Madrid, are household be involved in match-fixing net- said he had not been arrested or UEFA, European football’s matches including qualify- names. The matches in ques- works, using them as a way to charged with any offence there. governing body, said it expected ing games for the World Cup tion, some of which have already launder cash. Last year the head German investigators said to receive further information and European Championships, been subject to successful crimi- of an anti-corruption watchdog international matches were from Europol in the coming days. and the Champions League for nal prosecutions, were played estimated that $1 trillion was implicated as were games in “As part of the fight against the top European club sides, have between 2008 and 2011, the inves- gambled on sport each year - Turkey, Germany, Switzerland, manipulation of matches, UEFA Qatar’s athlete Mutaz Essa been identified in an inquiry tigators said. or $3 billion a day - with most Belgium, Croatia, Austria, is already cooperating with the Barshim during a press confer- by European police forces, About 380 of the suspicious coming from Asia and wagered Hungary, Bosnia, Slovenia and authorities on these serious mat- ence in Doha in this April 10, 2011 the European anti-crime matches were played in Europe, on soccer matches. Canada. Suspicious games had ters as part of its zero tolerance file picture. agency Europol, and national and a further 300 were identi- A German investigator also been identified in Africa, policy towards match-fixing in prosecutors. fied in Africa, Asia, and Latin described a network involving Asia and Latin America. our sport,” it added. “This is a sad day for European America. Corruption linked to couriers ferrying bribes around Fourteen people have already England’s Football Association football,” said Rob Wainwright, Asian betting syndicates and the world, paying off players been convicted in Germany in said it was not aware of any Barshim director of Europol. organised crime has long been and referees in the fixing which connection with the investigation. “credible reports into suspicious “This is now an integrity issue seen as a threat to the game, but involved about 425 corrupt offi- Austrian prosecutors are Champions League fixtures in for football. Those responsible for Monday’s announcement under- cials, players and serious crimi- investigating 20 people, including England.” soars to running the games should hear lines the scale of the problem. nals in 15 countries. players, on suspicion of fraud and Football has been affected by the warnings.” Ralf Mutschke, Director of “We have evidence for 150 of money laundering linked to fixing bribery scandals in the past, with The world’s most popular Security for world soccer’s gov- these cases, and the operations and betting on football matches, the English game suffering in the sport, soccer is played on every erning body FIFA, said sports were run out of Singapore with a spokesman for prosecutors in 1960s and Italian soccer hit by new high continent. bodies and prosecutors needed bribes of up to 100,000 euros the city of Graz said. a series of fixing cases in recent The World Cup and Europe’s to work more closely together. paid per match,” said Friedhelm Investigators said no names of years. REUTERS in Moscow

DOHA: Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Kenya sets up Barshim 2.37m high jump provided the highlight of the Steyn bowls South Africa to win Russian Winter meeting, an commission IAAF Indoor Permit Meeting, JOHANNESBURG: Dale innings. Shafiq’s dismissal ended added before Steyn had Shafiq in Moscow on Sunday night. to probe dope Steyn struck with the second a stubborn fifth wicket stand of caught at second slip by Jacques The Qatari high jumper new ball to secure a 211-run win 127 with Misbah. Kallis for 56 in the third over with equalled his own Asian and Qatari for South Africa before lunch The pair added 20 runs to the the new ball. Shafiq had faced 168 indoor mark on his way to win- claims on the fourth day of the first overnight total of 183 for four balls and hit nine fours ning the gold medal in Russia. Test against Pakistan at the in the five overs that had to be In his next over Steyn had Only local jumper Ivan Ilyichev NAIROBI: Kenya has set up Wanderers Stadium yesterday. bowled before the new ball could Pakistan captain Misbah caught was left in the competition when an independent commission to Steyn dismissed overnight be taken. behind for 64, made off 167 balls the bar went up to 2.30m but look into claims about athletes batsmen Asad Shafiq and Misbah- Only another four runs were with 11 boundaries. AFP while the Russian found the using performance-enhancing ul-Haq inside his first three overs personal best height too much drugs, the country’s sports com- with the new ball to sweep away Scoreboard for him, Qatar’s London 2012 missioner Gordon Oluoch said the last serious resistance by the Olympic Games bronze medal- yesterday. tourists. South Africa (I innings): ...... 253 Extras (B-4, LB-4, NB-4, W-3) ...... 15 list cleared comfortably with his The decision came after the He also took the last two wick- Pakistan (I innings): ...... 49 Total (all out) ...... 268 first attempt, as he had done at east African nation was heavily ets to finish with five for 52 and his three previous heights. South Africa (II innings): ...... 275-3 decl Fall of wickets: 1-7, 2-64, 3-70, 4-82, 5-209, criticised for failing to hold an match figures of 11 for 60. Barshim then had the bar put Pakistan (II innings): 6-210, 7-218, 8-240, 9-261. independent investigation follow- Wicketkeeper AB de Villiers Mohad Hafeez c De Villiers b Philander ...... 2 up to a 2013 world-leading height ing a German media report last held five catches to add to the six Bowling: Steyn 28.4-10-52-5; Philander 22- of 2.37m, which equalled his Asian Nasir Jamshed c Peterson b Steyn ...... 46 3-60-2 (1nb); Morkel 25-7-89-2 (3nb); Kallis year alleging widespread doping he took in the first innings. Azhar Ali lbw Kallis ...... 18 indoor record from last year, among Kenyan athletes at high- He equalled the world record 15-5-35-1 (1w); Peterson 10-3-24-0. and also went over with his first Younis Khan c De Villiers b Morkel ...... 15 altitude training camps. set by Jack Russell for England Result: South Africa won by 211 runs effort. Only at a meeting record Misbah-ul-Haq c De Villiers b Steyn ...... 64 “The National Olympic against South Africa on the same 2.40m did he bring the bar down, Asad Shafiq c Kallis b Steyn ...... 56 Man-of-Match: Dale Steyn (RSA) Committee (NOCK) in consul- ground in 1995/96. on three occasions although his Sarfraz Ahmed b Philander ...... 6 Series: South Africa lead the three-match se- tation with the government has He also became the first player South Africa fast bowler Dale first attempt was very close. Umar Gul c De Villiers b Steyn ...... 23 ries 1-0. appointed a task force to inves- in Test history to make a cen- Steyn celebrates after taking a He had arrived in Moscow Saeed Ajmal c De Villiers b Morkel ...... 11 Remaining matches tigate the doping allegations tury and claim ten or more dis- wicket during the second innings aware that Russia’s Aleksiy Junaid Khan lbw Steyn ...... 9 Feb 14-18: Second Test, Cape Town against the Kenyan athletes,” missals in a match after hitting of the first Test against Pakistan at Dmitrik had jumped 2.36m in Rahat Ali (not out) ...... 3 Feb 22-26: Third Test, Centurion Oluoch said. AFP an unbeaten 103 in the second the Wanderers yesterday. the German city oif Arnstadt on Saturday. “I told my coach that I’d cer- Qatar football team training at Aspire Academy tainly make it better,” joked the Qatari after he had succeeded in fulfilling his prophesy. IIyichev was second with 2.27m, just one centimetre short of his best. Great Britain’s Bleasdale, the 2012 IAAF World Indoor Championships bronze medal- list who also finished sixth at Olympic Games, needed three attempts to clear 4.65m and lay third in the competition at that point, but then cleared 4.70m with her second attempt before going over 4.75m at the first time of asking in the Russian capital. Three failures followed at 4.80m, but the 21-year-old had already done enough to win the competition ahead of Brazil’s 2011 World champion Fabiana Murer and Cuba’s 2012 Olympic Games silver medallist Yarisley Silva, who both cleared 4.65m with their Qatar football team players listen to instructions from coach Fahad Thani during a training session at Aspire Academy yesterday. For Thani, this will be his second match as coach of the first attempts but could then go national team after taking over from Brazilian Paulo Autuori. Thani won his first match as coach of the national team against Lebanon. Qatar will play Malaysia in the 2015 Asian Cup quali- no higher and were second and fier to be held tomorrow at Al Sadd Stadium. third respectively on countback. AGENCIES